Iran’s IRGC successfully puts third imaging satellite into orbit
Tehran (Agencies): Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has successfully put a third satellite into orbit, according to officials. Two officials confirmed on Wednesday that the aerospace division of the…
Security equipment stolen from Israel PM’s home
TEL AVIV (Agencies): Israeli media revealed that a young man had broken into a security room in front of the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to steal a bag…
Travis King: North Korea to deport US soldier who crossed border
Pyongyang (Agencies): North Korea says it will deport US soldier Travis King, who ran across the border from South Korea during a tour in July. Pyongyang will deport him having…
‘8 Mile’ actor Nashawn Breedlove dead at 46
NEW YORK (agencies): Rapper Nashawn Breedlove, best known for appearing in a rap battle against Eminem in the 2002 movie “8 Mile,” has died at age 46. His mother, Patricia…
Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter dies aged 43
Johannesburg (Agencies): Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zoleka Mandela has died of cancer at the age of 43, a family spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Zoleka passed away on the evening…
UN conference sees ‘first public trip to Saudi Arabia by Israel minister’
TEL AVIV (Agencies): Israel’s Tourism Minister, on Tuesday, made what his office called the first public trip to Saudi Arabia by an Israeli cabinet member, to attend a UN tourism…
‘Gay orgy’ at Polish church sparks scandal
WARSAW (Agencies): The Catholic Church in Poland is tackling a major scandal involving priests allegedly holding a “gay orgy” on the premises of a historic church and denying medics access…
Protesters target Indian missions in Canada
OTTAWA (Agencies): Sikh activists waving flags adorned with the word “Khalistan” staged protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday amid a grave diplomatic crisis unfolding between New Delhi…
‘Dead’ Russian commander appears at live meeting
MOSCOW (Agencies): Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov – who has been declared dead by Ukraine – participated in a high-profile online meeting on Tuesday, images released by the Russian Defense Ministry…
More than 100 dead, 150 injured in Iraq wedding fire
NINEVEH, Iraq (Reuters/Agencies): More than 100 people were killed and 150 injured in a fire at a wedding party in Hamdaniya district in Iraq’s Nineveh province that left civil defence…
Donald Trump found liable for fraud in New York civil case
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A New York judge found Donald Trump and his family business fraudulently inflated the value of his property and other assets in a major defeat for…
8 officials jailed as part of investigation into deadly dam collapse in Libya
TRIPOLI (Agencies): Libya’s Prosecutor-General, on Monday, ordered the arrest of eight officials as part of his inquiry into the recent flood disaster which killed thousands, his office said. The flash…
Suspected arson attack severely damages mosque in south-eastern Sweden
Stockholm (Agencies): A fire caused heavy damage to a mosque in south-eastern Sweden, according to local media, Anadolu Agency reports. The fire in the Arby section of the city of…
Lufthansa going green would use half of Germany’s electricity – Bloomberg
BERLIN (Agencies): Germany’s flagship airline Lufthansa has warned that it would need to consume half of the country’s entire electricity output if it were to shift to green fuels such…
BULLSEYE !!! Ukraine strike kills Russian Black Sea Fleet commander along with 34 senior officers
Kyiv (Agencies): Ukraine’s special forces said that the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, and 33 other officers were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on the…
Ukrainian missile stocks and depleted-uranium shells destroyed – Moscow
MOSCOW (Agencies): Some of Ukraine’s Western-supplied cruise missiles and depleted-uranium shells have been destroyed in a series of strikes, the Russian Defense Ministry has said. Since last Sunday, Russian forces…
US Senator Menendez Faces Bribery Charges Over Egypt Ties
WASHINGTON (Agencies): US prosecutors have charged Senator Robert Menendez and his wife with bribery in connection with their ties to New Jersey businessmen, potentially impacting Democratic efforts to maintain their…
Turkiye pushes interest rates up to the highest level since 2003
ANKARA (Agencies): The Turkish Central Bank has, once again, hiked interest rates in the country, pushing its policy rate up five points to 30 percent, in a continued effort to…
China and Syria announce new ‘strategic partnership’
BEIJING (Agencies): Beijing and Damascus announced the formation of a new “strategic partnership,” coinciding with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s ongoing visit to China. President Xi Jinping met Assad in the…
Chandrayaan-3: Indian space agency Isro says no signal yet from Moon lander
NEW DELHI (BBC/Agencies): India’s space agency Isro says it is trying to contact its Moon lander and rover as a new lunar day begins, but has not received any signals…
Russian Black Sea fleet HQ hit by rocket attack – governor
MOSCOW (Agencies): An “enemy” rocket has struck the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, the leader of the Crimean city reported on Friday. Mikhail Razvozhaev, who serves…
Israel allows Female Recruits in Elite Commando Units
TEL AVIV (Agencies): In a significant and historic move, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have announced their intention to initiate a programme allowing female recruits to join the country’s top-tier…
US Muslim Mayor Leads Lawsuit to End FBI Watchlist
WASHINGTON (Agencies): When Mohamed Khairullah was abruptly turned away from a White House Eid Al-Fitr celebration four months ago, he demanded answers. Khairullah, the long-time Mayor of Prospect Park, New…
India approves procurement of additional Su-30s
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure 12 new Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft with associated equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),…
Russia Tests High-Speed Sniper Rounds
MOSCOW (Agencies): Lobaev Arms, a Russian manufacturer known for its long-range high-precision rifles, has commenced testing of a “high-speed bullet” with the potential for hypersonic capabilities, enabling instantaneous and effective…
India expels Canadian diplomat after Trudeau accuses India in Sikh’s killing
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India expelled one of Canada’s top diplomats today, ramping up a confrontation between the two countries over Canadian accusations that India may have been involved in the…
Protests in New York as Netanyahu attends UN meet
NEW YORK (Agencies): Demonstrators gathered outside the New York hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying to protest against the government’s judicial reforms, reported the Times of Israel.…
Kuwait Finance Ministry faces cyber attack attempt
KUWAIT CITY (Agencies): The Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance announced yesterday that one of its systems had been targeted in an electronic hacking attempt carried out by an unknown virus. In…
UK announces $6.2m to support Somalia in counter-terrorism
Mogadishu (Agencies): The UK, on Tuesday, announced the equivalent of $6.2 million in funding to support Somali security forces as they combat terrorism and work to restore stability in areas…
IMF to grant $1.3bn loan to quake-hit Morocco
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will provide Morocco with a $1.3 billion loan following the September 8 earthquake that killed thousands in the North African country, Anadolu Agency…
UK restricts movement of Russian diplomats
LONDON (Agencies): The UK Foreign Office has imposed travel restrictions on Russian diplomats, requiring them to notify British authorities before journeying beyond their posts. The move is retaliatory, coming after…
Deadly disease outbreak kills over 1,200 children in Sudan – UN
Khartoum (Agencies): More than 1,200 children under the age of five died in refugee camps in war-torn Sudan between mid-May and September as a result of a lethal combination of…
Armenia asks US to intervene in Karabakh conflict
Yerevan (Agencies): Armenia’s ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan has called on the US to intervene in the renewed fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, asking Washington to defend the region’s civilian population. “Now, Azerbaijan has…
Ukraine Receives Industrial 3D Printers from the US to Produce Military Parts
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Ukraine has acquired advanced industrial-level 3D printers from the United States, equipping them with the capability to manufacture critical spare parts for military equipment. William LaPlant, the US…
Lockheed Martin to Establish F-16 Training Center in Romania with Potential to Train Ukrainian Pilots
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Lockheed Martin is on the verge of finalizing a contract with Romania to establish its first F-16 flight training center in Europe, a move that could potentially open…
It may take years for US military to recover from senator’s hold, acting Navy chief says
WASHINGTON (Agencies): It may take the Navy “years” to recover from the promotion delays caused by a military nomination hold, the nominee to lead the service said during her Senate…
TADTE 2023: Taiwan develops new rifle to replace T91 rifles
