AI stock boom pushes Seoul's Kospi index over 8,000
South Korea's benchmark Kospi index topped 8,000 points for the first time Friday, buoyed by an artificial intelligence-driven boom in the country's semiconductor industry. The index briefly rose above the milestone in morning trade before falling back into the 7,900 range later in the session. It »»»
UK PM Starmer warns of party chaos amid speculation over leadership change
London: Pressure is mounting on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as internal party tensions escalate and senior rivals appear increasingly prepared to mount a leadership challenge. The crisis intensified after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from his post, stating that he had lost confidence »»»
House passes bill to discourage release without bond before trial - UPI.com
The House Rules Committee debates the Cashless Bail Reporting Act on Tuesday in Washington before advancing it to the full House, which passed it Thursday. Photo by Olivia Ardito/Medill News Service WASHINGTON, May 14 (UPI) The House on Thursday passed the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, which is inte»»»
'A desire to lower the temperature on both sides', expert says as Trump meets Xi
Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump started a crucial series of meetings in Beijing on Thursday in the U.S.-China summit. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Garret Martin, Lecturer and Co-Director Transatlantic Policy Center at the American University School of International Service, says that»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Price Hike: signals a tighter competitive supply landscape in 2025
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant, Aramco, has raised oil prices for Asian buyers. This decision aligns with expectations of a tighter supply landscape, as OPEC+ recently opted to delay production increases. Aramco has adjusted the price of its flagship Arab Light crude by 60 cents, establishing a $1.»»»
HUD secretary under bipartisan fire for proposed housing program cuts - UPI.com
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner speaks during a Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget request for HUD in the Dirksen Senate Office Building near the U.S. Capi»»»
Iran accuses United Arab Emirates of being 'active partner' in US-Israeli war
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates on Thursday of playing an active role in the US-Israeli war against his country. Araghchi also referred to what Israel has described as a "secret" meeting in the UAE during the war between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and »»»
Tête à tête - 'We have learned to live with our neighbours': Liberia's President Joseph Boakai
A month after Guinea deployed troops to its border with Liberia, President Joseph Boakai claimed to be in touch with his Guinean counterpart Mamady Doumbouya, in an interview with FRANCE 24. "We've been speaking very well," Boakai said, adding that he told Doumbouya the border situation is "getting»»»
U.S. reaffirms commitment to Baltics amid troop cuts, weapons delays - UPI.com
Concerns for the security of the Baltic states rose on May 7 when three drones pierced NATO’s airspace and crashed in Latvia..Photo by Makalu/Pixabay WASHINGTON, May 14 (UPI) -- A State Department official told Congress on Thursday that NATO remains a critical deterrent to Russian aggression, and h»»»
Russia pummels Kyiv, killing at least 10 as advance in the east slows
Russia pummelled Kyiv for hours early on Thursday, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in an attack that killed at least 10 people and further shredded hopes of a halt to Moscow's grinding invasion. FRANCE 24's August Hakansson reports.»»»
U.S. reaffirms commitment to Baltics amid troop cuts, weapons delays - UPI.com
Concerns for the security of the Baltic states rose on May 7 when three drones pierced NATO’s airspace and crashed in Latvia..Photo by Makalu/Pixabay WASHINGTON, May 14 (UPI) -- A State Department official told Congress on Thursday that NATO remains a critical deterrent to Russian aggression, and h»»»
Cuba says oil reserves have 'run out' as blackouts, fuel shortages spark protests
Cuba's power blackouts worsened on Thursday, with the country's energy minister saying that oil reserves sent by Russia had "run out" under a tightened US fuel embargo of the island. Dozens of Cubans took took the streets outside of Havana on Wednesday night to protest the crippling blackouts and f»»»
Labour politicians jockey for possible challenge to UK's Starmer
British Labour lawmaker Josh Simons on Thursday said he would resign from his seat in parliament in a move designed to give Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a chance to return to parliament and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. FRANCE 24's Béédicte Paviot reports from 10 Downing Stre»»»
Iraq's new PM vows to ensure state monopoly on arms
Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, whose government was approved on Thursday, vowed to ensure that the state would have a monopoly over weapons, the INA state news agency said. Zaidi's government program, which he presented to parliament, includes "reforming the security apparatus by restricti»»»
Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks resigns - UPI.com
Migrants wait to surrender to the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border wall from Mexico near Campo, Calif., in 2024. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks resigned Thursday. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo May 14 (UPI) -- Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks stepped down Thursday, saying »»»
Iran’s small businesses collapse under war, inflation and internet blackout
Prices for some goods have tripled or quadrupled within a matter of months. At least two million people have lost their jobs, the currency has lost 60% of its value, the international internet has been shut down for more than 75 days, and there is no end in sight. This is the reality of Iran’s econ»»»
Africas Fastest-Growing Companies 2026 Ranking: 6 Tunisian companies in Top 130
Tunis, May 14 (TAP) - Six Tunisian companies appear in the Top 130 of the 5th Africa's Fastest-Growing Companies 2026 Ranking, conducted by the Financial Times (FT) and Statista.This achievement places Tunisia among the top five African countries...»»»
