Category: World

BUDAPEST: Unusually low water levels on the Danube river in Hungary are affecting shipping, agriculture, and local ecosystems along Europe’s second-longest river, which serves as a key transport route across the continent. Temperatures peaked at 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Budapest this week as much of Europe baked in an early summer heatwave… Continue reading Low Danube water levels disrupt shipping amid Hungary heatwave

NEW DELHI: India’s aviation watchdog reprimanded Air India’s budget carrier in March for not timely changing engine parts of an Airbus A320 as directed by European Union’s aviation safety agency, and falsifying records to show compliance, a government memo showed. In a statement, Air India Express told Reuters it acknowledged the error to the Indian… Continue reading Air India Express warned over Airbus engine fix delays and record falsification

DHARAMSHALA (India): A senior Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organization he has set up have the authority to identify his successor as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, in a rare comment contradicting rival China’s long-held position. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed… Continue reading India supports Dalai Lama’s successor choice, opposes China’s claim

NEW DELHI: India will launch a $234 million incentive programme for civil and military drone makers to reduce their reliance on imported components and counter rival Pakistan’s programme built on support from China and Turkey, three sources told Reuters. India’s push to build more home-grown drones stems from its assessment of the four-day clash with… Continue reading India launches $234M drone incentive amid Pakistan conflict

BERLIN: Russia has increased its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, Germany’s BND foreign intelligence agency said on Friday, citing evidence it obtained alongside its Dutch counterparts. Russia uses not only tear gas, but also “the more dangerous chemical chloropicrin, which can be lethal in high concentrations in enclosed spaces” in Ukraine, the BND said… Continue reading Russia escalates chemical weapons use in Ukraine, German spies confirm

DUBAI: The Israeli military is preparing an enforcement plan to “ensure that Iran cannot return to threaten Israel“, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told senior military officials. He said the military must be prepared, both in intelligence and operations, to ensure Israel has air superiority and to prevent Tehran from reestablishing its previous capabilities. He… Continue reading Israeli military readies plan to counter Iran threat, says defence minister

ROME: At least nine people, including eight police officers and a firefighter, were injured on Friday after an explosion at a petrol station in the east of Rome, Italian authorities said. The large blast at the distributor of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the Prenestino neighbourhood was heard across the Italian capital.… Continue reading Rome gas station explosion injures several, causes major disruption

PARIS: Early one morning this week, a dinghy motored along a vast beach in northern France, stopping every few hundred metres to pick up migrants bound for Britain. Four French police gave chase, but failed to reach the migrants before they reached water’s edge. Soon, with 70-odd people onboard, the dinghy began chugging across the… Continue reading France and UK aim to curb Channel crossings with new migrant boat plan

PARIS: A strike by French air traffic controllers entered its second day on Friday, causing further flight delays and cancellations at the start of Europe’s peak travel season. Civil aviation agency DGAC told airlines to cancel 40% of flights at the three main Paris airports on Friday because of the strike, which the air traffic… Continue reading French air traffic strike disrupts flights for second day in Europe

THE HAGUE: Dutch and German intelligence agencies have gathered evidence of widespread Russian use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including dropping a choking agent from drones to drive soldiers out of trenches so they can be shot, they said on Friday. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called for tougher sanctions against Moscow. “The main… Continue reading Russia’s widespread chemical weapons use in Ukraine exposed by Dutch intelligence

MYANMAR’S ruling junta said on Friday it had already discharged 93 minors from military service, countering a United Nations report last month that accused it and allies of recruiting more than 400 children, many in combat roles. In a rare admission published in its mouthpiece newspaper, the junta said it conducted a verification process last… Continue reading Myanmar junta releases 93 child soldiers amid UN scrutiny

CADBURY chocolate maker Mondelez is urging a one-year delay in the implementation of the European Union’s deforestation law, a senior company executive said. The company supports the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in principle, Massimiliano Di Domenico, vice president of corporate and government affairs for Europe said, but urged policymakers to account for “on-the-ground realities.” Di… Continue reading Cadbury parent Mondelez seeks EU deforestation law delay

