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The White House said Donald Trump will approve a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia only if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords.reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump will approve a civil nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia only if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords and establishes diplomatic relations with Israel, the White House said on Thursday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the proposed agreement would allow only c

The European Commission has fined Google a combined 890 million ($1 billion) for breaching the Digital Markets Act by favouring its own services and restricting app developersreports Asian Lite News Desk The European Commission on Thursday fined Google a combined 890 million ($1 billion) for breaching the European Unions Digital Markets Act (DMA), accusing the technology company of giving preferential treatment to its own services in search results and restricting competition through its Google

The 2026 Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow on Wednesday, with India fielding a 125-member contingentreports Asian Lite News Desk The 2026 Commonwealth Games begin in Glasgow on Thursday, bringing together some of the worlds top athletes, with India banking on Olympic medallists Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain to spearhead its medal campaign. The 23rd edition of the Games will run until August 2 and feature competition across 10 sports, a reduced programme compared to

The request comes as the country continues to grapple with inflation, external financing challenges and economic uncertainty.reports Asian Lite News Desk Pakistans Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has requested a $10 billion Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to strengthen the countrys foreign exchange reserves and ease debt pressures, according to a media report. Citing PakistansDawnnewspaper, India Blooms News Service reported that officials at

Moscow said it reaffirmed its readiness to resolve the Ukraine conflict while both sides agreed to continue diplomatic engagement.reports Asian Lite News Desk Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meetings in Manila on Thursday, with Moscow saying it reiterated its readiness to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and uphold understandings reached during talks in Anchorage. Accord

Quad foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting ASEAN centrality, maritime security, technology cooperation and regional stability, reports Asian Lite News Desk The Quad Foreign Ministers on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific while expressing strong support for ASEAN unity and its central role in regional affairs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister T

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani drops his Netanyahu arrest pledge after legal review says city lacks authority, but continues criticism of Israeli leader, reports Asian Lite News Desk New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stepped back from his campaign pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, saying a legal review found his administration does not have the authority to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Mamdani said his administration had ex

A global study says 1,700-plus HIV service sites shut after PEPFAR funding cuts in 2025. Prevention programmes and services for vulnerable communities suffered the biggest setbacksreports Africa Daily News Desk Funding cuts to the US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2025 have significantly weakened HIV services worldwide, forcing the closure of at least 1,714 service sites and disrupting prevention, treatment and care programmes, according to a new study. The PEPFAR Pulse St

The US has carried out another round of strikes on Iranian military targets, saying the operation was aimed at reducing threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuzreports Asian Lite News desk The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has carried out another round of strikes on Iranian military targets, saying the operation was aimed at degrading Tehrans ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement posted on X, CENTC

Iran claims missile and drone attacks on US military assets in Jordan and Kuwait as Washington continues strikes against Tehran amid rising Middle East tensions, reports Arab Daily News Desk Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military assets in Jordan and Kuwait, describing the strikes as retaliation for American actions against Tehran. In statements carried by its official news outlet Sepah News on Monday, the IRG

Indian companies are pursuing record overseas acquisitions to diversify globally, but rising capital outflows, higher energy imports and foreign investor exits are adding pressure on the rupeewrites Chetanya Mundachali.Indian companies are accelerating overseas acquisitions and investments at a record pace, a trend that is strengthening their global presence but also adding fresh pressure on the rupee. Large outbound capital flows, coupled with rising energy import costs and continued foreign in

Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 finalreports London Daily News Desk Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. After a tightly contested and goalless 90 minutes, Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute with a c

Iran has suspended all commitments under a recently signed memorandum with the United States, accusing Washington of violating the agreement through military actionreports Asian Lite News Desk Iran has suspended all of its commitments under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, accusing Washington of breaching the agreement through what Tehran described as aggressive actions, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. The announcement was ma

