Category: World

South Africa seeks US trade deal after Trump’s 30% citrus tariff

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa will push for a trade agreement with the United States following the announcement of a 30% tariff on its citrus exports by former President Donald Trump. The new duty, set to take effect on August 1, could severely impact the country’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on citrus exports. President Cyril Ramaphosa… Continue reading South Africa seeks US trade deal after Trump’s 30% citrus tariff

US restricts Chinese farmland purchases over security concerns

WASHINGTON: The United States government has announced new restrictions preventing Chinese nationals and other foreign entities deemed as security threats from purchasing American farmland. The policy shift comes amid growing concerns over foreign ownership of agricultural land near sensitive military installations. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described the move as necessary to counter what she termed… Continue reading US restricts Chinese farmland purchases over security concerns

US restricts Chinese farmland purchases over security concerns

WASHINGTON: The United States government has announced new restrictions preventing Chinese nationals and other foreign entities deemed as security threats from purchasing American farmland. The policy shift comes amid growing concerns over foreign ownership of agricultural land near sensitive military installations. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described the move as necessary to counter what she termed… Continue reading US restricts Chinese farmland purchases over security concerns
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Russia bans Yale University as undesirable organisation amid crackdown

MOSCOW: Russia has officially designated Yale University as an “undesirable organisation,“ according to authorities. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is part of the Kremlin’s ongoing crackdown on perceived critics, which has intensified since Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. The “undesirable” label effectively prohibits the university from operating within Russia and exposes individuals collaborating with it… Continue reading Russia bans Yale University as undesirable organisation amid crackdown
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Russia bans Yale University as undesirable organisation amid crackdown

MOSCOW: Russia has officially designated Yale University as an “undesirable organisation,“ according to authorities. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is part of the Kremlin’s ongoing crackdown on perceived critics, which has intensified since Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. The “undesirable” label effectively prohibits the university from operating within Russia and exposes individuals collaborating with it… Continue reading Russia bans Yale University as undesirable organisation amid crackdown

Seoul repatriates six North Koreans rescued at sea in humanitarian move

SEOUL: South Korea has repatriated six North Koreans who were rescued earlier this year after drifting into southern waters. The individuals, found on separate wooden boats in the East Sea and Yellow Sea, expressed their desire to return home, according to Seoul’s unification ministry. Four of the North Koreans were discovered in May in the… Continue reading Seoul repatriates six North Koreans rescued at sea in humanitarian move
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Seoul repatriates six North Koreans rescued at sea in humanitarian move

SEOUL: South Korea has repatriated six North Koreans who were rescued earlier this year after drifting into southern waters. The individuals, found on separate wooden boats in the East Sea and Yellow Sea, expressed their desire to return home, according to Seoul’s unification ministry. Four of the North Koreans were discovered in May in the… Continue reading Seoul repatriates six North Koreans rescued at sea in humanitarian move

Australia deeply concerned over US pharmaceutical tariff threats

CANBERRA: The Australian government has raised serious concerns over potential US tariffs targeting pharmaceutical and copper imports, as flagged by former President Donald Trump. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed urgent discussions with US officials to clarify the implications of the proposed trade measures. Trump recently announced plans to impose a 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals… Continue reading Australia deeply concerned over US pharmaceutical tariff threats
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Australia deeply concerned over US pharmaceutical tariff threats

CANBERRA: The Australian government has raised serious concerns over potential US tariffs targeting pharmaceutical and copper imports, as flagged by former President Donald Trump. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed urgent discussions with US officials to clarify the implications of the proposed trade measures. Trump recently announced plans to impose a 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals… Continue reading Australia deeply concerned over US pharmaceutical tariff threats

Japan urges travellers to keep power banks accessible on flights

TOKYO: The Japanese government has started advising travellers to keep portable chargers within easy reach during flights following multiple reports of power banks catching fire mid-air. The new safety measure aims to prevent potential hazards caused by overheating or damaged lithium-ion batteries. Airport staff nationwide have begun requesting passenger cooperation, with All Nippon Airways employees… Continue reading Japan urges travellers to keep power banks accessible on flights

Japan urges travellers to keep power banks accessible on flights

TOKYO: The Japanese government has started advising travellers to keep portable chargers within easy reach during flights following multiple reports of power banks catching fire mid-air. The new safety measure aims to prevent potential hazards caused by overheating or damaged lithium-ion batteries. Airport staff nationwide have begun requesting passenger cooperation, with All Nippon Airways employees… Continue reading Japan urges travellers to keep power banks accessible on flights
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Over 160 missing after deadly Texas floods as search continues

