News
Iran president announces vaccine ecosystem technology tower
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the construction of a vaccine ecosystem technology tower, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in developing the knowledge-based health system.
Iraq shuts down as temperatures soar above 53°C
Iraq has topped the list of countries with the world's highest temperatures, with several Iraqi cities recording temperatures exceeding half the boiling point.
Hungarian government bans Irish hip hop group Kneecap from entering Hungary ahead of Sziget Festival
Hungary has barred members of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap from entering the country for three years, citing "repeated anti-Semitic hate speech supporting terrorism." The band was scheduled to appear at the annual Sziget Festival in two weeks.
Ukraine’s EU bid should remain linked to Moldova’s accession - Zelenskiy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told French President Emmanuel Macron that Ukraine’s EU accession bid should remain linked to Moldova’s in a wake of the passage of the controversial Law 21414 that guts Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms.
Russian oil tanker diverts from India’s sanctioned Nayara Energy Terminal to Mundra Port
A tanker carrying Russian Urals crude oil, originally scheduled to dock at Nayara Energy’s Vadinar terminal on India’s western coast, has diverted to the nearby Mundra port, according to shipping data and industry sources.
Austrian foreign minister says Vienna open to Nato membership talks amid Russia threat
Austria is prepared to hold discussions on joining Nato and reassessing its long-standing neutral status in response to heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s actions, said Austrian Federal Minister for European Affairs.
Viktor Orban vows to block next EU budget in keynote speech in Transylvania
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban repeated his threat to block the next long-term EU budget and argued for a multi-speed Europe, while criticising the EU for supporting Ukraine in his annual keynote address at the Baile Tusnad summer university.
Iran passes controversial fake news bill amid free speech concerns
Iran's parliament on July 27 approved a contentious government bill aimed at "Combating the Spread of Untrue News Content" in social media
Russia, China to set their own gold exchanges, cut ties with Western control
Russia and China are taking concrete steps to reduce Western influence over global gold markets, signalling a broader move towards monetary self-reliance and the redomiciliation of gold reserves away from traditional Western centres.
50° “edge of survival” heat hits Turkey for first time in recorded history
“This is climate change, and it’s accelerating,” say weather experts. President, meanwhile, refers to “truly great disaster” facing country as wildfires spread.
Intense fighting around Pokrovsk as Russia targets logistics hub
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 26 that fierce battles are raging around the key logistical hub eastern city of Pokrovsk, which Russian forces make making an intensified effort to capture.
Protests resume in Serbia over Rio Tinto lithium project
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in the western Serbian city of Valjevo, reigniting protests against Rio Tinto’s controversial lithium mining project.
Kyiv mayor Klitschko and former president Poroshenko face criminal charges
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has chosen to end what was probably his worst week in office since he was elected in 2019 by sparking a fresh scandal. Prosecutors are preparing criminal charges against two of his biggest political rivals.
CK Hutchison delays $23bn ports deal as US-China tensions grow over Panama sale
CK Hutchison’s $22.8bn ports sale faces delays, with the BlackRock-led consortium talks likely to extend past the July 27 deadline, as the deal draws scrutiny over Panama assets amid rising US-China tensions.
IMF clears path for $2bn Argentina disbursement despite reserve concerns
The International Monetary Fund has approved the first review of Argentina's $20bn Extended Fund Facility programme, clearing the way for a $2bn disbursement despite concerns about critically low reserves.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy backtracks on law enforcement bill following mass protests
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy seeks to restore the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies after a controversial law gutting Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms sparked protests.
Macron announces France will recognise the state of Palestine
France would become the first major Western power to take such a step, which Macron said is aimed at bolstering efforts toward a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Romania avoids downgrade to junk
S&P affirms Romania’s fragile BBB- rating citing fiscal consolidation measures.
Czech police press charges against leader of far-right opposition SPD party
Police pressed charges against Tomio Okamura following the investigation into SPD’s last year’s anti-immigration campaign.
ASEAN chair urges Cambodia and Thailand to cease hostilities and pursue dialogue
ASEAN Chairperson Anwar Ibrahim has called on Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate the current military conflict and enter into negotiations, following clashes that erupted on July 24.