Israel’s security cabinet was due to meet Tuesday to vote on a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, an official said, while the White House voiced optimism that a deal was close.The United States, European Union and United Nations have pushed in recent days for a truce in the long-running hostilities between …
Israel to decide on ceasefire as US says deal ‘close’ Read More »
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday denied she was plotting to kill President Ferdinand Marcos, saying her comments that sparked a government probe only reflected “consternation” with her one-time ally.The country’s justice department on Monday called Duterte the “self-confessed mastermind” of a plot to assassinate the president and issued a subpoena demanding she appear …
Philippine VP denies assassination plot against Marcos Read More »
With a month to go until Christmas, Santa Claus is busy preparing, but the warming climate and lack of snow in his Arctic hometown have him worried.By this time of year, the town of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland — marketed by tourism officials since the 1980s as the “real” home of Santa Claus — should be white …
As Arctic climate warms, even Santa runs short of snow Read More »
US lawmakers urged the government Monday to rethink banking ties with Hong Kong, citing its “increasing role” in money laundering, sanctions evasions and reported funneling of banned technology to Russia.Since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the semi-autonomous Chinese city in 2020, “Hong Kong has shifted from a trusted global financial center to …
US lawmakers warn Hong Kong becoming financial crime hub Read More »
Nations gathered in Busan, South Korea have a week to agree the world’s first treaty to curb plastic pollution, a gargantuan challenge given the major divisions that remain.Here is a look at the key sticking points:Consensus or majorityDivisions between nations are so deep that they have not yet agreed on how any decision will be …
Plastic pollution talks: the key sticking points Read More »
Pakistan security forces fired volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets Tuesday at thousands of protesters calling for the release of jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan, after they defied a police lockdown to march inside the nation’s capital.Protesters armed with sticks and slingshots took on police in western Islamabad, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) …
Pakistan police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at ex-PM Khan supporters Read More »
Hong Kong’s LGBTQ community won a major victory Tuesday as the city’s top court affirmed the housing and inheritance rights of same-sex couples, ruling against the government. The decision comes after a landmark 2023 ruling by the same court shut the door on legalising same-sex marriage, but gave the government two years to set up an …
Hong Kong same-sex couples win housing, inheritance rights Read More »
US President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he intends to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China, prompting a swift warning from Beijing that “no one will win a trade war.”In a series of posts to his Truth Social account, Trump vowed to hit some of the United States’ largest trading partners with …
Trump vows big tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China Read More »
Hong Kong’s top court ruled Tuesday to affirm housing and inheritance entitlements for same-sex couples, siding against the government in favour of LGBTQ rights protection.The ruling comes after a landmark 2023 decision — also by the Court of Final Appeal — shut the door on legalising same-sex marriage, but gave the government two years to …
Hong Kong top court affirms housing, inheritance rights for same-sex couples Read More »
Violent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea are being manipulated online by disinformation networks for profit, posing risks to regional security, an AFP investigation has found.Since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022 and began standing up to China over its territorial claims, social media has been awash with …
Philippines, China clashes trigger money-making disinformation Read More »
