Category: World

The United States has introduced new visa restrictions for citizens of 31 African countries, a move that directly impacts nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia. This policy revision limits non-immigrant visas to single-entry permits, significantly altering the travel dynamics for individuals from these countries. The policy, announced by the U. S. State Department, aims to curb perceived abuse of the American visa system while reinforcing the integrity of immigration procedures.The revised rules primarily affect countries where concerns regarding overstay

South Africa’s trade proposal to the United States remains unaddressed with only four days left before a critical deadline. The proposal, submitted last month, aims to prevent the imposition of steep tariffs on South African goods, which could significantly affect the nation’s economy. As the deadline draws near, the lack of response from Washington has raised concerns among policymakers in Pretoria about the potential impact on exports and the broader trade relationship.The tariffs in question are part of a broader

Sony has initiated legal proceedings against Tencent, accusing the Chinese tech giant of copying elements from its highly successful Horizon franchise. The lawsuit, filed in the United States, claims that Tencent’s upcoming title, Light of Motiram, is a "slavish clone" of Sony's critically acclaimed Horizon series, which has become one of its most prized intellectual properties.The central issue at the heart of the lawsuit revolves around alleged similarities between the two games, both in terms of gameplay mechanics and visual

Coastal areas of Russia's Kuril Islands and Japan's northern island of Hokkaido were struck by a powerful tsunami following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred early Wednesday. The quake, which originated in the Pacific Ocean, triggered immediate alerts and evacuations across both nations.The earthquake, which had a depth of around 590 kilometers, was felt across vast stretches of the region, causing significant tremors that reached as far as Sakhalin in Russia and northern Japan. Initial reports indicate that the tsunami

The Dutch government has issued a travel ban on two high-profile Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, effectively preventing them from entering the Netherlands. The decision comes amid growing tensions surrounding their controversial political actions, which have sparked outrage among both international and domestic critics. This move is seen as part of a broader European response to the policies and rhetoric of the far-right figures within Israel’s current government.Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Minister of

A transformative trade agreement between the United States and the European Union is poised to redefine their economic relations. US President Donald Trump announced the deal, which is set to have far-reaching implications on both sides of the Atlantic. The agreement includes the unprecedented opening of trade at zero tariffs, along with a significant commitment from the EU to purchase $750 billion worth of energy over the next decade. Moreover, the EU has pledged to invest an additional $600 billion

Visa has officially opened its first data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across the African continent. The new facility aims to support the growing demand for secure digital payments, a sector that has experienced rapid growth in the region.The move comes as Visa seeks to strengthen its presence in Africa, where it has long identified untapped potential. According to a statement from the company, the centre will enhance the company’s ability to deliver

Tesla has accelerated its plans for the launch of its highly anticipated Robotaxi service in San Francisco, with the service potentially set to begin as early as this Friday. The announcement comes after the company moved up its timeline, reflecting confidence in its self-driving technology and its ability to meet regulatory requirements. Some Tesla owners have already been notified that they will have the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking service.The Robotaxi service will utilise fully autonomous vehicles designed to

Humanitarian aid distribution in Khan Younis turned fatal on 16 July 2025 when a crowd surge at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centre led to at least 21 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Health officials reported that the majority of casualties resulted from suffocation as panicking crowds pressed through narrow gates following the firing of tear gas. The GHF stated that 19 people were trampled and one person stabbed during the surge.Eyewitness testimony detailed that crowd control measures—including tear

South African vehicle shipments to the United States have plunged after U. S. import tariffs were escalated, posing a serious threat to jobs and industrial hubs across the country. Export volumes dropped by 73 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 and declined a further 80 per cent in April and 85 per cent in May, according to figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.The tariffs, introduced under U. S. trade policy changes that began on 2 April and expanded in

President Donald Trump has revealed plans to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air-defense systems, a move aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aerial assaults. The announcement, made during a public address, highlights the growing US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities amidst ongoing tensions in the region.The decision to send more advanced missile defence systems comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Ukraine continues to face relentless bombardment from Russian forces. The Patriot missile

Emergency crews have paused operations in Kerr County today following a new surge of torrential rain across Central Texas that renewed flood risks and prompted evacuations. Authorities withdrew search teams from river corridors, citing a high likelihood of flash flooding.The decision came as weather alerts signalled up to two inches of rainfall per hour in parts of Kerrville and along the Guadalupe River, overwhelming swollen tributaries and raising the threat level for crews working in the region. Sheriff’s personnel and

Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has accused the United States of mounting significant pressure on African countries to accept deported Venezuelans, including individuals released directly from US prisons—a demand Nigeria says it cannot meet given its own domestic challenges. Speaking from Brazil at the BRICS summit on 11 July, Tuggar emphasised that with a population of roughly 230 million and pressing socio-economic issues, Nigeria cannot shoulder such responsibilities.The diplomatic row follows a White House meeting on 9 July where President Trump met

U. S. consumers now contend with an effective tariff rate exceeding 20%, marking the steepest level observed since the early 1900s, according to estimates by the International Chamber of Commerce following the latest round of import levies introduced under President Trump’s administration. This escalation stems from a newly implemented baseline tariff of 10%, supplemented by selective duties—up to 50% on copper and 200% on pharmaceuticals—pushing the overall rate to unprecedented heights.Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the ICC, explained that