Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Zain Qureshi barred from flying to Dubai August 31, 2023 at 07:43AM

Zain Qureshi, son of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reached Lahore International Airport to fly to Dubai via a flight from an international airline but was not allowed to board the flight by the FIA Immigration officials. Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is currently facing a case of cipher leak under the Official Secrets Act, reported ARY News. Earlier, the FIA stopped over 200 suspected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers from leaving the country.

'Those speculating ...': Video featuring Russia's Prigozhin fuels rumors he’s alive August 31, 2023 at 07:30AM

A recently released video eerily depicts Prigozhin boasting about surviving assassination attempts — adding to suspicions that the Russian warlord might still be out there somewhere, the New York Post reported. The video was published on a Telegram channel associated with Prigozhin's mercenary group on Wednesday, a week after he was reported dead in a plane crash. Prigozhin's mention of the "weekend" in the recent clip indicated its likely filming between August 19 and August 20, just days prior to the fatal plane crash on August 23 in the Tver region.

Gabon election results were a 'smokescreen' for soldiers to oust unpopular president, analysts say August 31, 2023 at 06:59AM

The ouster of Gabon's president by mutinous soldiers appears to have been well organized and capitalized on the population's grievances against the government as an excuse to seize power, analysts said.

Chinese cities ease mortgage rules to revive property sector August 31, 2023 at 05:47AM

Cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan have made announcements easing mortgage requirements, following central bank guidance last Friday. Separately, the eastern province of Jiangsu on late Thursday announced policies to reduce the downpayment ratio for first-home purchase and cut mortgage rates for those buying for the first or second time.

US envoy visits Fukushima to eat fish, criticize China's seafood ban over wastewater release August 31, 2023 at 04:33AM

The US ambassador to Japan visited a city in Fukushima on Thursday and had a seafood lunch with the mayor, talked to fishermen and stocked up on local produce to show they are safe after the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, backing Japan while criticizing China's ban on Japanese seafood as political.

Iran accuses Israel of supplying potentially exploding parts for ballistic missile program August 31, 2023 at 01:41AM

Iran accused Israel on Thursday of trying to sabotage its ballistic missile program through faulty foreign parts that could explode, damaging or destroying the weapons before they could be used. Israel did not immediately acknowledge the accusation, made in a report aired on Iranian state television.

US state of Georgia officially declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month' August 30, 2023 at 11:50PM

The US state of Georgia has officially declared October as the "Hindu Heritage Month" to acknowledge the contributions of the vibrant Hindu-American community in the state. In a proclamation, Governor Brian Kemp declared October as the 'Hindu Heritage' month. It said that the Hindu heritage will be celebrated by focusing on its culture and the diverse spiritual traditions rooted in India.

Pak's poll body pledges to hold general elections by mid-Feb August 30, 2023 at 11:06PM

Pakistan's Election Commission has assured political parties that the general elections will be held by the end of January or mid-February, easing concerns about the fate of the polls. The Election Commission of Pakistan gave this assurance during a meeting with the Awami National Party. The ECP also stated that they would expedite the constituency delimitation process, potentially allowing for earlier elections.

North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward the sea after US flies bombers during drills August 30, 2023 at 11:29AM

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea, following the US flying long-range bombers for drills with its allies. The launches are part of North Korea's ongoing barrage of weapons tests and come during the annual US-South Korean military exercises. South Korea and Japan have both condemned the launches, calling them a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea has been conducting numerous weapons tests this year, with leader Kim Jong Un pushing to enlarge and modernize the country's weapons arsenals. The US and its allies have responded by enhancing their military drills and visibility in the region.

EU's Borrell urges countries to order more ammunition for Ukraine August 30, 2023 at 08:29AM

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged member countries on Wednesday to order more ammunition for Ukraine, as figures showed the bloc is a long way from a March target of giving Kyiv a million artillery shells within 12 months.

Pak court extends Imran Khan’s remand in cipher case till Sept 13 August 30, 2023 at 08:37AM

A special court established to try Pakistan former prime minister Imran Khan under the Official Secrets Act of 1923 extended on Wednesday his judicial remand for two weeks — till September 13 — on charges of leaking state secrets.

