Category: World

WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that military operations against cartels would continue, setting the stage for a sustained military campaign in Latin America even as basic questions about a deadly strike against a vessel from Venezuela remained unanswered. The U.S. military killed 11 people on Tuesday in a strike on a… Continue reading US defence chief vows more military strikes against cartels after Venezuela hit

LONDON: The United States has instructed countries to reject a United Nations marine fuel emissions-cutting agreement or face tariffs, visa restrictions, and port levies. American and European officials confirmed that the Trump administration aims to boost US economic influence by expanding its role in global shipping. Washington withdrew from UN International Maritime Organization talks in… Continue reading US threatens tariffs on countries backing UN ship fuel emissions deal

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen” pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges that she supplied the dose of the powerful prescription anesthetic that killed “Friends” star Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, 42, who admitted operating her North Hollywood home as a “stash house” for illegal narcotics, pleaded guilty in U.S.… Continue reading Ketamine Queen pleads guilty in Matthew Perry’s drug death case

FLORIDA plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for children to attend schools, the state’s surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, announced on Wednesday, likening the requirements to “slavery.” The announcement was quickly condemned by public health experts, who warned the move could trigger severe outbreaks among children, tourists and those with compromised immune systems. Ladapo,… Continue reading Florida to end all state vaccine mandates including for school children

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States might have to “unwind” trade deals it has clinched with the European Union, Japan and South Korea, among others, if it loses a Supreme Court case on the legality of tariffs. Trump, speaking to reporters at the start of a meeting with Polish President Karol… Continue reading Trump warns US may unwind trade deals if tariff case lost

PRAGUE: Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala warned supporters that his main election opponent Andrej Babiš would threaten the country’s democracy and European position by cooperating with extremist parties. Fiala’s SPOLU centre-right coalition faces a difficult battle against Babiš’s ANO party in the October 3-4 parliamentary election. Opinion polls show ANO leading with over 30% support,… Continue reading Czech PM warns rival Babiš would cooperate with extremists in election

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen which triggered warning sirens across multiple Israeli regions. Houthi forces controlling most of Yemen have consistently targeted Israel and Red Sea shipping routes since Israel’s Gaza war began in October 2023, significantly disrupting global trade patterns. Most of the… Continue reading Israel intercepts missile fired from Yemen amid ongoing Houthi attacks

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump stated he intends to discuss potential measures to halt the conflict during their upcoming conversation. The president revealed these plans after his highly publicised meeting with Putin in Alaska last… Continue reading Trump plans to speak with Putin in coming days about Ukraine war

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for increased international pressure on Moscow during his visit to European allies seeking security guarantees for Kyiv. Russia launched a massive air attack using more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles that struck energy and transport infrastructure at 14 locations across Ukraine. At least nine people were… Continue reading Zelenskiy urges allies for more pressure on Russia amid new air strikes

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump confirmed he will discuss trade and other bilateral matters with Polish President Karol Nawrocki during their White House meeting. Trump welcomed his Polish counterpart, a fellow conservative nationalist, for his second Oval Office visit and first since assuming office in early August. The American president praised Nawrocki’s performance, stating… Continue reading Trump to discuss trade with Polish President Nawrocki at White House

GEORGETOWN: Guyana’s ruling People’s Progressive Party has secured 123,923 votes in partial general election results, winning five out of ten districts according to election commission figures. Official tallies for four additional districts remain pending, but these numbers indicate positive momentum for President Irfaan Ali’s re-election bid. The partial results revealed a significant political shift with… Continue reading Guyana’s PPP leads partial election tally with new WIN party second

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump told Polish President Karol Nawrocki that the U.S. will “help Poland protect itself” as he met on Wednesday with the conservative nationalist he had backed in Polish elections, where they are also expected to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine and energy security. Sat alongside Nawrocki in the Oval Office, Trump… Continue reading Trump meets Poland’s Nawrocki at White House to discuss Ukraine war

LONDON/WASHINGTON: Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party, took aim at what he called Britain’s “awful authoritarian situation” on Wednesday, urging Washington to persuade the government to put an end to what he described as a clampdown on free speech. Giving evidence to the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Farage stepped… Continue reading Nigel Farage criticises UK government on free speech in US hearing

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced he is considering sending federal troops to Louisiana to address rising crime rates. Speaking to reporters before a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Trump confirmed his administration is evaluating whether to deploy forces to Chicago or New Orleans. “We’re going to be going to, maybe Louisiana, and you have… Continue reading Trump considers sending US troops to New Orleans to fight crime

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump defended a United States military strike on a Venezuelan boat he alleged was transporting illegal narcotics. Trump confirmed the operation during a press briefing in the Oval Office alongside visiting Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday. He stated the targeted vessel carried massive quantities of drugs but offered limited operational specifics.… Continue reading Trump defends US strike on Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying drugs

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented Ukraine with a stark choice between negotiated peace talks in Moscow or continued military confrontation. Putin stated he would prefer to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means if common sense prevails among Ukrainian leadership. He specifically suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy should come to Moscow if he… Continue reading Putin offers Ukraine talks in Moscow or warns of military force

