18-04-2024 BRUSSELS/ WASHINGTON: The United States and the European Union say they are looking at imposing further sanctions on Iran, after its attack on Israel at the weekend. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she expected to take action “in the coming days”, while EU foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell …
Read More »Fierce storm lashes UAE as Dubai diverts flights
18-04-2024 DUBAI: The rains began overnight, leaving massive ponds on streets as whipping winds disrupted flights at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and the home of the long-haul carrier Emirates. By the evening, over 120 millimetres (4.75 inches) of rainfall had soaked the city-state, the typical …
Read More »IMF raises India’s GDP forecast to 6.8% for 2024-25
18-04-2024 Bureau Report + Agencies NEW DELHI: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India’s growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.8% from 6.5% on the back of strong domestic demand and a rising working-age population. The Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank, estimates the economy to grow at …
Read More »Putin urges restraint in call with Raisi as tensions soar
18-04-2024 MOSCOW/ TEHRAN: Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for restraint as Israel weighs its response to Iran’s unprecedented weekend drone and missile attack. Putin made the remarks in a phone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday. The leaders discussed what the Kremlin called “retaliatory measures taken by …
Read More »China’s newest ally in the Pacific goes to the polls
18-04-2024 BEIJING/ SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC OCEAN: In the Solomon Islands, the night before an election is known as Devil’s Night. Political candidates offer bribes handing out everything from cash and boat motors, sacks of rice and solar panels to secure last-minute votes. Vote-buying has been a common tactic in the Pacific …
Read More »‘Dutch Crown Princess Amalia lived in Spain after threats’
18-04-2024 MADRID/ AMSTERDAM: The heir to the Dutch throne, Princess Amalia, lived in Spain for at least a year because of severe threats made against her, Dutch media report. The crown princess studied in Madrid because of the security situation and enjoyed greater freedom of movement there, according to sources …
Read More »Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference
18-04-2024 BRUSSELS: Brussels police were ordered to shut down a conference for right-wing politicians, including Brexiteer Nigel Farage and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on Tuesday. People were stopped from entering the National Conservatism Conference a few hours after it began, organizers said – although it continued for those inside. …
Read More »Iranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’
17-04-2024 TEHRAN/ TEL AVIV/ GAZA CITY: Tehran is tense, two days after Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel. Worried about war and its impact on Iran’s already flailing economy, a significant proportion of Iranians oppose what they see as the reckless adventurism of the country’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps …
Read More »Oil slips as concern eases about Middle East supply risk
17-04-2024 NEW YORK/ LONDON/ TEHRAN: Oil prices slipped lower after Iran’s weekend attack on Israel proved to be less damaging than anticipated, easing concerns of a quickly intensifying conflict that could displace crude barrels. Brent futures for June delivery settled at $90.10 a barrel, down 35 cents, or 0.4%. US …
Read More »Indian Rupee ends at record closing low amid Mideast tensions
17-04-2024 Bureau Report + Agencies NEW DELHI/ MUMBAI: The Indian rupee ended at a record closing low on Tuesday, as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and worries that the Federal Reserve will delay interest rate cuts triggered a selloff in risky assets. The rupee ended at 83.5350 to …
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