White House says Putin & Kim Jong-un traded letters as Russia looks for munitions from N Korea August 30, 2023 at 08:01AM

'Pak economic situation worse than anticipated, no fiscal space for subsidies' August 30, 2023 at 06:33AM

Pakistan's interim finance minister Shamsad Akhtar has stated that the country's economic situation is worse than expected, with no fiscal space for subsidies due to commitments with the IMF. Protests against surging electricity bills have been ongoing across Pakistan. The minister emphasized the need for privatization and warned that failure to implement the IMF agreement would worsen the economic situation.

Cipher case: Spl court sends Shah Mahmood Qureshi to 14-day judicial remand August 30, 2023 at 12:37AM

At the grave of Russia's Prigozhin, followers hail a warrior August 30, 2023 at 12:20AM

Prigozhin was buried at the Porokhovskoye cemetery in his home town of St Petersburg on Tuesday away from the glare of the publicity he had courted so ardently in life, after leading his fighters on a dash towards Moscow before turning back. "It is a big loss for Russia," said Sergei Abeltsev, a former Russian lawmaker, who visited the grave. "We will feel that loss only later - as always - the realisation of the loss will only come later."

British Trade Secretary criticizes the pro-Khalistan extremist attack on Indian High Commission, calls it 'disgrace' August 29, 2023 at 04:34AM

UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch condemned the attack on the Indian High Commission by pro-Khalistan extremists in March. She labelled the attack a 'disgrace', reported Khalsa Vox. The High Commission of India in London was attacked in March by a group of about 50 persons, who committed criminal trespass, caused disrespect to the Indian National flag, damage to public property and injuries to officials of the High Commission of India.

Britain's foreign secretary will visit China in an attempt to shore up ties and reduce tensions August 29, 2023 at 04:23AM

Britain's top diplomat, James Cleverly, is set to visit China on Wednesday, as the two countries attempt to shore up frayed ties.It will be the first trip by a UK foreign secretary to China in more than five years. Both countries confirmed the long-awaited trip on Tuesday.

Haley slams Ramaswamy's 'childish name-calling' August 29, 2023 at 01:39AM

Biden administration to target drugs for price negotiations to lower Medicare costs August 29, 2023 at 12:36AM

President Joe Biden's administration will announce on Tuesday the first prescription drugs being targeted by the US government for price negotiations as part of an effort to lower Medicare costs.

Airlines rush to restore service after UK air-system outage August 28, 2023 at 11:58PM

Airlines in the UK are working to restore normal flight operations and repatriate stranded passengers following a major air-traffic outage. British Airways and EasyJet are advising passengers to check the status of their flights, offering free changes and refunds for affected travelers. London Heathrow experienced 78 delayed flights and 32 cancellations on Tuesday, while Gatwick suffered 23 cancellations.

Putin won't attend Prigozhin's funeral- Kremlin August 28, 2023 at 11:37PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the funeral of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary chief who died in a plane crash. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that Putin's presence at the funeral is not planned and that the arrangements are up to the family. The Kremlin has denied allegations that Putin ordered Prigozhin's killing in revenge. Prigozhin's death occurred two months after the mutiny, in which they briefly advanced towards Moscow before turning back.

XQ-58A Valkyrie: The AI drone which may help US forces against China August 28, 2023 at 11:48PM

The Russia-Ukraine was has made the world aware about importance of drones. The Ukraine military has successfully used low cost drones to take on the powerful Russian military. Taking cue from Ukraine, the US is also planning to use drones in future wars.According to US deputy secretary of defence Kathleen Hicks, Pentagon plans to field thousands of drones within the next two years to help counter China's numerical edge in personnel and military hardware.

Sudan's military leader visits Egypt on his first trip abroad since the country plunged into war August 28, 2023 at 11:26PM

Sudan's top military officer arrived in Egypt on Tuesday on his first trip abroad since the country plunged into a bitter conflict this year, authorities said.

GOP silences 'Tennessee Three' Democrat on house floor for day on 'out of order' rule; crowd erupts August 28, 2023 at 10:49PM

Republican lawmakers voted Monday to temporarily silence a Democratic member of the so-called Tennessee Three during an already tense House floor session after determining the young Black member violated newly enacted rules designed to punish disruptive members.

