insert_link World China deploys ships to block a civilian led Philippine protest flotilla A large flotilla formed as part of Philippine civilian-led supply mission had to turn back from reaching a shoal in the South China Sea, while a smaller group delivered food and fuel to Filipino fishermen, despite being shadowed by Chinese vessels. The Scarborough Shoal is a prime fishing patch and China claims sovereignty over the shoal and almost all the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines. Laura […] todayMay 17, 2024 33
insert_link World U.K food regulator increases scrutiny on Indian spices amid concerns over contaminant Britain is now tightening scrutiny of ALL Indian spice imports after several countries raised alarm over possible contaminants in two major spice brands' products. Singapore and Hong Kong have already halted import of some spices from India, while Australia and the US are investigating these products for higher than permissible use of pesticides. Reporting for us is Ishan Garg from New Delhi. todayMay 17, 2024 25
insert_link World U.S finishes building floating pier near Gaza to help deliver aid The United States military has finished building a large floating pier off the coast of Gaza in an attempt to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in the war-torn strip. The plan — first announced by U.S President Joseph Biden two months ago — will see ships carry aid from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus to a dock in the sea. Here's Benji Hyer reporting for us. , todayMay 17, 2024 36
insert_link World South Africa says Rafah offensive is part of Israeli endgame South Africa says the military offensive in Rafah marks a new and horrific stage in Israel's war in Gaza. The comments were made during a hearing at the International Court of Justice on Thursday. Pretoria has brought a case against Israel to the UN's top court accusing it of violating the genocide convention. William Denselow has more for us and reports from the Hague where the ICJ is located. todayMay 17, 2024 20
insert_link World U.S president blocks release of interview recordings U.S president Joseph Biden has blocked the release of audio recordings of his interviews with special counsel Robert Hur over his handling of classified documents. Hur questioned the president's memory and mental agility in a damning report earlier this year. Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayMay 17, 2024 35
insert_link World Arab leaders meet for Middle East peace talks Leaders of the 22-member Arab League are hoping to agree how to end the conflict between Hamas and Israel, at a summit in Bahrain on Thursday. Confidence is high that a meaningful plan, with all members in agreement, will be the outcome. todayMay 16, 2024 160
insert_link World Three killed in Düsseldorf fire 3 People have died and 16 others injured after an overnight explosion in the German city of Düsseldorf From Berlin, Trent Murray reports. The Associated Press (AP) further reports that the fire broke out during the night in a kiosk that was part of the building in Düsseldorf and spread to the entrance and second floor. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several people from balconies. Sixteen people were taken to […] todayMay 16, 2024 45
insert_link World International Court of Justice holds hearings over Rafah offensive The International Court of Justice is holding a hearing over South Africa's demands that Israel halt its offensive in Rafah. Late last year Pretoria brought a case against Israel to the UN's top court accusing it of violating the genocide convention. Allegations Israel has denied. William Denselow reports from The Hague in the Netherlands where the ICJ is located. todayMay 16, 2024 22
insert_link World China vows to carry out countermeatures against a civililian-led Philippine fleet in disputed waters A fleet of about 100 small fishing boats led by Philippine non-governmental organizations sailed to the waters near Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea. China has urged the Philippines to immediately stop and has vowed to carry what it calls enforcement activities in the waters. Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. todayMay 16, 2024 20