World News
Thousands of doctors go on strike in England a week before the UK general election
The five-day strike by junior doctors - those in the early years of their careers - shines a spotlight on the troubles besetting the chronically underfunded National Health Service, Britain's state-funded public health system, a topic that is a a top concern for voters going to the polls on July 4.
Indian-origin activist among three women charged for staging protest in Palestinian's support in Singapore
Three Singaporean women, including an Indian-origin activist, were charged for organising a procession supporting the Palestinian cause without a permit. Annamalai Kokila Parvathi, Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar were accused under the Public Order Act for assembling near the Istana. Annamalai allegedly abetted the offense. They were offered bail and their cases scheduled for further mention in court.
Britain's Rishi Sunak struggles with missteps while trying to lift Conservatives ahead of elections
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced scrutiny over his political instincts during the general election campaign, which started five weeks ago. His actions have not always reflected the seasoned touch of past leaders like Tony Blair or Boris Johnson, evidenced by some notable campaign missteps.
No matter who wins Iran's presidential election, much may hinge on the 'Great Satan' US
In the waning moments of Iran's final televised presidential debate, one of the top candidates to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi invoked the name of the one person who perhaps has done more than anyone to change the trajectory of the Islamic Republic's relationship with the wider world in recent years.
Who is Keir Starmer, the Labour leader favoured to win Britain's July 4 election?
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, a managerial and dutiful figure, aims to lead the UK towards stability and change after years of Conservative rule. A former prosecutor, Starmer stresses his everyman credentials and seeks to appeal to voters with a message of reassurance. Facing challenges from both left and right, Starmer's pragmatic approach has helped Labour surge in the polls ahead of the upcoming election.
First candidate drops out of Iran presidential election, due to take place Friday amid voter apathy
United Arab Emirates - A candidate in Iran's presidential election withdrew from the race late Wednesday, becoming the first to back out in order for hard-liners to coalesce around a unity candidate in the vote to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi.
At least 14 dead in 24 hours due to landslide, floods, lightning as monsoon spreads across Nepal
Kathmandu (Nepal): At least 14 people have been killed in landslide, flooding and lightning incidents in various parts of Nepal within the last 24 hours with the onset of monsoon. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal, 8 people killed due to landslide, 5 and 1 due to lightning and flood respectively. 33 districts have been affected and 28 people have lost lives in the past 17 days, said Home Ministry of Nepal.
US Presidential Elections: Georgia, setting for Joe Biden- Donald Trump debate, as divided as America itself
US Presidential Elections: Atlanta, Georgia, the site of the upcoming presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, holds significant political and cultural weight beyond just being a debate venue. As the birthplace of CNN, the city has long been a hub of media influence, shaping national discourse. This debate, hosted by CNN, underscores Atlanta's role in the electoral process, highlighting Georgia's emergence as a swing state in recent elections.
Australian leaders celebrate Julian Assange's freedom but opposition says he is 'no martyr'
Julian Assange spent his first night in Australia in 14 years after being freed by a US court. He returned to an enthusiastic welcome but faces caution from the conservative opposition, who oppose labeling him a hero. Assange's wife, Stella, emphasized his plans for normalcy: swimming daily, enjoying real food, and relishing freedom. Despite calls for a presidential pardon, concerns persist over his past legal battles and guilty plea to espionage-related charges, impacting Australia's relations with the US.
'Power rivalry in space': China lunar mission fuels US misinformation
China's Chang'e 6 mission returned with samples from the Moon's far side, sparking misinformation about NASA's Apollo landings. Chinese-language posts falsely claimed the 1969 US moon landing was staged, fueling anti-US sentiment amid the US-China space race. Researchers warn that this misinformation could hinder space diplomacy. The Chinese government has heavily invested in its space program, with plans for a crewed mission by 2030. Meanwhile, the US aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026.
Must Watch
US passes resolution seeking probe into Pak elections; Islamabad terms it "incomplete understanding"
The US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution supporting democracy and human rights in Pakistan, urging a "thorough and independent investigation" into claims of interference in Pakistan's 2024 elections. Passed with 98% support, HR 901 emphasizes upholding democratic values amidst economic and security challenges. It condemns efforts to suppress democratic participation, such as harassment and internet restrictions.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody
Armored vehicles stormed Bolivia's government palace in an attempted coup, but President Luis Arce stood firm, naming a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down. The soldiers retreated as hundreds of Arce's supporters rallied. General Juan Jose Zuniga, arrested later, claimed Arce orchestrated the move to boost his popularity, which Arce has not commented on. The incident comes amid economic hardship and political tension, with even Arce's rivals condemning the uprising. Regional leaders and former Bolivian officials expressed outrage at the coup attempt.
Julian Assange's actions put people in danger: US State Department after whistleblower walks free
Julian Assange, WikiLeaks founder, arrived in Australia after signing a plea deal with the US, ending a 14-year legal case. The US State Department criticized Assange for endangering lives, including diplomats and allies, by releasing unredacted classified documents. They also accused him of acting as a conduit for Russian intelligence during the US presidential elections. Assange was welcomed in Canberra by supporters and family. His plea deal was formalized on the Northern Mariana Islands to facilitate his travel back to Australia.
Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including India, China and France
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a debt restructuring deal with India, France, Japan, and China, a critical step in economic recovery after the 2022 debt default. Under an IMF bailout program, the agreement is expected to revive stalled foreign projects. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022 due to economic mismanagement, COVID-19 impacts, and tax cuts. The deal defers loan payments until 2028 and extends repayment until 2043. Supporters celebrated the announcement in Colombo as it promises to restart crucial infrastructure projects.
US, Japan, South Korea vow strategic cooperation to boost security, economies
Commerce and trade ministers from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea agreed to cooperate on AI safety, export controls, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of collaboration for global security. Japanese Minister Ken Saito and South Korean Minister Ahn Duk-geun also attended the inaugural meeting, initiated at a Camp David summit. The ministers aim to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals, and enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and technical standards to counter China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.
On his first China visit, Maldives' trade minister highlights close India ties
Emphasizing the significance of India to the Maldives economy, President Muizzu's recent visits to New Delhi and Beijing, along with Minister Saeed's discussions at the World Economic Forum, underscore the evolving diplomatic and economic landscape between the nations.
