Category: World

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli strikes killed 17 people in the Palestinian territory on Wednesday. Israel’s military confirmed ongoing operations against Hamas militants. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal stated that eight people, including a pregnant woman, died in a single strike in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood. Two others were killed in… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 17 killed in Israeli strikes

DAMASCUS: A high-profile Saudi investment delegation of 120 business leaders arrived in Syria on Wednesday for a major economic forum aimed at securing reconstruction deals worth 15 billion riyals ($4 billion). The visit marks a significant step in Gulf efforts to stabilise Syria after its 14-year civil war. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih is leading… Continue reading Saudi investors target $4 billion Syria reconstruction deals

THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to issue a historic advisory opinion on climate change, defining nations’ legal duties to curb emissions and address environmental harm. The ruling, expected to influence global climate policies, stems from a push by Pacific island nations frustrated with slow progress in UN climate talks. Vanuatu’s… Continue reading ICJ climate ruling to reshape global environmental laws

LUXEMBOURG:** An EU court has significantly reduced an antitrust fine imposed on Credit Suisse, cutting it from 83.2 million euros to 28.9 million euros. The Luxembourg-based General Court ruled that the European Commission miscalculated the penalty while still upholding findings of anti-competitive practices. The court stated that the commission’s data used to determine the bank’s… Continue reading EU court reduces Credit Suisse antitrust fine to 28.9 million euros

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced a “massive” trade deal with Japan on Tuesday, marking the fifth agreement secured under his administration’s push for “90 deals in 90 days.” The deal includes a $550 billion investment from Japan into the US, with Trump claiming it will create “hundreds of thousands of jobs.” The agreement comes… Continue reading Trump announces massive Japan trade deal with $550B investment

LONDON: Tom Hayes, the first trader jailed for interest rate rigging, has had his conviction overturned by Britain’s top court after a lengthy legal battle. The UK Supreme Court unanimously allowed Hayes’ appeal, quashing his 2015 conviction on eight counts of conspiracy to defraud by manipulating the now-defunct Libor benchmark. Hayes, a former Citigroup and… Continue reading Tom Hayes wins appeal to overturn Libor rigging conviction in UK

ISTANBUL: Turkey and Britain have signed a preliminary agreement allowing Ankara to operate Eurofighter Typhoon jets, while Germany has approved the delivery of 40 aircraft. The move strengthens Turkey’s defence capabilities amid regional instability. NATO member Turkey has been expanding its military resources through domestic projects and foreign acquisitions. Alongside the Eurofighter deal, Ankara is… Continue reading Turkey moves closer to Eurofighter jet deal with UK and Germany

WELLINGTON: New Zealand has announced plans to end greyhound racing by July 2026, marking a significant shift toward animal welfare. The decision follows an interim report outlining strategies to rehome approximately 1,500 greyhounds still active in the sport. Racing Minister Winston Peters confirmed the formation of a Ministerial Advisory Committee to oversee the industry’s transition.… Continue reading New Zealand to ban greyhound racing by 2026 for animal welfare

SEOUL: A South Korean court has reopened a decades-old case involving a woman who was convicted for defending herself against sexual assault in 1964. The retrial follows renewed attention from the #MeToo movement, which inspired Choi Mal-ja to challenge her past conviction. Choi was 19 when a 21-year-old man attacked her in Gimhae, forcing his… Continue reading Retrial opens for S. Korean woman who bit off attempted rapist’s tongue

TOKYO: US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Japan would form a joint venture with the US to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska. However, a Japanese government official overseeing resource development said they were unaware of any such agreement. Trump made the announcement while addressing lawmakers at the White House,… Continue reading Trump announces US-Japan LNG joint venture in Alaska

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to resign after a significant upper house election loss, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The decision comes as Ishiba finalised a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, lowering tariffs on Japanese autos and avoiding new levies. Ishiba delayed his resignation to ensure stability ahead… Continue reading Japan’s PM Ishiba to quit after election drubbing and Trump trade deal, source

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump agreed to a slight reduction in tariffs on Philippine goods after meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The new rate of 19% is one percentage point lower than the initially threatened 20%, though still higher than April’s proposed 17%. Trump praised Marcos as a “very tough negotiator” and announced progress… Continue reading Trump reduces Philippine tariffs to 19% after Marcos meeting

