Category: World

Vatican hosts first official LGBTQ pilgrimage in Catholic Church history

VATICAN CITY: In a first for the Vatican, more than a thousand LGBTQ Catholics and their supporters are this weekend holding a pilgrimage, in what they are promoting as an important sign of diversity in the Church. The gathering of some 1,400 people from around 20 countries was part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee holy… Continue reading Vatican hosts first official LGBTQ pilgrimage in Catholic Church history
Published
Categorized as World

Swiss minister sees opportunity after US tariff talks in Washington

GENEVA: Switzerland’s vice president described his recent meetings with senior United States officials as constructive amid efforts to address steep new import tariffs. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin expressed optimism about future bilateral relations following discussions in Washington but provided no specific details. President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss goods starting August… Continue reading Swiss minister sees opportunity after US tariff talks in Washington
Published
Categorized as World

Swiss minister sees opportunity after US tariff talks in Washington

GENEVA: Switzerland’s vice president described his recent meetings with senior United States officials as constructive amid efforts to address steep new import tariffs. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin expressed optimism about future bilateral relations following discussions in Washington but provided no specific details. President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss goods starting August… Continue reading Swiss minister sees opportunity after US tariff talks in Washington

Colombia committed to drug fight as US decertification deadline looms

VILLAGARZÓN: Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared his country “absolutely committed” to combating drug trafficking as the United States considers blacklisting the nation for failing to curb cocaine exports. The Trump administration must decide by September 15 whether to decertify Colombia as an ally in the drug battle, potentially jeopardising nearly 500 million dollars… Continue reading Colombia committed to drug fight as US decertification deadline looms
Published
Categorized as World

Colombia committed to drug fight as US decertification deadline looms

VILLAGARZÓN: Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared his country “absolutely committed” to combating drug trafficking as the United States considers blacklisting the nation for failing to curb cocaine exports. The Trump administration must decide by September 15 whether to decertify Colombia as an ally in the drug battle, potentially jeopardising nearly 500 million dollars… Continue reading Colombia committed to drug fight as US decertification deadline looms

Over 300 South Koreans detained in US Hyundai-LG battery plant raid

WASHINGTON: More than 300 South Koreans were among 475 people arrested by US immigration officials during a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia. Thursday’s operation in Ellabell marked the largest single-site raid conducted under President Donald Trump’s nationwide anti-migrant initiative according to US authorities. Footage released by officials showed detained workers… Continue reading Over 300 South Koreans detained in US Hyundai-LG battery plant raid

UK police arrest 150 at banned Palestine Action protest in London

LONDON: Police in London arrested 150 people on Saturday during a tense demonstration in support of the proscribed Palestine Action group. The Metropolitan Police had warned it would not hesitate to arrest anyone explicitly supporting the organisation banned under terrorism laws. Several hundred demonstrators gathered in front of the UK parliament, with some holding placards… Continue reading UK police arrest 150 at banned Palestine Action protest in London

Israel intensifies Gaza City strikes as evacuation orders expand

GAZA CITY: Israeli forces destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City on Saturday following evacuation warnings to residents ahead of a planned military offensive. This marked the second such demolition in consecutive days as Israel prepares for an assault on the territory’s largest urban centre. The Israeli military has intensified airstrikes and ground operations around… Continue reading Israel intensifies Gaza City strikes as evacuation orders expand

Trump threatens Chicago with ‘Department of War’ deployment

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump threatened to unleash his newly rebranded Department of War on Chicago, escalating tensions over his push to deploy troops into Democratic-led US cities. The move seeks to replicate an operation in Washington where he deployed National Guard troops and federal agents to conduct arrests and deportations, sparking backlash from local residents.… Continue reading Trump threatens Chicago with ‘Department of War’ deployment

