The Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, a decision formalized by President Mohamed Muizzu this week. This action, prompted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, reflects the government's condemnation of Israel's actions against Palestinians. While the ban's impact on dual nationals remains unclear, it underscores ...

Xi Jinping is advocating for free trade in Southeast Asia, portraying China as a source of stability. Welcomed in Vietnam and later in Malaysia, Xi emphasized opposing unilateral actions and maintaining global supply chains. Agreements were signed with Vietnam, including railway projects and increased agricultural exports. He will end his tour with a stop ...

Nations reach a historic agreement in Geneva to combat future pandemics. The accord addresses shortcomings exposed by Covid-19. It focuses on pathogen data sharing and technology transfer. Article 11 was a point of contention. The World Health Organization will present the final text for approval next month. The US absence and potential tariffs cast a ...

Canada's political landscape is set for a pivotal debate as Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre clash ahead of the April 28 election. With polls indicating a tightening two-party race, Carney's French language skills will be tested, particularly in Quebec, while Poilievre aims to broaden his appeal beyond traditional ...

Like thousands of senior citizens in Ukraine, Zinaida Gyrenko was spending the sunset years of her life in a shelter, her retirement upended by Russia's invasion. She now stays at a dormitory-turned-shelter for senior citizens called Velyka Rodina, meaning Big Family, in Kharkiv city further north. The invasion launched by the Kremlin more than three years ...

A US firm says it has launched a bid for deep-sea mining in the waters off a remote Pacific island, urging regulators to greenlight its foray into the contentious emerging industry. The United States is not a member of the UN-affiliated body, and Impossible Metals' bid circumvents the seabed authority by mining within US jurisdiction, rather than ...

Elon Musk, driven by concerns over declining birth rates, has fathered at least 14 children with multiple women, aiming to boost the global population. A Wall Street Journal investigation reveals his efforts to secretly expand his family, including offering sperm and using surrogates.

Tokyo's envoy for US tariff talks left for Washington on Wednesday saying he was confident of a "win-win" outcome while protecting Japanese national interests. The minister, who studied at a US university and is close to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, said he wants to "protect our national interests" in talks with Bessent and Greer, who are "fond of Japan".

Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of their parents' murder, are seeking reduced sentences after decades in prison. Their attorneys highlight their rehabilitation efforts, including educational achievements, support groups, and community projects. While some officials support their release due to their positive behavior, others oppose it, citing the severity ...

The UK Supreme Court is set to rule on a legal challenge concerning the definition of 'woman' under equality laws, a dispute between For Women Scotland and the Scottish government. The core of the case revolves around whether a transgender person with a gender recognition certificate should be legally regarded as a woman.

South Korean police raided Wednesday the office of former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his security detail, as part of a spiralling criminal probe into the impeached leader. Police seized encrypted phone servers and raided the office of Yoon's presidential security detail, plus his chief of security's house, in what they said was part of a probe into ...

A Peruvian court sentenced ex-president Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, to 15 years in prison for money laundering linked to the Odebrecht bribery scandal. Humala was immediately jailed, while Heredia sought asylum in Brazil. The case implicates multiple former Peruvian presidents, highlighting the widespread corruption within the country.

President Xi Jinping's Southeast Asia tour, including a visit to Malaysia, aims to strengthen China's position as a reliable partner amid global trade tensions. Xi's visit emphasizes regional solidarity and economic cooperation, particularly in light of US tariffs impacting ASEAN nations. China seeks to promote stability and development, positioning itself ...

According to Taiwan's MND, 11 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island.

The White House is intensifying its conflict with Harvard University, potentially impacting other Ivy League institutions. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt questioned the allocation of taxpayer funds to these universities, citing concerns over antisemitism and discrimination. The administration has frozen over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard after ...

While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday (local time), Bruce said that the US remains committed to Nato and is trying to make the alliance deterrent, not to help with wars, fight them, or fund them. She stated that Nato was meant to be a collection of entities that would stop bad actors from doing bad things.

Newly released records detail the tragic final days of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus after researching flu-like symptoms. Hackman, 95, died a week later from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's. Their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26th. Arakawa sought medical advice and ...

Thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank, displaced by Israeli military operations, face renewed hardship as shelters close. A matriarch from Nur Shams recounted a hasty eviction and subsequent displacement. With limited aid from the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA stretched thin, many families struggle to find housing and employment amidst the raging ...

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. We have checked but it was negative (for damage or casualties)," said Gilbert Rolifor, a fire department official in Maitum.

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to US defense secretary Pete Hegseth, has been placed on administrative leave following an investigation into leaks at the Department of Defense. Caldwell was identified as the source of an "unauthorized disclosure" involving sensitive communications and national security information. The investigation is ongoing, separate ...