A South Korean university said Tuesday the Uyghur student who reportedly went missing in Hong Kong after being interrogated did not travel to the city recently, adding fresh questions to the mystery of his whereabouts. Amnesty International said Friday that Abuduwaili Abudureheman, who was born in Xinjiang in western China, had traveled to Hong Kong … Continue reading University says missing Uyghur student never went to Hong Kong
Category: World
Around 25 NATO peacekeeping soldiers defending three town halls in northern Kosovo were injured in clashes with Serb protesters on Monday, while Serbia's president put the army on the highest level of combat alert. KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission to Kosovo, condemned the violence. "While countering the most active fringes of the crowd, several soldiers … Continue reading NATO soldiers injured in Kosovo clashes with Serb protesters
North Korea said Tuesday it would launch its first military spy satellite in June and described space-based reconnaissance as crucial for monitoring the United States’ “reckless” military exercises with rival South Korea. The statement came a day after North Korea notified Japan's coast guard that it plans to launch a satellite sometime between May 31 … Continue reading North Korea says it will launch its first military spy satellite in June
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday urged nations negotiating a world treaty against plastic pollution to put an end to today's "globalised and unsustainable" production model. "If we do nothing, the amount of plastic waste will triple by 2060," he told the representatives of 175 nations gathered at the UN cultural agency UNESCO in Paris. … Continue reading France’s Macron urges end to plastic pollution at global talks
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's son will resign as his aide, the premier said on Monday, after photos of the son and other relatives apparently pretending to hold a news conference at the official residence sparked an uproar. Kishida told reporters that Shotaro Kishida would step down as his secretary from Thursday, saying the change … Continue reading Japan PM Kishida says his son to quit as aide after ‘inappropriate’ behaviour
An International Atomic Energy Agency team arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a final review before Japan begins releasing massive amounts of treated radioactive water into the sea from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant, a plan that has been strongly opposed by local fishing communities and neighboring countries. The team, which includes experts from 11 … Continue reading IAEA team in Japan for final review before planned discharge of Fukushima nuclear plant water
Malaysia's maritime agency said Monday it found a cannon shell believed to be from World War II on a Chinese-registered vessel and was investigating if the barge carrier was involved in the looting of two British warship wrecks in the South China Sea. Malaysian media reported that illegal salvage operators were believed to have targeted … Continue reading Malaysia detains Chinese barge on suspicion of looting WWII British warship wrecks
Ukraine's capital was subjected to the largest drone attack since the start of Russia's war, local officials said, as Kyiv prepared to mark the anniversary of its founding on Sunday. At least one person was killed, but officials said scores of drones were shot down, demonstrating Ukraine's air defense capability. Russia launched the “most massive … Continue reading Russia launched ‘largest drone attack’ on Ukrainian capital before Kyiv Day
Tesla is listing China-made Model 3 and Model Y models for sale in Canada, the company’s website showed on Tuesday, confirming the electric car maker has completed its first shipments to North America from its Shanghai factory. Tesla’s website showed both rear-wheel drive Model Y vehicles and the long-range, all-wheel drive version of the Model … Continue reading Tesla offers China-made electric vehicles for sale in Canada
Intelligence services are finding it harder to recruit staff since the pandemic as prospects want to work from home and would rather not part with their personal cell phones, the head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND said on Monday. "We cannot offer certain conditions that are taken for granted today," said Bruno Kahl, who … Continue reading Wanted: Spies, no remote work and must leave cell phone at home
A majority of British companies are taking a "wait and see approach" on new investments in China amid their pessimism hitting record levels, according to the British Chamber of Commerce in China. Increasingly strained geopolitical relationships, a slowing global economy, growing talk of self-sufficiency, and shifting investor perceptions were the top challenges clouding the business … Continue reading Majority of British firms cautious on new investments in China: survey
Russia said on Monday it was battling a cross-border incursion by saboteurs who burst through the frontier from Ukraine, in what appeared to be one of the biggest attacks of its kind since the war began 15 months ago. The governor of Russia's Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said a Ukrainian "sabotage group" had entered Russian … Continue reading Russia fights cross-border raid that Ukraine says is Russian opposition
A Nepali sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record 28th time on Tuesday, an official said, completing his second ascent in just a week, as the toll in this year's climbing season reached 11. Kami Rita Sherpa, 53, reached the 8,849-metre (29,032-feet) summit by the traditional southeast ridge route, said Nepali tourism … Continue reading Nepali sherpa scales Everest for record 28th time; death toll at 11
A week after Japanese regulators postponed the restart of the world’s biggest nuclear power plant due to safety lapses, a careless employee working from home added to the company’s woes. Tokyo Electric Power Co., which operates the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Japan’s Niigata prefecture, said an employee placed a stack of documents on top … Continue reading Documents left on car roof may cause world biggest nuclear power station to stay shut
Chinese petroleum giant Sinopec signed an agreement with Sri Lanka on Monday to enter the South Asian Island country’s retail fuel market as it struggles to resolve a worsening energy crisis amid an unprecedented economic upheaval. The contract agreement would enable Sinopec to import, store, distribute and sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka, which has … Continue reading China’s Sinopec signs agreement to enter retail fuel market in crisis-hit Sri Lanka
The American Civil Liberties Union sued Florida over a law championed by Governor Ron DeSantis that bars most Chinese citizens from buying homes in the state. The law, set to take effect July 1, violates the equal protection and due process guarantees under the Constitution by prohibiting landownership based on “race, ethnicity, color, alienage, and … Continue reading Chinese citizens sue US state of Florida over home-buying ban
The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said on Monday that a Ukrainian army 'sabotage group' had entered Russian territory in the Graivoron district, which borders Ukraine. In a statement on Telegram, Vyacheslav Gladkov said that the Russian army, border guards, presidential guards and the FSB security service were taking measures to repel the incursion. He … Continue reading Russian regional governor says Ukrainian ‘sabotage group’ crossed border
Casually leaning into the side-window of a car stopped at a routine checkpoint on a congested Johannesburg road, a South African policeman tells the driver he needs "a cool drink". The sun is shining but it's not really refreshment that the officer is after. As most South Africans know all too well, a cool drink … Continue reading ‘Cool drink’ is code for cash in graft-ridden S.Africa
Extreme weather caused by climate change has damaged food production across Europe. Confronted with a deteriorating situation, divided European Union decision-makers are debating new rules for genetically modified crops. Last year's drought ravaged the continent's farms, starving everything from Spanish olive harvests to Hungary's maize and sunflower crops, Italian and Romanian corn fields to France's … Continue reading EU’s next food fight: regulating gene-edited crops
Facebook owner Meta has been fined a record 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) for transferring EU user data to the United States in breach of a previous court ruling, Ireland's regulator announced Monday. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the European Union, said the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) had … Continue reading Meta hit with record 1.2-billion-euro fine over EU data rules
The head of the World Health Organization on Monday urged countries to carry out the reforms needed to prepare for the next pandemic and honour a previous commitment to boost financing for the U.N. health agency. Speaking at the WHO's annual health assembly weeks after ending the global emergency status for the COVID-19 pandemic, Tedros … Continue reading Don’t delay reforms to prepare for next pandemic – WHO chief
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine has been cut off from its external power supply and is relying on emergency generators to cool nuclear fuel and prevent a disaster. Each side blamed the other for the power outage on Monday. A Russia-installed local official said Ukraine had disconnected a power line and … Continue reading Russia-occupied nuclear plant in Ukraine cut off from power grid
Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday. SpaceX launched the ticket-holding crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company that arranged the trip from Kennedy Space Center. Also on board: a U.S. businessman who now owns a sports car racing … Continue reading SpaceX sends Saudi astronauts, including nation’s 1st woman in space, to International Space Station
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday he was "upset" he and Volodymyr Zelensky did not meet at the G7 summit, adding his Ukrainian counterpart seemed uninterested in negotiating peace with Russia. Zelensky, who emerged from the summit in Hiroshima with fresh diplomatic support and pledges of more military aid, had sought a … Continue reading Lula says ‘upset’ at not meeting Zelensky
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a summit with Pacific Island leaders in Papua New Guinea on Monday, with the U.S. Secretary of State scheduled to also meet the leaders later in the day and sign a defence agreement with Papua New Guinea. In his opening remarks to the summit, PNG Prime Minister James Marape … Continue reading Modi, Blinken meet Pacific Island leaders in Papua New Guinea
In a deserted former department store near the port of Leith in Edinburgh, Tim Vincent-Smith reaches inside a grand piano's open top, his fingertips lightly plucking at the taut strings. The piano is one of hundreds rescued by the musician and his team of volunteers, as homes around Britain discard the instruments in favour of … Continue reading British musician finds his forte: saving unwanted pianos
U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new $375 million package of military aid to Ukraine on Sunday and told President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that the United States was doing all it could to strengthen Ukraine's defense for the war with Russia. Meeting with the Ukrainian leader on the sidelines of the G7 summit of world leaders … Continue reading Biden unveils new $375 mln U.S. military aid package for Ukraine
At least 12 people died and an unspecified number were injured in a stampede at a soccer stadium in El Salvador on Saturday, the Central American government tweeted. On Saturday night, the Alianza F.C. and Club Deportivo FAS teams were playing a quarter-final game at the Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, the capital. Play was … Continue reading At least 12 dead in stampede at El Salvador soccer stadium
Russia said Saturday it has captured the east Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, epicentre of the fighting, as President Vladimir Putin congratulated his troops and private mercenary group Wagner. The announcement from the Russian army came hours after Kyiv said the battle was continuing, while admitting the situation was "critical", and with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky … Continue reading Moscow claims it has captured Bakhmut, epicentre of Ukraine fighting
Japan and South Korea's leaders made a historic visit Sunday to a memorial for Koreans killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as long-frosty ties between the neighbours warm. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol, joined by their wives, laid white bouquets at the stone memorial and bowed … Continue reading Japan, South Korea leaders in historic Hiroshima visit
Manchester City won the Premier League for the fifth time in six seasons on Saturday, taking a first step to a possible golden treble of trophies as second-placed Arsenal lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest. The Gunners' challenge finally evaporated after a second consecutive defeat left Mikel Arteta's side four points adrift of City with one … Continue reading Man City win fifth Premier League title in six seasons
US Senator Tim Scott formally entered the 2024 presidential race, becoming the latest candidate to challenge former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. Scott has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and will make an announcement Monday in his home state of South Carolina. He’ll join a GOP field that includes Trump, the … Continue reading Tim Scott formally enters presidential race with FEC filing
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy brought his call for support against Russia's invasion to a Group of Seven (G7) summit on Saturday to Japan, where leaders agreed to tighten sanctions against Moscow and pare back exposure to China. The Ukrainian president's attendance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, the first city to suffer a nuclear attack, put … Continue reading Zelenskiy joins Japan G7 as democracies take aim at Russia and China
A plane believed to be carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has landed in Hiroshima for global diplomatic talks. Leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies have invited Zelenskyy as the Group of Seven tightens sanctions meant to punish Moscow and change the course of its 15-month invasion of Ukraine. Japan says Zelenskyy’s decision to visit … Continue reading Plane believed to be carrying Ukraine’s Zelenskyy lands in Hiroshima for G7 summit
India will start withdrawing its highest value currency notes from circulation, the central bank said on Friday, in a move that economists said could boost bank deposits at a time of high credit growth. The withdrawal of 2,000-rupee (US$24.5) notes - which the finance ministry's top official, T.V Somanathan, said would not cause disruption "either … Continue reading India to withdraw 2,000-rupee notes from circulation India to withdraw 2,000-rupee notes from circulation
Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Friday that the city of Bakhmut was unlikely to fall to his mercenary forces in the next two days as fighting raged around Ukrainian soldiers holed up in a makeshift "fortress" in the south of the city. The Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, known in Russia by its Soviet-era name … Continue reading Russia’s Prigozhin says Bakhmut will not fall in next two days
The Group of Seven (G7) rich nations will issue a statement on a shared approach on China, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said early on Saturday, adding that G7 members were looking to "de-risk, not decouple" from China. Sullivan said the G7 leaders planned to outline steps to protect sensitive technology, including outbound … Continue reading White House says G7 will align on shared ‘de-risk, not decouple’ approach to China
The Ukrainian military and Russia's Wagner private army both reported further Russian retreats around the city of Bakhmut on Thursday, as Kyiv pressed on with its biggest advance for six months ahead of a planned counteroffensive. Ukrainian troops near the front line said Russia was bombarding access roads to slow the Ukrainian assault, which has … Continue reading Russian forces in retreat near Bakhmut, Ukraine and Wagner say
Walt Disney Co is scrapping plans to build a nearly US$1 billion corporate campus in central Florida that would have housed 2,000 employees, according to an e-mail to employees on Thursday, against the backdrop of its ongoing legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Disney parks chief Josh D'Amaro said "changing business conditions" prompted Disney … Continue reading Disney scraps plans for US$1b campus, 2,000 jobs in Florida
European Council President Charles Michel said on Friday it was in the EU's interest to maintain "stable and constructive" cooperation with China, as the Group of Seven countries met to consider China's "economic coercion" and other concerns. G7 leaders, gathering in the Japanese city of Hiroshima from Friday, are expected to issue a statement with … Continue reading EU’s Michel calls for ‘stable and constructive’ cooperation with China
Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived on Thursday in Saudi Arabia to attend a regional summit that is expected to seal Syria’s return to the Arab fold, marking his first visit to the oil-rich kingdom since Syria’s conflict began in 2011. Assad’s attendance at the Arab League summit, which starts Friday, is a major step in … Continue reading Syria’s Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for regional summit, sealing his return to the Arab fold
Japan's government estimates it needs to raise about 3 trillion yen ($22.2 billion) in funds per year for a childcare policy Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has put forward to help reverse the declining birth rate, Jiji news agency reported on Thursday. The government in March laid out a plan to boost child care over the … Continue reading Japan eyes annual $22 bln for childcare to tackle birth rate decline -report
Oklahoma's governor has signed into law a bill making it a felony to provide gender-affirming healthcare to a minor. Indiana has enacted a law requiring teachers to tell parents when students ask to be called by a new name or different pronoun. North Dakota has approved a law that lets public school teachers and state … Continue reading US Republican transgender laws pile up, setting 2024 battle lines
