At least six dead after fire in Antwerp apartment block
At least six people have died after a fire broke out in a 10-storey apartment block in Antwerp, Belgian police said. Several others were injured in the blaze, which sent black smoke billowing from the building and prompted a large evacuation. Footage from the scene showed one man climbing from a balcony before being helped into a neighbouring window.Police said the fire began just before 10:00 local time on Wednesday, or 08:00 GMT, and was caused by a technical problem on the ground floor. More than 200 people live in the block, and the fire department evacuated 80 flats as... [Continue Reading]
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Plane crashes into Beijing CITIC Tower, killing one and injuring 13
A small aircraft has crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower, killing the only person on board and injuring 13 other people, according to the limited official information released so far. The impact left holes in the 109-storey skyscraper, which has since been boarded up. Authorities have not publicly explained why the aircraft came down.The plane was identified as a B-12PP, and reporting says it deviated from its intended flight path after taking off from Shifosi Airport about half an hour earlier. It was due to turn back to the airport at 5.45pm, but tracking signal was lost around Beijing's East Fifth... [Continue Reading]
Russia fuel shortages deepen as Ukraine's refinery strike campaign bites
Long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries are continuing to put pressure on fuel supplies across Russia and in occupied Crimea. The supplied report says the attacks have caused serious shortages, forced Moscow to begin purchasing fuel abroad, and disrupted supply routes north of the Sea of Azov. It also says the campaign has produced blackouts in the occupied Crimean peninsula, adding to the strain on local infrastructure.The report says the shortages have not yet changed President Vladimir Putin's peace terms, despite his recent acknowledgement that the strikes are painful for Russia. It says he has responded with defiance... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu and Katz say Israel will stay in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will not leave southern Lebanon while Hezbollah remains a threat, sharpening a dispute over the future of the border area. He made the remarks while visiting troops in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to the supplied report. The comments place Israel at odds with the immediate ceasefire language in the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which calls for a halt to fighting on all fronts.A day earlier, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops would not withdraw "a millimetre" until Hezbollah is disarmed. The reporting says Israel has occupied roughly one-fifth of... [Continue Reading]
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Syria's first post-Assad parliament begins legislative duties
Syria's first parliament since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad has taken shape, marking a significant step in the country's political transition. The new 210-member legislature is due to hold its first meeting on Monday, when members will be sworn in and the parliament's presidential council elected. The development comes as the country continues to move away from decades of Assad family rule.According to the head of Syria's electoral committee, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, President Ahmed al-Sharaa directly appointed 70 of the 210 seats, or one third of the chamber. The list of appointees includes 15 women, bringing the total number of... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan says it intercepted four drones from Afghanistan amid cross-border strikes
Pakistan said its forces intercepted four drones launched from Afghanistan into Balochistan, hours after Afghanistan's defence ministry said it had struck what it described as ISIL centres in Pakistan. The latest exchange was reported in Pakistan's Balochistan province and in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding to an already volatile border confrontation. Both sides have given sharply different accounts of the incident, and neither claim has been independently verified.Pakistan's military said the drones were detected immediately after crossing the border and were brought down using what it called sophisticated countermeasures. The Inter-Services Public Relations said the launch reflected the Afghan Taliban's... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says it struck Russia's Ufa oil refinery again and hit missile-components plant in Penza
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck Russia's Ufa oil refinery for a second time in a week and also hit a plant producing missile components in the Penza region. He said the refinery is one of Russia's largest producers of lubricants and is located more than 1,000 kilometres from Ukraine. The Penza facility, he added, lies about 500 kilometres from Ukraine and is linked to Russia's military-industrial complex.Zelenskyy described the attacks as a response to Russia's war against Ukraine and said peace was needed. Russian officials did not confirm either strike, and the claims could not be independently verified.... [Continue Reading]
US and Iran hold technical talks in Doha as Trump says strikes hit hard
US and Iranian delegations held technical talks in Doha on Wednesday, focusing on reopening and traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz and on securing a lasting ceasefire in the wider West Asia region. The discussions came as US President Donald Trump said Washington had "hit them very hard" for three nights and that relations with Tehran were "going very well". The talks are part of a mediator-led diplomatic track involving Qatar, with Pakistan also named in the process.Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews that the "denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well" and... [Continue Reading]
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Ship grounds in Strait of Hormuz as Iran warns over approved route
A foreign container ship has run aground on the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz, adding a new maritime flashpoint to an already tense dispute over who controls passage through the waterway. Iranian state television and official sources said the vessel was in shallow waters when the incident happened on Wednesday. The ship is believed to have been using the Oman corridor established last week as an alternative to Iran's designated route.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the grounding was linked to the vessel not using Iran's approved route. Iranian officials warned that captains, shipowners and shipping companies must... [Continue Reading]
Report says Trump added at least $2.2 billion to his wealth after returning to the White House
A report published on Tuesday says United States President Donald Trump added at least $2.2 billion to his personal wealth in 2025, the year he returned to the White House. The figure was examined by The New York Times and points to a sharp rise from the $622 million in gains reported for 2024. The report says much of the increase came from crypto-related ventures and family business deals.According to the report, one of the largest transactions involved an investment firm linked to the United Arab Emirates buying nearly half of the Trump family's main crypto company, World Liberty Financial.... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Doha diplomacy deepens as Ukraine, Israel and climate shocks add to global strain
US and Iranian officials are converging on Doha for mediated talks, with Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries involved as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional security. The discussions are being framed as indirect technical contacts, but they come alongside a broader push to keep channels open between Washington and Tehran. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, a newly signed Lebanon Israel declaration has drawn sharp criticism inside Lebanon, with Hezbollah and its allies warning it could fuel future conflict rather than ease it. Separately, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's pursuit of total victory against Iran and its proxies... [Continue Reading]
Trump weighs renewed military action against Iran as Doha talks continue
President Donald Trump has reportedly considered returning to full-scale war with Iran, but is now leaning toward continued diplomacy, according to the supplied report. The development comes as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Doha for talks with Qatari mediators. The latest accounts add to uncertainty over whether Washington and Tehran will keep negotiating or move toward military action.The report says Trump discussed the issue with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, to weigh whether the United States should continue negotiations with Iran or carry out strikes... [Continue Reading]
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Spain reports more than 1,000 heat-related deaths after June heatwave
Spain has reported more than 1,000 deaths linked to the recent June heatwave, according to official figures released on Wednesday. The Carlos III Health Institute said at least 1,028 people died from heat-related causes during the period. The figures come as the country recorded its hottest first six months on record.The national weather agency said the first half of 2026 was 1.6C above normal on average. It also said June 2026 was the second-hottest June in the historical series, with temperatures 3.2C above the norm. Officials said the number of heat-related deaths in June was more than double the 407... [Continue Reading]
Russian veteran detained after viral video warning Putin of possible mutiny
A Russian military veteran has been detained after posting a video that warned President Vladimir Putin that soldiers could turn their weapons towards the Kremlin if their complaints were ignored. The man, identified as Aleksandr Lunin, said in the clip that he wanted a live televised meeting with the president to describe what he called abuses on the frontline. The video spread widely online and drew attention to claims of punishment and mistreatment inside the armed forces.According to the supplied report, Lunin was detained for at least 11 days after being found guilty of displaying extremist or Nazi symbols. He... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar civil war death toll passes 100,000, conflict monitor says
More than 100,000 people have been killed in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021 triggered a civil war, according to a conflict monitor. The estimate marks a grim milestone in a conflict that has spread across the country over the past five years. Analysts say the war is now the deadliest active conflict in Asia.Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, known as ACLED, said there have been 100,114 conflict-related fatalities since the coup. The figure was cited by a senior analyst at the group, which compiles data from media reports of violence. There is no official nationwide death... [Continue Reading]
Australia and China trade criticism over ASIO foreign interference claims
China's ambassador to Australia has criticised the domestic spy agency ASIO over a video shown before a national security speech in Canberra last week. The dispute has drawn a sharp response from ASIO, which pointed to foreign interference cases that have ended in convictions in Australian courts. The row centres on allegations of Chinese foreign interference and on a separate joint warning from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.Ambassador Xiao Qian said the video, which included news clips about alleged Chinese foreign interference, risked damaging Australia-China relations. In an opinion piece sent to Nine Newspapers, he also attacked a Five Eyes... [Continue Reading]
