Category: World

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

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has confirmed the United States will impose a 15 percent tariff on imports from South Korea, framing the move as part of a broader trade agreement between the two nations. The decision comes after earlier threats of a 25 percent tariff. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated,… Continue reading US to impose 15% tariff on South Korean goods under Trump trade deal

LONDON: A major technical failure at the UK’s air traffic control system disrupted over 120 flights on Wednesday, triggering cancellations and delays during peak summer travel. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed the glitch forced temporary airspace restrictions before being resolved. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, along with Gatwick and Edinburgh, faced significant disruptions. Aviation… Continue reading UK flight chaos as tech glitch disrupts 120+ flights

SAN FRANCISCO: Meta delivered stronger-than-expected second quarter results, sending its share price soaring 12% in after-hours trading as the tech giant’s heavy AI investments showed early returns. The company reported $47.5 billion in revenue, a 22% year-over-year increase, with net profit climbing to $18.3 billion from $13.5 billion. “We’ve had a strong quarter both in… Continue reading Meta shares surge 12% after strong Q2 earnings beat forecasts

OTTAWA: Canada will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy, aligning with France’s recent announcement. Carney stated, “Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of… Continue reading Canada to recognise Palestinian state at UN General Assembly in 2025

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump imposed revised import tariffs on copper, excluding raw metal from a 50% levy on semi-finished products. The decision led to a sharp drop in copper prices, reversing earlier gains triggered by tariff speculation. Copper prices fell nearly 20% after the White House confirmed raw and refined copper would not face… Continue reading US copper tariff exclusion causes raw metal price drop

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli forces killed at least 30 people when they opened fire on a crowd waiting for humanitarian aid in northern Gaza. The Israeli military stated it had no knowledge of casualties in the incident, while the UN warned that temporary pauses in Israel’s offensive were inadequate to… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 30 killed in Israeli fire at food queue

BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement meant to halt recent border clashes that left at least 43 dead. The truce, which took effect on Tuesday, followed five days of intense fighting over disputed temple territories along their 800-kilometre shared boundary. Thailand’s foreign ministry reported that its troops in… Continue reading Thailand and Cambodia exchange ceasefire violation claims amid border tensions

BURIRAM: Theerayuth Krajangthong, a 22-year-old Thai soldier, was among the last casualties before a ceasefire took effect between Thailand and Cambodia. His grieving family held funeral rites on Wednesday, just days after he died in a shrapnel blast near the border. Private First Class Theerayuth was killed late Monday in Sisaket province, hours after the… Continue reading Thai soldier killed before ceasefire mourned by grieving family

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 14 Palestinians killed by Israeli military actions on Wednesday, even as aid deliveries resumed in the war-torn territory. The conflict, now in its 22nd month, has left Gaza’s two million residents facing severe famine, according to a UN-mandated report. Spokesman Mahmud Basal stated that six people died near… Continue reading Gaza civil defence reports 14 killed by Israeli forces amid aid crisis

ISTANBUL: Turkey will start exporting natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria this Saturday, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced. The move aims to support Syria’s electricity production as the country recovers from years of civil war. Syria’s new Islamist-led government, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, is working to restore infrastructure after nearly 14 years of… Continue reading Turkey to supply Azeri gas to Syria for electricity from Saturday

BRUSSELS: The eurozone economy showed unexpected resilience in the second quarter of 2025, growing by 0.1 percent despite escalating trade tensions with the US, according to official data released Wednesday. The slight expansion defied analyst expectations of stagnation, though economists warn that newly imposed tariffs could dampen future growth. The EU’s statistics agency Eurostat reported… Continue reading Eurozone economy grows 0.1% as US tariff deal looms

BRUSSELS: The European Union has confirmed that its long-awaited automated border-check system for non-EU travellers will officially launch in October. The Entry/Exit System (EES), initially delayed from November 2024, will replace passport stamps with digital tracking of entry and exit dates, biometric data collection, and overstay monitoring. The European Commission announced a phased rollout starting… Continue reading EU’s automated border system EES to launch in October 2025