Remarks by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman describing the United States as a tested friend have reignited debate over Washingtons role during the 1971 Liberation War.reports Asian Lite News Desk Comments by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman describing the United States as a tested friend of Bangladesh have triggered renewed debate over Washingtons role during the countrys 1971 Liberation War, with critics arguing that the remarks ignore a contentious chapter in th

Former England striker Robbie Fowler has tipped Spain to beat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, praising La Rojas tactical discipline and purposeful style of play.reports Asian Lite News Desk Former England striker Robbie Fowler has backed Spain to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy, saying their purposeful style of play, tactical discipline and game management make them favourites ahead of the final against defending champions Argentina. Speaking ahead of the title clash, Fowler said

Cricket has lost one of its greatest ever players with the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all-rounder, at the age of 89reports Africa Daily News Desk Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in history and one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen, has died at his home in Barbados at the age of 89. The West Indies legend, whose extraordinary career spanned two decades, transformed the sport with his brilliance as a batsman, bowle

Iran warns of a severe regional response as strikes target US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, reports Asian Lite News Desk Iran has warned of a crushing response against infrastructure across West Asia if the United States targets Iranian power plants and bridges, as Tehran carried out strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Irans Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued the warning after US President Donald Trump said Washin

Vice President Vance accuses Israeli-linked efforts of attempting to influence US opinion against Iran diplomacy, while defending negotiations aimed at ending the conflict,reports Asian Lite News Desk US Vice President JD Vance has accused some figures within Israels government of attempting to influence American public opinion against diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran. Speaking in an interview with US podcaster Joe Rogan that aired on Wednesday, Vance said there were individuals withi

Nine African-born billionaires have secured places on Forbes latest ranking of Americas richest immigrant billionaires, with their combined wealth reaching $952.9 billion.reports Africa Daily News Desk Nine African-born billionaires have amassed a combined fortune of $952.9 billion, accounting for about 43 per cent of the collective $2.2 trillion wealth held by the 144 foreign-born billionaires featured in Forbes latest ranking of Americas richest immigrant billionaires. The annual ranking, whic

Indian Naval sail training ship INS Sudarshini has concluded a landmark voyage across four major US East Coast ports as part of Americas 250th Independence celebrations.reports Asian Lite News Desk Indian Naval sail training ship INS Sudarshini has completed its historic participation in the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th Independence celebrations, with Indian officials describing the deployment as a significant milestone in the growing India-US strategic partnership and a showcase o

After securing a place in Sundays final with a late comeback, several Argentina players held up a banner reading Las Malvinas son Argentinas..reports Asian Lite News desk Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after players displayed a banner supporting the countrys claim to the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England. After securing a place in Sundays final with a late comeback, several Argentina players held up a banner reading Las Malvin

Messi dismissed claims that Argentina have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions after reaching a second successive World Cup finalreports Asian Lite News desk Lionel Messi has dismissed allegations that Argentina have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions during the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting their place in a second successive World Cup final is the result of consistent performances rather than luck. Defending champions Argentina booked their place in Sundays final against

US forces launch fresh strikes on Iranian military targets after restoring a naval blockade, as Tehran threatens regional energy exports and tensions grip the Strait of Hormuz, reports Asian Lite News Desk The United States carried out a new round of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday after reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports, further escalating tensions in the Gulf as Tehran warned it could target more regional energy export routes. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it lau

US-Iran tensions explode as Washington restores blockade on Iranian ports after attacks in Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies and fragile Middle East stability, reports Asian Lite News Desk The United States has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The move comes after Iranian forces targeted ships atte

India has renewed its call for safe and unhindered navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after an Iranian strike on UAE merchant vessels killed an Indian sailor and injured several others.reports Asian Lite News Desk India on Tuesday renewed its call for safe and unhindered navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after an Iranian strike on two UAE merchant vessels killed an Indian sailor and injured several others, while urging all parties to pursue dialogue and de-escalation to restore peace

