World News
8 political parties join hands to form 'Progressive Front' in Nepal
The alliance was announced at a programme held in Kathmandu on Saturday
 "8 political parties join hands to form 'Progressive Front' in Nepal")
Nepal PM Shah to hold meetings with Indian, Chinese envoys on Monday
Nepal PM Balendra Shah will hold separate meetings with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors, signalling a shift towards direct diplomatic engagement after 100 days in office
 "Nepal PM Shah to hold meetings with Indian, Chinese envoys on Monday")
Paramount to sign contract with theatre chains guaranteeing 30 films/year
Paramount Skydance has offered AMC and Regal three-year deals to guarantee 30 theatrical releases a year if its $110 billion Warner Bros deal goes through
 "Paramount to sign contract with theatre chains guaranteeing 30 films/year")
Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Aramco oil facility in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Iran has made new demands about the restart of negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
 "Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Aramco oil facility in Saudi Arabia")
Women's public role shrinks in China as rhetoric shifts to family: Study
China's official rhetoric has increasingly linked women to family and motherhood, while their representation in the country's political and policy leadership has declined
 "Women's public role shrinks in China as rhetoric shifts to family: Study")
Pentagon pushes defence cos for weapons production after depleted stocks
The Pentagon is pushing US defence firms to accelerate weapons production as the Iran war depletes stocks of key munitions and missile interceptors
 "Pentagon pushes defence cos for weapons production after depleted stocks")
Talks with US won't happen while interim deal is breached: Iranian minister
Iran says it will not resume talks with the US while Washington breaches a June interim deal, while an agreement with Oman on Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes nears completion
 "Talks with US won't happen while interim deal is breached: Iranian minister")
Currency defence gets makeover as central banks in Asia guard reserves
Asian central banks are seeking new ways to support weak currencies and preserve forex reserves as West Asia tensions, oil risks and high US rates weigh on markets
 "Currency defence gets makeover as central banks in Asia guard reserves")
Israel rejects Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, says PM Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel rejects Trump's Gaza peace plan and says it will not withdraw until Hamas fully disarms, raising fresh uncertainty over the ceasefire
 "Israel rejects Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza, says PM Benjamin Netanyahu")
Cyprus to supply natural gas to Europe by 2028 as EU seeks new sources
Gas from the Cronos field off Cyprus is expected to reach European markets by March 2028 via Egypt, offering an alternative supply as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on Russia
 "Cyprus to supply natural gas to Europe by 2028 as EU seeks new sources")
Households in India, Asia-Pacific regions vulnerable to El Nino shocks: S&P
S&P said the effects of the El Nino period starting in 2026 will reach Asia-Pacific mainly through weaker rainfall and climate disruption, and the macroeconomic impact is likely to be manageable
 "Households in India, Asia-Pacific regions vulnerable to El Nino shocks: S&P")
Russia, China take note as Iran conflict depletes US weapons stocks
The Iran war has depleted US weapons stockpiles, resulting in a significant erosion of firepower. A more drawn-out Iran conflict benefits Moscow and Beijing, some analysts say
 "Russia, China take note as Iran conflict depletes US weapons stocks")
China's producer inflation eases to 3-month low in July, CPI slows
China's leaders, confronting a two-speed economy of strong factory output and exports but weak domestic demand, have pledged to bolster growth by accelerating fiscal spending
 "China's producer inflation eases to 3-month low in July, CPI slows")
US CPI to show inflationary pressures easing after recent war-driven rise
The closely watched consumer price index is seen rising 0.1% in July following a 0.4% decline in the prior month
 "US CPI to show inflationary pressures easing after recent war-driven rise")
Pentagon asks defence firms to boost production of key weapon systems
There have been growing warnings about the state of US weapons stockpiles as the US military attacks Iran and repels its drone and missile strikes on American bases in the region
 "Pentagon asks defence firms to boost production of key weapon systems")
PM Modi speaks to JD Vance, discusses ways to deepen India-US ties
PM Modi also congratulated Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, on the birth of their son and extended his wishes to the family
 "PM Modi speaks to JD Vance, discusses ways to deepen India-US ties")
US Treasury pressures Harry Sargeant to divest from Venezuela oil venture
Sargeant served as a vital back channel between Washington and Caracas during years of deep hostility, accumulating outsized influence on both sides
 "US Treasury pressures Harry Sargeant to divest from Venezuela oil venture")
Drones spotted over German military base after explosives found at airport
The sightings came two days after a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, prompting a security investigation.
 "Drones spotted over German military base after explosives found at airport")
US weighs ending 60-day grace period for foreign workers to find new jobs
The proposed regulation would eliminate 60-day grace period accorded to certain principal non-immigrants and their dependents if the principal's employment ceases before period of stay expires
 "US weighs ending 60-day grace period for foreign workers to find new jobs")
Iran says Hormuz reopening depends on US accepting its conditions
A US official on Friday reported progress between Iran and Oman that could soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz
 "Iran says Hormuz reopening depends on US accepting its conditions")