Japan will treat two injured Ukrainian soldiers at a Tokyo hospital run by its military, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday, Tokyo's latest support measure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Self-Defence Force Central Hospital plans to admit them next month for rehabilitation treatment, the ministry said in a statement, without providing details about the … Continue reading Japan military hospital to treat injured Ukrainian soldiers
Vietnam criticized on Thursday the recent conduct in the South China Sea of a Chinese research ship and the Philippines coast guard, accusing its neighbors of separate actions that were violating its sovereign rights. Tensions are currently high in contested parts of the South China Sea, one of the world's most important trade routes and … Continue reading Vietnam rebukes China, Philippines over South China Sea conduct
Singapore Airlines Ltd. will pay staff a bonus of around eight months’ salary after posting a record annual profit. Eligible staff will be paid a profit-sharing bonus equivalent to 6.65 months’ pay, and a maximum of 1.5 months’ salary of ex-gratia bonus in recognition of their hard work and sacrifices during the pandemic, a spokesperson … Continue reading Singapore Airlines staff to receive big bonus as profits soar
Tens of thousands of Israeli nationalists are expected to march through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City on Thursday, in an annual event that has raised fears of violence with Palestinian factions. The annual parade, which marks Israel's capture of Jerusalem in the 1967 war, has increasingly become a show of force for Jewish … Continue reading Israel’s national ‘Flag March’ in Jerusalem rattles Palestinians
Valentyna Haras says she isn't a traitor. Nonetheless, her garden walls in the Ukrainian city of Kherson are covered with graffiti marking her out as a Russian collaborator. "Rashist" - a Ukrainian blend of Russian fascist - is scrawled in red paint. Accusatory "Z"s - symbols of support for Moscow's war machine - are daubed … Continue reading Traitor next door? Fear stalks Kherson after Russian occupation ends
Police recovered the first two bodies Thursday from the charred interior of a New Zealand hostel that was engulfed in fire two days earlier, killing at least six people. As a white car drove the remains away from the building in central Wellington, emergency workers bowed their heads and a man and a woman chanted … Continue reading New Zealand police recover bodies from hostel after fire
Britain's Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and her mother were involved in a "near catastrophic" car chase with press photographers after attending an awards ceremony in New York, Harry's spokesperson said on Wednesday. The incident involved "a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi" in half a dozen cars with blacked out windows, driving dangerously and putting … Continue reading Prince Harry, Meghan say they were pursued by paparazzi in New York
Four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia were found alive in the south of the country more than two weeks after the plane they were traveling in crashed in thick jungle, President Gustavo Petro said on Wednesday. The children were rescued by members of the military, firefighters and civil aviation authority officials in the … Continue reading Colombian children found alive in jungle weeks after plane crash
Britain will send an aircraft carrier back to the Pacific as part of a Carrier Strike Group in 2025, Downing Street said Thursday as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Japan. The HMS Queen Elizabeth passed through Asia in 2021, making port calls in Japan, as Western allies push back against China's growing military power in … Continue reading UK aircraft carrier returning to Pacific in 2025: Sunak
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday signed legislation to ban Chinese-owned TikTok from operating in the state to protect residents from alleged intelligence gathering by China, making it the first U.S. state to ban the popular short video app. Montana will make it unlawful for Google and Apple's app stores to offer TikTok within the … Continue reading Montana to become first US state to ban TikTok
When the Philippine military chief addressed a small contingent of navy officers on a remote island in Palawan province near the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, he reminded them their mission was to "ensure there is peace". But he also told them they have a "very important" role to play in guarding … Continue reading Philippines’ military chief visits remote islands near disputed Spratlys
Ukraine's foreign minister told a top Chinese envoy at talks in Kyiv on Wednesday that Kyiv would not accept any proposals to end the war with Russia that involved it losing territory or freezing the conflict, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said. Li Hui, China's special representative for Eurasian affairs and former ambassador to Russia, visited … Continue reading Ukraine tells Chinese envoy it won’t accept ceding land to Russia
Thailand's two election winning parties are working to overcome the built-in advantage for a military-backed bloc and form a government they say must reflect the will of voters who want to end the long military domination of politics. They face a battle that could take weeks or months and ultimately their success is not guaranteed … Continue reading Intrigue, uncertainty in Thailand after opposition’s election win
Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has made an improved bid to secure Manchester United from the Glazer family, a source close to the bid said. Sheikh Jassim is in a bidding war with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe after the pair emerged as the main contenders to buy the Premier League giants. Ratcliffe … Continue reading Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim makes improved bid for Man Utd – source
At a hillside temple, a monk in saffron robes blows a refrain on a conch and begins chanting prayers as thousands of origami cranes donated to Hiroshima burn. For a decade, the Daisho-in Buddhist temple on Miyajima island, facing Hiroshima, has held ritual burnings of the millions of origami cranes sent to the city each … Continue reading The second life of Hiroshima’s origami cranes
Albert Fausel has been scouring the rivers of Placerville, California for decades in search of gold. But the task has never been easier, nor the haul bigger, thanks to recent torrential rains. "This year, there's a lot of new spots" to find gold, says Fausel, clad in a wetsuit and snorkel, standing up to his … Continue reading California’s wet winter sparks a new gold rush
Thailand's football association apologised and vowed to investigate on Wednesday after the Southeast Asian Games men's final against Indonesia was marred by two mass brawls and four red cards. Thailand lost 5-2 after extra time on Tuesday, ending the game in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh with eight players on the field. One of those … Continue reading Thai football chiefs apologise after four red cards mar final
Several rights groups announced on Wednesday that they have filed a new complaint in France against clothing giants Uniqlo and Inditex for allegedly profiting from forced labor of the Uyghur minority in China. Allegations made in the complaint filed on Tuesday include crimes against humanity, aggravated reduction to servitude, genocide and human trafficking. It was … Continue reading Case filed against French fashion groups over Uyghur labor
Visitors to Japan rose to a post-pandemic high of almost 2 million in April, official data showed on Wednesday, benefiting from a relaxation of travel restrictions in China. The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure climbed to 1.95 million last month from 1.82 million in March, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) said. … Continue reading Japan visitors rise to nearly 2m in April after China eases travel curbs
The tussle for global influence is about to intensify, as China, Russia, the US and its allies step up efforts to win over governments in a deepening competition for hearts and minds in strategic third countries. The advent of a multipolar world comprising rival factions, most clearly seen in attitudes to Russia’s war on Ukraine, … Continue reading The G7 versus China in the battle for global clout
A Chinese envoy is reported to be in Ukraine as part of a European trip Beijing wants to use to bolster President Xi Jinping’s credentials as a global peacemaker. It’s not clear if he’ll actually meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The arrival of Li Hui, Beijing’s special representative for Eurasian affairs comes as Russia intensifies … Continue reading Chinese envoy Li Hui in Kyiv for peace talks
A Nepali sherpa scaled Mount Everest for a record 27th time on Wednesday, beating his own record, a government official and his hiking company said. Kami Rita Sherpa, 53, scaled the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain early in the morning along the traditional southeast ridge route, guiding a foreign climber. "Yes, Kami Rita climbed Sagarmatha for the … Continue reading Nepali sherpa sets Everest record with 27th ascent
The United States on Tuesday announced charges in five cases involving alleged efforts to steal technology to benefit China, Russia and Iran including a former Apple Inc engineer accused of targeting the company's technology on autonomous systems, including self-driving cars, and then fleeing to China. The cases detailed at a Justice Department press conference centered … Continue reading US charges former Apple employee for trying to steal technology, fleeing to China
The United States has charged a Chinese national with violating U.S. sanctions by providing to Iran materials used to produce ballistic missiles, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said on Tuesday. Xiangjiang Qiao works at Sinotech Dalian Carbon and Graphite Manufacturing Corporation, a China-based company which the U.S. Treasury Department placed on a sanctions list in 2014 … Continue reading US charges Chinese national with providing weapons materials to Iran
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday a Quad summit would not go ahead in Sydney next week without U.S. President Joe Biden, who postponed his trip due to debt ceiling negotiations in Washington. Albanese said the leaders of Australia, the United States, India and Japan would instead meet at the G7 in Japan … Continue reading Australia cancels Quad meeting in Sydney after Biden postponement
A U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system being used by Ukraine likely suffered some damage from a Russian strike, two U.S. officials said on Tuesday, adding that it did not appear to have been destroyed. The Patriot system is one of an array of sophisticated air defense units supplied by the West to help Ukraine repel … Continue reading Patriot missile defense system in Ukraine likely damaged: US sources
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to separate meetings with a delegation of leaders from six African countries to discuss a possible plan to end the war in Ukraine, South Africa’s president said Tuesday. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he spoke with Putin and Zelenskyy by phone over the … Continue reading Putin, Zelenskyy agree to meet with ‘African leaders peace mission,’ says South Africa president
Brazilian ex-President Jair Bolsonaro rejected on Tuesday accusations of tampering with his Covid-19 vaccination records, a document reviewed by Reuters showed, as local authorities investigate the former far-right leader and some of his allies. In three-hour testimony to the Brazil's federal police, Bolsonaro said was he unaware of false information being included on his vaccination … Continue reading Brazil’s Bolsonaro denies tampering of his vaccination records
South Korea signed an agreement with Ukraine on Wednesday on its plan to provide a US$130 million financial aid package, a day after the visiting first lady of the war-hit country asked for military assistance. South Korea's finance ministry said Minister Choo Kyung-ho and Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, in Seoul to attend a conference, … Continue reading South Korea signs US$130m aid package with Ukrainian minister
The latest draft proposal for new European Union sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine says "alternative measures" should be considered before the bloc restricts trade with any third country for busting existing sanctions, a document showed. The document, which was seen by Reuters, is an updated draft proposal by the bloc's executive European Commission for … Continue reading Draft new EU sanctions update more cautious on hitting China – document
The Sackler name will be removed from buildings at Oxford University, the UK institution said, after conducting a review into how the US family's philanthropic donations are recognised. The removal follows a wider backlash against the family because of its main source of wealth -- the painkiller at the centre of the US opioid crisis. … Continue reading Oxford University removes Sackler name from buildings
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in South Korea on Tuesday for a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at which they are expected to discuss expansion of trade and challenges posed by North Korea. Trudeau, the first Canadian leader to visit South Korea in nine years, will meet with Yoon on Wednesday, … Continue reading Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau arrives in South Korea to discuss trade, North Korean challenge
Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday and asked for non-lethal military assistance for her country, South Korea's presidential office said. Zelenska, the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is visiting South Korea to participate in a media conference. Zelenska, meeting Yoon in the role of a special presidential … Continue reading Ukraine’s first lady asks South Korea for non-lethal military aid
Kazakhstan and Russia have established the route for a future gas pipeline to support shipments between the two countries and to China, Kazakhstan's energy minister said on Tuesday. The pipeline would help Russia, hit by Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, boost sales of its energy and commodities in Asia while also ensuring that … Continue reading Kazakhstan, Russia map out gas pipeline to China
The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the COP28 climate summit it is hosting at the end of the year, possibly placing him in the same venue as Western leaders who have opposed and sanctioned him for years. The invitation was extended by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Syrian state … Continue reading UAE invites Syria’s Assad to COP28 climate summit
Bangladesh faced its worst power cuts in over seven months as a deadly storm forced both its floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals shut, less than a month after a scorching heatwave caused widespread outages in the south Asian country. Millions of Bangladeshi citizens have been hit by frequent power cuts in recent months, as … Continue reading Bangladesh rocked by power cuts as deadly cyclone hits gas supply
Ukrainian anti-graft authorities said on Monday they were investigating large-scale corruption in the country's Supreme Court system and shared a photograph of piles of dollars neatly lined up on a sofa. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) did not name anyone accused of corruption, but two local media organizations reported Supreme Court Chief Justice … Continue reading Ukraine authorities expose piles of cash in Supreme Court corruption probe
Germany has called on China to close illegal overseas police stations that German authorities suspect are being used by the government in Beijing to control and intimidate Chinese expatriates living abroad. Germany has been in talks with the Chinese government since November about shutting down the operations, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Andrea Sasse told reporters in … Continue reading Germany calls on China to close illegal police outposts
A fire at a hostel in New Zealand killed at least six people on Tuesday and officials said they believe the toll could rise with 11 people still missing. The blaze broke out on the top floor of Loafers Lodge in the Wellington neighborhood of Newtown just after midnight, police said. The cause of the … Continue reading Six dead in New Zealand hostel fire
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the United Nations on Monday to suspend Israel’s membership unless it implements resolutions establishing separate Jewish and Arab states and allows the return of Palestinian refugees. Abbas spoke during the first official U.N. commemoration of the flight of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from what is now Israel following the … Continue reading Abbas urges UN to suspend Israel during first commemoration of 1948 flight of the Palestinians
G7 leaders meet in Hiroshima this week looking to tighten the screws further on Russia over the Ukraine war and agree a united line on China's growing military and economic power. The three-day summit of leading developed democracies will cover everything from energy to AI, but a key focus will be targeting those who have … Continue reading G7 leaders meet in Hiroshima to pressure Russia, find China unity
The U.S. Virgin Islands has subpoenaed Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk for documents in its lawsuit accusing JPMorgan Chase & Co of helping enable sexual abuses by late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The subpoena, issued on April 28, came to light on Monday in a request by the Virgin Islands to serve Musk by alternative … Continue reading Elon Musk documents subpoenaed in Jeffrey Epstein lawsuit by US Virgin Islands
Russian officials on Monday denounced comments by French President Emmanuel Macron that Moscow was becoming subservient to China, saying Western countries must get used to a world underpinned by the Kremlin's close ties with Beijing. The Russian criticism focused on an interview Macron gave to the Paris daily l'Opinion in which he decried the Kremlin's … Continue reading Russia denounces Macron over China comments
Computer engineers and tech-inclined political scientists have warned for years that cheap, powerful artificial intelligence tools would soon allow anyone to create fake images, video and audio that was realistic enough to fool voters and perhaps sway an election. The synthetic images that emerged were often crude, unconvincing and costly to produce, especially when other … Continue reading AI presents political peril for 2024 with threat to mislead voters