TAIPEI (Agencies): The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense’s (MND’s) Armaments Bureau has developed a new 5.56 mm rifle called XT112 assault rifle to replace the Republic of China Army’s (RoCA’s)…
US’ Osprey V-22 Military Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Japan – Reports
TOKYO (Agencies) – A US’s V-22 Osprey military aircraft has made an emergency landing in the civil airport in the Japanese city of Oita, a Japanese broadcaster reported on Saturday,…
Indigenous rights supporters rally across Australia before vote
Sydney (AFP/APP): Australians rallied around the country on Sunday to fight for a landmark Indigenous rights reform that is bleeding support in the polls before an October 14 referendum.Thousands joined…
In silent protest, Russian volunteers help Ukraine refugees
Saint Petersburg (AFP/APP): For a year and a half Galina Artyomenko has been raising funds to help refugees from Ukraine after the Kremlin sent troops to the pro-Western country. Then…
Swedes throng capital for royal jubilee
Stockholm (AFP/APP): Tens of thousands of Swedes thronged central Stockholm on Saturday to mark 50 years since King Carl XVI Gustaf ascended the throne. To the sound of military bands…
China sanctions Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman over arms sales to Taiwan island
BEIJING (Agencies): As Lockheed Martin of the US directly participated as the main contractor in US arms sales to the island of Taiwan on August 24, and Northrop Grumman has…
Chinese defense minister faces corruption probe — reports
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who has been missing from public view for more than two weeks, is reportedly under investigation for corruption, according to multiple media reports.…
Mali, Niger, Burkina sign mutual defense pact
BAMAKO: The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on Saturday signed a mutual defense pact, ministerial delegations from the three Sahel countries announced in Mali’s capital Bamako. The…
Investigation Launched After Dams Collapse, Resulting in Tragic Flood in Libya
DERNA, Libya (Agencies): Libyan authorities have initiated an investigation into the catastrophic collapse of two dams that triggered a devastating flood in a coastal city. As rescue teams continue their…
US: Israel-Saudi normalisation would be ‘transformative’ in Middle East
WASHINGTON (Agencies): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Friday that normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be a “transformative event” but remains a difficult proposition, Anadolu Agency…
Poland mulls acquiring 32 F-15EX fighters from Boeing
WARSAW (Agencies): Poland is actively considering the procurement of the Boeing F-15EX fighter jet as part of a substantial increase in defense expenditure. The strategic move aims to enhance the…
BP boss resigns amid review of ‘personal relationships’
LONDON (Agencies): The head of oil giant BP has resigned as chief executive amid a review of his personal relationships with colleagues. The company said Bernard Looney, who had led…
Poland signs deal for nearly 500 HIMARS launchers
WARSAW (Agencies): Warsaw has approved plans to obtain another 486 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers which it hopes to begin producing domestically starting at the end of 2025…
Kim Jong-un arrives in Russia
MOSCOW (Agencies): The armored train carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has crossed into Russian territory ahead of the summit with President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed…
Former US diplomat and negotiator Bill Richardson dies aged 75
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Bill Richardson, an American ambassador to the United Nations who also worked for years trying to win the release of Americans detained by foreign adversaries, has died age…
Rare protests in Kurdistan over unpaid civil servant salaries
BAGHDAD (Agencies): Rare protests erupted in the city of Dohuk in the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq on Tuesday, calling on the federal government in Baghdad to pay civil…
More than 2,000 dead and thousands missing after Storm Daniel hit eastern Libya
TRIPOLI (Agencies): More than 2,000 are reported dead and thousands more are still missing in the eastern Libyan city of Derna since the region was first hit by Storm Daniel…
Saudi Arabia, India sign 47 MoUs to bolster investment landscape
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and India have signed a bilateral agreement to preserve the investment landscape in both countries, said a senior minister at the ongoing Indian-Saudi Investment Forum in New…
Russia Embarks on Developing Floating 152-mm Howitzer
MOSCOW (Agencies): Based on its experience of artillery use during the special military operation, Russia has begun to develop a floating howitzer of 152-mm caliber, Roman Khromov, deputy executive director…
UN drug agency warns of growing methamphetamine trafficking from Afghanistan
UNITED NATIONS (APP): Methamphetamine trafficking in and around Afghanistan has surged in recent years, even as the Taliban has curbed heroin trafficking since taking power, according to a UN report…
China’s military exercises with Pakistan, other countries enhance joint operational capabilities
BEIJING (APP): China recently conducted multiple military exercises with countries including Pakistan, Thailand and Singapore that have enhanced joint operational capabilities and deepened friendship, experts said. The China-Pakistan Shaheen (Eagle)-X…
Moroccan Earthquake Equivalent to Force of 25 Nuclear Bombs – Seismologist
MOSCOW (Agencies): Late on Friday, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco 77 kilometers (48 miles) southwest of the city of Marrakesh. The latest reports indicate that the death toll from the…
Myanmar receives first shipment of Russia’s Su-30 fighter jets – RIA
Naypyidaw (Agencies): Myanmar has received the first shipment of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets, Charlie Than, Myanmar’s trade minister, told the Russian RIA state news agency in remarks published on…
G20 gathers in India, without China’s Xi
New Delhi (AFP/APP): US President Joe Biden and other G20 leaders gathered in New Delhi on Friday for their annual summit, as deep divisions between heavyweight members and a no-show…
Pilot killed in UAE helicopter crash into sea
Dubai (AFP/APP): A pilot was killed and another missing after their helicopter crashed off the coast of the United Arab Emirates during a night training flight, authorities said on Friday.The…
Toll in Greece floods hits 10 as rescuers race to villages
Farkadóna, Greece (AFP/APP): Helicopters and lifeboats have been deployed to reach hundreds of stranded villagers in central Greece, as the death toll from deadly flooding rose to 10, authorities said…
At Munich auto fair, movie-projecting cars and a bike wash
Munich, Germany (AFP/APP): From weird and wonderful technological innovations in Chinese cars, to the rush to transition to electric vehicles — and even a bike wash.Here are some key takeaways…
Turkey considering resumption of Turkish airliners’ flights to Libya
ANKARA (Agencies): Turkey is considering the resumption of Turkish airliners flights to Libya, The news was revealed by the Tripoli-based Libyan government Wednesday following Turkish Ambassador Kenan Yilmaz’s meeting with…
US, Saudi Arabia, and India Explore Infrastructure Deal to Transform Trade Ties
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States, Saudi Arabia, India, and several other nations are engaged in discussions regarding a potential infrastructure agreement that could reshape trade dynamics between the Gulf region…
Philippines and Australia Forge Strategic Partnership to Counter Regional Challenges
MANILA (Agencies): In a move aimed at addressing regional challenges and enhancing their security and economic ties, the Philippines and Australia have solidified their strategic partnership. This significant development follows…
Iraq may receive first 50 megawatts from Jordan in October
Baghdad (Agencies) : An Iraqi official has suggested that Jordan will begin supplying Iraq with electricity in early October as part of an electrical interconnection project between countries in the…
Flight MH370: Team of scientists may have found the missing aircraft’s location
PERTH (Agencies): A new report published by a team of scientists and academics claims to have found the location of the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 aircraft. Richard Godfrey, an…
India and Nigeria Finalize $1 Billion Military Agreement
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India’s concerted diplomatic efforts over the past few years to enhance defense collaborations with African nations have yielded significant results. In a groundbreaking development, India and Nigeria…
Argentina buys P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Norway
SANTIAGO, Chile (Agencies): The Argentine government has finalized negotiations to buy four surplus P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, meeting a requirement set in 2015…
US Marines to Appoint General for Safety Division
WASHINGTON (Agencies) : Following two tragic aircraft crashes, the acting commandant of the Marine Corps has announced plans to appoint a general officer to lead the service’s Safety Division next…
UK Procures 5.56mm Rifles for Armed Forces
LONDON (Agencies): The UK Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with its Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) division, has officially announced a significant contract award for the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW)…