HUNT, UNITED STATES: More than 160 people remain missing four days after catastrophic floods devastated parts of Texas, with the death toll now at 109. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the rising number of unaccounted individuals, warning that the figure could increase as search efforts continue. Kerr County, located in the flood-prone region known as “Flash… Continue reading Over 160 missing after deadly Texas floods as search continues

Over 160 missing after deadly Texas floods as search continues

HUNT, UNITED STATES: More than 160 people remain missing four days after catastrophic floods devastated parts of Texas, with the death toll now at 109. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the rising number of unaccounted individuals, warning that the figure could increase as search efforts continue. Kerr County, located in the flood-prone region known as “Flash… Continue reading Over 160 missing after deadly Texas floods as search continues
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US airports end shoe removal rule for security screening after 20 years

WASHINGTON: Passengers travelling through US airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, marking the end of a 20-year policy introduced after the 2001 “Shoe Bomber” incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the change at Ronald Reagan National Airport, emphasising advancements in security technology. The shoe removal rule was implemented… Continue reading US airports end shoe removal rule for security screening after 20 years

US airports end shoe removal rule for security screening after 20 years

WASHINGTON: Passengers travelling through US airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, marking the end of a 20-year policy introduced after the 2001 “Shoe Bomber” incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the change at Ronald Reagan National Airport, emphasising advancements in security technology. The shoe removal rule was implemented… Continue reading US airports end shoe removal rule for security screening after 20 years
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Celebrity chef shocked as mushroom killer uses her beef Wellington recipe

MELBOURNE: Celebrity chef Nagi Maehashi expressed deep distress after discovering that her beef Wellington recipe was partially used by convicted murderer Erin Patterson in a fatal poisoning case. Patterson, found guilty this week of killing three people with a toxic beef Wellington dish, had referenced Maehashi’s recipe, though with the deadly addition of death cap… Continue reading Celebrity chef shocked as mushroom killer uses her beef Wellington recipe

Celebrity chef shocked as mushroom killer uses her beef Wellington recipe

MELBOURNE: Celebrity chef Nagi Maehashi expressed deep distress after discovering that her beef Wellington recipe was partially used by convicted murderer Erin Patterson in a fatal poisoning case. Patterson, found guilty this week of killing three people with a toxic beef Wellington dish, had referenced Maehashi’s recipe, though with the deadly addition of death cap… Continue reading Celebrity chef shocked as mushroom killer uses her beef Wellington recipe
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Trump says to set 50% copper tariff

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he would not extend an August 1 deadline for higher US tariffs to take effect on dozens of economies, while announcing plans for a separate 50 percent duty on copper imports. The copper levy would broaden a slate of sector-specific actions Trump has imposed since returning to the… Continue reading Trump says to set 50% copper tariff
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Trump and Netanyahu meet as Gaza ceasefire talks show progress

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump held a second meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in two days, focusing on Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The discussions followed a private dinner at the White House on Monday, with Netanyahu later delaying a Senate meeting to continue talks with Trump. Netanyahu, during his US visit, emphasized Israel’s ongoing… Continue reading Trump and Netanyahu meet as Gaza ceasefire talks show progress
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Trump weighs federal takeover of Washington DC, criticises New York leadership

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump revealed his administration is evaluating a federal takeover of Washington DC’s governance, citing dissatisfaction with local leadership. During a White House cabinet meeting, Trump hinted at extending similar intervention to New York, criticising its Democratic mayoral nominee. Trump reiterated his authority to impose federal oversight, claiming his team could manage… Continue reading Trump weighs federal takeover of Washington DC, criticises New York leadership
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Trump weighs federal takeover of Washington DC, criticises New York leadership

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump revealed his administration is evaluating a federal takeover of Washington DC’s governance, citing dissatisfaction with local leadership. During a White House cabinet meeting, Trump hinted at extending similar intervention to New York, criticising its Democratic mayoral nominee. Trump reiterated his authority to impose federal oversight, claiming his team could manage… Continue reading Trump weighs federal takeover of Washington DC, criticises New York leadership

Marseille wildfire shuts airport, disrupts trains amid heatwave

MARSEILLE: A wildfire raging near Marseille on Tuesday forced the shutdown of the city’s airport, disrupted rail services, and damaged dozens of homes, with authorities warning of a high-risk summer ahead. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation following a heatwave, remains uncontained, according to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The fire began near… Continue reading Marseille wildfire shuts airport, disrupts trains amid heatwave
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US Secretary Rubio’s Asia trip focuses on trade amid tariff tensions

