Russia's Siluanov returns to US-hosted G20 finance talks in North Carolina, drawing European objections
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has made a surprise in-person appearance at US-hosted G20 finance talks in Asheville, North Carolina, in a move that immediately drew criticism from several European officials. His attendance on Monday marked the first time he has taken part in a G20 meeting in person since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The talks brought him into direct contact with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, underscoring the diplomatic sensitivity of Russia's return to the forum.According to the Russian finance ministry, Siluanov and Bessent discussed financial cooperation within the G20 framework. A US official... [Continue Reading]
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US Supreme Court lets White House ballroom construction continue as case returns to lower courts
The US Supreme Court has allowed construction of President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project to continue, in a 5-4 ruling that lifts a lower court halt while the legal challenge proceeds. The decision means work can advance for now at the White House in Washington, DC, even though the underlying dispute has not been resolved. The court did not make a final ruling on whether the project was lawfully authorised.According to the court's unsigned opinion, the majority said the preservation group bringing the case was likely not entitled to sue, and it pointed to the government's argument that it... [Continue Reading]
Iceland rejects EU accession talks in referendum as count nears completion
With almost all votes counted, Iceland's referendum appears to have rejected a proposal to resume accession negotiations with the European Union. The no side was ahead by 52.5% to 47.5%, according to the national broadcaster, while official results had not yet been announced. The ballot did not ask whether Iceland should join the bloc, but whether it should reopen talks that were suspended more than a decade ago.The vote is nonbinding, but the coalition government led by Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir has said it would respect the outcome. The referendum was brought forward from a pledge to hold it by... [Continue Reading]
UN watchdog criticises India over hate crimes and alleged law-enforcement abuses
A United Nations racial discrimination watchdog has said India urgently needs to address hate crimes against Bengali-speaking Muslims and strengthen protections for other vulnerable communities. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was gravely concerned by reports of large-scale violations involving law-enforcement officials. Its findings also pointed to alleged abuses affecting tribal peoples, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens.The committee said the reported abuses included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence. It urged India to investigate all such claims and... [Continue Reading]
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Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. ​Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]