Since Russia invaded Ukraine 15 months ago, the West has delivered ever more powerful weapons to Kyiv to help it defend its territory and recapture lost ground. AFP looks at how the type of weaponry supplied evolved over the course of the war. Phase 1: defensive weapons No sooner had Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered … Continue reading From pistols to cruise missiles: how the West armed Ukraine
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Japanese business leaders on Monday and called for expanded technology cooperation between the countries, which he described as a key element in broader efforts to improve relations. Yoon has met twice with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in recent weeks, demonstrating their intent to overcome historical grievances … Continue reading South Korean president urges expanded technology cooperation with Japan
Austrian rail operator OeBB said Monday that it has filed complaints against two people after they had allegedly manipulated the trains' loudspeaker announcements to play what appeared to be Hitler salutes and speeches. The incident comes after two trains had been manipulated last week to broadcast a "nonsensical, confusing mix" of childrens' songs and old, … Continue reading Austrian railway probes ‘Hitler’ train announcements
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Britain on Monday with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who pledged "hundreds" of both air defence missiles and long-range attack drones to fend off Russia's invasion. Dressed in his trademark military fatigues, Zelensky gave a bear hug to Sunak when they met at chequers, the prime minister's country retreat northwest … Continue reading Zelensky on UK trip wins vow of ‘hundreds’ more missiles
Turkey’s presidential elections appeared to be heading toward a second-round runoff on Monday, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has ruled his country with a firm grip for 20 years, leading over his chief challenger, but falling short of the votes needed for an outright win. With 99.4% of the domestic votes and 84% of … Continue reading As Erdogan’s votes dip, Turkey appears headed to a runoff presidential race
Thailand's Pheu Thai Party said on Monday it agreed to a proposal to form an opposition coalition with the Move Forward Party and had no plan to form any other government, after the two parties dominated a weekend election. Move Forward Party is on course to be the biggest party in parliament, and Pheu Thai … Continue reading Thailand’s Pheu Thai party agrees to join a coalition govt
After hours of waiting on the U.S. side of the border and hoping the Texas National Guard would let them seek U.S. asylum, a group of 15 migrants crossed a shallow green river back to Mexico, their faces drawn in disappointment. After traveling from countries including the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, they were among the … Continue reading Migrants at US-Mexico border face tight controls after Title 42 lapse
Turkey headed for a runoff vote after President Tayyip Erdogan led over his opposition rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Sunday's election but fell short of an outright majority to extend his 20-year rule of the NATO-member country. Neither Erdogan nor Kilicdaroglu cleared the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round, to be held on May … Continue reading Turkey faces runoff election with Erdogan leading
Thailand's opposition secured a stunning election win on Sunday after trouncing parties allied with the military, setting the stage for a flurry of deal-making over forming a government in a bid to end nearly a decade of conservative, army-backed rule. The liberal Move Forward party and the populist Pheu Thai Party were far out in … Continue reading Thailand opposition crushes military parties in election rout
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that his country is preparing a counteroffensive designed to liberate areas occupied by Russia, not to attack Russian territory. Speaking during a news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s goal is to free the territories within its internationally recognized borders. There has been speculation … Continue reading Ukrainian president says counteroffensive does not aim to attack Russian territory
As people brace for the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and everyday living, those in the world of audio books say their field is already being transformed. AI has the ability to create human-sounding recordings -- at assembly-line speed -- while bypassing at least part of the services of the human professionals who … Continue reading Audio book narrators say AI is already taking away business
A Nepali sherpa guide climbed Mount Everest for the 26th time on Sunday, hiking officials said, becoming the world's second person to achieve the feat. Pasang Dawa Sherpa, 46, stood atop the 8,849-m (29,032-ft) peak, sharing the record number of summits with Kami Rita Sherpa, said Bigyan Koirala, a government tourism official. Kami Rita, who … Continue reading Nepali sherpa becomes world’s second person to scale Everest 26 times
With tough new asylum rules in place, many migrants on the US-Mexico border were seeking legal routes to enter the United States on Saturday, despite warnings of a chaotic surge in crossings. Gustavo Rodriguez, who fled Venezuela after deserting the military, was among those who saw official channels as offering the best chance of being … Continue reading New rules spur migrants to seek legal path to US
Thousands of people hunkered down Sunday in monasteries, pagodas and schools, seeking shelter from a powerful storm that slammed into the coast of Myanmar, tearing the roofs off buildings and killing at least three people. The center of Cyclone Mocha made landfall Sunday afternoon in Myanmar’s Rakhine state near Sittwe township wind speeds up to … Continue reading Powerful Cyclone Mocha makes landfall in Myanmar, tearing off roofs and killing at least 3
Newly appointed Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino said in a tweet on Saturday that she has been inspired by owner Elon Musk's vision to create a brighter future and is excited to help to transform the social media platform. It was the first time Yaccarino has spoken publicly since the news broke Thursday that she was … Continue reading New Twitter CEO says she is excited to help to transform Twitter
Thais voted Sunday in an election that could see pro-democracy opposition parties oust the conservative military-backed government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha after almost a decade in power. Voters are tipped to deliver a resounding defeat to ex-army chief and coup leader Prayut after a campaign that played out as a clash between a young … Continue reading Thailand votes, but will the military listen?
The Philippines has placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, a coast guard spokesperson said on Sunday. The step comes amid China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr pursues warmer ties with … Continue reading Philippines places buoys in parts of S.China Sea to assert sovereignty
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Sunday for his first visit to Germany since Russia's invasion, with Berlin offering an emphatic show of support in the form of a new military package worth 2.7 billion euros. "Already in Berlin," he wrote on Twitter. "Weapons. Powerful package. Air defense. Reconstruction. EU. NATO. Security." Zelensky's trip comes as … Continue reading Zelensky arrives in Germany as Ukraine prepares counter-offensive
Swedish singer Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with her power ballad “Tattoo,” at a colorful, eclectic music competition clouded for a second year running by the war in Ukraine. The diva from Stockholm beat acts from 25 other countries to take the continent’s pop crown at the final of the competition … Continue reading Swedish singer Loreen wins Eurovision Song Contest for 2nd time at event feting Ukraine
Moscow acknowledged on Friday that its forces had fallen back north of Ukraine's battlefield city of Bakhmut after a new Ukrainian offensive, in a retreat that the head of Russia's Wagner private army called a rout. The setback for Russia, which follows similar reports of Ukrainian advances south of the city, suggests a coordinated push … Continue reading Russia acknowledges retreat north of Bakhmut, Wagner boss calls it a ‘rout’
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries are set to discuss concern about China's use of "economic coercion" in its dealings abroad as part of their larger joint statement next week, according to a U.S. official familiar with the discussions. The statement, a likely component of the overall communique that will be released by … Continue reading G7 summit statement to target China’s ‘economic coercion’
A Pakistani court ordered former Prime Minister Imran Khan's release on bail for two weeks, his lawyer said on Friday, after his arrest in a land fraud case ignited deadly protests and a tussle with the military. Khan departed the court premises, headed towards his hometown Lahore, amidst high security. He had remained inside for … Continue reading Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail, leaves court
The European Union and other democracies need a united and realistic stance towards China because even the largest EU countries cannot play on equal terms with Beijing on their own, Czech President Petr Pavel said. The EU has been attempting to strike a balance between the views of its 27 member countries and a desire … Continue reading Democratic world needs united approach towards China: Czech president
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will ask U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday to listen to the opinions of non-NATO members such as China and Brazil on the war in Ukraine, a Spanish diplomatic source said. Madrid agrees with Washington on the illegality of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need to arm … Continue reading Spanish PM will ask Biden to listen to China, Brazil on Ukraine
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the country's number two diplomat, said on Friday she will retire at the end of June after three decades in Washington's foreign policy establishment. Sherman is the first woman to serve in her current role, in which she has headed up the Biden administration's diplomacy with China and … Continue reading Wendy Sherman, US official who led diplomacy with China and Russia, to retire
Japanese and South Korean officials held hours long talks into early Saturday and agreed on a visit later this month by South Korean experts to the Fukushima nuclear plant before it begins the controversial release of treated but radioactive water into the sea. The safety of the water is a major sticking point as the … Continue reading Japan, South Korea agree on visit to Fukushima nuclear plant ahead of planned water release
South African officials on Friday hit back at U.S. accusations that a Russian ship had collected weapons from a naval base near Cape Town late last year, a move investors fear could lead Washington to impose sanctions. The U.S. ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety said on Thursday he was confident that a Russian ship … Continue reading South Africa rejects US accusations of arms shipment to Russia
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will accept the outcome of Sunday’s elections, addressing criticism from his rival that members of the government might be unwilling to transfer power peacefully. The governing party and its allies “will consider any outcome at the ballot box as legitimate” and will do “whatever democracy requires,” Erdogan said … Continue reading Turkish president Erdogan promises peaceful handover if he loses election
A once-faded Japanese honeymoon hot spot is getting a new lease on life thanks in part to Chinese investment, as industry insiders predict that more hot spring hotels will be the beneficiaries of an exodus of money from China. The abandoned Tsuruya Ryokan, a former luxury inn occupying a prime location in the town of … Continue reading Chinese money breathes new life into fading Japanese resort
European Union ministers on Friday backed reducing the bloc's economic dependence on China but will now have to figure out how to make that a reality, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. Borrell said foreign ministers gave broad backing to a plan to adjust policy on China to place greater emphasis on its role as … Continue reading EU ministers back plan to reduce economic reliance on China
A Boston man worked with Chinese government officials over roughly a four-year period to keep tabs on Chinese activists and dissidents in the area who were calling for pro-democracy reforms in the communist nation, federal prosecutors said Friday. Litang Liang, 63, a U.S. citizen who lives in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, was charged with conspiracy to … Continue reading Boston man charged with providing Chinese officials information on pro-democracy activists
The days of easily buying marijuana on the streets of Bangkok or Phuket may soon be over. Four years after Thailand’s Bhumjaithai party won almost four million votes on a vow to decriminalize cannabis — then carrying it out as the third-biggest bloc in a military-backed government — the tide has turned: most of the … Continue reading Thai election may see cannabis industry snuffed out
Greece’s prime minister says his government is exploring a “win-win” solution to one of the world’s most intractable cultural heritage disputes: The fate of the Parthenon Sculptures in the British Museum. But he rules out any deal that would include the word “loan.” “We will never recognize that these sculptures are owned, legally owned by … Continue reading Greek PM seeks ‘innovative’ solution to decades-old Parthenon Sculpture dispute with British Museum
NBCUniversal executive Linda Yaccarino is in talks to become Twitter’s chief executive officer, the Wall Street Journal reported, following owner Elon Musk’s announcement that he had found a new leader for the social network and will shift into the role of chief technologist. In a tweet on Thursday, Musk said the company’s new CEO will … Continue reading Musk to step down at Twitter, new CEO lined up
A federal judge in Virginia has struck down federal laws that block the sale of handguns to buyers under the age of 21, ruling they violate constitutional rights to possess firearms. The ruling, which the Justice Department is expected to challenge, will not take effect until judge Robert Payne, of the U.S. District Court for … Continue reading US judge strikes down federal law barring handgun sales to those under 21
The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group said on Thursday that his forces' flanks were under pressure near the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, resulting in the loss of ground that his men had captured at heavy cost. Yevgeny Prigozhin has argued that it is the job of regular Russian forces to protect Wagner's flanks near … Continue reading Wagner boss Prigozhin says situation on Russian flanks near Bakhmut is bad
The U. S. ambassador to South Africa accused the country Thursday of providing weapons and ammunition to Russia for its war in Ukraine via a cargo ship linked to a sanctioned company that docked secretly at a naval base near the city of Cape Town in December. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said an investigation … Continue reading US ambassador accuses South Africa of providing weapons, ammo to Russia
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Wang Yi during talks in Vienna this week that the Biden administration is “looking to move beyond” tensions spurred by the U.S. shooting down a Chinese spy balloon that traversed the continental United States, according to a senior Biden administration official. The … Continue reading Top Biden aide tells Chinese diplomat that US wants to ‘move beyond’ spy balloon
The jacket that Michael Jordan famously and grudgingly wore while receiving an Olympic gold medal has been in Brian McIntyre’s possession for more than three decades now. He figures the time is right to let someone else enjoy it. The red, white and blue Reebok jacket that Jordan — a Nike athlete — was forced … Continue reading Michael Jordan’s famed ‘Dream Team’ Olympic jacket heading to auction
Britain is supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles, defence minister Ben Wallace said on Thursday, which would allow Ukraine's forces to hit Russian troops, ammunition, and fuel dumps deep behind the front line. Ukraine has been asking for months for long-range missiles, but support provided by Britain and other allies such as the … Continue reading Britain is supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles
Around 24 people, a majority of them children, were injured on Thursday when a temporary pedestrian bridge collapsed in the Finnish city of Espoo, just outside the capital Helsinki, rescue service said. The injuries were not life threatening, the Helsinki Hospital Authority said in a statement. The children were part of a group of eighth-grade … Continue reading Around 24 injured in Finland bridge collapse, many of them children
With former Prime Minister Imran Khan in custody, Pakistani authorities on Thursday cracked down on his supporters, arresting hundreds in overnight raids and sending troops across the country to rein in the wave of violence that followed his arrest earlier this week. For this Islamic nation, accustomed to military takeovers, political crises and violence, the … Continue reading With ex-PM Imran Khan in custody, Pakistan cracks down on his supporters, arresting hundreds
One person was killed and another injured in a shooting at a Mercedes-Benz plant in southwestern Germany on Thursday, authorities said, adding that one suspect had been detained. "This morning, shots were fired on the factory premises in Sindelfingen," a spokesperson for the Stuttgart prosecutor said. "Two persons were injured, one of whom has since … Continue reading Shooting at Mercedes plant in Germany leaves one dead, one hurt
Armenia and Azerbaijan on Thursday blamed each other for an exchange of fire along their restive border, which killed one person and wounded four, days ahead of EU-hosted peace talks. The leaders of the two countries are due to hold talks in Brussels on Saturday as part of a push to resolve the three-decade territorial … Continue reading Armenia and Azerbaijan trade fire along border
