World

Germany’s embattled centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz traded angry blows with his top rival ahead of a parliament vote Monday that was expected to trigger the process towards February 23 elections.Scholz, 66, whose three-party coalition collapsed last month, has called a confidence vote which he is expected to lose, clearing the way for the dissolution of …

Under-fire Scholz to trigger German elections with confidence vote Read More »

A black-and-cream leopard shark enters a hypnotic-like state of relaxation as scientists at Sydney Aquarium carefully roll her onto her back in a small pool.The shark, named Zimba, is one of the first captive leopard sharks in the world to be artificially inseminated with the sperm of wild sharks in an attempt to build populations …

Scientists artificially inseminate leopard sharks to boost diversity Read More »

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday hailed his army’s accelerating advance in Ukraine and praised 2024 as a “landmark” year in the course of Moscow’s military offensive on its Western-backed neighbour.Addressing top military generals in an end-of-year meeting, the Kremlin leader struck a defiant and optimistic tone, claiming his troops had the upper hand across …

Putin cheers ‘landmark’ 2024, says troops have upper hand in Ukraine Read More »

Sean McGovern, a top lieutenant of the Kinahan cartel, and Faissal Taghi — son of the infamous head of the Dutch-Moroccan Mocro Maffia — used to hang out and party in Dubai’s glitzy hotels and restaurants without a care in the world.Until their arrests — and the smashing of a massive Russian-run money laundering operation …

End of the Dubai dream for Europe’s drug lords? Read More »

The EU’s envoy to Syria headed to Damascus Monday to hold talks with the country’s new Islamist rulers, just over a week after president Bashar al-Assad’s ouster ended decades of brutal rule and civil war.The move from Brussels came after the United States and Britain said they had made contact with the new authorities in …

EU sending envoy to talk to Syria’s new leaders Read More »

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to bolster ties with India Monday on his first overseas visit as head of state, with a red carpet welcome by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Leaders of the island nation typically make their first visit to regional powerhouse India, which competes with China for influence in the Indian Ocean.Leftist …

Sri Lanka president in India in first overseas trip Read More »

The French man who has admitted to enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife on Monday asked forgiveness from his family and hailed the courage of his now ex-spouse during his trial.”I would like to start by hailing the courage of my ex-wife” Gisele Pelicot, her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot said in his final …

Ex-husband in French rape trial asks ‘forgiveness’ from family Read More »

India’s chess star Gukesh Dommaraju returned to a hero’s welcome in his home city on Monday after becoming the youngest world champion aged only 18.Hundreds of fans crowded the arrivals area of Chennai airport, cheering alongside banks of television cameras as Gukesh made his way out of the airport after victory in taking the World …

Indian chess king Gukesh returns to hero’s welcome Read More »

Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the defence ministry said Monday, reportedly the island’s first new tanks in 30 years.Washington has long been Taipei’s most important ally and biggest arms supplier — angering Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory.The M1A2 tanks — the first batch …

Taiwan receives first batch of US-made Abrams tanks Read More »

Indian musician Zakir Hussain, a four-time Grammy award winner credited with turning tabla drums into an instrument loved globally, has died at the age of 73, officials said Monday.Hussain collaborated with musicians including George Harrison from The Beatles, Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and jazz musician John Handy in a career spanning decades.He died …

Indian tabla drum maestro Zakir Hussain dies aged 73 Read More »