Category: World

HEBRON: Israel’s security service said Sunday it had broken up a network of Hamas militants in the occupied West Bank suspected of planning attacks, arresting 60 of the group’s members. The Shin Bet internal security agency said in a statement that “a significant, complex, and large-scale Hamas infrastructure was exposed” in the West Bank city… Continue reading Israeli security service says busts Hamas cells in West Bank

DHAKA: Operations at Bangladesh’s biggest port were suspended on Sunday as a strike by customs officials brought shipping activity to a halt. The shutdown at Chittagong Port is part of an ongoing dispute between tax authority employees and the government, which is trying to overhaul the body. “The port typically handles around 7,000 to 8,000… Continue reading Strike shuts down Bangladesh’s biggest port

JERUSALEM: An Israeli court on Sunday postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial after he requested a delay with the suppport of US President Donald Trump, in a ruling published by the premier’s party. “Following the explanations given… we partially accept the request and cancel at this stage Mr Netanyahu’s hearings scheduled”… Continue reading Israeli court postpones Netanyahu appearance in graft trial

HONG KONG: One of Hong Kong’s last remaining opposition parties has officially disbanded, its leader announced Sunday, citing “immense political pressure” as Beijing presses on with its years-long crackdown on dissent. The League of Social Democrats (LSD), founded in 2006, championed democratisation and grassroots issues in Hong Kong’s legislature and on the streets. It is… Continue reading Hong Kong opposition party disbands citing ‘immense’ pressure

NEW DELHI: An Indian aviation minister on Sunday said investigators were probing “all angles” behind an Air India crash when asked by media about possible sabotage. All but one of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner were killed when it crashed in the western city of Ahmedabad on June 12. Authorities have… Continue reading India plane crash probe looking at all angles: minister

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes and gunfire killed at least 14 people including three children in the war-stricken Palestinian territory on Sunday. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that 13 people died in air strikes at four locations around the Gaza Strip, and another from Israeli fire near an… Continue reading Gaza rescuers say Israeli forces kill 14, including children

JAKARTA: Indonesia broke ground Sunday on a $5.9 billion megaproject for EV battery production backed by Chinese giant CATL, despite NGOs raising concerns over a lack of environmental guarantees. Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer and it is trying to capitalise on its vast reserves, with a 2020 export ban spurring a domestic industrial… Continue reading Indonesia begins $5.9 bn EV battery project despite environment fears

GLASTONBURY: The UK government said on Sunday that the BBC had questions to answer over criticism of Israel by musicians at Glastonbury festival that police are probing. UK officers are studying videos of rapper Bobby Vylan leading crowds in chants of “Death, death to the IDF”, a reference to the acronym for the Israeli army,… Continue reading UK govt condemns ‘death to the IDF’ chants at Glastonbury

KYIV: Fresh Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian regions in the night of Saturday to Sunday wounded at least seven people, according to the war-torn country’s authorities. Since launching its invasion in February 2022 Russia has launched near-nightly bombardments of its neighbour’s towns and cities, raining down drones and missiles on military and civilian targets alike. Talks… Continue reading Wave of Russian strikes wounds 7 in Ukraine

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s vice president said she would not be intimidated by Beijing after the government accused Chinese embassy staff of planning to ram her car during an official visit to Europe. Taiwan’s top China policy body, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), on Friday said Hsiao Bi-khim’s motorcade was followed, surveilled and nearly hit by a… Continue reading Taiwan VP says not intimidated after alleged China plot

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina has condemned what it said were threats against UN nuclear watchdog chief and Argentine Rafael Grossi after Iran rejected his request to visit nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the United States. Tehran has accused Grossi of “betrayal of his duties” for not condemning the Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear… Continue reading Argentina condemns Iran’s ‘threats’ against IAEA chief Grossi

BAT YAM: German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed support for Israel on Sunday during a visit to the site of an Iranian missile strike near Tel Aviv, part of the destruction left by this month’s 12-day war. It was the first visit by a senior foreign official since the war between Iran and Israel, which… Continue reading Germany backs Israel after Iran war in first high-level visit

BHUBANESWAR: A sudden crowd surge at a Hindu festival in India’s coastal state of Odisha on Sunday triggered a stampede that killed at least three people and injured several others, local government officials said. Thousands of devotees had gathered near Gundicha temple in the city of Puri for celebrations of an annual Hindu chariot festival.… Continue reading Festival stampede kills three near Indian temple

