Author: News Desk

In 2018, on average a woman reported a rape every 15 minutes in India, according to government data. The data reflects India’s reputation of being one of the worst places in the world to be for a female.  The highly publicised and horrific gang rape and murder of a woman on a bus in New Dehli in 2012 bought tens of thousands onto the streets across India. It sparked outrage from leading film stars and politicians, leading to harsher punishments and new fast-track courts.  The violence continues Women reported almost 34,000 rapes in 2018, which had barely changed from the…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, the Duchess of Sussex has returned to Canada while discussions continue over the role she and Prince Harry will play.  Iran warns of ‘dangerous response’ if the US attacks again. On Wednesday, Trump said it appeared Iran was standing down. In Australia, nearly half a million people have been told to evacuate ahead of a heatwave and high winds. The current weather warning brings fears the winds will fan the existing fires causing them to spread. The world’s worst case of measles has killed more than 6,000 people in the Democratic…

Justin Bieber has confirmed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He has opened up, via Instagram, about a ‘rough couple of years’ and revealed he was also suffering from a chronic viral infection.  Bieber said he was aware of speculation that he had a drug problem after pictures emerged of him looking unwell with blotches on his skin.  What did Justin say? On Instagram, Bieber said people had suggested he looked like he was “on meth” but “they failed to realise I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but I had a serious case of chronic…

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they are to step back as “senior” royals and split their time between the UK and North America. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they plan to carve out a “progressive new role” in the Royal Family and intend to “work to become financially independent.” How has it come about? The royal couple said after months of reflection and internal discussion, they reached the decision. The pair have faced months of intense scrutiny at the hands of the media. Prince Harry has previously said: “I lost my mother and now I watch my…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to step back as ‘senior’ royals. The surprise announcement also said they will work towards becoming financially independent.  Millions of workers are on strike in India, leading to banks and markets being closed. People are angry with PM Modi’s “anti-people” government and have been taking to the streets since the controversial citizenship bill was passed in December. Candian PM Trudeau says that he expects Canada to be involved in any investigations into the jet crash in Tehran. Because the bulk…

BREXIT READY? The UK will leave the EU on 31 January 2020. If you trade goods or services with the EU you’ll need to get ready for Brexit.  Find out what steps you need to take if you export goods to the EU Make sure your business has an EORI number that starts with GB Firstly, you’ll need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number starting with GB to continue exporting goods. Get an EORI number  Check your importer has an EU EORI number Your importer will need an EU EORI number. You’ll need to get an EU EORI…

The father of Reynhard Sinaga, the worst rapist in British legal history said his son’s life sentence “fits his crimes.” Sinaga, 36 was a PhD student from Indonesia who picked up victims from outside Manchester clubs and lured them to his flat. Once there he drugged and assaulted them- filming the attacks.  He was found guilty of 159 sexual offences against 48 men. He was sentenced to a life term with a minimum of 30 years.  Speaking to BBC Indonesia, Sinaga’s father said: “We accept the verdict. His punishment fits his crimes. I don’t want to discuss the case any…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, Iran strikes back at the US with rockets fired at the US bases, a major escalation as the two countries inch ever closer to war.  Israel’s PM Netanyahu has backed away from Gen Soleimani’s death and calls it a purely ‘American event’. He reportedly told his cabinet ministers to avoid talking to the press, through fears it would look like Israel played a part in the death of the general.  In Mexico, a US teen has been shot and killed near the US border. The 13-year-old was returning to the US…

At least 80 people were reportedly killed by Iranian missiles targeting US military bases in Iraq. The Pentagon confirmed these attacks on two airbases but has not confirmed the casualty list. Iran on Wednesday fired missiles at Iraqi bases used by the US military, officials in Washington and Tehran said, in the first act of the Islamic republic’s promised revenge for the US killing of a top Iranian general. The Pentagon said it was still “working on initial battle damage assessments” after “Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq.” “It is…

BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING In today’s briefing update, the body of Iran’s top commander has returned to his hometown for burial. Tuesday’s ceremonies marked the end of three days of mourning. In the US, the Defence Secretary has contradicted President Trump by saying the US will not target Iranian cultural sites. He said they will follow the laws of armed conflict. France commemorates the Charlie Hedbo attack, five years on. 12 cartoonists at the magazine were killed when two brothers attacked. They claim they were avenging the publication of cartoons of Prophet Mohammed that were deemed offensive by many…