News
Armenian opposition seeks no-confidence vote against PM Pashinyan
Nikol Pashinyan has faced growing criticism over his handling of the war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and its aftermath, and his efforts to normalise relations with neighbouring countries.
Rail Baltica signs €1.77bn electrification contract in Vilnius
Deal moves forward one of the largest infrastructure agreements in the region’s history, that has faced multiple delays and rising costs.
Fuel prices in Kyrgyzstan rocket as Ukraine steps up drone strikes on Russian refineries
Central Asian country relies on Russia for nine-tenths of its fuel.
El Salvador leads Latin America's democratic decline, global watchdog warns
The latest IDEA report warns El Salvador faces the fastest democratic erosion in Latin America, with security policies under Bukele raising concerns over freedoms, judicial independence, and long-term institutional damage.
Nigerian president advances oil bill placing NNPCL under control of Finance Ministry, upstream regulator
President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a bill that would undermine the "independence" of NNPCL, shifting ownership to the Finance Ministry and handing new powers to upstream regulator NUPRC.
‘Tinder Swindler’ Simon Leviev detained in Georgia on Interpol red notice
Shimon Yehuda Hayut gained worldwide notoriety thanks to the 2022 Netflix documentary 'The Tinder Swindler', which detailed how he allegedly posed as the son of billionaire diamond tycoon to scam women he met on Tinder.
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Bolivia sells $1bn of gold reserves in forward contracts to shore up finances
In recent months, the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) has executed forward contracts on gold worth nearly $1bn, raising questions about the legal framework, transparency of operations and long-term implications for the economy.
Taiwan releases updated civil defence guide focusing on wartime scenarios
Taiwan releases updated civil defence guide focusing on wartime scenarios, including protection tips and warnings about false surrender messages during potential conflicts.
Malawians vote amid acute economic crisis; presidential contest a two-horse race, with incumbent trailing
President Lazarus Chakwera pursued debt restructuring, IMF support and reforms to tackle inflation, forex shortages and corruption scandals. A recent IPOR poll shows him trailing his immediate predecessor.
UN commission finds Israel committed genocide in Gaza
UN commission concludes Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, finding systematic targeting of civilians and use of starvation as warfare method.
Iran unveils "Aria" combat robot with AI-driven features
Iranian officials say the unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGCV) can support infantry, secure flanks, and conduct precision targeting in diverse climates, from extreme heat to freezing conditions.
Afghan man sentenced to life in Germany over fatal knife attack
German court sentences Afghan national to life imprisonment for the Mannheim knife attack that killed a police officer and injured five during an anti-Islam rally.
Chinese teens slapped with $300,000 bill for peeing in hotpot
Although no diners were actually served the tainted broth, the video sparked outrage across China. Haidilao rushed to ‘mop up’ the mess – quite literally – by handing out refunds and payouts to punters.
US kills three in second strike on alleged Venezuelan drug vessel
The United States has conducted a second military strike against what it claims was a drug-trafficking vessel from Venezuela, killing three people and further straining already fraught relations between Washington and Caracas.
Moldova launches new stock exchange with support from Bucharest bourse
PM Dorin Reckon says new exchange to connect Moldova to European markets and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, foreign investors and the Moldovan diaspora.
Georgian opposition leader Helene Khoshtaria arrested for graffitiing on ruling party campaign banner
As local elections approach, Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze’s campaign HQ has emerged as a new protest epicentre.
Ukraine hits multiple Russian oil refineries, Trump calls for more EU oil sanctions
Ukraine is expanding its campaign of trying to cut the Kremlin off from its oil export income with a campaign of targeting Russia’s oil refining and pipeline assets, using its new long-range drones and missiles.
Serbian students allege police deployed toxic gas at protest
Students at the University of Novi Sad said that independent laboratory tests showed police had used a banned form of tear gas against demonstrators during clashes earlier this month.
China launches Hongqi H5 sedan in Middle Eastern markets
Luxury Chinese off-brand Rolls-Royce launches in the Iranian auto market at $42,000 massively undercutting European and Japanese sedans in the same market.
Arab-Islamic Summit to target Israel after strikes on Doha
Arab-Islamic leaders convene emergency Doha summit to address Israeli attack on Qatar with condemnation expected but limited concrete action anticipated.