Elon Musk Reveals He Prevented Ukraine’s Attack on Russian Warships
WASHINGTON (Agencies): In a surprising revelation, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has disclosed that he played a pivotal role in preventing Ukraine from launching an attack on Russia’s Black Sea…
UAE minister named among Time’s 100 most influential people in AI
LONDON (Agencies): An Emirati minister has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the field of artificial intelligence. The list highlights leaders, innovators,…
Three female bikers arrested for performing stunts on Dubai roads
DUBAI (Agencies): Three women in Dubai have been arrested for driving their motorbikes recklessly on the Emirate’s roads, the local media outlet, The National, reports. According to the report, Major-General…
Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes Morocco
RABAT (Agencies): A strong earthquake struck central Morocco on Friday evening, prompting residents of several major cities to flee their homes and seek shelter. The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre measured the…
Singapore Enhances F-16 Fleet with Cutting-Edge Israeli Python-5 Interceptor Missiles
SINGAPORE (Agencies): Singapore’s Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has unveiled an impressive technological leap by outfitting its fleet of US-manufactured F-16 Falcon fighter jets with the formidable Israeli Python-5…
Redut IN, Wagner OUT: A New Private Military Company (PMC) Rises in Russia
MOSCOW (Agencies): In the wake of the Wagner Group’s decline due to the plane crash that claimed the lives of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and his associate Dmitry Utkin, a…
Lockheed, Raytheon sign deal to make Javelin anti-tank weapons in Poland
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Javelin makers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have taken early steps toward manufacturing the in-demand anti-tank weapons in Poland. The U.S.-based companies signed a memorandum of understanding with Polska…
Chinese PLA Army to Showcase Advanced Helicopters and Drones at Upcoming Expo
BEIJING (Agencies): The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Army is set to unveil some of its latest helicopters and drones at an upcoming national helicopter exposition, emphasizing the synergy between…
Sudan’s army chief meets Qatar leader in diplomatic push
DOHA (Agencies): Sudanese army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan met Qatar’s Emir on Thursday during his third trip abroad since war broke out in April, after also visiting Egypt and…
France top Court upholds government ban on Muslim dress abaya in schools
PARIS (Agencies): France’s highest Court ruled, on Thursday, that the government’s ban on Muslim dress, abaya, is legal, local media reported. The Council of State said it had rejected an…
Hong Kong’s Supreme Court Orders Legislation for Same-Sex Civil Unions
HONG KONG (Agencies): Hong Kong’s highest court issued a ruling on Tuesday mandating local lawmakers to draft special legislation to officially recognize same-sex civil unions. However, the court did not…
UK Tobacco Giant Exits Russian Market
LONDON (Agencies): British multinational British American Tobacco (BAT) has successfully concluded an agreement to divest its operations in Russia and Belarus, as announced by the company on Thursday. BAT revealed…
UN Expert Raises Concerns About Canada’s Foreign Worker Program
NEW YORK (Agencies): A United Nations expert has issued a stern warning about Canada’s temporary foreign worker program, which welcomes up to 60,000 individuals annually into the country, stating that…
US, Australia to announce critical technology partnership this fall
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The U.S. is set to step up its technology partnerships with Australia in the coming months with an AUKUS-related announcement in the fall, the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s)…
What to Know About the New COVID-19 Variants
MOSCOW (Agencies): The COVID-19 pandemic remains dynamic as new variants like EG.5, FL.1.5.1, and BA.2.86 arise. Understanding their prevalence and potential impact is vital in our ongoing efforts to stay…
Iran Uncovers Mossad Plot to Sabotage Defense Industry
TEHRAN (Agencies): Iran has exposed an alleged Mossad plot to sabotage its defense sector involving the insertion of faulty foreign-sourced connector components with explosives into domestic defense hardware. Iranian authorities…
Chinese Nationals Among 4 Dead in Gold Transport Attack in Congo
Kinshasa (Agencies): An attack on a Chinese mining convoy transporting gold in northeast Congo killed four people, including two Chinese nationals, authorities said Friday. Sammy Badibanga Kalonji, administrator of the…
India Launches Solar Study Mission Following Moon Landing Success
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India marked another historic milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of its first solar study mission, Aditya-L1, just days after a triumphant uncrewed landing near…
Iraq seeks to train its nurses at Philippine medical schools
MANILA (Agencies): Iraq wants to send its nursing students for training at Philippine medical schools, Baghdad’s envoy to Manila told Arab News, as an Iraqi health ministry delegation wrapped up…
Libya lights up after years of power cuts
TRIPOLI, Libya *Agencies*: It’s midnight just before the weekend. Traffic snarls the corniche in Tripoli, where improved electricity services have brought renewed energy to Libya’s capital after years of conflict…
Netanyahu denies reports of resignation to finalize normalization deal with Saudi Arabia
TEL AVIV *Agencies*: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports that he is prepared to step down from his position in return for a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia…
Moscow warns of direct clash with NATO
MOSCOW *Agencies*: The military confrontation in Ukraine has reached a point where it could easily spiral into a full-blown conflict between Russia and NATO, Moscow’s deputy envoy to the UN,…
Thousands Rally in Niger Demanding French Troop Withdrawal Amid Accusations of Interference
NIAMEY *Agencies*: Numerous demonstrators converged outside the French military installation in Niamey, the capital of Niger, once again demanding the withdrawal of French troops from the nation. The protest was…
Bangladesh battles deadliest dengue fever outbreak
DHAKA (Agencies): Bangladesh is facing its worst dengue fever outbreak on record. Nearly 600 people have died of the mosquito-borne tropical disease so far this year, and the country’s health-care…
Turkish TF-X Fighter Program Seeks Partners Amid Economic Uncertainty
ANKARA (Agencies): As Turkiye’s indigenous fighter program, the TF-X, prepares for its maiden flight by the end of the year, fiscal challenges loom as potential obstacles to its success, warns…
WHO Reports New Surge in Global COVID-19 Cases
NEW YORK (Agencies): The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a fresh wave of COVID-19 sweeping across the world. According to the UN health agency, there has…
British Defense Giant BAE Systems Expands Production into Ukraine: Zelensky
KYIV (Agencies): British defense contractor BAE Systems is set to establish a production presence in Ukraine, as announced by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The company’s plans involve the manufacturing, maintenance,…
Breaking News: Ukrainian Drones Target Russian City of Kurchatov – Governor Reports
MOSCOW (Agencies): Startling developments have unfolded as two unmanned aircraft reportedly targeted the Russian city of Kurchatov, situated adjacent to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, according to Roman Starovoyt, the…
Proud Boys Leader Joe Biggs Sentenced to 17 Years in January 6 Case
Washington, DC (Agencies): Joe Biggs, a prominent leader of the far-right organization Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021,…
China launches first type 054B frigate: PLA Spokesman
BEIJING (APP): The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has launched a new type of frigate, the Type 054B, said a spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. It…
Sri Lanka tweaks foreign policy to prioritize Middle East
COLOMBO (Agencies): Sri Lanka is reorienting its diplomacy to prioritize the Middle East, the country’s foreign minister said on Wednesday, after a parliamentary review of diplomatic relations. Sri Lankan’s parliamentary…
New Coup Unfolds in Gabon: Military Assumes Power
Gabo (Agencies): A fresh coup has emerged on the African stage, this time in Gabon, as mutinous soldiers have taken control of the country. Reports from Libreville, the capital, confirm…
EU eyes controversial Bulgaria-Turkiye gas deal
Brussels (Agencies): The European Commission is looking “very closely” at whether the terms of a controversial gas deal between Bulgaria and Turkiye breach the EU’s competition rules, Energy Intelligence reports.…
Iraq Initiates Long-Awaited Cross-Border Railway Venture with Iran
BAGHDAD (Agencies): In a significant development, Iraq is embarking on the long-pending cross-border railway project linking it with neighboring Iran. According to a credible government source, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia…
New Delhi Unveils Flexible Crude Oil Procurement Strategy
NEW DELHI (Agencies): In a strategic shift, India has adopted a dynamic approach to its crude oil purchasing policy, as affirmed by the country’s Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri. The…
China and US Agree on Enhanced Communication Channels for Trade Issues