BEIJING: A Chinese national who went missing in Thailand after accepting a photoshoot job has been rescued, according to China’s embassy in Bangkok, which cautioned Chinese citizens against simply accepting job offers. The embassy said in a statement that the rescue of a person with the surname Zhong was a joint effort of various parties… Continue reading Chinese national rescued in Thailand after shady job offer, embassy warns

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether the Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a “final proposal” for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza. The president also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the… Continue reading Trump expects Hamas decision on Gaza ceasefire within 24 hours

NEW YORK: The killing of civilians trying to get food and in displacement sites in Gaza shocks United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reported Xinhua. “The secretary-general is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza,“ said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday. “Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people… Continue reading UN Chief appalled by attacks on civilians in Gaza

MOSCOW: Moscow has formally recognised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian News Agency (TASS) reported. According to a ministry representative, the Foreign Ministry confirmed this when asked to comment on reports about Russia’s decision to recognise the country. The Russian ambassador in Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, said Russian President Vladimir Putin… Continue reading Moscow formally recognises Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

TEHRAN: Iran on Thursday reopened its airspace to domestic, foreign and international transit flights, announced the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, reported Xinhua. The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organisation of Iran as well as precise security and safety assessments, given the country’s present circumstances, the ministry said in… Continue reading Iran reopens airspace to domestic, foreign, transit flights: Ministry

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday said national parks would hike entry fees for foreign tourists to “improve affordability” for Americans, as he launched the country’s year-long 250th birthday celebrations. “For this anniversary, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,“ Trump told… Continue reading Trump orders national park entry fees hike for foreign tourists

Seoul: A North Korean who crossed the heavily fortified land border into the South has been detained and taken into custody, Seoul’s military said Friday. The North Korean, identified as a male civilian, managed to cross the Military Demarcation Line in the midwestern part of the Demilitarized Zone on Thursday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff… Continue reading North Korean detained after crossing land border: Seoul military

MOSCOW: A woman was killed when a Ukrainian drone crashed into an apartment building in southern Russia, the region’s acting governor said early Friday. A two-storey building in the village of Dolotinka in Rostov was “damaged by a UAV crash, a floor slab collapsed, and as a result, a retired woman, a former teacher, died”,… Continue reading Ukrainian drone crash kills one in southern Russia

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said early on Friday he came away disappointed from a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin because it does not appear the latter is looking to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine. U.S. attempts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine through diplomacy have largely stalled, and Trump has faced growing… Continue reading Trump, disappointed by call with Putin, to speak with Zelenskiy on Friday

BERLIN: Tesla’s sales in Germany slumped 60 per cent in June compared to a year earlier, even as overall battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose, reported Xinhua. Germany’s motor vehicle authority (KBA) said on Thursday, the US electric vehicle maker sold 1,860 cars in June, down from 4,645 units a year earlier. For the first… Continue reading Tesla struggles in Germany with 60 pct drop in June sales

DES MOINES, IOWA: U.S. President Donald Trump took a victory lap in friendly territory on Thursday, celebrating passage of his massive tax-cut and border security bill among supporters at the Iowa State Fairground. Trump flew to the state, which voted for him by large margins during the last three presidential elections, directly after the U.S.… Continue reading Trump celebrates tax bill victory at Iowa fairground rally

LOS ANGELES: US actor Michael Madsen — best known for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino including “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” — died Thursday at age 67 after suffering cardiac arrest, his management team said. The actor was found unresponsive early Thursday at his home in Malibu, they said. “Michael Madsen was one… Continue reading Michael Madsen, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’ actor, dies at 67

US President Donald Trump – Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said he made no progress with Vladimir Putin on ending the Ukraine war in a call Thursday, as the Kremlin insisted the Russian president would stick to his aims in the conflict. Trump’s grim assessment came as US-led peace… Continue reading Trump says ‘didn’t make any progress’ with Putin on Ukraine

GAZA CITY, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring home all the hostages still held by militants in war-stricken Gaza, where the civil defence agency said 73 people were killed Thursday in his country’s ongoing offensive. Netanyahu has come under strong pressure to get the hostages back after US President Donald Trump said… Continue reading Netanyahu vows to bring all Gaza hostages home