The prop supplier for “Rust” said the movie’s armorer told him that before the production she bought the same type of ammunition as the live round that killed the cinematographer during filming in 2021, according to sheriff’s office records. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is the only person still facing charges in the fatal shooting of cinematographer … Continue reading Armorer bought live rounds before ‘Rust’ shooting, prop supplier told police
Scientists on Wednesday unveiled a new accounting of the human genome that improves on its predecessor by including a rich diversity of people to better reflect the global population - a boost to ongoing efforts to identify genetic underpinnings of diseases and new ways to treat them. This "pangenome" achievement was announced two decades after … Continue reading Human genome reboot better reflects global population
Canada on Wednesday unveiled a new design for passports with advanced security features including a new series with reference to His Majesty King Charles III, as part of a regular upgrade. The new passport will display a Coat of Arms, making Canada among the first in the Commonwealth to introduce a travel document series that … Continue reading Canada unveils new passport design with more security features, nod to King Charles
EU lawmakers hold a crucial vote Thursday towards setting restrictions on how AI such as ChatGPT can be used in the European Union. European Parliament committees will set out their position for upcoming negotiations with EU member states that aim to create a law to prevent abuses in the way artificial intelligence is used, while … Continue reading European Parliament votes on curbs for ChatGPT and other AI
An unrepentant Donald Trump held firm to past grievances at the first televised town hall of the 2024 U.S. presidential election on Wednesday, stressing from the moment he took the stage that he has little intention of mounting a more disciplined campaign for his third White House bid. In a contentious 70-minute broadcast, Trump drew … Continue reading Trump jokes about sexual abuse verdict, repeats election falsehoods
Finland's outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin has filed for divorce jointly with her husband of three years Markus Raikkonen, they said on Instagram on Wednesday. "We are grateful for the 19 years together and our beloved daughter. We will remain best friends," they said in separate Instagram stories. Marin and Raikkonen, who until recently worked … Continue reading Finland prime minister divorces husband
A Ukrainian unit said on Wednesday it had routed a Russian brigade near the stronghold of Bakhmut in an incident underlining the task facing the Kremlin as it carries out what it calls a "very difficult" military operation. The unit's claim appeared to buttress comments by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner private army, … Continue reading Ukraine says it routs Russian brigade, Kremlin acknowledges ‘very difficult’ campaign
The Pompidou Centre in Paris, one of the world's top modern art museums, will shut down for refurbishment for five years from 2025, France's culture minister said Wednesday. The Pompidou houses work by artists from Pablo Picasso to Wassily Kandinsky and welcomed more than three million visitors last year. But its ground-breaking "inside out" structure … Continue reading France to shut Pompidou museum for five years in 2025
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s acting chief executive officer traveled to China, as the South African state-owned utility implements record power cuts that are hobbling the nation’s economy. Calib Cassim accompanied South African Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on the trip to Beijing, Chairman Mpho Makwana said by phone on Wednesday, declining to provide further details. … Continue reading Head of South Africa’s failing energy producer visits China as power woes grow
It was a rare day at the Vatican on Wednesday as two popes shared the limelight in St Peter's Square - Pope Francis and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Tawadros, dressed in black robes, was the guest of honor at Francis' general audience in a rainy St. Peter's Square. The … Continue reading Rare day at Vatican as two popes share stage
Twitter Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk on Tuesday revealed details about new features including adding calls and encrypted messaging coming to the platform. Last year, Musk flagged plans for "Twitter 2.0 The Everything App", which he said would have features such as encrypted direct messages (DMs), longform tweets and payments. "Coming soon will be voice … Continue reading Musk says Twitter to soon allow calls, encrypted messaging
Thailand votes Sunday in an election expected to deliver a rejection of former coup leader Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, with the opposition led by exiled billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter tipped to win the most seats. Polls suggest voters will hand in a damning verdict on nearly a decade of military-backed rule that has brought economic … Continue reading Thais expected to deliver heavy poll blow to military parties
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan will appear Wednesday in a special court at the capital's police headquarters to answer graft charges, a day after his shock arrest prompted violent nationwide protests. Khan's detention follows months of political crisis and came hours after the powerful military rebuked the former international cricketer for alleging that a … Continue reading Former Pakistan PM Khan faces court after shock arrest prompts riots
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said the prospect of tensions escalating over Taiwan was a "grave concern" to Southeast Asian leaders and discussions about it were inevitable at this week's summit in Indonesia. "Considering that we agree on the concept of ASEAN centrality when it comes to regional concerns, that will be one of … Continue reading Taiwan conflict, maritime code to figure in ASEAN talks, Marcos says
Donald Trump must pay US$5 million in damages for sexually abusing magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and then defaming her by branding her a liar, a jury decided on Tuesday. "Today, the world finally knows the truth," Carroll said in a statement. "This victory is not just for me but for every … Continue reading Trump sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll, must pay her US$5m, jury says
The United States has opened a new embassy in Tonga, the State Department said on Tuesday, part of efforts to step up the U.S. diplomatic presence in the Pacific region to counter China. The United States "officially opened the U.S. Embassy in Nuku'alofa on May 9, 2023," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a … Continue reading US opens embassy in Tonga in new pushback against China in Pacific
Japan is working towards the opening of a NATO liaison office in Tokyo, Japan's ambassador to the U.S. Koji Tomita said on Tuesday. Tomita made the comment at an event hosted by the National Press Club in Washington when asked about a report in the Nikkei Asia this month saying that the U.S.-led alliance was … Continue reading Japan working towards opening of NATO liaison office in Tokyo
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said Canada will not be intimidated by China following tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions by Ottawa and Beijing. Ottawa expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei on Monday over allegations related to foreign interference, and hours later, China asked a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai to leave by May 13 in response to what … Continue reading Canada will not be intimidated by China retaliation, PM Trudeau says
President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that the West has unleashed “a real war” against Russia, reprising a familiar refrain at scaled-down Victory Day celebrations that may reflect the toll the Ukraine conflict is taking on his forces. Putin’s remarks came just hours after Moscow fired its latest barrage of cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine, … Continue reading Putin tells WWII event West is waging a ‘real war’ on Russia
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested Tuesday as he appeared in a court in the country’s capital, Islamabad, to face charges in multiple graft cases. Security agents dragged Khan outside and shoved him into an armored car before whisking him away. The arrest, which marks a dramatic escalation on Pakistan's political scene, drew … Continue reading Imran Khan, Pakistan’s ex-prime minister, arrested in court
British police have expressed regret over the arrests of anti-monarchy protesters during the coronation of King Charles, saying they will not face criminal prosecution following criticism that the security response was heavy-handed. London's Metropolitan Police said six people were arrested on Saturday under new powers from the Public Order Act, a law to restrict protests … Continue reading UK police express regret over coronation arrest of republican leader
Writing for a new season of "The Handmaid's Tale" and a coming "Game of Thrones" prequel was halted as a nearly week-long strike by thousands of film and television writers rippled across Hollywood on Monday. The writers of Emmy-winning Hulu drama "The Handmaid's Tale" had penned some early episodes for a new season ahead of … Continue reading Writers’ strike freezes ‘Handmaid’s Tale,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he sees no immediate possibility of reaching a comprehensive ceasefire in the war in Ukraine as both sides are convinced they can win, according to an interview published by Spanish newspaper El Pais on Tuesday. Guterres, who is in Spain to receive the Charles V European Award, told El … Continue reading UN chief says peace talks in Ukraine conflict not possible right now
Thailand's billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Tuesday he would return home in July after 17 years in self-imposed exile, just days ahead of an election his party is expected to win. Although Thaksin, arguably Thailand's most influential and divisive former leader, has failed to make good on numerous pledges to return, his … Continue reading Thailand’s influential ex-PM Thaksin eyes July return from exile
Vietnam is preparing to make it mandatory for social media users of both local and foreign platforms to verify their identity in a bid to rein in online scams, state media reported on Monday. The measure, part of the Telecommunications Law Amendment to be issued by the end of this year, will enable law enforcement … Continue reading Vietnam to require social media users to verify identity
Russia unleashed a barrage of cruise missiles on Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, hours before the start of Moscow’s annual commemorations celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, which this year is taking place amid tight security measures. The Kremlin’s forces launched 25 missiles overnight in a wave of attacks across Ukraine, the … Continue reading Russia, set for WWII tributes, rains missiles on Ukraine
A cross-party delegation of Australian lawmakers said on Tuesday they had met U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy urging her to help drop the pending extradition case against WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange and allow him to return to Australia. The "Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group" said it had informed the U.S. envoy of "the widespread concern … Continue reading Australian lawmakers meet US envoy to seek release of Julian Assange
Companies in Singapore are partially paying housing costs of employees and even relocating staff to cheaper neighboring cities to help them tackle home rents that rose last year at their fastest rate in 15 years. But with private housing rents in Singapore maintaining the scorching pace of gains in 2023, those steps are likely falling … Continue reading Singapore firms scramble to soften blow of soaring rent costs
Southeast Asian nations are at a "crossroad", a senior Indonesian minister warned Tuesday, as escalating violence in junta-controlled Myanmar loomed over a regional summit. Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent. The Association … Continue reading ASEAN at a ‘crossroad’ as Myanmar violence escalates
Australia is set to deliver its first budget surplus in 15 years on Tuesday, as its coffers bulge with tax windfalls from higher commodities prices and wages, giving it room to dole out cost-of-living relief amid an inflation squeeze on households. However, fiscal challenges loom large with resource prices well off their peaks and the … Continue reading Australia to deliver first budget surplus in 15 years
Dubai International Airport had over 21.2 million passengers pass through its terminals in the first quarter of the year, potentially nearing numbers it saw before the coronavirus pandemic grounded air traffic around the world. The Dubai airport, the home of the long-haul carrier Emirates, is the world’s busiest for international travel and serves as a … Continue reading Dubai main airport sees over 21.2M passengers in early 2023
A jury in New York City is set to begin deliberations Tuesday in a civil trial over advice columnist E. Jean Carroll’s claims that Donald Trump raped her in a luxury Manhattan department store in 1996. U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan will read instructions on the law to the nine-person jury for about an … Continue reading Jury to start deliberations in suit accusing Trump of rape
Kavita Wongyakasem runs a small business in Bangkok, owns a two-storey house on the outskirts of the Thai capital, drives a pick-up truck, and sends her two daughters to good schools. But every day is a desperate struggle to find the money to keep her household afloat, said the 48-year-old, whose business provides services for … Continue reading Thai household debt in election focus as millions in ‘endless struggle’
The 700-piece private jewellery collection of the late Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten, the world's largest and most valuable collection of its kind to come to auction, could sell for more than $150 million, Christie's said on Monday. Some of its most spectacular pieces include the 90-carat "Briolette of India" diamond necklace by Harry Winston, and … Continue reading Austrian billionaire’s jewels seen fetching over $150 mln at auction
The government on Monday completely lifted its overseas travel alert for Japanese nationals over the coronavirus pandemic, following the end of the World Health Organization's COVID-19 emergency. Japan initially issued the advisory in January 2020 for those who traveled to China, setting it at Level 1, the lowest on its four-point scale. The Foreign Ministry … Continue reading Japan lifts Covid overseas travel alert for entire world
Canberra called for a jailed Australian journalist to be released and reunited with her family on Monday, as the broadcaster marked 1,000 days in detention in China. Cheng Lei, a former anchor at Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, disappeared on August 13, 2020, and was later charged with "supplying state secrets overseas". Australian Foreign Minister Penny … Continue reading Australia says ‘deep concerns’ for reporter held in China since 2020
Russia launched its biggest wave of drone strikes on Ukraine for months on Monday, escalating attacks in the run-up to its May 9 Victory Day holiday celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany, which Kyiv marked a day earlier in a new break with Moscow. Kyiv's mayor said Russia had fired 60 Iranian-made kamikaze drones at … Continue reading Russia rains missiles across Ukraine ahead of May 9 Victory Day holiday
Norway's aging king, Harald V, has been admitted to a hospital and is receiving treatment for an infection, the Norwegian palace said in a brief statement Monday. ”The king has been diagnosed with an infection that needs to be treated, and will therefore remain in hospital for a few days,” the palace said, adding that … Continue reading Norway’s aging king hospitalized with an infection
Joe Biden served in the Senate for 270 years. He used to be three years older than his sister Valerie, but now has 20 years on her. And the fourth U.S. president — whom Biden affectionally calls “Jimmy” Madison — is a good friend. All kidding aside, the 80-year-old Biden will tell you, he is … Continue reading ‘My career of 280 years’: Biden jokes off 2024 age concerns
At least 27 workers were killed in a fire at a remote gold mine in southern Peru, authorities said Sunday, as grief-stricken relatives gathered near the site awaiting news of their loved ones. The blaze was sparked by a short circuit and quickly engulfed one of the tunnels, leading to one of the worst mining … Continue reading At least 27 dead in Peru gold mine fire
Russia launched a large-scale wave of strikes on Kyiv and across Ukraine sowing destruction and injuries, officials said early on Monday, as Moscow prepares for its cherished Victory Day holiday that marks the anniversary of its defeat of Nazi Germany. At least five people were injured due to Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said, … Continue reading Russia launches mass strikes on Ukraine ahead of May 9 Victory Day holiday
The Hollywood writers' strike broke out this week over pay, but the refusal of studios like Netflix and Disney to rule out artificial intelligence replacing human scribes in the future has only fueled anger and fear on the picket lines. With their rapidly advancing ability to eerily mimic human conversation, AI programs like ChatGPT have … Continue reading Hollywood strikes inflamed by claim AI could do writers’ jobs
When Ahmed Rabbani ran out of paint to satisfy his artistic yearnings during 20 years of incarceration at Guantanamo Bay, he turned to whatever came to hand -- dirt, coffee grinds and even spices such as turmeric from the prison canteen. "Through painting, I would feel myself outside Guantanamo," the 53-year-old Pakistani said this week … Continue reading Freedom to paint: Pakistani Gitmo prisoner finds release in art
Neighbourhoods around Britain will hold street parties and King Charles will attend a concert featuring the likes of singers Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Andrea Bocelli at Windsor Castle on Sunday in celebrations to mark his coronation. Amid scenes of pomp and pageantry, Charles and his wife Camilla were crowned at London's Westminster Abbey on … Continue reading Britain celebrates with street parties and a concert after King Charles’ coronation
