World News

China's booming gig economy masks job market pain, strains welfare system

An estimated 320 million Chinese are expected to be in flexible employment this year as a weak labour market, AI adoption and a property downturn push more workers into gig jobs

Qatari LNG ship struck in Strait of Hormuz, testing US-Iran agreement

The vessel, owned by Qatar's state-owned shipping company Nakilat, appeared to be traveling without its transponders on, ship-tracking data show

Singapore, Zurich top world's costliest city list for luxury spending

Zurich climbed to second place, edging out London, while Monaco entered the top three for the first time since the survey began in 2020

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 3,535 as rescue efforts continue

Nearly 17,000 people have been injured, 6,500 rescued and 18,000 displaced, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said on Telegram

Samsung posts 19-fold jump in profit, but AI demand concerns hit shares

Samsung shares nevertheless dropped as ​much as 7.9% in morning trade, while rival SK Hynix's shares ​fell as much as 7.3%, dragging the benchmark KOSPI down 6%

There will either be a deal with Iran or US will 'finish the job': Trump

Secretary of Iran's Supreme ‌National Security Council Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr called Trump's threat 'delusional'

Building White House helipad for new, more powerful Marine One: Trump

He said the project would be privately funded and estimated its cost at up to $6 million

US raises concern over China's intercontinental range missile test

The US also urged China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and notify the intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches in line with the commitments made 5 members of UNSC

Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in Hormuz off Oman coast

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, though Iran is suspected of attacking at least two other vessels in the strait travelling on a route near Oman in recent days

Thousands of forgotten World War I Indian soldiers commemorated in UK

These forgotten soldiers have now been acknowledged following the Punjab Registers project, a five-year partnership between the CWGC, UK Punjab Heritage Association and University of Greenwich

South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix launches $28 billion Nasdaq listing

The deal comes as Asian chip companies tap strong global demand for AI-related stocks

Nato Chief Mark Rutte asks allies for credible defence spending plans

Spain endorsed the goal but said that it could fulfill NATO's security requirements without spending so much. Some countries are still struggling to meet the alliance's old target of 2 per cent of GDP

Dior beats Chanel to dress Taylor Swift for wedding of the decade

Dior said the couple's wedding looks were created in its ateliers at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris and designed by Anderson in close collaboration with the pair

China test-launches ballistic missile from submarine in South Pacific

China's military test-launched a long-range ballistic missile Monday from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific.

11 killed, several injured as Russia launches missile, drone attack on Kyiv

Waves of missiles and drones struck Ukraine's capital, exposing gaps in its air defences as Russia said the assault was retaliation for recent long-range strikes

Andy Burnham may struggle to keep his promise to Britain's economy

The frontrunner for Britain's top job has pledged to deliver 'good growth in every postcode', but decades of regional inequality and weak productivity will make that promise difficult to fulfil

Nato Summit 2026: Defence spending, Ukraine, Iran conflict dominate agenda

Trump's frequent criticism of Nato, along with announced troop withdrawals from Europe and a six-month review of the US military presence on the continent, has fuelled uncertainty within the alliance

Vietnam fast-tracks $4 billion Hon Khoai port to check China's naval power

Vietnam is accelerating work on a dual-use seaport and transport corridor to strengthen trade links and bolster its strategic presence after Cambodia launched a China-backed canal project

Europe's heatwave lifts demand for China's portable air conditioners

Midea could see consumer air conditioning sales in Europe grow by more than 20% Y-o-Y for 2nd quarter while Haier could record double-digit growth for its European air-conditioner segment this year

ByteDance, Alibaba pull AI companion features as China tightens rules

The sudden retreat comes ahead of new Beijing regulations taking effect in mid-July to tighten oversight on humanlike AI services