World News

Beijing temperatures near record as extreme heat sweeps northern China

Beijing on Thursday appeared to log its hottest June temperature since reliable records began, according to weather data and local media reports, as swathes of northern China sweltered in 40-degree heat.. Other weather stations around the capital chalked up even higher temperatures, with Tanghekou in northern Beijing notching 41.8 C early Thursday afternoon, becoming the hottest place in the country, according to state media.

Russian court upholds extension of US reporter's detention: AFP

A Russian court on Thursday rejected an appeal to release US reporter Evan Gershkovich from detention in Moscow, an AFP journalist in the courtroom said, ahead of his trial on contested espionage charges.. Moscow says the sensitivity of the espionage charges means the trial must be held in private and court documents are not being made public.

One still missing after Paris building blast injured 50

One person was still missing on Thursday after a blast ripped through a building in central Paris, while six others were in critical condition receiving urgent treatment in hospital as rescuers sifted through wreckage.. On Thursday, the security cordon had been reduced, allowing journalists and gawkers closer to the heap of rubble in front of the structure, just opposite the Val-de-Grace military hospital.

Ireland's debate on neutrality derailed by anti-NATO protest

A public debate on Ireland's international security policy, including its long-standing military neutrality, was disrupted by an anti-NATO demonstration in its opening session on Thursday.. But the debate in Ireland over pursuing NATO membership has stoked passions and threatened to divert the course followed by successive governments since the outbreak of World War II. According to national broadcaster RTE, Martin called the protesters "undemocratic" and accused the demonstration of "trying to shut down debate" before the group was led away by police.

Tank rounds and war trophies as Ukraine shows retaken villages

Moments after Ukrainian soldiers in their nation's east noted a brief lull in fighting, a Russian tank round smashed into the ground nearby, sending a column of soil upwards.. Reporters took shelter down steps cut into the ground, until the threat of another round landing nearby passed.

Senegal opposition leader launches French legal action against president

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has filed a criminal complaint in France for "crimes against humanity" against President Macky Sall, his lawyer said, as well as requesting a probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC).. His criminal complaint has been filed with the Paris tribunal's crimes against humanity unit.

Micron to invest $800 mn in India chip factory

US chip giant Micron will invest $800 million in a chip factory in India, a US official said Thursday during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.. The assembly and testing factory, which will total $2.75 billion after Indian investment, will help "build a semiconductor ecosystem that promotes supply chain diversification," the official told reporters, in a reference to US efforts to prevent China from dominating high-end technology. aue-sct/dhw

US, India to sign deals on fighter-jet engines, drones

The United States and India will sign major deals on fighter-jet engines and drones during a visit Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a US official said.. The United States has given the green light on technology transfer for General Electric to produce F414 engines jointly with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics as India starts making homegrown fighter-jets, the official said.

Extreme heat brings hottest temperatures in years to northern China

Swathes of northern China sweltered in 40-degree heat on Thursday, weather data showed, as parts of Beijing and the nearby megacity of Tianjin recorded their highest temperatures for years.. A weather station in Tanghekou in northern Beijing logged 41.8 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) early on Thursday afternoon, making it the hottest place in the country, according to local state-backed media outlet Beijing News.

Bank of England to hike again over stubborn inflation

The Bank of England is forecast to lift interest rates for a 13th time in a row on Thursday -- and may hike sharply to fight stubborn inflation despite such a move worsening a cost-of-living crisis.. The Swiss and Norwegian central banks hiked their rates on Thursday ahead of the BoE decision.