News
Quad to give thumbs down on Chinese plans to militarise South China Sea
The foreign ministers of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States are set to voice their opposition to the militarisation of the South China Sea during a meeting in Tokyo later this month
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Bangladesh Supreme Court reduces controversial job quota as violent protests lead to over 130 deaths
After nearly a week of violent student protests against government job-quotas for former freedom fighters and their descendants across Bangladesh, more than 130 people have been killed
French intelligence scrambles to address Tajik terrorist blind spot ahead of Paris Olympics
Major Islamist terror attacks in Iran and Russia give security services cause for concern.
Turkey to levy 557mn lira in extra PPP tax on contractors but pay 162bn lira to same contractors
Tax take part of "fiscal tightening" campaign to curry favour with markets—but mega-infrastructure projects mean spending cannot be reined in.
Iran, China launch freight trains as part of new rail corridor
Iran launched its first freight train to China on July 21 using the new railway. The Iranian train will pass through the neighbouring countries of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on its way to China.
Israel says it struck Yemen’s Hodeidah oil terminal
A series of Israeli strikes on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah have left mass destruction in the country.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years behind bars for espionage
A court in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg has sentenced US journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison on espionage charges, following a trial condemned by the US government a "sham."
Economic shock therapy makes 2024 most trying in a generation for Turks
"I may still be walking, but I am not really living," says poverty-stricken pensioner.
Yemeni Houthis claim deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv
Yemeni Houthi armed forces spokesman announced on July 19 that they had carried out a drone attack on Tel Aviv, marking the first time the Israeli city has been targeted by Yemeni forces.
Hungarian PM defends “peace mission” slammed by EU and Nato officials
Political leaders in Brussels said Viktor Orban had no authority to represent the EU in talks that included a trip to Moscow.
Serbia and EU forge strategic partnership on lithium and EVs
Serbia is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the European Union to create a strategic partnership on raw materials, battery value chains, and electric vehicles.
Serbian policeman killed in border shootout, government blames Kosovo
One Serbian police officer was killed and another wounded in a shootout during a routine vehicle check near the Bosnian border.
North Macedonia’s new finance minister says dire situation forced early budget revision
Rightwing VMRO-DPMNE launched budget revision and slashed 2024 growth forecast after coming to power in June.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vows to build a Defensive Europe following her re-election
The European Parliament has re-elected Ursula von der Leyen to a second term as President of the European Commission on July 18, who vowed to build a “Defensive Union” to counter Russia’s aggression.
Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr sign Brazilian goalkeeper Bento from Atletico Paranaense
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have signed Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus from Atlético Paranaense on a four-year deal, the club announced late on July 17.
10% of Russians would believe Putin if he said aliens had visited Earth
A tenth of all Russians would believe that extra-terrestrials had visited the planet if it were officially announced by President Vladimir Putin, a survey has revealed.
Far-right Romanian MEP calls for priest to 'purify' European Parliament
Diana Sosoaca brought myrrh and an icon of St. Paraskeva to her first session as a newly-elected MEP, and proposed to rid the European Parliament of "devils".
EU blocks €70mn funding to Bosnia after politicians fail to agree on reforms
EU officials say Bosnia to miss out on funding under Growth Plan for the Western Balkans due to "lack of political consensus" on reforms.
Vietnam uncovers massive 6.1-tonne gold smuggling operation
Ho Chi Minh City is set to hear a major gold smuggling case involving 24 defendants accused of transporting over 6.1 tonnes of gold bars worth billions from Cambodia through the Chang Riec border gate
MEPs slam Hungarian PM Orban's Moscow trip, call for repercussions
MEPs overwhelmingly backed resolution condemning visit as a “blatant violation of EU treaties and common foreign policy”.