Category: World

BANDA ACEH: Two men were publicly flogged 76 times each in Indonesia’s conservative province of Aceh after a court found them guilty of engaging in consensual same-sex relations under strict Islamic law. Gay sex remains outlawed exclusively in Aceh, which enforces a local interpretation of sharia, while it is not criminalised throughout the rest of… Continue reading Two men publicly flogged 76 times for gay sex in Indonesia’s Aceh

TOKYO: Japanese cities have been flooded with complaints from residents confused about an initiative designating them as hometowns for African countries. The confusion arose after false claims circulated that this was a new immigration policy by the Japanese government. The initiative by the Japan International Cooperation Agency aimed to promote international exchanges between four Japanese… Continue reading Japan cities face backlash over false African hometown immigration claims

SHANGHAI: A Chinese woman trapped inside a locked room for thirty hours was rescued after throwing a pillow containing a message written in her own blood out of a window. The woman, identified only by her surname Zhou, became trapped while cleaning a guesthouse in Sichuan province without her mobile phone. She entered a bedroom… Continue reading Chinese woman rescued after writing blood plea from locked room

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations of illegal animal imports and financial misconduct at a massive private zoo operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual. Vantara, which describes itself as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre”, is managed by Anant Ambani, whose father Mukesh Ambani leads the multinational… Continue reading India probes giant private zoo run by son of Asia’s richest person

TEL AVIV: Israeli protesters demanding an end to the Gaza war and the return of hostages took to the streets early Tuesday morning ahead of an evening security cabinet meeting. AFP journalists observed demonstrators blocking roads in Tel Aviv while waving Israeli flags and holding photographs of hostages. Israeli media reported additional rallies near a… Continue reading Israeli protesters demand hostage deal ahead of security cabinet meeting

SYDNEY: Two police officers were killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting at a rural property in eastern Australia on Tuesday. Victoria police confirmed they are hunting for a male suspect who fled the violent confrontation at a remote Porepunkah property. The incident occurred at the foot of a mountain in northeast Victoria, with… Continue reading Two police officers killed in eastern Australia shooting incident

TOKYO: Mercedes-Benz’s pension trust has sold its entire stake in Nissan Motor for 47.83 billion yen ($325 million) according to a source familiar with the transaction. The German automaker disposed of its 3.8% holding at 341.3 yen per share, representing a 5.98% discount to Nissan’s previous closing price of 363 yen. Nissan shares maintained their… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz sells Nissan stake for $325 million amid investor doubts

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court has ordered an independent investigation into the Vantara wildlife rescue park operated by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Foundation. The court acknowledged that allegations of unlawful animal acquisitions and mistreatment currently lack supporting evidence. Vantara represents a flagship project for the Ambani family located in Gujarat and managed by Mukesh Ambani’s… Continue reading India’s Supreme Court orders probe into Ambani wildlife park over animal mistreatment claims

BEIJING: President Xi Jinping declared China’s relationship with Russia as the most stable and strategically significant among major world powers during a meeting in Beijing. Xi made these remarks while meeting Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. “The two sides should work together to safeguard… Continue reading Xi Jinping calls China-Russia ties most stable in turbulent world

KATHMANDU: Drone operators have joined climbers at Everest Base Camp this season to tackle the mountain’s growing waste problem using heavy-duty aerial technology. Two DJI FC 30 drones successfully transported 300 kilograms of garbage from Camp 1 at 6,065 metres during the spring climbing season. “The only options were helicopters and manpower, with no option… Continue reading Drones remove 300kg of Everest trash in high-altitude cleanup mission

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need for China and Russia to jointly safeguard their security and development interests during a meeting with Russian parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. Xi stated both nations should continue their traditional friendship while deepening strategic mutual trust according to state media reports. The Chinese leader highlighted their shared effort… Continue reading Xi Jinping calls for China and Russia to safeguard security interests

TIANJIN: President Xi Jinping will host more than 20 world leaders at a regional security forum in China next week in a powerful show of Global South solidarity in the age of Donald Trump while also helping sanctions-hit Russia pull off another a diplomatic coup. Aside from Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders from Central Asia,… Continue reading Xi hosts Putin and Modi at SCO summit in show of Global South unity

SYDNEY: Australia Post has temporarily suspended parcel shipments to the United States following a new US customs rule eliminating duty-free entry for low-value packages. The government-owned postal service announced the suspension after President Donald Trump’s administration scrapped the “de minimis” exemption previously allowing parcels under $800 to enter without duties. “We are disappointed we have… Continue reading Australia Post suspends US parcel shipments after US tariff rule change

