Category: World

WASHINGTON: The U.S. government noted abuses in India and Pakistan in a shortened human rights report released on Tuesday that said India “took minimal credible steps” to combat the abuses while Pakistan “rarely took credible steps.” The Trump administration scaled back the annual U.S. government report on human rights worldwide, dramatically softening criticism of some… Continue reading US report criticises India, Pakistan on human rights abuses

BRASILIA: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday that a proposal to regulate social media platforms in the country is ready and will be sent to Congress. In an interview with news outlet BandNews, Lula said the proposal will be on his desk on Wednesday afternoon, so the government can send it… Continue reading Brazil’s Lula announces social media regulation proposal ready for Congress

MEXICO CITY: Mexico sent more than two dozen suspected cartel members to the U.S. on Tuesday, amid rising pressure from President Donald Trump on Mexico to dismantle the country’s powerful drug organizations. Authorities shipped 26 prisoners wanted in the U.S. for ties to drug-trafficking groups, Mexico’s attorney general’s office and security ministry said in a… Continue reading Mexico extradites 26 cartel members to US under Trump pressure

THE White House said on Tuesday it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions ahead of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, after President Donald Trump earlier this year accused the institution of spreading “anti-American ideology” and raised alarm among civil rights advocates. Three top White House officials… Continue reading White House to review Smithsonian museums for historical accuracy

WASHINGTON: Increasing revenues flowing into U.S. government coffers from tariffs would make it difficult for the Supreme Court to rule against the Trump administration on the issue if a lower court case makes its way to country’s top court, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday. “The more money coming in, it gets harder… Continue reading Tariff revenue impact on Supreme Court ruling against Trump

WASHINGTON: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said several large trade agreements were still waiting to be completed, including with Switzerland and India, but the South Asian country had been “a bit recalcitrant” in talks with the United States. Bessent told Fox Business Network’s “Kudlow” he hoped the Trump administration could wrap up its… Continue reading US Treasury criticises India’s stance in trade negotiations

WASHINGTON: U.S. trade officials will meet again with their Chinese counterparts within the next two or three months to discuss the future of the economic relationship between the two countries, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday. The comments come a day after the trading partners extended a tariff truce for another 90 days, staving… Continue reading US and China trade talks to resume in two to three months

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s administration has scaled back a key U.S. government report on human rights worldwide, dramatically softening criticism of some countries that have been strong partners of the Republican president, such as El Salvador and Israel, which rights groups say have extensive records of abuses. Instead, the U.S. State Department in its widely… Continue reading US human rights report softens criticism of Trump allies like Israel, El Salvador

GUATEMALA CITY: A Guatemalan court on Tuesday sentenced six people to prison terms ranging from six to 25 years for their roles in a 2017 fire that killed 41 girls at a state-run youth shelter. The defendants – two former police officers and four former child protection officials – were convicted of homicide, mistreatment of… Continue reading Guatemala sentences officials over 2017 shelter fire killing 41 girls

A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld an Arkansas law barring doctors from providing gender-affirming care including puberty blockers, hormones and surgery to transgender minors. The 8-2 decision by the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a lower court ruling. It also follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling holding that Tennessee’s… Continue reading US court upholds Arkansas ban on youth transgender healthcare

WASHINGTON: Investigators have uncovered evidence that Russia is at least in part responsible for a recent hack of the computer system that manages U.S. federal court documents, the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing several people briefed on the breach. – Reuters

MOSCOW/BRUSSELS: Small bands of Russian soldiers thrust deeper into eastern Ukraine on Tuesday before a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, which European leaders fear could end in peace terms imposed on an unlawfully shrunken Ukraine. In one of the most extensive incursions so far this year, Russian troops advanced… Continue reading Ukraine resists Russian advances amid Trump-Putin summit tensions

WASHINGTON: A steady stream of uniformed soldiers arrived at the National Guard headquarters in Washington on Tuesday to begin the deployment of troops called up to fight crime in the nation’s capital, as Democrats raised concerns about which city might be next. President Donald Trump’s deployment of the 800-strong force has been described by Democrats… Continue reading Democrats question National Guard deployment in Washington amid crime debate

CHARLBURY (England): U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s working holiday in Britain was met with dismay by some locals on Tuesday, who gathered to register their disapproval of both his politics and the turmoil he has brought to their quiet corner of the English countryside. Vance has mixed work with leisure while in Britain, staying first… Continue reading US VP Vance’s Cotswolds visit sparks local protests in England

THE United States on Tuesday announced sanctions against an armed group aligned with Congo’s military as well as a Congolese mining company and two Hong Kong-based exporters over armed violence and the sale of critical minerals. The measures are the latest taken by the administration of President Donald Trump to try to bring peace to… Continue reading US sanctions Congo armed group, mining firms over illicit minerals