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Modi tells Iran president freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz is vital, invites him to BRICS summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about recent developments in West Asia, stressing the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The call also included a formal invitation for Pezeshkian to attend the upcoming BRICS Leaders' Summit in India. The conversation comes amid heightened attention to regional stability and the security of a waterway that is central to India's energy imports.According to the Iranian readout of the call, Modi expressed hope for lasting peace in the region and said India valued continued efforts toward de-escalation. The readout said he conveyed condolences... [Continue Reading]
US and Europe clash over Bosnia's next high representative as Sarajevo talks end without deal
Diplomats in Sarajevo have failed to agree on a successor to Bosnia and Herzegovina's high representative, extending a transatlantic dispute over one of the country's most powerful international posts. The meeting brought together representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union and other members of the Peace Implementation Council steering board. It ended without a compromise, leaving the appointment unresolved and the current office-holder's future in immediate focus.The only concrete outcome reported from Tuesday's talks was agreement that Christian Schmidt, the German politician currently serving as high representative, should end his tenure immediately. Under... [Continue Reading]
Deadly wildfire near Thessaloniki spreads for a second day as death toll rises
Two people have now been found dead in the wildfire area near Thessaloniki in northern Greece, as firefighters continued to battle an out-of-control blaze on Tuesday evening. The fire broke out near Liti, about 15km north-west of the city, and spread quickly into nearby forested land. Residents in Liti were urged to leave their homes as the flames moved towards the village of Melissochori.The body of a man was discovered in a charred area near Liti, while a second body, which has not yet been identified, was later found in a house in a forested area nearby. A woman rescued... [Continue Reading]
Five humanitarian workers killed in convoy ambush in South Sudan's Jonglei State
The United Nations has said five humanitarian workers were killed when their convoy was ambushed in Duk County, in South Sudan's Jonglei State. Four other people were injured in the attack, and officials said several civilians were also reportedly killed or hurt. The convoy was described as clearly marked as humanitarian, and the incident has prompted calls for a prompt investigation.UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the convoy was operated by a local partner before it was attacked on Monday. He said the United Nations was deeply saddened by the killings and strongly condemned the assault. Dujarric added... [Continue Reading]
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Cuba says talks with the United States over sanctions have stalled
Cuba's foreign minister says negotiations with the United States have made no progress, as tensions continue over sanctions and the long-running trade embargo. Bruno Rodriguez said the talks had reached a standstill and accused US officials of using threats and coercive measures. He made the comments at a news conference on Tuesday in Havana.Rodriguez said the discussions between the two governments were showing no progress and that there had been no breakthroughs on ending sanctions against the island. He said US delegations had generally been respectful, but added that their conduct had been accompanied by what he described as constant... [Continue Reading]
Iran's regional proxy network reassessed after US-Iran war pause
A new analysis says a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran has halted more than three months of direct warfare and forced a reassessment of Tehran's regional proxy network. The agreement is described as having lifted a US naval blockade and created a $300bn reconstruction fund for Iran. It comes after a prolonged conflict that has reshaped calculations across the Middle East.The analysis, published by the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, says the deal marks a strategic setback for Washington's original war aims and amounts to an abandonment of regime-change objectives. It also argues that the framework... [Continue Reading]
Germany warns of rising threats from extremists and foreign powers
Germany's domestic security service has warned that threats from hostile foreign powers and extremist groups are growing, in a report released in Berlin on Tuesday. The annual assessment from the BfV said Moscow-recruited saboteurs, Chinese spies, Iran-backed Islamist militants and violent neo-Nazis are among the main concerns. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the country's adversaries come from both outside and within.Mr Dobrindt presented the report in Berlin and called for very quick government action on proposals to expand the powers of Germany's intelligence agencies. He said the changes should include lifting some strict limits on covert operations. The minister said... [Continue Reading]
Monaco parcel bomb manhunt continues after businessman and two others injured
Police in Monaco are continuing a manhunt after a parcel bomb exploded in a residential building near the French border, injuring a Ukrainian-born businessman and two other people. The blast happened at about 9pm local time on Monday and has been treated as an attempted murder investigation. Officials say the case is not being handled as terrorism at this stage.Prosecutor Stephane Thibault said the injured man had been stabilised by Tuesday, while the woman's condition remained life-threatening. A teenager was also hurt, with officials saying the young person was very likely related to the couple. Dozens of officers, along with... [Continue Reading]
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Israel advances land-control moves in Gaza and the West Bank
Israeli forces and officials have advanced a series of land-control and construction measures in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, according to the supplied report. The developments include work at Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque, new steps tied to settlement planning in northern Gaza, and the westward movement of control markers inside Gaza. Together, the actions point to a further tightening of physical and administrative control in areas at the centre of the conflict.At the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, heavy machinery entered the site and steel beams were installed over the open courtyard. The mosque's director said the work amounted to a... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan spark civilian deaths as US courts and Iran talks dominate
The biggest escalation came on the Pakistan Afghanistan border, where the UN mission in Afghanistan said at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured after Pakistan launched airstrikes and sent ground troops into Afghan territory. India condemned the strikes, saying civilians, including women and children, were among the dead. 🔗 🔗Regional fallout widened as Donald Trump said Iran had requested a meeting in Doha and that talks would go ahead, while Iranian officials denied any political negotiations were planned. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were later reported to be in Qatar for mediator led discussions, with Tehran... [Continue Reading]
Germany intelligence warns of surge in far-right extremism
Germany's domestic intelligence service has warned that right-wing extremism remains the greatest threat to the country's democracy, saying the number of far-right extremists rose sharply to 58,700 last year. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution said that was an increase of more than 8,000 on the previous year. It also said 5,600 of those identified were considered likely to use violence.In its annual report, the agency said German democracy was under "practically permanent attack" from both inside and outside. Its head, Sinan Selen, said extreme left-wing violence was also increasing and described the situation as an alarm... [Continue Reading]
Russia expands military training for schoolchildren aged 11 to 17
Russia has doubled the amount of required military training for schoolchildren aged 11 to 17, according to the latest reported changes to the curriculum. The programme, known as Fundamentals of Homeland Security and Defence, now includes lessons on drones, field exercises and firearms. The new format could begin as soon as September in occupied Crimea.Education minister Sergei Kravtsov said the course will now include at least 17 hours of basic military training, within a total of 34 hours of material. Schools are also requiring pupils to study Russian military history, civil service, wartime survival, combat skills, firearm handling and how... [Continue Reading]
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Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
An Alabama resident was sentenced to prison after an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent caught him distributing child sexual abuse material online. The case was reported in Albany, Georgia, and the source says the man was living in Southwest Georgia at the time. The text identifies the material as involving young female children. It says the defendant was sentenced to serve more than a decade in prison, but gives no exact term and does not name him. No other case details are provided in the source. The report does not specify the court, additional charges, or whether any other people... [Continue Reading]
Tamil Nadu ammonia leak at seafood plant kills 16, prompting safety probe
An ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu has killed 16 people, most of them women migrant workers. The leak occurred at St. Peter & Paul Sea Food Export Private Limited in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam.The incident has triggered an official inquiry and renewed scrutiny of factory safety enforcement in the state. The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and ordered a probe. It has asked the Tiruvallur District Collector to submit a detailed report within four weeks.The commission has also sought findings on whether... [Continue Reading]
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South Africa deploys police as anti-immigrant protests spread on deadline day
Police have been deployed across South African towns and cities as anti-immigrant protests intensify on the day an unofficial deadline set by protest groups expires. Businesses in several cities have closed, and security personnel have been visible in Johannesburg as authorities try to prevent unrest from escalating. The demonstrations are linked to demands that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by Tuesday.The groups behind the protests have claimed undocumented migrants will face arrest and deportation if they do not leave in time, but the government has rejected those threats as false. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that the right... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says it struck Russia's Dubna satellite communications site for a second time
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv had struck Russia's Dubna Satellite Communications Centre in the Moscow region for a second time. He described the target as part of Ukraine's long-range campaign against Russian military communications and reconnaissance. The claim points to another cross-border strike deep inside Russian territory, more than 500 kilometres from Ukraine's border.Zelenskyy said the site was a "special satellite communications facility" used for reconnaissance and for coordinating Russia's occupation contingent in Ukraine. In a post on social media, he said Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" had again reached the Dubna space communications centre. The supplied material says the facility... [Continue Reading]
China launches first river-sea intermodal zero-carbon route in Zhejiang
NINGBO, 30 June 2026 (WAM) -- China's first river-sea intermodal zero-carbon route was launched on Tuesday as the fully electric container vessel Ningyuan Dianpeng departed Jiaxing Port on its maiden voyage to Ningbo Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang Province, the Global Times reported.The launch marks the beginning of China's first river-sea intermodal transport route in the zero-carbon era, offering a replicable and scalable model for electrifying and decarbonising transport across coastal and inland waterways, according to a press release issued by Ningbo Zhoushan Port.The zero-carbon river-sea intermodal route is designed as a full-chain green transport system, integrating fully electric... [Continue Reading]