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for Malaysia on Tuesday for meetings with ASEAN allies, a trip that has been overshadowed by fears of a trade war. The brief trip to Kuala Lumpur is intended to allow Rubio, who is also President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, to focus on US policy in… Continue reading US Secretary Rubio’s Asia trip focuses on trade amid tariff tensions
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US tariff revenue could hit $300 billion this year, Treasury says

WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the country has collected approximately $100 billion in tariff revenue so far this year, with projections suggesting this could surge to $300 billion by the end of 2025. The increase is attributed to President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including new import duties implemented in the second… Continue reading US tariff revenue could hit $300 billion this year, Treasury says

US tariff revenue could hit $300 billion this year, Treasury says

WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the country has collected approximately $100 billion in tariff revenue so far this year, with projections suggesting this could surge to $300 billion by the end of 2025. The increase is attributed to President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including new import duties implemented in the second… Continue reading US tariff revenue could hit $300 billion this year, Treasury says
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AI impersonator targets US officials posing as Marco Rubio

WASHINGTON: An imposter posing as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used AI-generated voice and text messages to contact high-level officials, including foreign ministers and a US governor, according to reports. The fraudulent communications, sent via encrypted messaging app Signal, aimed to manipulate officials for potential information access. A State Department cable revealed the imposter… Continue reading AI impersonator targets US officials posing as Marco Rubio
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AI impersonator targets US officials posing as Marco Rubio

WASHINGTON: An imposter posing as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used AI-generated voice and text messages to contact high-level officials, including foreign ministers and a US governor, according to reports. The fraudulent communications, sent via encrypted messaging app Signal, aimed to manipulate officials for potential information access. A State Department cable revealed the imposter… Continue reading AI impersonator targets US officials posing as Marco Rubio

Marseille wildfire shuts airport, disrupts trains amid heatwave

MARSEILLE: A wildfire raging near Marseille on Tuesday forced the shutdown of the city’s airport, disrupted rail services, and damaged dozens of homes, with authorities warning of a high-risk summer ahead. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation following a heatwave, remains uncontained, according to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The fire began near… Continue reading Marseille wildfire shuts airport, disrupts trains amid heatwave

US Secretary Rubio’s Asia trip focuses on trade amid tariff tensions

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for Malaysia on Tuesday for meetings with ASEAN allies, a trip that has been overshadowed by fears of a trade war. The brief trip to Kuala Lumpur is intended to allow Rubio, who is also President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, to focus on US policy in… Continue reading US Secretary Rubio’s Asia trip focuses on trade amid tariff tensions

ICC seeks arrest of Taliban leaders over persecution of women

THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan over the persecution of women, a crime against humanity. ICC judges said in a statement there were “reasonable grounds” to suspect Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani “have committed… the crime against humanity of… Continue reading ICC seeks arrest of Taliban leaders over persecution of women

AI needs to be smaller, reduce energy footprint: study

PARIS: The potential of artificial intelligence is immense — but its equally vast energy consumption needs curbing, with asking shorter questions one way to achieve, said a UNESCO study unveiled Tuesday. A combination of shorter queries and using more specific models and could cut AI energy consumption by up to 90 percent without sacrificing performance,… Continue reading AI needs to be smaller, reduce energy footprint: study

EU parliament approves start of automated border system

STRASBOURG: The European Parliament gave final approval Tuesday to a phased rollout of a new border check system for non-EU nationals which will do away with passport stamps. The so-called Entry/Exit System (EES), was supposed to kick in last November but was delayed at the last minute as several states were not ready. First agreed… Continue reading EU parliament approves start of automated border system

X blasts India ‘censorship’ order on thousands of accounts

NEW DELHI: Social media platform X said Tuesday it was “deeply concerned” after the Indian government ordered it last week to block 2,355 accounts, including two Reuters news agency accounts. Many of the blocked accounts were restored hours later, with New Delhi specifically denying its role in the takedown. India, the world’s biggest democracy, regularly… Continue reading X blasts India ‘censorship’ order on thousands of accounts

Qatar says ‘we will need time’ for Gaza ceasefire

DOHA: Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are continuing but “need time”, host Qatar cautioned on Tuesday, after US President Donald Trump voiced optimism about a possible breakthrough. A fresh round of indirect talks, after 21 months of fighting in Gaza, began on Sunday, with Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirming discussions… Continue reading Qatar says ‘we will need time’ for Gaza ceasefire

