Category: World

BANGKOK: A shooting incident at a market in Bangkok on Monday left at least six people dead, including the gunman who later took his own life. Deputy Commissioner Charin Gopatta of the Metropolitan Police Bureau confirmed the fatalities to Reuters. The attack occurred at the Or To Ko market, a hub for agricultural produce and… Continue reading Bangkok market shooting leaves six dead

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations has played a central role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict since its 1947 partition plan, which sought to divide British-mandate Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. While Israel accepted the resolution, Arab states and Palestinians rejected it, leading to war and the displacement of 760,000 Palestinians—an event known as the Nakba,… Continue reading UN and the stalled two-state solution for Palestine and Israel

WASHINGTON: US tariff negotiations with major trading partners are reaching a critical phase as the August 1 deadline approaches. The twice-delayed deadline could see higher duties imposed on economies with significant trade surpluses with the US, unless last-minute agreements are reached. The Biden administration has already secured deals with the European Union, Britain, Vietnam, Japan,… Continue reading US tariff negotiations update as August 1 deadline looms

TAIPEI: Taiwanese residents gather on sidewalks, plastic bags in hand, as a yellow garbage truck approaches, its loudspeakers filling the air with Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.” This decades-old tradition signals it’s time to take out the trash, blending efficiency with an unexpected social ritual. “When we hear this music, we know it’s time to take out… Continue reading Taiwan’s musical garbage trucks blend waste collection with social bonding

BORDEAUX: French winemakers in the famed Bordeaux region are bracing for the financial impact of US tariffs, with industry leaders calling the uncertainty “the stuff of nightmares.” The US remains the top export market for Bordeaux wines, accounting for €400 million in annual sales—20% of the region’s total exports. Sunday’s US-EU trade deal failed to… Continue reading Bordeaux winemakers face uncertainty as US tariffs loom

HONG KONG: Most stock markets climbed higher on Monday, with the euro strengthening after the European Union and United States finalised a landmark trade agreement aimed at preventing a damaging trade war. The deal, announced by former US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has injected optimism into global markets.… Continue reading Markets rise as EU-US trade deal boosts euro and global stocks

BRUSSELS: After securing NATO’s defence spending pledge to appease Donald Trump, Europe now awaits a crucial US decision on troop withdrawals. Washington is reviewing global military deployments, with reductions in Europe expected in the coming months. The move has unnerved allies, particularly amid fears that Russia may target a NATO member if the Ukraine war… Continue reading Europe braces for US troop withdrawals amid NATO uncertainty

BANGKOK: Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed skepticism over Cambodia’s intentions as he prepared for crucial peace talks in Malaysia. Speaking to reporters at Bangkok airport, Phumtham stated, “We do not believe Cambodia is acting in good faith, based on their actions in addressing the issue.” The comments come as cross-border clashes between the… Continue reading Thai PM doubts Cambodia’s good faith ahead of Malaysia peace talks

BEIJING: Chinese authorities are investigating the abbot of Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu, over allegations of embezzlement and misconduct. The temple issued a statement on WeChat confirming the probe into Abbot Shi Yongxin, who is accused of misusing funds and violating Buddhist principles. The statement said Shi had “seriously violated Buddhist precepts,“ including… Continue reading Shaolin Temple abbot investigated for embezzlement and misconduct

SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged higher on Monday as optimism over a US-EU trade deal and potential US-China tariff negotiations eased concerns about economic slowdowns impacting fuel demand. Brent crude futures rose 22 cents to $68.66 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 22 cents to $65.38. “The US-EU trade deal and possible extension… Continue reading Oil prices rise as US-EU trade deal eases demand concerns

STOCKHOLM: US and Chinese economic officials will hold fresh talks in Stockholm on Monday to negotiate an extension of their tariff truce, aiming to prevent a sharp escalation in trade barriers and pave the way for a potential meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this year. The discussions follow a temporary pause… Continue reading US-China tariff talks resume in Stockholm to extend trade truce

SEOUL: North Korea has dismissed South Korea’s recent peace overtures as a “great miscalculation,“ with Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stating Pyongyang has no interest in dialogue. The remarks mark the first official response to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s attempts to ease tensions. Kim Yo Jong, a… Continue reading North Korea rejects South’s peace moves as ‘great miscalculation’

SHANGHAI: Serving craft beer, playing mahjong, and even boxing—humanoid robots took center stage at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai this weekend, showcasing China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The event, attended by over 800 companies, featured more than 3,000 products, with humanoid robots stealing the spotlight through their quirky yet impressive demonstrations. Premier… Continue reading China showcases humanoid robots at Shanghai AI conference

SAN DIEGO: Godzilla enthusiasts from around the world gathered at Comic-Con to celebrate the iconic monster’s 70th anniversary. The event, hosted by Japanese studio Toho, featured panel discussions, autograph sessions, and fan interactions, highlighting the enduring legacy of the “king of monsters.” Godzilla first appeared on screen in 1954, directed by Ishiro Honda, as a… Continue reading Godzilla fans celebrate 70th anniversary at Comic-Con 2025

ATHENS: Firefighters in Greece have made progress in containing wildfires that have devastated homes and forced evacuations across the country. Over the past 24 hours, 55 new fires broke out, but 50 were quickly brought under control. Authorities remain on high alert, with five major fire fronts still active in the Peloponnese, Evia, Kythera, and… Continue reading Greece wildfires under control as firefighters battle remaining fronts

GENEVA: Malnutrition in the Gaza Strip has surged to alarming levels, the World Health Organization warned, describing the crisis as entirely preventable. The WHO highlighted that aid blockades have led to devastating consequences, with 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025, 63 of which occurred in July alone. Among the fatalities were 24 children under five,… Continue reading Malnutrition crisis hits alarming levels in Gaza, WHO warns

