Category: World

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from food poisoning and will rest at home for the next three days, his office announced on Sunday. The 75-year-old leader fell ill overnight and was diagnosed with intestinal inflammation and dehydration, requiring intravenous fluids. Netanyahu will continue performing his duties remotely while following doctors’ orders to… Continue reading Netanyahu recovers from food poisoning, to rest for three days

MOSCOW: Russia’s defence ministry announced the downing of 138 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 23 over the Moscow region. The drones were reportedly intercepted across multiple regions in the European part of Russia and over the Black Sea. The ministry stated, “Russia’s defence ministry said it had downed 138 drones overnight, including 23 over the Moscow… Continue reading Russia downs 138 Ukrainian drones, 23 over Moscow region

BEIJING: China’s exports of rare earth magnets to the United States skyrocketed in June, surging more than six times compared to May. The rebound follows a trade agreement between the two nations, easing restrictions on critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines. Customs data released on Sunday revealed shipments to the US surged… Continue reading China’s rare earth magnet exports to US surge 660% in June

HALONG BAY: The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnam’s Halong Bay has risen to at least 38, with several people still missing, according to government officials. Rescue efforts continue as authorities brace for the impact of Typhoon Wipha. The boat, carrying 48 tourists and five crew members, capsized on Saturday afternoon in… Continue reading Vietnam tourist boat accident death toll rises to 38 in Halong Bay

DUBAI: Iran, Britain, France, and Germany have agreed to hold discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. The report follows warnings from the three European nations that failure to resume negotiations could lead to the reimposition of international sanctions on Iran. “The principle of talks has been agreed upon, but… Continue reading Iran nuclear talks with European powers set for next week

KAMCHATKA: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka region on Sunday, prompting tsunami warnings for nearby areas. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to data from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the… Continue reading 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Russia’s Kamchatka, tsunami alert issued

SEOUL: The death toll from South Korea’s relentless downpours has climbed to 14, with two more fatalities reported on Sunday. The interior ministry confirmed the latest casualties as rescue teams continue searching for 12 missing individuals amid ongoing heavy rainfall. Gapyeong county in Gyeonggi province recorded nearly 170 millimetres of rain early Sunday, resulting in… Continue reading South Korea rain death toll hits 14 as heavy downpours continue

BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has positioned himself as a pioneer of far-right governance, earning comparisons to former US President Donald Trump. With a self-proclaimed “illiberal state” model, Orban’s policies have reshaped Hungary’s political landscape, drawing both admiration and criticism. At a recent US Independence Day celebration in Budapest, American charge d’affaires Robert Palladino… Continue reading Orban’s illiberal model in Hungary draws Trump comparisons

HONG KONG: Authorities in Hong Kong raised the highest tropical cyclone warning on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha moved closer, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and suspension of classes. The storm, located 60 kilometres southeast of the city, brought destructive winds and heavy rain. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a T10 hurricane alert, warning… Continue reading Hong Kong cancels flights, classes as Typhoon Wipha nears

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s National Police Commission has dismissed a senior officer for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which left 279 dead, including 45 foreigners. Nilantha Jayawardena (pic), former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), was found guilty on seven counts of negligence by a disciplinary inquiry. Court records reveal Jayawardena received… Continue reading Sri Lanka sacks top cop over Easter Sunday bombings failure

TUBA CITY: Rising gas prices and economic frustrations have led some Native American voters to shift their political allegiance toward US president Donald Trump, marking a surprising trend in traditionally Democratic-leaning communities. Nita Mexican, a 77-year-old Navajo Nation resident, voted for Trump last November, citing his hardline stance on immigration and focus on American jobs.… Continue reading Trump gains Native American support amid economic concerns

RIYADH: Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,“ has died after spending 20 years in a coma. According to Saudi Gazette, the Saudi royal family confirmed his passing at a specialised medical facility in the kingdom. Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest… Continue reading Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ dies after 20-year coma

SEOUL: Heavy rains and landslides in South Korea have left 10 people dead and nine missing, with rescue operations ongoing in the worst-hit areas. The government confirmed the toll on Sunday, with the southern county of Sancheong accounting for six deaths and seven missing persons. The interior ministry and National Fire Agency reported that as… Continue reading South Korea heavy rains kill 10, nine missing in landslides

