World

Putin looms large as Biden, Trump clash on foreign policy in first debate

By Costas Pitas (Reuters) - With around a dozen mentions in an hour and a half, Russian President Vladimir Putin was repeatedly referenced by President Joe Biden and rival Donald Trump during Thursday's presidential election debate as they vied to show who was tougher on foreign policy. "If we had a real president, the president that ... was respected by Putin, he would have never invaded

The strangest last meals requested on death row

Death row inmates have the right to one last meal of their choosing before they are executed. You might expect requests for childhood favorites or luxurious fare, but often, the meals they ask for are far from traditional. A man named Michael Dewayne Smith was executed on April 4, 2024, after 20 years on death row for a double murder. He was held in an Oklahoma prison that still offers prisoners a last meal of their choice the evening before their execution. The 41-year-old reportedly waived his right to request something special, and merely asked for leftovers from the prison cafeteria. Smith also chose not to say any last words. Browse through the gallery to see some of the strangest last meals ever requested by death row inmates.

Einstein, teleportation, and the mysterious "Philadelphia Experiment"

In 1955, details emerged of a military experiment conducted by the US Navy that has endured as a bizarre Second World War conspiracy. According to an eyewitness, 12 years earlier a warship had suddenly disappeared from a Philadelphia shipyard. It reappeared several minutes later. What had just happened? It's an incredible story that involves Albert Einstein, the theory of teleportation, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Fact or fiction? You decide. Click through and relive the moment when aliens were blamed for abducting a battleship.

Woke uni tells students not to say 'illegal immigrant'

An inclusive language guide issued by London Metropolitan University urged staff and students to avoid saying 'illegal immigrant' over fears this phrase could cause offence.

Family 'overwhelmed' by Knife Angel response

The Knife Angel will leave Sunderland after a month in the city.

Small town residents protest as first migrant families arrive

Locals in Norfolk, Massachusetts, are concerned both about migrant children being housed in a former jail, and of the town's ability to cope with 400 new residents.

These are the 30 most corrupt countries in the world right now

Corruption, a scourge that undermines governance, stifles economic growth, and erodes the very fabric of society, is a global phenomenon that knows no borders. Its impact can be devastating, affecting not just the corridors of power but reaching deep into the daily lives of ordinary citizens. From the bustling markets of Guatemala to the oil-rich fields of Nigeria, corruption shapes the fortunes of nations and the destinies of their people. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a tool used to measure the perceived levels of public sector corruption, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for many countries. With scores that paint a vivid picture of the state of corruption worldwide, the CPI highlights both the strugglers and the stragglers in the fight against this pervasive issue. It rates countries on a scale from 0-100, with 0 being "highly corrupt" and 100 being "very clean," according to the Transparency International website. Click through the gallery to delve deeper into the shadowy world of greed and discover which countries are most affected by corruption in 2024.

Don't surrender, urges Sunak amid fears Tory voters think it's over

Do not surrender to Labour, Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday night - not just once, but again and again and again.

Hospital failed man who fell to his death - coroner

Aaron Deeley fell from a second floor window which the hospital knew was defective, says coroner.

The space war is closer than you imagine

The news that Russia has likely launched an anti-satellite weapon has alarmed Western military analysts. According to the BBC, Russia's Roscosmos state space agency says its Soyuz-2.1b vehicle was used in the May 17, 2024, launch, adding that it was "in the interests of the defense ministry." The US believes the satellite may be capable of attacking other such probes. The announcement comes in the wake of warnings expressed by several military experts that space is likely to be the next frontier of warfare in an increasingly technology-dependent world. But are we really entering a new age of "Star Wars" where conflict in space is no longer science fiction? Click on to launch this gallery that explains more about America's celestial struggle with Russia and other countries, namely China.

Venue loses licence over teen girls rape inquiry

The 16 and 17-year-old were allegedly assaulted after they had been drinking in the bar.

Slovak train crash kills five people, injures at least five others

(Reuters) - A Slovak train crash with a bus killed five people and injured at least five others, emergency services said on Thursday. "According to information from intervening crews, five people suffered injuries that they were unable to survive, and at least five other people are injured," emergency services said on Facebook. The collision occurred near Nove Zamky, 110 km east of the capital

US to confront Russia at UN over North Korean weapons

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States will confront Russia at the United Nations Security Council on Friday over violating a North Korea arms embargo, and will push for China's view on growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, said deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood. The meeting of the 15-member council comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to

China passes new rural collective law to protect farmers' land rights

By Mei Mei Chu BEIJING (Reuters) - China passed a law on Friday to better protect farmers' land rights and support the development of village collectives, aiming to bolster the country's ailing rural economy and achieve food security, state media reported. While all farmland in China is state-owned, farmers have decades-long land lease rights that are exercised on their behalf by collectives,

Marcos says De Lima acquittal bolsters stand not to let ICC in

The Philippine government can cite the recent acquittal of former Sen. Leila de Lima as proof that the country’s justice system is working, thus bolstering the argument against letting the International Criminal Court (ICC) look into the “drug war” killings that occurred during the Duterte administration. President Marcos aired this view on Thursday as he stood firm on his position not to allow the entry of ICC investigators into the country....

