Category: World

MOSCOW: Russia’s main independent voting observer Golos, which monitored the country’s increasingly tightly-controlled elections for 25 years, announced its closure on Tuesday, two months after its co-chair was jailed. Golos — which means “voice” in Russian — had for years meticulously recorded voting fraud across the huge country as elections under President Vladimir Putin’s long… Continue reading Russia main election monitor closes amid crackdown

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help the war-torn country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances. Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv prompted it to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air… Continue reading Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

BEIJING: A kindergarten principal was detained after more than 200 children in northwestern China fell ill with potential lead poisoning from date cakes and corn rolls, state media said on Tuesday. Investigators found “abnormal” levels of lead in the blood of 233 children at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui city, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Of… Continue reading China detains principal over lead poisoning of 200 children

JERUSALEM: Five Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in the Gaza Strip, the military said Tuesday, in one of the deadliest days for Israeli forces in the Palestinian territory this year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented a “difficult morning” as he visited Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, who is pressing for a… Continue reading Five Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza combat

BANGKOK: Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday dropped a bill due to legalise casino gambling, a flagship project of the faltering ruling party which last week saw its prime minister suspended from office. The so-called “entertainment complex” bill was a key plank for the Pheu Thai party, aiming to legalise casinos and boost the nation’s spluttering economy… Continue reading Thailand drops casino legalisation plans after PM suspended

KATHMANDU: Floods triggered by torrential rains tore down a Himalayan mountain valley between China and Nepal on Tuesday, with at least one killed and 28 missing, officials and state media said. The wall of water also swept away one of the main bridges linking Nepal and China over the Bhotekoshi river. Deadly floods and landslides… Continue reading One dead, 28 missing in floods on China-Nepal border

GUADALAJARA: Ten men arrested at a farm linked to a drug cartel in the Mexican state of Jalisco were found guilty of murder and kidnapping in a high-profile trial that concluded Monday, the prosecutor’s office said. The Izaguirre ranch allegedly served as a forced recruitment center for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of… Continue reading Ten men arrested at Mexico drug cartel ranch found guilty of murder

BEIJING: China issued a stern warning to the Trump administration on Tuesday, cautioning against reigniting trade tensions by restoring tariffs on Chinese goods next month. The country also threatened to retaliate against nations that strike agreements with the US to exclude China from supply chains. The warning comes as Washington and Beijing navigate a fragile… Continue reading China warns Trump on tariffs, threatens retaliation over supply chain deals

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh uncertainty in global trade by threatening steep tariffs on multiple countries while suggesting the August 1 deadline may not be absolute. In letters sent to key trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian nations, Trump warned of impending tariff hikes ranging from 25 to… Continue reading Trump signals flexibility on new tariff deadline amid trade tensions

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed his upcoming visit to China, marking his second trip as leader since re-election. The visit aims to strengthen economic ties amid Beijing’s push for a review of the decade-old free trade agreement between the two nations. Albanese will travel to Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu starting this weekend. His… Continue reading Australia PM Albanese confirms China visit amid trade deal review talks

DHAKA: Protests that ousted Bangladesh’s government last year have led to a diplomatic realignment, with Dhaka strengthening ties with China while relations with India deteriorate. The shift comes after India expressed displeasure over the removal of its long-time ally, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. One year after the uprising, the political landscape remains volatile as… Continue reading Bangladesh shifts towards China as India relations strain post-revolution

WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he has nominated former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination was revealed during a White House dinner, where Netanyahu presented Trump with a copy of the letter sent to the Nobel Committee. Netanyahu praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “He’s forging peace as we… Continue reading Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize in 2025

HUNT: The death toll from devastating floods in Texas has climbed past 100 as recovery teams continue searching for victims swept away by raging waters. Among the deceased are 27 girls and counselors from a summer camp overwhelmed by the disaster during the Fourth of July weekend. Forecasters warn of additional flooding as rain persists,… Continue reading Texas flood death toll exceeds 100 as recovery efforts intensify