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported on Saturday that Israeli fire killed 39 people and wounded over 100 near two aid centres in southern Gaza. The deaths occurred near Khan Yunis and Rafah, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes as civilians sought food amid gunfire. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal attributed the fatalities to “Israeli… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 39 killed near aid centres in Israeli fire

TAVETA: The abrupt termination of U.S. foreign aid has left critical water and sanitation projects incomplete across 16 countries, endangering millions who relied on them for clean water and flood protection. Reuters uncovered 21 abandoned initiatives, with workers forced to leave behind half-dug canals, unsecured materials, and unfinished infrastructure. In Mali, water towers meant for… Continue reading Unfinished US water projects leave global communities at risk

HANOI: At least 27 people died after a tourist boat capsized in stormy weather in Vietnam’s Halong Bay on Saturday, state media reported. The boat, carrying 53 people, tipped over at around 2 p.m. local time as Storm Wipha approached the country across the South China Sea. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning were reported… Continue reading Vietnam tourist boat capsizes in Halong Bay, 27 dead

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces a critical test in Sunday’s upper house elections, with polls suggesting his ruling coalition may lose its majority. Rising living costs and stalled US trade talks have eroded public confidence, potentially ending his premiership after less than a year in office. Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its… Continue reading Japan PM faces upper house election reckoning amid economic woes

LONDON: UK police detained more than 100 people across multiple cities during protests supporting Palestine Action, marking the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations against the government’s ban on the activist group under anti-terror laws. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 55 arrests in London’s Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying signs backing Palestine Action.… Continue reading UK police arrest over 100 Palestine Action supporters in protests

LONDON: Dozens of Syrians from minority communities gathered in London and Paris on Saturday, calling for urgent measures to safeguard the Druze population in Sweida, where escalating sectarian violence has left hundreds dead. In central London, approximately 80 protesters chanted slogans such as “God protect Druze” and “Stop supporting Jolani,“ referencing Syrian interim leader Ahmed… Continue reading Syrians protest Sweida killings in London and Paris

LOS ANGELES: A car crashed into a crowd outside a Hollywood nightclub early Saturday, leaving 30 people injured. Witnesses reported that bystanders attacked and shot the driver before police detained him. The suspect was undergoing surgery and remained in stable condition, according to Lillian Carranza of the Los Angeles Police Department. “He is not free… Continue reading Car crashes into LA nightclub crowd, 30 injured in Hollywood incident

NEW YORK: The CEO of a US tech firm has resigned after a video of him embracing a colleague at a Coldplay concert went viral, sparking widespread memes and speculation about workplace misconduct. New York-based Astronomer confirmed the resignation of Andy Byron in a LinkedIn statement, saying, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard… Continue reading US tech CEO resigns after viral Coldplay concert video sparks scandal

HANOI: At least 27 people died after a tourist boat capsized in stormy weather in Vietnam’s Halong Bay on Saturday, state media reported. The boat, carrying 53 people, tipped over at around 2 p.m. local time as Storm Wipha approached the country across the South China Sea. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning were reported… Continue reading Vietnam tourist boat capsizes in Halong Bay, 27 dead

BRASILIA: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has strongly criticized the United States for imposing visa restrictions on Brazilian officials, labeling the move as “arbitrary” and “baseless.” In a statement released on Saturday, Lula emphasized that such actions undermine fundamental principles of respect and sovereignty between nations. “I am certain that no form of… Continue reading Brazil’s Lula condemns US visa curbs as arbitrary, defends sovereignty

LOS ANGELES: At least 30 people were injured early Saturday when a vehicle drove into a crowd outside a club on Santa Monica Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Seven victims were reported in critical condition, while six others suffered serious injuries. The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. local time, with the… Continue reading 30 injured as car hits crowd outside Los Angeles club

HANOI: A tourist boat carrying 53 people, including five crew members, capsized in Vietnam’s scenic Halong Bay on Saturday, killing three people, state media reported. Rescue teams have located 12 survivors and recovered three bodies, the People’s Army Newspaper said, citing local border guards. Authorities have yet to disclose details about the tourists or their… Continue reading Vietnam tourist boat capsizes in Halong Bay, three dead

