World News
War could cut global growth to 1.3%: World Bank Chief Economist Gill
The World Bank warned that a prolonged US-Iran conflict could slow global growth to 1.3% in 2026, while fuelling inflation, higher interest rates and debt pressures
 "War could cut global growth to 1.3%: World Bank Chief Economist Gill")
Google is building AI fence around the internet it once championed
Google's AI-powered search is keeping users on its platform, raising concerns that declining traffic to websites could threaten the future of the open web
 "Google is building AI fence around the internet it once championed")
US war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion, says Defence Secy Pete Hegseth
Hegseth gave the estimate in an appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that was focused on President Donald Trump's request for an additional $67 billion in defence funding
 "US war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion, says Defence Secy Pete Hegseth")
Trump: Will destroy bridge, power plant for each Iranian attack in Strait
4 more tankers changed course in Red Sea; Marco Rubio says still ready for talks but Iran not serious
 "Trump: Will destroy bridge, power plant for each Iranian attack in Strait")
Trump approves nuclear agreement that may allow Saudi to enrich uranium
The deal is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve US firms in developing the programme
 "Trump approves nuclear agreement that may allow Saudi to enrich uranium")
Why US strikes on southern Iran are putting the Gulf's sea lanes on edge
Fighting is spreading across West Asia as the US intensifies strikes on southern Iran, Tehran retaliates across the Gulf, and key energy and shipping routes come under growing threat
 "Why US strikes on southern Iran are putting the Gulf's sea lanes on edge")
US approves Saudi nuclear deal: What it allows and why it matters
The proposed agreement, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars, is expected to run for 30 years and place American companies at the centre of Saudi's civil nuclear infrastructure programme.
 "US approves Saudi nuclear deal: What it allows and why it matters")
Alibaba's AliExpress fined $629 million by EU over illegal products
The EU has fined Alibaba-owned AliExpress a record $629 million, citing failures in content moderation, seller enforcement, and efforts to stop the sale of illegal products
 "Alibaba's AliExpress fined $629 million by EU over illegal products")
How AI data centre spending is creating hidden debt for tech giants
AI spending by Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Oracle is driving a surge in hidden debt, with off-balance-sheet commitments reaching $1.65 trillion
 "How AI data centre spending is creating hidden debt for tech giants")
France approves social media ban for under-15s: Key details explained
The phased law bars new accounts from September, removes existing ones from January 2027, and signals a wider European push to tighten children's access to social media
 "France approves social media ban for under-15s: Key details explained")
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain and why has Trump threatened to attack it?
Trump has threatened to attack Iran's Pickaxe Mountain after reports claimed Tehran moved centrifuges to the underground site near its Natanz nuclear facility
 "What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain and why has Trump threatened to attack it?")
US identifies 3rd service member believed to be killed in Iranian attack
The confirmation brings the death toll to 18 US service members killed since the war began
Pakistan seeks $10 billion in US backstop facility to boost reserves
The request, which is being reported for the first time, follows Pakistan's role in brokering talks over the Iran war, which raised its diplomatic profile
 "Pakistan seeks $10 billion in US backstop facility to boost reserves")
Ukraine's new military chief forged his reputation fighting Russia in 2014
Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi was named to the post Tuesday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of mass protests in Kyiv and other cities demanding his removal
 "Ukraine's new military chief forged his reputation fighting Russia in 2014")
US advocacy group backs Sonam Wangchuk with protests in New York, San Jose
Activists from the 'Hindus for Human Rights' gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City's Union Square and San Jose on Monday carrying placards bearing slogans in support of Wangchuk
 "US advocacy group backs Sonam Wangchuk with protests in New York, San Jose")
Zelenskyy fires Ukraine's military chief after protests, names replacement
Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief, according to a statement on social media
 "Zelenskyy fires Ukraine's military chief after protests, names replacement")
US completes 11th night of strikes on Iran as attacks overshadow diplomacy
US Central Command said targets included aircraft hangars and drone storage sites
 "US completes 11th night of strikes on Iran as attacks overshadow diplomacy")
Trump set to impose fresh tariffs by July 24 with stopgap to expire
The Trump administration last month proposed new tariffs of at least 10 per cent on 60 trading partners, citing what it said were lax forced-labor standards
 "Trump set to impose fresh tariffs by July 24 with stopgap to expire")
Hong Kong traders cling to lunch break as exchange seeks to scrap it
A preliminary proposal by the city's exchange to scrap the midday break and extend trading hours has drawn criticism, particularly from local firms
 "Hong Kong traders cling to lunch break as exchange seeks to scrap it")
US judge rejects Trump's bid to block BBC subpoenas in $10 billion suit
The BBC apologized for the edit before the suit was filed, but is now taking steps to focus the case on Trump's intent and state of mind on the day of the Capitol riot
 "US judge rejects Trump's bid to block BBC subpoenas in $10 billion suit")