VIENNA: The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief is pressing Iran to reach an agreement on resuming inspections of its nuclear facilities as early as this week. International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi stated that talks with Tehran cannot continue indefinitely and require a prompt resolution. Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA since… Continue reading UN nuclear chief urges Iran to agree on inspections deal soon

SINGAPORE: Singapore authorities will issue a formal order requiring Meta to implement measures against scammers impersonating government officials on its Facebook platform. Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming announced the directive during an anti-scam conference, warning of potential fines reaching S$1 million if the tech giant fails to comply effectively. Government official… Continue reading Singapore orders Meta to crack down on government impersonator scams

KYIV: Russian forces launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine using over 500 drones and missiles primarily targeting western regions. The attack resulted in significant power outages and damage to civilian infrastructure across multiple locations. Air defence systems actively engaged Russian drones over Kyiv during the barrage as explosions echoed throughout the capital. This offensive… Continue reading Russian drone attack cuts power for 30,000 in Ukraine’s Chernigiv

ATHENS: A severely burned tortoise struggles in an Athens animal clinic despite heavy painkillers, becoming another victim of climate change devastating Greece’s wildlife. Veterinarian Grigorios Markakis described how volunteers found the tortoise depressed and gasping from smoke inhalation when they brought it to the clinic. He explained that even with current improvement, the prognosis remains… Continue reading Greek wildlife suffers climate change impact with rising animal casualties

BEIJING: China unveiled its latest military advancements including underwater drones, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and laser weapons during a major parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory over Japan. President Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” in a speech preceding the display of military hardware that rolled through Tiananmen Square before cheering crowds… Continue reading China displays advanced military hardware in Beijing parade marking WWII victory

MOSCOW: Russia continues to demand international recognition of Ukrainian territories occupied by its forces as part of any peace agreement. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that lasting peace requires formal acceptance of what Moscow calls new territorial realities under international law. Ukraine maintains it will never accept Russian control over any of its land and… Continue reading Russia seeks international recognition for occupied Ukraine territories

PESHAWAR: Gunmen opened fire on a vehicle in Pakistan’s volatile northwestern border region on Wednesday, killing six civilians according to local authorities. The attack occurred in Kurram district along the Afghanistan border, where sectarian violence has recently flared between Sunni and Shia communities. Local administrative official Amir Nawaz Khan confirmed that armed men targeted a… Continue reading Gunmen kill six civilians in Pakistan’s volatile Kurram border region

BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin personally thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for deploying special forces to help liberate the Kursk region from Ukrainian soldiers. Putin praised their countries’ deepening “trust and friendship” during their meeting in Beijing, acknowledging that sending troops was Kim’s personal initiative. North Korea has emerged as one of Russia’s… Continue reading Putin praises North Korean troops in Russia during Beijing meeting

BANGKOK: Thailand’s acting prime minister has moved to dissolve parliament after the largest opposition group backed a rival candidate to lead the country. The potentially legally fraught decision could see the kingdom hold fresh elections before year’s end, just two years after the last polls in May 2023. A power vacuum has consumed Thailand’s top… Continue reading Thailand’s acting government moves to dissolve parliament amid crisis

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has travelled to Beijing with his daughter and possible heir Kim Ju Ae to attend a major military parade. This marks the first known international appearance for the teenager who has previously attended multiple North Korean weapons tests with her father. Analysts view this development as a clear… Continue reading Kim Jong Un’s daughter makes international debut on Beijing trip

BEIRUT: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has condemned an Israeli drone attack that dropped four grenades near its peacekeepers. UNIFIL described Wednesday’s incident as one of the most serious attacks on its personnel since last November’s ceasefire agreement. Israeli drones targeted areas close to peacekeepers who were clearing roadblocks near a UN position… Continue reading UN condemns Israeli drone attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon

SEOUL: A man stabbed three people to death at a pizza restaurant in Seoul on Wednesday in a rare violent attack in the normally safe South Korean capital. Police confirmed the attack in Seoul’s Gwanak district was carried out by the restaurant’s owner following a dispute with contractors. Authorities responded around 11:00 am local time… Continue reading Three killed in rare stabbing at Seoul pizza restaurant

BEIJING: China has officially recorded its hottest summer on record during 2025 according to the national meteorological authority. The China Meteorological Administration announced that large parts of the country experienced intense heat from June through August this year. National average temperatures reached 22.31 degrees Celsius during this period, marking the hottest summer in China’s recorded… Continue reading China records hottest summer in 2025 with 22.31C average temperature

DAKAR: Marieme Ndiaye emerged from her igloo-shaped home in Senegal’s capital, its 1950s space-age aesthetic contrasting sharply with the modern multi-storey apartments surrounding it. The distinctive concrete dwelling stands out dramatically within its ordinary Dakar neighbourhood, appearing more suited to science fiction than residential reality. French colonial authorities constructed approximately 1,200 of these unique homes… Continue reading Dakar’s historic bubble homes face extinction amid urban development