Italy’s Toni Servillo wins best actor award at Venice Film Festival

VENICE: Italian actor Toni Servillo has won the best actor award at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in Paolo Sorrentino’s film “La Grazia”. Servillo portrays a morally upright Italian president struggling with indecision over signing a bill to legalise euthanasia and pardoning convicted murderers. The prolific performer thanked director Sorrentino during his acceptance… Continue reading Italy’s Toni Servillo wins best actor award at Venice Film Festival

Wildfires erupt in Portugal and Spain with hundreds of firefighters deployed

LISBON: Hundreds of firefighters are battling fresh wildfires in Portugal and Spain following a summer of devastating blazes across the region. The largest fire is raging in Seia in central Portugal where 600 firefighters have been deployed to tackle flames fanned by strong winds. Several roads have been closed as the priority remains protecting homes… Continue reading Wildfires erupt in Portugal and Spain with hundreds of firefighters deployed

Venice Film Festival 2025 winners announced with top prize for Jarmusch

VENICE: The 82nd Venice Film Festival concluded on Saturday with its prestigious awards ceremony honouring the best in international cinema. American director Jim Jarmusch claimed the top prize, the Golden Lion for Best Film, for his work “Father Mother Sister Brother”. Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania received the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize for her… Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2025 winners announced with top prize for Jarmusch

Baz Luhrmann unveils restored Elvis Presley concert film at Toronto festival

TORONTO: Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann presented his new film “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” during its world premiere at the Toronto film festival on Saturday. This project represents a seven-year labour of love dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll. The film combines concert footage with documentary elements using previously unseen material discovered during research… Continue reading Baz Luhrmann unveils restored Elvis Presley concert film at Toronto festival

88 postal operators suspend services to US over tariffs: UN

GENEVA: Postal traffic to the United States plunged more than 80 percent following Washington’s imposition of new tariffs, with 88 operators worldwide fully or partially suspending services, the Universal Postal Union said Saturday. The UPU, the United Nations’ postal cooperation agency, is working on “the rapid development of a new technical solution that will help… Continue reading 88 postal operators suspend services to US over tariffs: UN

Earthquake death toll in Afghanistan expected to rise – IFRC

GENEVA: The number of victims from earthquakes in Afghanistan is expected to rise in the coming days, as new tremors have caused additional road destruction and landslides, complicating rescue efforts, Joy Singhal, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation in Afghanistan, told Sputnik/RIA Novosti. Approximately 40 mobile… Continue reading Earthquake death toll in Afghanistan expected to rise – IFRC

Thailand’s next PM reaffirms fresh polls promise

BANGKOK: Thailand’s next prime minister on Saturday pledged to make good on his promise to lead the fractured interim government to new polls. Conservative tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul was confirmed by parliament on Friday, ending a week-long power vacuum following the ouster of his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The construction magnate cobbled together a coalition of opposition… Continue reading Thailand’s next PM reaffirms fresh polls promise

Shoppers hunt for vintage Armani after designer’s death

LONDON: Online searches for vintage Armani clothes have surged since Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani died on Thursday, as shoppers scoured second-hand outlets for his styles. Armani, who led his eponymous company and remained in control of designs right up until his death at 91, was prolific, producing everything from expensive high-end suits to more… Continue reading Shoppers hunt for vintage Armani after designer’s death

Dozens detained at Serbia anti-government rally: Minister

BELGRADE: Forty-two people were detained at an anti-government protest in the Serbian city of Novi Sad where police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, the interior minister said on Saturday. Several thousand people rallied in Novi Sad late Friday seeking early elections in the latest in a series of student-led protests across Serbia sparked… Continue reading Dozens detained at Serbia anti-government rally: Minister

Versace leads crowds bidding farewell to Giorgio Armani

MILAN: Thousands of mourners paid homage Saturday to Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, who died this week aged 91, as his coffin was put on public display in Milan. Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace was among those who filed past Armani’s closed casket at the headquarters of his multi-billion-euro lifestyle company, which marked its 50th… Continue reading Versace leads crowds bidding farewell to Giorgio Armani

