Business - China, EU commerce ministers meet amid widening trade imbalance
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and his Chinese counterpart are meeting in Brussels as Europe prepares countermeasures to battle a flood of cheap imports. Also, oil prices climb after a weekend of renewed strikes between the US and Iran, and South Korea unveils a massive new investment in chip»»»
Pragmatic diplomacy: Dawud Al Ansari says 'Oman is committed to de-escalation & peace in the region'
As French President Emmanuel Macron meets Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman amid efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, François Picard welcomes Dawud Al Ansari, a geopolitics and energy analyst. As diplomacy in the Gulf is once again being tested by renewed military tensions, Al Ansari»»»
Healthcare in a heatwave: French hospitals and aged care homes bear the brunt of rising temperatures
Overburdened hospitals, overwhelmed mortuaries and millions suffering in temperatures touching 40°C – prolonged and intense heatwaves are the new normal, and a healthcare burden that France must immediately tackle. Europe has been baking for weeks. An intense and prolonged early summer heatwav»»»
Americans' pride in US history and democracy dropped steeply over past decade, poll finds
Americans’ pride in their country's history or the way its democracy works has dropped noticeably over the past decade, according to a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Americans have grown less proud of their country's history or the way its democracy»»»
Syria slams new Israeli incursion in southern Daraa province
The Syrian foreign ministry on Monday condemned Israeli incursions and bombardment in the country's south a day after Israeli forces advanced into the village of Abidin, where angry residents tried to block the road with stones to stop the patrol. The Israeli military has conducted at least 70»»»
The World This Week - Iran's 'Guardian Angel' route, Britain awaits Burnham
Political change in Britain has dominated the headlines this week with Keir Starmer’s resignation paving the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister, while the country also marks 10 years since the Brexit vote. Also, fresh peace talks between the US and Iran have begun amid continuing tension»»»
EU refuses to take side for or against air conditioning amid record-breaking heatwave
As Europe’s deadly heatwave moves east, Brussels said Monday it would not pick a side in the heated political debate for or against air conditioning. The European Union refused to be drawn into a heating political debate on the merits of air conditioning Monday, saying it was not for 27-nation bloc»»»
Stocks rise, oil climbs after US-Iran clashes
LONDON — Stocks mostly rose while oil prices climbed on Monday after the United States and Iran exchanged fire over the weekend, underscoring the fragility of their tentative agreement to end the war.While Washington said it had agreed with Iran to halt the attacks and continue talks, the strikes a»»»
JCI launches 'Industrialist's Compass' series
AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry on Monday launched a new knowledge series titled "Industrialist's Compass" aimed at providing industrial companies with simplified and practical analysis of key global economic, trade and regulatory developments.The series seeks to outline the implications of »»»
Tête à tête - DR Congo conflict: Rwandan FM 'disappointed by increasingly biased US mediation'
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said his country is "disappointed by the increasingly biased US mediation" in the conflict with DR Congo. He also accused the US of sanctioning Kigali alone while Kinshasa fails to honour the 2025 Washington Accords betwe»»»
All warring parties in Mali committed 'grave abuses' against civilians, report says
Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists, the Malian army and its Russian allies have all committed "grave abuses" against civilians during and after the April attacks that rocked the West African country, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Monday. Malian civilians suffered serious abuses at the hands of Isla»»»
Spotlight - What happens when lightning strikes the Eiffel Tower?
The heatwave that's seen much of northern Europe melting in the past week, is moving eastwards, with Germany and Hungary reaching or exceeding 40°C in the past 24 hours. Here in France, residents finally saw a break from baking temperatures and the tropical nights with the cooler Atlantic air comin»»»
Dozens of civilians killed in Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan, officials say
At least 36 civilians have been killed and more than 160 others injured in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, officials said. Pakistani forces launched a military operation along the border with Afghanistan overnight to Monday in response to multiple militant attacks across Pakistan. Overnight ai»»»
EU mulling “membership-lite” financial benefits for candidate countries to keep enlargement on track
The European Commission is preparing plans to grant European Union candidate countries some financial benefits while they wait for full membership as the process becomes bogged down in internal wrangling. Under proposals currently being developed, candidate countries would gain access to selected E»»»
EU mulling “membership-lite” financial benefits for candidate countries to keep enlargement on track
The European Commission is preparing plans to grant European Union candidate countries some financial benefits while they wait for full membership as the process becomes bogged down in internal wrangling. Under proposals currently being developed, candidate countries would gain access to selected E»»»
EU mulling “membership-lite” financial benefits for candidate countries to keep enlargement on track
The European Commission is preparing plans to grant European Union candidate countries some financial benefits while they wait for full membership as the process becomes bogged down in internal wrangling. Under proposals currently being developed, candidate countries would gain access to selected E»»»
Venezuela's earthquakes death toll nears 1,500, tens of thousands still missing