HANOI: Typhoon Kajiki has killed at least three people and injured 10 others in Vietnam, with authorities warning that heavy rains could cause further flooding and landslides. The storm damaged nearly seven thousand homes, inundated 28,800 hectares of rice plantings and felled 18,000 trees according to a government statement. It also brought down 331 electricity… Continue reading Typhoon Kajiki kills three in Vietnam, floods Hanoi streets

SYDNEY: Australia will expel Iran’s ambassador to Canberra following accusations that Tehran directed two antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Iran’s government had orchestrated these attacks based on credible intelligence gathered by Australian security agencies. “Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the… Continue reading Australia blames Iran for antisemitic attacks, vows to expel envoy

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump announced the immediate dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of improprieties in mortgage loan applications. Trump cited “sufficient cause to remove you from your position” in a letter addressing Cook, the first African-American woman on the Federal Reserve’s governing board. The allegations centre on Cook… Continue reading Trump fires Fed’s Cook over mortgage allegations in unprecedented move

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is promoting a “Make America Shipbuilding Great Again” initiative during his inaugural official visit to the United States. Lee held his first summit with US President Donald Trump on Monday before visiting a Hanwha Group shipyard to showcase investment commitments. South Korea has pledged US$350 billion for US… Continue reading South Korea pledges US$150 billion to revive US shipbuilding industry

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh threat against countries implementing digital taxes on American technology companies. Trump warned on Monday that nations maintaining such taxes would face substantial additional tariffs on their exports to the United States. He also threatened to impose export restrictions on highly protected American technology and semiconductor… Continue reading Trump threatens tariffs on countries with digital taxes in new warning

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump confirmed he held another conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week. Trump acknowledged the communication when questioned by reporters about whether he had spoken to the Russian leader since their last known contact on August 18. “Yes, I have,“… Continue reading Trump confirms Putin talks after Ukraine and European meetings

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump announced his expectation to visit China this year or shortly thereafter during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Trump highlighted recent discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping while emphasising the improved economic relationship between the two nations. “We’re going to have a great relationship with China,“… Continue reading Trump plans China visit this year amid improved economic ties

JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman confirmed the Israeli security cabinet will convene Tuesday evening in Jerusalem. Omer Mantzour declined to provide specific details about the meeting agenda when responding to media inquiries on Monday. Local media reports indicate the session will focus on renewed negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The security… Continue reading Israeli security cabinet to discuss Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks

BROOKLYN: Sinaloa drug cartel cofounder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada changed his plea to guilty in a United States court, meaning he faces life imprisonment and losing 15 billion dollars. Zambada, 77, cofounded the Sinaloa Cartel with notorious drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the development as a “landmark victory” against… Continue reading Mexican drug lord faces life in prison after US guilty plea

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday that aimed to limit no-cash bail in the nation’s capital and threatened to revoke federal funding for other jurisdictions that use it, part of a White House effort to push crime-fighting to the top of the national agenda. “Cashless bail, we’re ending it,“ Trump said… Continue reading Trump signs orders aimed at ending cashless bail policies

WASHINGTON: North Korea could soon produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons per year according to South Korea’s dovish new president. President Lee Jae Myung made this assessment on Monday while calling for efforts to lower tensions on the Korean peninsula. “An ICBM capable of reaching the United States is almost fully developed, and they are… Continue reading North Korea could produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons per year

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to replicate the Intel equity model across other American industries, creating unease within the business community. The administration recently acquired a nearly 10% stake in Intel by converting government grants into equity shares. Trump confirmed his intention to pursue similar arrangements during a White House press briefing… Continue reading Trump seeks more corporate stakes like Intel deal, unsettling US business leaders

GAZA: Israeli forces struck Nasser hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, killing at least twenty people including five journalists working for international news organisations. A Reuters cameraman named Hussam al-Masri died near a live broadcasting position on an upper floor of the Khan Younis hospital during the initial strike according to Palestinian health officials. Hospital… Continue reading Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills 20 including five journalists

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the US attorney general to prosecute individuals who burn or desecrate the American flag. “If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing,“ Trump declared during the Oval Office signing ceremony on Monday. The order mandates the attorney… Continue reading Trump orders crackdown on US flag burning raising free speech concerns

