Category: World

BEIJING: President Xi Jinping told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that China supports Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy and opposes the use of force to resolve differences. “The use of force is not the right way to resolve differences,“ Xi told Pezeshkian during talks in Beijing according to state broadcaster CCTV. “Communication and dialogue… Continue reading Xi tells Iran president China opposes force to resolve differences

ISTANBUL: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the United States to reverse its decision denying visas to Palestinian Authority members for this month’s United Nations General Assembly. A United States official confirmed on Saturday that Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas and eighty other officials would be barred from attending the summit. This controversial move further… Continue reading Erdogan urges US to reverse Palestinian UN summit visa ban

PARIS: A French investigating judge has ordered cinema icon Gerard Depardieu to stand trial over alleged rape and sexual assault of actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018. The decision follows a Paris court handing Depardieu an 18-month suspended sentence in May after convicting him of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. Depardieu… Continue reading Gerard Depardieu ordered to stand trial for 2018 rape allegations

BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Slovakia’s Moscow-friendly prime minister for the country’s independent foreign policy during a meeting in China. Putin suggested Bratislava should retaliate against Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure by cutting off its own gas supplies to Ukraine. “Ukraine receives a significant volume of energy resources through its neighbours in Eastern… Continue reading Putin urges Slovakia to cut Ukraine energy supplies in Beijing meeting

LONDON: An artificial intelligence tool that rapidly analyses brain scans of stroke patients has significantly improved recovery outcomes across England’s healthcare system. The National Health Service confirmed this technology has helped boost chances of full recovery since its nationwide implementation last year. This innovative system diagnoses stroke type and severity from brain scans while assisting… Continue reading AI brain scan tool boosts stroke recovery rates in England

PARIS: Russian forces continued their advance in eastern Ukraine throughout August despite a slight decrease in territorial gains compared to previous months. Moscow’s troops captured 594 square kilometres from Ukrainian control during the month according to analysis of Institute for the Study of War data. This represents a reduction from the 634 square kilometres seized… Continue reading Russia advances in Ukraine as peace talks with Trump fail to progress

GENEVA: The United Nations warned on Tuesday that the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan which has killed more than 900 people could impact hundreds of thousands of individuals. UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte stated that casualty numbers are expected to rise exponentially as assessments continue. More than 900 people are confirmed dead with thousands… Continue reading UN warns Afghan quake could impact hundreds of thousands of people

TOKYO: An 80-year-old Japanese woman lost thousands of dollars after falling victim to an online romance scam involving a man pretending to be an astronaut. The Hokkaido resident met the fraudster on social media in July, where he presented himself as a male astronaut working in space. Their online communication progressed, and the woman developed… Continue reading Japanese octogenarian scammed by fake astronaut in romance fraud

GENEVA: The United Nations expressed serious concerns on Tuesday about growing restrictions in Cameroon affecting voter freedom in the upcoming presidential elections. Veteran President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92 years old, seeks another seven-year term to extend his nearly 43-year rule in elections scheduled for October 12. UN human rights… Continue reading UN fears Cameroon election restrictions threaten voter freedom

LONDON: Two ageing British nuclear power plants will operate for an additional year to support national energy security and net zero targets. Operator EDF announced that Heysham 1 in northwest England and Hartlepool in northeast England will continue generating electricity until March 2028. The French energy company’s British partner Centrica confirmed the extension following positive… Continue reading UK extends ageing nuclear plants to boost energy security and net zero goals

GENEVA: The United Nations has declared Myanmar’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly with scenes resembling the 2017 atrocities against Rohingya minorities. UN human rights chief Volker Turk stated both Myanmar’s military and Arakan Army ethnic fighters have operated with near total impunity against civilians. “Videos and pictures show death, destruction and desperation, distressingly similar to… Continue reading UN warns Myanmar atrocities mirror 2017 Rohingya genocide

NEW DELHI: India will begin commercial semiconductor production by the end of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Modi touted his nation as a future global hub for chip innovation during his speech at the annual Semicon India conference launch. He confirmed that test chips from Micron and Tata were already being produced… Continue reading India to start commercial chip production by 2025, says PM Modi

JAKARTA: At least twenty people are missing after violent protests in Indonesia sparked by lavish perks for lawmakers that have widened to include anger against police. A rights group confirmed the disappearances on Tuesday as unrest continues across Southeast Asia’s largest economy. At least six people have been killed since protests erupted last week, intensified… Continue reading 20 missing after deadly Indonesia protests over lawmaker perks