U.S. President Donald Trump hit out at Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon on Tuesday, saying the bank had been wrong to predict U.S. tariffs would hurt the economy and questioned whether Solomon should lead the Wall Street institution. The bank CEO is the latest corporate boss to become the target of Trump’s ire, and the… Continue reading Trump criticises Goldman Sachs CEO over tariff impact research

THE U.S. on Tuesday rejected the “Net-Zero Framework” proposal by the International Maritime Organization, which is aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector, and threatened measures against countries that support it. The announcement, made in a joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary… Continue reading US threatens retaliation against IMO members backing net zero shipping plan

SEOUL: South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been arrested after a court late on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest her following accusations of graft that she denies, a special prosecutor leading a wide-reaching probe said. Kim is South Korea’s only former first lady to be arrested, joining her husband, ex-President Yoon… Continue reading South Korea’s former first lady arrested over graft charges

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron formally acknowledged France’s role in violent repression during Cameroon’s struggle for independence in a letter signed on July 30 but only disclosed on Tuesday. The letter, addressed to Cameroonian President Paul Biya, follows the findings of a joint Franco-Cameroonian commission that investigated France’s role and involvement against the fight for… Continue reading France admits role in Cameroon independence war repression

SAO PAULO: Brazilian exporters of orange juice byproducts will suffer a major revenue decline from a hefty 50% U.S. tariff imposed on many of the country’s products in early August, industry trade group CitrusBR said on Tuesday. The economic impact can amount to 1.54 billion reais ($285.45 million), including from the 50% tariff on orange… Continue reading Brazil orange juice byproducts hit by 50% US tariffs

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Israel and Russia on Tuesday that he has significant concerns about patterns of certain forms of sexual violence by their armed and security forces, according to a report seen by Reuters. The alleged crimes included incidents of genital violence, prolonged forced nudity of captives, and abusive and… Continue reading UN chief warns Israel, Russia over sexual violence accusations in conflicts

WASHINGTON: Friday’s Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “is a listening exercise for the president,“ the White House said on Tuesday, tempering expectations for a quick Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal. “Only one party that’s involved in this war is going to be present, and so this is for the president… Continue reading Trump-Putin Alaska summit a ‘listening exercise’ says White House

WASHINGTON: The United States announced criminal charges against Haitian gang leader and former police officer Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier and a North Carolina man on Tuesday for conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions. The July 17 indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that Cherizier and Bazile Richardson, also known as “Fredo… Continue reading US indicts Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier for sanctions violations

QUITO: Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa on Tuesday led a march against a decision by the constitutional court to temporarily suspend provisions in recently-passed security laws, in what critics have said is an attempt to curtail judicial independence. Noboa has said the march was intended to preserve vital efforts to combat crime gangs, but detractors say… Continue reading Ecuador President Noboa leads march against suspended security laws

JERUSALEM: Israeli forces are bracing for a gruelling battle in Gaza City, where Hamas fighters are deeply entrenched. Security experts warn the operation will be difficult and costly due to the dense urban environment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to target Hamas’s last strongholds in Gaza City and central camps. Gaza… Continue reading Israel prepares for costly Gaza City battle as Hamas digs in

TAIPEI: Nearly 2,000 people in Taiwan will be evacuated from their homes as Typhoon Podul approaches the island. The typhoon is expected to make landfall along the southeast coast on Wednesday before crossing into the Taiwan Strait. Average wind speeds could reach 133 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 166kph, according to the Central… Continue reading Typhoon Podul forces evacuations as Taiwan braces for impact

LONDON: Britain’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.7 percent in the three months to June, marking a four-year high. The Office for National Statistics confirmed the figure matched the previous quarter’s rate, the highest since June 2021. A business tax hike introduced in April under the Labour government’s budget has contributed to hiring slowdowns. US… Continue reading UK unemployment steady at 4.7% amid tax hikes and US tariffs

BEIJING: China will impose temporary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports starting Thursday. The commerce ministry stated the preliminary investigation found Canadian shipments caused substantial damage to domestic industries. A 75.8 percent duty will apply as deposits while final measures are determined. This follows China’s March decision to impose 100 percent surcharges on Canadian rapeseed… Continue reading China imposes temporary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports

BANGKOK: A Thai soldier was severely wounded after stepping on a landmine near the Cambodia border on Tuesday. The Royal Thai Army reported the explosion occurred around 9:00 am during a patrol close to the contested Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province. Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree accused Cambodia of planting new landmines in… Continue reading Thai soldier injured in Cambodia border landmine explosion amid tensions

PAPUA: A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia’s Papua region on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake’s epicentre was located approximately 193 kilometres northwest of Abepura town. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat following the tremor. No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage have been recorded.… Continue reading Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes Papua, Indonesia; no tsunami threat

JERUSALEM: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has endorsed calls for a nationwide strike in support of hostages still held in Gaza. “Strike on Sunday,“ Lapid wrote on social media, emphasising that the protest should transcend political divisions. Sunday marks the start of Israel’s workweek, making it a symbolic day for collective action. “Strike out of… Continue reading Israel opposition leader supports strike for Gaza hostages

PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron has signed into law a modified bill maintaining France’s ban on the pesticide acetamiprid, following a petition backed by over two million citizens. The legislation sparked heated debate and gained momentum through a student-led petition that garnered widespread support. Opponents argue the bill was hastily passed in July without sufficient parliamentary… Continue reading France upholds ban on bee-killing pesticide amid health concerns

MADRID: A man died from severe burns as wildfires raged through parts of Spain, driven by strong winds during an intense heatwave. Officials confirmed the victim suffered critical injuries in Tres Cantos, a wealthy suburb north of Madrid, where winds reached 70 kilometres per hour. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, marking the… Continue reading Wildfires in Spain kill one, force mass evacuations amid heatwave

LA PAZ: Bolivians are set to close the chapter on two decades of left-wing governance in Sunday’s presidential election. Two right-wing frontrunners are promising sweeping reforms to tackle the country’s severe economic crisis. Nearly 20 years after Evo Morales rose to power on a socialist platform, Bolivia faces dire shortages of dollars, fuel, and basic… Continue reading Bolivia’s right-wing poised for historic election victory amid crisis

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump described his upcoming Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin as a “feel-out meeting” to explore potential solutions for ending the Ukraine war. European leaders are privately concerned that Trump and Putin may push Ukraine into unacceptable compromises. Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting territorial concessions, calling his stance bothersome.… Continue reading Trump to test Putin’s stance on Ukraine as Europe scrambles

NEW DELHI: Indian officials confirm at least 68 people remain missing a week after a devastating flood buried a Himalayan town in mud. The disaster on August 5 has likely claimed over 70 lives, including four confirmed fatalities. Survivors shared videos showing multi-storey buildings collapsing as a wall of icy water engulfed the tourist town… Continue reading India Himalayan flood death toll rises as search continues

HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly advanced on Tuesday as investors welcomed the extension of a China-US tariff truce. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 briefly surged nearly 3% to a record high of 42,999.71 amid renewed optimism over Japan’s economy. The White House reiterated concerns over US trade deficits but avoided reimposing steep tariffs, allowing negotiations to continue.… Continue reading Asian markets rise as China-US tariff truce extended, inflation data eyed

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised unity and self-reliance during a phone call with Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The two leaders discussed strengthening ties amid growing global trade tensions. Xi highlighted China and Brazil as models for emerging economies in the Global South. He urged nations to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, indirectly… Continue reading Xi and Brazil’s Lula champion self-reliance amid US trade tensions

SYDNEY: The Reserve Bank of Australia has lowered its key interest rate to 3.6 percent, marking the lowest level in over two years. The 25-basis-point reduction comes as inflation shows steady improvement but global economic risks persist. “Uncertainty in the world economy remains elevated,“ the bank’s monetary policy board stated. The board noted some progress… Continue reading Australia cuts interest rates to 3.6% amid global economic uncertainty

BOGOTÁ: Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe has died two months after being shot at a campaign rally, his family confirmed. The 39-year-old conservative senator was attacked on June 7 in Bogotá by a suspected teenage hitman. Despite initial signs of recovery, Uribe suffered a new brain hemorrhage, leading to his death. His widow, María Claudia… Continue reading Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe dies after rally shooting

WELLINGTON: New Zealand parliamentarian Chloe Swarbrick was ordered to leave parliament on Tuesday during a heated debate over the government’s response to Palestine. An urgent debate was called after the centre-right government said on Monday it was weighing up its position on whether to recognise a Palestinian state. Close ally Australia on Monday joined Canada,… Continue reading New Zealand MP removed from parliament over Palestine comments

CHINESE authorities have urged local companies to avoid using Nvidia’s H20 processors, particularly for government-related purposes, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Authorities have sent notices to a range of firms discouraging use of the less-advanced semiconductors, with the guidance taking a particularly strong stance against the use of Nvidia’s… Continue reading China advises firms against Nvidia H20 chips for government use

HONG KONG: For Hong Kong law student “C”, AI-made pornography was a distant danger until a university classmate created graphic images of her and multiple other women. “At first I was shocked, then it turned into panic,“ said the 20-year-old, describing the ordeal as a “wound that will leave a scar”. C was one of… Continue reading Hong Kong struggles with AI porn cases as victims demand justice

BRASILIA: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday, his office said, adding the two spoke for an hour during which they discussed bilateral business and the role of the BRICS group of states. “Both agreed on the role of the G20 and BRICS in defending multilateralism,“… Continue reading Brazil’s Lula and China’s Xi discuss BRICS and trade opportunities

SEOUL: South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, appeared on Tuesday in court, where a judge will decide whether to approve a special prosecutor’s request for a warrant to arrest her on accusations of graft. If detained, she would be South Korea’s only former first lady to be arrested, joining her husband, ex-President Yoon… Continue reading South Korea court to decide on arrest warrant for ex-first lady