Unresolved historical disputes should not block South Korea and Japan from deepening ties in the face of international crises, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said as he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Seoul on Sunday. The pledge by the leaders to boost cooperation has been welcomed by the United States as a … Continue reading Japan, South Korea seek to deepen cooperation, overcome old disputes
The leader of anti-monarchy group Republic and other members were released from custody after hours of detention during Saturday's coronation of King Charles that raised questions over whether the police response had been proportionate. Police arrested the leader of Republic, Graham Smith, and 51 others in central London while thousands of royal fans were gathering … Continue reading UK anti-monarchists released from custody after King Charles’ coronation
A Russian fighter jet intercepted a Polish plane patrolling for the EU's border agency over the Black Sea, causing the pilots to temporarily lose control of the aircraft, Warsaw said Sunday. According to Poland's border force, the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 plane did not make radio contact before carrying out "aggressive and dangerous manoeuvres, approaching the … Continue reading Russian jet intercepts Polish plane over Black Sea
Thais queued under the blistering sun outside temples, shopping centres and schools to cast their early ballots Sunday ahead of a much-anticipated election next week. More than two million Thais nationwide are registered to vote early ahead of the kingdom's May 14 election, which is shaping up to be a clash between army-backed establishment parties … Continue reading Thais queue at temples, schools as early voting begins
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul on Sunday to meet South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, facing a sceptical public there as the leaders seek deeper ties amid nuclear threats from North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness. Kishida's bilateral visit, the first by a Japanese leader to Seoul in 12 years, returns the … Continue reading Japan PM Kishida visits Seoul to forge closer ties amid N.Korea threats
King Charles III was crowned on Saturday in Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years. In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old … Continue reading King Charles III crowned at Westminster Abbey
Police arrested the leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic hours before King Charles' coronation on Saturday and a number of other protesters who had gathered among the crowds lining the procession route in central London. Republic had earlier said it would mount the biggest protest against a British monarch in modern history. But London police … Continue reading Police arrest anti-monarchy protesters ahead of King Charles’ coronation
Russia's main mercenary group announced plans on Friday to withdraw from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, but Ukraine said the fighters were reinforcing positions to try to seize it before Russia marks World War Two Victory Day next week. Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said his men had been starved of ammunition and would … Continue reading Russia’s Wagner threatens to leave Bakhmut, Ukraine says mercenaries reinforcing
North Korea criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s pro-US policies, calling them radical and excessive after the leader’s recent trip to Washington. Concerns of Yoon’s obsequence is growing in international society, North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said, citing media reports in China and Russia. If the president keeps ignoring the concerns, South … Continue reading North Korea lashes out at South’s “excessive” pro-US policies
A US F-16 fighter jet crashed in a farming area south of Seoul during a training exercise on Saturday, said the US military, but appeared to have caused no casualties or property damage. The jet's pilot safely ejected before the crash and was taken to the nearest hospital, the US Air Force said in a … Continue reading US F-16 jet crashes during training south of Seoul, South Korea
Foreign ministers from a group of nations led by China and Russia criticized on Friday the ability of world institutions to resolve geopolitical problems, including the coronavirus pandemic, and said their organization should do more to address such challenges. Indian Foreign Minister Subhramanyam Jaishankar said in remarks at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization … Continue reading Group led by China, Russia criticizes global institutions
Iran executed a Swedish-Iranian dissident on Saturday convicted of leading an Arab separatist group accused of attacks including one on a military parade in 2018 that killed 25 people, state television reported. Habib Farajollah Chaab had been sentenced to death for being "corrupt on earth", a capital offence under Iran’s strict Islamic laws. In 2022, … Continue reading Iran hangs Swedish-Iranian linked to attack that killed 25 people
Sudan's warring parties were set to meet on Saturday in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah for talks, Riyadh and Washington said, as international mediators pressed to end a conflict that has killed hundreds of people and sent tens of thousands of refugees fleeing abroad. Saudi Arabia and the United States welcomed the start … Continue reading Sudan’s warring parties to meet for talks in Saudi Arabia
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Friday he had "made plain" Britain's views on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan in a meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during the latter's visit to London for King Charles' coronation. "Today with VP Han Zheng, I made plain the UK’s views on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and … Continue reading UK’s Cleverly raises Xinjiang and Taiwan with Chinese vice president
Authorities were looking into possible casualties and damage after a strong earthquake hit Friday afternoon near central Japan, but there were no reports of a tsunami threat. Government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters that authorities were checking into possible casualties, putting human life first. There was a report of buildings being damaged, but details were … Continue reading Strong earthquake hits Japan; possible casualties and damage
Democratic and Republican U.S. senators announced legislation on Thursday authorizing President Joe Biden's administration to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan, seeking to foster investment as Washington works to shore up the island against a rising China. The senators, led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez and ranking Republican Jim Risch, said a … Continue reading US senators urge Biden to negotiate tax agreement with Taiwan
An exiled Chinese businessman charged by U.S. prosecutors with leading a more than US$1 billion fraud on Thursday appealed a judge's order that he remain in jail pending trial, court records showed. Guo Wengui, once a business associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump's adviser Steve Bannon, was arrested in March. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan … Continue reading Chinese businessman Guo Wengui appeals bail denial in fraud case
A Ukrainian delegate punched a Russian delegate in the face during a gathering of Black Sea nations in the Turkish capital on Thursday, after his Ukrainian flag was snatched away to stop him photobombing a video interview with Russia's lead delegate. Olesandr Marikovski posted a video of himself thumping the Russian and retrieving the blue … Continue reading Ukraine delegate punches Russian at Black Sea nations assembly in Ankara
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives were facing a bleak set of local election results with voters punishing his party over political scandals, sluggish economic growth and high inflation, early results showed on Friday. While governing parties often struggle at mid-term elections, the council results in England will be the largest, and possibly last, test … Continue reading UK Conservatives suffering ‘terrible’ night with local election losses
China's five-day Labour Day holiday in early May was once a good excuse for a quick European jaunt - with a side of luxury shopping on the agenda. But with flights remaining limited after China's border reopening in January, European luxury stores will need to wait longer for the return of masses of tourists they … Continue reading Fewer luxury shoppers but bigger spenders as Chinese return to Europe
South Korea will soon engage with China at the senior level and also seek the opportunity for diplomacy aimed at trilateral cooperation with Japan and China, South Korea's ambassador to Washington Cho Hyun-dong said on Thursday. Cho told an event hosted by Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies that the Covid-19 pandemic had prevented … Continue reading South Korea will soon engage with China at senior level-Seoul’s US ambassador
Foreign citizens and companies would need U.S. government approval to buy property within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of eight military bases, under a proposed rule change that follows a Chinese firm’s attempt to build a plant near an Air Force base in North Dakota. The Treasury Department’s Office of Investment Security is set to propose … Continue reading US to control land sales to foreigners near eight military bases
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday that granting U.S. access to Philippine military bases was a defensive step that would be "useful" if China attacked Taiwan. Marcos, speaking at the end of a four-day visit to Washington that included a summit with President Joe Biden and an agreement to update the countries' nearly … Continue reading Philippines bases could be ‘useful’ if Taiwan attacked, says Marcos
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr dismissed criticism during an interview on Thursday that his presidential campaign played down the corruption and extravagance the Marcos family was known for during his father's rule. Marcos told Reuters at the end of a four-day visit to Washington that his country's citizens could not continue to fight decades-old social … Continue reading Marcos dismisses criticism that his campaign played down family corruption
Sons of former Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman denied U.S. allegations that they were major traffickers flooding the United States with synthetic opioid fentanyl, addressing the claims against them in a rare letter. The U.S. Justice Department last month charged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel with trafficking fentanyl and other drugs, including four … Continue reading Sons of Mexican drug lord ‘El Chapo’ deny trafficking fentanyl in rare letter
The World Health Organization said Friday that Covid-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions of people worldwide. The announcement, made more than three years after WHO declared the coronavirus an international crisis, offers a coda to … Continue reading WHO downgrades Covid pandemic, says it’s no longer emergency
The United States dismissed Russia's allegation on Thursday that Washington was behind what it said was a drone attack on the Kremlin, saying Moscow's assertion was a lie. "Obviously it's a ludicrous claim," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said hours after Russia blamed the United States for what it called an attack aimed … Continue reading U.S. calls Russian claim that Washington was behind drone attack ‘ludicrous’
The alleged attempt to "assassinate" Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely staged by the Kremlin to justify a future effort to mobilize troops for the war in Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian government on Wednesday alleging that two Ukrainian drones had been destroyed near Putin's official residence … Continue reading Russia ‘likely staged’ Kremlin drone attack to justify mass mobilization: US think tank
More than half of the 22 oil tankers in Venezuela's fleet are so run down that they should be immediately repaired or taken out of service, according to an internal report from state-run oil company PDVSA that was shared exclusively with Reuters. The report by PDVSA's maritime branch, entitled "Critical deficiencies and risks of PDV … Continue reading Over half of Venezuela’s oil tankers old and rotten, ready to sink
European savers are pulling more of their money from banks, looking for a better deal as lenders resist paying up to hold on to deposits some feel they can currently live without. The trend emerged as some of the region's biggest lenders outlined a profitable start to the year in results that also offered a … Continue reading Europeans drain billions from banks, fed up with shrinking savings
Mexico's army welcomed a new search puppy on Wednesday, gifted from Turkey following the death in the line of duty of a Mexican rescue dog who had been helping to find survivors of February's massive earthquake near the Syrian border. The three-month-old German Shepherd will join Mexico's famed canine unit, specialized in helping locate survivors … Continue reading Turkey gifts Mexico adorable pup after a rescue dog was lost on quake duty
Donald Trump said on Thursday he will "probably" attend an ongoing civil trial in New York where he is accused of rape and defamation, repeating his denials of the allegations during a visit to his Irish golf resort. Writer E. Jean Carroll, 79, says Trump, 76, raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing … Continue reading Trump says he will probably attend civil rape trial
A panel of global health experts will meet on Thursday to decide if Covid-19 is still an emergency under the World Health Organization's rules, a status that helps maintain international focus on the pandemic. The WHO first gave Covid its highest level of alert on January 30, 2020, and the panel has continued to apply … Continue reading WHO experts weigh up whether world ready to end Covid emergency
Italy is highly unlikely to renew its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deal with China, which expires early next year, but needs time to discuss the issue with Beijing, a senior government official said. The official, who has knowledge of internal discussions over the matter, said a formal decision would not be made ahead of … Continue reading Italy unlikely to renew China Belt and Road deal, needs time, official says
The United States has laid out in clear terms the extent of its defence treaty commitments to the Philippines, issuing new guidelines that refer specifically to attacks in the South China Sea, including on its coast guard. The six-page "bilateral defence guidelines" agreed in Washington on Wednesday follow a renewed push under President Ferdinand Marcos … Continue reading US issues guidelines on defending Philippines from South China Sea attack
Seoul's city government has effectively blocked South Korea’s largest annual LGBT festival from taking place outside city hall this year after granting a permit for a Christian youth concert instead, the LGBT event’s organizers said this week. Clashes over the Seoul Queer Culture Festival have become a yearly symbol of the battle for lesbian, gay, … Continue reading Seoul’s LGBT festival blocked by Christian concert outside city hall, organizers say
Russia fired up to 24 attack drones against Ukraine overnight, 18 of which were shot down, Ukraine's air force said on Thursday, a day after Moscow accused Kyiv of a drone attack on the Kremlin. "The invaders launched up to 24 Shahed-136/131 attack drones… The Air Force of Ukraine, in co-operation with other air defence … Continue reading Russia fires 24 drones at Ukraine, 18 shot down: Ukrainian air force
Eight students and a security guard were killed during a school shooting in Belgrade on Wednesday, officials said, with police accusing the detained 13-year-old suspect of plotting the attack for a month and drawing up a kill list. The incident rocked the Balkan nation, with the president calling it "one of the most difficult days" … Continue reading Nine dead, seven wounded in Belgrade school shooting
Mexican officials celebrated Wednesday the announcement that the country finally developed its own COVID-19 vaccine, more than two years after inoculations from the U.S., Europe and China were rolled out. It was unclear what use would be made of the vaccine, named “Patria” or “Motherland,” developed in a joint effort between the government and a … Continue reading Mexico develops own COVID-19 vaccine, 2 years late
A drone attack in southern Russia caused a fire at an oil refinery, the state-run TASS news agency reported on Thursday. The alleged incident joins a string of recent drone attacks announced by Russia, including what it said was an attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. The fire at the oil refinery's reservoir, … Continue reading Drone attack sparks Russia oil refinery fire: state media
Forget your hook, line and sinker. An Israeli foodtech company says it has 3D printed the first ever ready-to-cook fish fillet using animal cells cultivated and grown in a laboratory. Lab-grown beef and chicken have drawn attention as a way to sidestep the environmental toll of farming and tackle concerns over animal welfare, but few … Continue reading Dished up by 3D printers, a new kind of fish to fry
Russia accused Ukraine on Wednesday of attacking the Kremlin with drones overnight in a failed bid to kill President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said two drones had been used in the alleged attack on Putin's residence in the Kremlin citadel, but had been disabled by electronic defenses. It said Russia reserved the right to retaliate … Continue reading Russia says Ukraine attacked Kremlin with drones in failed bid to kill Putin
The United Nations warned Wednesday of a growing likelihood the weather phenomenon El Nino will develop in coming months, fuelling higher global temperatures and possibly new heat records. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said it now estimated there was a 60-percent chance that El Nino would develop by the end of July, and an 80-percent … Continue reading World should prepare for El Nino, new record temperatures: UN
The chief executives of Alphabet Inc's Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic will meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and top administration officials to discuss key artificial intelligence (AI) issues on Thursday, said a White House official. The invitation seen by Reuters to the CEOs noted President Joe Biden's "expectation that companies like yours must make … Continue reading Google, Microsoft CEOs called to AI meeting at White House