At least 13 dead in Accra flooding as Ghana warns of more rain
At least 13 people have died in Ghana's capital, Accra, after torrential rain caused severe flooding across parts of the city. Emergency teams have been deployed as rescue and recovery operations continue, with authorities warning that the death toll could still rise. The government has urged residents to stay indoors or move to higher ground as another storm approaches from the east.The Ghana National Fire Service said it had rescued more than 470 people so far. It said much of the water from Sunday night's downpours had begun to recede, but low-lying areas were heavily affected and some residents remained... [Continue Reading]
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Baby and man dead in Russia after overnight Ukraine drone strikes
A six-month-old baby has died in Russia's Moscow region after debris from a drone struck a building, according to the regional governor. A man was also killed overnight in the Belgorod region in a separate drone attack, local authorities said. The incidents came during a large-scale overnight wave of Ukrainian drone strikes across Russia.Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said the baby was taken out of the building with another child and two other survivors before dying on the way to hospital. Russia's defence ministry said air defences intercepted and destroyed 419 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles across... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Ukraine, Pakistan and Middle East tensions dominate as markets trade mixed
Russia's latest missile and drone strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens, with regional officials reporting deaths in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv as rescue work continued. A separate UN account said weekend attacks on energy and heating facilities killed at least a dozen civilians, underlining the pressure on Ukraine's infrastructure. 🔗 🔗In Afghanistan, the UN mission said at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured after Pakistan launched airstrikes and sent ground troops across the border into Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces. India condemned the strikes after reports of civilian casualties, including women and children,... [Continue Reading]
JetBlue flight reports drone strike on approach to JFK for a second day
A JetBlue passenger jet reported hitting a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, with the crew saying the object struck the aircraft during final approach. The flight landed safely minutes later and was then taken out of service for inspection.The incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the supplied report, the crew on Flight 948 said the strike happened at about 3,000 feet, around 7:15 a.m. local time, as the aircraft was turning toward landing. Air traffic control audio captured the pilot telling the tower that the aircraft had collided with... [Continue Reading]
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam floods worsen as roads and bridges are washed away
Heavy monsoon rain has worsened flooding and landslides across parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, cutting off roads, damaging bridges and forcing fresh rescues. The latest reports say at least 12 districts in Arunachal Pradesh have been battered by downpours, while nearly 45,000 people across five districts in Assam have been affected. Authorities have also deployed an Indian Air Force helicopter after four people were stranded on an island in the Sisiri River in Lower Dibang Valley.Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the chief ministers of both states and assured central assistance as the situation develops. The India... [Continue Reading]
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Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16
Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. The South American side advanced to the round of 16 after a tense shootout that ended the four-time champions' campaign. The result was sealed on Monday and immediately stood out as a major upset in the group stage.Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was central to the outcome, saving the efforts of Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah sent his attempt over the bar. That opened the door for Jose Canale to score the decisive penalty and complete... [Continue Reading]
Dozens of governments back stronger energy efficiency action at Montreal conference
PARIS, 30th June, 2026 (WAM) -- Dozens of governments from across the globe issued a joint statement today agreeing to make energy efficiency a cornerstone of energy policy, recognising its critical role in building resilience against future energy shocks, improving affordability for consumers and boosting economic competitiveness.Meeting at the IEA's 11th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Montreal, co-hosted by the Government of Canada, ministers and senior officials from all continents said recent disruptions to global energy markets following the war in the Middle East had reinforced the need to accelerate energy efficiency as one of the quickest and... [Continue Reading]
Arunachal Pradesh to probe alleged Chinese encroachment near Taksing
Arunachal Pradesh has said it will set up a committee to examine allegations that Chinese military activity has encroached on Indian territory near Taksing in Upper Subansiri district. The claim was raised by a local community organisation based in the border area, which said the activity was taking place inside what it described as ancestral land. State home minister Mama Natung said the allegations remain unverified and that the government is waiting for an official district report.The Nah Welfare Society, based in Taksing, wrote to the district deputy commissioner alleging the establishment of Chinese camps inside Indian territory along the... [Continue Reading]
Queensland police charge 11 over 3D-printed gun blueprints as crackdown continues
Queensland police have charged 11 people with possessing or distributing blueprint material for the manufacture of firearms, after the state tightened its laws in response to the Bondi terror attack. The charges cover the period from March, when the legislation came into effect, through to June this year. Police say the cases form part of a wider crackdown on privately made firearms and the digital files used to produce them.Among the cases cited by investigators are two men accused of possessing 34 3D-printed Glock-style firearms, 800 rounds of ammunition, handgun magazines and a hard drive containing blueprints for printing 3D... [Continue Reading]
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UN reports 28 civilians killed in airstrikes across three Afghan provinces
The UN Mission in Afghanistan reported that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured in airstrikes in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces. The strikes took place on Sunday evening, according to the mission's report. The source identifies the toll as civilian casualties and names three provinces affected, but provides no additional operational detail. It does not say who carried out the airstrikes, what targets were struck, or whether the attacks were part of a broader campaign. The report confirms a significant civilian impact across multiple locations in eastern Afghanistan. No other consequences, response measures, or casualty updates were... [Continue Reading]
Deadly heatwave grips Italy and the Balkans as wildfire fears grow
A record-breaking heatwave is continuing to affect Italy and the Balkans, with authorities issuing red heat warnings, firefighters tackling wildfires and forecasters warning that the extreme temperatures are likely to persist for several more days. The hot spell has also been linked to excess deaths across Europe and is disrupting daily life in several countries. In Italy, 22 cities were placed under red heat warnings on Monday, stretching from Bolzano in the north to Palermo in Sicily.The immediate impact has been felt across a wide area, with Croatia's weather service issuing red alerts for several regions, including Zagreb, Split and... [Continue Reading]
Syria condemns Israeli incursion and shelling in southern Daraa province as residents flee overnight
The Syrian government has condemned a new Israeli incursion and shelling in the south of the country after troops advanced into the village of Abdin in Daraa province, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The incident prompted residents to flee overnight, according to local accounts cited in the supplied material. It is the latest reported episode in a series of cross-border tensions along Syria's southern frontier.The Syrian foreign ministry said on Monday that Israeli forces had carried out incursions into Syrian territory in both Quneitra and Daraa provinces and had targeted the area with artillery fire. Damascus described the actions as... [Continue Reading]
China boosts investment in Middle Corridor trade route to Europe
China is stepping up investment in the Middle Corridor, a multimodal trade route linking China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. The route is being promoted as an alternative to shipping lanes that pass through Russia and conflict-hit parts of West Asia. It combines rail, road and maritime transport and is drawing attention as companies look for faster and less exposed supply chains.The reported investment includes support for ports and logistics infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. According to the supplied material, Chinese state-owned companies have invested hundreds... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Hormuz truce, Ukraine strikes and global shocks dominate a volatile day
The biggest development was a fragile de escalation around the Strait of Hormuz, with the United States and Iran agreeing to stand down for now after several days of strikes and counterstrikes near the waterway, even as a separate report said talks in Doha remain disputed and volatile. 🔗 🔗In the Middle East, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least four Palestinians, including a 13 year old girl, as attacks on tents and other civilian sites continued, while Israel also carried out further strikes in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of what it described as a tunnel near the village... [Continue Reading]
India condemns Pakistan airstrikes on Afghan territory after civilian casualties
India has condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory after the attacks reportedly caused several civilian casualties, including women and children. The statement said the strikes amounted to an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and posed a direct threat to regional peace and stability. The incident adds to already strained relations in a sensitive part of South Asia, where cross-border military actions can quickly widen diplomatic tensions.According to the statement, the airstrikes were described as a "blatant act of aggression" by Pakistan. India said the action reflected a persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and what it called an attempt to externalise internal... [Continue Reading]
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US Supreme Court expands presidential firing power but lets Fed's Lisa Cook stay for now
The US Supreme Court has broadened presidential power to remove the heads of independent federal agencies, while making a specific exception for the Federal Reserve. In the latest ruling, the justices allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain in her post as she fights President Donald Trump's effort to dismiss her over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she denies. The decision marks a major shift in the balance between the White House and agencies that were designed to operate with a degree of independence.The court's majority said protections from removal are inconsistent with the Constitution's separation of powers, effectively... [Continue Reading]
DR Congo bans mass gatherings in Kinshasa amid Ebola spread fears