US raises concerns about destabilization in South China Sea with Chinese minister

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell raised concerns about China’s “destabilizing actions in the South China Sea” with the country’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu during a call on Thursday, the State Department said. “The Deputy Secretary also reiterated that U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty remain ironclad,” the readout […]

France's far right looks headed for victory in the first round at the polls. Here's what that means

With just days to go until France's snap parliamentary election kicks off, victory for the far right looks increasingly likely in the first phase of the two-stage runoff.

Virac diocese installs 3rd bishop

Bishop Luisito Occiano was installed the third bishop of Virac on Wednesday, pledging to lead with inclusivity, compassion and active community participation. “Our faith compels us to act with compassion striving to be a diocese that reflects the teachings of Christ, where love, mercy, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities,” he said […]

Poland and Baltics demand defence line against Russia and Belarus

Poland and the Baltic states have demanded the EU strengthens its eastern border, warning of a 'looming threat' from Russia and Belarus along its 1,500-mile border with the East.

US tells China that PH support is 'ironclad' | INQToday

WATCH: A top United States official tells China that Washington's defense commitment to the Philippines is "ironclad" after a violent clash in the West Philippine Sea.

These are history's most important sea battles

Some of history's most important and decisive battles have taken place at sea. Major engagements, including the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of Midway, are well known. But there are many other equally bloody and brutal confrontations that you may not be aware of and yet they changed the course of wars and campaigns, and often rewrote the tactical and strategical rule book. Click through the following gallery, set sail, and relive these historic sea battles.

The brainiest star signs based on Nobel Prize winners

Since the Nobel Prize was established in 1895, and the first prizes given out in 1901, more than 900 figures have been awarded the prizes for a variety of categories, including Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Sciences. To determine which star sign racked up the highest amount of winners, check out this gallery and find out how brainy your star sign is.

Keir Starmer accused of 'dog whistle racism' by Labour members

The Labour leader was criticised by would-be MPs after using Bangladesh as an example of where migrants could be returned to under the party's immigration plans.

Man to end 50-mile run at a hometown circus

Darren Baker is raising money for the Royal British Legion Industries charity.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 854

As the war enters its 854th day, these are the main developments.

Teachers persuade France Castro to run for senator next year

After serving in the House of Representatives for nine years, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro heeded a call by a group of retired teachers to upgrade her advocacies and run for senator in next year’s elections. The teachers’ appeal appeared spontaneous enough, with the call being made in an open letter that was read at the 42nd-anniversary celebration of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Wednesday night. In the open letter, retired...

Mongolians vote as anger grows over corruption and economy

Mongolians began voting in parliamentary elections on Friday, with the ruling party widely expected to win despite deepening public anger over corruption and the state of the economy. The centre-right anti-corruption HUN party is expected to increase its parliamentary representation through its social-media savvy, professional candidates, who enjoy significant support among the urban middle classes.

‘Moonlighting’ SWAT team in hot water over party pics

Four members of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Philippine National Police were relieved of their duties and ordered to answer allegations that they were caught moonlighting as security escorts at a private party in Pasig City in January. “They were directed to explain and relieved from their present unit pending the result of the investigation,” the Eastern Police District (EPD) said on Thursday. Interior Secretary Benhur...

French parties in final push for votes ahead of crunch poll

France's political forces were on Friday to make a final bid for votes in crunch legislative elections that could see the far right take control of the government in a historic first. The official campaigning period will end at midnight followed by a day off on Saturday, during which political activity is forbidden ahead of voting Sunday.

Lawmaker warns cops taking pictures of victims’ families

The chair of the House committee on human rights threatened to cite the Philippine National Police officers in contempt, if they continue to takes photos of the survivors of those slain in the deadly drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte. During the panel’s fourth hearing on Wednesday, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., the panel’s chair, scolded the police after learning that some of their men were taking photos of the drug war victims...

Timor-Leste OKs Teves extradition to PH

The Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste has granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing a murder trial over the killing of a political rival last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday night. “The information was relayed to us by the Attorney General of Timor-Leste. We have won,” Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said in a message to reporters. “We...

Iran begins voting in presidential election with limited choices

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranians started voting on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader, at a time of growing public frustration. Polls opened at 8:00 a.m. (0430 GMT) and close at 6:00 p.m. (1430 GMT), but are usually extended as late as midnight.

Shipwrecks that remain mysterious to this day

North America's five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—have been sailed upon since at least the 17th century. The lakes are notorious for brutally unpredictable weather, dangerous currents, and underwater hazards. Since the 1600s, over 6,000 vessels have fallen victim to this capricious and often treacherous environment, shipwrecks that have claimed as many as 30,000 lives. And while most of these wrecks are accounted for, the fate of others remain a complete mystery. So, what are the most infamous losses, and which lake can claim itself the "graveyard of ships"? Click through, set sail, and chart a course through the Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Boaters dredge up silting fears after ship grounds

Boatowners raise concerns about waterways not being dredged after cargo ship gets wedged in river.