NATO is planning to open a liaison office in Japan, its first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region, the Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday, citing Japanese and NATO officials. The liaison office will enable discussions with NATO's security partners, such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with geopolitical challenges from China and … Continue reading NATO to open Japan office to enable Indo-Pacific consultation – report
Police arrested a man outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for throwing what they believe were shotgun cartridges and officers also carried out a controlled explosion in the area, days before King Charles' coronation ceremony. Police said the man had approached Buckingham Palace gates and thrown items, suspected to be shotgun cartridges, into the palace grounds … Continue reading Man arrested outside Buckingham Palace, police conduct controlled explosion
A sometimes-riled Ed Sheeran on Monday denied copying Marvin Gaye's classic "Let's Get it On" in his second day of testifying to jurors in a copyright trial in Manhattan federal court, calling the claim "insulting." As he had last week, the British singer-songwriter played guitar and sang from the witness stand to underscore his testimony, … Continue reading Ed Sheeran calls copycat claims ‘insulting’ in ‘Thinking Out Loud’ trial
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi landed in Damascus on Wednesday for talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, Syrian state media reported, in the first visit by an Iranian head of state since war broke out in Syria in 2011. With military and economic support from both Iran and Russia, Assad regained control of most of … Continue reading Iranian president in Damascus for first visit since Syrian war began
A Palestinian hunger striker died in Israeli custody on Tuesday, sparking an exchange of fire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza, before three Palestinian officials said the sides had agreed to a ceasefire. Earlier, Israeli jets struck in Gaza as armed groups there fired rocket barrages toward Israel in response to the death of … Continue reading Ceasefire agreed after death of Palestinian hunger striker in Israeli custody sparks fighting
King Charles will be crowned at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony full of pomp, pageantry and solemn religious significance on Saturday, after he became monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September. Why is he crowned, what does it mean and who will attend? … Continue reading What to expect from King Charles’ coronation on May 6
Hollywood writers have for decades penned sci-fi scripts featuring machines taking over the world. Now, they are fighting to make sure robots do not take their jobs. The Writers Guild of America is seeking to restrict the use of artificial intelligence in writing film and television scripts. Hollywood studios, battling to make streaming services profitable … Continue reading ‘Plagiarism machines’: Hollywood writers and studios battle over the future of AI
German and Italian police arrested more than 100 people on Wednesday in a crackdown on the Italian 'Ndrangheta organized crime group, German public prosecutors and police authorities in the two countries said. The 'Ndrangheta has its roots in the southern region of Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, and has surpassed Cosa Nostra to become … Continue reading Over 100 arrested across Europe in Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia crackdown
Opponents of a law that would raise the retirement age in France from 62 to 64 are making last-ditch plans to prevent the change that is set to take effect in September. The country’s main labor unions on Tuesday called for another round of nationwide demonstrations and strikes on June 6. May Day protests across … Continue reading Opponents make last-ditch effort to stop French pension law
Eight people were found dead on Indigenous territory in northern Brazil, police said on Tuesday, where miners have been illegally occupying protected reserves. Federal police said in a statement that the bodies were found on Monday in the state of Roraima, and an investigation was underway. It did not provide the identities of the victims.Five … Continue reading Eight people found dead in Brazil’s Indigenous territory
The remains of an Australian man who went missing on a fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters have been found inside two of the reptiles, police said Wednesday. The 65-year-old victim, named in Australian media as Kevin Darmody, had gone fishing on Saturday in far north Queensland as part of a group, who shooed away a … Continue reading Remains of missing Australian man found in crocodiles
A delegation of United States defense contractors and a former senior leader of the U.S. Marine Corps pledged the beginning of deeper cooperation with Taiwan on Wednesday. Taiwan has faced increasing pressure from China in the years since Tsai Ing-wen was elected president. China, which claims the island as its territory, has poached Taiwan’s diplomatic … Continue reading US defense contractors want deeper cooperation with Taiwan
The Pentagon said Tuesday it will deploy more troops to help provide security at the US-Mexico border as officials fear a surge in migrant crossing attempts when Covid-19 immigration restrictions end on May 11. Some 1,500 troops will be sent to the border, adding to the 2,500 already there to support Border Patrol authorities in … Continue reading US troops ordered to Mexico border for migrant surge
The Defense Department and the Federal Aviation Administration have been tracking a balloon that was flying off the coast of Hawaii last week, but a defense official said Tuesday there’s no indication it is connected to China or any other adversary, and it presents no threats to aviation or national security. The balloon was first … Continue reading US says balloon over Hawaii not China’s
Multiple groups of US lawmakers have sought reassurances this week about clothing giant Shein and other brands facing allegations their products use forced Chinese labor or material from regions where such conditions allegedly occur. On Tuesday, a group of lawmakers sent letters to the CEOs of Adidas, Nike, Shein and Chinese shopping app Temu with … Continue reading US lawmakers query Shein, Adidas, Nike over Uyghur rights concerns
Myanmar's junta on Wednesday announced it had pardoned more than 2,000 prisoners jailed under a law used widely in its crackdown on dissent since seizing power more than two years ago. The military has arrested thousands of protesters and activists since the February 2021 putsch that plunged the country into turmoil. Pardons were granted to … Continue reading Myanmar junta pardons 2,153 prisoners jailed for dissent against military
The United States stands with treaty ally the Philippines in the face of harassment by China's coast guard in the South China Sea and remains deeply concerned about "intimidation" by Beijing, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday. A visit to the United States this week by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr highlights the strength … Continue reading US stands with Philippines against Chinese intimidation in South China Sea: official
A global crackdown has halted a major "dark web" marketplace, with international police arresting 288 suspects and recovering more than 50 million euros ($54.8 million) in cash and virtual currency, Europol said on Tuesday. The joint operation called SpecTor by US, British, Brazilian and European law enforcement also netted almost a tonne of drugs and … Continue reading International police arrest 288 in dark web bust
Thousands of Hollywood television and movie writers went on strike Tuesday after talks with studios and streamers over pay and working conditions failed to clinch a deal. The strike means late-night shows are expected to grind to a halt immediately, while television series and movies scheduled for release later this year and beyond could face … Continue reading Hollywood writers strike as studio talks collapse
A computer scientist often dubbed "the godfather of artificial intelligence" has quit his job at Google to speak out about the dangers of the technology. Geoffrey Hinton, who created a foundation technology for AI systems, told The New York Times that advancements made in the field posed "profound risks to society and humanity". "Look at … Continue reading ‘Godfather of AI’ quits Google to warn of the tech’s dangers
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has threatened a television blackout of this year's Women's World Cup in major European countries unless broadcasters improve their offers for rights. Infantino in October criticised broadcasters who he said had offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's tournament. He went on the attack … Continue reading FIFA threatens European TV blackout of Women’s World Cup
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday he is arranging a trip to South Korea for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol in return for his March visit to Tokyo, aiming to further strengthen their ties before the upcoming Group of Seven summit. Tokyo and Seoul have been working to repair relations that were strained … Continue reading Japan PM plans to visit South Korea before G-7
The Biden administration will end most of the last remaining federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements next week when the national public health emergency for the coronavirus ends, the White House said Monday. Vaccine requirements for federal workers and federal contractors, as well as foreign air travelers to the U.S., will end May 11. The government is … Continue reading US to lift most federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates next week
Responding to Beijing's aggressive expansion into the trade routes and strategic islands of the South China Sea headlined talks Monday between President Joe Biden and his Philippines counterpart Ferdinand Marcos at the White House. Marcos is on a four-day trip that follows last week's state visit to Washington by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol … Continue reading Biden, Marcos discuss securing tense South China Sea
Forensic experts on Monday began autopsies of more than a hundred corpses found in mass graves linked to a Kenyan pastor accused of inciting his followers to starve to death. "Officially the process of post-mortem of the bodies starts immediately," Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki told reporters outside a hospital morgue in the coastal town of … Continue reading Kenya starts autopsies of ‘starvation cult’ deaths
A climate activist glued his hand to a TV presenter's podium during a public election debate in centre of the Swiss city of Geneva on Sunday, sparking jeers and boos from the crowd. The protest by a man in a T-shirt reading "Agir Ensemble", or "Let's Act Together", occurred during an interview between the TV … Continue reading Climate protester glues hand to podium during Swiss TV debate
An opposition frontrunner in Thailand's upcoming general elections has given birth two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday. The kingdom is entering the final stretch before the May 14 election with reformist groups, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, surging ahead of establishment parties. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of billionaire former leader … Continue reading Leading Thai opposition PM candidate gives birth two weeks from polling day
Germany launches on Monday a new flat-rate public transport ticket valid across the country, but the 49-euro ($54) price point has raised doubts about the pass's potential impact. Touting the monthly pass as a "revolution", policymakers hope it will bring some relief for consumers amid soaring inflation, and encourage people to favour mass transit in … Continue reading Germany hopes to help climate with discount travel card
A large number of workers and activists in Asian countries are set to mark May Day on Monday with protests calling for higher salaries and better working conditions, among other demands. May Day, which falls on May 1, is observed in many countries as a day to celebrate workers’ rights with rallies, marches and other … Continue reading Big May Day events in Asia call for better labor conditions
United States regulators said on Monday First Republic Bank has been seized and a deal agreed to sell the bank to JPMorgan Chase & Co, in what is the third major U.S. institution to fail in two months. The Wall Street major bank will take most of First Republic's assets and all the deposits, including … Continue reading JP Morgan to buy First Republic’s assets and assume deposit base
Canada reached agreement for a new wage deal with a union representing 120,000 federal workers, the union said on Monday, bringing an end to the country's largest public sector strike that had crippled services from tax returns to immigration. While the 120,000 Treasury Board employees are set to return to work, more than 35,000 revenue … Continue reading Some Canadian workers in wage pact with govt to end strike from Mon
An unexplained power outage at Manila airport's Terminal 3 on Monday led to about 40 domestic Cebu Pacific flights being cancelled, the airport said. "Flight delays are expected due to the outage", the Ninoy Aquino International Airport said in a statement posted on Facebook, without disclosing the cause of the power failure. Standby power systems … Continue reading Manila airport cancels 40 domestic flights after power outage
Ukrainian air defence crews destroyed 15 out of 18 missiles launched by Russian forces in the early hours of Monday morning, the military said, as air raid sirens blared across the country for more than three hours. "Around 2:30 am (1130 GMT), the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine from strategic aviation planes," a post on the … Continue reading Air defences shoot down 15 of 18 missiles launched at Ukraine in dead of night
Paraguayan conservative economist Santiago Pena, 44, won the country's presidential election on Sunday, tightening the ruling Colorado Party's political grip in the country and defusing fears about the end of diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Pena, who has pledged to maintain Paraguay's long-standing Taiwan relations, had 42.7% of the vote with 99.9% of ballots counted, a … Continue reading Paraguay’s conservatives score big election win, defusing Taiwan fears
Prince Harry will be heavily scrutinised at his father King Charles III's coronation, as he rejoins other royals for the first time since airing a barrage of criticism about them. Harry, 38, will take his seat at the May 6 ceremony in Westminster Abbey without wife Meghan or either of their two children, Prince Archie … Continue reading Harry in the spotlight for coronation return
The profile of a Native American man, a braid trailing down and feather jutting up, is tiled into a high school hallway, dyed into the weight room carpet and laid into the turf of the football field at Salamanca city schools. School leaders say the omnipresent logo and “Warrior” name for the school athletic teams … Continue reading Should school use ‘Warrior’ nickname? Tribe to have last say
Singapore is expected to post slower economic growth this year but it "should avoid an outright contraction", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Sunday. The Southeast Asian city-state's economic performance is often seen as a barometer of the global environment because of its reliance on trade with the rest of the world. The financial centre … Continue reading Singapore ‘should avoid economic contraction’: PM
Turkey’s first astronaut will travel to the International Space Station by the end of the year, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday after an illness forced him to cancel several days of appearances. Air force pilot Alper Gezeravci, 43, was selected to be the first Turkish citizen in space. His backup is Tuva Cihangir Atasever, … Continue reading Erdogan unveils Turkey’s first astronaut on election trail
Mainland Spain and Portugal have broken temperature records for April, as the Iberian neighbors swelter in an early-season heatwave that has exacerbated a long drought in some regions. Spain's southern city of Cordoba registered 38.8 Celsius (101.8 Fahrenheit) at its airport on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6 C in the eastern city of … Continue reading Spain, Portugal swelter as April temperature records broken
A Dutch court on Friday ordered a man who judges said had fathered between 500 and 600 children around the world to stop donating sperm. The 41-year-old Dutchman, identified by de Telegraaf newspaper as Jonathan Meijer, was forbidden to donate more semen to clinics, the court ruling said. He could be fined 100,000 euros (US$110,000) … Continue reading Father of hundreds gets sperm donation ban from Dutch court
An unnamed middleman in Mumbai provided a crucial raw material used in Indian-made cough syrups that have been linked to the deaths of more than 70 children in Gambia, a chemicals trader involved in the supply chain told Reuters. The World Health Organization said last year the syrups, made by Indian manufacturer Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, … Continue reading Indian cough syrup: mystery middleman may be new clue
U.S. charges last week against two people for allegedly running a Chinese "secret police station" in New York marked the latest case in a broad ramp-up in the use of a century-old law meant to curb the activity of foreign agents. The law, Section 951, was passed as part of the 1917 Espionage Act - … Continue reading China ‘police station’ case shows US ramping up use of foreign agent laws
A former U.S. national security adviser called for deeper interaction between his country and Taiwan during a visit Saturday to the self-ruled island, which has seen increasing military threats from China. John Bolton, a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024, said at a pro-Taiwan independence event in Taipei that national security teams from both sides … Continue reading US ex-security adviser calls for closer ties with Taiwan
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to visit South Korea in coming weeks and meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials said, reciprocating a Tokyo visit by the South Korean leader last month. A Japanese government official and another official from a Group of Seven government said the meeting was expected before Kishida hosts … Continue reading Japan PM Kishida to visit South Korea for summit with Yoon: sources