'Conflict' possible: Xi Jinping issues Taiwan warning during Donald Trump's visit
US President Donald Trump is in Beijing today, meeting China's President Xi Jinping. This visit is the first by a US leader in nearly a decade. Talks so far have focused on trade and Taiwan… with Xi warning that disagreement over the island's future could even lead to conflict. However, the pair al»»»
How stray Ukrainian drones pushed Latvia's prime minister to resign
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned Thursday after a key party in her coalition withdrew its support for her sacking of the defence minister after Ukrainian drones repeatedly strayed into the country. Silina had blamed defence minister Andris Spruds for the incursions, saying the»»»
The future belongs to strong states, not post-national fantasies
It is apposite that ‘After Nations, The Making and Unmaking of a World Order’ – written by English novelist turned historian Rana Dasgupta – should be published as Donald Trump is desperately seeking to extract America from an ill-judged and calamitous war in Iran. ‘After Nations’ is an analysis of»»»
White House scrambles for gas-price relief as Iran war drags on
WASHINGTON: Trump administration officials are scrambling to contain the economic and political fallout of the war with Iran, three people familiar with the White House’s discussions told Reuters, as hopes for a quick resolution fade. US President Donald Trump this week backed suspending the federa»»»
Rubio on the Iran War: Bulgaria Said Yes Before Being Asked - Spain Said No
When the United States launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran in late February, the mission depended on a network of air refueling operations stretching from the Azores to the Arabian Gulf. Whether enough NATO allies would cooperate was not a given...and not all of them did. Secretary of State M»»»
Peru leftist Roberto Sanchez advances to runoff in presidential race
Peru’s leftist presidential candidate Roberto Sanchez clinched a spot in next month’s runoff election on Wednesday, official results showed, just hours after prosecutors indicted him on campaign finance charges and sought a prison sentence of more than five years. Peru's leftist candidate Roberto S»»»
Why did Saudi Arabia and the UAE allegedly carry out secret bombing raids on Iran?
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in April secretly carried out a series of air strikes against Iran during the US-Israeli war against Tehran, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported this week. Analysts say these raids – which neither country has confirmed – would have been clandestine»»»
Eye on Africa - Ghana to bring home 300 citizens after anti-migrant incidents in South Africa
In tonight's edition: Hundreds of Ghanaians caught up in xenophobic attacks in South Africa are set to be evacuated. Also, Cape Verde is ranked among the 15 countries with the lowest rainfall in the world, and the vital resource is not only scarce but also expensive. Plus Sudanese refugees have bee»»»
From poachers to refuge: The world's only bonobo orphanage is hidden in DR Congo
A rare sanctuary in Congo looks after baby bonobos away from the poaching threat. This primate nursery on the forested outskirts of the Congolese capital of Kinshasa is the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, usually rescued from poachers or found trapped in the homes of locals who raise t»»»
Perspective - 'Every time I'm in the forest, I'm like a little kid': Photographer Thomas Nicolon
A photographer and filmmaker who’s published a book of incredible photographs from the six countries that span the Congo Basin has spoken to FRANCE 24 about his love for the rainforest. Thomas Nicolon used to be FRANCE 24's correspondent in Kinshasa, and says he's been very fortunate to build a car»»»
UKMTO says Honduran-flagged vessel seized by Iran near UAE - UPI.com
A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, in June 2025. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations said Thursday that a Honduran-flagged vessel was seized by Iran northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE May 14 (U»»»
Press Review - Trump-Xi meeting 'like watching a boxer fight a Kung Fu master'
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, May 14, 2026: First, US President Donald Trump's visit to China features on most French front pages. Next, the British papers study the Labour Party's candidates as Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to resign. Also, the Guardian reports on a secret UN mission in Gaza. Mea»»»
UK health secretary Wes Streeting resigns and is expected to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership
In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure after his Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned today and is expected to launch a leadership bid. Former Deputy leader Angela Raynor might also announce a bid for the leadership today after she announced that she has been cleared i»»»
Will Keir Starmer's rivals manage to unseat the UK Prime Minister?
