Category: World

WASHINGTON: The upcoming US human rights report is expected to minimise criticism of El Salvador, Israel, and Russia, according to leaked drafts. The annual review typically highlights abuses like political imprisonments and extrajudicial killings in authoritarian states. This year’s report, the first under President Donald Trump, allegedly downplays violations by governments aligned with his administration.… Continue reading US human rights report softens criticism of key allies

LOS ANGELES: Thousands of US air passengers faced delays after United Airlines halted many departures due to a systemwide problem. Mainline flights between major hubs were grounded for over an hour before engineers resolved the issue. “We are working with customers to get them to their destinations after a technology disruption on Wednesday evening,“ the… Continue reading United Airlines flights grounded due to system outage in US

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has ordered higher tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil. The new 25% tariff will take effect in three weeks, adding to an existing 25% duty that begins on Thursday. This brings total tariffs on many Indian products to 50%, significantly increasing trade… Continue reading Trump raises India tariffs over Russian oil imports as trade tensions escalate

JERUSALEM: Israel’s defence minister has declared that the military must carry out any government decisions regarding Gaza, following reports of internal disagreements over a potential full occupation of the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to finalise a new strategy soon, with his security cabinet set to meet on Thursday. Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasised… Continue reading Israel orders military to implement Gaza decisions amid strategy rift

HAVANA: Cuban influencer Sandro Castro has taken a path far removed from his revolutionary grandfather Fidel, using his name to build online fame while mocking Cuba’s severe shortages. The 33-year-old’s posts have drawn mixed reactions, with some finding them entertaining while others accuse him of disrespecting his family’s legacy. For many Cubans struggling daily, Sandro’s… Continue reading Cuban influencer Sandro Castro stirs controversy with online antics

PORT SUDAN: Sudan’s army-aligned state TV reported that the air force destroyed an Emirati aircraft transporting Colombian mercenaries at Nyala airport in Darfur, killing at least 40 people. A military source confirmed to AFP that the UAE plane was “bombed and completely destroyed” upon landing at the paramilitary-controlled airport. No immediate response was issued by… Continue reading Sudan army destroys Emirati aircraft, kills 40 mercenaries in Darfur

PARIS: An image by AFP photojournalist Omar al-Qattaa shows a severely malnourished girl in Gaza amid Israel’s blockade. Social media users questioned Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, about the photo’s origin. Grok incorrectly stated the image depicted a Yemeni child from 2018. The photo actually shows nine-year-old Mariam Dawwas in Gaza City on August 2,… Continue reading AI chatbot Grok misidentifies Gaza famine photo as Yemen

LONDON: The British government has formally asked China to provide explanations regarding partially redacted documents submitted for its new embassy project in London. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner sent a letter to the Chinese government’s representative firm DP9, seeking clarity on sections obscured for security reasons. The proposed embassy site, purchased by Beijing in 2018… Continue reading UK seeks clarification from China over redacted London embassy plans

LONDON: A rare first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” sold for £43,000 at auction this week after being discovered during a house clearance in southwest England. The book, purchased by a UK private collector, is one of only 1,500 original copies printed in 1937. Auctioneum, the auction house handling the sale, stated that just… Continue reading Rare first edition of ‘The Hobbit’ sells for £43,000 at UK auction

NEW YORK: One of America’s largest private prison operators has capitalised on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies through soaring profits and expanded detention facilities. Geo Group announced a $300 million share repurchase programme following a $29.1 million quarterly profit, reversing last year’s $32.5 million loss. Revenue grew 4.8% to $636.2 million as the company… Continue reading Private prison profits surge under Trump immigration crackdown

ACCRA: Ghana’s defence and environment ministers were killed in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday. The air force chopper, carrying three crew and five passengers, crashed in a forested area in the south. Television station Joy News aired footage showing smouldering wreckage at the crash site. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim… Continue reading Ghana defence and environment ministers die in helicopter crash

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump indicated he may meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin “very soon” following discussions between his envoy and Moscow officials. The announcement came after Trump described talks between US special representative Steve Witkoff and Russian leadership as highly productive. Trump revealed the possible summit during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr… Continue reading Trump hints at Putin meeting amid Ukraine crisis talks

WASHINGTON: Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, raising its total commitment to $600 billion over four years. US President Donald Trump revealed the expanded pledge during a White House announcement with CEO Tim Cook. Trump described it as “the largest investment Apple has made in America.” The tech giant will… Continue reading Apple pledges $100 bn more US investment under Trump administration

