Category: World

HANOI: A deadly flash flood struck Vietnam’s northern mountainous region over the weekend, claiming five lives and leaving one person missing. Heavy rains triggered the disaster in Son La province late Saturday, destroying 22 homes and damaging many more, according to the agriculture ministry. Three victims were recovered on Monday, adding to two earlier fatalities.… Continue reading Vietnam flash floods kill five, dozens evacuated in Son La

JHARKHAND: At least 18 Hindu pilgrims were killed in a tragic road accident in eastern India on Tuesday after their bus collided with a truck carrying cooking gas cylinders. Officials confirmed the incident, which left the bus severely mangled and partially burnt. Local lawmaker Nishikant Dubey stated the pilgrims were en route to a shrine… Continue reading 18 Hindu pilgrims killed in Jharkhand road crash

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for the United States for the second time in two weeks to finalise a trade deal with Washington, his office confirmed. The visit follows Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement last week that both nations were “very close” to an agreement, though U.S. officials did not provide a… Continue reading Pakistan finance minister visits US to finalise trade agreement

LONDON: US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly shortened his deadline for imposing severe sanctions on Russian oil exports, raising concerns over potential global market disruptions. Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, Trump stated he would give Moscow only 10 to 12 days to reach a deal to end the Ukraine war before… Continue reading Trump’s oil sanctions threat on Russia sparks market uncertainty

BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed not to send additional troops to their shared border following recent clashes, a Cambodian official confirmed on Tuesday. The agreement comes after five days of intense fighting that prompted both sides to seek a ceasefire. Lim Menghour, Director-General of the Commission on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia’s… Continue reading Thailand Cambodia agree to halt troop buildup after border clashes

JERUSALEM: Two Israeli human rights organisations have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, marking the first major domestic voices to level such a charge. B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel released reports at a press conference, alleging “coordinated, deliberate action to destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza strip.” “The report we… Continue reading Israeli rights groups accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza conflict

ISLAM QALA: At the Iran-Afghanistan border, volunteers like Fatima Rezaei distribute essential supplies to returning Afghans amid a surge in deportations. Over 1.6 million Afghans, including children, have been forced back this year, with Iran citing unemployment and crime concerns. Rezaei, a 22-year-old journalist, travels 100 kilometres from Herat to assist despite limited resources. “It… Continue reading Afghan volunteers aid returning migrants amid Iran deportation crisis

MOSCOW: A Ukrainian drone attack struck southern Russia, killing one person and damaging infrastructure, according to regional officials. The incident occurred as Kyiv intensifies efforts to counter Moscow’s ongoing offensive. Yuri Sliusar, acting governor of the Rostov region, confirmed the fatality in a Telegram post. “A car was damaged on Ostrovsky Street. Unfortunately, the driver… Continue reading Ukrainian drone attack kills one in southern Russia

BANGKOK: The Thailand-Cambodia border has stabilised after minor military clashes, with a ceasefire now in effect, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed on Tuesday. Military commanders from both nations are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) to discuss further steps in upholding the truce. The agreement was initially announced in… Continue reading Thailand-Cambodia border tensions ease after ceasefire deal

WASHINGTON: The US government has launched an investigation into Duke University and its law journal over claims of race-based discrimination, marking the latest in a series of federal funding threats against American universities. The Education Department stated the probe focuses on whether the Duke Law Journal’s editor selection process unfairly favors minority candidates. “This investigation… Continue reading US probes Duke University over alleged race discrimination in funding threat

US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he is not pursuing a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping but hinted at a possible visit to China if formally invited. Trump clarified his position in a post on Truth Social, saying, “I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of… Continue reading Trump may visit China but not seeking Xi summit

SEOUL: South Korea’s Ministry of Unification expressed strong support for the resumption of talks between the United States and North Korea, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. The ministry official emphasized Seoul’s commitment to diplomatic efforts despite Pyongyang’s recent statements rejecting denuclearization. North Korea earlier stated that the U.S. must acknowledge the changed… Continue reading South Korea backs US-North Korea talks resumption amid tensions