HONG KONG: A transgender man in Hong Kong has won a legal challenge against parts of the city’s law that criminalised entering public toilets designated for the opposite sex. The High Court ruled in favour of the man, referred to as “K”, who argued that the restrictions violated his rights to equality, privacy, and freedom… Continue reading Hong Kong trans man wins landmark public toilet rights case

SEOUL: South Korea has recorded its highest birth rate growth in over four decades during the first five months of 2025, marking a significant shift in the country’s long-standing demographic decline. Government data reveals a 6.9 percent increase in newborns compared to the same period last year, with 106,048 births registered from January to May.… Continue reading South Korea reports record birth rate growth in early 2025

SYDNEY: The small Pacific nation of Palau is weighing a request from the United States to accept asylum seekers currently seeking refuge in America. The proposal, still under review by Palau’s Council of Chiefs, could deepen ties between the two allies while raising logistical and humanitarian questions. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr confirmed receiving the… Continue reading Palau considers US request to take asylum seekers amid Pacific ties

RAROTONGA: A leading deep-sea mining firm in the Cook Islands is targeting commercial production by 2030, buoyed by former US President Donald Trump’s endorsement of the controversial industry. Moana Minerals plans to extract polymetallic nodules—rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese—from the South Pacific seabed amid growing environmental concerns. Trump’s executive order earlier this year aimed… Continue reading Trump’s support boosts deep-sea mining in Cook Islands by 2030

BERLIN: French President Emmanuel Macron will hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday, focusing on NATO security, the US-EU trade dispute, and other pressing issues. The meeting comes as both leaders seek to strengthen Franco-German ties amid growing transatlantic tensions under US President Donald Trump. “The most important message is: the… Continue reading Macron and Merz to discuss NATO, US-EU trade in Berlin talks

ISTANBUL: Ukrainian and Russian officials could meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for a third round of peace talks, their first meeting in more than seven weeks amid US pressure to reach a ceasefire. Expectations of a breakthrough are low. The two sides previously met in May and June, but failed to agree an end to… Continue reading Third round of Ukraine-Russia talks expected in Turkey

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on Wednesday that he needed to review the specifics of a trade agreement announced by US President Donald Trump before offering any remarks. “As for what to make of the outcome of the negotiations, I am not able to discuss it until after we carefully examine the details… Continue reading Japan PM to review details of US trade deal announced by Trump

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would use import restrictions to force foreign suppliers to cut drug prices and that pharmaceutical companies would have a lot of problems if they did not agree to bring prices down. Speaking at the White House at an event with Republican lawmakers, Trump pledged to reduce… Continue reading Trump says he will use import restrictions to reduce drug prices

GAZA: More than 100 aid and rights groups have demanded immediate action as hunger spreads across Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. In a joint statement signed by 111 organizations, including Mercy Corps and the Norwegian Refugee Council, they warned of mass starvation despite tons of supplies being blocked outside the… Continue reading Over 100 aid groups demand action as Gaza hunger crisis worsens

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly considering whether to resign following the outcome of ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, according to a Yomiuri newspaper report. The decision hinges on progress in trade talks, with a deadline set for August 1. Ishiba faces mounting pressure from within his Liberal Democratic Party after… Continue reading Japan PM Ishiba considers resignation over US trade talks

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump confirmed a new trade agreement with Japan, introducing a 15% tariff on Japanese goods, a reduction from the previously threatened 25% levy. The deal, announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, includes a $550 billion Japanese investment into the US, expected to generate significant job growth. “We just completed a massive Deal… Continue reading Trump announces 15% US tariff on Japan in new trade deal

WASHINGTON: The United States and Indonesia have reached a trade agreement that will lower tariffs and ease restrictions on critical mineral exports, the White House confirmed. The deal, described as a “huge win” by former President Donald Trump, reduces US tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32% to 19%. Under the agreement, Indonesia will eliminate 99%… Continue reading US-Indonesia deal cuts tariffs, eases critical mineral export limits

WASHINGTON: Republicans in the US House of Representatives have proposed renaming the opera house at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after former First Lady Melania Trump. The Republican-led House Appropriations Committee voted to include the name change as a condition for funding the cultural institution during 2026 budget discussions. Idaho congressman… Continue reading Republicans push to rename Kennedy Center opera house after Melania Trump