TOKYO: Suntory Holdings CEO and Chairman Takeshi Niinami has tendered his resignation following a police investigation into whether he violated the law prohibiting possession of cannabis. Niinami, a high-profile and outspoken business leader who often served as the face of corporate Japan at Davos and other international events, has denied breaking the law. Police questioned… Continue reading Suntory CEO resigns after police probe into cannabis-related investigation

TIANJIN: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) must play a leading role as a model for implementing the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), stated Chinese President Xi Jinping. He made these remarks while chairing the SCO Plus meeting at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre during the 2025 SCO Summit on Monday. Xi emphasised that the principles… Continue reading SCO should lead global governance initiative model says Xi Jinping

KABUL/MAZAR DARA: Rescue teams in Afghanistan are attempting to reach isolated villages in the eastern Kunar region following a devastating earthquake that claimed over 800 lives and injured more than 2,800 people. Provincial disaster management head Ehsanullah Ehsan confirmed that rescue operations began in four villages on Monday and will now focus on more remote… Continue reading Afghanistan earthquake rescue efforts target remote mountain villages

ROSTOV-ON-DON: More than 300 people were evacuated from their apartments overnight following a Ukrainian drone attack on the capital of the Rostov region. The Russian defence ministry said air defence units destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over the Rostov region overnight. “An unexploded (drone) shell was discovered in one of the apartments,“ Rostov region’s acting governor,… Continue reading Ukrainian drone attack forces hundreds to evacuate in Russian city

JAKARTA: Indonesian police deployed tear gas against crowds near two universities in Bandung, escalating tensions amid nationwide protests that have turned deadly. Student bodies from the Islamic University of Bandung and Pasundan University reported security forces fired tear gas canisters near their campuses on Monday evening. Local police official Hendra Rochmawan stated authorities did not… Continue reading Indonesia police use tear gas near campuses amid escalating protests

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is likely seeking to restore closer ties with China and get economic assistance by visiting Beijing this week for a war anniversary, a South Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday, citing a report by the country’s spy agency. Kim crossed the border into China early on Tuesday and is… Continue reading Kim Jong Un seeks to restore China ties on Beijing visit, says South Korean MP

BEIJING: In a show of solidarity with the aggressors in Europe’s worst war in 80 years, China’s Xi Jinping will convene with his Russian and North Korean counterparts for the first time as Donald Trump and other Western leaders watch from afar. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing for a massive military… Continue reading China’s Xi hosts Putin and Kim in Beijing amid Ukraine war tensions

BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the exceptionally warm reception extended during his official visit to China. Putin specifically addressed Xi as his “dear friend” during their formal meeting, highlighting the personal rapport between the two leaders. “Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations,… Continue reading Putin thanks Xi Jinping for warm welcome during China visit

TOKYO: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will ask ministers to compile an economic stimulus package addressing inflation and Trump administration tariffs as early as this week. The Sankei newspaper reported this development on Tuesday citing government sources as its reference. This plan follows a Tuesday meeting between secretaries-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition… Continue reading Japan PM to ask ministers for economic stimulus package this week

BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared his country’s sincere commitment to strengthening ties with both China and Mongolia during a trilateral summit. Putin emphasised Russia’s dedication to building comprehensive and equal partnerships that benefit all nations involved. He stated that Moscow genuinely seeks multifaceted development of relations with its Asian neighbours. The Russian leader… Continue reading Putin seeks stronger ties with China and Mongolia in Beijing talks

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will host his country’s largest-ever military parade this week, as he seeks to recast Beijing as the custodian of a post-U.S. international order at a time of deep geopolitical uncertainty. More than 20 world leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will gather in… Continue reading Xi to showcase China’s new global order vision at military parade

BRUSSELS: Belgium will officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the decision in a social media post, stating that Belgium would join other nations in this diplomatic move. “Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session,“ Prevot wrote, adding… Continue reading Belgium to recognise Palestine at UN General Assembly in September

SYDNEY: South Australia has implemented a ban on plastic fish-shaped soy sauce containers to address environmental concerns about plastic pollution. These popular sushi accessories, known as shoyu-tai, frequently escape waste management systems and contaminate natural environments. Environment Minister Susan Close explained that “single-use plastics are often used for seconds but they last a lifetime in… Continue reading South Australia bans plastic fish soy sauce containers to reduce waste

