World News

Netflix approves $25 billion share buyback, stock rises in premarket

Shares of the streaming giant rose 1.5 per cent in premarket trading

Lebanon, Israel to resume direct talks in Washington to extend ceasefire

The aim of the future talks is to "fully" stop Israeli attacks, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel

US awaits Iran's response on peace talks as tension rises over Hormuz

For its part, Iran has said it will not resume negotiations while a US naval blockade on its ports is in place

Turkiye passes bill restricting social media access for children under 15

The bill will force social media platforms to install age-verification systems, provide parental control tools and require companies to rapidly respond to content deemed harmful

US Senate passes budget plan for ICE in bid to reopen Homeland Security

The entire department has been shut down since mid-February as Democrats have demanded policy changes in the wake of fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents

A look at China's behind-the-scenes role in West Asia war diplomacy

With the Iran war, Beijing is not an official mediator, but all parties - including Washington and Tehran - say it has played an important role in trying to de-escalate the conflict

Why Japan has lifted WWII-era arms curbs to allow lethal arms exports

Japan has lifted decades-old curbs on lethal arms exports, signalling a major shift from its post-war pacifist stance as Tokyo seeks a bigger role in global defence supply chains

Trump lists out 'naughty and nice' Nato allies over support during Iran war

Implementation of such a list could result in punitive measures against certain alliance members, including the strategic relocation of US personnel or restriction of American defence technology sales

Sri Lanka's finance ministry's computer system hacked, funds stolen

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on Wednesday said it has already lodged complaints with law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions regarding the theft

Japan mulls social media age limits as global push for tighter curbs grows

Specific age thresholds were not discussed, with some experts noting that uniform age limits may not be the best approach given differences in risks associated with each platform

31 ships turned back as US enforces blockade against Iran: CENTCOM

Amidst this friction, the Trump administration is reportedly pushing for a more consistent diplomatic engagement from Tehran as the precarious ceasefire persists

West Asia crisis: A 60-day deadline could pressure Trump to end Iran war

A decades-old law allows the president to wage war without congressional approval for 60 days, then limits his options for continuing. President Trump may seek to get around it

Iran again tightens grip on shipping in Strait of Hormuz with fresh attacks

Traffic in the strait has all but halted as Iran renews its attacks, striking two vessels on Wednesday; more than 300 ships linked to Iran have passed through the strait since the war began

Starbucks eyes new global tech hubs to cut costs, bring roles in-house

The company is looking to reduce its tech costs further, after already cutting spending by $100 million in the last 90 days, Chief Technology Officer Anand Varadarajan said

Race for next UN chief intensifies with first round of interviews

The candidates, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan and Macky Sall flag waning trust in the UN, warning the global order faces strain and institution's future is under question

Tesla to spend $3 billion on research chip factory, use intel tech

The research facility will be built on the electric-vehicle maker's existing Giga Texas campus, Musk said Wednesday during the company's quarterly earnings call

Trump says Iran will free detained women after his request, halt executions

Rights groups that monitor Iran had said two of the women were already released on bail in March, and two others were known to face charges that carry the death sentences

Iranian Prez slams US for 'hypocritical' stance amid ceasefire extension

Pezeshkian's remarks come after US President Donald Trump said he had decided to extend the ceasefire with Iran to give its leadership more time to come up with a unified proposal for negotiations

Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz as US blockade holds, talks stall

There have been more than 30 attacks on ships in the West Asia since the US and Israel launched the war on Feb 28 with a surprise attack on Iran

US Navy Secretary John Phelan exits abruptly in latest Pentagon shake-up

Phelan's departure is the latest in a series of shakeups of top leadership at the Pentagon, coming just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army's top uniformed officer, Gen. Randy George