Author: Emily Harper

China and India have agreed to resume direct commercial flights for the first time in five years, marking a step forward in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The decision follows years of political tension and travel restrictions that began with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Officials from both countries have confirmed the agreement, with further details to be finalized soon. A Long-Awaited Agreement Flights between India and mainland China were suspended when the pandemic hit, and the suspension continued amid rising border tensions. However, recent diplomatic efforts have paved the way for air…

A college freshman made headlines at NBA All-Star Weekend by defeating Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard in a thrilling three-point contest, securing a $100,000 prize in the process. The unforgettable moment took place during the MrBeast $100,000 Challenge at the NBA All-Star Game, leaving fans and players in awe. A Buzzer-Beater for the Win Jaren Barajas, an 18-year-old student at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, California, stunned the basketball world by sinking a clutch shot against Lillard. The challenge required Barajas to make a single three-pointer from the logo at half-court before the seasoned NBA veteran could complete three successful…

A drone strike has damaged the outer shell of Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear plant, raising fresh concerns over nuclear safety amid the ongoing war. Kyiv has blamed Russia for the attack, while the Kremlin has denied any involvement. Despite the damage, radiation levels remain stable, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Chernobyl Strike Sparks Concerns Early Friday, a drone armed with a high-explosive warhead struck the protective outer shell of Chernobyl’s nuclear plant, briefly igniting a fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia, stating, “A Russian drone with a high-explosive warhead hit the plant’s outer shell and started a…

Roku’s stock soared over 10% on Friday after the company reported earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations. CEO Anthony Wood highlighted significant growth in streaming households and revenue, reinforcing Roku’s dominance in the streaming industry. Strong Earnings Drive Stock Surge Roku reported a 24-cent loss per share, significantly better than the 40-cent loss analysts expected. The company’s revenue jumped 22% year-over-year, reaching $1.2 billion, surpassing the expected $1.14 billion. Additionally, net losses shrank to $35.5 million, a notable improvement from $78.3 million in the same period last year. This performance pushed Roku’s stock price to a new 52-week high, reflecting…

For many travelers, getting quality sleep on a plane is nearly impossible, especially in cramped economy-class seats. Some passengers are resorting to creative—and sometimes questionable—methods to rest comfortably. A viral TikTok hack that involves securing the seatbelt around the ankles to prevent slipping has gained traction, but experts are warning against it, citing serious safety risks. The Viral Trend and How It Works Passengers looking for a more comfortable sleep position have taken to TikTok and Instagram to share a new trick: pulling their knees to their chest, placing their feet on the seat’s edge, and looping the seatbelt around…

Some world records last for years, but Jakob Ingebrigtsen only needed five days to rewrite history. The Norwegian middle-distance star set new indoor world records in both the mile and the 1,500-meter race during the same event in Liévin, France. His incredible performance not only surpassed Yared Nuguse’s previous record but also demonstrated his dominance on the track. Breaking Records with a Stunning Performance On Thursday, Ingebrigtsen clocked an astonishing 3:45.14 in the indoor mile, surpassing the previous record of 3:46.63 set by Yared Nuguse at the Millrose Games in New York just five days earlier. Ingebrigtsen’s achievement didn’t stop…

Gaza Faces Crisis as Temporary Shelter Deliveries Lag Three weeks into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the lack of sufficient temporary housing threatens to derail the fragile agreement. The ceasefire, which includes the entry of tents and pre-fabricated homes, has faced significant delays, causing tensions between the two sides. Hamas has accused Israel of obstructing aid, delaying the release of three hostages as a result. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response, warned that if Hamas does not continue releasing hostages as scheduled, Israel may withdraw from the ceasefire and resume military action. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations face logistical challenges…

Zelle, the bank-owned payment network, has reached a groundbreaking milestone by processing over $1 trillion in transactions in 2024. This achievement cements Zelle’s position as the leading peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platform, surpassing competitors like PayPal and Venmo in transaction volume. Record-Breaking Growth and Expansion Zelle’s growth has been staggering, with a 12% increase in user accounts, reaching 151 million in 2024. The total transaction volume also surged by 27% compared to the previous year. Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Last year’s payment volumes were by far the most money ever moved by…

Nepal has announced a significant increase in the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest, making it more expensive for climbers to scale the world’s tallest peak. The fee hike, the first in nearly a decade, will take effect from September 2025 and is expected to generate more revenue for the Himalayan nation. A Major Increase in Climbing Costs The new permit fee to climb Mount Everest will rise by 36%, from $11,000 to $15,000, according to Narayan Prasad Regmi, director general of Nepal’s Department of Tourism. The price adjustments will also apply to other climbing seasons, with fees for the…

Real Madrid pulled off yet another miraculous comeback in the Champions League, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their playoff knockout tie. The Spanish giants turned the game around in the dying minutes, with Jude Bellingham delivering the decisive goal deep into stoppage time. Madrid’s Never-Say-Die Attitude Prevails The match at the Etihad Stadium seemed destined to end in a 2-1 victory for Manchester City after Erling Haaland’s 80th-minute penalty. However, as has often been the case in Europe, Madrid found a way to win when all hope seemed lost. “It was a…