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has again raised the possibility of placing Washington DC under federal control. He cited concerns over crime rates, though official data shows violent crime has declined. Under current law, governance of the US capital rests with the locally elected District of Columbia government. Congress maintains oversight, but Trump has repeatedly expressed… Continue reading Trump considers federal takeover of Washington DC amid crime claims

JERUSALEM: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz clarified that while army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir may voice his opinions, the military must ultimately follow government directives regarding Gaza. Katz posted on social media platform X, addressing recent Israeli media reports suggesting Zamir opposes plans for a full occupation of Gaza. “The Chief of Staff has… Continue reading Israel army chief must follow Gaza decisions says defence minister

NEW DELHI: The Indian army intensified search operations on Wednesday for scores of people missing after deadly flash floods in the Himalayan region. Sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy earth-moving equipment were deployed to locate survivors in the devastated town of Dharali, Uttarakhand. At least four people were confirmed dead, while more than 50 remain unaccounted… Continue reading Indian army searches for missing after deadly Himalayan floods

BEIJING: China has prolonged its investigation into beef imports to assess potential harm to domestic producers, the commerce ministry confirmed. The probe, initially set for eight months, will now continue until November 2025 due to case complexity. Declining beef prices in China reflect oversupply and weaker demand amid economic slowdowns. Imports have risen sharply, making… Continue reading China extends beef import probe amid domestic industry concerns

YANGON: Monsoon floods in a rebel-held Myanmar town on the country’s mountainous border with China have killed six people. A spokesman for the armed group controlling the area confirmed the deaths on Wednesday. The northern town of Laiza bordering China’s Yunnan province has reported flash flooding since early Monday. Muddy waist-high waters began to stream… Continue reading Flash floods kill 6 in Myanmar-China border town

LONDON: The UK charity watchdog has cleared Prince Harry of bullying allegations linked to his African charity, Sentebale. The dispute erupted earlier this year when chairperson Sophie Chandauka accused the Duke of Sussex of misconduct. The Charity Commission found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment after a months-long investigation. However, it criticised the public… Continue reading Prince Harry cleared of bullying claims in African charity dispute

WASHINGTON: The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States will meet for a peace summit in Washington on August 7-8, the Armenian government’s press office confirmed. Baku and Yerevan, long-time adversaries, have fought two wars over the disputed Karabakh region, with Azerbaijan reclaiming control in a swift 2023 offensive. “On August 7-8, the Prime… Continue reading Armenia, Azerbaijan, US leaders meet for peace talks in Washington

HOUBI: Taiwanese orchid grower Lee Tsang-yu has seen US tariffs on his seedlings jump from zero to 20% since the start of Donald Trump’s trade war. The 61-year-old farmer remains resilient despite the economic challenges. Lee is expanding into Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil while reducing US shipments. “The US is such a huge market,… Continue reading Taiwan orchid growers adapt as US tariffs rise to 20%

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption authorities arrested a former minister from the influential Rajapaksa family on Wednesday. Shasheendra Rajapaksa, nephew of ex-presidents Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was detained over alleged illegal compensation claims. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stated he coerced officials into paying for damages on state-owned land. “He misused… Continue reading Sri Lanka arrests Rajapaksa ex-minister for corruption over illegal claims

TOKYO: Japan will begin importing Ford F-150 pickup trucks under a revised trade agreement with the US. US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal, stating Japan will accept US vehicle safety standards. The new arrangement includes a 15% reciprocal tariff, down from a previously threatened 25%. Trump praised the deal in a CNBC interview, calling… Continue reading Japan to import Ford F-150 trucks under new US trade deal

ROME: The Italian government will finalise approval for a €13.5 billion project to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, linking Sicily to the mainland. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed a ministerial committee will endorse the state-funded Strait of Messina bridge, calling it a historic milestone after decades of planning. The bridge will feature two… Continue reading Italy approves world’s longest suspension bridge linking Sicily

KYIV: A Russian attack on a holiday camp in central Ukraine killed two people and wounded 12 others, according to local authorities. The strike set fire to single-storey cottages in the Zaporizhzhia region, which remains heavily contested along the front line. Emergency services shared images of firefighters battling flames and victims lying on blood-stained ground.… Continue reading Russian attack on Ukraine holiday camp kills two, wounds 12

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump hinted that Vice President JD Vance could be the Republican frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election. Trump avoided naming a definitive successor but acknowledged Vance’s strong position within the party. “Well, I think most likely,“ Trump told reporters when asked if Vance would inherit his MAGA movement. “In all fairness,… Continue reading Trump hints JD Vance as likely 2028 Republican nominee

