Author: Opalim Lifted

Australian authorities are reviewing drone flight restrictions over Coogee Beach after a Sydney shark attack left a woman critically injured and renewed concerns about swimmer safety. The 35-year-old woman was attacked by a large shark about 30 metres from shore at Coogee Beach in eastern Sydney on Saturday morning. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after reports of the attack, and the victim was later taken to hospital with serious injuries to her lower left leg and arms. According to Reuters, the woman remained in a critical but stable condition at St Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday. Following the incident, Coogee…

The United Kingdom has unveiled plans for a sweeping social media ban that will prevent children under 16 from accessing major platforms, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the move is necessary to protect young people from harmful online content. Announcing the policy on Monday, Starmer said social media platforms have increasingly exposed children to bullying, abuse and potentially damaging material, raising concerns about their wellbeing and mental health. Speaking as a father of two, the prime minister said parents across the country share growing fears about the impact of social media on young people. “Social media is making children…

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed concern over the growing backlash against the country following recent xenophobia-related incidents, saying South African artistes are losing concert bookings across Africa. Speaking at a media briefing, Kubayi said many South African performers who depend on shows across the continent are seeing their gigs cancelled, resulting in income losses. She added that some South African businesses operating abroad are also facing challenges due to negative perceptions linked to xenophobia. According to the minister, one artiste informed her that all of her bookings across the continent had been cancelled,…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the use of a contaminated children’s drug recalled in the United States. The agency issued the alert following the recall of approximately 90,000 bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, USP (100 mg/5 mL), by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) after reports of foreign materials in the product. According to NAFDAC, the recall was initiated by the manufacturer, Strides Pharma Inc., after consumers reported finding a “gel-like mass” and “black particles” in the oral suspension. The medication is commonly used to relieve pain…

Families of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State are enduring growing anguish as the victims remain in captivity one month after they were seized by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area. The pupils and their teachers were kidnapped on May 15 from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, with their whereabouts believed to be deep inside the Oyo National Park forest. Despite assurances from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies, the captives have yet to regain their freedom, leaving families trapped in a cycle of fear, uncertainty and heartbreak. Parents say the emotional…

Iran twice came from behind in Los Angeles as they denied New Zealand a first win at a World Cup. Motherwell forward Elijah Just gave New Zealand a flying start as he thumped home a half volley after Chris Wood held up the ball and knocked it into his path. New Zealand continued to show promise but, as has already often been the case at this World Cup, the first hydration break midway through the first half proved costly as the momentum swung and Iran found a way to level when Ramin Rezaeian flicked the ball past Max Crocombe. Before…

Cape Verde announced themselves on the World Cup stage with a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain on Monday, frustrating the European champions who dominated possession and had 27 goal attempts but could find no way past 40-year-old keeper Vozinha. The African side built a blue-shirted barricade in front of Vozinha and dared Spain, who dominated almost everything in the Group H draw ‌except the scoreline, to find a way through. Spain had almost 75% possession, but Cape Verde’s first match at a World Cup became a heroic exercise in resistance, discipline and occasional survival. At the final whistle, Vozinha was…

Ed Sheeran, the Grammy-winning British singer, says he will be taking a break from music to focus on family life. The Shape of You hitmaker made the announcement on Saturday during the opening night of his ‘LOOP’ tour in Glendale. The father of two said he is seriously considering a break from music once the tour concludes so he can spend more time with his family. “This is gonna be my last time here in a while. I might take some time off once this tour has ended and sort of do the dad thing,” Sheeran said. “So, if I…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Nigeria to consider extending value-added tax (VAT) to fuel products and introducing excise duties on telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost government revenue and support development spending. In its 2026 Article IV consultation report released on June 9, the IMF said recent tax reforms may not generate enough revenue to sustain the federal government’s spending ambitions in the medium term. The Washington-based lender recommended additional tax measures, including a possible increase in the VAT rate, the extension of VAT to fuel products, a review of tax exemptions, and the introduction of…

The family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has pushed back against claims that he died from diabetes-related complications while in bandits’ captivity, raising fresh questions over the circumstances surrounding his death. His son, Isyaka Rabe, spoke in an interview with Deutsche Welle Hausa on Sunday, dismissing reports linked to underlying medical conditions. Authorities in Katsina State had earlier suggested that the retired military officer suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure prior to his death while in captivity. But Isyaka insisted the family does not accept that explanation. “Our father was not diabetic and did not suffer from…