Kremlin plays down significance of second vessel passing via Ukraine's Black Sea corridor August 28, 2023 at 12:43AM

The passage of a second ship from Ukraine along a temporary Black Sea corridor has nothing to do with the prospects for reviving a grain deal involving Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

An evacuation order finds few followers in northeast Ukraine despite Russia's push to retake region August 27, 2023 at 11:42PM

Despite the ongoing war and constant shelling in northeast Ukraine, many residents are refusing to evacuate their homes. Ukrainian authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation for 37 settlements in the Kharkiv province, but only a few hundred residents have heeded the warning.

Cipher case: Pakistan's special court extends ex-foreign minister Qureshi's physical remand by 2 days August 28, 2023 at 12:26AM

Former Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's physical remand has been extended by two days in connection with the leakage of a confidential diplomatic cable. Qureshi, a close aide of former prime minister Imran Khan, was arrested on August 19 for violating the secrecy of the cable. The arrest is seen as part of a political feud between Khan and the previous government. Khan himself is currently serving a three-year jail term in a corruption case.

Iran says Iraq has agreed to disarm and relocate Kurdistan militants August 27, 2023 at 10:48PM

Iran and Iraq have reached an agreement that "armed terrorist groups" in Iraq's Kurdistan region will be disarmed and relocated next month, Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday.

China, Japan agree to postpone head of Japan coalition partner visit -Chinese ministry August 27, 2023 at 10:39PM

China's foreign ministry said on Monday that China and Japan have agreed to postpone a visit by the head of Japan's Komeito party, the junior partner in the coalition government, given current strains between the two countries.

Zelenskiy says he will propose tougher corruption measures this week August 27, 2023 at 08:44AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to ask parliament to increase penalties for corruption during wartime, equating it with high treason. Zelenskiy believes that fighting corruption will not only help defeat Russia but also make it easier for international partners to support Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. Ukraine currently ranks 116th out of 180 countries on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

Archaeologists unearth 3,000-year-old priestly tomb in northern Peru August 27, 2023 at 08:01AM

Dubbed the "Priest of Pacopampa," referring to the highland archaeological zone where the tomb was found, the priest was buried under six layers of ash mixed with black earth, with decorated ceramic bowls and seals indicating ancient ritual body paint used for people of elite standing, Peru's culture ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Two seals were also found along the upper edges of the tomb, one with an anthropomorphic face looking east and another with a jaguar design facing west.

Pakistan's interim PM holds emergency meeting; seeks plan for reduction in high electricity bills within 48 hours August 27, 2023 at 07:23AM

Pakistan's interim PM Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has directed authorities to take "concrete steps" within 48 hours to reduce inflated electricity bills. The move comes in response to public outcry and protests in several cities. Kakar also called for measures to minimize electricity consumption at the PM House and Pak Secretariat, including turning off air conditioning if necessary.

US presidential elections: Will appoint Elon Musk as advisor, says Vivek Ramaswamy August 27, 2023 at 05:36AM

Indian-American GOP presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, has suggested that he would appoint Tesla founder Elon Musk as an advisor if elected president in 2024. Ramaswamy praised Musk for his management style and said he would like to run his administration in a similar way. Musk has also complimented Ramaswamy and called him a "very promising candidate."

Indian-origin town council candidate's campaign sign defaced in US August 27, 2023 at 02:44AM

The campaign sign of Sarika Bansal, an Indian-origin woman running for town council in North Carolina, was vandalized with a photo of a Black person's face superimposed over hers. Bansal, the only person of color running for the Cary Town Council, called the incident "shocking" and condemned the act of vandalism and racism.

Russia says genetic tests confirm Wagner chief died in plane crash August 27, 2023 at 01:09AM

"After forensic testing, all 10 bodies recovered at the site of the crash were identified, and their identities 'conform to the manifest," the committee said in a statement. Prigozhin, 62, was killed two months after he mounted a daylong mutiny against Russia's military that President Vladimir Putin decried as 'treason'. Putin recalled the Wagner chief as a 'talented man who made mistakes'.