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mass gatherings in the capital, Kinshasa, and three other areas as authorities try to stop Ebola spreading beyond the country's eastern provinces. The order was issued by Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, according to the supplied report, as officials warned that the outbreak could reach the city of about 18 million people. The restriction also applies to Tshopo, Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele, which border provinces where Ebola has already been confirmed.The current outbreak has so far been detected in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, all in the east of the country, around 1,800 km... [Continue Reading]
HRW says all sides in Mali committed grave abuses during April violence
Human Rights Watch has accused jihadists, the Malian army and its Russian allies of committing grave abuses against civilians during and after April attacks in Mali. The report says civilians were killed and civilian vehicles were burned in attacks attributed to JNIM fighters, while counterinsurgency operations against Fulani communities also caused heavy civilian losses. It adds that the violence took place as fighting flared again across the country.The report says abusive operations by the Malian army and its allies led to the killings of 38 civilians, including 23 children. It also says Mali's military carried out two apparent drone strikes... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine gives Belarus one week to shut down Russia-linked drone relay stations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly demanded that Belarus shut down four relay stations installed by Russia and used to support drone attacks on Ukraine. He said the sites should be removed within about a week, warning that Kyiv could strike them itself if Belarus does not comply. The remarks mark a sharp escalation in pressure on Belarus, which borders Ukraine along a frontier stretching more than 1,000 kilometres.According to the reported details, the stations were originally cellular communication towers that now help Russian drone operators relay signals and exchange information between unmanned aircraft. Zelenskyy said on 19 June that... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Border violence, Europe heatwave and Asia tensions dominate the noon brief
Pakistan said it killed 29 militants in a combined air and ground operation along the border with Afghanistan, after launching strikes into three Afghan provinces, as civilian casualties on the Afghan side rose and the frontier crisis deepened. 🔗In Ukraine, Vladimir Putin rejected reported proposals to limit long range strikes, saying Moscow would continue its war, even as drone attacks intensified and the conflict showed no sign of easing. 🔗India will be represented at the funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh,... [Continue Reading]
Record European heatwave drives wildfires and excess deaths as fire risk spreads
Dozens of firefighters, supported by four aircraft, are battling a wildfire burning pine forests on the tourist island of Vis in Croatia, as the record-breaking heatwave continues to drive fire risk across southwestern Europe and the Balkans. The island lies about 55 kilometres southwest of Split, and Croatian weather officials have issued a red alert for areas including Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. The fire is one of several weather-related emergencies unfolding as temperatures remain dangerously high across the region.In Serbia, the State Hydrometeorological Service warned that temperatures would reach 39C on Monday, while Albania said it had contained a wildfire... [Continue Reading]
Australia and Vanuatu sign Nakamal Agreement as China voices concern
Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, finalising a security and economic pact that bars foreign military bases from being established on Vanuatu. The deal was signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, and both leaders framed it as a step to strengthen sovereignty and regional stability. Albanese said the agreement gives Australia certainty that there will be no foreign military base in Vanuatu.The pact also requires Vanuatu to consult Australia on any third-party investment in critical infrastructure, while Australia has committed to increased economic support for the Pacific island nation.... [Continue Reading]
India to send Bihar governor and minister of state to Khamenei funeral in Iran
India will be represented at the funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margerita. They are expected to attend the proceedings in Iran next month, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. The move follows a formal invitation sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian through the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi.According to the supplied report, the invitation was delivered last Tuesday and the funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4 before burial in... [Continue Reading]
South African police officer survives shooting in Johannesburg ahead of corruption inquiry
One of South Africa's most senior police officers has survived an attempted assassination in Johannesburg, according to police. Deputy crime intelligence boss Maj-Gen Feroz Khan was shot on Sunday evening while driving home. He was later rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, local media reported.Police said on Monday that they were investigating the shooting. South African police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said it was too early to speculate on a motive or to conclude that the attack was linked to Khan's expected appearance before a public inquiry. The officer had been due to give evidence before the Madlanga commission, which... [Continue Reading]
India's Ram Temple faces embezzlement allegations amid police probes and political fallout
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is facing allegations that donations worth potentially millions of dollars were embezzled by people involved in its management. The claims have triggered police investigations and arrests, according to the supplied report, and have added a new layer of controversy around one of India's most politically sensitive religious sites. The scandal is unfolding in Uttar Pradesh, months before crucial state elections.The allegations first surfaced this month after Mahipal Singh, described as a former supervisor of the trust's accounting team, publicly raised concerns about irregularities. The temple is managed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust,... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Middle East tensions ease, Europe hit by heat and tragedy, markets turn risk off
The United States and Iran have agreed to stand down for now after several days of fire exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz, while technical talks continue on ending the wider Middle East war. 🔗 🔗In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least four Palestinians, including a 13 year old girl, as attacks on tents and other sites continued in the north and south of the enclave. 🔗 Israel also carried out further strikes in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of what it described as a tunnel near the village of Aita al Shaab, as the new framework deal faces its... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquake death toll nears 1,500 as rescue window closes
Officials in Venezuela say the death toll from the earthquakes has risen to nearly 1,500, as the critical 72-hour rescue window is closing. Emergency teams are still searching through rubble, but the focus is shifting increasingly toward recovery rather than rescue. The latest figures indicate the disaster remains fluid and that the final toll may still change.The new report says the casualty count has climbed to 1,430 dead and 3,238 injured, with hospitals continuing to treat people for fractures and panic attacks. Families of missing people have been gathering outside a hospital in Caracas, hoping for news of relatives. The... [Continue Reading]
Israel strikes southern Lebanon again as framework deal faces first test
Israeli forces have carried out further strikes in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of what Israeli officials described as a tunnel near the village of Majdal Zoun. Lebanese state media also reported additional attacks in the south, including in the city of Nabatieh, while smoke was seen rising near the coastal city of Tyre. The latest violence comes just days after a trilateral framework agreement was signed under US sponsorship to pave the way for peace and Hezbollah disarmament.In a joint statement, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the tunnel stretched more than 200 metres... [Continue Reading]
Indian Army to roll out first Integrated Battle Groups next month near China-facing corps
The Indian Army is set to establish and operationalise its first Integrated Battle Groups next month, in a significant restructuring of its force posture along the China-facing frontier. The new units are to be carved out of the Panagarh-based XVII Corps, also known as the mountain strike corps, which is positioned for operations in mountainous terrain. According to the supplied report, the rollout has been advanced to July 1 from an earlier plan that had pointed to September.The first phase is expected to create four Integrated Battle Groups and one fire support group under the XVII Corps. Each of the... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes kill Palestinians in Gaza as attacks on tents continue
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip killed at least four Palestinians on Sunday, including a 13-year-old girl, in separate strikes in the north and south of the enclave. The incidents included a drone strike west of Beit Lahiya and a missile strike on a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis. Medical staff also reported receiving the body of one unidentified man after the southern attack.Palestinian news agency Wafa said an Israeli drone struck the al-Salatin area, west of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, killing at least two people and wounding at least one more. In southern Gaza, Israeli warplanes... [Continue Reading]
Eleven killed as skydiving plane crashes in Tomblaine, eastern France
Local officials in eastern France said a skydiving aircraft crashed in Tomblaine on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board. The victims included five instructors, five students and the pilot, according to the prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle. The crash happened near the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, close to residential streets and roads on the edge of Nancy.Authorities said the cause was not immediately clear and that a technical investigation had been opened. A French deputy public prosecutor said investigators were treating the case as a technical matter at this stage. Local officials also said the aircraft, a Pilatus registered in Germany, had been... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon-Israel framework agreement sparks protests in Beirut as dispute over withdrawal deepens
Protests broke out in Beirut after Lebanon and Israel signed a United States-brokered framework agreement on Friday, with demonstrators criticising the deal for not requiring an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas. The immediate street reaction underscored how contested the arrangement remains in Lebanon, where many see the question of territory and sovereignty as central to any lasting settlement. The protests also reflected anger among people affected by months of fighting and displacement in the south and in Beirut's southern suburbs.The supplied material says the agreement followed months of direct negotiations and was signed after a period of intense conflict between... [Continue Reading]
US and Iran trade fresh strikes after ship hit near Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes after a ship trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz was hit by a projectile, deepening a confrontation over navigation in one of the world's most sensitive shipping corridors. The latest escalation has centred on accusations that each side violated the June 17 memorandum of understanding, including Article 5, which calls for safe passage for commercial vessels through the waterway. The exchange has raised new doubts about whether the fragile agreement can hold.According to the supplied material, the latest round began on Friday when the vessel was struck while attempting to... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Aramco helicopter crash in Ras Tanura kills all 14 on board