DAMASCUS: Syria has initiated investigations into alleged extrajudicial killings in the Druze-majority region of Sweida, vowing severe penalties for perpetrators, including government-linked personnel. The probe follows a week of sectarian violence that left over 1,300 dead, predominantly Druze civilians and fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The clashes, which erupted on July… Continue reading Syria probes extrajudicial killings in Druze region, vows justice

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani opposition leader and dozens of supporters from former prime minister Imran Khan’s party were sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday, government officials confirmed. The verdicts were issued by anti-terrorism courts in Lahore and Sargodha following convictions tied to violent protests after Khan’s arrest last year. “Punjab Assembly’s Opposition Leader Malik… Continue reading Pakistan courts sentence Khan’s party members to 10 years

NEW YORK: Columbia University has imposed disciplinary actions, including expulsions and degree revocations, on nearly 80 students involved in anti-Israel protests on campus. The sanctions follow months of tension as the university negotiates with the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding cuts. The university stated that the punishments stem from a library… Continue reading Columbia University sanctions 80 students over Gaza protests

LONDON: Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed. The rock icon, known for his wild stage antics and pioneering role in heavy metal, passed away just weeks after performing a farewell concert in Birmingham. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey… Continue reading Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76: Black Sabbath legend passes away

WASHINGTON: The United States announced that a senior envoy will travel to Europe to negotiate a ceasefire and finalize an aid corridor for Gaza, where starvation-related deaths are rising. Steve Witkoff, a key negotiator under former President Donald Trump, is set to hold discussions this week, according to unnamed US officials. Officials clarified that Witkoff… Continue reading US envoy to finalize Gaza aid corridor in Europe talks

BARQUISIMETO: Tears of joy and relief marked the emotional homecoming of Venezuelan migrants who endured months of alleged abuse in a Salvadoran prison. Among them was Maikel Olivera, 37, who described his time in the notorious CECOT facility as “real hell.” Olivera was one of 252 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in… Continue reading Venezuelan migrants return home after Salvadoran prison ordeal

UNITED NATIONS: The head of the United Nations called Tuesday on the surging artificial intelligence sector to prioritize sustainable energy for running power-hungry data centers. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a typical AI data center — sites where data is processed — uses the same amount of electricity as 100,000 regular homes. With AI development booming,… Continue reading UN chief urges AI companies to focus on renewable energy

GENEVA: The United Nations issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that Israel’s expanded military operations in central Gaza carry an “extremely high” risk of serious violations of international law. UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasised that permanently displacing Gaza’s population could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. “These Israeli airstrikes and ground operations… Continue reading UN warns of high risk of abuses in Israel’s Gaza operations

KHARKIV: France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday, witnessing firsthand the impact of Russia’s ongoing offensive. Accompanied by journalists, he walked through the city centre, which remains under frequent shelling from Russian forces positioned 30 kilometres away. “Russia isn’t only leading its war of aggression on the front line. It… Continue reading French foreign minister visits Ukraine frontline in Kharkiv

COPENHAGEN: Parts of southeastern Denmark recorded a third more rain in one day than typically falls in the entire month of July, according to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI). On Monday, the DMI issued its first-ever red alert for “very dangerous” rain in the region, marking a historic weather event. Some villages in the southeast… Continue reading Southeast Denmark hit by record rainfall, first red alert issued

TOKYO: A Japanese utility announced plans to conduct a geological survey for constructing the nation’s first new nuclear reactor since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Kansai Electric President Nozomu Mori stated the survey will assess the feasibility of replacing the aging Mihama Nuclear Power Station, marking a significant shift in Japan’s energy policy. Following the… Continue reading Japan takes first step toward new nuclear reactor post-Fukushima

PARIS: Amnesty International has urged a war crimes investigation into Israel’s airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison during last month’s conflict. The attack, confirmed by Israel, killed 79 people, per Iranian authorities, and damaged part of the facility housing political detainees. The rights group labeled the strike “deliberate” and a breach of international humanitarian law, demanding… Continue reading Amnesty demands war crimes probe into Israel’s Tehran prison strike