BRUSSELS: Belgian authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a Canadian woman who fell ill at Tomorrowland, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals. The Antwerp prosecutor’s office confirmed they are working to determine the cause of death of the 35-year-old attendee, who was among tens of thousands present on the festival’s… Continue reading Belgian authorities probe Canadian woman’s death at Tomorrowland

TEHRAN: At least 21 people died and nearly 30 others were injured when a coach overturned in southern Iran on Saturday, according to state media reports. The accident occurred near Kavar, a town approximately 1,000 kilometres from Tehran. “Unfortunately, 21 deaths have been recorded,“ said Kavar Hospital director Mohsen Afrasiabi in a statement to state… Continue reading 21 dead in Iran coach accident near Kavar, state media confirms

RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday strongly denounced what it described as “mass killings” carried out by Israeli forces at humanitarian aid distribution centres across the Gaza Strip – the latest of which killed and wounded dozens in northern Rafah. Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported that the ministry called the… Continue reading Palestinian Foreign Ministry strongly denounces mass killings at aid centres in Gaza

SWEIDA: Syrian interior ministry forces entered Sweida on Saturday following a US-mediated ceasefire agreement designed to prevent further Israeli military action in the Druze-dominated province. The deal comes after Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian defence ministry forces accused of abuses against Druze civilians. More than 700 people have died in Sweida since Sunday as clashes between… Continue reading Syria forces enter Sweida under US-brokered ceasefire deal

JERUSALEM: Israel has dismissed Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s pledge to protect minorities, stating it remains “very dangerous” for minority groups in the country. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued the warning following deadly clashes in Sweida province that left over 700 dead. “Bottom line: In al-Shara’s Syria, it is very dangerous to be a member… Continue reading Israel warns minorities face danger in Syria under Sharaa

DAMASCUS: Syria’s presidency announced an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire on Saturday, calling on all parties to halt hostilities following violent clashes in the predominantly Druze region of Sweida. The statement urged full compliance to prevent further bloodshed after nearly a week of unrest that left hundreds dead. The Syrian interior ministry confirmed security forces had… Continue reading Syria announces ceasefire in Sweida, urges end to hostilities

RUSSIAN forces staged a mass drone attack on the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa early on Saturday, setting ablaze at least one multi-storey apartment building and killing one resident, authorities said. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to sharpen his tone against Russia… Continue reading One dead, six injured in Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s Odesa

MAIQUETÍA: Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants detained in El Salvador under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown arrived home Friday in a prisoner exchange with the United States. The 252 men, previously held in the high-security CECOT prison, were accused without evidence of gang ties and deported under rarely used wartime powers. Their release followed months of… Continue reading Venezuelan migrants freed in US prisoner swap arrive home

SEOUL: A deadly landslide triggered by relentless rainfall has left one person dead and three missing in South Korea’s Sancheong county. Emergency officials confirmed the recovery of one body while search efforts continue for the missing individuals, including a couple in their seventies and a person in their twenties. The landslide buried two houses in… Continue reading South Korea landslide kills one, three missing amid heavy rains

DOHA: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are set to sign an immediate ceasefire agreement in Qatar on Saturday, according to an official familiar with the negotiations. The deal follows three months of talks in the Gulf nation and forms part of a broader Declaration of Principles aimed at ending… Continue reading DRCongo and M23 rebels to sign ceasefire deal in Qatar

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported on Saturday that Israeli attacks killed 26 people and wounded over 100 near two aid centres in southern Gaza. Agency spokesman Mahmud Basal stated that 22 died near a site southwest of Khan Yunis and four near another centre northwest of Rafah, attributing both incidents to “Israeli gunfire.”… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 26 killed near aid centres in Israeli attacks

BERAT (Albania): Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed the idea of an artificial intelligence (AI)-run government ministry to improve governance efficiency and eliminate corruption risks. Speaking at a tech and innovation event in Berat, Rama highlighted AI’s potential to transform public administration. “Very soon, artificial intelligence could become the most efficient member of the… Continue reading Albanian PM proposes AI-run ministry for better governance

SEOUL: Disgraced former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally indicted for abuse of power and obstruction of justice, prosecutors confirmed Saturday. The charges stem from his controversial imposition of martial law in December last year, an act that triggered nationwide protests and a constitutional crisis. Yoon attempted to bypass democratic processes by… Continue reading Ex-South Korea president indicted for martial law abuse