World News
COP29 will be litmus test for Paris agreement: Yalchin Rafiyev
Azerbaijan, the host of the annual UN climate conference COP29, has the duty to lead nations in agreeing on measures to combat climate change at the necessary speed and scale to keep global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Baku will be a moment of truth for the entire climate community, said Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister and lead negotiator for COP29
Hurricane Beryl moves toward southeastern Caribbean as a Category 4 storm
Hurricane Beryl on Monday (Jul 1) made landfall on Carriacou Island at 11:10 am local time. The National Hurricane Center said that the Category 4 storm triggered winds reaching 150 mph, up from 130 mph. Accuweather said the hurricane is not expected to make landfall in the US but it advised people to stay alert.(AP)
'I might not debate as well as I used to. But what I do know is how to tell the truth': Joe Biden says amidst pressure to quit 2024 race
Biden faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the race as his family pushes for his continued candidacy amidst concerns about his mental health and campaign turmoil. Critics highlight the impact of his debate performance on both voters and global leaders.
N. Koreans wear Kim Jong Un pins for first time as personality cult grows, AP explains
For the first time, North Korean officials have been seen wearing lapel pins with the image of leader Kim Jong Un, another sign the North is boosting his personality cult to the level bestowed on his late dictator father and grandfather.The Associated Press senior videojournalist Raf Wober in Hong Kong lays out what the significance of the pins could be. (AP)
UK general election: FTA with India on manifesto agenda for both Tory, Labour
As the UK gears up for the general election, a potential free trade agreement with India remains a key focus for both the Conservatives and Labour, with negotiations stalled at the fourteenth round. The Tories aim for a comprehensive partnership, including technology and defense, while Labour criticises missed deadlines and emphasises readiness to finalise the deal. Challenges include tariff removal on Scotch whisky and concerns over visa rules for Indian workers.
US Supreme Court sends Donald Trump immunity case back to lower court
The US Supreme Court justices have sent Donald Trump’s immunity case back to a lower court in Washington, dimming the prospect of a pre-election trial.In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices said for the first time Monday that former presidents can be shielded from prosecution for at least some of what they do in the Oval Office.(AP)
US manufacturing contraction deepens in June
US manufacturing activity declined in June to 48.5 percent, below market expectations. Production execution was lower, causing revenue declines. Eight manufacturing industries reported growth, but textile mills, transportation equipment, and electrical equipment contracted. Wells Fargo economists highlighted inflation moderation and caution due to monetary policy and interest rates.
Supreme Court sends Trump immunity case back to lower court, dimming chance of trial before election
The Supreme Court has extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss. The historic 6-3 ruling by the justices stated that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for their official acts and no immunity for unofficial acts. The outcome means additional delay before Trump could face trial in the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
Chinese rocket accidentally launches during test, then crashes
Because of a "structural failure," the Tianlong-3 rocket separated from its testing platform while its propulsion system was being tested and lifted off from its launchpad, the rocket's owner Space Pioneer said in a statement. The accident occurred at 3:43 p.m. local time Sunday at a test facility in Gongyi city in central China's Henan province, the statement said.
UK's Rishi Sunak says only his Conservatives can form strong opposition to Labour
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, anticipating potential defeat in the upcoming election, will warn voters on Monday that only his Conservative Party can effectively oppose a Labour-led government. He will caution against voting for Nigel Farage's Reform UK, arguing that it would splinter the right-wing vote and weaken the opposition to Labour. Sunak, facing polls indicating a significant lead for Labour under Keir Starmer, will highlight the risk of a Labour government unchecked by a strong opposition.
Must Watch
US lawmakers assure Hindus against discrimination & Hinduphobia
Prominent American lawmakers have pledged support to Indian Americans in their fight against increasing Hinduphobia and discrimination. Organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the 3rd National Hindu Advocacy Day on June 28 gathered Hindu students, researchers, and leaders to discuss these issues. Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced House Resolution 1131, condemning Hinduphobia and celebrating Hindu American contributions. Several lawmakers, including Congressmen Rich McCormick, Glen Grothman, Ro Khanna, and Max Miller, expressed solidarity and support for the Hindu community, emphasizing the importance of freedom of religion and standing against hate.
After quitting alcohol and cigarettes, Australia's former deputy PM Barnaby Joyce finds life 'boring'
In a candid interview with Channel Seven, Joyce discussed the challenges of maintaining sobriety and his difficulties in social settings. "When I went stomach to the stars, I thought: That's a disgrace, I can't do that again," Joyce recalled, referring to the moment he realized he needed to change his lifestyle.
China offers foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong, Macau five-year visas
China's National Immigration Administration announced that foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau can now apply for multiple-entry travel visas valid for five years to visit mainland China, effective from July 10. Each visit under these visas is limited to 90 days. However, those intending to work, study, or engage in news reporting in mainland China must apply for other specific visas or residence permits.
France elections: Le Pen leads in early polls, far-right wins first round; left group protests erupt
France's Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party has taken the lead in the first round of French parliamentary elections, leaving President Emmanuel Macron's party falling to third place, according to the initial projections, reported CNN. The initial estimates by IPSOS put the far-right alliance, headed by the National Rally (RN), in first with 34 per cent of the vote, ahead of the left-wing alliance in second with 28.1 per cent, while Macron's party trails in a distant third with 20.3 per cent. Further, the projections suggested that after the second round of voting next Sunday, the RN would win between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, falling short of the 289 required for an absolute majority, as reported by CNN.
Hurricane Beryl closes in on southeast Caribbean after strengthening into dangerous Category 4 storm
Beryl was centred about 150 miles (240 kilometres) southeast of Barbados late Sunday. It had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and was moving west at 20 mph (31 kph). It is a compact storm, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles (45 kilometres) from its centre.
Japan launches an advanced Earth observation satellite on its new flagship H3 rocket
Japan deployed an upgraded Earth observation satellite for disaster response and security after it was launched on a new flagship H3 rocket Monday. The H3 No. 3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre on a southwestern Japanese island and released its payload about 16 minutes later as planned, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said during a livestream.