Trump backs Kennedy on vaccines despite health, political risks

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is standing by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary who is upending the U.S. healthcare system, despite congressional pressure, public health concerns and the political risks of changing vaccine policies nationwide. Since becoming the top U.S. health official, Kennedy has slashed funding for vaccine research, limited access for COVID-19 shots… Continue reading Trump backs Kennedy on vaccines despite health, political risks

Seoul says over 300 South Koreans held in US battery plant site raid

WASHINGTON: More than 300 South Koreans were among 475 people arrested by US immigration officials in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant being built in the southern US state of Georgia, the foreign minister in Seoul said on Saturday. Steven Schrank, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent in Atlanta, earlier said Thursday’s operation was… Continue reading Seoul says over 300 South Koreans held in US battery plant site raid

Air Canada flight attendants wrap up voting on wage agreement

MONTREAL: Results of a vote by Air Canada flight attendants on a wage agreement are expected on Saturday, with more than a half dozen crew members telling Reuters they don’t expect the tentative deal to get approved. Negotiators said they struck the tentative deal on August 19 to end a crippling four-day strike, after more… Continue reading Air Canada flight attendants wrap up voting on wage agreement

Iran executes man over attack on security forces at 2022 protests

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities executed a man on Saturday after convicting him over a deadly attack on security personnel during nationwide protests in 2022, the country’s judiciary announced. Mehran Bahramian was found to have been among a group of people who opened fire on a vehicle carrying security personnel in the city of Semirom in the… Continue reading Iran executes man over attack on security forces at 2022 protests

Canadian and Australian warships transit Taiwan Strait, China media reports

HONG KONG: Two warships from Canada and Australia transited the Taiwan Strait while being monitored by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s state media reported on Saturday. China’s state-run Global Times newspaper said in a report the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec and the Australian guided-missile destroyer Brisbane were the two vessels that passed through… Continue reading Canadian and Australian warships transit Taiwan Strait, China media reports

South Korea vows support to Koreans arrested in US immigration raid

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered all-out efforts on Saturday to respond to the arrests of hundreds of the nation’s citizens in a U.S. immigration raid on a Hyundai Motor car battery factory. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the government has set up a team to respond to Thursday’s arrest of over 300… Continue reading South Korea vows support to Koreans arrested in US immigration raid

South Korea vows support to Koreans arrested in US immigration raid

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered all-out efforts on Saturday to respond to the arrests of hundreds of the nation’s citizens in a U.S. immigration raid on a Hyundai Motor car battery factory. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the government has set up a team to respond to Thursday’s arrest of over 300… Continue reading South Korea vows support to Koreans arrested in US immigration raid
Published
Categorized as World

Fire breaks out at former BBC headquarters in west London, broadcaster reports

AROUND 100 firefighters were called to a blaze on Saturday at the former BBC headquarters Television Centre in London’s White City, the British public broadcaster reported. The London Fire Brigade said firefighters from Hammersmith, North Kensington, Kensington, Chiswick and surrounding fire stations were mobilised after it was called to a fire at a nine-storey building… Continue reading Fire breaks out at former BBC headquarters in west London, broadcaster reports

India’s Modi says ties with US still ‘very positive’

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday New Delhi and Washington still shared “very positive” ties, after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed their personal friendship and downplayed his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China. The exchange comes amid strains after Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, accusing… Continue reading India’s Modi says ties with US still ‘very positive’

Public viewing of Giorgio Armani’s coffin in Milan begins

MILAN: Members of the public began paying their respects Saturday to fashion legend Giorgio Armani as his coffin was put on display in Milan. Hundreds of people queued up before the opening of the viewing at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), which will last two days ahead of a private funeral on Monday for Italy’s most… Continue reading Public viewing of Giorgio Armani’s coffin in Milan begins