The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes neared 1,500 on Sunday as rescue workers raced against the clock to find survivors among the nearly 50,000 people still unaccounted for. Rescue teams raced on Sunday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Vene»»»
Thousands of foreign nationals leave South Africa ahead of June 30 'deadline'
Thousands of people have fled South Africa in recent weeks ahead of a June 30 "deadline" for foreign nationals to leave the country announced by anti-immigrant groups. We spoke to Congolese refugees in KwaZulu-Natal province who were forced to leave their homes and livelihoods after anti-immigrant »»»
Water Utility Chief in Nessebar Charged After Alleged 8,000-Euro Bribe ProbeOpinions
The head of the water and sewerage operator in the Nessebar area has been formally charged in a corruption case involving an alleged 8,000-euro bribe, while the second detained official has been released without charges, authorities confirmed following a multi-day investigation. The case centers on»»»
Bulgaria Opens Probe Into High Food and Drink Prices at Sofia AirportOpinions
Bulgaria’s competition authority has opened a preliminary probe into pricing practices at Sofia Airport’s food and beverage outlets, amid growing public complaints about unusually high costs for basic items. The Commission on Protection of Competition said it is examining whether there is possible »»»
Iran attacks Bahrain and Kuwait, threatens to halt talks after fresh US strikes
Iran launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday after new US airstrikes, while warning it would completely halt negotiations and close the Strait of Hormuz if Washington continues its attacks. Iran again launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait o»»»
New Caledonia: Provisional results show anti-independence parties lead
New Caledonia's provincial elections are a crucial test of the territory's political future, with independence from France remaining the central issue. The possibility of independence from France remains the central political issue, with today’s vote taking place peacefully. The election comes two »»»
New Caledonia election tests territory's future after unrest and deadlock
New Caledonia goes to the poll on Sunday in crucial elections. The possibility of independence from France remains the central political issue, with today’s vote taking place peacefully. The election comes two years after plans to expand voting rights to thousands of non-Indigenous residents trigge»»»
Israel attacks Lebanon despite truce
Despite the signing of a new framework agreement on Friday aimed at ending the conflict, fighting has continued in Lebanon. On Sunday, the Israeli military said it had killed Hezbollah militants and struck a rocket launcher near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, while the Iran-backed group rejected the»»»
New Caledonia polls close in French territory's first provincial elections since 2019
Voting in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia closed on Sunday, with a turnout of 54.42 per cent, as citizens participated in the archipelago's first provincial elections since 2019. The results of the election, initially planned for 2024, will determine the balance of power in»»»
Venezuela: Survivors say rescue effort too slow
Nearly 7 million people may have been affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, the United Nations said on Saturday, as the death toll approached 1,000 and tens of thousands remained missing. The UN said up to 6.76 million people could have been impacted, including around tw»»»
'What are they waiting for?': Frustration grows at govt reponse as Venezuela quake death toll rises
Frustration mounted in Venezuela's state of La Guaira on Saturday as rescuers and civilians used shovels, heavy equipment, ropes and bare hands to look for survivors of the devastating twin earthquakes that killed at least 1,430 people. Many citizens have been critical of what they s»»»
Heatwave shatters records across Europe, disrupts transport and strains hospitals
An intense heatwave that scorched western Europe this week spread into central and eastern parts of the continent on Saturday, bringing record temperatures from Denmark to Switzerland and Germany. The extreme heat disrupted transport, strained hospitals and renewed concerns over the growing impact »»»
US strikes Iran again as Tehran hits Bahrain and Kuwait
The US military launched a second wave of airstrikes against Iran on Saturday on President Donald Trump's orders after Tehran struck Bahrain and Kuwait, escalating tensions that threatened a fragile interim deal. The attack on Kuwait was the first since the accord, as a US-led maritime body expande»»»
Strong export growth to EU, Syria, Asia in first third of 2026 — DoS
AMMAN — The Department of Statistics (DoS) has released the latest foreign trade data for the first third of 2026, showing notable shifts in Jordan’s export and import performance compared with the same period in 2025.Jordanian exports to Syria rose by 37 per cent to JD100 million, while imports fr»»»
Nearly 6.8 mn people may be affected by Venezuela quakes, UN says
Nearly 7 million people may have been affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, the United Nations said on Saturday, as the death toll approached 1,000 and tens of thousands remained missing. The UN said up to 6.76 million people could have been impacted, including around tw»»»
France: Drowning deaths climb amid record-breaking heatwave
France's prolonged heatwave has now claimed the life of a fourth child, while the overall death toll continues to rise. In Paris, an adult man was found unresponsive in the Canal Saint-Martin after reportedly swimming outside the designated area. As Europe's most severe heatwave on record continues»»»
‘Vespa is a way of life’: Thousands ride through Rome as Italy’s iconic scooter turns 80
Thousands of Vespa enthusiasts rode through Rome on Saturday as Italy celebrated the 80th anniversary of its iconic scooter. Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Vespa has evolved from an affordable means of transport into a global symbol of Italian design, lifestyle and cinematic glamour.»»»