JAKARTA: At least 10 people died during violent protests across Indonesia last week according to multiple human rights organisations. The unrest in Southeast Asia’s largest economy began with public anger over economic inequality and parliamentary privileges. Demonstrations expanded to include anti-police sentiment after video emerged showing paramilitary forces killing a young driver. The state-affiliated National… Continue reading Indonesia protests leave 10 dead amid economic inequality unrest

SAN JOSÉ: Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega declared Tuesday that United States warship deployment to the Caribbean represents an attempt to overthrow governments rather than combat drugs. Ortega dismissed the US justification of an anti-drug trafficking operation as mere theater during a public address. The United States had positioned warships near Venezuelan territorial waters claiming to… Continue reading Ortega accuses US warship deployment of aiming to overthrow governments

DHAKA: The Bangladeshi government has ordered a committee to unseal a state bank vault containing 108 treasures belonging to the former nawab family of Dhaka after more than a century. Khawaja Naim Murad, great-grandson of the last nawab, maintains hope that the legendary Darya-e-Noor diamond and other heirlooms remain intact despite decades of political turmoil.… Continue reading Bangladesh to unseal century-old bank vault holding nawab’s treasures

TOKYO: Opponents of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba within Japan’s ruling party are attempting to gather support for a new leadership election as several senior figures reportedly turn against the embattled leader. Ishiba assumed leadership of the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party last year but has since lost his parliamentary majority in both houses following recent upper… Continue reading Japan PM faces leadership challenge as party opponents seek contest

JALALABAD: Hope is fading for finding survivors beneath the rubble of homes devastated by the weekend’s powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. Emergency services continue to struggle with reaching remote villages days after the disaster struck the mountainous region bordering Pakistan. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit the area on Sunday, leaving residents huddled in open air… Continue reading Hope fades for survivors days after deadly Afghanistan earthquake

BEIJING: China displayed its military prowess through a grand parade in Beijing featuring world leaders including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Spectators gathered at Tiananmen Square from early morning to witness President Xi Jinping’s demonstration of national strength amid elaborate patriotic celebrations. The historic square featured giant golden numerals marking the… Continue reading China showcases military might at Beijing parade with Putin and Kim

SOUSSE: European tourist numbers have rebounded significantly in Tunisia a decade after a devastating beach attack that killed 38 people and crippled the country’s vital tourism industry. Foreign arrivals increased by nearly 10% this year compared to 2024, reaching 5.3 million visitors through July 20 according to the National Tourism Office. The government aims to… Continue reading Tunisia tourism rebounds with 48% British visitor surge a decade after attack

TEGUCIGALPA: A Honduran judge has ordered three men to stand trial for the murder of environmental activist Juan Lopez last year. Lopez was shot on 14 September while leaving a church in the northeastern town of Tocoa. The killing drew international condemnation from both the United Nations and Pope Francis. A special court section ordered… Continue reading Three men ordered to stand trial for murder of Honduran activist

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s authorisation to export United States chipmaking equipment to China without a licence. This decision further restricts China’s access to American technology by terminating the validated end-user programme for selected semiconductor manufacturers. TSMC confirmed receiving official notification that its validated end-user authorisation for its Nanjing facility… Continue reading US revokes TSMC’s licence-free chip equipment exports to China

ZUG: Residents of a small Indonesian island are taking Swiss cement manufacturer Holcim to court over climate change damages. The landmark case represents a growing international movement to hold major corporations accountable for climate impacts affecting vulnerable communities. Four residents from Pari island have filed suit against the world’s largest cement company seeking compensation for… Continue reading Indonesian islanders sue Swiss cement giant Holcim over climate damage

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” while flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a major military parade in Beijing. The three leaders stood together along Tiananmen Square’s red carpet in an unprecedented display of unity against Western powers during the 90-minute event marking World War… Continue reading Xi Jinping declares China unstoppable at World War II parade

SYDNEY: Australia is expected to pass a new law on Thursday that simplifies the deportation of non-citizens to third countries. Human rights groups have criticised the move as “dumping” refugees onto small island states and compared it to Trump administration policies. The United States is currently seeking Pacific Island nations willing to accept deported non-citizens.… Continue reading Australia speeds up third country deportations with new law

MOSCOW: The Kremlin has firmly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s allegations that Vladimir Putin is conspiring with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean xleader Kim Jong Un against the United States. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov responded to Trump’s claims by suggesting the former president might have been speaking ironically rather than… Continue reading Kremlin dismisses Trump’s claims of Putin-Xi-Kim conspiracy against US

KOLIN: Toyota will manufacture its first fully-electric vehicle model in Europe at its Czech Republic factory alongside a new battery assembly facility. The Japanese automaker announced a 680 million euro investment to expand its Kolin plant without disclosing specific model details or production timing. The Czech government will contribute up to 64 million euros toward… Continue reading Toyota to build first fully-electric car in Europe at Czech plant

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his country’s military assistance in Ukraine. Putin acknowledged North Korean special forces’ participation in liberating Russia’s Kursk region during their meeting in China. “Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically,“ Putin told Kim during their discussion. The Russian leader specifically referenced… Continue reading Putin thanks Kim for North Korea’s help fighting Ukraine