Israeli military urges Gaza City residents to leave

TEL AVIV: The Israeli military on Saturday said Palestinians in Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban area, should leave for the south, warning that the military was operating throughout the city. Israeli forces have been carrying out an offensive on the suburbs of the northern city for weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered… Continue reading Israeli military urges Gaza City residents to leave

21 films compete for top prize at Venice Film Festival 2025

VENICE: Twenty-one films are competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday. The selection includes a heart-wrenching docudrama about the Gaza war, a wrestling-themed love story starring Dwayne Johnson, and a darkly satirical South Korean thriller. American director Alexander Payne heads the jury that will announce the… Continue reading 21 films compete for top prize at Venice Film Festival 2025

21 films compete for top prize at Venice Film Festival 2025

VENICE: Twenty-one films are competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday. The selection includes a heart-wrenching docudrama about the Gaza war, a wrestling-themed love story starring Dwayne Johnson, and a darkly satirical South Korean thriller. American director Alexander Payne heads the jury that will announce the… Continue reading 21 films compete for top prize at Venice Film Festival 2025
Published
Categorized as World

McConaughey and Curtis premiere urgent California wildfire film ‘The Lost Bus’

TORONTO: Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Lee Curtis have brought a deeply personal project to screen with their new film about California’s deadliest wildfire. “The Lost Bus” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, telling the true story of a school bus driver who saved 22 children from the 2018 Paradise inferno. Both actors… Continue reading McConaughey and Curtis premiere urgent California wildfire film ‘The Lost Bus’

McConaughey and Curtis premiere urgent California wildfire film ‘The Lost Bus’

TORONTO: Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey and Jamie Lee Curtis have brought a deeply personal project to screen with their new film about California’s deadliest wildfire. “The Lost Bus” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, telling the true story of a school bus driver who saved 22 children from the 2018 Paradise inferno. Both actors… Continue reading McConaughey and Curtis premiere urgent California wildfire film ‘The Lost Bus’
Published
Categorized as World

Japan’s Prince Hisahito comes of age amid imperial succession debate

TOKYO: Japan celebrated the coming-of-age of Prince Hisahito with a formal ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Saturday amid growing concerns about the future of the imperial succession. The 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito received a traditional black silk and lacquer crown during the elaborate ceremony marking his transition into royal adulthood. Hisahito expressed gratitude… Continue reading Japan’s Prince Hisahito comes of age amid imperial succession debate

Japan’s Prince Hisahito comes of age amid imperial succession debate

TOKYO: Japan celebrated the coming-of-age of Prince Hisahito with a formal ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Saturday amid growing concerns about the future of the imperial succession. The 19-year-old nephew of Emperor Naruhito received a traditional black silk and lacquer crown during the elaborate ceremony marking his transition into royal adulthood. Hisahito expressed gratitude… Continue reading Japan’s Prince Hisahito comes of age amid imperial succession debate
Published
Categorized as World

Giorgio Armani’s death leaves luxury empire and succession plan

MILAN: The death of Giorgio Armani at age 91 has created a significant leadership void within his multi-billion dollar luxury empire, an independent business he personally built over five decades that extends from high fashion to hospitality. Born into a modest northern Italian family, Armani evolved into one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and Italy’s… Continue reading Giorgio Armani’s death leaves luxury empire and succession plan

Giorgio Armani’s death leaves luxury empire and succession plan

MILAN: The death of Giorgio Armani at age 91 has created a significant leadership void within his multi-billion dollar luxury empire, an independent business he personally built over five decades that extends from high fashion to hospitality. Born into a modest northern Italian family, Armani evolved into one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and Italy’s… Continue reading Giorgio Armani’s death leaves luxury empire and succession plan
Published
Categorized as World

