Category: World

China has firmly defended the actions of one of its state-owned companies following a deadly mining disaster in Zambia, while indirectly rebuking the United States for its vocal criticism of the incident. The comments were made in response to mounting international scrutiny regarding the company’s handling of the situation and the safety measures at its operations.A deadly incident occurred at the mine in Zambia, operated by a Chinese-owned firm, when a series of structural failures led to the collapse of

Hurricane Erin intensified into a Category 4 storm on Sunday, prompting urgent warnings from the U. S. National Hurricane Center. As the storm moves northward, it poses an increased risk to coastal areas along the U. S. eastern seaboard, particularly in terms of hazardous surf and rip currents.The NHC's latest updates indicate Erin's centre is tracking towards the open Atlantic after battering the U. S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with heavy rainfall and powerful winds. These regions experienced widespread

Negotiations at the United Nations aimed at creating a legally-binding treaty to tackle global plastic pollution have once again stalled, leaving international efforts in disarray. This latest failure in the negotiations signals a growing sense of pessimism among key environmental advocates and policymakers who had hoped for substantial progress on what was once seen as a groundbreaking initiative.Three years ago, a historic agreement was reached by diplomats from multiple countries, including Canada, to forge a legally binding treaty to curb

Malian authorities have launched an extensive investigation into an alleged plot to destabilise the country, with the arrest of a French national and several high-ranking generals. The arrests come amidst mounting tension and accusations that foreign powers are attempting to undermine Mali’s stability. The government’s claims have drawn significant attention, as they allege involvement from foreign actors, raising concerns of escalating international interference in the country’s internal affairs.Authorities reported that the French national, whose identity remains undisclosed, was detained after

The Ghanaian government faces increasing pressure from the public to release detailed updates on the investigation into a helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of several senior officials. The crash, which occurred in a remote area of the country, has left the nation grappling with grief and uncertainty, with many citizens demanding transparency from the authorities.Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, head of the Ghanaian Journalists Association, has been vocal in urging the army and other involved agencies to provide consistent and

The U. S. government is reportedly negotiating a potential stake in semiconductor giant Intel, as part of efforts to bolster the nation's chip manufacturing capabilities. According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal could be a significant move in Washington's ongoing strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical technologies, particularly semiconductors.Intel has been facing mounting challenges in the competitive semiconductor industry, with delays in its manufacturing projects, including the much-anticipated Ohio chip factory. The U. S. government’s interest in

South Africa’s government is moving forward with plans to launch a credit-guarantee vehicle in July 2026 to stimulate private investment in infrastructure projects. The initiative, aimed at overcoming the financing gap for large-scale infrastructure, will engage with lenders to fund a significant portion of the programme. The government’s objective is to encourage private companies to invest in the country’s critical infrastructure, which has long been underfunded, particularly in areas such as transportation, energy, and water.The vehicle will be structured to

US stocks experienced a notable decline on Thursday after a surge in wholesale inflation sent tremors through the market, putting an abrupt halt to a months-long rally that had propelled major indices to record highs. The Producer Price Index, a critical measure of wholesale inflation, posted its sharpest rise in three years, spooking investors and raising concerns about the resilience of the broader economy.The PPI climbed 0.7% in July, a jump that far exceeded economists' forecasts, prompting investors to reconsider

Nigeria’s push toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030 is gaining momentum, driven by a growing tech ecosystem supported by both government initiatives and global tech giants. The country’s digital economy is set to play a central role in this ambitious vision, with significant emphasis on talent development and digital infrastructure.The inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA, scheduled for 1-4 September 2025 in Abuja and Lagos, is set to be a landmark event in West Africa’s tech and innovation landscape.