GAZA CITY: Jordanian and Emirati aircraft delivered food supplies to Gaza on Sunday as Israel announced a temporary halt in military operations to facilitate humanitarian aid. The move comes amid worsening hunger in the Palestinian territory, where 21 months of war and a prolonged blockade have left thousands starving. The World Health Organisation reported alarming… Continue reading Gaza receives food airdrops as Israel opens aid routes amid crisis

DAMASCUS: Syrian authorities have confirmed that the selection process for a new transitional parliament will take place in mid-September, marking a key step in the country’s post-war political transition. The announcement follows months of preparation under the interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad… Continue reading Syria announces September date for transitional parliament selection

EPPING: Hundreds of demonstrators from opposing groups marched through Epping on Sunday under heavy police supervision, marking the latest in a series of protests sparked by an asylum seeker charged with sexual assault. Authorities deployed barricades and banned masks to prevent clashes, with Essex Police stating they had a “robust policing operation in place to… Continue reading Hundreds protest in UK town amid rising immigration tensions

PUTRAJAYA: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will arrive in Malaysia on Monday for crucial ceasefire negotiations with Thailand, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The talks aim to de-escalate recent border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations. Hun Manet confirmed his participation in a Facebook post late Sunday. “I will lead… Continue reading Cambodia PM Hun Manet heads to Malaysia for Thailand ceasefire talks

GENEVA: The United Nations has announced plans to maximise aid delivery to Gaza’s starving population following Israel’s decision to establish secure land routes for humanitarian convoys. The World Food Programme confirmed sufficient food supplies are available to feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for nearly three months. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher stated the organisation… Continue reading UN aims to aid Gaza’s starving during Israel’s humanitarian pause

ST. LOUIS: Workers at Boeing’s fighter jet assembly plants in Missouri and Illinois have rejected the company’s latest contract proposal, raising the threat of a strike that could disrupt production of key US military aircraft. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced Sunday that over 3,200 members voted against the offer, which… Continue reading Boeing workers reject contract, threaten strike at US fighter jet plants

WASHINGTON: Tom Lehrer, the sharp-witted pianist and satirical songwriter whose dark humor captivated mid-century America, has died at 97. The news was confirmed by his friend David Herder, as reported by The New York Times. Lehrer passed away peacefully at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Saturday. A Harvard graduate by 19 and later a… Continue reading Tom Lehrer, musical satirist and academic, dies at 97

TURNBERRY: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to press US President Donald Trump on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stalled ceasefire talks when they meet at Trump’s Scottish golf resort. The discussions will also cover trade cooperation following a recent UK-US deal and efforts to resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine. Starmer is… Continue reading Starmer to discuss Gaza crisis and trade with Trump in Scotland

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed the newly announced trade deal between the European Union and the United States, describing it as a measure to prevent unnecessary trade conflicts. The agreement, which imposes 15-percent tariffs on most EU exports, has drawn mixed reactions, with industries expressing concerns over its economic impact. Merz stated, “We… Continue reading Germany’s Merz praises EU-US trade deal despite industry backlash

SAN DIEGO: Star Wars creator George Lucas made history with his first-ever appearance at Comic-Con, thrilling fans who lined up for hours to see the legendary filmmaker. The 81-year-old director took the stage not to discuss his iconic films but to showcase his passion project—the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in Los… Continue reading George Lucas makes historic first Comic-Con appearance for art museum

RIEDLINGEN: Three people were killed and multiple others injured after a regional passenger train derailed in southwestern Germany on Sunday evening. The accident occurred around 6:10 pm near the town of Riedlingen in Baden-Wuerttemberg state. Initial reports from police indicated four fatalities, but authorities later corrected the number to three. The exact count of injured… Continue reading Train derailment in Germany leaves 3 dead, dozens injured

TURNBERRY: The United States and the European Union have reached a trade agreement imposing a 15% tariff on most EU goods, averting a potential trade war between the two economic powerhouses. The deal, announced by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, includes $600 billion in EU investments in the… Continue reading US and EU agree on 15% tariff deal to prevent trade war

BRUSSELS: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to maintain the independence of anti-corruption institutions, following recent tensions over Kyiv’s attempt to limit their authority. Von der Leyen described her discussions with Zelensky as productive, acknowledging Ukraine’s progress toward European integration. “It must build on these solid foundations and… Continue reading EU chief urges Zelensky to protect anti-graft bodies’ independence

FRANKFURT: Berlin police confirmed the arrest of 57 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held alongside the city’s annual Pride march. Authorities reported that 17 officers sustained injuries in the clashes. Approximately 10,000 demonstrators gathered on Saturday in support of Palestinians, but police intervened as organisers failed to maintain order. Arrests were made for public disturbances,… Continue reading Berlin police arrest 57 at pro-Palestinian protest during Pride march

GENEVA: The United Nations’ aid chief has welcomed Israel’s decision to establish secure land routes into Gaza for humanitarian convoys, calling it a critical step to alleviate the worsening crisis. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher confirmed the development, stating that teams on the ground will maximise efforts to reach those in desperate need. “Welcome… Continue reading UN aid chief welcomes Gaza humanitarian pauses amid crisis

WASHINGTON: Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were forced to evacuate onto the runway at Denver International Airport after a brake fire erupted just before takeoff. The airline confirmed all 173 passengers and six crew members exited safely, though one person sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The incident occurred on Saturday as… Continue reading Passenger plane evacuated in Denver after brake fire incident