Category: World

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday increasing tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% from 25%, the White House said. The new rates goes into effect on August 1. “In response to Canada’s continued inaction and retaliation, President Trump has found it necessary to increase the tariff on Canada from 25%… Continue reading Trump increases tariff on Canada to 35%, White House says

WASHINGTON: After paving over the Rose Garden and adding gold leaf in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump will embark on his most dramatic addition to the White House yet: a new, $200 million ballroom to be built adjacent to the mansion’s East Wing. Trump, a former real estate developer with a penchant for decorating,… Continue reading Trump to start building $200 million White House ballroom in September

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump sent letters to the leaders of 17 major pharmaceutical companies outlining how they should slash U.S. prescription drug prices to match those paid overseas, the White House said on Thursday. Trump signed a sweeping executive order in May demanding drugmakers cut U.S. medicine prices to match those abroad, saying that if… Continue reading Trump pressures 17 pharma CEOs to cut US drug prices

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law imposing fines on internet users who search for content labelled as “extremist” by authorities. The legislation, criticised as a crackdown on free expression, penalises individuals up to 5,000 rubles ($64) for accessing banned materials. The law targets searches for web pages, books, music, or artwork deemed… Continue reading Putin signs law fining searches for extremist content in Russia

LILLE: A Palestinian student from Gaza is under investigation in France for allegedly posting antisemitic messages online, leading to the revocation of her university accreditation. Officials confirmed she will have to leave the country. France’s Sciences Po university in Lille cancelled the student’s enrolment after accusations surfaced. Lille’s chief prosecutor, Carole Etienne, stated that an… Continue reading Palestinian student in France investigated over antisemitic posts

HONG KONG: One of Hong Kong’s largest LGBTQ events, Pink Dot Hong Kong, has been cancelled after organisers were denied a venue “without explanation”. The annual celebration, held since 2014, was scheduled for October 12 but could not proceed after West Kowloon Cultural District refused to rent the space. Organisers said they had engaged the… Continue reading Hong Kong LGBTQ event cancelled after venue denial without explanation

LISBON: Portugal is evaluating whether to recognise the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office confirmed on Thursday. The move follows similar signals from France, Britain, and Canada, as global criticism mounts over worsening conditions in Gaza. A government statement said Portugal is “considering recognition of… Continue reading Portugal considers recognising Palestinian state at UN in September

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has branded India and Russia as “dead economies” while confirming plans to impose new tariffs on New Delhi. In a late-night social media post, Trump dismissed concerns over India’s trade ties with Russia, stating, “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” Trump criticised India’s high… Continue reading Trump calls India and Russia ‘dead economies’ amid tariff threats

WASHINGTON: The United States announced it will deny visas to Palestinian Authority officials, accusing the governing body of attempting to “internationalise” its conflict with Israel. The State Department stated the Palestinian Authority is pursuing actions through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) while continuing to “support terrorism.” The visa restrictions… Continue reading US to deny visas to Palestinian officials over ICC actions

BRUSSELS: The European Union stated on Thursday that its prized wine industry would likely face new US tariffs alongside most European exports, though negotiations continue to secure exemptions. A weekend trade agreement between Brussels and Washington will impose a 15 percent levy on EU goods starting Friday, with some exceptions like aircraft already confirmed. France,… Continue reading EU seeks wine exemption as US tariffs take effect

ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in Pakistan’s parliament was among more than 100 people convicted Thursday over nationwide protests in support of Imran Khan in 2023, his party said. A statement from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) said six members of parliament, a senator, and a provincial MP, were given 10-year sentences, a week after several… Continue reading Pakistan opposition leader gets 10-year sentence over Imran Khan protests

KYIV: Ukraine’s parliament voted on Thursday in favour of a new anti-corruption bill, replacing a contentious law that had sparked mass protests. The legislation, pre-approved by anti-graft bodies, introduces measures such as regular lie detector tests for officials. European allies had expressed concerns that the previous law could weaken Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms, crucial for its… Continue reading Ukraine parliament passes new anti-corruption bill amid EU reforms

KATHMANDU: Rights groups on Thursday urged Nepal to reverse a ban on the Telegram messaging app, calling the move a serious threat to freedom of expression and digital privacy. The Himalayan nation blocked access to the app on July 18, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering. “The government’s ban is a serious… Continue reading Rights groups demand Nepal revoke Telegram ban over freedom concerns