TEXAS: Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI has filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI in United States federal court. The lawsuit accuses both companies of illegally conspiring to thwart competition in artificial intelligence markets. xAI claims Apple and OpenAI have “locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI… Continue reading Elon Musk’s xAI sues Apple and OpenAI for AI market conspiracy

MIAMI: Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement proposal before a jury awarded $243 million against the company in a lawsuit concerning a fatal Autopilot crash. Plaintiffs’ lawyers revealed the settlement offer in a Monday court filing as part of their request for legal fees from Tesla. They argued that Florida law entitles them to recover… Continue reading Tesla rejected $60 million settlement before $243 million Autopilot verdict

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the military might deploy to Chicago and is prepared to go anywhere on short notice to address crime. Trump cited a purported wave of lawlessness as he seized control of Washington DC’s police force this month and authorised armed National Guard patrols in the city.… Continue reading Trump says US military may or may not deploy to Chicago

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump stated his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s White House visit. “I’d like to meet him this year,“ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office while welcoming South Korea’s new president. Trump and Lee conducted their first… Continue reading Trump seeks meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un this year

CHICAGO/WASHINGTON: The first confirmed human case of travel-associated New World screwworm in the United States has fully recovered without any transmission to other people or animals according to Maryland health authorities. US cattle futures declined sharply amid concerns about potential livestock infections as ranchers criticised government secrecy surrounding the case following exclusive Reuters reporting. Screwworms… Continue reading US screwworm patient recovers as ranchers criticise secrecy over case

WASHINGTON: Nearly three dozen current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency staff have warned Congress about the inexperience of Trump administration appointees potentially causing a catastrophe comparable to Hurricane Katrina. The letter represents a rare public expression of internal dissent within the disaster response agency. It specifically criticised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting… Continue reading FEMA staff warn Trump officials’ inexperience risks Katrina-level disaster

WASHINGTON: Korean Air confirmed a historic order for 103 Boeing aircraft on Monday during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s official visit to Washington. The order represents the largest aircraft purchase in the Korean carrier’s fifty-five year history and includes a mix of Boeing 787, 777 and 737 models. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope… Continue reading Korean Air orders 103 Boeing jets during Trump-Lee summit in Washington

NEW YORK: YouTube has confirmed ongoing negotiations to renew its content partnership with Fox amid a payment dispute that could see channels removed from the streaming service. The Alphabet-owned platform stated that Fox is requesting payments exceeding those received by partners providing comparable content. YouTube announced that failure to reach a new agreement by 5:00… Continue reading Fox channels may go dark on YouTube TV from Wednesday over payment dispute

LOS ANGELES: Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X entered a not guilty plea on Monday to four felony charges related to an alleged assault on police officers. Authorities reported encountering the musician walking naked along a Los Angeles street prior to the incident. A judge established bail at $75,000 and mandated the “Old Town Road” rapper’s… Continue reading Lil Nas X pleads not guilty to felony assault charges against police

PARIS: Telegram founder Pavel Durov has publicly criticised France’s ongoing investigation into illegal content on his messaging platform. Durov stated that authorities were “struggling” to find evidence of wrongdoing exactly one year after his high-profile detention. “One year ago, the French police detained me for four days because some people I’d never heard of used… Continue reading Telegram founder Durov criticises French investigation one year after arrest

GAZA CITY: Five journalists were among at least twenty people killed during Israeli strikes on a southern Gaza hospital according to the territory’s civil defence agency. Reuters, the Associated Press and Al Jazeera all confirmed the deaths of their contributors in Monday’s attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal stated… Continue reading Five journalists killed in Israeli strike on Gaza hospital, agencies mourn

DAMASCUS: Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa will address the United Nations General Assembly next month according to a foreign ministry official. The official stated that Sharaa “will take part in the United Nations General Assembly in New York where he will deliver a speech” while requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to brief the… Continue reading Syria’s interim president to address UN General Assembly for first time

MOSCOW: A Russian court will present new espionage charges against a French researcher already imprisoned for three years on Monday. Laurent Vinatier, working with a Swiss conflict mediation organisation, faces allegations that could add twenty years to his current sentence. He was originally arrested in June 2024 for violating Russia’s foreign agents legislation, a case… Continue reading French researcher faces new espionage charges in Russian court

MADRID: Spanish authorities reported just over a dozen serious wildfires still burning across the country as foreign assistance begins to wind down. The civil protection service confirmed 14 active wildfires classified as operation level two, indicating they pose significant danger to people and property. This number represents a decrease from 18 fires reported on Saturday… Continue reading Spain battles 14 active wildfires with foreign aid set to wind down