NEW YORK: A gunman opened fire inside a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper housing NFL headquarters and financial firms, killing four people before fatally shooting himself, officials confirmed. Among the victims was a 36-year-old NYPD officer with three and a half years of service. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the gunman, who had driven from… Continue reading Gunman kills four in Manhattan skyscraper before suicide

BEIJING: Thirty people have died in Beijing following heavy rainfall, according to state media. The fatalities were concentrated in the city’s northern mountainous districts, with Miyun reporting 28 deaths and Yanqing two. Xinhua News Agency confirmed the toll as of midnight on Monday but did not provide details on the circumstances of the deaths. The… Continue reading Heavy rain in Beijing kills 30, displaces thousands

BOGOTA: A Colombian judge on Monday convicted former President Alvaro Uribe of abuse of process and bribery of a public official, marking the first time an ex-president in the country has been found guilty at trial. Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia delivered the verdict after a lengthy legal battle spanning 13 years. Uribe, 73, was acquitted… Continue reading Colombia ex-president Uribe convicted of bribery, abuse of process

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The US Justice Department has filed a misconduct complaint against Chief Judge James Boasberg of the US District Court, a prominent Washington figure who has previously drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the move on social media platform X. The complaint follows remarks made by Boasberg… Continue reading US Justice Department files misconduct complaint against DC judge

NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed an “active shooter” investigation is underway in Midtown Manhattan. The FBI is assisting at what it described as an active crime scene. A heavy police presence was visible in the area, as reported by media footage. NBC News stated that authorities were responding to a reported… Continue reading New York City mayor reports active shooter incident in Manhattan

MIAMI: Former US President Donald Trump has urged a federal judge to speed up the deposition of media mogul Rupert Murdoch in a $10 billion defamation lawsuit. Trump’s legal team cited Murdoch’s age and health concerns as reasons for urgency. “Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life (and)… Continue reading Trump seeks fast Murdoch deposition in $10B defamation case

PARIS: French authorities have launched an investigation after Olivier Pardo, a lawyer representing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed there was a contract on his life. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the probe on Monday following Pardo’s allegations. A source close to the case revealed that Pardo informed investigators that Rudy Terranova, a former convict,… Continue reading French probe Netanyahu lawyer’s murder contract claims

BRUSSELS: The European Commission has proposed suspending Israel’s participation in EU funding for tech start-ups, escalating pressure over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The move follows growing concerns over mass starvation in the war-torn region. “The proposed suspension is a targeted and reversible action,“ the European Commission stated. While Israel has announced daily humanitarian… Continue reading EU proposes suspending Israel’s start-up funds over Gaza crisis

MOSCOW: Ukrainian and Belarusian hacker groups have claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Russia’s national airline Aeroflot, causing significant flight disruptions. The attack, which targeted Aeroflot’s IT systems, led to the grounding of at least 64 flights on Monday and the cancellation of 14 more scheduled for Tuesday. Russia’s state prosecutor’s office confirmed the incident… Continue reading Ukraine and Belarus hackers disrupt Aeroflot flights in cyberattack

BERLIN: Germany will collaborate with Jordan to airlift humanitarian aid to Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday. The move follows Israel’s pledge to open secure aid routes as international concerns grow over hunger in the besieged Palestinian territory. “Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will coordinate this very closely with France and the United Kingdom, which… Continue reading Germany and Jordan to airlift Gaza aid amid hunger crisis

TURNBERRY: US President Donald Trump once again targeted London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a press conference in Scotland, where he appeared alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. When asked if he planned to visit London in September, Trump confirmed his intention but took the opportunity to criticise Khan. “I’m not a fan of your mayor.… Continue reading Trump criticises London mayor Khan again during UK visit

GAZA CITY: US President Donald Trump has warned of “real starvation” in Gaza as humanitarian agencies ramp up aid deliveries during Israel’s temporary pause in military operations. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, Trump contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of famine concerns, calling for urgent food distribution. Trump announced plans… Continue reading Trump warns of starvation in Gaza as aid efforts intensify

BUNIA: Survivors of a brutal massacre at a Catholic church in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo have described a night of terror as Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants stormed the building, killing dozens. The attack, which occurred overnight Saturday to Sunday in Komanda, Ituri province, left 43 dead, including nine children. Pierre Abendi, 21, was… Continue reading DR Congo church massacre survivors describe ADF terror attack