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed pressure as journalists have received reports that his Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, is set to resign today and launch a bid for the party leadership. Former deputy leader Angela Raynor could also announce a bid for leadership, after annou»»»
Focus - London's old double-decker buses and underground carriages get a second life
In London, the Tube and iconic red double-decker buses are deeply woven into the city's fabric. When these ageing vehicles retire, some are given a surprising second life and transformed into unique dining experiences. From underground carriages turned into restaurants to vintage buses serving afte»»»
Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensy's former top aide arrested as corruption probe widens
President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff until just November, Andrii Yermak, has fallen a long way. He is now accused of laundering nearly 9 million euros in a high profile corruption scandal. A Kyiv judge ordered on Thursday that he be placed in pre-trial detention. Story by Marc Paupe and An»»»
Business - Nvidia's Jensen Huang attends Trump-Xi summit in bid to revive sales of chips to China
The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, is among the delegation of CEOs that met with US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday. The maker of AI chips is hoping the meeting between the two world leaders will lead to a lifting of restrictions on sales to China. Also in th»»»
’Promised to us’: The Israelis dreaming of settling south Lebanon
KARNEI SHOMRON SETTLEMENT, Palestinian Territories: From her home in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Anna Sloutskin yearns to expand her country’s borders and one day move to southern Lebanon. And she is not alone. With fighting between Israel and Hezbollah displacing more than a m»»»
Riyadh school choir hits high notes celebrating Saudi Arabia’s growth
RIYADH: Students from kindergarten age up to year 11 came together on stage at Beech Hall School in Riyadh for an orchestra and choir performance celebrating Saudi Arabia’s rich history, thriving present, and ambitious future. Youngsters from a variety of nationalities performed “From Desert Sands »»»
Netanyahu made secret UAE trip at height of Iran war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates at the height of the US-Israeli war on Iran, his office revealed on Wednesday. The visit coincides with the UAE receiving Iron Dome air defense batteries from Israel. Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mo»»»
1 killed, 19 injured in Dubai traffic accident
Dubai, UAE: One person was killed and 19 others injured on Thursday after a truck collided with a bus on a major road in Dubai, local media reported. The accident occurred on Al Yalayis Street near the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Bridge heading toward Emirates Road, according to Dubai Police. Among the»»»
S. Carfil SA, MATE-FIN, and Alford Technologies sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop specialized capabilities in Romania
S. Carfil SA, MATE-FIN, and the British company Alford Technologies signed at BSDA 2026 – Black Sea Defense, Aerospace and Security, a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the framework for strategic cooperation in specialized fields relevant to defense, security, and technical intervention»»»
Nada Malki: ‘Art was always where I felt most connected to myself’
JEDDAH: Saudi entrepreneur Nada Malki is giving consumers the option to experience classic art in a whole new way. With her brand Atheera, a concept born from a lifelong connection to literature and art, Malki is transforming classic paintings into handcrafted wooden clutches that carry art beyond »»»
Head of State Awards President's Badge of Honour to Prominent Cultural Figures
Head of State Iliana Iotova awarded distinguished cultural figures with the President's Badge of Honour during a ceremony here on Thursday. Long-standing secretary of National Community Centre “Zaria 1858” in Haskovo, Southern Bulgaria, Aleksander Milushev was awarded for his contribution to develo»»»
Over 100 killed as deadly storms rip through India’s Uttar Pradesh
Dubai: More than 100 people were killed after violent dust storms, heavy rain and lightning tore through India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, flattening homes, uprooting trees and plunging large areas into chaos, according to reports by Reuters, AP News and NDTV. The powerful storm system »»»
Middle Eastern consortium offers $200mn to finance Genmin's Gabon iron ore project via JV
Genmin Limited (ASX:GEN) said it had received strong interest from international investors and commodities traders to help finance development of its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, as the company seeks to secure about $200mn in project funding ahead of a final investment decision. »»»
Middle Eastern consortium offers $200mn to finance Genmin's Gabon iron ore project via JV
Genmin Limited (ASX:GEN) said it had received strong interest from international investors and commodities traders to help finance development of its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, as the company seeks to secure about $200mn in project funding ahead of a final investment decision. »»»
Middle Eastern consortium offers $200mn to finance Genmin's Gabon iron ore project via JV
Genmin Limited (ASX:GEN) said it had received strong interest from international investors and commodities traders to help finance development of its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, as the company seeks to secure about $200mn in project funding ahead of a final investment decision. »»»
Middle Eastern consortium offers $200mn to finance Genmin's Gabon iron ore project via JV
Genmin Limited (ASX:GEN) said it had received strong interest from international investors and commodities traders to help finance development of its Baniaka iron ore project in Gabon, as the company seeks to secure about $200mn in project funding ahead of a final investment decision. »»»
Georgia’s drift from the West opens a strategic window for Armenia on Europe-Asia trade routes
As geopolitical instability redraws Eurasian trade routes, the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) says the South Caucasus is emerging as an increasingly important transit bridge between Europe and Asia. Yet while Georgia currently dominates this east-west corridor, mounting political tensions with We»»»
Georgia’s drift from the West opens a strategic window for Armenia on Europe-Asia trade routes
As geopolitical instability redraws Eurasian trade routes, the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) says the South Caucasus is emerging as an increasingly important transit bridge between Europe and Asia. Yet while Georgia currently dominates this east-west corridor, mounting political tensions with We»»»
Hungary FX swap move sends forint lower as exporters warn of competitiveness squeeze
At the Hungarian National Bank's (MNB’s) FX swap tender providing euro liquidity, the central bank of Hungary has reduced the maximum allowable swappoints, effectively lowering the annualised forint yield by around 50bp to 5.25%, MBH Bank said in a note on May 13, according to financial website&nbs»»»
VISEGRAD BLOG: Hungary’s post-Orban reckoning
Hungary’s political landscape changed decisively this week as Peter Magyar formally took office on May 12, completing the fastest government formation since the country’s democratic transition. Just 30 days after his landslide election victory, the leader of the centre-right Tisza Party unveiled hi»»»