World News
US sanctions Indian firm, CEO among 8 over 'fuelling' civil war in Sudan
Among the sanctioned individuals is Alok Choudhari, the CEO of SBL Energy Limited, which allegedly supplied over 200 shipments of explosives to a company that maintained the SAF's arsenal
 "US sanctions Indian firm, CEO among 8 over 'fuelling' civil war in Sudan")
Toll from Venezuela earthquakes climbs to at least 920 dead, 3,360 injured
The new figures were announced by Jorge Rodriguez, the president of the country's National Assembly
 "Toll from Venezuela earthquakes climbs to at least 920 dead, 3,360 injured")
US strikes Iran after drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump said the drone attack violated the ceasefire
 "US strikes Iran after drone attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz")
Israel, Lebanon sign framework deal with US in 'first step' toward peace
The officials did not share details on the agreement that was signed by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, ambassador of Lebanon to the United States
 "Israel, Lebanon sign framework deal with US in 'first step' toward peace")
Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries imposing digital services tax
The US president said any country levying a digital services tax on American companies would face sweeping tariffs, escalating tensions with Europe despite progress on a broader trade deal
 "Trump threatens 100% tariff on countries imposing digital services tax")
A historic heat wave catches Europe's fashion industry unprepared
Across the week, designers treated heat as a hospitality problem, a staging problem and a scheduling problem - rarely as a design problem
 "A historic heat wave catches Europe's fashion industry unprepared")
Small plane crashes into Beijing's tallest building; police seal off area
Police cordon off the area around CITIC Tower after a small aircraft reportedly crashes into the skyscraper, with authorities yet to issue an official statement
 "Small plane crashes into Beijing's tallest building; police seal off area")
China backs Bangladesh's new government: Xi Jinping tells Tarique Rahman
On the final day of his five-day visit, Rahman met Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
 "China backs Bangladesh's new government: Xi Jinping tells Tarique Rahman")
Donald Trump says Iran attacks on ships 'a foolish violation' of ceasefire
US President says Iran launched four one-way attack drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with one striking the upper deck of a cargo vessel
Ex-Trump adviser Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents
His plea agreement with the Justice Department may enable him to avoid time behind bars, but the judge ultimately will decide his punishment
 "Ex-Trump adviser Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents")
Dubai issues incoming missile alert, sounds all clear minutes later
It wasn't immediately clear what sparked the warning just after 5:15 pm local
 "Dubai issues incoming missile alert, sounds all clear minutes later")
Oil heads for steep weekly losses as Hormuz tanker traffic gathers pace
Brent and WTI fall about 3 per cent as supply concerns ease with higher tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz despite fresh security risks in the region
 "Oil heads for steep weekly losses as Hormuz tanker traffic gathers pace")
Probe links Russia to Jaguar hack that caused $2.5 bn hit to UK economy
Investigators believe a Russian hacking group, not the collective that initially claimed responsibility, carried out the ransomware attack that disrupted Jaguar Land Rover and dented Britain's economy
 "Probe links Russia to Jaguar hack that caused $2.5 bn hit to UK economy")
Ukraine hits Russian chemical plant again in heavy overnight drone attack
Regional governor Dmitry Milyayev said an industrial facility in Novomoskovsk 200 km (125 miles) south of Moscow had been damaged
 "Ukraine hits Russian chemical plant again in heavy overnight drone attack")
Strait of Hormuz reopens, but Iran wants to control shipping routes
Ships are moving through the Strait of Hormuz again, yet Iran's opposition to UN-backed routes shows the conflict has shifted to control over maritime access
 "Strait of Hormuz reopens, but Iran wants to control shipping routes")
Chinese cars account for over 10% of new vehicle sales in Europe in May
Hybrid and plug-in hybrids like the MG S9 sport utility vehicle helped Chinese automakers take 11% of European sales in May, according to analysts
 "Chinese cars account for over 10% of new vehicle sales in Europe in May")
Nato summit should display unity and defence pledges, says deputy chief
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lambasted Nato allies last week for not allowing use of their bases to attack Iran, as he announced a surprise six-month review of American forces in Europe
 "Nato summit should display unity and defence pledges, says deputy chief")
India, 34 others sign statement on AI opportunity at Pax Silica Summit
At the second Pax Silica Summit held in Washington on Thursday, 35 nations signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, aligning behind a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory approach for the AI era
 "India, 34 others sign statement on AI opportunity at Pax Silica Summit")
Japan evacuates 2 million ahead of typhoon, torrential rain batters Taiwan
Mekkhala, currently a tropical storm, is nearing southern Japan's Ryukyu Islands after skirting Taiwan where it brought heavy rain to parts of the island, especially in the southern regions
 "Japan evacuates 2 million ahead of typhoon, torrential rain batters Taiwan")
Samsung to unveil $648 bn investment plan as AI boom reshapes South Korea
The investment, which would include AI data centers, batteries and displays, will be announced at a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung at the presidential office
 "Samsung to unveil $648 bn investment plan as AI boom reshapes South Korea")