Author: News Desk

Millions of girls in Bangladesh are facing an uphill battle to stay in school. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and economic hardship have made this struggle even more daunting.  Born in a remote village in the country’s northeastern region, 19-years-old Zueana is the first person in her family to go to school. She benefited from “boat schools” — classrooms set up on river boats — that aim to save children from remote villages a dangerous commute during the rainy season. During the pandemic, however, she dropped out of secondary school and moved to the capital Dhaka to make…

Chad and Senegal hit back at comments made by President Macron claiming that African countries in the Sahel had “forgotten to say thank you” to France for helping to combat jihadist insurgencies. Both countries have demanded in recent months the withdrawal of French troops from their territories as France’s military presence in West Africa continues to wane. Chad FM accuses Macron of ‘contemptuous attitude towards Africa’

The US Department of Defense has added Chinese social media giant Tencent and battery leader CATL to a list of firms it says work with the Chinese military. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: Nippon Steel vows to keep trying to acquire US Steel under the new Trump administration, and the 2025 CES gets underway in Las Vegas. Pentagon says Chinese tech firms Tencent, CATL affiliated with Beijing’s military

France’s far-right figurehead Jean-Marie Le Pen died Tuesday aged 96, according to local media. Le Pen founded France’s National Front party, which is now known as the National Rally and led by his daughter Marine. French far-right figurehead Jean-Marie Le Pen dies at age 96

The South Asian kingdom of Bhutan has become a champion of environmental protection. Its forests are protected by the constitution, environment classes are taught in school and its electricity is 100 percent hydroelectric. All of this has contributed to making Bhutan the first carbon-negative country in the world. However, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to the effects of climate change. Because of global warming, Bhutan’s glaciers are melting and threatening to flood the villages down below. Our regional correspondents report. In carbon-negative Bhutan, glaciers are threatened by climate change

A South Korean court has approved a new arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon suk Yeol after he resisted an attempt by police last week. Anti-graft investigators are seeking to detain Yoon over his botched bid to impose martial law on the country early December.  South Korean investigators secure new arrest warrant for President Yoon

Crystal Palace have dropped their asking price for Marc Guehi but knocked back Chelsea’s opening bid for the England defender, according to reports. Chelsea have expressed interest in signing Guehi, who they sold in 2021, as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his defensive options at Stamford Bridge. Maresca is having to cope without injured defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashille, with the absences likely contributing to Chelsea’s wobble over the festive period. The Blues emerged as genuine title contenders in the Premier League earlier in the season but picked up just two points in four games over Christmas to slip…

Ange Postecoglou faces another demoralising defeat when Tottenham entertain Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg. Spurs have just taken one point from their last four Premier League games which includes a hefty 6-3 defeat on home soil by the table-toppers from Anfield. The pressure is on Big Ange to get results to move the fallen giants up the league ladder as they currently languish in 12th , but his job appears to be secure for the time being as Tottenham are still involved in the chase for Europa League silverware and Sunday’s FA Cup trip to non-league Tamworth…

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang knows the missing ingredient Arsenal must find if they are to end their wait for the Premier League title this season. The Gunners have endured a difficult first half of the campaign, characterised by injuries and refereeing controversies. Despite a seemingly never-ending stream of issues, Arsenal remain in contention to win four trophies and can take a step closer to Wembley this evening when they host Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi final. While progress has undoubtedly been made under Arteta, who recently celebrated five years in charge, sileverware has continued to be elusive.…

The Northwest Passage was the great obsession of European explorers for centuries. Finding a path that would connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans without having to skirt America was a tempting economic, military and political objective. The new president of the United States, Donald Trump, wants to revive this step to create trade routes that connect Asia and Europe. To do this, he has a plan: annex Canada and buy Greenland from Denmark. The current Northwest Passage is not as shiny as the obsession of adventurous sailors. The route allows sailing between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, crossing the Arctic.…