A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, killing all 14 people on board, according to state media. The crash was reported on Sunday, with the aircraft coming down in the eastern coastal city that is closely associated with the kingdom's energy sector. Officials said investigations were under way to determine the cause of the accident.State media cited an official source at the energy ministry in reporting the death toll. The Saudi Press Agency said the helicopter belonged to Saudi Aramco and that everyone aboard died in the crash. No further details were immediately released about... [Continue Reading]
Karachi Rangers compound attack kills four as India rejects Pakistan blame claims
Pakistan says militants attacked a Sindh Rangers compound in Karachi on Saturday night, leaving four paramilitary personnel dead. The assault took place at the Bhittai Wing headquarters in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, a densely populated part of the city. It is being described as Karachi's first major terrorist strike since October 2024.According to reports from Islamabad, security forces killed six attackers and captured another alive after foiling the raid. The attack was said to have begun at around 8.30 pm. Pakistani officials also alleged an Indian link to the incident, but provided no evidence in the material supplied.India has firmly rejected... [Continue Reading]
Uganda media outlets remain off air after army chief orders closures
Uganda's leading independent media group says its operations remain under military pressure after the army chief ordered the closure of two major outlets. Armed personnel were reported outside Nation Media Group offices in Kampala, while broadcasts from NTV Uganda and related stations were disrupted. The order was announced on Sunday by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces.Kainerugaba said the Daily Monitor, the country's largest independent daily newspaper, and NTV Uganda, one of the biggest private broadcasters, would not reopen without his permission. In posts on X, he said he did not believe in a free press... [Continue Reading]
Iraq security forces arrest officials in Baghdad anticorruption crackdown
Elite Iraqi security personnel have carried out a dawn arrest operation in Baghdad, detaining several politicians, lawmakers and officials on corruption charges. The operation took place in the fortified Green Zone and in nearby neighbourhoods, according to a security source cited by state-run media. It is the latest sign of a widening anticorruption drive in the capital.The arrests were linked to statements provided by deputy oil minister Adnan al-Jumaili after his earlier arrest last month on corruption charges. Authorities had also seized about $86 million in cash this month, which was said to be part of the same case. A... [Continue Reading]
Record heatwave sweeps Europe, killing dozens and straining hospitals
A severe heatwave moved east across western Europe on Saturday, breaking national temperature records and leaving hospitals, roads and rail networks under pressure. The event affected a vast area of the continent, with nearly 200 million people experiencing temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius in a single day. Authorities in several countries reported deaths, transport disruption and emergency measures as the heat continued to test public services.In France, officials said around 40 people drowned in the past week, many after swimming in unsupervised areas in an effort to escape the heat. Paris hospitals recorded nearly 3,000 emergency room visits for a... [Continue Reading]
Trump warns US may act if Iran breaches ceasefire amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
President Donald Trump has warned that the United States military could act again if Iran fails to comply with the ceasefire, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high. The warning comes amid reports of tanker attacks over two days that have further strained the fragile truce. The strategic waterway, through which a large share of global energy shipments passes, has again become a focal point of confrontation.According to the supplied report, Trump said the US could "complete the job" if Iran breaches the ceasefire. The same report said American aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, as... [Continue Reading]
Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits off Japan's Iwate coast, no tsunami warning issued
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan near Iwate Prefecture early on Sunday morning, shaking parts of the region and nearby prefectures. The quake hit at 7:25 am local time at a depth of about 40 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.The tremor was felt in Aomori Prefecture and other nearby areas, extending the impact beyond the immediate offshore epicentre. Officials said the earthquake occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, which lies on Japan's Pacific side and is regularly... [Continue Reading]
Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with France amid deepening rift with former colonial power
Burkina Faso's military government has announced that it is severing diplomatic relations with France, in a move that further widens the country's break with its former colonial ruler. The decision was announced on national television and said to take effect immediately on 26 June 2026. Officials said the step concerns diplomatic relations only and does not alter the historical, human, cultural and social ties between the two peoples.Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the move followed a review of relations with Paris. He accused France of persistently acting against Burkina Faso's interests and said the conditions for relations based on mutual... [Continue Reading]
Explosion and gunfire reported near Rangers offices in Karachi
An explosion and gunfire were reported on Saturday near a gate leading to the offices of Pakistan's Rangers in Karachi. The incident was reported in the city's commercial centre, with local sources saying the blast happened close to a paramilitary facility. Reports also said clashes were underway at the scene as security forces moved in.Special units, including the Rapid Response Force and police commandos, were dispatched to the area, according to local media cited in the supplied material. Police and paramilitary personnel cordoned off the location after the blast. The road near the site is said to be close to... [Continue Reading]
Fresh attacks on shipping and US retaliation raise Strait of Hormuz risk
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a new rise in tension after reports of an attack on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship and subsequent US retaliation against Iranian military sites. The developments come only days after Washington and Tehran agreed to end months of fighting and reopen the waterway, which carries a large share of global energy shipments. Maritime security officials and shipping companies are now warning that the gap between the ceasefire on paper and conditions at sea remains wide.According to the supplied report, the vessel Ever Lovely was struck by what US officials described as an Iranian drone shortly... [Continue Reading]
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan, tremors felt across Pakistan and northern India
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday, with tremors felt across Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delhi-NCR area. The quake was reported at a depth of 215 kilometres, according to the National Center for Seismology. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the supplied material.The shaking prompted people in parts of northern Pakistan to run out of their homes, according to an eyewitness account cited in the source material. Social media users also reported feeling the tremor across the wider region. The depth of the quake suggests it was a deep seismic event rather... [Continue Reading]
Oil tanker struck in the Strait of Hormuz, crew reported safe
A Panama-flagged oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 27 June, according to maritime reporting cited in the supplied material. The vessel was damaged in the bridge area, but the crew were reported safe. The incident took place in one of the world's most sensitive shipping corridors, where large volumes of oil and fuel transit each day.The tanker has been identified as KIKU. The strike prompted the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre to raise its threat level after receiving the report. The available material does not identify the projectile, the attacker, or the... [Continue Reading]
Pilot dies after small plane crashes into Beijing high-rise, injuring 13
Chinese authorities have confirmed that the pilot of a small aircraft died after the plane crashed into Beijing's CITIC Tower, with 13 people injured on the ground. The crash happened at 5.55pm local time on Thursday in Chaoyang District, according to a statement shared by local authorities. The aircraft was described as a single-engine, two-seat light plane, and officials said the cause is still under investigation.The first official account said the pilot was the only person on board. It also said the injured were hurt at the scene, without giving details on the severity of their injuries. Witnesses reported debris... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens 100% tariffs over digital services taxes, escalating pressure on EU trade ties
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% import tariff on goods from any European country that introduces a digital services tax on American companies. In a post on Truth Social, he said the measure would take effect immediately and would override any existing trade deals with the country concerned. The warning was directed at countries that have already adopted such taxes, as well as those he said were close to doing so.Trump said "numerous European countries" had been discussing digital services taxes and argued that any country imposing one would face a tariff on "any and all... [Continue Reading]
Iran, Bahrain and Iraq report fresh security incidents amid Gulf escalation
A new set of security incidents has been reported across the Gulf region and northern Iraq as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise. A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was said to have been hit by an unidentified projectile, while Bahrain accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its territory. In northern Iraq, a drone exploded at a Kurdish opposition camp near Erbil, according to security sources.The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said the tanker's bridge was damaged, but all crew members were safe and there was no immediate report of environmental damage. Bahrain's foreign... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Utah declares emergency and restricts fireworks as wildfire danger intensifies ahead of July 4
Utah has declared a state of emergency and temporarily restricted fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday as wildfire conditions worsen across the state. The measures come as the Cottonwood fire continues to spread in southern Utah and other fires burn in several counties. Officials have also urged residents in parts of Juab County to prepare to evacuate if needed.The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning on Friday, describing it as the first Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning in the history of its Salt Lake City office. The agency said an exceptionally rare and dangerous fire weather... [Continue Reading]
UN rights chief calls for probe into migrant deaths in US detention centres
The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into a sharp rise in deaths in migrant detention centres in the United States. Volker Turk said the increase in fatalities during President Donald Trump's second term raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability. He said the rights of victims' families to truth, justice and reparation must be upheld.Turk's statement on Friday cited US government statistics showing at least 19 migrant detention deaths so far this year. The reported death of a Georgian man, Mamuka Artmeladze, in a detention facility in Louisiana on 4 June brought the total... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquake doublet leaves buildings collapsed and residents sheltering in Caracas