JERUSALEM: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has publicly called for Benjamin Netanyahu to leave office, criticising his prolonged leadership and handling of national crises. In a televised interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Bennett stated, “He has been in power for 20 years… that’s too much, it’s not healthy.” Bennett, who briefly unseated Netanyahu in… Continue reading Former Israeli PM Bennett calls for Netanyahu to step down

NEW YORK: The world’s most advanced AI systems are exhibiting genuinely disturbing behaviour – and it’s not what you’d expect from your typical chatbot glitches. We’re talking about AI models that lie, scheme, and even blackmail their own creators when threatened with being shut down. The most shocking incidents Here’s what’s actually happening in AI… Continue reading AI models now lying, scheming & threatening their creators

PARIS: France has officially banned smoking on beaches, public parks, and near schools starting Sunday in a move to safeguard children from passive smoking. The new law, published in the government gazette on Saturday, also covers bus shelters and areas close to libraries and swimming pools. The health ministry aims to create smoke-free zones where… Continue reading France bans smoking on beaches and parks to protect children

WASHINGTON: The US Senate narrowly approved a procedural vote on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, setting the stage for an overnight debate. The Republican-controlled chamber voted 51-49, with two GOP senators joining Democrats in opposition. The 940-page bill, which funds immigration, military, and tax priorities, faced delays as Democrats demanded a full… Continue reading Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill clears first US Senate hurdle

NEW SOUTH WALES: Hannah Thomas, a Greens candidate who contested against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in last month’s election, has undergone surgery for severe facial injuries sustained during her arrest at a protest in western Sydney. The incident occurred outside SEC Plating on Lakemba Street, where demonstrators gathered to protest the company’s reported ties to… Continue reading Hannah Thomas undergoes facial surgery after arrest at Sydney protest

ROME: The escalating global tariff tensions, spearheaded by the United States, must be resolved through the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ensure fairness and stability, according to Italian economist Mario Tirelli. Speaking to Xinhua, Tirelli, a professor of economics at the University of Roma Tre, warned that the US-initiated trade disputes now impact nearly all… Continue reading WTO crucial for resolving global trade tensions, says Italian economist

PRAGUE: Czech military intelligence has exposed a shocking plot by Chinese diplomats to physically intimidate Taiwan’s Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to Prague last year. The revelation came on Friday when Czech intelligence confirmed that Chinese diplomats and secret service agents had systematically followed Hsiao throughout her March 2024 visit, gathering intelligence on her… Continue reading Czech Intel: China planned to intimidate Taiwan vice-president

SINGAPORE: Singapore has heightened its security measures in response to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, according to Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam. Speaking to the media during a community event on Saturday, Shanmugam acknowledged the fragile ceasefire but warned of unpredictable developments. “There is a ceasefire,… Continue reading Singapore boosts security amid Iran-Israel tensions

MARSEILLE: Southern Europe is enduring its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. Scientists warn that the continent, the fastest-warming in the world, is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. In Italy, 17 cities, from Milan to Palermo, were placed under red… Continue reading Europe faces first summer heatwave as temperatures soar

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has publicly condemned the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a “political witch hunt” and vowing that the US would not tolerate it. Trump made the remarks on his Truth Social platform, stating, “The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far… Continue reading Trump defends Netanyahu amid corruption trial, calls it political witch hunt

ISLAMABAD: A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Pakistan early Sunday morning, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at approximately 3:30am local time (2230 GMT), with its epicentre located 60 kilometres north-northeast of Barkhan in Balochistan province. No immediate casualties or damage were reported following the shallow quake. Pakistan lies along… Continue reading 5.3-magnitude earthquake strikes central Pakistan, no casualties reported

VIENNA: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has stated that Iran could resume uranium enrichment “in a matter of months” despite recent attacks on its nuclear facilities by the US and Israel. The remarks came during an interview with CBS News, highlighting ongoing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Israel launched… Continue reading Iran uranium enrichment could resume in months despite attacks: IAEA

VENICE: At least 500 protesters flooded Venice’s streets on Saturday, voicing opposition to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ high-profile wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez. The event, marked by luxury and celebrity attendance, has sparked criticism in the historic city, where locals accuse the billionaire of exploiting Venice for personal extravagance. Chants of “Bezos, out of the… Continue reading Venice protests target Jeff Bezos wedding with “Eat the rich” chants