MCALLEN: A 27-year-old Michigan man was killed after firing an assault rifle at a US Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas, authorities confirmed. Ryan Louis Mosqueda opened fire early Monday morning, prompting agents to return fire, resulting in his death. McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez stated that Mosqueda fired dozens of rounds at the station… Continue reading Michigan man killed after firing at Texas Border Patrol station

WASHINGTON: The United States is set to unveil several trade-related announcements within the next 48 hours, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Speaking in an interview with CNBC, Bessent highlighted a surge in new proposals and negotiations, signaling potential shifts in trade policy. “We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of… Continue reading US to announce major trade updates in next 48 hours

FRANKFURT: A Swiss International Airlines flight bound for Zurich was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Friedrichshafen, Germany, following reports of light smoke in the rear cabin. The incident occurred on Monday, with the Airbus A220 aircraft safely touching down without further complications. The airline confirmed the landing was uneventful and stated that arrangements… Continue reading Swiss flight diverts to Germany due to cabin smoke incident

LAHORE: Eighteen lions illegally kept as pets have been seized by authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab region. The crackdown follows an incident where a lion escaped from a house in Lahore, attacking a woman and two children. The woman sustained minor injuries, while the children, aged five and seven, were hospitalized but are in stable condition.… Continue reading Pakistan seizes 18 pet lions in Punjab crackdown after attack

BRUSSELS: Most European Union countries are pushing for further revisions to the bloc’s landmark anti-deforestation law, arguing that current requirements place undue burdens on producers and risk harming trade competitiveness. A letter obtained by Reuters reveals that 18 EU agriculture ministers have urged the European Commission to exempt low-risk nations from strict due diligence rules.… Continue reading EU nations push for softer deforestation rules amid trade concerns

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to an independent foreign and economic policy, emphasising trade facilitation over ideological alignment. The statement from the trade ministry comes in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with the BRICS group. Malaysia was accepted as a… Continue reading Malaysia affirms independent economic policy amid Trump tariff threat

ISTANBUL: Thirty-two individuals appeared in court in Turkey on Monday over a catastrophic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, which claimed 78 lives, including 36 children, in January. The blaze, which engulfed the 12-storey luxury ski resort, left more than 130 injured and raised serious concerns over fire safety negligence. Thirteen of the… Continue reading 32 face trial over deadly Turkey hotel fire killing 78

JERUSALEM: Israel confirmed a series of strikes on Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including key ports, following repeated missile attacks by the Iran-backed rebel group. The military operation targeted infrastructure in Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, with Israel claiming the destruction of radar-equipped vessels used to monitor Red Sea shipping. The Huthis, who have launched missiles… Continue reading Israel strikes Huthi sites in Yemen amid escalating tensions

MIZORAM: Heavy fighting between rival Chin armed groups in Myanmar has driven nearly 4,000 people to cross into India’s northeastern state of Mizoram over four days, officials confirmed. The refugees navigated dense forest routes to escape escalating violence, with many relying on relatives in India for shelter. Mizoram’s home secretary Vanlalmawia stated, “Many of the… Continue reading Myanmar clashes displace thousands fleeing to India’s Mizoram

MOSCOW: Russia has declared the capture of Dachne village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, marking its first claimed territorial gain in the central area since the invasion began over three years ago. The Russian defence ministry confirmed the advance, though Ukrainian forces earlier reported repelling attacks near the settlement. Dnipropetrovsk, home to the strategic city of… Continue reading Russia claims capture of first village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region

DHAKA: State-appointed defence lawyers for Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina have moved to dismiss the charges against her in an ongoing crimes against humanity trial. The case stems from a violent crackdown on protesters last year, which reportedly left up to 1,400 dead. Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled to India following a student-led uprising in… Continue reading Bangladesh lawyers challenge ex-PM Hasina’s murder trial charges

BRUSSELS: Apple has formally appealed a 500 million euro fine imposed by the European Union, arguing that the mandated changes to its App Store policies negatively impact users. The fine, issued in April, stemmed from allegations that Apple restricted developers from directing customers to cheaper deals outside its platform, violating EU digital competition laws. Apple… Continue reading Apple challenges EU’s 500 million euro fine over App Store rules