The renewed hostilities have prompted the United Nations to call for an immediate halt to military action and a return to negotiations.reports Asian Lite News Desk The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran on Sunday after accusing Iranian forces of attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions despite a fragile ceasefire between the two countries. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation began at 5 p.m. Eastern Time and w

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland as India intensifies efforts to conclude its long-awaited Free Trade Agreement with the European Unionreports Asian Lite News Desk Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday began a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, as India seeks to strengthen its economic engagement with the European Union and advance negotiations for the proposed India

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time as Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, reports London Daily News Desk Argentina produced a clinical extra-time display to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on Saturday, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final against England after a fiercely contested battle at Kansas City Stadium. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to break Swiss res

US and Iranian forces exchanged fresh missile strikes across the Gulf as Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait intercepted attacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict, reports Asian Lite News Desk The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated sharply as both sides exchanged fresh military strikes across the Gulf, drawing several neighbouring countries deeper into the crisis and raising fears of a broader regional war. The latest round of attacks came as shipping traffic through the stra

The US Central Command has rejected Irans assertion that it controls transit through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway remains an international trade corridor.reports Asian Lite News Desk The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday rejected Irans claim that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz are required to use routes designated solely by Tehran, stating that Iran does not control the strategic waterway. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said US forces had faci

Kylian Mbappe shrugged off a first-half penalty miss to inspire France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.reports Asian Lite News Desk Kylian Mbappe recovered from a first-half penalty miss to produce another decisive performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash at Boston Stadium on Friday, securing a place in a third successive World Cup semi-final. The France captain scored his eighth goal of the

England crushed India by 125 runs in the third T20I at Trent Bridge to move within one win of the seriesreports London Daily News Desk England produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash India by 125 runs in the third T20 International at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening match was washed out. The emphatic victory leaves England needing just one win from the remaining two matches to clinch the series, while India must win b

With extra time looming, Argentina found the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.reports Asian Lite News Desk Lionel Messi produced another memorable World Cup performance as defending champions Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Messi scored one goal and set up another before Enzo Fernandez struck a stoppage-time winner to complete a remarkable comeback that kept Argentina

Switzerland entered the contest with a major setback after breakout star Johan Manzambi was ruled out with a knee injury.reports Asian Lite news Desk Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought goalless draw. Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty to seal a historic victory for the Swiss, who will now face Argentina in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. I did

US President Donald Trump said the United States was paying billions of dollars too much for Europes security and would press NATO allies on burden sharing during the alliances summit.reports Asian Lite News Desk US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States was paying billions of dollars too much for Europes security, signalling that burden sharing would be a key issue during discussions with NATO allies at the alliances summit. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rut

Americas goods trade deficit with India stood at $4.1 billion in May as the overall US trade gap widened sharply on weaker exports and higher imports.reports Asian Lite News Desk The United States recorded a goods trade deficit of $4.1 billion with India in May, according to official data released on Tuesday, as the countrys overall trade deficit widened sharply amid falling exports and rising imports. The latest figures from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that t

Small Drops unveils education framework urging stronger collaboration between schools, communities and institutions to tackle inequality, safeguard children and build resilient futuresreports Dhiren Katwa A volunteer-led charity has submitted a wide-ranging education policy framework to the Department for Education, arguing that schools cannot improve outcomes for children without addressing the wider social and institutional pressures that shape their lives. The submission came duringVoice for

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is prepared to reconsider the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, describing bilateral ties as stronger than ever.reports Asian Lite News Desk US President Donald Trump has signalled that his administration is prepared to reconsider the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, saying the proposal is certainly something we will consider as he described relations between Washington and Ankara as being at their strongest. Speaking alongside Turki

US authorities plan to seek the extradition of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from India to face federal racketeering charges linked to an alleged transnational criminal enterprisereports Asian Lite News Desk The United States plans to seek the extradition of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from India to face sweeping federal racketeering charges, with investigators saying the move is intended to dismantle an alleged transnational criminal network that has continued operating despite its leader being in pr

