UN experts warn of torture risk as US deports migrants to third countries
Geneva, Switzerland -- UN experts decried Tuesday the US resumption of migrant deportations to third countries, including to war-torn South Sudan, stressing Washington's obligation to ensure it is not sending people into harm's way. The experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but who do not speak...
World Bank chief vows to tackle ‘dysfunctionality’ at development lender
The former Mastercard chief executive told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that the bank should alter its current twin mandate of poverty alleviation and boosting shared prosperity to include climate change. Banga's comments in New York come shortly before global leaders are due to gather for the...Antarctic sea ice hits lowest winter maximum on record, says data
WASHINGTON, US - The sea ice around Antarctica likely had a record low surface area when it was at its maximum size this winter, a preliminary US analysis of satellite data showed. As the southern hemisphere transitions into spring, the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) said in a statement that...China slams US sanctions over Iran aircraft program
Washington last week slapped sanctions on "seven individuals and four entities" based in Iran, China, Russia and Turkey it said had facilitated shipments and financial transactions involving Tehran's military hardware program. The United States accuses Iran of supplying Russia with drones, which have become a major feature of Moscow's war...Ford halts work on US$3.5 billion battery plant
The auto giant announced in February the project in Marshall, Michigan as a way to diversify its battery profile away from its current exclusive use of nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), which are costly to produce because of raw material scarcity. Ford said it would work with a Chinese company to...NASA capsule brings to Earth first major asteroid sample
Dugway, United States-- A seven-year space voyage came to its climactic end Sunday when a NASA capsule landed in the desert in the US state of Utah, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected.Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the...Iran does not intend to build nuclear weapons: Raisi
Defending his country's enrichment of uranium to 60 percent purity level, noting that it was a response to European states failing to live up to the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has categorically rejected the Western states' claim that Tehran intends to build nuclear weapons, in an interview...UAE minister calls for climate action by promoting nature-based solutions
NEW YORK, US – UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri called upon the global community to utilize the opportunity offered by COP28 in the Emirates to drive climate action by focusing on food systems transformation and promoting nature-based solutions.She made the comments during her...Biden blames ‘extreme Republicans’ for threatening US government shutdown
A government shutdown would put the finances of hundreds of thousands of workers at federal parks, museums, and other sites at risk, but it could also carry significant political costs for Biden, who is running for re-election. The White House wants any budget bill passed by lawmakers to include $24...GCC chief highlights importance of boosting ties with UK
New York, US--Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the United Kingdom, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is an essential element of the strategic partnership and will contribute to achieving common interests.This came during Albudaiwi’s meeting with...World must understand AI, curb its risk, says UK Deputy PM
NEW YORK, US - The United Kingdom will be holding a summit on artificial intelligence (AI) so that nations can come together to “understand it, govern it, harness its potential and contain its risks”, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the UN General Assembly.Dowden said the so-named AI Safety Summit,...Iran criticizes US statement on islands dispute with UAE
Iran said it had called in the Swiss envoy to deliver a protest over a “provocative” US statement on its decades-old dispute with the UAE over three Gulf islands. The foreign ministry was reacting to a joint statement issued by the US and six Gulf Arab states backing UAE calls...Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard makes popular games like "Call of Duty".Cisco buys Splunk for US$28bn
Splunk is a software platform that uses AI to identify malware.UAE stocks generate strong cash flows as DFM hits 8-month high
Abu Dhabi, UAE--UAE stock markets Thursday continued to capitalize on improved investor sentiments, defying US Fed's decision to keep interest rates steady on Wednesday, while projecting an increase by year-end.Blue-chip real estate, banking, and energy stocks lead the gainers in the Capital's bourse, as giant property Emaar drove DFM to...Man shoots multiple times in Lebanon’s US embassy, no casualty
Beirut, Lebanon - A gunman fired more than a dozen bullets at the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanese officials said on Thursday, with the diplomatic mission reporting no casualties in the late evening incident."At 10:37 pm local time (1937 GMT), small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance...US commander ‘concerned’ over Iran-Russia drone tech sharing
Modified Iranian drones used by Moscow in its war in Ukraine could feed back to Iran, which in turn may employ them in its campaign to prop up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich told a briefing in Abu Dhabi. Washington accuses Iran of supplying Moscow with drones...GCC countries hold interest rates following US Fed decision