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday linked the production of lithium in China to "slave labor" as he discussed his own country's efforts to ramp up production of the metal used in electric vehicle and other batteries. Canada has significant sources of lithium, Trudeau said, but China has made strategic choices over the decades … Continue reading Trudeau points to ‘slave labor’ in China lithium production
Two U.S. Army helicopters collided and crashed Thursday in Alaska while returning from a training flight, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth. Two of the soldiers died at the scene of the crash near Healy, Alaska, and a third died on the way to a hospital in Fairbanks. A fourth soldier was being treated … Continue reading Two US Army helicopters crash in Alaska, killing three soldiers
A record number of mountaineers expected on Mount Everest during the current spring climbing season has sparked fears of a traffic jam when teams make their final ascent through the "death zone" to the summit of the world’s tallest peak. Overcrowding and high numbers of relatively inexperienced climbers were cited as key factors when nine … Continue reading ‘Death zone’ queues feared on Everest as Nepal grants record climbing permits
Germany may limit the export of chemicals to China that are used to manufacture semiconductors as part of the government's efforts to reduce its economic exposure to the Asian economic superpower, Bloomberg news reported on Thursday. The move was still in the early stages of discussion but officials taking part in the talks were aware … Continue reading Germany may restrict export of chip chemicals to China: Bloomberg
When King Charles III is crowned in a lavish ceremony next week, Britain's main anti-monarchist movement will gather along the procession route next to a statue of Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649, leading to a short-lived republic. Supporters of Republic, a group founded in 1983 that campaigns for an elected head of state, … Continue reading Charles’ coronation seized on by republicans as chance to ditch monarchy
A U.S. Navy patrol plane flew through the Taiwan Strait on Friday as a senior French lawmaker confirmed a warship from his country had also recently transited the sensitive waterway, amid growing tension between Beijing and Taipei. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military pressure on the island over … Continue reading US plane flew through Taiwan Strait, French lawmaker confirms ship transit
Tighter U.S. rules to ban imports from China's Xinjiang are compounding pressure on Vietnam's apparel and footwear makers, hitting a sector that has already shed nearly 90,000 jobs since October in the global manufacturing hub as demand slowed. Among garment exporters, Vietnam has faced the worst hit from the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act (UFLPA), … Continue reading World’s apparel, sneakers hub Vietnam struggles as US ban on Xinjiang cotton bites
Microsoft on Thursday said the European Union was "more attractive" for businesses than post-Brexit Britain after the latter blocked its vast takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard on competition fears. Brad Smith, vice chair and president, made the remark one day after UK regulators prevented the $69-billion deal for the maker of "Call of … Continue reading Microsoft says EU more attractive after UK blocks deal
Ukraine's prime minister said on Thursday he had invited Pope Francis to visit Ukraine and asked for help in repatriating thousands of children taken to Russia or Russian-occupied land since Moscow's invasion. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told a news conference in Rome that he had held talks at the Vatican and discussed Kyiv's peace formula … Continue reading Ukraine PM invites pope to visit, seeks help repatriating deported children
A Chinese coast guard ship cut off a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists in the disputed South China Sea, causing a near-collision, an AFP team on board another boat saw. The near-miss off the Spratly Islands on Sunday was the latest in a steady string of incidents between China and the Philippines in the contested … Continue reading Chinese, Philippine vessels in ‘David and Goliath’ near-crash
A former Harvard University professor was sentenced on Wednesday to six months' house arrest for lying about his ties to a China-run recruitment program, prosecutors said, in one of the highest-profile cases resulting from a crackdown on Chinese influence on U.S. research. Charles Lieber, a renowned nanoscientist and the former chairperson of Harvard's chemistry department, … Continue reading Ex-Harvard professor sentenced to 6 months house arrest for lying about China ties
Argentina will start to pay for Chinese imports in yuan rather than dollars, the government announced Wednesday, a measure that aims to relieve the country's dwindling dollar reserves. In April, it aims to pay around US$1 billion of Chinese imports in yuan instead of dollars and thereafter around US$790 million of monthly imports will be … Continue reading Argentina to pay for Chinese imports in Yuan rather than Dollars
British lawmakers on Wednesday approved a sweeping bill that will dramatically curb migrants’ ability to seek asylum in the U.K., despite critics’ allegations that it breaks international law. Members of the House of Commons voted by 289 to 230 to back the Illegal Migration Bill, which the Conservatives government says will deter tens of thousands … Continue reading UK House of Commons backs controversial migration bill
Singapore is raising property taxes in a bid to cool its red-hot housing market, amid mounting concern that an influx of wealth into the city-state is hurting affordability for locals and its competitiveness as a financial hub. The government is increasing stamp duties for second-home buyers and foreigners purchasing private property, it said in a … Continue reading Singapore raises property tax in bid to ease exorbitant housing costs
Japan's prime minister ordered his government on Thursday to begin work on increasing the number of women executives in major companies to 30 percent or more by 2030. Women represented only 11.4 percent of executives in major listed companies in Japan in 2022, according to a cabinet office survey, although the figure has been rising … Continue reading Japan sets 30% target for women execs at big firms by 2030
Europe's cost of living crisis has benefited discount retailers but mid-market names are being squeezed as shoppers watch their spending, executives and analysts at an industry conference said. Luxury is also continuing to perform well, with hopes that China's reopening will give fresh impetus as a months-long post-pandemic splurge by Americans starts to end. But … Continue reading Global retailers seek new ways to lure in shoppers as spending slows
British regulators on Wednesday blocked Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard, thwarting the biggest tech deal in history over worries that it would stifle competition in the fast-growing cloud gaming market. The Competition and Markets Authority said in its final report that “the only effective remedy” to the substantial loss of … Continue reading UK blocks Microsoft-Activision gaming deal, biggest in tech
When Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai was shot dead by Myanmar troops as he covered anti-military protests in 2007, his video camera disappeared, along with the last images he filmed. On Wednesday, 16 years and a secret journey out of Myanmar later, the camera and its contents were handed back to his family, who hope the … Continue reading Camera of Japanese journalist slain in Myanmar returned after 16 years
Toy company Mattel revealed its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome on Tuesday. Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the Barbie and “ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome,” the company said. Design features of the new Barbie were made under guidance from NDSS, Mattel … Continue reading Mattel introduces first Barbie with Down syndrome
Win Bischoff, one of the world's most influential and celebrated financiers, has died aged 81, one of his relatives said on Wednesday, prompting tributes from an industry he helped to shape, and later salvage after the 2008 global banking crisis. The Anglo-German banker served some of the world's biggest lenders and finance firms over a … Continue reading Global financial sector pays tribute as banker Win Bischoff dies at 81
Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday will sign an agreement that includes plans to have U.S. nuclear-armed submarines dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years, a conspicuous show of support to Seoul amid growing concern about nuclear threats by North Korea, according to senior Biden administration … Continue reading US to send nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea
Japan’s public safety chief has come under fire for his remark that he enjoyed eel rice so much that he kept eating after his agency informed him of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s narrow escape from a pipe bomb attack two weeks ago. Koichi Tani, chair of the National Public Safety Commission for Kishida’s Cabinet, told … Continue reading Japan’s safety chief under fire for finishing lunch during Kishida bomb attack
Three Russian military aircraft flying without transponder signals have been intercepted in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, Germany's Luftwaffe said on Wednesday. Germany and Britain sent Eurofighter jets to identify the two Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft and one Ilyushin Il-20 aircraft, the German air force said on Twitter. It posted several images of the … Continue reading Three Russian aircraft intercepted over Baltic Sea: German air force
Syrians living on opposite sides of the largely frozen battle lines dividing their country are watching the accelerating normalization of ties between the government of Bashar Assad and Syria’s neighbors through starkly different lenses. In government-held Syria, residents struggling with ballooning inflation, fuel and electricity shortages hope the rapprochement will bring more trade and investment … Continue reading As Assad returns to Arab fold, Syrians watch with hope, fear
Britain's Prince William has settled a phone-hacking claim against Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper arm for a "very large sum" after a secret deal struck with Buckingham Palace, lawyers for the heir's brother Prince Harry said in court documents. Harry, the younger son of King Charles, is suing Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) at the High … Continue reading Prince Harry takes on Murdoch’s UK group over phone-hacking, brother ‘settled’
President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he will seek a second White House term in 2024, a decision that will test whether Americans are ready to give the 80-year-old Democrat, already the oldest U.S. president ever, another four years in office. Biden made his announcement in a slickly produced video released by his new campaign … Continue reading Biden, 80, makes 2024 presidential run official: “Let’s finish this job”
Netflix will invest US$2.5 billion in South Korean content over the next four years, the streaming giant's CEO Ted Sarandos announced after meeting with the country's President Yoon Suk Yeol in Washington. South Korea has cemented its status as a global cultural powerhouse in recent years, thanks in part to the explosive success of the … Continue reading Netflix to invest US$2.5 bn in South Korean content
The coronation is luring royal enthusiasts fascinated by the ceremonial spectacle — and drama — of the monarchy and far-flung visitors eager to experience a piece of British history. Kelly Curto is taking her first trip outside the U.S., and the die-hard fan of the British royal family is making it the one at the … Continue reading Coronation gives tourism boost, but UK economy still reeling
A former JPMorgan Chase & Co executive who befriended Jeffrey Epstein urged a U.S. judge to throw out the bank's lawsuit against him, accusing JPMorgan of deflecting blame for its own failures in working with the late sex offender. In a Monday night filing in Manhattan federal court, Jes Staley said the largest U.S. bank … Continue reading Jes Staley says JPMorgan using him as ‘shield’ for Epstein failures
Twitter accounts operated by authoritarian governments in Russia, China and Iran are benefiting from recent changes at the social media company, researchers said Monday, making it easier for them to attract new followers and broadcast propaganda and disinformation to a larger audience. The platform is no longer labeling state-controlled media and propaganda agencies and will … Continue reading Twitter changes stoke Russian, Chinese propaganda surge
India will overtake China as the world's most populous country in the coming week, hitting almost 1.43 billion people, the United Nations said Monday. "By the end of this month, India's population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, matching and then surpassing the population of mainland China," the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs … Continue reading India to pass China this week as world’s most populous nation: UN
Top cryptocurrency bitcoin could reach $100,000 by the end of 2024, Standard Chartered said on Monday, saying that the so-called "crypto winter" is over. Bitcoin could gain from factors including recent turmoil in the banking sector, a stabilisation of risk assets as the U.S. Federal Reserve ends its rate-hiking cycle and improved profitability of crypto … Continue reading Bitcoin could hit $100,000 by end-2024, Standard Chartered says
Leaders from European countries surrounding the North Sea are set to pledge to expand renewable generation in the region to strengthen energy security, at a summit in Ostend, Belgium, on Monday. Seven European Union countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, alongside non-EU countries Norway and the United Kingdom, will commit to build wind farms … Continue reading European countries aim to turn North Sea into green power engine
Recent remarks by China's ambassador to France questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet states such as Ukraine are totally unacceptable, several EU foreign ministers said before a meeting on Monday. "It is totally unacceptable", Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said ahead of the Luxembourg meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers. "I hope the bosses of … Continue reading EU ministers say China envoy’s remarks on Ukraine sovereignty unacceptable
Australia needs to spend more money on defense, make its own munitions and develop the ability to strike longer-range targets as China's military buildup challenges regional security, according to a government-commissioned review released Monday. The Defense Strategic Review supports the so-called AUKUS partnership among Australia, United States and Britain, who in March announced an agreement … Continue reading Australia plans major overhaul of defenses as China rises
Kenyan police have now exhumed the bodies of 47 people thought to be followers of a Christian cult who believed they would go to heaven if they starved themselves to death. Police near the coastal town of Malindi started exhuming bodies on Friday from the Shakahola forest. "In total, 47 people have died at the … Continue reading Number of bodies exhumed from suspected Kenyan cult graves jumps to 47
The armed forces of the United States and the United Kingdom have evacuated embassy staff from Sudan, while other nations rushed to get their citizens to safety as rival military factions battled in the capital Khartoum on Sunday. The eruption of fighting eight days ago between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary … Continue reading Nations rush high-risk Sudan evacuation, some foreign citizens hurt
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate have published two new photographs of their youngest son Louis to mark his fifth birthday on Sunday. The photographs of Louis were taken by Millie Pilkington earlier this month in Windsor. In one, he is seen being pushed in a wheelbarrow by his mother, while the second is … Continue reading British royals release new photos of Prince Louis to mark fifth birthday
Climate change campaigners gathered in New York's Times Square on Earth Day to urge action on global warming and cuts in plastics use while volunteers worldwide planted trees and cleared trash to mark the 54th annual celebration of the environment. Earth Day this year, officially on Saturday, follows weeks of extreme weather with temperatures soaring … Continue reading Activists gather for Earth Day, urge action to avoid ‘dystopian’ future
Twitter's blue ticks were reinstated on some media, celebrity, and other high profile accounts Saturday -- a move protested by many of the recipients. Once a free sign of authenticity and fame, blue ticks must now be bought by subscribers for $8 a month, Twitter says. Non-paying accounts that had a blue tick lost it … Continue reading Twitter reinstates blue ticks for somea media, celebrities
France has begun to evacuate its citizens and diplomatic staff from Sudan, where fighting between rival forces has entered its second week, the foreign ministry announced Sunday. The ministry said it had kicked off the "rapid evacuation operation" and that European citizens and those from "allied partner countries" would also be assisted, without giving further … Continue reading France starts evacuation of citizens from Sudan
The publishers of a German magazine that ran an 'interview' with Michael Schumacher generated by artificial intelligence have sacked the editor and apologised to the Formula One great's family. Seven-times world champion Schumacher, now 54, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious brain injury in a skiing accident on a family … Continue reading German magazine apologises to Schumacher family, sacks editor
Meghan, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, criticised the British media on Saturday over reports that letters exchanged with King Charles played a part behind her decision not to attend his coronation, her latest confrontation with the press. The Daily Telegraph reported Meghan had written to the now king to express her concerns about unconscious … Continue reading Meghan hits out at UK media over King Charles letters
