World News | Central Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
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Hampton City, January 21 2023 | Following negotiations between Duxburian and Reitzmic delegations, an agreement has been inked to establish various partnerships between both nations. The agreement includes free trade, extradition, technological research cooperation, and export exchange of natural resources between both nations. Due to this, the DU will be joining in the state-sanctioned Fusion Energy Research Program led by Cambridge University, the Atomic Energy Research Establishment under the Department for Nuclear Energy, and the National Institute for Energy Research under the Department for Scientific Development. The country would also be providing special programs for exporting coal and other products in exchange for Duxburian resources like silicon, including tariff adjustments among others. The treaty is now pending ratification from Parliament before being put into place, while the government has begun making preparations through policy-adjustments and restructuring of some institutions and agencies.
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Surrey Space Center, May 7 2023 | Following more than a year of delay, the Probe Rocket made its first flight in full stack. Despite continuation, the plan was scaled down to aim for Sub-Orbital Flight instead of a full Orbital Flight Test. The rocket lifted off from the pad with 3 of its 33 Hwacha Engines shut down, with more being disabled mid-flight due to technical problems. After about a minute during the flight, several flight control systems failed which resulted in cartwheels that forced the launch control to activate an automatic termination system. However, further problems in the ATS resulted in a 40 second delay before the explosives were activated to self-destruct the rocket as it tumbled from the sky. Due to its course, the rocket crashed at the Caspian, just off the coast of Gullicken where the debris were later recovered. Despite the failure, the event was celebrated by many space enthusiasts and scientists.
After the flight, the KRSA published photos of the launch pads that were heavily damaged by the powerful Hwacha engines as the rocket lifted off, as well as the many tons of dirt that were displaced. In a statement, the agency said they noted the problems and issues encountered and will seek to improve on the mistakes. The statement includes a list of certain areas to be improved, including the launch pad which will be strengthened and improved with Water Deluge System to be installed in the future to dampen the force created by the engines, which they admitted to have underestimated the power of.
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Hampton City, May 7 2023 | Various parties forming a coalition to push for Krexit have called for a General Election citing inaction by the Prime Minister on the issues brought by the European Union, including "biased manipulation" by the Premier Commissioner. The coalition, consisting of the Conservative Party, National Union Party, and Krexit Party also announced their endorsement for Opposition Leader Park Geun-hye to become the Prime Minister for the sake of "progress and sustainability". Despite this, the most recent poll released last Monday from independent agency Gallup Kingdom shows strong public approval for the current government with 63%. The Liberal Democrats on the other hand, responded to the statement calling Krexit a "move of a coward backing up from battle". The statement has alerted parties, which seemed to have begun preparing for elections despite the next regular schedule being on November 6 2025.
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Horse Guards Parade, May 7 2023 | The annual Armed Forces Marching Band Competition has concluded with the RAF Central Band bagging first prize, in a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade presided over by Prince Edward. The Band of the Coldstream Guards found themselves at 2nd place, and the Band of the Royal Marines Manchester at 3rd. In a speech during the event, Prince Edward expressed his intent of enlisting in the service that would win the competition. More than 10 bands competed, playing various marches and tunes whilst marching. The Corps of Drums of the Royal Marines made a surprise performance during the intermission while the judges deliberated on the results, while the Massed Bands of the Colleges consisting of marching musicians from Hampton University, Yonsei University, Cambridge University, the Far East University, and more. More than 10 ,000 attendees witnessed the event which ended with the 1812 Overture played by the combined Massed Bands of the Household Division and the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, with cannons fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
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Victoria City, June 16 2023 | The Provincial Assembly of North Buckingham has passed various measures that was well-received by the Green Party and various environmental groups across the country, including a bill that aims to improve progress on the National Green Transition Plan in their province. The act provides additional fund allocation to grants for research studies aimed at green technology improvement, as well as incentives to small to medium sized enterprises that opt to use self-generated renewable energy such as roof-installed solar panels and wind turbines. While environmental groups praised the passing of the new measure, some traditionalist groups protested and claimed that the new policy may damage the economy and increase unnecessary spending. Despite the backlash, the move comes with more electric vehicle models also rolling out since the implementation of the Vehicle Modernization Act almost 3 years ago, with electric trucks also starting to be used by more companies. Analysts say that the move may slightly negatively impact the economy during the transition, but would boost employment and economic growth in the long run as companies begin to adapt to the new norm.
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Hampton City, June 16 2023 | Over the past few weeks, the government has set out to begin its biennial review of the curriculum for the country's Basic Education, this time with participation from student and youth groups during the hearings of the Curriculum Commission formed by the Ministry of Education. Some of the key topics discussed over the most recent meetings include reducing the average workload of students per week, adjustments to class hours scheduling, and change in subjects required each year. Youth groups thanked the government for allowing them to have a voice on the decision table that may change their future, with more than 23 groups having actively participated in the discussions so far. But the move was not left unnoticed by traditionalist parent-teacher groups, calling students which complained of the current strict education system as 'lazy-heads' and 'cowards'. In a statement, the government defended the move stating that modern technology and developments allow increased accessibility to education and a shift in focus of education from creating high quality academics and professionals to improving literacy while ensuring good mental health.
