World News

Finland considers Ukraine-style anti-tank barriers as Russia rearms

The country is assessing how defensive structures used in Ukraine would withstand harsh northern weather as Russia rebuilds its military capacity, Finnish Army chief Pasi Välimäki said

As New Zealand polls close, results expected to be tightest in years

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is seeking a second term, but neither the National Party nor Labour, led by Chris Hipkins, has a clear path to forming the next government

Beijing opposes US sanctions on two Chinese firms, vows to hit back

Beijing accused Washington of imposing discriminatory restrictions on Chinese firms and urged it to reverse the measures, after the US expanded sanctions targeting foreign businesses linked to Cuba

US offers $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme

State Department's Rewards for Justice programme is offering up to $20 mn and possible relocation for information on Iran's nuclear facilities, equipment and personnel, including nuclear scientists

South Africa mourns Indian-origin TV pioneer Ramprakash Gopidayal

Popularly known as Ramu, Gopidayal launched SABC's first television programme for the Indian community, 'Impressions', in 1986 and helped create opportunities for Indian-origin women in broadcasting

Houston mayor limits police cooperation with ICE after Democrats' win

Mayor John Whitmire ordered police to stop contacting immigration officials solely on suspicion of illegal immigration, saying the move would reduce fear in the community

SpaceX director Donald Harrison resigns from board a day after US election

Harrison, who joined SpaceX's board in 2015 as part of Google's investment, stepped down on November 4. The exit comes as independent directors of SpaceX and Tesla consider a potential merger

Trump names Stephen Miller as chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles

Trump is reshuffling his White House team days after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, elevating immigration hardliner Stephen Miller

Man with gun arrested near White House over alleged plot to kill Trump

The US Secret Service said Ronny Yordrix Guanipa Chrinos was arrested after officers found three firearms and ammunition in his vehicle

Iran distributes iodine tablets near nuclear sites amid US strike fears

Tehran has begun distributing iodine tablets to residents living within 2-3 km of nuclear facilities as concerns grow over possible US strikes

Trump, Qatar's emir discuss West Asia de-escalation; 30 killed in Yemen

The call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani focused on efforts to end regional tensions through a comprehensive agreement, as Qatar continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran

Wall Street rebounds as chip stocks rally after heavy AI-related selloff

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher, led by technology and semiconductor stocks, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index gaining 4.2%. All three major US indexes, however, posted weekly losses

China says discussions underway on Xi, Trump and Putin trilateral meeting

Beijing says it is in communication with relevant parties over a possible meeting of the three leaders on the sidelines of this month's APEC summit in Shenzhen, though no final decision has been made

Iran reviewing Qatar's proposals on nuclear deal with US amid war

Iran is examining proposals from Qatar to address differences with US over its nuclear programme, but remains unwilling to negotiate with Trump administration until its ceasefire conditions are met

US carries out fresh targeted strikes on Iran's air defences: Trump

Trump described Friday's military action as 'minor', saying American forces destroyed an Iranian anti-aircraft system in minutes. Explosions were reported on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz

Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production by mid-2027 after weak sales

Tesla plans to wind down Cybertruck production by mid-2027 as weak sales, repeated recalls and regulatory hurdles weigh on the electric pickup, freeing capacity for its Cybercab robotaxi.

Trump meets Putin envoy, says Ukraine peace deal could come very soon

Trump said he had met Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev privately and predicted a Ukraine deal could emerge soon, as US officials discussed security guarantees with Kyiv and European partners.

Investors seek lower valuation as AI backlash clouds Anthropic IPO plans

Investor concerns over Anthropic's $1.5 trillion valuation and a broader AI stock sell-off could force the startup to offer a bigger IPO discount or delay its listing.

Wall Street catches its breath after AI-led multi-trillion-dollar rout

US stocks showed signs of rebounding after a sharp AI-led sell-off wiped out $2.5 trillion in Nasdaq market value, while Asian markets slumped and European shares fell.

China proposes ban on export of 12 solar manufacturing technologies

The proposed measures target specified solar manufacturing technologies and related equipment-manufacturing know-how, not the exports of finished solar modules