The US military has evacuated American embassy staff from Khartoum, President Joe Biden said Sunday, as fighting between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group entered a second week following a brief lull. The fighting in Sudan has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded, while survivors cope with shortages of electricity and food. "Today, on … Continue reading US embassy evacuated as Sudan fighting enters 2nd week
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr ushered in a day of prayers and joy for Muslims around the world on Friday. The celebration was marred by tragedy amid the explosion of conflict in Sudan, while in other countries it came against the backdrop of hopes for a better future. After the Ramadan month of fasting, Muslims … Continue reading Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr holiday with feasts, prayers
Japan ordered its military Saturday to prepare to shoot down a North Korean ballistic missile after Pyongyang said this week it was ready to launch its first military spy satellite. Placing the satellite into orbit would require a long-range projectile, which North Korea is banned from launching because the United Nations views such exercises as … Continue reading Japan puts military on alert fearing North Korean missile
Fighting in Sudan's capital entered a second week Saturday as crackling gunfire shattered a temporary truce, the latest battles between forces of rival generals that have already left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. Overnight, the heavy explosions that had previously rocked the city in recent days had subsided, but on Saturday morning, bursts of gunfire … Continue reading Fighting in Sudan enters a second week as truce breaks
The British government named Oliver Dowden deputy prime minister on Friday, replacing Dominic Raab who resigned earlier in the day following a report into claims he bullied colleagues. As deputy prime minister, Raab had no formal powers but stepped in for the prime minister if he was away from parliament or incapacitated. Dowden currently serves … Continue reading Oliver Dowden named UK deputy PM after Raab’s resignation
Australia announced on Saturday a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in the country, reversing controversial visa rules a day before a visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins, set to visit Queensland state's capital Brisbane on Sunday, hailed the move as "the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders … Continue reading Australia unveils direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders
The Philippines' foreign minister on Saturday said his nation's differences with China in the South China Sea are not the sum total of relations between the two countries. "These differences should not prevent us from seeking ways of managing them effectively, especially with respect to enjoyment of rights of Filipinos, especially fishermen," Philippine Foreign Affairs … Continue reading Differences in South China Sea are not sum total of Philippines-China relations: Philippine official
At a summit next week with South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol U.S. President Joe Biden will pledge "substantial" steps to underscore the U.S. commitment to deter a North Korean nuclear attack on South Korea, a senior U.S. official said on Friday. "We are working extraordinarily and intensively with the South Koreans to take the … Continue reading Biden to pledge steps to deter nuclear attack on South Korea: officials
Europe's CERN laboratory has taken its first steps towards building a huge new particle accelerator that would eclipse its Large Hadron Collider -- and hopes to see light at the end of the tunnel. The Future Circular Collider (FCC) particle smasher would be more than triple the length of the LHC, already the world's largest … Continue reading CERN takes first small steps towards new giant particle accelerator
Deep-sea explorers said Saturday they had located the wreck of a World War II Japanese transport ship, the Montevideo Maru, which was torpedoed off the Philippines killing nearly 1,000 Australians aboard. The ship -- sunk on July 1, 1942, by a US submarine whose crew did not realize it carried prisoners of war -- was … Continue reading WWII wreck on which nearly 1,000 Australians died found
British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigned from the government on Friday following an independent investigation into complaints that he bullied colleagues, the latest scandal to force out one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's top ministers. The loss of the third senior minister over their personal conduct in the last six months will damage Sunak's … Continue reading UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigns
New Mexico prosecutors on Thursday said they would drop involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust" in 2021. The decision came after new evidence surfaced on the gun Baldwin was using that fired the live round that killed Hutchins, according … Continue reading Charges against Alec Baldwin to be dropped in ‘Rust’ shooting
New Zealand's last exports of livestock by sea have been completed and live exports have ceased, its agriculture minister said on Friday, as it fully implemented a ban on export shipments of animals on the grounds of their welfare. The government announced in 2021 that shipping animals offshore, largely for building herds in trading partners … Continue reading New Zealand ships its last livestock as ban takes effect
Twitter dropped the "Government-funded" and "China state-affiliated" labels, which implies government involvement in editorial content, from the accounts of various global media organizations, their profiles showed on Friday. Twitter dropped the "Government-funded Media" label from the accounts of U.S.-based National Public Radio (NPR), British Broadcasting Corp and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It also dropped the … Continue reading Twitter drops ‘government-funded’ label on media accounts, incl in China
French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden "agreed on the importance of continuing to engage" China in helping to end the war in Ukraine, the French presidency said Thursday after talks by phone between the leaders. In a statement, Macron's office said Macron had briefed Biden about "the results obtained" during his visit … Continue reading Macron, Biden agree to ‘engage’ China on Ukraine: French statement
President Joe Biden will welcome Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the White House on May 1 in a sign of a warming bond between the two nations amid US tensions with China over Taiwan. Biden will reaffirm Washington's "ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines, and the leaders will discuss efforts to … Continue reading Biden to meet Philippines leader amid rising tension with China
Vietnam took aim at China on Thursday for imposing an annual ban on fishing in a vast area of the South China Sea, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and urging Beijing not to complicate matters. China has imposed the ban each year since 1999 and Vietnam routinely opposes it. China says the ban, … Continue reading Vietnam opposes China’s unilateral South China Sea fishing ban
South Korea said on Thursday it summoned China's ambassador to protest at Beijing's criticism of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's remarks on Taiwan. The move came after China and South Korea exchanged harsh words over Yoon's comments in a recent interview with Reuters. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Yoon said increased tensions around … Continue reading South Korea summons Chinese ambassador over reaction to Yoon’s Taiwan remarks
As the world's largest official bilateral creditor, China should participate in meaningful debt relief for countries facing problems, but it has served for too long as a "roadblock" to necessary action, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a major speech on U.S.-China relations on Thursday. Yellen said the United States expected China to make good … Continue reading Yellen raps China for serving as ‘roadblock’ in debt restructuring process
An exiled Chinese businessman charged by U.S. prosecutors with leading a more than US$1 billion fraud will remain in jail after a federal judge in Manhattan on Thursday rejected a proposed US$25 million bail package. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres said prosecutors had shown it more likely than not that Guo Wengui was a serious … Continue reading US judge denies bail to exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui in fraud case
SpaceX's next-generation Starship spacecraft exploded minutes after liftoff in an uncrewed test flight from South Texas on Thursday, cutting short a key step in Elon Musk's development of a rocket vessel to eventually take humans to the moon and Mars. The flight test was the first for Starship mounted atop the company's new Super Heavy … Continue reading Elon Musk’s Starship explodes minutes after first test flight’s liftoff
U.S. lawmakers have accused embattled Swiss bank Credit Suisse of limiting the scope of an internal investigation into Nazi clients and Nazi-linked accounts, including some that were open until just a few years ago. The Senate Budget Committee says an independent ombudsman initially brought in by the bank to oversee the probe was “inexplicably terminated” … Continue reading Credit Suisse faulted over probe of Nazi-linked accounts
Washington is not seeking to decouple the American economy from China’s, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said Thursday while on a visit to Tokyo. Tai, who is on her fourth visit to Japan after being appointed the top U.S. trade envoy, said all members of President Joe Biden’s administration have been “very clear that it … Continue reading Trade envoy Tai says US not seeking to ‘decouple’ from China
Production of the Western "Rust" will restart on Thursday in Montana, 18 months after actor Alec Baldwin fired a live round that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming in New Mexico. Baldwin will be back on set two weeks before the start of a court hearing in New Mexico to decide whether he should stand … Continue reading ‘Rust’ filming to restart 18 months after Alec Baldwin shooting
Pope Francis has gifted fragments believed to be from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified to form part of a new processional cross which will be used at the coronation of Britain's King Charles next month. The new cross, made from recycled silver along with Welsh slate and reclaimed wood, was a gift … Continue reading Pope presents shards from cross of Christ for King Charles’ coronation
China is seeking to acquire equipment and knowledge in the Dutch space sector, sometimes in circumvention of export restrictions, the Netherlands' military intelligence agency said on Wednesday. The agency, known by its Dutch acronym MIVD, said in its 2022 annual report that its analysis "shows the Chinese satellite launch capacity will increase further in the … Continue reading China seeking Dutch space technology: military intelligence agency
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday described parts of her recent trip to China as "more than shocking" and said Beijing was increasingly becoming a systemic rival more than a trade partner and competitor. The blunt remarks followed Baerbock's visit to Beijing last week where she warned that any attempt by China to control … Continue reading Parts of China trip ‘more than shocking’, says Germany FM
Scorching temperatures are roasting Asia this week, stretching the region’s power grids and raising health risks as the chances of more extreme events later in the year increase. The worst drought in a decade is impacting a key Chinese aluminum hub, while searing temperatures in India have increased the possibility of deadly heat waves and … Continue reading Scorching heat bakes China, India; elevated risk of blackouts
Cambodian leader Hun Sen's eldest son was officially promoted to the rank of four-star general on Thursday, in another sign of plans for him to succeed his father. Hun Sen has publicly backed Hun Manet to lead the kingdom in the future. Hun Manet, who is commander of the army, received the four-star rank at … Continue reading Cambodia PM Hun Sen’s son becomes four-star general
China and Iran are becoming increasingly brazen in their attempts to silence dissidents on American soil and influence U.S. policy, the FBI warned on Wednesday. In a news briefing with reporters about transnational repression, FBI counterintelligence officials urged victims to come forward, saying the bureau is tracking a growing trend of foreign authoritarian regimes breaching … Continue reading FBI says China, Iran using new tactics to harass critics on US soil
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC has agreed to pay a US$300 million penalty in a settlement with U.S. authorities for shipping over US$1.1 billion worth of hard disk drives to China's Huawei in violation of U.S. export control laws, the Department of Commerce said on Wednesday. Seagate sold the drives to Huawei between August 2020 and … Continue reading Seagate to pay US$300m penalty for shipping 7 million hard drives to Huawei
South Korean singer Moonbin, a member of K-pop boy band Astro, has died at the age of 25, his music label Fantagio said on Thursday. "Members of Astro and fellow artists and staff at Fantagio are deeply saddened and shocked as we mourn him," the label said in a statement. Moonbin was a child actor … Continue reading K-pop singer Moonbin, member of boy band Astro, dies aged 25
The United States will continue to coordinate closely with South Korea on more support for Ukraine, calling its key Asian ally "a stalwart partner" in defending Ukraine's sovereignty, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the country might go beyond humanitarian or financial … Continue reading US to coordinate with South Korea on Ukraine support: State Dept
At least 78 people were killed in a stampede in the Yemeni capital Sanaa as hundreds gathered in a school to receive aid, witnesses and Houthi media said on Thursday. Several people were injured including 13 who were in critical conditions, Al Masirah TV television news outlet run by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement reported, citing … Continue reading At least 78 people killed in Yemen stampede: Houthi-run TV
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen this week will give her most extensive speech on the US-China economic relationship since taking office, as she seeks to balance competition and confrontation with engaging Beijing on global issues that require cooperation. The remarks, ahead of a Yellen trip to Beijing being planned for coming months, are scheduled for Thursday … Continue reading Yellen to give major speech on US-China economic relations Thursday
Senior Russian officials privately raised concerns some 10 months ago about the risks of becoming too dependent on Chinese technologies after sanctions by the US and the European Union shut off access to alternative suppliers. A previously unreported assessment from inside Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media suggests that some senior officials … Continue reading Russia worried too reliant on Chinese tech: memo
A few dozen Holocaust survivors on Tuesday led a march in southern Poland to commemorate victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau, on the eve of the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Every year, thousands of people from around the world -- both Jewish and not -- take part in the event held at the site of the … Continue reading Auschwitz March of the Living honors Holocaust victims
Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc have raised concerns with Amazon.com Inc after learning that sexually explicit photographs could be accessed by children on the popular Kindle app and called on Amazon to strengthen its content moderation. The warnings were sparked by questions posed by Reuters to spokespeople at the three companies about users’ ability, via … Continue reading Porn on Amazon’s Kindle app prompts warnings from Apple, Alphabet
Chonthicha "Lookkate" Jangrew is going door-to-door asking people to vote for her in Thailand's May 14 election even though she faces possible jail time on charges of sedition and defaming the king during unprecedented protests in 2020. The 30-year-old is one of more than a dozen activists from a student-led protest movement who are taking … Continue reading Young Thais who questioned monarchy look to win seats in parliament
India is on its way to become the world’s most populous country, overtaking China with almost 3 million more people in the middle of this year, data released on Wednesday by the United Nations showed. The demographic data from the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) “State of World Population Report, 2023” estimates India’s population at … Continue reading India to have 2.9m more people than China by mid-2023, UN estimate shows
The U.K. and U.S. governments sanctioned diamond and art dealer Nazem Ahmad for allegedly funding Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group; sanctions include his international network, comprising 52 people and entities in Hong Kong, the UAE, and elsewhere over the payment and shipment of cash, diamonds, precious gems, art, and luxury goods. The U.K. Treasury said it … Continue reading UK, US sanction art dealer with suspected ties to Hezbollah
A leaked U.S. military assessment says the Chinese military may soon deploy a high-altitude spy drone that travels at least three times the speed of sound, the Washington Post reported late on Tuesday. The newspaper cited a secret document from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The document, which Reuters could not confirm or verify independently, features … Continue reading Leaked US assessment says China readying supersonic spy drone unit: Washington Post
A mountaineer from Northern Ireland died while descending from the summit of the world’s 10th highest peak and an Indian climber is missing on the same mountain, climbing officials said on Tuesday. Noel Hanna, who had climbed Mount Everest 10 times, scaled the 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) Annapurna peak in west Nepal on Monday and … Continue reading Ten-time Everest climber dies after scaling Annapurna peak in Nepal
A Chinese national in Pakistan has denied an accusation of blasphemy levelled by fellow workers on a hydropower project who said he had insulted the Prophet Mohammad, police said on Tuesday after a court remanded him in judicial custody. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan and though no one has ever been executed for … Continue reading Chinese man denies blasphemy in Pakistan, sent to jail
Hong Kong United Times 