Japan Passes New Law Banning Flag Desecration in Nationalist Push
The new law is part of a campaign by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, to build a more patriotic and assertive Japan. Critics say it undermines free speech.
Uber in $15b deal for Delivery Hero
[ Acquisition advances the US ride-hailing firm’s efforts to build a global food-delivery business BERLIN: Uber agreed on Thursday to buy Germany’s Delivery Hero at an equity value of $14.8 billion to create the largest food-delivery group outside China and stave off intensifying competition from US and European rivals. The acquisition advances the US ride-hailing … Read more
‘Heartstopper Forever’ Review: Facing a Grown-Up Reality
The glossy Netflix series graduates into adulthood with this movie starring Kit Connor and Joe Locke as a couple with thoughts of college ahead.
Over 100 wildfires prompt Algeria to urgently recall civil protection personnel
A firefighter sprays water to extinguish flames in the Fontainebleau forest during a wildfire, in Le Vaudoue, during a heatwave affecting large parts of France, July 13, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/file Algeria issued an urgent order Thursday recalling personnel across 45 provinces as the country battled more than 100 wildfires amid an intense heat wave. The … Read more
Reserves down $1.24b on debt repayments
[ KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves decreased by $1,245 million during the week ended July 10, 2026, reaching $17,225.8 million. The decline was mainly due to external debt repayments. Pakistan’s total liquid foreign currency reserves stood at $22,675.5 million, including $17,225.8 million held by the SBP and $5,449.7 million with … Read more
Digital exchanges eye Pakistani investors
[ KARACHI: Several global exchange companies are focusing on Pakistan’s market to attract investors after the military crisis in the Middle East shifted their interest in different venues, particularly to multiple high-dividend, accessible, and secure options. Industry experts say geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, coupled with changing investor preferences and the rapid expansion of … Read more
US strikes in Iran hit airport, bridges and railway station
Smoke rises following a strike at an unknown location during what the U.S. military says is its latest wave of strikes on Iran, hitting “Iranian military targets such as coastal surveillance and air defense sites, military logistics infrastructure, and maritime capabilities,” in this still image taken from handout video released July 16, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS … Read more
What to know ahead of Spain-Argentina clash
Argentina chase historic consecutive titles as Spain bid for a second World Cup crown The 2026 FIFA World Cup final brings together two of international football’s most successful nations, Spain and Argentina, whose rivalry has been remarkably even over the decades. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title, while defending champions Argentina are bidding … Read more
Trump ‘pissed off’ by Netanyahu’s criticism of proposed F-35 sale to Turkiye: report
Israeli premier has sought White House meeting for weeks as tensions deepen over Iran diplomacy US president reportedly warns Israeli leader to ‘stop blowing up buildings’ while sidelining Tel Aviv in Iran peace negotiations. PHOTO: ANADOLU US President Donald Trump was “pissed off” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public criticism of a proposed US … Read more
Wheat costs more despite record crop
[ Farmers, millers warn of crisis as supply disruptions, hoarding push bread price up PLANNING FAILURE: “We sold our wheat because we had no choice. Now the same wheat is becoming expensive in the market while farmers have already absorbed the losses. Better planning could have protected both growers and consumers,” said Muhammad Riaz, a … Read more