MELBOURNE: Rainfall across Australia’s grain-growing regions in July has improved the outlook for the nation’s 2025 wheat harvest, with traders now forecasting around 33 million tons. The revised estimate was discussed at Wednesday’s Australian Grains Industry Conference, where experts noted the precipitation could help Australia match or exceed last year’s 34 million-ton production. Benchmark Chicago… Continue reading Australia wheat harvest outlook improves after July rains

TOKYO: A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves of up to 5 metres (16 feet) and sparked evacuation orders in Hawaii and across the Pacific on Wednesday. The shallow earthquake damaged buildings and injured several people in the remote Russian region, while much of Japan’s eastern seaboard –… Continue reading Tsunami waves hit Hawaii after 8.8 quake rocks Russia’s Far East

MILAN: Italy’s competition authority has opened an investigation into Meta Platforms over suspected abuse of market dominance through the pre-installation of its artificial intelligence tool on WhatsApp. The regulator stated the tech giant may have breached EU competition rules by integrating Meta AI into WhatsApp without obtaining proper user consent. The antitrust body highlighted that… Continue reading Italy probes Meta over WhatsApp AI tool antitrust 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

TOKYO: Japan experienced its hottest day on record as temperatures soared to 41.2C in Hyogo on Wednesday, surpassing previous highs set in 2018 and 2020. The ancient city of Kyoto also recorded 40C for the first time since weather observations began in 1880. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the new record, warning of continued… Continue reading Japan hits record 41.2C as heatwave intensifies

BISHKEK: Like many in Central Asia, Almagul Ibrayeva faces life-threatening medicine shortages in Kyrgyzstan. “Women are dying because of a lack of medicine,“ said Ibrayeva, a breast cancer survivor in her 50s. She relies on imports from Turkey or Moscow for her hormone treatment, exemestane. “There are many medicines simply unavailable here. The patient has… Continue reading Kyrgyzstan faces deadly medicine shortages amid healthcare crisis

GUATEMALA CITY: At least seven people were killed and 13 wounded in an armed attack at a funeral in Guatemala City, authorities confirmed. The incident, tied to gang conflicts, marks another grim episode in the country’s struggle with organized crime. Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez attributed the violence to clashes between the Barrio 18 and Mara… Continue reading Guatemala funeral attack leaves 7 dead, 13 wounded in gang violence

SHANGHAI: Shanghai has evacuated nearly 283,000 people as Typhoon Co-May approaches, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, state media reported. The Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory upgraded its rainstorm alert from yellow to orange, the second-highest warning level. Typhoon Co-May made landfall in Zhejiang Province early Wednesday and is expected to hit Shanghai later in the… Continue reading Shanghai evacuates 283,000 as Typhoon Co-May approaches

MOSCOW: Russian state television aired dramatic footage of tsunami waves crashing through coastal towns in the far east on Wednesday following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. The megaquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka peninsula, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific region. In Severo-Kurilsk, a town of 2,000 residents located 350 kilometres southwest of the epicentre,… Continue reading Tsunami hits Russian far east after 8.8 magnitude earthquake

TORONTO: The billion-dollar Port Lands flood prevention project in Toronto has reclaimed a once-polluted industrial area, reconnecting Lake Ontario with the Don River more than a century after they were severed. The initiative, costing Can$1.4 billion (US$1 billion), aims to protect the city from extreme flooding while restoring natural habitats. Chris Glaisek, chief planning officer… Continue reading Toronto’s billion-dollar flood project revives industrial wasteland

BELGRADE: As scorching summer temperatures grip the Balkans, neglected and illegal dumpsites are erupting into flames, triggering wildfires and choking towns with hazardous smoke. The Golo Brdo landfill in southeast Serbia burned for days after igniting in early July, forcing nearby residents to shelter indoors from the toxic fumes. Local resident Haris Ibrahimovic described the… Continue reading Toxic Balkan wildfires erupt from mismanaged dumpsites

LIMA: Peru has declared a tsunami alert after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast. The Peruvian Navy confirmed the warning, stating that the National Tsunami Warning Center’s analysis prompted the alert for coastal regions. “The event will be continuously monitored,“ the navy’s Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation posted on social media. The… Continue reading Peru tsunami alert after 8.8 quake near Russia