This is why people admire authoritarian leaders

Why do people welcome authoritarian and tyrannical leaders time and time again? Found in governments throughout history, it seems that certain personalities keep popping up in positions of power. By being charismatic and charming, but also calculating and cruel, dictators are often strikingly similar. But even with all their abusive and manipulative traits, people can easily worship and follow them willingly. It turns out that the admirers of dictators share common characteristics as well. Intrigued? Let's discover what they are in the following slides.

World leaders with the longest reigns

The role of president or prime minister is similar to that of a king. While democratic systems of government disperse the decision-making power in a more egalitarian manner than a traditional monarchy, there is essentially still one person at the top wearing the crown. In most democratic countries, the length of time one person can hold these positions is limited to avoid leadership monopolies, but in some places, like Russia and Turkey, certain leaders have found ways to extend their reigns. Click on and meet the world leaders with the longest reigns.

Murders that changed the world

Murders are always horrific, but some are more shocking and have greater impact than others. Political leaders, famous artists, and other powerful people have been victims of homicides that may have changed the course of history. Click here to see which homicides made waves.

Dela Rosa says he’ll attend House hearing on drug war if Duterte attends

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is firm that he would skip the lower chamber’s probe into the previous administration’s bloody drug war. He said, however, a single factor could force him to appear before the House of Representatives. “The only thing that can maybe force me to attend the hearing is when [former] President [Rodrigo] Duterte decides to attend the hearing,” dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC on Thursday....

Alice Guo's removal as mayor via quo warranto may come sooner - OSG | INQToday

WATCH: Alice Guo's removal as mayor of Bamban Town in Tarlac via a quo warranto case may come sooner with the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation that her fingerprints matched that of Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping.

Free college entrance exam act lapses into law

MANILA, Philippines — A measure mandating private higher education institutions to waive college entrance examination fees and charges for college admission lapsed into law on June 14, Malacañang said Friday. Republic Act (RA) 12006 or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after it had been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Dec. 11, 2023....

Swiss court convicts ‘richest family’ in UK over exploiting servants in luxury villa

Four members of the wealthy Hinduja family have been found guilty of exploiting poorly paid servants at their luxury villa in Geneva. This verdict is a significant setback for the Swiss branch of one of India’s richest and most powerful families. Ajay Hinduja, his wife Namrata, and his parents Prakash and Kamal were found guilty of paying their staff much less than Swiss law requires. Judge Sabina Mascotto stated that the servants, hired from...

China rocket debris expected to drop in waters near Ilocos, Cagayan —NDRRMC

Debris from the launch of China’s rocket Long March 7A is expected to fall in the waters near Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. In a memorandum dated June 25, the NDRRMC alerted concerned government agencies about China’s rocket launch, which is scheduled between June 28 to 30. “Parts of this Long March 7A rocket are expected to drop within the identified drop zone which is...

France is facing an election like no other. Here's how it works and what comes next

PARIS (AP) — French voters are being called to the polls on Sunday for an exceptional moment in their political history: the first round of snap parliamentary elections that could see the country’s first far-right government since the World War II Nazi occupation — or no majority emerging at all. The outcome of the vote, following the second round on July 7 and an exceptionally brief campaign, remains highly uncertain as three major political...

Notable People who died in 2024

Vladimir Putin’s latest escalation has hit far too close to home

Russian hackers have caused chaos in the NHS and put patients in danger. This month, one of the most serious cyber attacks we have ever faced hit London hospitals and GP surgeries by locking pathology service providers out of their own IT systems. This has forced more than 1,100 operations to be postponed, including cancer treatments and organ tran...

Police operation underway as suspicious item is found at Jewish Museum

Emergency services have swarmed the museum on Darlinghurst Road in Darlinghurst, in Sydney's CBD, after the item was reportedly located on the first floor.

Anthony Albanese fights back tears as he makes a sad admission

Anthony Albanese fought back tears as makes a worrying admission.

PH, US security advisers discuss latest Ayungin Shoal incident

National Security Adviser Año has discussed with his United States' counterpart the recent violent incident in Ayungin Shoal involving the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), the National Security Council (NSC) said Friday. In a statement, the NSC said Año and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tackled the “escalatory and violent actions against Philippine servicemen” in their conversation on Thursday. “The two NSAs also underscored the critical...

Philippines, Japan to hold 2+2 meet in Manila

Top Philippine and Japanese foreign affairs and defense officials will hold a high-level meeting in Manila on July 8 to bolster political and military engagement in the face of China's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. Diplomatic sources said both sides are finalizing a defense agreement, called Reciprocal Access Agreement or RAA, that will allow Japanese forces to train with Filipino counterparts and are hoping to sign it during the...

‘Victims’ of ‘Basaan 2024’ urged to file case at San Juan prosecutor’s office

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City is urging “victims” of this year’s “Basaan” or “Wattah Wattah” Festival to come forward, as it offered them help in filing complaints against participants who caused a disturbance. Mayor Francis Zamora made this call in a press conference on Thursday, revealing that one victim has filed a complaint against a participant, citing the San Juan City police. READ: San Juan City probes reported ‘Basaan 2024’ chaos...