World News
Shein wins Chinese regulatory approval to proceed with Hong Kong IPO
Shein has secured approval from China's securities regulator for its planned Hong Kong IPO after earlier listing attempts in the US and London failed
 "Shein wins Chinese regulatory approval to proceed with Hong Kong IPO")
Conflict and aid cuts deny critical support to over 1 million women: UN
A million women lose access to critical support in crisis-hit regions, according to the UN Women
 "Conflict and aid cuts deny critical support to over 1 million women: UN")
China successfully launches, retrieves reusable rocket booster at sea
The Long March 10B's first stage made a vertical landing on an offshore platform, making China the second country after the US to achieve the feat
 "China successfully launches, retrieves reusable rocket booster at sea")
Japan's corporate bankruptcies hit 12-year high: What's behind it?
Japan recorded more than 5,300 corporate bankruptcies in the first half of 2026, the highest in 12 years, as inflation, a weak yen, labour shortages and higher borrowing costs squeeze small businesses
 "Japan's corporate bankruptcies hit 12-year high: What's behind it?")
Xavier Niel becomes biggest Vodafone shareholder with $6 billion stake
Vodafone's shares have declined 1.1% this year and closed at 97.76 pence on Thursday
 "Xavier Niel becomes biggest Vodafone shareholder with $6 billion stake")
Israel shares intel on alleged new Iranian plot to kill Trump: Report
The Israeli warning reportedly concerned a new and specific plot, as the US assesses fresh intelligence amid heightened tensions with Tehran
 "Israel shares intel on alleged new Iranian plot to kill Trump: Report")
Nasa's Anil Menon set to travel to International Space Station on July 14
He is scheduled to travel to space aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft along with cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina
 "Nasa's Anil Menon set to travel to International Space Station on July 14")
US-Iran peace agreement in limbo after renewed strikes, sanctions
In its initial phase, the memorandum of understanding that took effect June 18 was supposed to end all hostilities, provide sanctions relief for Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz
 "US-Iran peace agreement in limbo after renewed strikes, sanctions")
US steps up attacks on Iran, raising prospect of wider regional war
American officials said they were trying to safeguard maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz while Iran said it had responded by firing at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait
 "US steps up attacks on Iran, raising prospect of wider regional war")
Technical talks with Iran to continue despite recent strikes: US official
The US is still committed to finding a solution with Iran, the official said Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter
 "Technical talks with Iran to continue despite recent strikes: US official")
Andy Burnham set to become next UK premier with majority of MP votes
At the end of the first day of the party's leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer, 322 of 403 Labour members of Parliament voted for Burnham
 "Andy Burnham set to become next UK premier with majority of MP votes")
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei laid to rest in Mashhad as thousands bid farewell
The final burial took place at the Dar al-Dhikr prayer hall after his coffin was carried around the tomb of Imam Reza as part of the funeral rites
 "Ayatollah Ali Khamenei laid to rest in Mashhad as thousands bid farewell")
US, Iran exchange more attacks in West Asia, threatening ceasefire deal
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home to Iran's nuclear power plant complex, and southern port cities
 "US, Iran exchange more attacks in West Asia, threatening ceasefire deal")
Bonnie Tyler: Voice that minted 1980s pop anthems like Total Eclipse
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, whose powerhouse voice defined 1980s hits such as Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, has died at 75
 "Bonnie Tyler: Voice that minted 1980s pop anthems like Total Eclipse")
A few officials saw case for June rate hike: Federal Reserve minutes
Fed minutes show some officials considered a rate hike as persistent inflation, energy prices and AI-driven demand kept pressure on the US interest-rate outlook
 "A few officials saw case for June rate hike: Federal Reserve minutes")
Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to escalate war with Ukraine
Putin is resisting calls for peace talks and may escalate the war, sources say, as Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russian fuel tankers and supply routes
 "Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to escalate war with Ukraine")
Iran hits US military targets in Gulf, lays slain leader to rest
Iran struck US military targets in Gulf states after fresh American airstrikes, while Tehran pursued diplomacy with Oman and Türkiye to prevent wider regional escalation
 "Iran hits US military targets in Gulf, lays slain leader to rest")
Flooding from heavy rain leaves 39 dead in China as Typhoon Bavi approaches
Most of the deaths occurred after a reservoir dam partially collapsed in Guangxi, while authorities in eastern China and Taiwan prepared for Typhoon Bavi's expected landfall this weekend
 "Flooding from heavy rain leaves 39 dead in China as Typhoon Bavi approaches")
New Zealand is testing ways to make cows climate-friendly: What it means
New Zealand is turning its cattle farms into a testing ground for technologies that could reduce one of agriculture's biggest climate challenges: methane from livestock
 "New Zealand is testing ways to make cows climate-friendly: What it means")
Nominations open in contest to be UK leader with Burnham as sole contender
Nominations close on July 16, with former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham expected to secure enough backing to become Labour leader and Britain's next prime minister
 "Nominations open in contest to be UK leader with Burnham as sole contender")