Category: World

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged higher on Monday as optimism over a US-EU trade deal and potential US-China tariff negotiations eased concerns about economic slowdowns impacting fuel demand. Brent crude futures rose 22 cents to $68.66 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 22 cents to $65.38. “The US-EU trade deal and possible extension… Continue reading Oil prices rise as US-EU trade deal eases demand concerns

STOCKHOLM: US and Chinese economic officials will hold fresh talks in Stockholm on Monday to negotiate an extension of their tariff truce, aiming to prevent a sharp escalation in trade barriers and pave the way for a potential meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this year. The discussions follow a temporary pause… Continue reading US-China tariff talks resume in Stockholm to extend trade truce

SEOUL: North Korea has dismissed South Korea’s recent peace overtures as a “great miscalculation,“ with Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stating Pyongyang has no interest in dialogue. The remarks mark the first official response to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s attempts to ease tensions. Kim Yo Jong, a… Continue reading North Korea rejects South’s peace moves as ‘great miscalculation’

SHANGHAI: Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, and even boxing—humanoid robots took center stage at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai this weekend, showcasing China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The event, attended by over 800 companies, featured more than 3,000 products, with humanoid robots stealing the spotlight through their quirky yet impressive demonstrations. Premier… Continue reading China showcases humanoid robots at Shanghai AI conference

SAN DIEGO: Godzilla enthusiasts from around the world gathered at Comic-Con to celebrate the iconic monster’s 70th anniversary. The event, hosted by Japanese studio Toho, featured panel discussions, autograph sessions, and fan interactions, highlighting the enduring legacy of the “king of monsters.” Godzilla first appeared on screen in 1954, directed by Ishiro Honda, as a… Continue reading Godzilla fans celebrate 70th anniversary at Comic-Con 2025

ATHENS: Firefighters in Greece have made progress in containing wildfires that have devastated homes and forced evacuations across the country. Over the past 24 hours, 55 new fires broke out, but 50 were quickly brought under control. Authorities remain on high alert, with five major fire fronts still active in the Peloponnese, Evia, Kythera, and… Continue reading Greece wildfires under control as firefighters battle remaining fronts

GENEVA: Malnutrition in the Gaza Strip has surged to alarming levels, the World Health Organization warned, describing the crisis as entirely preventable. The WHO highlighted that aid blockades have led to devastating consequences, with 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025, 63 of which occurred in July alone. Among the fatalities were 24 children under five,… Continue reading Malnutrition crisis hits alarming levels in Gaza, WHO warns

GAZA CITY: Jordanian and Emirati aircraft delivered food supplies to Gaza on Sunday as Israel announced a temporary halt in military operations to facilitate humanitarian aid. The move comes amid worsening hunger in the Palestinian territory, where 21 months of war and a prolonged blockade have left thousands starving. The World Health Organisation reported alarming… Continue reading Gaza receives food airdrops as Israel opens aid routes amid crisis

DAMASCUS: Syrian authorities have confirmed that the selection process for a new transitional parliament will take place in mid-September, marking a key step in the country’s post-war political transition. The announcement follows months of preparation under the interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad… Continue reading Syria announces September date for transitional parliament selection

EPPING: Hundreds of demonstrators from opposing groups marched through Epping on Sunday under heavy police supervision, marking the latest in a series of protests sparked by an asylum seeker charged with sexual assault. Authorities deployed barricades and banned masks to prevent clashes, with Essex Police stating they had a “robust policing operation in place to… Continue reading Hundreds protest in UK town amid rising immigration tensions

PUTRAJAYA: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will arrive in Malaysia on Monday for crucial ceasefire negotiations with Thailand, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The talks aim to de-escalate recent border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations. Hun Manet confirmed his participation in a Facebook post late Sunday. “I will lead… Continue reading Cambodia PM Hun Manet heads to Malaysia for Thailand ceasefire talks

GENEVA: The United Nations has announced plans to maximise aid delivery to Gaza’s starving population following Israel’s decision to establish secure land routes for humanitarian convoys. The World Food Programme confirmed sufficient food supplies are available to feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for nearly three months. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher stated the organisation… Continue reading UN aims to aid Gaza’s starving during Israel’s humanitarian pause