A rare pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through Caracas and leaving residents sheltering outdoors as buildings collapsed and power failed in parts of the capital. The first quake measured 7.2 and hit near the town of San Felipe just after 6pm local time, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor. In Caracas, people described watching buildings shake violently and, in some cases, collapse before their eyes.One resident, 17-year-old student Roberto Quintero, said he had just entered his mother's apartment block when the second quake hit. He said his mother saw a building... [Continue Reading]
Israeli prosecutors charge six settlers over West Bank mosque attack
Israeli prosecutors have filed indictments against six settlers over an attack on the village of Deir Dibwan and a mosque in the occupied West Bank. Police said the charges relate to acts committed on June 14, when masked settlers entered the village carrying flammable substances, tear gas and a knife. The case adds a formal legal response to an incident that has drawn attention because it involved both property damage and an attack on a place of worship.According to police, the six indictments cover terrorism, arson, sabotage and violent rioting carried out for what they described as a nationalist motive.... [Continue Reading]
John Bolton pleads guilty in US classified-documents case
Former US national security adviser John Bolton has pleaded guilty in a federal court case over the illegal retention of classified information. The plea was entered on Friday in Washington, where Bolton admitted a single charge linked to diary entries and notes compiled for a book. He had previously been indicted on 18 counts and had initially pleaded not guilty.According to the court account, the material Bolton kept included diary entries containing national defence information, some of it classified at the top secret level. After the judge read the allegations, Bolton said the accusations were accurate and told the court,... [Continue Reading]
Russia alleged to be preparing provocation against Poland or Baltic states amid NATO concerns
Latvian intelligence has said there are indications Russia may be preparing military provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, according to the supplied material. A senior political source from another NATO member also reportedly said intelligence was being picked up suggesting Vladimir Putin may be planning something against the Baltic states. The allegation is being framed as a possible attempt to test NATO cohesion and the level of US support for smaller alliance members.The reported warning comes as the war in Ukraine continues to put pressure on Moscow, with the source material linking the alleged move to Ukraine's long-range strikes... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz evacuation paused after cargo vessel struck near Oman
The International Maritime Organization has paused its planned evacuation of sailors from the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile near Oman. The incident took place about 7.5 nautical miles, or 14 kilometres, southeast of Dahit, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. No casualties were reported, but the strike has again disrupted efforts to move mariners out of the waterway.The IMO said several crews had already been evacuated before the operation was suspended, but Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the agency needed "necessary safety guarantees" before continuing. The evacuation plan had been... [Continue Reading]
Iran offers discounted crude to India after US sanctions waiver, refiners weigh return
Iranian oil sellers are approaching Indian refiners with discounted crude after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Tehran, according to industry sources cited in the supplied report. The outreach has reopened a narrow trade window for energy flows between Iran and India, but refiners are still weighing whether to buy. The discussions involve both the National Iranian Oil Company and intermediaries claiming to have been allocated oil by the Iranian state producer.Sources said NIOC is offering crude at $3 to $4 a barrel below comparable regional grades on a landed basis. Traders based in Singapore and Dubai are also... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia ablaze after Russian missile and drone attack leaves at least nine hurt
Zaporizhzhia was hit by a Russian missile and drone attack that set off fires and damaged civilian property in the city, according to regional authorities. The strike took place in the late morning after air raid alerts had been active for more than two hours. Emergency crews were still working at the scene as firefighters battled the blaze and paramedics treated the injured.Officials said the attack involved at least two ballistic missiles and several attack drones. Regional authorities said the strikes hit a civilian neighbourhood in the city centre, with damage reported to warehouses, homes, commercial buildings and parked vehicles.... [Continue Reading]
IAEA chief presses for strict verification of Iran nuclear programme amid ceasefire talks
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has called for a very strong verification system and full access to monitor Iran's nuclear programme. He said certainty would require inspectors to be able to verify matters "everywhere" as soon as practicable, rather than relying on assurances about intent. His comments come as the United States and Iran continue talks linked to a preliminary ceasefire arrangement and a wider peace process.Grossi said the key objective of the preliminary agreement is to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, while stressing that the agency does not judge intentions. He also said... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Aramco resumes crude exports from Ras Tanura after nearly four months of disruption
Saudi Aramco has resumed crude loading at its Ras Tanura terminal on Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast after a disruption that lasted nearly four months. Shipping data showed two very large crude carriers loading at the port on Friday, with a third tanker waiting offshore. The restart marks a significant step in the return of oil flows through one of the world's most important export hubs.The terminal had been affected by the Gulf conflict that began in early March, when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz became difficult. Each of the tankers involved can carry up to 2 million barrels of... [Continue Reading]
Heathrow warns of lower passengers and profits as Middle East conflict hits traffic
Heathrow has said passenger numbers and profits are set to fall this year because the conflict in the Middle East is weighing on air travel demand. The airport, which describes itself as Europe's busiest, said the regional violence is creating notable downward pressure on traffic. It added that the impact could extend beyond the region and affect global travel demand for the rest of the year.In its latest investor report, Heathrow forecast a 1.1% decline in total passengers to 83.6 million. It also said profits are expected to fall by £147 million year on year, and by £60 million compared... [Continue Reading]
North Korea conducts major weapons tests as Kim urges more destructive posture
North Korea has carried out a new round of weapons tests, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for a more aggressive military stance as tensions with South Korea remain elevated. State media said Kim observed the tests the previous day and urged the armed forces to adopt a "deadly and destructive offensive posture." The reported exercises included a special mission ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded rocket launcher with extended firing range, and a self-propelled gun-howitzer. According to the report, Kim said the country's enemies should feel "constant uneasiness and fear" and should be deterred from attacking.State media said the warhead... [Continue Reading]
Typhoon Mekkhala triggers flooding in Taiwan and evacuation orders for 2.2 million in Japan
Typhoon Mekkhala has brought torrential rain and flooding to Taiwan while prompting large-scale evacuation orders in Japan as the storm moves toward the Ryukyu Islands in the south of the country. The system was described as a tropical storm at the time of the report, but it has already caused significant disruption across both territories. In Taiwan, heavy rain has affected parts of the island, while in Japan authorities have warned of flooding, landslides and river overflows.Japanese authorities ordered the evacuation of 2.2 million people from risk areas and issued alerts for flooding and landslides on Friday. More than 200... [Continue Reading]
Italy denies US used its airbases for strikes on Iran after NATO chief's comments
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denied claims that the United States used Italian airbases for airstrikes on Iran. She said Italy provided only technical and logistics support and did not take part in military action against Iran. The denial came after comments by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte prompted questions over Italy's role in the operation.Meloni made the remarks during a Franco-Italian summit in France, where she said Rutte had made misleading comments about Italy's involvement. According to the supplied report, Rutte had said in a Fox News interview on Tuesday that Italy played a key role by allowing 500... [Continue Reading]
Twin earthquakes near Caracas kill nearly 190 as rescue effort continues
Venezuela is racing to rescue people trapped under rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas, killing nearly 190 people and leaving thousands homeless. The first quake, measured at magnitude 7.2, hit about 160 kilometres west of the capital on Wednesday evening. Less than a minute later, a magnitude 7.5 tremor followed, deepening the damage across Caracas and nearby coastal areas.Officials said 188 people had been confirmed dead by Thursday afternoon, while 200 remained trapped and 1,520 had been hospitalised. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the national assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, gave the latest figures and said... [Continue Reading]
India appoints Mahesh Dixit as next Intelligence Bureau chief
India's Union Government has appointed Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer, as the next Director of the Intelligence Bureau. He will succeed Tapan Deka, who has led the agency for the past four years. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, according to an order from the Department of Personnel and Training.The order says Dixit, who is currently Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, will serve a two-year term from the date he assumes charge. He is an Andhra Pradesh cadre officer and has spent more than 26 years in the agency. His career... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquakes drive death toll to 188 as reconstruction costs rise
The death toll from two powerful earthquakes in western Venezuela has risen to at least 188, while preliminary estimates suggest the damage could amount to as much as 7% of the country's gross domestic product. The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Officials are now weighing the scale of reconstruction needed for homes, hospitals and other infrastructure.Preliminary assessments from the United States Geological Survey put the economic loss at between 1% and 7% of Venezuela's $111bn GDP. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said a $200m fund from the International Monetary Fund... [Continue Reading]
US Supreme Court lets Trump end protected status for Haitians and Syrians
The United States Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians living legally in the country. The 6-3 ruling clears the way for the government to strip protections from about 350,000 people from Haiti and 6,100 from Syria, after lower courts had blocked the move. It is a significant development in a long-running dispute over immigration powers and the limits of judicial review.The court said migrants arriving at the border are not entitled to apply for asylum until they have set foot on US soil, handing the administration... [Continue Reading]