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Hampton City, June 24 2023 | After recent developments in Istkalen unfold, the Government expressed concern on the possible consequences brought by the violence and turmoil. In a statement, the Prime Minister vowed to take action should the safety and security of Reitzmics be in danger. Due to this, evacuation flights have already begun since last week and travel advisories have been raised. When asked about the possibility of a military intervention, the Prime Minister replied "we will consider all options depending on the circumstances, but a military intervention is not a step we will take for now". However, he added that the frequency of border patrols have been increased in both the country's North and Eastern border. The Armed Forces also reported that technology upgrades and maintenance were conducted on border installations, in preparation for any possible scenario.
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Hampton City, July 1 2023 | The sudden events that have unfold in Istkalen has alerted the government, with MI6 releasing its first statement on alleged 'agents' operating as impostors to force a regime change. Travel advisories remain raised as other countries coordinate with the government in using Reitzmic facilities to aid in repatriation efforts, with thousands of foreign nationals being brought out of Istkalen as the international community watches the situation deteriorate. The government commented on the matter calling for a "unified and just response to the chaos that may again threaten stability in Europe". Earlier, the Secret Intelligence Service or MI6 has held a press conference to clarify matters surrounding allegations of their agents operating in Istkalen long after the end of the occupation that resulted from the recent war.
In the event, MI6 Director Sir Alex Younger dismissed the claims calling them "delusional and misleading". He added that "it was and would never be the interest of the country to subjugate its neighbors, nor have planned to do so". He also reiterated that "the mission of MI6 is not to promote imperialism or neocolonialism, but rather to protect and defend the interests of the country in maintaining peace and security across the region". He also strongly denied any allegation of MI6 agents operating in Istkalen, and called for an end to the 'disinformation campaign' being held by Istkalenic authorities and media.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense are yet commented on the matter, and only said that they will also release a statement as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, police presence across the country also is increased and an advisory has been put by local governments to remain vigilant for any suspicious activities. The Security Service or MI5 issued a warning that possible terrorists may be present in the country, pointing out to the recent Stadium bombing in the United Duchies and the reported incidents at Europolis. The Department for Law Enforcement said that they are coordinating with other countries to identify possible terrorists and stop them before they conducting any harmful activities.
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Newhaven GCHQ, November 15 2023 | The Government in a recent announcement has affirmed its commitment to the nation's cybersecurity efforts following multiple reports of phishing and hacking over the past 2 months. This came as a sudden increase in cyberattacks from domestic and foreign sources have jolted users across the country, with reported attempts of attacking state cyberinfrastructure being thwarted by operatives working for the GCHQ. In a separate statement, the Department for Information and Communication announced that it will be holding a nation-wide campaign for awareness against the malicious intents of cybercriminals and their methodologies. Part of the campaign includes a week-long series of seminars held in partnership with the Ministry of Education on ways to improve security while browsing the internet, as well as how to counter identity theft and verify if an app or service is safe to use.
In a press conference for the launch of a new recruitment program for the Ministry of Defence, Minister Ben Wallace announced that the National Cybersecurity Center under the GCHQ would be holding coding bootcamps and other training programs to "bring out natural talents in Reitzmics that may help keep the nation safe". Minister Wallace also said that the Ministry of Defense, through the Directorate of Military Intelligence, will collaborate with the Federal Constabulary to increase efforts at arresting cybercriminals and take down scam hubs across the country using intelligence gathered by local reports and assistance provided by other countries' law enforcement units.
Statistics from the latest police report on it's anti-cybercrime activities show a reduction of at least 60% in reports of scam calls and texts as well as the blocking of more than 700 malicious sites over the past 3 years. In parliament, more than 23 measures have been passed seeking to help crack down on new and evolving types of cybercrime and increasing the budget allocation for intelligence and public order across various agencies concerned. These measures are expected to enable the government to have more flexibility in its actions for the country's security in the cyberspace.
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Strathe Solar Park, November 19 2023 | Experts from various institutions around Europe have warned of the possible implications of a 'Solar Superstorm' to worldwide communication systems. Renowned former CSS Astronaut and Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson called on the government and private sector to prepare for major disruptions of up to 6 months to the internet and other communication systems due to the sun's activity. A Solar Superstorm or Geomagnetic Storm is a natural phenomenon characterised by disruptions to the Earth's magnetic field caused by a solar wind shock wave. On September 1859, the largest known event of this kind was observed and recorded by astronomers Richard Carrington and Richard Hodgson. The event, now known as the Carrington Event, caused widespread failures in telegraph systems and in some areas caused a sudden spike in electric currents causing operators to be electrocuted. Scientists however cannot provide a definitive date for the event's occurrence, but urged everyone to prepare.