President Donald Trump has authorised Nvidia and AMD to resume limited sales of artificial intelligence chips to China, marking a significant shift in U. S. trade policy. The agreement allows the companies to sell specific AI chips in exchange for a 15% revenue share paid to the U. S. government. This move deviates from previous strategies aimed at restricting China's access to advanced semiconductors due to national security concerns.The deal includes Nvidia's H20 chip and AMD's MI308, both intentionally downgraded

A wave of infernos driven by soaring temperatures has engulfed southern Europe, prompting widespread evacuations, mounting fatalities and an unprecedented emergency response. Greece is enduring its fiercest wildfires as blazes near Patras and the islands of Chios and Zakynthos surge into homes, forests and industrial sites, under relentless heat and gusting winds. Nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been mobilised to contain the flames, while multiple evacuation warnings remain active for towns housing up to 7,700 residents, and coastguards

A massive wildfire has forced thousands to flee their homes in Spain as a combination of intense heat and strong winds exacerbates the crisis. The fire, one of the most destructive in the country’s history, continues to rage across multiple regions, threatening lives, homes, and the environment.The wildfire, which ignited amid soaring temperatures that have gripped southern Europe, has spread rapidly due to the powerful winds sweeping across the country. Spain’s Emergency Services reported a significant increase in fire activity,

India’s diplomatic ties with the United States have been significantly shaped by the evolving political landscape under former President Donald Trump. According to a US academic, India has paid a steep price due to Trump's pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize, which may have undermined its broader geopolitical interests.The scholar argues that Trump’s overtures to India during his tenure were often overshadowed by his personal ambitions rather than strategic concerns. As a result, India found itself balancing its long-standing relationships

Kevin Spacey is poised to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's prestigious film and television event, a recognition that comes after a series of legal and professional challenges that have marred his career. The actor, known for his roles in House of Cards and The Usual Suspects, is being honoured for his contributions to the entertainment industry. The announcement has sparked a mixed response, reflecting both his undeniable talents and the controversies surrounding him.Spacey's career trajectory has been

The African Development Bank has confirmed it will finance $500 million towards the construction of a new international airport in Ethiopia. Once completed in 2029, the project is expected to become the largest airport on the continent. The new infrastructure forms part of Ethiopia’s broader ambitions to boost its position as a key hub for aviation in Africa, with an emphasis on increasing regional connectivity and expanding the country’s international trade and tourism potential.The airport, located in the capital

Nagasaki has marked the 80th anniversary of the devastating U. S. atomic bombing that killed tens of thousands of people and left lasting trauma. On 9 August 1945, the city became the second to suffer the horrors of nuclear warfare, after Hiroshima, with many survivors, known as hibakusha, urging younger generations to fight for a nuclear-free world.The bomb, code-named "Fat Man," was dropped by the U. S. during the final stages of World War II, ultimately leading to Japan’s surrender.

Tensions over the future of Gaza escalated this week as China strongly condemned Israel's proposals to expand control over the region. The Chinese government has called on Israel to abandon its plans, asserting that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory. This intervention comes amid increasing international scrutiny over the situation in Gaza, with many nations expressing concern about the potential implications of further Israeli expansion.Beijing's position on the Gaza Strip is rooted in its longstanding support for Palestinian

Ethiopia’s energy authorities have raised fresh allegations against Egypt, accusing it of attempting to block the progress of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, one of the continent's most ambitious infrastructure projects. The accusations come ahead of what Ethiopia says will be a significant step in its development, as the country gears up for the operationalisation of its colossal hydroelectric power facility on the Blue Nile.Asheber Balcha, CEO of Ethiopia Electric Power, voiced strong criticisms, asserting that Egypt has been engaged

Hunan, a central province in China, has emerged as a vital player in the country's trade and economic relations with Africa, defying the common association of Beijing or Shanghai as the primary hubs for these dealings. With its strategic location and evolving infrastructure, Hunan is positioning itself as a key partner in China's broader strategy to expand its influence on the African continent.Over the past few years, China’s deepening ties with Africa have sparked a surge in trade and investments,

The South African rand strengthened in early Thursday trading, buoyed by an uptick in gold prices and a softer US dollar, following the implementation of steep tariffs by the United States. The commodity-linked currency, which often moves in tandem with the price of gold, saw a brief rally as traders sought refuge in the precious metal amidst economic uncertainty. Investors were particularly focused on the U. S.'s latest tariff impositions, which have created ripples in global markets.Gold, regarded as a

France is grappling with its most severe wildfire in decades, marking a stark return to the destructive forces of nature. The fire, which broke out in the southern regions, has already scorched thousands of hectares, making it the largest blaze since 1949. That year, devastating fires near Bordeaux claimed 82 lives and ravaged 50,000 hectares of land. This new disaster is showing no signs of slowing down, with thousands of people displaced and emergency services working around the clock to