ANKARA: Turkish police have arrested activist Enes Hocaogullari following his speech at the Council of Europe condemning democratic backsliding in Turkey. The 23-year-old was detained upon arrival at Ankara airport and is currently held in Sincan prison, according to his lawyer Mahmut Seren. Seren described the arrest as politically motivated, linking it to Hocaogullari’s criticism… Continue reading Turkey arrests activist after Council of Europe speech on rights violations

WASHINGTON: The United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has confirmed plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. NASA head Sean Duffy stated the agency is moving beyond research to actual deployment of the technology. “We’re in a race to the Moon, in a race with China to the Moon. And to… Continue reading NASA confirms plans to build nuclear reactor on moon by 2030

MOSCOW: The legal team of US rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly engaged with former President Donald Trump’s administration regarding a possible pardon. This follows Diddy’s July acquittal on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, though he was convicted on lesser counts. CNN reported that Diddy remains detained in Brooklyn since September 2024, with bail repeatedly… Continue reading Diddy’s legal team seeks Trump pardon amid ongoing legal battles

MOSCOW: US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, state media reported. He will meet Russian leadership as President Donald Trump’s deadline to impose fresh sanctions over Russia’s Ukraine offensive approaches. Trump has given Russia until Friday to halt its military campaign or face new penalties. Ukrainian officials reported at least two people killed… Continue reading US envoy arrives in Russia as sanctions deadline looms over Ukraine

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed 20 fatalities when an aid truck overturned amid crowds of civilians in central Gaza. The incident occurred late Tuesday near Nuseirat refugee camp on a road previously damaged by Israeli airstrikes. Agency spokesperson Mahmud Bassal stated hundreds were awaiting aid distribution when the vehicle flipped. Dozens sustained injuries… Continue reading Gaza aid truck tragedy kills 20 as crowd swarms overturned vehicle

ZURICH: Swiss mining and commodities trader Glencore has reported deeper losses for the first half of 2025. The company posted a $655 million loss, compared to $233 million in the same period last year. Core earnings from its mining division dropped 17% to $5.4 billion, driven by weaker coal prices and reduced copper output. Its… Continue reading Glencore reports deeper losses amid coal price slump and tariffs

MUMBAI: India’s central bank left its key interest rate unchanged at 5.50 percent on Wednesday. The decision comes as US President Donald Trump escalates threats to raise tariffs on Indian imports. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repurchase rate following a unanimous vote by its six-member panel. Most analysts had expected a pause… Continue reading India holds interest rates steady amid US tariff threats

HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific has announced a US$8.1 billion deal to purchase 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The airline confirmed the order in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange. Cathay also secured the option to buy seven additional Boeing 777-9 jets. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2034. Cathay currently operates… Continue reading Cathay Pacific orders 14 Boeing jets in US$8.1 billion deal

NEW DELHI: India’s national security adviser was reportedly in Moscow on Wednesday as tensions escalated over US threats to increase tariffs on Indian imports. The visit came after US President Donald Trump warned of “substantially” higher tariffs due to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Indian media, including The Hindu and NDTV, reported that security… Continue reading India’s security chief in Moscow amid US tariff threats over Russian oil

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities executed a man on Wednesday for spying on behalf of Israel, the judiciary confirmed. Roozbeh Vadi was hanged after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, according to Mizan Online. The judiciary stated Vadi leaked classified information about a nuclear scientist killed during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June.… Continue reading Iran executes man for spying for Israel in nuclear scientist case

LAGRASSE: A wildfire in southern France has left one woman dead and nine others injured, with flames consuming 11,000 hectares of land. The blaze, which began on Tuesday afternoon, has damaged or destroyed 25 homes in the Aude department, prompting a massive response from 1,500 firefighters. The Aude prefecture confirmed the fatality, stating the woman… Continue reading Wildfire in southern France kills one, injures nine

SAN JOSE: ChatGPT maker OpenAI has launched two new “open” artificial intelligence (AI) models that can be customised and run locally on a laptop, the company said on Tuesday, reported German Press Agency (dpa). Dubbed “gpt-oss-120b” and “gpt-oss-20b,“ the two models are so-called “open-weight language models” which allow users to access the AI’s parameters and… Continue reading OpenAI launches two new AI models that can be customised

PANDEGLANG, INDONESIA: At a shrimp farm in Indonesia, more than 16,000 km (9,942 miles) from Washington D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump ‘s import tariffs have left Denny Leonardo’s expansion plans in disarray. Leonardo had aimed to add about 100 new ponds this year to his 150-pond farm on the southwestern tip of Java island, but… Continue reading Hit by US tariffs, Indonesia plans to sell shrimp to China instead