BEIJING (Agencies): Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo engaged in “rational, candid, and constructive” discussions on Monday during the second day of Raimondo’s four-day visit…
UAE’s PureHealth to buy UK hospital operator Circle Health Group for $1.2bn
DUBAI (Agencies): Abu Dhabi-based PureHealth has signed an agreement to buy British hospital operator Circle Health Group for 4.41 billion UAE dirhams ($1.2 billion), Emirates News Agency reported. PureHealth is…
Libyan Foreign Minister Suspended and Flees Country After Meeting with Israeli Chief Diplomat
CAIRO: The foreign minister of Libya has been suspended and has fled the nation, a development that unfolded a day after Israel disclosed that its top diplomat had held talks…
Russia sends first commercial train to Saudi Arabia via Iran
TEHRAN (Agencies): The first Russian train carrying commercial goods has arrived in Iran, on its way to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on a journey that is the first of…
India to help African nations develop digital payment systems
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India is in talks with a number of African countries, including Namibia, Mozambique and Kenya, to help them develop their own instant payment systems similar to that…
Biden to visit Vietnam next month
WASHINGTON (Agencies): U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Vietnam on his way home from the G-20 summit in New Delhi next month, the White House said Monday. After the G-20…
U.S. ambassador to Japan will publicly eat Fukushima fish in a show of support amid radioactive water release outrage
TOKYO (Agencies): Japan’s decision to release more than 1 million metric tons of radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant has garnered severe criticism prompting concern over safety and contamination. Japan…
France to ban wearing abayas in schools: Education minister
PARIS (Agencies): French authorities are to ban the wearing in school of abaya dresses worn by some Muslim women, the education minister said on Sunday, arguing the garment violated France’s…
Egypt to Host Bright Star 2023 Cross-Nation Military Exercise, Gathering Troops from 34 Countries
CAIRO (Agencies): Egypt has announced its role as the host for the upcoming Bright Star 2023 joint military exercise, featuring the participation of 8,000 troops hailing from 34 different countries.…
Use of euro in global payments nosedives – data
– SWIFT cross-border transactions in the single currency hit a historic low in July, according to RIA Novosti analysis LONDON (Agencies): The use of the euro for international settlements dropped…
3 US Marines dead after aircraft crashes during drills in Australia
DARWIN, Australia (Agencies): Three US Marines died Sunday after an Osprey aircraft crashed on a remote tropical island north of Australia during war games, US military officials said. Five Marines…
Moscow Confirms Evgeny Prigozhin’s Death through DNA Testing
MOSCOW (Agencies): Russian authorities, including the Investigative Committee, have officially confirmed the demise of Evgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the private military company Wagner Group. The confirmation comes after DNA…
Renowned Ukrainian Fighter Pilot Andrey ‘Juice’ Pilshchikov Dies in Jet Collision
KIEV (Agencies): Tragedy struck Ukraine as fighter pilot Andrey ‘Juice’ Pilshchikov, a prominent advocate for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kiev, lost his life along with two fellow…
Niger turmoil threatens $13bn gas pipeline project
Niamey (Agencies): Amid the many challenges facing the African continent, one ambitious project has both raised hopes and triggered doubts for decades: the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. The $13 billion venture…
Ex-French President Sarkozy to be tried on charges of receiving illegal Libyan funding
PARIS (Agencies): France’s financial crimes prosecutor’s office said on Friday that former President Nicolas Sarkozy will stand trial in 2025 on charges of corruption and receiving illegal campaign funding from…
Poland Launches Investigation into Legionnaires Outbreak near Ukraine Border
WARSAW (Agencies): The city of Rzeszow, situated in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, is facing an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has prompted an investigation by Poland’s Internal…
Key BRICS Declaration Unveiled, Emphasizing Inclusive Multilateralism
Johannesburg (Agencies): A joint statement released on Wednesday at the 15th annual BRICS summit in South Africa underscores the commitment of member nations to advocate for inclusive multilateralism and addresses…
India’s ISRO Prepares To Launch Sun Mission – ‘Aditya L-1’ – After Historic Moon Landing
NEW DELHI (Agencies): India accomplished a remarkable feat on Wednesday by becoming the sole non-permanent UN member to achieve a successful Moon landing. This achievement, marking the successful touchdown of…
Philippine and Australian Troops Hold Joint Exercise for Island Retake in South China Sea Drill
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES, Philippines (Agencies): Collaborative maneuvers involving Australian and Filipino military forces unfolded on Friday in the vicinity of the contentious waters of the South China Sea, an area…
Kremlin Refutes Involvement in Plane Crash Suspected of Claiming Prigozhin’s Life
MOSCOW (Agencies): The Kremlin has firmly denied any connection to the plane crash that is believed to have resulted in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner…
Russian Federation’s Council Condemns Desecration of Quran in Stockholm and Calls for Protection of Believers’ Rights
MOSCOW (Agencies): The Council for Interethnic Relations, operating under the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, has issued a statement denouncing the desecration of the holy…
Hiroshima marks a-bomb anniversary, calls nuclear deterrence “folly”
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan on Sunday marked the 78th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on Hiroshima, where its mayor urged the abolition of nuclear weapons and called the Group…
Chocolate Prices Soar as Cocoa Costs Reach 12-Year Highs
NEW YORK (Agencies): The prices of cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate-making, have surged to the highest level in over 12 years due to mounting concerns about future production amidst…
Niger Junta Allegedly Seeks Wagner’s Help Amid Threat of Intervention
Niamey (Agencies): General Salifou Moody, a coup leader in Niger, is said to have sought assistance from the Wagner Group PMC as the junta faces a deadline to either reinstate…
21 injured buildings collapse as 5.4 quake hits east China
BEIJING (Agencies): A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck Pingyuan county in Dezhou, East China’s Shandong Province, leaving dozens of people injured and 126 homes destroyed. The earthquake,…
Vietnam-Japan Ties Celebrated with Photo Exhibition Marking 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Hanoi (VNA) – Commemorating the momentous 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, which began on September 21, 1973, a captivating photo exhibition titled “Vietnam – Japan: Towards the Future, Reaching…
Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison and Arrested for Illegally Selling State Gifts
LAHORE (Agencies): Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to three years in prison and subsequently arrested in Lahore. The court found him guilty of illegally selling state…
US FDA approves Biogen-Sage Therapeutics pill for postpartum depression
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Biogen (BIIB.O) and Sage Therapeutics’ (SAGE.O) oral pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. The companies had…
Turkiye appoints its first-ever female Admiral
ANKARA (Agencies): Turkiye has appointed a woman as an Admiral for the first time in Turkish Naval Forces history, following a Supreme Military Council meeting Thursday, Anadolu Agency reports. Staff…
Lebanon Commemorates Blast Victims Three Years Later, Demanding Accountability
BEIRUT (Agencies): Lebanon observed a day of mourning on Friday to remember the victims of the devastating port explosion that rocked Beirut three years ago. According to Reuters, religious leaders…
NASA back in touch with Voyager 2 after ‘interstellar shout’
Washington, (AFP/APP): NASA has succeeded in re-establishing full contact with Voyager 2 by using its highest-power transmitter to send an “interstellar shout” that righted the distant probe’s antenna orientation, the…
Drought-hit Panama Canal must ‘adapt or die’ as water levels drop
Panama City, (AFP/APP): The Panama Canal, an engineering wonder allowing ships to travel between two oceans, is seeking to adapt to climate change after a biting drought has seen traffic…
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Affirms Unbreakable Pakistan-China Friendship Amid Global Challenges
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong reaffirmed the unbreakable friendship between China and Pakistan, stating that both countries have consistently supported each other in challenging times. In an…
Niger Junta Ends Military Ties with France and Warns Against Foreign Aggression
Niamey (Agencies): The National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland in Niger, which assumed power through a military coup, has denounced the military pact with France and announced the immediate suspension…
Pakistani Defense Conglomerate Unveils New Drone and Missiles at IDEF
