Author: Onu Akter

The Metropolitan Police have disrupted a major international network suspected of smuggling tens of thousands of stolen phones from London to China. Authorities say the operation, dubbed Operation Echosteep, is the largest of its kind in the UK. Investigators estimate the criminal group moved up to 40,000 stolen phones in the past year, targeting high-value devices, particularly Apple products. The network accounted for nearly 40% of all mobile thefts in London. The investigation began in December 2024 after police seized around 1,000 iPhones at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. Forensic evidence from the shipment helped identify suspects and trace further…

Sanna Marin, Finland’s youngest Prime Minister at 34, became famous for her ambitious policies—and her nights out. Her new memoir, Hope in Action, reveals the pressures of leading a country while trying to live like someone her age. In December 2021, Marin went on a date night with her husband, Markus Räikkönen. She left her work phone at home, unaware that a message about a COVID exposure would later create a media storm. Photos of her clubbing were splashed across Finnish tabloids. Marin apologized in a press conference, but online, she became a global hero. Social media users called it…

The 52nd Student Academy Awards® celebrated emerging filmmakers from around the world in a ceremony held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Hosted in partnership with Rolex, the event honored Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners across multiple categories, recognizing outstanding student work in narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental films. This year’s competition received 3,127 entries from 988 colleges and universities worldwide. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor delivered remarks, while category presenters included Academy Actors Branch Governor Lou Diamond Phillips and filmmakers Craig Brewer, Jon M. Chu, and Alex Woo. The 2025 ceremony is available…

Social media rumours claim a massive comet is hurtling toward Earth, sparking alarm among users across multiple platforms. Some posts even suggest it could be alien technology or that military forces are preparing to intercept it. The speculation gained traction after a September 29 story in the New York Post titled “‘Massive’ comet hurtling toward us is larger than previously thought, could be alien tech, scientist says.” Screenshots and reposts circulated widely, with accounts claiming the comet is moving at speeds of 130,000 mph and that special crews are being deployed to stop it. Some users falsely attributed statements to…

Autumn brings a welcome change to Madrid. The searing summer heat has faded, leaving pleasantly warm days ideal for sitting at a café terrace as afternoon turns to evening. Streets are lively again, filled with locals catching up with friends, planning outings, and exploring new bars and restaurants. Madrid’s clear skies and bright light lift visitors’ spirits immediately. As the highest major capital in Europe, the city enjoys fresh, sunny air. Although its history dates back to the ninth century when North African Arabs built a citadel, Madrid became Spain’s capital only in 1561 when Philip II moved his court…

Croatia’s northern Adriatic islands of Lošinj and Cres offer a perfect late-summer escape, combining warm seas, fresh seafood, and scenic landscapes. The turquoise waters of Čikat Bay on Lošinj remain inviting, even as summer winds down, while pine-scented trails and quieter beaches create a relaxing atmosphere. Lošinj is hosting the annual Taste the Mediterranean food festival, where guest chefs collaborate with local cooks, offering workshops and creative dinners. The region of Kvarner, including Opatija, Rijeka, and islands like Lošinj, Cres, Krk, and Rab, has been named European Region of Gastronomy 2026. Its cuisine blends Austrian, Italian, and Balkan influences, reflecting…

Melissa Leong is opening up like never before in her new memoir, Guts, revealing personal struggles and experiences she has never publicly shared. At her home in Melbourne’s inner north, the former MasterChef judge said discussing her life multiple times a day is “mentally and emotionally challenging.” Leong, known for hosting Dessert Masters, describes herself as an introvert who values privacy. Her memoir balances that need with vulnerability, detailing battles with depression, anxiety, loneliness during MasterChef, bulimia, self-harm, and sexual violence. A recurring theme in Guts is Leong’s tendency to take bold risks. She shares stories of leaving a secure…

Research and medical insights confirm that women generally snore less than men. Ryan Chin Taw Cheong, an ear, nose, and throat consultant and sleep surgeon at University College London Hospitals, explains that men are almost twice as likely to snore as women. However, this gender gap narrows at specific points in a woman’s life. “One is after menopause, typically between 45 and 55. The second is pregnancy, especially in the third trimester,” says Cheong. Hormonal changes and added weight can both increase the likelihood of snoring. Snoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway is partially blocked, causing vibrations in…

Europe’s steel industry is facing growing uncertainty as the United States considers expanding tariffs to include “derivative” products. Items such as windows, doors, and furniture with metal components could soon face duties, raising costs for manufacturers across the EU and UK. The tariffs, originally designed to limit Chinese steel imports, have already placed heavy pressure on European producers. Under Donald Trump’s policy, steel tariffs reached 50%, up from 25%, in June 2025. While intended to boost US steel production, the rules also affect products that contain steel or aluminium, including household and industrial goods. In August, the US listed 407…

A long, sunny summer has produced a record-breaking apple harvest in the UK, setting the stage for an exceptional year for cider makers. Apples have ripened earlier than usual, full of natural sweetness and rich flavours, perfect for cider production. Cider makers across the country are celebrating the bumper crop. Thatchers Cider has begun its earliest harvest in 121 years, while Sandford Orchards near Exeter is installing extra tanks to keep up with production. Though the main cider apple harvest continues into October and November, home cooks can already start enjoying the fruit in creative ways. Cider is especially popular…