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- In the wake of the US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its interest rates, GCC countries, including the UAE and Qatar, have opted to follow suit. The US Federal Reserve, on Wednesday, voted to keep interest rates at a 22-year peak, suggesting that these rates might...Musk says X could charge all users ‘small monthly payment’
The tech tycoon has made multiple changes since taking over the site for $44 billion in October last year, when it was known as Twitter. He has fired thousands of employees, introduced a paid premium option, cut content moderation and reinstated formerly banned accounts including that of former US president...Five freed US detainees leave Iran in prisoner swap
The five, who include a businessman and a conservationist, and who left Iran on a Qatari plane accompanied by two relatives, were freed in exchange for five Iranians held by the United States. The trigger for the exchange was the release of the $6 billion in funds, long frozen by...UN meet looks to salvage promises on helping world’s poorest
The UN head said the summit will seek a "global rescue plan" on the targets of Sustainable Development Goals, as he acknowledged that only about 15% were on track to be met and that metrics on some were heading in reverse. He said the goals are "about the hopes, dreams,...Saudi Arabia participates in global meet to bridge digital divide
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Kingdom’s Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Dr. Mohammed Saud Al-Tamimi participated in the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development annual meeting in New York.The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.The meeting aims...US Fed likely to pause rate hikes despite higher inflation
The Fed has raised interest rates 11 times over the last 18 months, lifting its key lending rate to a level not seen for 22 years as it tackles inflation still stubbornly above its long-term target of two percent. Goldman Sachs cut their forecast for a recession in the US...IAEA denounces Iran over latest inspector exclusion
Iran's foreign ministry said that the move to withdraw accreditation from several of the UN's nuclear watchdog inspectors was in retaliation for "political abuses" by the United States, France, Germany and Britain. But IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said that this would seriously hamper the ability of the IAEA to...California sues oil giants, alleges environment, climate-risks deception
The US state of California sued five of the world's largest oil companies, alleging the firms caused billions of dollars in damages and misled the public by minimizing the risks from fossil fuels, according to a court filing. The case was filed in superior court in San Francisco against ExxonMobil,...Iran denounces new Western sanctions on Amini death anniversary
Slamming the new sanctions imposed by the Western countries on the Islamic republic, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani termed them as "illegal and undiplomatic actions." The US, Britain and the EU announced new sanctions against many entities on the eve of the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in...Transfer of Iran’s unfrozen foreign assets to Qatari banks soon
TEHRAN, IRAN – The foreign minister of Qatar said the procedures for the transfer of Iran’s unfrozen foreign assets to Qatari banks will be finalized within the next week.Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani made the comments in a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on...US approves most Egypt aid despite rights alarm
Egypt is one of the largest recipients of US military aid, dating to its historic normalization of relations with Israel in 1980, the first for an Arab state. The latest package of military aid includes $980 million that was not subject to restrictions.NASA to publish long-awaited UFO report
An independent team of 16 researchers shared their preliminary observations in May, finding that existing data and eyewitness reports are insufficient to draw firm conclusions, while calling for more systematic collection of high-quality data. It's unlikely Thursday's report will change that bottom line -- but it could eventually usher in...US govt face Google in landmark antitrust lawsuit
Washington, US - A landmark case pitting the US government against Google over the dominance of the company's world-dominating search engine began in a Washington courtroom on Tuesday."This case is about the future of the internet and whether Google will ever face meaningful competition in search," said Justice Department lawyer Kenneth...Normalization of Israeli-Saudi ties hit Palestine, security barriers
Despite Israel's strong determination and increasing US mediation efforts, the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tel Aviv-Riyadh still face serious obstacles.Oslo Accords promise turned into ‘destroyed dreams’ in Gaza
Oslo Accords were meant to lead to a free Palestine, but years of stalled negotiations and violence have left any peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict a distant dream. Gaza, a narrow coastal enclave, is now home to some 2.3 million people, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.US endorses transfer of funds to Iran in prisoner deal
President Joe Biden's administration has insisted that Iran will only be allowed to use the money to buy food, medicine and other humanitarian goods. Iran had generated the $6 billion in question by selling its oil to South Korea, a close US ally, which froze the funds after the US...Vietnam Airlines, Boeing ink $7.8bn pact
The deal is likely to support more than 30,000 jobs in the US.Secret talks, lasting failures: key Israeli-Palestinian peace bids
