World News

US labels 'tranq' drug linked to fatal overdoses as 'emerging threat'

The US government on Wednesday designated xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," as an "emerging threat" and asked Congress for funding to fight the drug that has been increasingly linked to a surge in overdose deaths.. "This is the first time in our nation's history that a substance is being designated as an emerging threat by any administration," said Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 1 mins read

World News

Biden admin unveils tough emissions rules to speed electric auto shift

President Joe Biden's administration unveiled new proposed auto emissions rules Wednesday, aiming to accelerate the electric vehicle transition with a target of two-thirds of the new US car market by 2032.. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Michael Regan, described the measure as the "strongest ever federal pollution standards for cars and trucks," saying his department's new policy would "accelerate the ongoing transition to a clean vehicles future."

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 3 mins read

World News

Taliban say ban on Afghan women working for UN 'an internal issue'

A ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations was an internal issue, the country's Taliban authorities said Wednesday, adding that the decision "should be respected by all sides".. Taliban authorities triggered international outrage earlier this month after extending a December ban on Afghan women working for non-governmental organisations to the UN. "The Islamic Emirate does not want to create obstacles for the United Nations," Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement on Wednesday. 

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 2 mins read

World News

Elon Musk says 'many mistakes' made since Twitter takeover

Twitter boss Elon Musk said running the social media network has been "quite a rollercoaster" and acknowledged "many mistakes" along the way, six months after he bought the company for $44 billion.. Musk, in assessing his time in charge of the social media network since he took over in October, said it had been "a stressful situation over the last several months". 

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 2 mins read

World News

Taiwan ruling party picks VP as presidential candidate

Taiwan's ruling party nominated Vice President William Lai as its candidate for next year's presidential elections on Wednesday, choosing a contender who has been more outspoken on Taiwanese independence than incumbent Tsai Ing-wen.. "I am very honoured to have received the DPP's nomination to take part in the 2024 presidential election and to uphold the duty of safeguarding Taiwan," Lai said at a Democratic Progressive Party press conference.

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 2 mins read

World News

Macron praised in China for 'brilliant' Taiwan comments

Emmanuel Macron's unexpected suggestion that Europe not "follow" US policy on Taiwan is being hailed as a "brilliant decision" this week in China, where state news outlets and social media users are lauding his independence.. "Daring to talk openly about autonomy," commented a user of social media site Weibo under a news article on Macron, "Europe has progressed."

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 2 mins read

World News

South Korea opposition calls for probe into US spying

South Korea's opposition urged the government on Wednesday to investigate alleged espionage by the United States after leaked documents appeared to show Washington spying on its key Asian ally.. "The government must get to the bottom of eavesdropping allegations and if they are found to be true, it must get an official apology and guarantee that it won't do it again from the US," Lee Jae-myung, head of the opposition Democratic party, said on Wednesday.

Wed, Apr 12, 2023 1 mins read

World News

Thailand's China-built high-speed rail, on track but delayed

One of Thailand's oldest railway stations is facing demolition as the kingdom presses ahead with a long-delayed Chinese-backed high-speed line that has caused unease about lost heritage and closer ties to Beijing.. The junta led by Prayut pushed closer ties with China, leading some to fear that Thailand was abandoning its policy of trying to balance relations with Washington and Beijing.

Tue, Apr 11, 2023 3 mins read

World News

Ukrainian soldiers dig trenches in case of retreat from Bakhmut

A shovel and a blue bucket in hand, a Ukrainian soldier climbs out of the trench he was digging, which would be part of the new defence line if Bakhmut fell to Russian forces.. "We are on the second line of defence.

Tue, Apr 11, 2023 2 mins read

World News

Venezuela rights abuse victims hopeful ICC will bring peace

Victims of alleged human rights violations under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro are hopeful an International Criminal Court probe into killings and torture will bring them some closure.. "All his rights were violated: he was subjected to arbitrary detention... torture and death in custody," Alban's widow Meudy Osio said in New York, where she lives with her two children.

Tue, Apr 11, 2023 3 mins read