The victory extended Belgiums impressive unbeaten run under head coach Rudi Garcia.reports Asian Lite News Desk Charles De Ketelaere starred with a first-half brace as Belgium defeated co-hosts USA 4-1 at Seattle Stadium to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Spain. Hans Vanaken added his first-ever World Cup goal before substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike, ending the United States campaign and making them the l

The defeat marked the end of Ronaldos World Cup journey. The 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that it would be his final appearance on footballs biggest stage.reports Asian Lite News Desk Mikel Merino struck deep into extra time to hand Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, bringing Cristiano Ronaldos illustrious World Cup career to an end. Merinos decisive goal at Dallas Stadium settled a tense last-16 contest tha

Despite the workforce reductions, Microsofts AI business continues to expand. Its Azure cloud platform remains a major beneficiary of growing enterprise demand for AI services Microsoft has announced another major round of layoffs, cutting around 4,800 jobsabout 2.1 per cent of its global workforceas the technology giant ramps up investment in artificial intelligence while tightening operational costs. The move reflects a broader trend across the technology sector, where companies are balancing

After five decades of development, the highway continues to inspire travellers with its combination of history, adventure and scenic beauty, making it a remarkable route through one of Chinas most captivating regions Fifty years after opening to traffic, the Yunnan-Xizang Highway remains one of Chinas most breathtaking travel routes, taking visitors through dramatic mountain landscapes, historic towns and culturally rich regions of the countrys southwest. Completed on July 6, 1976, the 715-kilom

The study found that exercise can help restore this balance. Physical activity activates proteins that reduce DEAF1 levels, allowing ageing muscles to improve their ability to remove damaged proteins, rebuild effectively and maintain strength Exercise may hold the key to slowing age-related muscle decline, with scientists identifying a molecular switch that helps ageing muscles repair damage and maintain strength. A new study by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School, in collaboration with Singa

US President links expected visit to plans for a new White House ballroom designed to host major state events.reports Asian Lite News Desk US President Donald Trump on Monday said Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Washington toward the end of September, while highlighting plans to construct a new state ballroom at the White House to host larger gatherings for visiting world leaders. Speaking during a luncheon in the White House Rose Garden, Trump said Xis proposed visit underscor

Guterres warns rapid advances in artificial intelligence demand stronger international governance.reports Asian Lite News Desk Warning that artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, UN Secretary-GeneralAntnio Guterreson Monday called for urgent international cooperation to ensure humanity remains in control of the technology rather than being shaped by it. Addressing the opening of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Guterres posed what he described as a defining

Member states remain divided over military spending, Iran and Europes security role.reports Asian Lite News Desk The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) heads into its summit in Ankara this week amid growing internal divisions over defence spending, strategic priorities and the alliances long-term direction, even as leaders seek to present a united front. The two-day summit, beginning Tuesday, comes against the backdrop of differing responses to the recent US military strikes on Iran, cont

More than 7.1 million people are internally displaced in Ukraine due to Russias invasion, UN agency IOM saysreports Asian Lite News Desk More than 7.1 million people are estimated to have been internally displaced within Ukraine due to Russias war, according to new figures released by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), as fighting continues to force civilians from their homes while keeping them inside the country. The figure marks a rise from the 6.48 million inte

UNHCR reports the first decline in global refugee numbers in 10 years but warns that millions remain displaced, with many returning home only to face insecurity, poverty and uncertain futures.reports Asian Lite News Desk Global forced displacement declined for the first time in a decade in 2025, largely due to a sharp rise in refugee and internally displaced people returning home, but the overall number of people uprooted by conflict and persecution remains alarmingly high, the UN Refugee Agency

Thailand has begun issuing official identity cards to refugees from Myanmar living in temporary shelters along its border, marking a significant change in the countrys approach to one of the worlds longest-running displacement crisesreports Asian Lite News Desk Thailand has begun issuing official identity cards to refugees living in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border, in a move described by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as a historic step towards greater protection, inclusion and s