JAKARTA: Several Australian airlines have cancelled flights to Bali after Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, sending volcanic ash up to 18 kilometres into the air. Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia announced the cancellations on Monday, citing safety concerns due to the ash cloud. The eruption occurred in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, disrupting air travel between… Continue reading Australian airlines cancel Bali flights after Mount Lewotobi eruption

BANGKOK: Thailand has submitted a revised trade proposal to the United States, offering to eliminate tariffs on a significant number of American imports. The move aims to prevent the US from imposing a 36% levy on Thai goods after a temporary 10% cap expires on July 9. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed the updated proposal,… Continue reading Thailand offers zero tariffs on US goods in new trade proposal

LONDON: Euro zone long-dated bond yields inched higher on Monday as investors turned their attention to the looming U.S. tariff deadline, with officials hinting at a possible delay beyond July 9. Germany’s 10-year Bund yields rose 2 basis points to 2.584%, while U.S. 10-year Treasury yields remained steady at 4.3379%. President Donald Trump stated on… Continue reading Euro zone bond yields rise as U.S. tariff deadline looms

HONG KONG: China has introduced a new initiative to enhance the skills of rural workers, particularly women, as part of efforts to expand the agricultural sector and stimulate economic growth. The plan includes vocational education and retraining programs for domestic and caregiving roles, alongside measures to help rural migrants adapt to urban employment. The Ministry… Continue reading China boosts rural worker skills with new retraining plan

WARSAW: Poland has implemented temporary border checks with Germany and Lithuania in response to increasing undocumented migration, further straining the EU’s Schengen zone. The move follows similar measures by the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak confirmed the controls are running smoothly, with 800 police officers, 200 gendarmerie soldiers, and 500 territorial army… Continue reading Poland enforces border checks with Germany and Lithuania over migration concerns

SEOUL: South Korea and its automobile industry have formally requested exemption from new US port fees targeting foreign-built vehicle carriers. The fees, announced by the US Trade Representative on April 17, aim to penalise China-linked ships and fund domestic shipbuilding. However, they also affect non-Chinese carriers, raising concerns among global automakers. The Korea Automobile &… Continue reading South Korea seeks US port fee relief for car carriers amid trade concerns

ISTANBUL: Ankara’s chief public prosecutor opened a new investigation Sunday into opposition leader Ozgur Ozel for “insulting the president” and other offences for remarks made after more opposition mayors were arrested, media reports said. It was the latest in a string of legal probes targeting elected officials in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)… Continue reading Prosecutor opens new probe into Turkey opposition leader

HANOI: A blaze that tore through an apartment block in Vietnam’s southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City killed eight people, including two children, local authorities said Monday. The fire was sparked late Sunday on the ground floor of a five-storey apartment block, with all eight fatalities due to smoke inhalation, Ho Chi Minh… Continue reading Vietnam apartment block fire kills eight

WARSAW: At least three children were among 27 people wounded as a result of a Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city of Kharkiv overnight that damaged apartments and a kindergarten, Ukrainian authorities said on Monday. Kharkiv, which lies in northeastern Ukraine near the border with Russia, has been the target of regular Russian drone… Continue reading Three children among 27 wounded in Russia’s drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine says

BENGALURU: The European Union is holding back on signing a joint climate action pledge with China at a summit this month to mark a half-century of diplomatic ties, a top climate official told the Financial Times in remarks published on Monday. The EU’s climate targets are among the world’s most ambitious, but they have been… Continue reading EU holds back on signing climate action pledge with China, FT says

RUSSIAN air defence units shot down eight Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow late on Sunday, from a total of 90 overnight over Russian territory, the Black Sea and the Crimean peninsula, the defence ministry said. Most came down over regions near Ukraine, but three were also destroyed over the Leningrad area, home to Russia’s second-largest… Continue reading Russia says it downs eight Ukrainian drones headed for Moscow

SYDNEY: An Australian police officer who fatally shot an Indigenous teenager during an attempted arrest in 2019 was racist and worked in an environment “with hallmarks of institutional racism”, a coroner has found. The killing of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker by then-Police Constable Zachary Rolfe in the remote Northern Territory community of Yuendumu sparked protests and… Continue reading Australian police officer who fatally shot Indigenous teenager was racist, coroner finds