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Pakistan’s defense conglomerate, Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), showcased new missiles and a combat drone at Turkey’s IDEF defense conference, held from July 25-28. The exhibited products…
Poland and US Demonstrate Interoperability of Artillery Command-and-Control Systems
WARSAW (Agencies): Poland successfully showcases the compatibility of its Topaz integrated combat management system (ICMS) with US artillery command-and-control systems. During trials at Poland’s War Studies University in Rembertów from…
US Conducts Live Firing of ATACMS Missile in Australia during Talisman Sabre 2023 Exercise
Canberra (Agencies): The US military achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first-ever live firing of an MGM-140 ATACMS long-range tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile in Australia during the Talisman Sabre…
Over 1.2 Million People Relocated in China’s Hebei Province as Floodwaters Expected to Recede in One Month
BEIJING (Agencies): North China’s Hebei Province has successfully relocated more than 1.2 million residents from flooded areas as torrential rains have ceased, resulting in receding floodwaters. Additionally, authorities anticipate that…
Iran and Pakistan Pledge to Complete Gas Pipeline Amid US Sanctions Concerns
Islamabad (Agencies): Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, announced the country’s readiness to assist in completing a long-pending multibillion-dollar gas pipeline project to export natural gas to Pakistan. The announcement…
India Implements Import Restrictions on Laptops and Computers to Boost Local Manufacturing
New Delhi (Agencies): In a significant move aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, India has imposed restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers with immediate effect, according to…
U.S. Plans to Deploy Armed Marines on Commercial Ships to Counter Iranian Seizures
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States military is taking decisive measures to safeguard commercial ships in response to recent incidents of Iranian forces seizing vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. According…
“Ba’tie Girl” – The First Pakistan-China Co-Production Film Celebrating Friendship and Dreams
Islamabad, PAKISTAN (Khyber Mail): As China and Pakistan mark the first decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant cinematic milestone is set to hit the screens tomorrow. “Ba’tie…
Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye Arrives in Pakistan for Official Visit
Islamabad (Agencies): The Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye, H.E. Cevdet Yilmaz, has arrived in Pakistan for an official visit from August 1 to August 2, 2023. During his…
India bans another cough syrup manufacturer over child deaths
NEW DELHI (Agencies): The Indian government has ordered pharmaceutical company Riemann Labs to cease operations following allegations that the cough syrup it manufactures led to the death of at least…
Deadly Clashes Persist for Third Day in Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon
Sidon – Lebanon (Agencies): Violent clashes between rival armed groups have continued for three days inside the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Ein el-Hilweh, resulting in at least nine…
US-Taliban Talks Address Economy, Human Rights, and Anti-Drug Trafficking in Afghanistan
DOHA (Agencies): US and Taliban officials engaged in discussions focusing on key issues during talks in Qatar. The US State Department stated that Washington was open to technical talks concerning…
US to Provide Abrams Tanks to Ukraine with Restricted Technology – Newsweek
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States’ promise to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine may come with certain restrictions, as reported by several Western news outlets. The tanks intended for Kiev might…
China and UAE to Strengthen Military Ties with 1st Joint Air Force Drill
BEIJING (Agencies): China’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday that the Chinese air force will conduct its first-ever joint exercise with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) air force. The…
Pakistan and China Commemorate a Decade of Success: 10th Anniversary of CPEC Celebrated in Islamabad
Islamabad (Agencies): A momentous occasion was marked in Islamabad as Pakistan and China came together to celebrate the completion of the first decade of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).…
President Dr Arif Alvi confers Hilal-i-Pakistan award on Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday conferred the Hilal-i-Pakistan award on Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, in recognition of his contribution to the Pakistan-China friendship and promotion of the…
Shooting at police facility in Egypt kills at least 4 officers
EL-ARISH, Egypt (Agencies): A shooting Sunday at a heavily fortified security facility in the restive part of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula killed at least four police, including a senior officer, two…
Blinken Assures Australia Will Get Its Subs Amid GOP Threats to Block Transfer
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Roger Wicker has threatened to block the sale of US nuclear-powered attack subs to Australia unless the Biden administration increases defense outlays.…
Several dead in Ukrainian attack on Donbass – authorities
MOSCOW (Agencies): At least three people have been killed and ten others injured in a Ukrainian attack on the city of Donetsk, the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC)…
China & Pakistan signed documents on CPEC Phase-II in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Pakistan and China on Monday signed six documents that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said would further enhance bilateral cooperation and help undertake the second phase of China Pakistan…
Back on track: Europe’s night trains make bumpy comeback
Vienna (AFP/APP): Night trains have made a comeback in Europe thanks to their low-carbon footprint, but after years of neglect, the Renaissance has had a bumpy ride.Operators admit that the…
Crawford stops Spence to claim undisputed welterweight world title
Los Angeles (AFP/APP): Terence Crawford punished Errol Spence on the way to a ninth-round technical knockout to claim the undisputed welterweight world title in Las Vegas on Saturday.Unbeaten Crawford had…
Ukrainian drones attack Moscow’s financial district – mayor
MOSCOW (Agencies): Ukrainian drones have attacked Moscow City, the Russian capital’s iconic financial and business district, where some of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers are located, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in the…
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng Arrives in Pakistan to Celebrate 10 Years of CPEC
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is set to arrive in Pakistan today for a three-day visit to commemorate the decade of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.…
At least Nine killed in Thai fireworks warehouse Blast
Bangkok (AFP/APP): A powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks warehouse Saturday in southern Thailand, killing nine people and injuring more than 100, a senior official said, as several nearby homes…
Colombian president’s son arrested on money laundering charges
Bogotá (AFP/APP): Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s son Nicolas was arrested Saturday on charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment in a scandal linked to Petro’s election campaign, officials said.Colombia’s first…
Three dead as wildfires rage across Greece
ATHENS (XinhuaAPP): Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday. A woman was found dead in a trailer near Volos where a major wildfire…
‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ – Iconic Singer and Activist Sinéad O’Connor Passes Away at 56
LONDON (Agencies): The world mourns the loss of acclaimed Irish singer and activist, Sinéad O’Connor, who passed away at the age of 56. Her family shared the devastating news, keeping…
Niger soldiers announce coup on national TV
NIAMEY (Agencies): In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers in Niger have declared a coup on national television, signaling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The military leaders…
Saudi F-15A jet crashes near Yemeni border
RIYADH (Agencies): A Saudi Arabian F-15SA fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission near King Khalid Air Base, resulting in the loss of its two crew members. The incident…
PIA to celebrate 60 years of flying high between Pakistan and China
BEIJING, July 26 (APP): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will celebrate 60 years of flying to the People’s Republic of China, next year.With the inaugural flight between Karachi and Shanghai via…
Wang Yi Takes Over as Foreign Minister Following Qin Gang’s Departure
BEIJING (Agencies): China recently witnessed a shift in its foreign affairs landscape as Qin Gang, the esteemed Foreign Minister, stepped down from his position. This development prompted intrigue and speculation…
Pakistan Conducts Preemptive Strike on TTP Terrorist Compounds in Afghanistan
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (Khyber Mail): In a proactive move, the Pakistani Army carried out targeted artillery strikes on terrorist compounds situated in Afghanistan belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist organization…
Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan Poses Major Threat to China’s CPEC Projects
QUETTA, PAKISTAN (Agencies): A new terrorist group, Tehreek-e Jihad Pakistan (TJP), has emerged as a significant security concern for both Pakistan and China’s ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The TJP…
System High Awarded $50 Million Classified IT Destruction Contract
WASHINGTON (Agencies): A digital-security company with offices in Virginia and Alabama will destroy classified information technology for an unnamed customer under a deal worth as much as $50 million. System…
Boeing to sell AH-64E Apache Guardian Helicopters to Egypt and Kuwait
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Boeing a production contract worth USD 393 million for the AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter. The contract includes Foreign Military…
Australia to Purchase 20 C-130J Aircraft from US for $9.8 Billion
Canberra (Agencies): Australia’s Defense Ministry has finalized an agreement to purchase 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft from the United States, in a deal valued at $9.8 billion. The first aircraft…
China-Russia Joint Drills Conclude in Sea of Japan
BEIJING (Agencies): After a successful four-day Northern/Interaction-2023 joint exercise in the Sea of Japan, China and Russia are gearing up for the next phase of joint naval and air patrols…
Saudi Arabia: Citizens can invite Muslim friends abroad for Umrah on new visa
Riyadh (Agencies): Citizens of Saudi Arabia can invite Muslim friends overseas to perform Umrah on new “personal visit visas,” the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Thursday. In a…
Lausanne Treaty: International recognition of Turkiye’s independence marks 100 years
ANKARA (Agencies): A century ago, on July 24, countries around the world acknowledged Turkiye as an independent and sovereign nation with the historic signing of the Lausanne Peace Treaty at…
Poland Considering Sending Troops to Western Ukraine – Russian Foreign Intel Head
MOSCOW (Agencies): Poland is considering establishing control over the western part of Ukraine through the deployment of its troops there, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin said.The SVR…
Ukraine’s Attempted Drone Attack in Moscow Suppressed – Russian Defense Ministry
MOSCOW (Agencies) – The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that a Ukrainian drone attack on objects in Moscow was thwarted in the early hours of Monday, there were no casualties.“On…
Iraq renews deal to supply Lebanon up to 2m tons of crude for a year
BAGHDAD (Agencies): Iraq renewed its agreement to provide Lebanon with up to 2 million tons of crude oil for a year, Lebanese Energy Ministry said in a statement on Friday,…
A Silent Emergency: The Soaring Suicides Among UK Doctors
London (Agencies): The medical profession in the UK is grappling with an alarming rise in suicides among doctors, driven by high-pressure workloads, bullying, and inadequate support structures. Shockingly, doctors are…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Undergo Heart Surgery
TEL AVIV (Agencies): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Twitter that he will undergo heart surgery overnight to receive a pacemaker. In a brief 36-second video clip, Netanyahu explained…
Drone attack on an ammunition depot in Crimea prompts evacuation, bridge closure
CRIMEA (Agencies): A drone attack on an ammunition depot in Crimea prompted authorities to evacuate a 5-km (3-mile) radius and briefly suspend road traffic on the bridge linking the peninsula…
China Reinstates 15-Day Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of Singapore and Brunei
BEIJING (Agencies): China has announced the resumption of 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei, starting on Wednesday. The decision comes more than three years of suspension due…
Twitter to change logo: Elon Musk
NEW YORK (Reuters): Elon Musk said he was looking to change Twitter’s logo, tweeting: “And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds. In…
Nova Scotia floods cause ‘unimaginable’ damage; four people missing
OTTAWA (Reuters): The heaviest rain to hit the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia in more than 50 years triggered floods causing “unimaginable” damage, and four people are missing, including…
Honors even in fourth Ashes Test as Broad joins 600 club
Manchester, United Kingdom (AFP/APP): England’s Stuart Broad became just the fifth bowler to take 600 Test wickets, as Australia ended Wednesday’s opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford…
Outrage in Lebanon as 6-Year-Old Girl’s Alleged Rape and Death by Grandfather Sparks National Concern
BEIRUT (Agencies): The tragic death of 6-year-old Lynn Taleb in Al-Minieh, north Lebanon, has shocked the nation as she is believed to be the victim of a brutal rape. The…
UK Navy, Allies Training Ukrainian Military on Bomb Disposal in Scotland
MOSCOW (Agencies) – The UK military and their counterparts from the United States, France, Belgium and Georgia are training Ukrainian troops in Scotland on finding and neutralizing bombs, booby traps…
US creates permanent pandemic agency
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The US government has launched a new agency to prepare for pandemics and other “biological threats,” with President Joe Biden tapping a retired Air Force general to spearhead…
Biden chooses female admiral to lead US Navy -official
WASHINGTON (Agencies): President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, a move that would break a gender barrier in the US military by making her…
Public Outrage Erupts in India After Disturbing Video Emerges of Manipur Women Paraded Naked and Raped
Kangpokpi, Manipur (Agencies): A shocking video has gone viral from the Indian state of Manipur, depicting a distressing scene where a group of men, some as young as 15, are…
Escalation in the Gulf: US Deploys More Warships and Marines to Counter Iran’s Attempts to Seize Commercial Ships
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The US is sending additional warships and thousands of marines to the Middle East to increase security in the wake of Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships there.…
AI Advances Could Redesign Love and Relationships: Former Google Exec
NEW YORK (Agencies): Former Google X chief business officer, Mo Gawdat, has predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) advancements could lead to the creation of “alive” sex dolls and realistic AI…
India’s Tata chooses UK for $5 bln Jaguar Land Rover gigafactory
LONDON/GAYDON, England (Reuters): India’s Tata Group will build an electric vehicle battery plant in Britain to supply its Jaguar Land Rover factories, delivering a major boost for the UK car…
Europe battles heat wave and fires, record temperatures scorch China
ROME/BEIJING (Reuters): Italy put 23 cities on red alert with temperatures set to reach up to 46 Celsius (114 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, one of the global hotspots as a wave…
Prime Minister of Vietnam Outlines Three Priority Areas for Administrative Reform
Islamabad (Khyber Mail): Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam chaired the fifth session of the Government’s steering committee for administrative reform on July 19, 2023. During the meeting, Prime…
‘Underground climate change’ is deforming the ground beneath buildings, study finds
CNN: A phenomenon that scientists have called “underground climate change” is deforming the ground beneath cities, a study conducted in Chicago has found.This shifting of land under urban areas could…
Pakistan Army Announces Promotions of Senior Officers
Rawalpindi (Staff Report): The Pakistan Army has announced the promotion of 30 officers from the rank of Brigadier to Major General under the SB 1 promotion category. These promotions reflect…
‘Mysterious Disease’ Triggers Health Checks on Flights from Egypt
Moscow (Agencies): Russia has implemented stricter health checks for individuals arriving from Egypt, following reports of an outbreak of an unidentified illness in the traditionally popular tourist destination. The Russian…
Thousands evacuated as typhoon pummels southern China, Vietnam
Beijing (AFP/APP): A quarter million people were evacuated in southern China and Vietnam before a major typhoon roared ashore late Monday, bringing fierce winds and rain and forcing the cancellation…
Plane crashes into hangar in Poland, killing five: minister
Warsaw (AFP/APP): A small plane crashed into a hangar at an airfield near Warsaw on Monday, killing five people, officials said.“We have at least seven injured and five dead,” Health…
Senior doctors in England announce more strikes, rejecting pay deal
LONDON: Senior doctors in England will hold two days of strikes in August, their union the British Medical Association (BMA) said on Monday, dismissing a 6 percent pay rise announced…
UK inks deal to join ‘anti-China’ trade bloc
LONDON (Agencies): The UK has formally signed an accession protocol to join major Indo-Pacific trading bloc the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The treaty was inked on…
Moscow Reports Ukrainian Terrorist Attack on Crimean Bridge
MOSCOW (Agencies): Moscow has announced that the Crimean Bridge was the target of a terrorist drone attack conducted by Ukraine, according to the National Antiterrorist Committee (NAK). The attack took…
Pakistan army chief arrives in Iran on maiden visit to discuss defense ties
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): General Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of Iran, held a meeting with General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, on Saturday. The…