Kenya arrests more than 350 during anniversary protests over deadly anti-tax rallies
Kenyan police dispersed protesters in Nairobi and detained others in several parts of the country as people marked the second anniversary of deadly anti-government rallies. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people were arrested on Thursday, while officers used roadblocks and water-cannon trucks in the capital. The protests were held in memory of demonstrators killed during anti-tax unrest two years ago.Murkomen described those detained as criminals and said the security measures were intended to contain the demonstrations. He also apologised for the disruption caused by barricades and other restrictions, saying they had been effective in securing the city and other... [Continue Reading]
Zimbabwe Senate approves constitutional amendment extending Mnangagwa's term until 2030 amid backlash
Zimbabwe's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that would keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030. The vote took place on Wednesday and passed by 75 votes to four, according to Senate President Mabel Chinomona. The measure now needs Mnangagwa's signature before it can become law.The amendment is part of a wider package of changes that would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years. It would also allow the president to be elected by parliament rather than by direct popular vote. The bill had already passed the National Assembly last week, where 216 lawmakers voted... [Continue Reading]
Zelensky skips Ukraine recovery conference in Poland amid diplomatic rift
The annual Ukraine Recovery Conference opened in the Polish port city of Gdansk under heavy security, with Poland and Ukraine trying to present a conciliatory tone despite weeks of tension. Ukraine's president did not attend, and Kyiv sent Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko instead. The gathering is intended to mobilise support for rebuilding Ukraine after Russia's invasion, but this year it has been overshadowed by a dispute over historical memory and reconciliation.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged the West to believe that a post-war Ukraine will "rise from the ruins", comparing that prospect with the wartime destruction of his native Gdansk.... [Continue Reading]
Trump, NATO and EU allies dispute support for Iran war as Rutte cites logistics role
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised several European allies over what he described as insufficient support for the war on Iran, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said member states did provide practical help. The dispute centres on the use of European bases and logistics during the conflict, with Rutte saying allies made facilities available to the US military. The exchange has added a new transatlantic strain to an already sensitive debate over burden-sharing inside the alliance.Trump said he was disappointed with Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, and called Spain a "horror show", according to the supplied... [Continue Reading]
Iran rejects Trump claim that unfrozen assets will buy US farm goods
Iran's parliament speaker has rejected a claim by US President Donald Trump that any unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy American agricultural exports. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on social media that Washington was "falsely" claiming the funds would be spent on US agriculture, escalating a public dispute over the terms of the emerging Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Ghalibaf, who also heads Iran's negotiating team in talks with the United States, said the agreement does not contain legal clauses requiring the purchase of US commodities.His comments came after Trump said the initial financial relief under the Pakistan-mediated framework would... [Continue Reading]
Russia used Cellebrite tools to access Andrei Pivovarov's phone months after contract cancellation, report says
Russian authorities used forensic tools from Cellebrite to break into the phone of political prisoner Andrei Pivovarov, according to a new investigation by Citizen Lab. The report says the access took place months after Cellebrite said it had cancelled its contracts with Russia. It adds a new layer to long-running concerns about how commercial digital forensics tools can be used against dissidents and opposition figures.Pivovarov, who was the director of Open Russia, was arrested in May 2021 and later released more than three years afterwards in a high-profile exchange that also involved the US journalist Evan Gershkovich. According to the... [Continue Reading]
Trump faces GOP backlash as Senate blocks war-powers curb and White House seeks $87.6bn for Iran war costs
The White House is seeking $87.6 billion in additional funding tied largely to the war with Iran, while Congress has again signalled resistance to the administration's handling of the conflict. The request comes as Senate Republicans narrowly blocked a war powers resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump's authority to continue military operations against Iran. It also follows a tense closed-door meeting in which Trump confronted Republican lawmakers over the interim Iran agreement and the political fallout from the war.The funding request is linked to Operation Epic Fury, the administration's name for the Iran war, and is intended to... [Continue Reading]
Oil prices fall further as Strait of Hormuz traffic resumes after US-Iran deal
Oil prices have fallen further as vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to recover after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June. Brent crude briefly dropped below $72.48 a barrel, returning to the level seen before the conflict began, before edging back up to $73.23. The move reflects a sharp easing in market fears over disruption to one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.The latest data cited by maritime intelligence firm Kpler suggests 284 vessels have crossed the strait since 18 June, the day after the deal was signed. That is still below the... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela declares state of emergency after twin earthquakes kill at least 164
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after back-to-back earthquakes collapsed buildings in cities including the capital, Caracas. The disaster has killed at least 164 people and wounded close to 1,000, according to the supplied reports. Rescue operations continued overnight as authorities and emergency teams searched for survivors and assessed the scale of the damage.The quakes struck on Wednesday, with the immediate impact felt across Caracas and other nearby areas. Buildings were reported to have collapsed, adding to the challenge for rescue crews working in unstable conditions. The emergency declaration reflects the severity of the destruction and the pressure on... [Continue Reading]
Warnings grow that Russia may take conflict into space amid satellite jamming concerns
Officials are warning that Russia could extend its conflict into space as reports mount of satellite jamming, close approaches to European spacecraft and disruption to navigation systems. The concerns centre on activity affecting European infrastructure in orbit, with experts saying the pattern could amount to intimidation, intelligence gathering or attempts to interfere with data. The issue has drawn fresh attention because of its possible impact on satellites used for communications, navigation and military support.According to the supplied material, Russia moved satellites close to a radar satellite operated by a Finnish-Polish company earlier this year. That satellite is used by Ukrainian... [Continue Reading]
Kenyan protesters return to Nairobi streets on Gen Z uprising anniversary
Marchers returned to the streets of Nairobi on 25 June to mark the second anniversary of the Gen Z uprising, with demonstrators carrying Kenyan flags and calling for justice for victims of police violence. Authorities deployed large numbers of officers and set up roadblocks around the capital, including near parliament, as businesses remained closed in parts of the city. The anniversary has again become a focal point for youth activism and demands for government accountability.The protests are tied to the June 2024 anti-tax unrest, when thousands of young people stormed parliament in Nairobi amid anger over rising living costs and... [Continue Reading]
Deadly Omega heatwave grips Western Europe as Paris hits June record
A severe heatwave is continuing to affect large parts of Western Europe, with Paris recording a June temperature high of 40.9C and southern England reaching 36.1C. The hot spell has disrupted daily life across the region, with power supplies affected, schools closed and cultural landmarks shut in some areas. Authorities in France and Britain are among those responding as the early summer heat dome persists.In Paris, the mayor urged residents to slow down and take precautions as the city faced another sweltering day. Emmanuel Gregoire said the people now at risk are not only those usually considered most vulnerable, but... [Continue Reading]
Rubio warns Hormuz tolls could spread "like contagion" during Bahrain talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that any tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz could spread to other waterways and create what he described as global chaos. Speaking to a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain, he said international waterways do not belong to any nation state and argued that accepting charges on passage through a strategic strait would set a dangerous precedent. He said such a move would spread "throughout the world like a contagion".Rubio said the United States wants a peace deal with Iran, but not "at any price". He added that any agreement... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises as rescue teams search collapsed buildings
Two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 people dead and about 700 injured, according to the supplied reports. The tremors, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit within about a minute of each other and were followed by around 20 aftershocks. They caused building collapses, airport damage and widespread disruption, with the effects also felt in northern Brazil.Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and ordered schools and non-essential services to be suspended so rescue work could take priority. More than 500 emergency teams were reported to be working through the rubble on... [Continue Reading]
Iran warns ships over Strait of Hormuz crossings without authorisation
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned vessels against crossing the Strait of Hormuz without authorisation, saying ships that do not comply "will be dealt with". The warning centres on one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, where any disruption can quickly affect trade flows and market confidence. It also comes as a tanker was reported to have used a route close to Oman's shore while leaving the strait.The Guards said the only authorised route through the waterway is the one announced by Iran, and described any crossing without authorisation as "unacceptable and extremely dangerous". They also criticised what they... [Continue Reading]
North Korean soldier suspected of defecting crosses demilitarised zone into South Korea
South Korea says it has taken custody of a North Korean soldier who crossed the demilitarised zone into its territory, in a rare border-security incident along one of the world's most heavily fortified frontiers. The soldier is suspected of defecting, and authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the crossing. The incident took place in the central front on Tuesday night, according to the South Korean military.South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the military had "secured custody of one North Korean soldier in the central front Tuesday night and relevant authorities are currently investigating the... [Continue Reading]
Back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela as damage assessments continue