ST. LOUIS: Workers at Boeing’s fighter jet assembly plants in Missouri and Illinois have rejected the company’s latest contract proposal, raising the threat of a strike that could disrupt production of key US military aircraft. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced Sunday that over 3,200 members voted against the offer, which… Continue reading Boeing workers reject contract, threaten strike at US fighter jet plants

WASHINGTON: Tom Lehrer, the sharp-witted pianist and satirical songwriter whose dark humor captivated mid-century America, has died at 97. The news was confirmed by his friend David Herder, as reported by The New York Times. Lehrer passed away peacefully at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Saturday. A Harvard graduate by 19 and later a… Continue reading Tom Lehrer, musical satirist and academic, dies at 97

TURNBERRY: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to press US President Donald Trump on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stalled ceasefire talks when they meet at Trump’s Scottish golf resort. The discussions will also cover trade cooperation following a recent UK-US deal and efforts to resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine. Starmer is… Continue reading Starmer to discuss Gaza crisis and trade with Trump in Scotland

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed the newly announced trade deal between the European Union and the United States, describing it as a measure to prevent unnecessary trade conflicts. The agreement, which imposes 15-percent tariffs on most EU exports, has drawn mixed reactions, with industries expressing concerns over its economic impact. Merz stated, “We… Continue reading Germany’s Merz praises EU-US trade deal despite industry backlash

SAN DIEGO: Star Wars creator George Lucas made history with his first-ever appearance at Comic-Con, thrilling fans who lined up for hours to see the legendary filmmaker. The 81-year-old director took the stage not to discuss his iconic films but to showcase his passion project—the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in Los… Continue reading George Lucas makes historic first Comic-Con appearance for art museum

RIEDLINGEN: Three people were killed and multiple others injured after a regional passenger train derailed in southwestern Germany on Sunday evening. The accident occurred around 6:10 pm near the town of Riedlingen in Baden-Wuerttemberg state. Initial reports from police indicated four fatalities, but authorities later corrected the number to three. The exact count of injured… Continue reading Train derailment in Germany leaves 3 dead, dozens injured

TURNBERRY: The United States and the European Union have reached a trade agreement imposing a 15% tariff on most EU goods, averting a potential trade war between the two economic powerhouses. The deal, announced by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, includes $600 billion in EU investments in the… Continue reading US and EU agree on 15% tariff deal to prevent trade war

BRUSSELS: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to maintain the independence of anti-corruption institutions, following recent tensions over Kyiv’s attempt to limit their authority. Von der Leyen described her discussions with Zelensky as productive, acknowledging Ukraine’s progress toward European integration. “It must build on these solid foundations and… Continue reading EU chief urges Zelensky to protect anti-graft bodies’ independence

FRANKFURT: Berlin police confirmed the arrest of 57 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held alongside the city’s annual Pride march. Authorities reported that 17 officers sustained injuries in the clashes. Approximately 10,000 demonstrators gathered on Saturday in support of Palestinians, but police intervened as organisers failed to maintain order. Arrests were made for public disturbances,… Continue reading Berlin police arrest 57 at pro-Palestinian protest during Pride march

GENEVA: The United Nations’ aid chief has welcomed Israel’s decision to establish secure land routes into Gaza for humanitarian convoys, calling it a critical step to alleviate the worsening crisis. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher confirmed the development, stating that teams on the ground will maximise efforts to reach those in desperate need. “Welcome… Continue reading UN aid chief welcomes Gaza humanitarian pauses amid crisis

WASHINGTON: Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate onto the runway at Denver International Airport after a brake fire erupted just before takeoff. The airline confirmed all 173 passengers and six crew members exited safely, though one person sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The incident occurred on Saturday as… Continue reading Passenger plane evacuated in Denver after brake fire incident