Netanyahu Hospitalized as Protests Persist: Israel Faces Continued Turmoil Over Judiciary Overhaul
TEL AVIV (Agencies): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was hospitalized for dehydration after experiencing a dizzy spell, while tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Tel Aviv for…
India and UAE to facilitate trade settlement in rupees and dirhams
ABU DHABI (Agencies): In a significant move aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to establish mechanisms for settling trade…
Ukrainian drone attack on Russian naval base in Crimea thwarted: Governor
SEVASTOPOL (Agencies): An attempted attack on Sevastopol, the home of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, by Ukrainian aerial and seaborne drones, has been repelled, according to the city’s top…
China-Funded Largest Sewage Treatment Plant in South Asia Completed, Benefitting 5 Million in Bangladesh
DHAKA (Agencies): A ceremony was held on Thursday to mark the completion of the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant, the largest single sewage treatment facility in South Asia. The project, funded…
Iraq-Iran Gas-for-Oil Barter May Breach US Sanctions
BAGHDAD (Agencies): An exchange of Iranian natural gas for Iraqi oil, proposed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, could potentially violate US sanctions on Iran unless a waiver is…
S Korea landslides, floods kill more than 20, thousands evacuated
SEOUL (Aagencies): Heavy rains in South Korea have caused devastating effects, with 22 people confirmed dead, 14 missing, and thousands forced to evacuate, according to ministry data. Landslides and the…
Italy air transport strike grounds hundreds of flights
ROME (Agencies): Tourists across Italy will have to change their holiday plans as hundreds of flights were cancelled amid an air transport strike two days after a train work stoppage.…
US sending F-16 fighter jets to protect ships from Iranian seizures in Gulf region
WASHINGTON: The US is beefing up its use of fighter jets around the strategic Strait of Hormuz to protect ships from Iranian seizures, a senior defense official said Friday, adding…
Ship enroute to Yemen to transfer oil from decaying Safer tanker
DUBAI: A ship is enroute to Yemen to pump oil from the decaying Safer tanker, the UN’s official coordinator for Yemen said on Saturday. “The replacement vessel Nautica set sail…
India launches Moon mission
NEW DELHI (Agencies): The latest attempt by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to land a robotic rover on the surface of the moon, known as Chandrayaan-3, successfully lifted off…
Labor dispute at British weapons depot may affect missile supplies to Kiev – media
LONDON (Agencies): A labor dispute at a weapons depot in the UK has the potential to impact the delivery of Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles to Ukraine, according to The…
Pakistan’s PM thanks IMF MD for assistance in concluding $3 bln agreement
ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephonic conversation with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on Friday and conveyed profound gratitude to her…
Eleven children die every week attempting to cross Mediterranean migration route – UNICEF
UNITED NATIONS (APP): During the first half of the year, 289 boys and girls died while crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe, or double the number compared to the…
First firefighter death in Canada wildfires
Ottawa (AFP/APP): A firefighter in western Canada has died battling one of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the country for weeks, her union announced Friday.The incident on Thursday was…
Exclusive: BYD proposes $1 billion India plan to build EVs, batteries
NEW DELHI (Reuters): China’s BYD Co (002594.SZ) has submitted a $1 billion investment proposal to build electric cars and batteries in India in partnership with a local company, three people…
Tumbling US dollar a boon to risk assets across the globe
NEW YORK (Reuters): Cooling U.S. inflation is accelerating a decline in the dollar, and risk assets around the world stand to benefit. The dollar is down nearly 13% against a…
U.S. probing Exxon contractor in Guyana for smuggling drugs, gold
WASHINGTON (REUTERS): U.S. government officials repeatedly warned Exxon Mobil to avoid doing business with two mining magnates in Guyana, who face a U.S. investigation on suspicions of money laundering, drug…
Will SCALP Make a Difference on the Ukrainian Battlefield?
MOSCOW (Agencies): French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to provide Ukraine with SCALP long-range cruise missiles won’t affect the existing status quo given the experience the Russian military gained while thwarting…
World’s First Methane- Fuelled Space Rocket Zhuque-2 Launched by China
BEIJING (Agencies): A private Chinese aerospace firm launched the world’s first methane and liquid oxygen rocket into orbit on Wednesday, beating out global competitors, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Created by…
IMF Board Approves $3 Billion Stand-by Agreement for Pakistan
Islamabad (AGENCIES): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has approved a Stand-by Agreement (SBA) of $3 billion for Pakistan, as announced on the IMF’s website.The agreement was reached after…
Secretive Indian Company Linked To Russian Oil Disappears Amid Scrutiny
NEW DELHI (Agencies): A secretive Indian company that rose to infamy for its role in shipping Russian oil has disappeared suddenly and mysteriously, Bloomberg has reported. Mumbai-based Gatik Ship Management,…
Iraqi Airways to operate flights to 4 new destinations
Baghdad (Agencies) The successive arrival of new modern planes as part of a deal between Iraqi Airways and Boeing will allow the national carrier of Iraq to reach new destinations.…
US charges Israeli-US think tank head with being Chinese agent
WASHINGTON (Agencies): The United States has charged the head of a US think tank with being an agent of China, as well as seeking to broker the sale of weapons…
Russian submarine commander killed by gunman on morning run
MOSCOW (Agencies): A Russian submarine commander and deputy chief in charge of military mobilisation in Russia’s southern city of Krasnodar has been shot dead, Russia’s state TASS news agency reported,…
Six killed in Chinese kindergarten stabbing
BEIJING (Agencies): A knifeman killed six people and injured another in a kindergarten in southern China on Monday, Chinese media reported, citing police. The suspect, a 25-year-old local man, has…
Weight-loss drugs probed over ‘suicidal thoughts’
Amsterdam (Agencies): The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is reviewing several weight-loss jabs for reported risks of inducing suicidal thoughts and self-harm among users. A potential problem with the drugs was…
Pakistan, China hold 12th JCC Special Meeting in Beijing
BEIJING (APP): The meeting of 12th (Special) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held here on Tuesday.Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof.…
Putin met Wagner chief after mutiny – Kremlin
MOSCOW (Agencies): Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the head of the Wagner private military company, Evgeny Prigozhin, several days after the group aborted a mutiny as part of a…
Japan on highest alert amid heavy rains
ISTANBUL (AA/APP): Japan on Monday issued its highest alert amid heavy rains which resulted in the death of one person while transport was disrupted in many parts.The country’s Meteorological Agency…
British and Italian hikers killed in French Alps falls
Dijon, France (AFP/APP): A British man and an Italian died in separate falls Sunday while hiking in the French Alps, emergency responders said Monday.The Briton in his 50s was killed…
Female Pakistani-American politician attacked outside Eid ul-Azha prayer hall: report
NEW YORK (APP): Maryam Khan, a Pakistan-born member of the House of Representatives of the US state of Connecticut, was attacked after attending Eid ul Azha prayers with her family…
Chinese surveillance balloon did not collect information over US: Pentagon
WASHINGTON (CNN): The Pentagon has stated that the Chinese surveillance balloon, which flew over the United States earlier this year before being shot down, did not gather intelligence during its…
Online police patrol the internet in Denmark
Glostrup, Denmark (AFP/APP): At Denmark’s police headquarters, officers have been glued to their computers playing the popular video game Counter-Strike. But they weren’t kicking back on a break — they…
Pakistan and IMF Agree on $3 Billion Stand-By Arrangement
ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached an agreement at the staff level for a $3 billion stand-by arrangement. This decision brings relief to Pakistan, which…
Koran burning ‘not illegal’ – NATO chief
BRUSSELS (Agencies): It is not necessarily a crime to burn the Koran in public, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday, responding to a question about the recent incident…
Ukrainian generals killed in Russian strike – MOD
MOSCOW (Agencies): Two Ukrainian generals were killed in a Russian high-precision strike on the Donbass city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said on Thursday, citing “updated…
Virgin Galactic finally takes its first paying customers to space
Washington (AFP/APP): Virgin Galactic successfully flew its first paying customers to the final frontier Thursday, a long-awaited achievement that puts it back on track in the emerging private spaceflight sector.Italian…