Syria seeks European help as forest wildfires rage

DAMASCUS: Syria’s minister of emergencies and disaster management on Tuesday requested support from the European Union to battle wildfires that have swept through a vast stretch of forested land. The fires have been burning for six days, with Syrian emergency crews struggling to bring them under control amid strong winds and severe drought. Neighbouring countries… Continue reading Syria seeks European help as forest wildfires rage

Berlin says China targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

BERLIN: Berlin on Tuesday said the Chinese military had targeted a laser at a German aircraft participating in an EU-led mission to protect marine traffic in the Red Sea. “Endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable,“ the foreign ministry said on X, adding that Beijing’s ambassador to Berlin had been summoned for… Continue reading Berlin says China targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

Israel far-right minister demands end to Gaza ceasefire talks

JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call back a delegation conducting indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar for a ceasefire in Gaza. “I call on the Prime Minister to immediately recall the delegation that went to negotiate with the Hamas murderers in Doha,“ Ben… Continue reading Israel far-right minister demands end to Gaza ceasefire talks

Indian villagers beat five to death for ‘witchcraft’

NEW DELHI: Indian villagers beat a family of five to death and dumped their corpses in a lake, accusing them of “practising witchcraft” after the death of a boy, police said Tuesday. Three people have been arrested and have confessed to the crime, police in the northern state of Bihar said in a statement. Three… Continue reading Indian villagers beat five to death for ‘witchcraft’

Iran says it has not requested US talks since war

TEHRAN: Iran said Tuesday it has not made any request for talks with the United States, after President Donald Trump said Tehran was seeking negotiations following last month’s war with Israel. “No request for a meeting has been made on our side to the American side,“ said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, according to… Continue reading Iran says it has not requested US talks since war

Kremlin ‘shocked’ by fired minister’s apparent suicide

MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed shock over the apparent suicide of former transport minister Roman Starovoyt following his sacking by President Vladimir Putin a day earlier. Starovoyt served as transport minister for a year and previously was the governor of the border Kursk region, where Ukraine had launched an incursion. Authorities said Starovoyt’s body… Continue reading Kremlin ‘shocked’ by fired minister’s apparent suicide

Gaza civil defence says 29 killed in Israeli strikes

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency on Tuesday said that 29 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the Palestinian territory devastated by 21 months of war. Among those were nine people killed in a drone strike on a camp for displaced people near Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, according to civil defence spokesman Mahmud… Continue reading Gaza civil defence says 29 killed in Israeli strikes

Thousands told to stay home as Spain forest fire rages on

MADRID: Spanish firefighters on Tuesday were battling a forest fire stoked by fierce winds that has burned more than 2,300 hectares (5,680 acres), with authorities urging thousands of residents to stay home. The Spanish army’s emergency response unit said it had deployed overnight near the northeastern city of Tarragona to assist local authorities. The blaze… Continue reading Thousands told to stay home as Spain forest fire rages on

UN says ‘deeply troubled’ by Kenya protest killings

GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the deaths of at least 10 people in Kenya where police and protesters clashed during anti-government demonstrations the previous day. The violence erupted on Saba Saba Day (meaning Seven Seven) when demonstrators annually mark the events of July 7, 1990 when Kenyans rose up to… Continue reading UN says ‘deeply troubled’ by Kenya protest killings

EU to seek trade ‘rebalancing’ with China at Beijing summit

STRASBOURG: The EU will seek to rebalance economic ties with China, demanding it eases market access for European firms and loosen export controls on rare earths at a summit this month, the bloc’s chief said Tuesday. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said overcapacity concerns and China’s support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine… Continue reading EU to seek trade ‘rebalancing’ with China at Beijing summit

Red Cross warns Gaza health system overwhelmed by casualties at aid distributions

GAZA CITY: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Tuesday that a “sharp surge” in deaths and injuries in incidents around aid distribution sites in Gaza is pushing the territory’s already stretched health system past its capacity. The ICRC said in a statement that its field hospital in south Gaza recorded 200 deaths… Continue reading Red Cross warns Gaza health system overwhelmed by casualties at aid distributions

Iran president faces backlash over ‘soft’ US stance

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian came under fire Tuesday after voicing support for renewed talks with the United States, with critics accusing him of being “too soft” in the wake of last month’s attacks on the country. The backlash followed the release of an interview with US media personality Tucker Carlson, in which Pezeshkian said… Continue reading Iran president faces backlash over ‘soft’ US stance