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Surrey Space Center, November 19 2023 | The KRSA's Probe mars rocket has successfully reached space in its 2nd Integrated Flight Test. The launch was streamed live in various platforms, where various improvements and changes to the craft and the launch structures were observable. A successful hot-stage separation was conducted and all engines were able to operate properly throughout the flight, but with the first stage being detonated a few moments after the separation. A slight communication issue moments after the second stage reached space also prompted speculations that the mission was unsuccessful, but were eventually dismissed once contact was reestablished. A post-mission report showed that failures were mostly observed following the stage separation, but the mission was declared successful by the flight directors. In a subsequent press conference, it was also announced that the rocket will be given a new more name before its' next launch, which would be 'more appropriate to its power'. Because of this mission, the rocket now boasts as the most powerful spacecraft to ever reach space.
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New Saint Regina, July 2 2024 | Various tech companies have been given a green light by the local governments of many cities in the country to begin trial deployments of their proposed smart road systems. Here in New Saint Regina, SM Technologies installed Smart Speed Bumps on 5 different streets near the University of Regina with the goal of slowing down speeding drivers with a road bump that deploys when activated by a speed sensor. In Newport City, electrified rails are being installed on designated 'EV Lanes' along a 3km segment of the Nancheong Blvd. near the Hillstate Apartments. The electrified rails are part of an EV charging system developed by technology company EnviRoads, in partnership with all major automobile manufacturers in the country. In Caspian City, the installation of more Piezoelectric Tiles by SM Technologies on walkways have been approved to more public spaces following the public tests that began 2 years ago, which have yielded satisfactory results that were well-received by the scientific community.
In addition to local developments, the Federal Government also launched a new initiative in partnership with the 10 Provincial Governments in a meeting between the Prime Minister and the First Ministers. The program dubbed the 'Road to the Future' aims to improve road navigation, traffic management, safety, and eco-friendliness by embedding state of the art technologies across all existing road networks in the country. In a joint press release after the meeting, the government outlined several projects that aim to reach the goal of having integrated smart technology to all roads in the country within the next 3-5 years. These projects include the installation of AI traffic management and detection systems, precision digital mapping of all publicly accessible roads, a national road monitoring centre, and integration of EV compatible technologies. The program also included the launch of a joint public and private sector-led development of a smart navigation system to integrate with the other technologies to be installed with the program, which aims to be able to provide accurate and up to date information on road conditions with reliable suggestions on the fastest route to the destination input based on different factors.
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Hampton City, July 6 2024 | Following the announcement from Zarzuela Palace and Buckingham Palace, preparations are being made for the upcoming state visit of the King and Queen of Spain. The full itinerary of the visiting royals have not yet been released, but security has already been heightened on key areas with greater police presence observable across Hampton City and most especially Whitehall. Decorations have also been installed in various places, with the Mall lined with the Union Flag and flag of Spain.
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Parliament, July 7 2024 | The Government has been left in shock as a Labour Private Members' Bill was backed by the Opposition in a surprise attack during a second reading vote earlier today. The bill authored by the NUP MP for Newhaven Aldershot, seeking to establish solid regulations on the country's representation to the EU Council, was passed after a surprise move by whips of the Conservative Party and National Union Party. We are yet to receive a comment from the incumbent European Councilor Dame Yuridiana Yahontov, but speculation has began to circulate that she was involved in the creation of this bill. Throughout the debate that ensued, Treasury Bench MPs tried to stall and give time to their whips to recall members back to the chamber, however their efforts seem to be insufficient. The bill will now be sent to the Committee stage for a more detailed review, but the results of this recent vote may reflect the fragility of the Government's hold of a majority which may have implications on the proceedings that lie ahead.
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Black House, July 10 2024 | The Prime Minister has just made an official statement from his office at the Black House on the matter of the 'EU Divorce Bill' currently under scrutiny in the European Council. In the statement, the Prime Minister highlighted his support for guaranteeing a legal method of separation of persons in marriage while citing various reasons for opposing the said bill. At the end of the statement, Prime Minister Bridges declared that the country will not conform with the bill if it does pass into law and made a strong warning against the EU on attempting to conduct any intervention to force the bill on the country, citing the possibility of invoking his lawful powers to begin the process for withdrawal from the said regional organization.
Update 1: Netizens have taken to social media to voice support for the Prime Minister, with #EuropeanNotSpanishConstitution and #NotMyConstitution taking the top trending spots in Twitter Reitzmag. Meanwhile, a press conference is currently being held separately by the various opposition parties. The Reitzmic Catholic Bishops Conference, a stern opponent of divorce, as well as other major lay faithful groups have so far not issued any statement.
Update 2: Leader of the Opposition Park Geun-hye, in a statement during a press conference at the Conservative Party Headquarters, voiced her support to the Prime Minister's recent action, calling it 'victory against tyranny'. Other parties also expressed support, with some backlash from the Liberal Democrats on the threat to begin the process for withdrawal from the EU. The Reitzmic Catholic Bishops' Conference has so far refused to make any statement on the matter, telling reporters that an 'appropriate response' will be released when possible.
Update 3: Demonstrators led by the Krexit Party and National Union Party have begun to gather in front of the Black House at Government Square, calling on the Prime Minister to begin the withdrawal procedure under the Krexit Bill. Councilor Yahontov is yet to make a statement on the matter, but sources say she is currently in talks with the government and the opposition parties about the situation.
This is a developing story, updates will be posted as soon as possible