LONDON: The UK’s media watchdog said Thursday it has launched investigations into 34 pornography websites over their compliance with new age-check requirements to prevent children accessing harmful online content. Ofcom said it would probe four firms that run the dozens of sites to assess whether they had “highly effective” age verification measures in place, after… Continue reading UK regulator to probe 34 porn sites over age-checks

MOSCOW: Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani expressed his country’s desire for Russia to remain a key ally, stating Syria wants Moscow “by our side” during a visit to the Russian capital. The remarks came amid ongoing uncertainty over Russia’s military presence in Syria following the overthrow of the Moscow-backed Assad regime last year. “The current… Continue reading Syrian FM seeks Russia’s support during Moscow visit

BEIJING: City officials admitted on Thursday they were unprepared for the heavy rains that flooded parts of Beijing, killing 44 people and leaving nine missing. Northern China has faced deadly rainfall since last week, forcing mass evacuations. The hardest-hit areas were Beijing’s rural suburbs, where the death toll rose from the previously reported 30. Xia… Continue reading Beijing admits flood readiness gaps after deadly rains kill 44

STOCKHOLM: Sweden has called on the European Union to suspend the trade provisions of its association agreement with Israel, citing violations linked to the Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated the move was necessary due to Israel’s failure to meet humanitarian obligations. “The situation in Gaza is absolutely appalling, and Israel is failing to… Continue reading Sweden urges EU to suspend Israel trade pact over Gaza war conduct

HELSINKI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for international efforts to push for “regime change” in Russia during a virtual address at a Helsinki conference. He warned that without such action, Moscow would continue destabilising neighbouring countries even after the war in Ukraine ends. The conference marked 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final… Continue reading Zelensky calls for regime change in Russia at Helsinki conference

TOKYO: Japan has lifted all tsunami advisories following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed coastal alerts ended at 4:30 pm local time after determining wave heights wouldn’t increase further. Initial fears of a catastrophic repeat of 2004’s Indian Ocean disaster proved unfounded, though the quake did trigger Pacific-wide… Continue reading Japan lifts tsunami advisory after Russia’s 8.8 magnitude quake

MUMBAI: An Indian court acquitted former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and six others on Thursday in connection with a 2008 bombing near a mosque that killed six people. The blast in Malegaon, Maharashtra, injured over 100 when explosives strapped to a motorcycle detonated. Judge AK Lahoti dismissed terrorism and conspiracy charges… Continue reading Indian court clears ex-MP Thakur in 2008 mosque bombing case

BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared on Thursday his government’s determination to disarm Hezbollah, emphasising the need for state control over all weapons. The statement follows Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem’s warning that calls for disarmament serve Israeli interests. Aoun stressed in his Army Day speech that Beirut demands “the extension of the Lebanese state’s authority… Continue reading Lebanon president vows to disarm Hezbollah amid rising tensions

HELSINKI: Finland on Thursday hosts a conference marking 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, a landmark agreement on respecting borders and territorial integrity. The event takes place amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has severely tested the principles enshrined in the 1975 accord. Keynote speakers include Ukrainian President… Continue reading Finland marks 50 years of Helsinki Accords amid Ukraine war tensions

BEIJING: Chinese authorities have called in US tech firm Nvidia to discuss potential security vulnerabilities in its artificial intelligence chips, escalating scrutiny over semiconductor exports amid strained US-China relations. The Cyberspace Administration of China stated it demanded explanations regarding “serious security issues” linked to Nvidia’s H20 processors designed for the Chinese market. The meeting follows… Continue reading China questions Nvidia over AI chip security concerns

SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors have filed for a new detention warrant to compel former president Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning after he repeatedly ignored summonses. The move comes amid an ongoing political crisis stemming from Yoon’s alleged attempt to subvert civilian rule in December 2024. Yoon, who was detained in January after resisting… Continue reading South Korean prosecutors seek warrant to question ex-president Yoon

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has formally sought the intervention of the Malaysian military, acting as ceasefire coordinator, to facilitate the release of 20 Cambodian soldiers held by the Thai army. Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed the diplomatic efforts through state media Agence Kampuchea Presse. Cambodian military officials have been negotiating with Thai counterparts, while General Tan… Continue reading Cambodia seeks Malaysian military help to free 20 soldiers held by Thailand