MADRID: Spanish police said Sunday they were investigating a 17-year-old on suspicion of using artificial intelligence to deepfake nude images of female classmates for sale. The probe was launched after 16 young women at an educational institute in the Valencia region came forward to complain of AI-generated images of them circulating on social media and… Continue reading Spanish teen investigated over nude AI images of classmates

MOSCOW: Russia initiated direct commercial flights to North Korea on Sunday, marking a significant step in deepening relations between the two nations. The first flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, departed Moscow for Pyongyang, with tickets priced at 45,000 rubles ($570). The route will operate once a month, according to Russia’s transport ministry. Nordwind Airlines, previously… Continue reading Russia launches direct flights to North Korea amid closer ties

JERUSALEM: Two Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in southern Gaza on Sunday, the military confirmed, marking another tragic loss in the ongoing conflict. The soldiers, aged 20 and 22, served in the Golani Infantry Brigade’s 51st Battalion. Defence Minister Israel Katz paid tribute, stating, “We have lost three young heroes — some of our… Continue reading Two Israeli soldiers killed in south Gaza combat

HARIDWAR: At least six people were killed and more than 10 injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, India, on Sunday. The incident occurred on the temple stairway, where a sudden crowd surge led to the deadly crush. Senior police official Parmendra Dobhal confirmed the casualties, stating, “Six dead and more… Continue reading Six killed in India temple stampede at Haridwar

DHARAMSALA: A Tibetan singer and activist has been detained by Chinese authorities, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The India-based exile government reported that Tzukte, known as Asang, was arrested in early July after performing a song honouring the Dalai Lama. The CTA, which operates as a government-in-exile without international recognition, condemned the arrest… Continue reading Tibetan singer detained by China for Dalai Lama tribute song

ATHENS: Greece continues to fight devastating wildfires for a second day, with international assistance from the European Union now aiding local firefighting efforts. Czech firefighters are already on the ground, while Italian aircraft are expected to arrive later on Sunday. The fires remain active in multiple regions, including the Peloponnese area west of Athens, as… Continue reading Greece receives EU aid to combat devastating wildfires

BANGKOK: Accurate information management is critical in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to curb fake news and prevent further escalation, experts say. Associate Professor Dr. Chaiwat Meesanthan, Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, warned that false information on social media fuels tension between the two nations. “Both governments need to provide… Continue reading Experts urge better info management to tackle fake news in Thailand-Cambodia border crisis

SAMRAONG, CAMBODIA: Thailand and Cambodia engaged in renewed clashes Sunday, defying hopes of a ceasefire after US President Donald Trump intervened to broker peace talks. The conflict, centered around disputed border temples, has left at least 33 dead and displaced over 200,000 people. Despite both nations expressing willingness to negotiate, artillery fire resumed near the… Continue reading Thailand Cambodia border clashes continue despite ceasefire talks

TRAVERSE CITY: At least 11 people were injured in a stabbing at a Walmart store in Michigan on Saturday, with authorities confirming the attack appeared random. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea stated a 42-year-old male suspect, a Michigan resident, was arrested and acted alone using a folding knife. Six victims remain in critical condition,… Continue reading 11 injured in random stabbing at Michigan Walmart store

VENTURA: Farmers in California’s agricultural heartland are raising alarms over former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, warning it could devastate the US food supply chain. Lisa Tate, a fourth-generation farmer in Ventura County, says raids targeting undocumented workers threaten to “dismantle the whole economy” and push food prices higher. Tate, who grows avocados, citrus, and… Continue reading Trump immigration raids risk US food security, California farmers warn

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has confirmed that preliminary checks show no impact on surrounding buildings following a sinkhole incident at Tanjong Katong Road. Stabilisation works are underway as a precaution to ensure safety, particularly for the adjacent PUB worksite. BCA engineers inspected nearby structures, including One Amber condominium and landed houses, confirming… Continue reading Singapore sinkhole incident: Nearby buildings unaffected, says BCA

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH: US President Donald Trump announced that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to pursue an immediate ceasefire following his mediation efforts. Trump revealed the development on his Truth Social platform after speaking with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. “They have agreed to immediately meet and quickly work… Continue reading Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire after Trump intervention