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said he plans to start sending letters informing trading partners of their tariff rates as soon as Friday, as negotiations to avoid higher US levies enter the final stretch. “My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they’re going to be paying,“ he told reporters on Thursday.… Continue reading Trump says likely to start informing countries of US tariffs Friday

NEW DELHI: Two days after India’s capital stopped fuel sales to ageing vehicles to tackle the sprawling megacity’s hazardous air pollution, authorities on Thursday said the ban was not practical. New Delhi is regularly ranked as one of the most polluted capitals globally with vehicular emissions being one of the worst offenders, according to several… Continue reading New Delhi says fuel ban on old vehicles not feasible

BERLIN: Germany’s interior minster on Thursday said he wanted direct contact with the Taliban authorities in a bid to enable criminals to be deported back to Afghanistan. “I envision us making agreements directly with Afghanistan to enable deportations,“ Alexander Dobrindt said in an interview with Focus magazine. Berlin currently has only indirect contact with the… Continue reading Germany to seek direct contact with Taliban on deportations

AARHUS: The EU is “ready for a deal” with the United States, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday before negotiators meet in Washington before a July 9 deadline. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is in Washington and due to meet his US counterparts later Thursday. The commission, leading trade policy for the… Continue reading EU chief says Brussels ‘ready’ for US trade deal ahead of talks

LISBON: Portugal’s former prime minister Jose Socrates went on trial on Thursday on corruption charges in a long-running case already being dubbed the “trial of the century” in local media. Socrates, who led the country between 2005 and 2011, is accused of amassing a fortune of more than 34 million euros ($40 million) while he… Continue reading Portugal’s ex-PM goes on trial in corruption case

WASHINGTON: The US trade deficit widened more than expected in May, government data showed Thursday, with both imports and exports declining as US President Donald Trump’s tariffs sent shock waves through the economy and snagged supply chains. The world’s biggest economy logged an overall trade gap of $71.5 billion, in the month after Trump imposed… Continue reading US trade deficit widens in May as Trump tariffs fuel uncertainty

LONDON: The BBC said Thursday it would no longer live-broadcast musical performances deemed “high risk” following controversy over the behaviour of punk-rap duo Bob Vylan during their Glastonbury set. The British broadcaster has attracted criticism for having failed to pull a livestream of the performance after its frontman made anti-Israel comments at the festival in… Continue reading BBC to stop showing ‘high-risk’ acts live after Bob Vylan row

PARIS: France announced Thursday a record 40 million-euro fine against e-commerce giant Shein over “deceptive commercial practices” after a competition inquiry, saying it misled customers on price deals and on its environmental impact. The French competition and anti-fraud office said the investigation found Shein used “deceptive commercial practices towards consumers regarding… price reductions”, with the… Continue reading France fines Shein 40 mn euros over ‘deceptive’ sales practices

PARIS: France said on Thursday it would decide whether to reimpose sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme depending on whether Tehran released two French detainees charged with spying for Israel. “Freeing Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris is an absolute priority for us,“ Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. “We have always told our interlocutors from… Continue reading France says Iran sanctions decision depends on detainees’ release

MOSCOW: A high-ranking Russian general serving as deputy commander of the navy was killed during “combat operations” in the Kursk region, officials said Thursday, amid ongoing fighting in the area. Mikhail Gudkov, 42, had served in the military since 2000 and was made “Hero of the Russian Federation” by President Vladimir Putin in 2023 —… Continue reading Russian deputy navy chief killed in Kursk region

VIENNA: Austria on Thursday deported a Syrian criminal convict back to Syria, becoming the first EU country to do so officially “in recent years”, the interior ministry said. Austria has been pushing to be able to deport Syrians back since the ouster of Syria’s leader Bashar al-Assad in December. “The deportation carried out today is… Continue reading Austria deports Syrian convict in EU first since Assad fall

AARHUS: Denmark will do everything in its power to help Ukraine join the EU, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday as she welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. “Ukraine belongs in the European Union. It is in both Denmark’s and Europe’s interest,“ Frederiksen, who has been a fervent supporter of Ukraine, said in a statement. “Therefore,… Continue reading Denmark says will do ‘everything we can’ to help Ukraine join EU