Venezuela is continuing to assess damage after two powerful earthquakes struck within minutes of each other, shaking Caracas and other parts of the country. The sequence has prompted emergency measures, building evacuations and transport disruption, with officials still working to establish the full scale of the impact. Reports from the scene described collapsed structures, dust rising from damaged buildings and residents moving into the streets as the tremors were felt across the capital region.The first quake was reported at magnitude 7.2, followed by a second stronger shock cited at magnitude 7.5, according to the supplied reporting. The quakes were described... [Continue Reading]
Iran, the US and Oman clash over control of Strait of Hormuz navigation
Iran, the United States and Oman are at odds over who will control navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. The dispute comes as peace talks aimed at ending the war continue to advance, adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already sensitive regional file. Conflicting statements on Wednesday raised questions over whether ships will move freely through the waterway or under a permit-based system.According to the reported statements, Iran and Oman said they intend to establish a joint mechanism to control navigation through permits. Oman also said it... [Continue Reading]
Fortescue Metals Group faces national sex discrimination class action in Federal Court
A landmark class action has been filed in the Federal Court in Melbourne against mining company Fortescue Metals Group over allegations of sexual harassment and sex discrimination at its remote Pilbara camps. The case alleges a pattern of misconduct affecting women workers, including claims of rape, sexual assault, stalking and inappropriate workplace behaviour. It also says some women were threatened or pushed out of their jobs after raising complaints.The allegations set out in the case include claims that workers were warned against using the onsite laundry because of what was described as widespread underwear theft, that drinks were spiked with... [Continue Reading]
Joe Sacco says six Indian publishers have approached him after India distribution plan for Muzaffarnagar graphic novel was dropped
Penguin Random House India has withdrawn from plans to distribute Joe Sacco's graphic novel reportage on the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, according to the cartoonist-journalist. Sacco said that at least six Indian publishers have since contacted him about bringing out the book in India. The development centres on The Once and Future Riot, a 135-page illustrated account of the violence in western Uttar Pradesh.Sacco said the book had been expected to reach Indian shelves by August or September, but the distribution plan was halted after legal and editorial scrutiny. He said the publisher raised concerns about an inaccurate map of India's... [Continue Reading]
Queensland teen acquitted over alleged terror attack plan targeting Liberal Party members
A Queensland teenager has been acquitted by a Supreme Court jury of planning a terrorist act against members of the Liberal Party and the public. The verdict was delivered in Brisbane after jurors deliberated for more than one day. Family members in the public gallery were seen breaking down in tears as the decision was read out.The now 17-year-old, who cannot be legally identified under Queensland youth justice laws, had pleaded not guilty to one count of acts done in preparation for or in planning a terrorist act. The trial heard allegations that, when he was 16, he planned and... [Continue Reading]
UK records hottest June day as 36.1C heatwave disrupts schools and transport
The UK has recorded its hottest June day on record after temperatures reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon. The provisional figure came as hundreds of schools closed across England and Wales and rail travel was disrupted, with passengers advised to avoid all non-essential journeys. The Met Office said the heatwave is expected to continue into Thursday and Friday, with temperatures of about 38C possible.A red extreme heat warning remains in place until 23:59 BST on Thursday across parts of south and central England and south Wales. The warning covers the East Midlands, the east of England, London and... [Continue Reading]
Trump asks Congress for urgent Iran-linked funding as Senate curbs new strikes
The Trump administration has asked Congress for about $67.15 billion in urgent funding linked to Iran, adding a new budget fight to the wider dispute over the war. The request was sent on Wednesday, a day after the Senate approved a resolution aimed at blocking any new attacks on Iran without congressional approval. Trump criticised the Senate move, sharpening the clash between the White House and lawmakers over who controls military escalation.According to the request, $21 billion would go to the Pentagon for munitions, industrial base support and other capabilities described by the administration as critical. The funding is part... [Continue Reading]
European leaders pledge stronger Ukraine support ahead of NATO summit in Ankara
Top European leaders meeting in Berlin have pledged to step up support for Ukraine ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Poland as part of the European Group of Five, or E5, and said they wanted to send a strong signal of support to Kyiv. The talks came as allies prepare for the July 7-8 summit, where leaders from 32 countries are expected to gather.Merz said the message to Russia was that Ukraine remains strong. In a joint statement, Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni and... [Continue Reading]
Mamdani-backed candidates score further upset wins in New York primaries
Darializa Avila Chevalier has won the Democratic nomination in New York's 13th congressional district in one of the sharpest upsets of the primary cycle. Backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she defeated veteran Congressman Adriano Espaillat, according to the supplied report. The result adds to a night in which several candidates aligned with Mamdani also prevailed in New York races.The report says Avila Chevalier first entered the race in November and presented herself as an organiser focused on immigration and Palestinian rights. It describes her victory as a political earthquake for pro-Israel forces in Democratic circles. The same... [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu pushes Israel toward arms-production independence as exports hit record
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for Israel to pursue what he described as "armaments independence," saying the country should build its own weapons-production capacity even as it remains grateful for US military aid. The remarks add a new economic and industrial dimension to an already sensitive debate over Israel's long-term defence posture. They also come as tensions continue over the US peace agreement with Iran.Netanyahu's comments were reported on 24 June and were linked to a broader argument that Israel should be less reliant on foreign supply chains for key military systems. The article said demand... [Continue Reading]
France and Vanuatu begin talks over disputed Matthew and Hunter islands
France and Vanuatu have begun formal negotiations over the future of Matthew and Hunter islands, two small volcanic islands east of New Caledonia that have been at the centre of a sovereignty dispute for decades. Vanuatu is seeking to secure sovereignty over the islands, which remain under French control as part of New Caledonia. The talks mark a new phase in a long-running territorial disagreement that has been politically sensitive in both countries.The islands lie about 300 kilometres east of New Caledonia and are described as rugged, mineral-rich and volcanically active. Matthew Island and Hunter Island are separated by about... [Continue Reading]
Viral clip from US-Iran talks in Switzerland sparks claims of Qatar prime minister snub of JD Vance
A video clip from the US-Iran talks in Switzerland has prompted online claims that Qatar's prime minister snubbed US Vice President JD Vance. The footage shows Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani greeting Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, as he walks past Vance without shaking his hand. The clip was filmed during the talks near Lucerne in central Switzerland, not Geneva, and has been widely shared on social media.The video was posted online on June 22 and has drawn more than two million views, according to the supplied report. It was shared with a claim that Vance had been... [Continue Reading]
Iran proposes Muslim military alliance with Pakistan in Islamabad
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed the creation of a regional military alliance among Muslim countries during a press conference in Islamabad. Speaking alongside Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said the bloc would be aimed at strengthening cooperation on development, culture and the defence of sovereignty. He also suggested that Pakistan could lead the group because it is the only nuclear power in the Islamic world.According to the report, Pezeshkian named Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey as possible members of the proposed alliance. He said Muslim countries should work together to build joint mechanisms to confront external threats... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan activist Mahrang Baloch sentenced to life in prison after anti-terrorism court verdict
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life in prison over a murder and terrorism case linked to protests in 2024. The ruling has triggered criticism from rights groups and public figures, and her lawyer has said an appeal will be filed. Another leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Sibghatullah, was also reported to face life imprisonment in the same case.The court held Baloch guilty in connection with the killing of a Pakistani paramilitary soldier during the 2024 protests, according to the supplied material. She has been detained since March 2025, and the proceedings were... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran talks intensify as Rubio rejects Hormuz tolls and Senate backs war powers measure
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran will not be allowed to charge tolls or fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz under any final agreement with Washington. His comments sharpen one of the main disputes in the negotiations, which are taking place alongside a 60-day diplomatic process launched after a preliminary agreement in Switzerland. Iran has meanwhile said planned transit fees through the waterway will be suspended for 60 days while talks continue.The latest developments come as the US Senate passed a war powers measure pressing President Donald Trump either to halt the war in Iran... [Continue Reading]
Child killed in Israeli drone strike in al-Mawasi as Gaza attacks continue despite ceasefire
A 12-year-old child was killed in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, during an Israeli drone strike on Wednesday, according to health officials at Nasser Medical Complex. Several other Palestinians were wounded in the same attack, officials said. The strike hit an area that had been described by Israel as a safe zone, according to reporting from Gaza City.Health officials said the child was killed in a tent in al-Mawasi and identified him as Ahmed. At least seven Palestinians were injured in the same strike, according to the account relayed by medical staff. The attack came as Israeli... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
WAR CRIMES OR HUMANITY ON LIFE SUPPORT?
The Thin, Bloody Line Between Justice and Jungle Rule IS KILLING WITHOUT MERCY NOW LEGAL? By Anthony Sterling In September 2025, the United States military launched what became known as Operation Southern Spear, a lethal campaign targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters. The stated objective was to combat narco trafficking networks operating beyond territorial jurisdiction. The ethical shock came on 2 September 2025, when a double strike in the Caribbean left survivors clinging to wreckage for nearly an hour. Drone footage reportedly showed two individuals waving from debris after the first impact. Instead of rescue, three additional munitions... [Continue Reading]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]






