World News

US financial sanctions target one of Russia's richest men

The US announced financial sanctions targeting one of Russia's wealthiest men, Vladimir Potanin, the Treasury Department and State Department said Thursday, adding to efforts that curb Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine.. Meanwhile, the designation of Rosbank and other entities related to Russia's financial sector "are part of the US government's efforts to further limit (Russia's) ability to fund its unconscionable war of choice against Ukraine," the Treasury Department added in a statement.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 2 mins read

World News

Deadly Russian shelling cuts Kherson power

Russian shelling on Thursday killed two people in Kherson and left the southern city "completely without power", Ukrainian officials said after the latest strikes on infrastructure as temperatures have plummeted.. The city that was the only regional capital held by Moscow was also left "completely without power", the regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said. 

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 2 mins read

World News

Macron defends World Cup trip amid Qatar graft scandal

President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday stood by his decision to travel to Qatar to support France's World Cup team, despite allegations linking the Gulf monarchy to corruption in the European Parliament.. The European Parliament, whose president Roberta Metsola declared the alleged bribes to MEPs as an attack on Europe's democracy, will vote on a motion Thursday that could bar Qatari lobbyists from its premises.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 2 mins read

World News

Last French troops leave Central African Republic

The last French troops deployed in the Central African Republic left on Thursday following a chill in relations caused by closer ties between Bangui and Moscow, an AFP reporter saw.. "France decided that the conditions were no longer appropriate for us to continue working for the benefit of the Central African armed forces," General Francois-Xavier Mabin, the commander of the MISLOG logistical force, told AFP. French troops stationed at Bangui airport's M'Poko base had been providing logistical support for the European Union Training Mission and a contingent of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 2 mins read

World News

Swedish zoo shoots dead three chimps on the run

A Swedish zoo said Thursday it had to shoot dead three chimpanzees after they escaped from their enclosure, with the situation still not under control.. The decision to shoot dead the chimps came in for harsh criticism on social media sites.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 1 mins read

World News

Patriot missiles: crucial but limited help for Ukraine

The United States is expected to announce it will equip Ukraine with Patriot missile units, boosting its defenses against Russia's assault on its infrastructure.. Meanwhile, Russia is expected to continue its air assault on Ukraine infrastructure.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 3 mins read

World News

Israeli technology aims to curb male chick culling

Israeli scientists have created a species of egg-laying hens that only produce females, a breakthrough that could help end the annual culling of around seven billion male chicks globally. . A team at the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization-Volcani Center has used gene editing to develop a new species of hens that only gives birth to females.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 1 mins read

World News

Lithuanian firm makes stoves from car parts for power-starved Ukrainians

As winter temperatures plunge, a Lithuanian metal processing company has been turning used car parts into small stoves to keep war-weary and power-starved Ukrainians warm. . "We do what we do best just to make Ukrainians feel a bit better," project co-author Rokas Utakis told AFP.  So far the company has produced nearly 100 stoves, with half of them already in use in Ukraine, including as far as Bakhmut or Izyum near the front line.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 1 mins read

World News

Iran blames US after being removed from UN rights body

Iran on Thursday accused the United States of orchestrating its removal from a UN women's rights body over its response to protests triggered by death of Mahsa Amini.. Iran has handed down 11 death sentences in connection with the protests.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 2 mins read

World News

Let the good times roll? Bangkok becomes Southeast Asia's weed Wild West

From sleek boutiques to rickety stalls, hundreds of cannabis dispensaries have sprouted across Bangkok following decriminalisation, but in a nation once infamous for tough drug laws, Thai vendors are asking: can the high times last?. Bangkok-based Gloria Lai, regional director at International Drug Policy Consortium, said decriminalisation had come without proper preparation.

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 3 mins read