TOKYO: More than 356,000 people across Japan have been ordered to evacuate following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, raising concerns of a destructive tsunami. The Japanese broadcaster NHK reported the mass evacuations, citing the threat of waves reaching up to three meters (9.8 feet) in some regions. The earthquake, the strongest recorded… Continue reading Japan tsunami alert forces evacuation of 356,000 amid earthquake

TACUGAMA, SIERRA LEONE: Bala Amarasekaran has never felt like running his world-renowned sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees in Sierra Leone was truly work, having come to his calling only after several unexpected twists of fate. Standing in his Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary not far from the capital Freetown, he tenderly patted a young ape’s nose and stroked… Continue reading One man’s 30 years of toil to save orphaned chimps

NEW DELHI: U.S. President Donald Trump said a trade deal with India has yet to be finalised and warned of possible higher tariffs ahead of an August 1 deadline to seal an agreement. His comments followed a Reuters report that India was preparing to accept higher tariffs of 20%-25% on its exports to the U.S.… Continue reading Trump says India deal not finalised, higher tariffs possible

TOKYO: One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia’s sparsely populated Far East early Wednesday, causing tsunamis of up to four metres (12 feet) across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japan. The magnitude 8.8 quake struck at 8:24 am (2304 GMT Tuesday) off Petropavlovsk on Russia’s remote Kamchatka peninsula and was… Continue reading Huge quake off Russia sparks Pacific tsunami warnings

STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has announced a steep 56 percent decline in half-year profits, attributing the drop to weak sales, rising tariffs, and restructuring costs. The German automaker’s net income fell to €2.7 billion from €6.1 billion in the same period last year. The company highlighted multiple challenges, including lower vehicle sales and increased expenses tied to… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz profit drops 56 pct amid weak sales and tariffs

BEIJING: China has granted visa-free access to citizens of 75 countries as part of its efforts to simplify entry procedures and promote international travel, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Wang Zhizhong, head of the NIA, stated that the number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to China has risen to 55 under the… Continue reading China expands visa-free access to 75 countries to boost tourism

ISTANBUL: France will airdrop 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip starting Friday, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed. The operation, coordinated with Jordan, involves four flights carrying 10 tonnes of food each. Barrot, speaking to French broadcaster BFM TV, acknowledged that airdrops are “useful” but “not sufficient.” He highlighted that 52 metric tonnes… Continue reading France to airdrop 40 tonnes of aid to Gaza amid blockade

BANGKOK: Thailand has accused Cambodia of a “flagrant violation” of their ceasefire agreement after Cambodian forces allegedly launched an overnight attack near the disputed border. The truce, which began on Tuesday, was meant to halt five days of deadly clashes that left at least 43 dead on both sides. Thailand’s foreign ministry stated that its… Continue reading Thailand accuses Cambodia of ceasefire violation amid border clashes

DHAKA: Bangladesh has recorded more than 20,000 dengue cases this year, with 79 fatalities reported so far, according to the Ministry of Health. The latest data shows a sharp rise in infections, with over 10,000 cases reported in July alone. A total of 393 new cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, along with… Continue reading Dengue cases surge in Bangladesh with 20,000 infections and 79 deaths

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei’s largest bank, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), has issued a warning over a surge in SMS phishing scams targeting customers. The fraudulent messages mimic official bank communications to steal sensitive data such as passwords, account details, and one-time passwords. In a press release, BIBD clarified that it never requests confidential information… Continue reading Brunei bank warns public about rising SMS phishing scams

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has called for urgent food aid to civilians in Gaza, highlighting the dire situation faced by children in the region. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the severity of the crisis, stating, “Whether they talk starvation or not, those are kids that are starving.” The president expressed… Continue reading Trump urges more aid for starving Gaza children, calls situation terrible

NEW YORK: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a memo that the league’s New York office will remain closed until at least August 8 following a deadly shooting at their headquarters. The incident occurred on Monday when a gunman, identified by police as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, opened fire in the high-rise building, killing… Continue reading NFL NYC office closed until Aug 8 after shooting, says Goodell