Tuesday, 01 Jul, 2025

International

UK, India sign landmark trade deal after three years of talks

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a major trade agreement after three years of negotiations, paving the way for billions in bilateral commerce and investment. The deal, described by the British government as its “most significant” bilateral agreement since Brexit,

US, China to launch tariff talks in bid to ease trade tensions

Senior officials from the United States and China will meet in Switzerland this week for high-level talks aimed at easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is scheduled to attend the negotiations from 9 to 12 May, according to

India to stop water flowing across borders amid tensions with Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that the country will no longer allow its water resources to flow beyond its borders, a move widely seen as a signal to Pakistan amid heightened bilateral tensions. "India’s water will now be conserved, used, and channelled

India strikes targets in Pakistan and Kashmir: Key details

India has launched a series of airstrikes on multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in response to a deadly militant assault last month in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. The operation—codenamed Operation

India launches airstrikes on Pakistan; Islamabad claims 5 Indian aircraft downed

India on Wednesday carried out airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. The operation, dubbed Operation

Trump offers $1,000 to undocumented migrants who self-deport

The Trump administration has unveiled a controversial new initiative offering undocumented immigrants in the United States a $1,000 incentive to voluntarily return to their countries of origin. Announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday, the program promises both

Palestinian Poet Mosab Abu Toha Wins Pulitzer Prize for Commentary

Palestinian poet and essayist Mosab Abu Toha has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, earning global recognition for his poignant reflections on the devastation in Gaza. The Pulitzer board praised Abu Toha’s essays published in The New Yorker, noting how they

Trump administration cuts Harvard off from federal research funding

The administration of US President Donald Trump has declared that Harvard University will no longer be eligible for federal research funding, marking a significant escalation in its standoff with the prestigious Ivy League institution. In a letter sent Monday, US Education Secretary

Israel approves plan to 'capture' Gaza, drawing global concern

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a military plan to expand operations in Gaza, including the capture and holding of territory, an Israeli official confirmed on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision aims to dismantle Hamas and rescue remaining hostages.

Russia shuts Moscow airports after reported Ukrainian drone attack

Russia has temporarily closed all major airports in Moscow following an overnight drone attack it claims was launched by Ukraine—marking the second such incident in as many nights. The aviation authority Rosaviatsia announced on Telegram that all four airports serving the capital

Israel calls up reservists for expanded Gaza offensive

The Israeli military has begun summoning tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to escalate its operations in the Gaza Strip, signaling a renewed push to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages still held inside the besieged territory. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces

9 dead after tourist boats overturn in China

At least nine people have died and one remains missing after four tourist boats capsized amid sudden strong winds in China’s southwestern Guizhou province, state media reported. The incident occurred on Sunday in the city of Qianxi, where 84 people were thrown into the water

Trump orders reopening and expansion of Alcatraz prison

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen and significantly expand Alcatraz, the infamous island prison off the coast of California, framing the move as part of a broader crackdown on violent crime. In a statement shared on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said the decision

Singapore ruling party wins election in landslide

Singapore’s ruling party has notched a resounding win in general elections, official results showed early on Sunday, giving Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the clear mandate he sought from voters. Wong’s long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) crossed the threshold of 49

Over 45,000 affected by Somalia flash floods

More than 45,000 people have been affected by flash floods in Somalia since mid-April, the UN said, with at least four people killed in the rapidly rising waters. The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, and extreme weather events are becoming

Australian PM Albanese wins 2nd term with increased majority

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a sweeping victory in the federal election, overcoming the so-called "incumbency curse" to win a second term in office. While the final vote count remains underway, projections indicate a significant expansion of the

Dubai to be divided into 'urban' and 'rural' zones to boost security, response times

Dubai Police on Saturday announced a major new initiative to divide the emirate into "urban" and "rural" zones, with the goal of improving security and response times. The announcement was made through the authority's official X account and their website. 

Trump posts spoof picture dressed as pope

US President Donald Trump on Friday posted a spoof picture of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform after joking that he would like to be the next Catholic pontiff. The president is seen in what appears to be an AI-generated color image, with his right index finger

Election day in Australia: Tight contest, big stakes

Australians are voting in a federal election that could result in another minority government, as the ruling center-left Labor Party faces a stiff challenge from the center-right Liberal-National Coalition. Polling stations opened at 8am local time (2200 GMT Friday) and will close at

Prince Harry seeks reconciliation with royal family

Prince Harry has said he would "love a reconciliation" with the Royal Family, following a court ruling that upheld the UK government's decision to downgrade his security status, BBC News reports. In an emotional interview with the BBC from California, the Duke of Sussex