Pakistan finance minister says IMF deal expected within 24 hours
LAHORE (Reuters): Pakistan’s finance minister said late on Thursday that a staff level agreement for a crucial bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund was “very close” and expected in…
Sri Lanka: Five-day bank holiday for domestic debt restructuring
COLOMBO (Agencies): Sri Lanka began a five-day bank holiday from Thursday to allow the crisis-hit nation to restructure $42bn (£33.2bn) in domestic debt. The country is facing its worst economic…
Sweden Quran burning: Protesters storm embassy in Baghdad
BAGHDAD (Agencies): Dozens of people have stormed the compound of the Swedish embassy in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, after a Quran was burnt during a protest in Sweden. Salwan Momika, said…
Quran is sacred for Muslims, should be sacred for everyone else: Putin
MOSCOW (Agencies): Quran was sacred for Muslims, and for everyone else, it should be and really was sacred, said Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. “We know that in other…
Smart tech smooths the way for Hajj pilgrims
MUZDALIFAH: Saudi authorities have turned to artificial intelligence to help manage and monitor crowds during the 2023 Hajj season.In collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial AI Authority, the Ministry…
Indian cough syrup that caused child deaths contained industrial chemicals – media
NEW DELHI (Agencies): The Indian pharmaceutical firm Marion Biotech, whose cough syrups fatally poisoned 19 children in Uzbekistan last year, used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient in the medicine, Reuters has…
5G to redefine people’s lives and create an integrated, intelligent world: Sabrina Meng
SHANGHAI (APP): Sabrina Meng, Huawei’s Rotating Chairwoman and Chief Financial Officer Wednesday said 5G has been in use across all industries and countless households around the world and is changing…
Garciga expected to be next US Army chief information officer
WASHINGTON (Agencies): Leonel Garciga, most recently the top technology officer for U.S. Army intelligence, will be the service’s next civilian chief information officer, C4ISRNET and Army Times have learned. Garciga…
Pakistan man crosses 4 countries on walk to Makkah for Hajj
MAKKAH (Agencies): On a sunny October day last year, Usman Arshad set out from his hometown in north-eastern Pakistan to do what he had wished for a long time, Anadolu…
Most crucial Hajj ritual begins as millions converge at Mount Arafat
MINA (APP): Over three million pilgrims have begun converging at Mount Arafat, the Mount of Mercy, (Jabal ar-Rahmah) on the second day of Hajj to perform the most crucial Hajj…
Putin accuses West of wanting Russians ‘to kill each other’ in mutiny
Moscow (AFP/APP): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to “kill each other” during a revolt by mercenaries of the Wagner group,…
Which is longer, Amazon or Nile? New quest aims to settle old debate
Rio de Janeiro (AFP/APP): What’s the longest river in the world, the Nile or the Amazon? The question has fueled a heated debate for years. Now, an expedition into the…
Ex-Audi boss faces verdict in German ‘dieselgate’ case
Munich, Germany (AFP/APP): Ex-Audi CEO Rupert Stadler is Tuesday expected to be convicted and sentenced over the “dieselgate” scandal, the highest-ranking former executive to be punished over the emissions cheating…
One dead in ‘gang’ shooting in Sydney’s Bondi neighborhood
Sydney (AFP/APP): A man was killed in Sydney’s famed Bondi neighbourhood Tuesday, in what police described as a hit on a “major player” in the city’s crime underworld.A police cordon…
UK kids may change gender at school, education chief vows
LONDON (Agencies): UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has called for British students to be able to decide their own gender pronouns and to “socially transition” with parental consent, promising long-awaited…
US retailers targeted with bomb threats, seeking bitcoin and gift cards: WSJ
NEW YORK (Reuters): Law-enforcement officials and retailers are investigating a recent wave of bomb threats across the United States, targeting grocery operators and other stores, the Wall Street Journal reported…
One killed, nine injured in rollercoaster crash in Sweden
STOCKHOLM (Reuters): One person was killed and nine injured, including children, in a roller coaster accident at the Grona Lund amusement park in the Swedish capital on Sunday, representatives of…
Montana bridge collapse sends multiple rail cars into Yellowstone River
MONTANA (Reuters): A bridge in Montana collapsed into the Yellowstone River early on Saturday, landing multiple rail cars in the water, officials said. Montana Rail Link, the company operating the…
Police detain 50 after Pride march in Istanbul
ISTANBUL (Reuters): Turkish police detained at least 50 people on Sunday after Istanbul’s LGBT community held its annual Pride march. The government led by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted…
Moscow Vs Wagner: Prigozhin to leave for Belarus, as rebellion ends: Kremlin
MOSCOW (Agencies): Less than 24 hours after Wagner Group mercenaries took control of the strategic southern city of Rostov and began an armed convoy march towards Moscow, Wagner leader Yevgeny…
Zuckerberg, Musk, to settle business differences in a cage fight
NEW YORK (Agencies): Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are not just rivals on the technology arena but will soon be opponents in an actual mano a mano fight in a…
Japan records the first-ever fatal case of the Oz Virus worldwide
Tokyo (Agencies): A Japanese woman in her 70s who lived in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, died of myocarditis after contracting the Oz virus, making her death the world’s first…
Wagner chief says he is inside Rostov army HQ, controls city’s military sites
Moscow (AFP/APP): The head of Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin announced Saturday that he was inside the army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia, and that his fighters controlled the…
Wagner PMC ‘armed coup’ attempt in Russia
MOSCOW (Agencies): Evgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group private military company, has been accused by the government of staging an armed insurrection. The charges were brought late Friday…
Wagner chief vows to ‘stop’ Russia after alleged attack on forces
Moscow (AFP/APP): The chief of the Wagner mercenary group on Friday accused Russia of killing a “huge number” of its forces in strikes and vowed to retaliate, ratcheting up tensions…
China calls for end to double standards on counter-terrorism
BEIJING (APP): China’s envoy to the United Nations (UN) has called for an end to double standards on counter-terrorism. “Terrorism remains a significant challenge that threatens international peace and security.…
Cameroon, Croatia, Vietnam put on money-laundering ‘grey list’: FATF
Paris (AFP/APP): International money-laundering watchdog the Financial Action Task Force announced Friday it had put Cameroon, Croatia, and Vietnam on its “grey list” of countries under increased monitoring.The three nations…
Red Cross federation chief stepping down
Geneva (AFP) – The head of the Red Cross federation, the world’s largest humanitarian network, is stepping down, a spokesman confirmed Thursday, following a row in Italy surrounding the Rome…
Modi led Yoga Day event in UN HQ New York
UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): With a large group of people protesting outside, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the International Yoga Day celebrations with UN diplomats, officials and members…
US approves lab-grown chicken for sale
Washington (AFP/APP):The United States has granted its first ever approvals to two companies to sell chicken grown directly from animal cells, becoming only the second country to allow lab-grown meat…
Restaurant explosion kills 31 in northwest China
Beijing (AFP/APP): At least 31 people were killed when an explosion caused by a gas leak ripped through a restaurant in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan, state media said…
Powerful blast destroys American Academy in Paris
PARIS (Agencies): A powerful explosion blew out the facades of buildings in Paris on Wednesday, causing multiple casualties. Local officials say the blast was caused by a gas leak. Video…
Riyadh Air to connect Saudi capital to major European cities: CEO
PARIS (Agencies): In line with its goal to serve over 100 destinations by 2030, Riyadh Air will connect the Kingdom’s capital to major cities of Europe, its CEO said.Speaking to…
‘Underwater noises’ detected in search for missing Titanic sub
WASHINGTON (Agencies): A Canadian aircraft involved in the search for the deep-sea vessel that went missing during a voyage to the wreck of the Titanic has detected “underwater noises in…
It’s not just spy bases in Cuba, China could be sending troops right to Florida’s doorstep: WSJ
WASHINGTON (Agencies): China is planning to set up a new joint military training facility in Cuba, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing information from current and former US…
Indian airline orders 500 Airbus A320 at Paris Airshow
PARIS (Agencies): Indian carrier IndiGo has made a record order for 500 Airbus A320 aircraft – the largest single purchase agreement by any airline in commercial aviation history.The deal, announced…
Three killed, 29 wounded as Israeli forces raid Jenin camp
TEL AVIV (Agencies): Israeli forces have raided the Jenin refugee camp, killing three Palestinians and wounding at least 29.The raid began early Monday morning, with Israeli soldiers storming the camp,…