US president Ronald Reagan's administration opens dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1988 after its exiled leader Yasser Arafat agrees to recognize Israel's right to exist. Three years later, in late 1991, Washington and Moscow co-organize an Israeli-Arab peace conference in Spain.Six arrested in Iran over planned rioting on Amini death anniversary
Tehran, Iran - Authorities in Iran's southwest have arrested six people accused of "organizing riots" on the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in custody which triggered nationwide protests, state media reported on Saturday.Amini, an Iranian Kurd, died on September 16, 2022, after her arrest in Tehran for alleged breach of...Data, rail, electricity key focus as G20 eyes EU-Middle East-India trade plan
Major G20 partners are set to unveil ambitious plans on Saturday to enhance trade among India, the Middle East, and Europe. This modern-day Spice Route aims to integrate regions that represent about a third of the global economy. Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, the UAE, and other nations plan to...West blocked Russian assets worth $280bn, says US treasury
Washington, US - The REPO (Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs) task force, set up to search and freeze Russia-related assets, estimates the overall value of sovereign Russian assets, blocked by the West, at $280 billion.“The total value of assets <…> is estimated at around $280 billion, the majority of which is held in the European Union,” the US Department of the Treasury said...African Union set to become G20 member with US, EU backing
"I look forward to welcoming the AU as a permanent member of the G20", European Council president Charles Michel told reporters in New Delhi, where the two-day G20 summit begins on Saturday. In December, US President Joe Biden said he wanted the AU "to join the G20 as a permanent...North Korea launches new ‘tactical nuclear attack submarine’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, saying the sub was part of a "push forward with the nuclear weaponization of the Navy", according to state news agency KCNA. Images in state media showed Kim, wearing a light suit and sun hat, speaking to...US interest rates in ‘good place,’ for now: Fed officials
The comments from three regional Fed presidents with a vote on setting interest rates will likely solidify expectations that the US central bank intends to hold rates steady later this month amid growing signs of weaker labor market conditions. The Fed has raised its benchmark lending rate 11 times over...WTA Finals to be held in Mexico, says sports body
NEW YORK, US - Cancun will host the WTA Finals October 29-November 5, the WTA announced on Thursday. The Mexican resort would stage the season ending tournament after reports that Saudi Arabia was front-runner to land the event.The WTA said in a statement that officials "weighed a number of competitive bids...$8.7 billion lawsuit in UK accuses Google of stifling competition
It accuses Google of breaching competition law by shutting out mobile search competition and using its market dominance to increase the prices paid by advertisers for their prominence on the Google search page.Apple, Facebook among tech giants to face tough new EU curbs
The European Commission, the EU's powerful antitrust body, named 22 "core platform" services belonging to five US tech behemoths identified as "gatekeepers" -- Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft -- and China's ByteDance. The services included Apple's App Store; Meta's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp; Google's YouTube video platform and...OIA invests in US battery firm ONE
ONE is focused on high-density LFP-based batteries.Big power disputes cast shadow on Southeast Asia summits
The 10-member Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) was holding separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Canada, providing an arena for big powers to lobby the bloc. US Vice President Kamala Harris is attending in place of President Joe Biden, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang...Clashes between army and Turkey-backed rebels in Syria kill 23
The clashes broke out after pro-Ankara rebels tried to infiltrate Kurdish-held northeast Syria, killing 23 people, a war monitor said. The spike in violence comes amid days of separate clashes in Kurdish-held parts of neighboring Deir Ezzor province after US-backed, Kurdish-led fighters detained the head of a local military body...White House race overshadows Biden visit to Florida hurricane zone
Large trees, broken limbs and tattered signs littered the side of the motorcade route, a testament to the power of the storm that hit the Florida coast Wednesday as an "extremely dangerous" hurricane, killing one person in Florida and one in Georgia. The president and first lady Jill Biden met...Two convictions in FIFA corruption scandal overturned by US judge
Miami, United States--Two convictions in the FIFA corruption case have been overturned by a US federal judge citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.Hernan Lopez, a former executive with 21st Century Fox and Argentine sports marketing firm Full Play were found guilty in March of paying bribes and kickbacks to South American...Protection pact for Yemeni cultural assets extended with US support
Dubai, UAE-- Yemen and the US have signed an agreement to renews and extend protections for Yemeni cultural property that were put in place in 2020 on an emergency basis.According to the US State Department, the deal was signed by US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs...Markets mostly rise ahead of crucial United States jobs report
Wall Street's three main indexes ended a volatile August on a tepid note Thursday after data showed the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation -- the personal consumption expenditures index -- ticked a little higher in July.