TOKYO: Elon Musk expressed support for an anti-immigration demonstration in Japan, a nation with relatively few foreign-born residents and growing populist political movements. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who previously advised US President Donald Trump, has endorsed far-right parties internationally including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk commented “Good” on a video of the small… Continue reading Elon Musk supports anti-immigration rally in Japan amid rising populism

KHARTOUM: A massive landslide in Sudan’s western Darfur region has killed more than 1,000 people, a rebel group that controls the area said late Monday, adding there was just one survivor. The disaster struck Sunday after days of heavy rain, devastating the village of Tarasin in the Marra mountains, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army said in… Continue reading Sudan landslide kills over 1,000 in Darfur with one survivor

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday visited a missile laboratory researching carbon fibre composite materials to be used in engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media KCNA said on Tuesday. Since then, Kim has crossed the border into China on his special train early Tuesday to attend China’s celebration of the formal… Continue reading North Korea’s Kim visits lab researching intercontinental missiles

LONDON: Britain has announced emergency funding support for victims of the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. The assistance will be channelled through international partners to ensure it does not reach the country’s Taliban administration. Sunday’s disaster ranks among Afghanistan’s worst earthquakes, killing over 800 people and injuring at least 2,800 according to authorities. Rescue operations continue… Continue reading UK provides £1 million aid for Afghanistan earthquake victims

GEORGETOWN: Polls have closed in Guyana’s general election where voters cast ballots on Monday to choose 65 members of parliament and a president who will determine how riches from the South American country’s hydrocarbon boom will be spent. The country of 800,000 people has earned some $7.5 billion in revenue from oil sales and royalties… Continue reading Guyana votes in election to decide spending of oil wealth

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into China on his special train early Tuesday to attend China’s celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, North Korean state media said on Tuesday. Kim left Pyongyang for China on Monday and crossed into China early Tuesday morning, North Korea’s… Continue reading Kim Jong Un crosses into China by train for WWII surrender event

MADRID: A flotilla of dozens of boats loaded with humanitarian aid for Gaza departed Barcelona port on Monday evening after stormy weather forced an earlier return. Some vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission sounded their horns as they left the Spanish port. Activists at the port chanted “Free, free Palestine” as the boats set… Continue reading Gaza aid flotilla departs Barcelona after weather delay with activists

VIENNA: The United Nations nuclear watchdog has discovered traces of uranium in Syria during its investigation into a building destroyed by Israel in 2007. The International Atomic Energy Agency has long believed the site was probably an undeclared nuclear reactor. The government of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad claimed the Deir al-Zor site was a… Continue reading IAEA finds uranium traces in Syria linked to site bombed by Israel

GENEVA: The United Nations refugee agency will reduce its budget by nearly one fifth next year due to severe financial constraints despite rising global displacement. UNHCR plans to operate with $8.5 billion in 2026 compared to $10.2 billion in 2025 according to budget documents published online. The agency will close its Southern Africa bureau and… Continue reading UN refugee agency to cut budget by 20% and close Southern Africa office

KHARKIV: Ukrainian parents sent their children to underground classrooms for the start of the school year as the ongoing conflict with Russia continues to disrupt daily life. Some 17,000 children in Ukraine’s second-largest city are attending schools set up underground to protect them from frequent Russian attacks. Seven such schools are currently in operation, with… Continue reading Ukrainian children start school year in underground classrooms for safety

ARLINGTON (Virginia): President Donald Trump’s administration plans new measures to tackle the high cost of housing in the coming weeks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters in an interview on Monday. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Bessent described it as an “all hands on deck” challenge. Bessent told the Washington Examiner in a… Continue reading US Treasury confident Supreme Court will uphold Trump tariffs legality

ZURICH: Nestle has abruptly dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate, the Swiss food giant said on Monday, a dramatic removal exactly a year after he took the reins. The maker of products ranging from KitKat to Nesquik said that it had appointed veteran insider Philipp Navratil,… Continue reading Nestle CEO dismissed over undisclosed relationship with subordinate

TARTUS (Syria): Syria exported 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil on Monday from the port of Tartus as part of a deal with a trading firm, a Syrian energy official told Reuters, the first known official export of Syrian oil in 14 years. Syria exported 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in 2010, a… Continue reading Syria exports first crude oil shipment in 14 years after sanctions lifted

GOMA: The Congo River Alliance has accused the Congolese government of violating agreements intended to end the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This coalition of insurgent groups includes the prominent M23 rebels currently engaged in intensified fighting across the region. Fighting in eastern Congo has escalated significantly this year following a major… Continue reading Congo rebels accuse government of undermining peace efforts