PARIS: France has offered to assist in ensuring safer food distribution in Gaza amid growing concerns over civilian casualties during aid deliveries. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Saturday that France and Europe are prepared to enhance security for humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territory. Barrot’s remarks follow increasing criticism of deadly incidents at Israeli-supported… Continue reading France offers safety support for Gaza food distribution amid crisis

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has urged visitors to Mount Rinjani National Park in West Nusa Tenggara to use only licensed operators and certified guides when undertaking extreme activities such as hiking. The appeal follows the death of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, 26, who fell while trekking in the park on June 21. Her body was… Continue reading Indonesia urges safer hiking after tourist death on Mount Rinjani

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Scotia Sea at 4.32 pm this afternoon. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometres (km) occurred at a distance of 3,152 km southeast of Puerto Montt, Chile. However, MetMalaysia informed that there was no tsunami… Continue reading Strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Scotia Sea, no tsunami threat

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling blunting a potent weapon that federal judges have used to block government policies nationwide during legal challenges was in many ways a victory for President Donald Trump, except perhaps on the very policy he is seeking to enforce. An executive order that the Republican president signed on his… Continue reading Trump wins Supreme Court ruling but birthright citizenship fight continues

WASHINGTON: U.S. Senate Republicans will seek to advance President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Saturday with a procedural vote that could kick off a marathon weekend session and lead to full congressional approval next week. The 940-page megabill, released late on Friday, would extend the 2017 tax cuts that were Trump’s main… Continue reading US Senate Republicans push Trump tax-cut bill ahead of July 4 deadline

ATHENS: Greece’s government on Saturday said it had replaced Makis Voridis a day after the migration minister resigned over claims he defrauded European farm subsidies while holding the agriculture brief. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said in a statement that Thanos Plevris, a former minister of health and former member of the Greek far-right LAOS party,… Continue reading Greece replaces minister after resignation over EU subsidy scandal

WARSAW: Belarusian exile Asya watched from the sidelines in central Warsaw as a crowd greeted and applauded Sergei Tikhanovsky, the Belarus opposition figure who was unexpectedly released, barely recognisable after five years in prison. A popular blogger, Tikhanovsky, 46, was jailed in 2020, weeks before he was due to stand in presidential elections against Belarus’s… Continue reading Belarusians in Warsaw celebrate prisoner release, hope for more

PESHAWAR (Pakistan): Heavy rains and flash flooding across Pakistan have killed 24 people including 12 children since the start of the monsoon season this week, disaster management officials said. At least 13 people have been killed in the eastern province of Punjab since Wednesday, the area’s disaster management authority said Saturday. Eight of the fatalities… Continue reading Pakistan flash floods kill 24 as monsoon rains wreak havoc

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling tied to birthright citizenship prompted confusion and phone calls to lawyers as people who could be affected tried to process a convoluted legal decision with major humanitarian implications. The court’s conservative majority on Friday granted President Donald Trump his request to curb federal judges’ power but did not decide… Continue reading US Supreme Court’s birthright ruling sparks confusion among immigrants

MARSEILLE: Southern Europeans braced Saturday for the first heatwave of the northern hemisphere summer, as climate change pushes thermometers on the world’s fastest-warming continent increasingly into the red. Temperatures are set to rise to 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) in Rome, driving the Eternal City’s many tourists and Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican alike towards… Continue reading Europe faces first summer heatwave as temperatures soar

BELGRADE: Serbian protesters are expected to gather in their tens of thousands in the capital Belgrade on Saturday, issuing an “ultimatum” for the government to call early elections after months of student-led strikes. Anti-graft protests have rocked the Balkan nation since November when a train station roof collapse in the northern city of Novi Sad… Continue reading Serbian protesters issue election ultimatum amid corruption outcry

CAIRO: Emirates extended its cancellation of flights to and from Iran’s capital Tehran until July 5 due to the “regional situation”, it said in a statement on Saturday. The Dubai-based airline said it will recommence operations to Baghdad on July 1 and Basra on July 2.

PESHAWAR (Pakistan): A suicide attack claimed by the Pakistani Taliban killed 16 soldiers and wounded more than two dozen people, including civilians, local government officials and police officers told AFP. “A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy,“ said a local government official in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, who… Continue reading Suicide attack kills 16 soldiers in Pakistan’s North Waziristan