Hegseth proposes ‘ambitious’ US-ASEAN defense framework
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposed the creation of an “ambitious” new US-Asean defense framework on Wednesday, telling the bloc’s leaders it could help them navigate “critically important” years ahead. The United States has been seeking to boost its regional defense partnerships in recent years, citing the need to uphold what it terms a “free
Spain train crash
At least 31 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Toledo province in central Spain, on the line between Madrid and Seville. Footage broadcast by the regional channel CMM TV showed a derailed train with at least one carriage remaining on an elevated section of track. Twisted metal, broken panels and wreckage
ICC victims ask chamber to admit witness testimony vs Rodrigo Duterte
The Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRV) has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III to grant the Prosecution’s request to admit the previously recorded testimonies of three witnesses in the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte. In an eight-page document dated October 27, the CLRV said the testimonies do
Bank of Canada interest rate announcement nears as economists expect a hike
The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate announcement Wednesday, with many economists predicting a hike for the first time in three years. The central bank is facing pressure to raise interest rates as the Iran war and other geopolitical conflicts result in higher prices for oil and gas, which is expected
Israelis await final election results
Anxious Israelis watched election results near completion Wednesday after the highest voter turnout in over a quarter-century, as no clear winner emerged and weeks of negotiating could lie ahead for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an array of opposition parties trying to unseat him. Arab-led parties made a historic showing, but it’s not clear if
Houthis call Egypt’s military support for Saudi Arabia a ‘declaration of war’
A Houthi official said Tuesday that the Egyptian Parliament’s decision to support Saudi Arabia amounted to a “declaration of war” against Yemen. The parliament in Egypt, which said it is considering joining the Makkah Defence Pact, on Monday authorised the Egyptian military to help defend Saudi Arabia, a major financial and political partner for Cairo.Saudi
King begins tour of Caribbean as calls grow for slavery apology
The King is to begin a tour of the Caribbean as calls mount for him to apologise for Britain’s role in slavery. Charles will arrive in Antigua for a nine-day visit to the region after the Commonwealth’s secretary general Shirley Botchwey said last week it “wouldn’t hurt” when asked during an interview if the King
Russian attack on Kyiv kills one person
A Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, killed at least one person on Monday and damaged a metro station and medical facilities. The mayor also said there was a strike next to an underground station and pictures posted on unofficial Telegram channels showed damage at a station and to a tram. Klitschko said
With Munir at negotiating table, Saudi Arabia offers $1 billion to Houthis for peace
Saudi Arabia has offered $1 billion to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels in a bid to secure a ceasefire and restore oil exports, reported an Israeli media outlet. The talks were held as part of the Mecca pact and Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was involved in the negotiations aimed at containing the escalating
Inside Microsoft’s new exit offer
Microsoft has launched a new Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in the US, India, Canada and the UK. The programme gives employees a chance to leave the company with financial support and career planning resources. The new offer is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating organisations. It is