Thousands pay respects to Giorgio Armani at Milan memorial

MILAN: Thousands of mourners from the fashion industry and general public are expected to pay homage to Italian designer Giorgio Armani following his death at age 91. The billionaire luxury empire king dressed Hollywood actors, pop stars, and royals in his understated yet exquisitely tailored creations throughout his legendary career. Armani passed away on Thursday… Continue reading Thousands pay respects to Giorgio Armani at Milan memorial

Thousands pay respects to Giorgio Armani at Milan memorial

MILAN: Thousands of mourners from the fashion industry and general public are expected to pay homage to Italian designer Giorgio Armani following his death at age 91. The billionaire luxury empire king dressed Hollywood actors, pop stars, and royals in his understated yet exquisitely tailored creations throughout his legendary career. Armani passed away on Thursday… Continue reading Thousands pay respects to Giorgio Armani at Milan memorial
Published
Categorized as World

Sydney Sweeney details intense training for Christy Martin boxing biopic

TORONTO: Sydney Sweeney discussed her rigorous physical preparation for portraying boxing pioneer Christy Martin in the new biopic “Christy” during its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The actress revealed her transformation involved consuming large quantities of Chick-fil-A, Smucker’s products, milkshakes, and protein shakes to gain necessary weight for the role. Sweeney trained… Continue reading Sydney Sweeney details intense training for Christy Martin boxing biopic

Sydney Sweeney details intense training for Christy Martin boxing biopic

TORONTO: Sydney Sweeney discussed her rigorous physical preparation for portraying boxing pioneer Christy Martin in the new biopic “Christy” during its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The actress revealed her transformation involved consuming large quantities of Chick-fil-A, Smucker’s products, milkshakes, and protein shakes to gain necessary weight for the role. Sweeney trained… Continue reading Sydney Sweeney details intense training for Christy Martin boxing biopic
Published
Categorized as World

Trump rebrands Pentagon as Department of War in victory message

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, describing the move as a message of victory to the world. The Republican president stated that the current name, used for over 70 years, was too politically correct during a White House ceremony… Continue reading Trump rebrands Pentagon as Department of War in victory message
Published
Categorized as World

Trump rebrands Pentagon as Department of War in victory message

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, describing the move as a message of victory to the world. The Republican president stated that the current name, used for over 70 years, was too politically correct during a White House ceremony… Continue reading Trump rebrands Pentagon as Department of War in victory message

Eiffel Tower to honour 72 women scholars for historic gender parity

PARIS: The Eiffel Tower will honour 72 women scholars to achieve gender parity and rectify a historic oversight from its original construction. Gustave Eiffel originally inscribed the names of 72 male scholars in golden letters on the monument’s base over 130 years ago. An expert commission presented its conclusions to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on… Continue reading Eiffel Tower to honour 72 women scholars for historic gender parity

Eiffel Tower to honour 72 women scholars for historic gender parity

PARIS: The Eiffel Tower will honour 72 women scholars to achieve gender parity and rectify a historic oversight from its original construction. Gustave Eiffel originally inscribed the names of 72 male scholars in golden letters on the monument’s base over 130 years ago. An expert commission presented its conclusions to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on… Continue reading Eiffel Tower to honour 72 women scholars for historic gender parity
Published
Categorized as World

Tesla proposes $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk if targets met

NEW YORK: Tesla has unveiled a proposed compensation package for CEO Elon Musk that could exceed $1 trillion if he delivers on ambitious growth targets involving new technologies. The plan would grant Musk up to 12% of additional company shares should Tesla achieve specific performance milestones outlined in a filing with the US Securities and… Continue reading Tesla proposes $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk if targets met

Tesla proposes $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk if targets met

NEW YORK: Tesla has unveiled a proposed compensation package for CEO Elon Musk that could exceed $1 trillion if he delivers on ambitious growth targets involving new technologies. The plan would grant Musk up to 12% of additional company shares should Tesla achieve specific performance milestones outlined in a filing with the US Securities and… Continue reading Tesla proposes $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk if targets met
Published
Categorized as World