ABERDEEN: US President Donald Trump has dramatically shortened his ultimatum to Russia, giving Moscow just “10 or 12 days” to end the war in Ukraine or face severe sanctions. The announcement came during his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir… Continue reading Trump cuts Russia ultimatum to 10 days amid Ukraine war talks

TEHRAN: Iran has warned it will retaliate more forcefully if the US or Israel launches another attack, escalating tensions over its nuclear program. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that any repeated aggression would be met with an “IMPOSSIBLE to cover up” response. The warning follows US President Donald Trump’s threat to “wipe out” Iran’s nuclear… Continue reading Iran warns of stronger retaliation if US, Israel attack again

MADRID: Spain announced plans to airdrop 12 tonnes of food into Gaza this week as famine looms over the war-torn Palestinian territory. The operation, set for Friday, will use Spanish air force planes departing from Jordan. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, described the famine as “a shame… Continue reading Spain to airdrop 12 tonnes of food into famine-hit Gaza

DAMASCUS: A new humanitarian aid convoy arrived in southern Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida province on Monday, state media reported, as the United Nations raised alarms over the worsening crisis in the region. The delivery comes after weeks of deadly violence that displaced thousands and left critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. State television broadcast… Continue reading New aid convoy reaches Syria’s Druze province amid crisis

JERUSALEM: Two prominent Israeli human rights organisations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, have declared the ongoing military campaign in Gaza a “genocide” against Palestinians. This marks the first time Israeli NGOs have used such strong language to describe the conflict. B’Tselem executive director Yuli Novak stated, “Nothing prepares you for the realisation that… Continue reading Israeli rights groups label Gaza campaign as genocide in stark reports

PARIS: French prosecutors announced on Monday they have requested a new arrest warrant for Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad in connection with a deadly 2013 chemical attack, following the cancellation of a previous warrant. The decision now rests with investigating magistrates on whether to issue the new warrant. French authorities have been investigating a suspected… Continue reading French prosecutors seek new arrest warrant for Syria’s Assad

BEIRUT: Amnesty International has called on Syrian authorities to investigate the abduction of 36 Alawite women and girls, citing credible reports of kidnappings in recent months. The rights group urged accountability for perpetrators amid ongoing instability following the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. The report follows massacres in March in Syria’s coastal Alawite heartland,… Continue reading Amnesty urges Syria to probe Alawite women abductions

MOSCOW: A cyberattack on Russia’s national airline Aeroflot disrupted 42 flights on Monday, marking the first major aviation IT breach since the Ukraine conflict began. Officials confirmed the incident, with Ukrainian hacking group “Silent Crow” and Belarusian “Cyber Partisans” claiming responsibility in a joint statement. Russia’s state prosecutor’s office launched a criminal investigation after flight… Continue reading Cyberattack disrupts Aeroflot flights in Russia

GENEVA: United Nations experts have called on Russia to take urgent action against the trafficking and forced labour of migrant women, describing conditions akin to modern slavery. Reports indicate dozens of women from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were deceived with job offers, only to have their documents seized and endure gruelling work without pay. The UN… Continue reading Russia urged to stop trafficking of migrant women by UN experts

MONTMOREAU: A deadly fire broke out at a holiday cottage in southwestern France, killing three people, including adults with learning disabilities. Authorities confirmed 14 individuals, aged 20 to 75, were inside the stone house when the fire started before dawn in the village of Montmoreau. The group included eight people with disabilities and four caregivers.… Continue reading Three killed in French holiday home fire for disabled adults

PARIS: French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has strongly criticised the newly struck trade deal between the European Union and the United States, labelling it a “dark day” and an act of “submission.” The agreement, finalised on Sunday, has drawn sharp reactions from politicians across France. “It is a dark day when an alliance of free… Continue reading French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou condemns EU-US trade deal as submission

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 16 fatalities from Israeli fire on Monday, as the war-torn Palestinian territory enters its 21st month of conflict. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal confirmed the deaths, including five in an overnight strike on a residential building in Al-Mawasi. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated a pregnant woman was among the… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 16 killed in Israeli strikes