PARIS: Celebrated French chef Alain Passard has rewritten culinary history by converting his three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Arpege into France’s first entirely plant-based fine dining establishment. The 68-year-old maestro, who has helmed the Parisian institution for nearly four decades, eliminated meat, fish, dairy, and eggs from his menu on July 21, retaining only honey from his personal… Continue reading French chef Alain Passard launches first vegan menu at 3-star restaurant

ARNHEM: With striking blue eyes and a nervous expression, the reconstructed bust of Mos’anne, a woman who lived around 10,500 years ago, offers an eerily lifelike glimpse into the past. Created through a collaboration between science and art at Belgium’s Ghent University, the project aims to explore the lives of the region’s last hunter-gatherers during… Continue reading Prehistoric woman Mos’anne brought to life by artists and scientists

WASHINGTON: The deadline for higher US tariffs approaches as President Donald Trump expands his trade offensive, targeting more economies while offering limited reprieves through last-minute negotiations. With the August 1 deadline looming, Trump confirmed no further extensions, calling it “a big day for America” in a Truth Social post. New measures include a 25 percent… Continue reading US tariff deadline looms as Trump expands trade wars globally

MEXICO CITY: Behind the global acclaim of Quintonil, ranked third in “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants,“ lies a love story between two gourmets passionate about redefining Mexican cuisine. Named after an aromatic Oaxacan plant, the restaurant merges traditional flavors with modern techniques, earning praise for its “boundary-pushing” dishes. Alejandra Flores, co-founder of Quintonil, embodies Mexican… Continue reading Quintonil: Mexico’s boundary-pushing culinary love story

LOS ANGELES: For over a month, Alberto has barely left the small room he rents in a backyard, terrified of encountering masked police conducting immigration raids across Los Angeles. “It’s terrible,“ said the 60-year-old Salvadoran, who lacks legal status. “It’s a confinement I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.” To survive, Alberto relies on food deliveries from… Continue reading Undocumented migrants in LA fear Trump raids, stay hidden

SEOUL: A historic heatwave has shattered weather records in South Korea’s capital, with Seoul enduring 22 consecutive tropical nights in July—the longest streak since modern records began in 1907. Overnight temperatures remained above 25C throughout the month, marking an unprecedented stretch of extreme heat. The city nearly set another record on Wednesday, with the lowest… Continue reading Seoul breaks 100-year heat record with 22 tropical nights in July

GENEVA: The United Nations has called on Thailand and Cambodia to fully implement their ceasefire agreement and take swift steps to restore peace along their shared border. UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the need for both nations to protect civilians and prevent further violence after recent clashes left at least 43 dead. The ceasefire,… Continue reading UN urges Thailand, Cambodia to uphold ceasefire agreement

KYIV: Ukraine will amend a contentious anti-corruption law that recently triggered public protests, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga confirmed in an interview with AFP. The revised legislation, set for a parliamentary vote on Thursday, aims to restore independence to key anti-graft agencies while introducing new oversight measures. President Volodymyr Zelensky had initially adjusted the law to… Continue reading Ukraine to amend anti-graft law ahead of crucial parliamentary vote

MUMBAI: US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian exports and penalties for purchasing Russian military equipment and energy will threaten thousands of jobs and potentially redefine US-India relations, analysts said. Months of trade negotiations stalled after Trump demanded greater access to India’s agricultural and dairy sectors. Just two days before the… Continue reading Trump’s new tariffs on India to impact economy, reshape US ties

WASHINGTON: The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting, resisting pressure from President Donald Trump to cut borrowing costs. The decision came amid signs of economic growth but also rising uncertainty over trade policies and inflation. The central bank maintained its benchmark interest rate at a range of 4.25 percent… Continue reading US Fed holds rates steady amid Trump pressure and internal divisions

WASHINGTON: TikTok has launched a crowd-sourced debunking tool in the US, marking its latest effort to tackle misinformation through community contributions. The feature, called Footnotes, allows verified users to add context to potentially misleading content, similar to X’s Community Notes and Meta’s fact-checking initiatives. Adam Presser, TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, explained… Continue reading TikTok debuts crowd-sourced fact-checking tool in US

SEOUL: South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics reported a sharp 55% drop in second-quarter operating profits, citing US export restrictions on AI chips to China as a major factor. The company posted 4.7 trillion won ($3.4 billion) in operating profit for April-June, down from 10.4 trillion won a year earlier. Net profit also fell 48%… Continue reading Samsung profits drop 55% as US chip export curbs hit China sales