Djokovic inspired by Serena as he targets history at Wimbledon
London: Novak Djokovic is taking inspiration from Serena Williams' sensational comeback as he sets his sights on a record-breaking triumph at Wimbledon. Williams has returned to tennis at the age of 44 and will play her first singles match in four years when she faces Maya Joint in the Wimbledon fi»»»
UAE–Bangladesh travel: Etihad launches Dhaka route with sold-out inaugural flight
Etihad Airways has launched its inaugural flight to Dhaka, operating a sold-out Boeing 777 service from Abu Dhabi on 26 June, marking a key expansion in its South Asia network. The new route is designed to strengthen trade and cargo connectivity between the UAE and Bangladesh while meeting sustaine»»»
Romania-Moldova unification push exposes the EU’s border problem
On June 24, Romania’s Chamber of Deputies quietly approved a controversial bill proposing the country’s unification with neighboring Moldova. For decades, Romanian nationalists have championed the slogan “Basarabia e România” – ”Bessarabia is Romania” – a phrase emblazoned on walls across Bucharest»»»
Central African Republic declares cholera outbreak after 24 deaths
BANGUI: The Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak after confirming 24 deaths and 197 cases near the capital Bangui, according to the health minister. “The Ministry of Health... has today, June 26, 2026, confirmed a cholera outbreak in the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaiki,” so»»»
‘I can’t describe how disappointed and saddened we are’: Saudi players dismayed by World Cup exit
HOUSTON: Before the team buses had arrived at the NRG Stadium on Friday night, local media had billed Houston as Saudi Arabia’s “home away from home,” a city with deep economic, educational and cultural ties to the Kingdom. Yet by full-time, as the white-shirted Saudis lay prostrate after crashing »»»
Saudi Arabia suspends doctor's licence over exosome injection promotion
Dubai: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has launched legal proceedings against a healthcare practitioner who promoted injectable exosome products on social media in violation of approved regulatory guidelines, suspending the practitioner's licence as part of disciplinary measures. The ministry sai»»»
World Cup 2026: FIFA provides special services for visually impaired fans
Miami: The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has announced the provision of specialized services for fans with disabilities (the blind) at the FIFA World Cup 2026. These services are designed to enhance their ability to follow match play details through expanded resources aime»»»
QCB Governor meets Governor of the People's Bank of China
Basel: Governor of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani met with Governor of the People's Bank of China HE Pan Gongsheng, on the sidelines of the 96th Annual Meeting of the Bank for international Settlements (BIS), held in Basel, Switzerland, on June 27-28, »»»
Oman expands plastic bag ban to furniture, jewellery and car sectors: What changes now?
Oman’s Environment Authority will implement the fifth phase of its nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags from 1 July 2026, as part of a long-term effort to curb plastic pollution, promote sustainable consumption, and protect biodiversity. According to The Times of Oman, the latest phase under Dec»»»
Beijing plane crash: Pilot killed, 13 injured after aircraft hits tallest skyscraper
On Friday, the images raised more questions than answers: a light aircraft crashed into the glass façade of Beijing's tallest building, emergency crews below and police sealing off much of the surrounding business district. Now some of those questions have been answered. Chinese authorities said Sa»»»
Australia to double fine for flouting teen social media ban
Sydney: Australia will double the financial penalty on platforms flouting its world-leading social media ban for under-16s to stem widespread evasion of the restrictions, the government said on Saturday. New legislation will lift the maximum fine to Aus$99 million ($68 million) for systemic breache»»»
GCC Secretary General condemns Iranian attacks against Bahrain
Riyadh: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has condemned in the strongest terms Iran's treacherous drone attacks against Bahrain. The Iranian regime's continuous targeting of civilian facilities and critical infrastructure, amid ongoing international and regio»»»
UAE, Lebanese Presidents discuss bilateral ties and regional developments in phone call
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, spoke by telephone today to discuss bilateral relations and ways to further strengthen cooperation in support of both countries’ interests and the prosperity and wellbei»»»
World's largest particle smasher halts for upgrade to boost hunt for dark matter
Meyrin, Switzerland: The world's most powerful particle accelerator will Monday shutter operations for four years of renovations to dramatically boost its collision-capacity and the potential for unlocking one of the greatest mysteries of the Universe: dark matter. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) -»»»
Australia to double fine for flouting teen social media ban
SYDNEY: Australia will double the financial penalty on platforms flouting its world-leading social media ban for under-16s to stem widespread evasion of the restrictions, the government said on Saturday. New legislation will lift the maximum fine to Aus$99 million ($68 million) for systemic breache»»»
When the histroic heatwave will finally break in Hungary
A nationwide third-level heat alert came into force on Saturday, as Hungary remains gripped by an extraordinary heatwave. The chief medical officer warned that the prolonged extreme temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women, those with chron»»»