Imran's party looking to 'bridge gap' with establishment, as top leadership behind bars: Report August 26, 2023 at 02:25AM

New crew for the space station launches with 4 astronauts from 4 countries August 25, 2023 at 10:29PM

Four astronauts from four countries rocketed toward the International Space Station on Saturday. They should reach the orbiting lab in their SpaceX capsule Sunday, replacing four astronauts living up there since March. A Nasa astronaut was joined on the predawn liftoff from Kennedy Space Center by fliers from Denmark, Japan and Russia.

Vivek Ramaswamy hints at joining Trump as his running mate in next year's presidential polls August 25, 2023 at 10:10PM

The remarks by Ramaswamy came days after the 38-year-old multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur-turned-politician said he was “not interested” in any job other than president. Ramaswamy said he believed he could only “reunite this country” as president, but did not rule out running with 77-year-old Trump as vice president if the former president and frontrunner wins the nomination for a third time.

US auto workers vote to authorize strike if contract talks fail August 25, 2023 at 05:34AM

Workers at Detroit's three auto giants, General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if there is no contract by next month's deadline. The United Auto Workers (UAW) won at least 95% support for a possible strike, with an average of 97% across the three companies. The UAW's push comes during a period of increased labor activism, with other industries also experiencing strikes.

Texas trial over Biden policy letting migrants from 4 countries into US to wrap up Friday August 25, 2023 at 05:49AM

The US Justice Department made its final argument to a federal judge to uphold President Biden's immigration policy that permits a limited number of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the US on humanitarian grounds. The program, which allows up to 30,000 people per month, is being challenged by Texas and 20 other Republican-leaning states.

US CDC advisers set to vote on updated COVID vaccines next month August 25, 2023 at 04:55AM

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/USA-US CDC advisers set to vote on updated COVID vaccines next month

Denmark to ban Quran burnings August 25, 2023 at 02:30AM

Denmark announced plans to ban Quran burnings after a series of incidents in the country sparked anger in Muslim nations. The ban will criminalize the improper treatment of significant religious objects and is aimed specifically at burnings and desecrations in public places. The proposed legislation will also cover desecrations of the Bible, the Torah, or a crucifix. Offenders could face fines or up to two years in prison.

'Absolute lie': Kremlin rejects Prigozhin killed on its orders August 25, 2023 at 01:51AM

The Kremlin has denied rumors of its involvement in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner group, who died in a plane crash. Speculation about Kremlin involvement has been circulating since the crash occurred. Russian officials have opened an investigation into the incident. President Putin expressed condolences to the victims' families and described the incident as a tragedy.

'Defiance of tyranny': Trump's historic mugshot becomes campaign symbol August 25, 2023 at 12:18AM

UK police are investigating the deaths of 88 people linked to Canadian self-harm websites August 24, 2023 at 11:06PM

Pro-Kyiv Russians urge Wagner Group to revenge Prigozhin's death August 24, 2023 at 11:01PM

Joint investigation team formed to probe attacks on churches in Pakistan August 24, 2023 at 05:36AM

The government of Punjab, Pakistan has formed a high-powered Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the recent attacks on churches and homes of Christians. The mob attacks, allegedly led by extremists from the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), resulted in the burning of 21 churches and 86 houses. Over 200 people, including TLP activists, have been arrested in connection with the attacks.

Dominican officials inspect damage inflicted by tropical storm Franklin after heavy flooding August 24, 2023 at 04:06AM

Tropical storm Franklin caused heavy flooding in the Dominican Republic, resulting in one death and two people missing. Over 670 homes were affected and 24 communities were cut off by heavy rains. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power and 1.6 million without water.

The next steps in Trump's criminal case in Georgia August 24, 2023 at 03:54AM

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to surrender at a Georgia jail to face charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. After reporting to the jail, he will pay a bond and await trial, which could be delayed due to legal complications. Trump may try to move the trial to another location, arguing bias in Fulton County. If convicted, Trump may seek a new trial based on inconsistencies or legal issues.

Greece struggles to tame wildfires raging for a sixth day August 24, 2023 at 03:31AM

Major wildfires in Greece have left 20 people dead and caused outrage among residents. Firefighters struggled for a sixth day to control the blazes, with the largest fire front threatening a national park near Athens. The government has been criticized for its inadequate preparedness and mismanagement.