Russian authorities have charged Pavel Durov, cofounder of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, with "aiding terrorism" and issued an international arrest warrant, alleging his company failed to remove channels and bots used by Ukrainian special services and terrorist organisations to coordinate attacks in Russia.
6 hours ago · The Chronicle →
China's coastguard and civilian fleet have expanded their presence in waters east of Taiwan through June and July, marking the first time such patrols have moved east of the island in quick succession, according to analysts. Observers warn the shift may signal Beijing's strategy to surround Taiwan rather than only constrain it in the Taiwan Strait.
6 hours ago · The Chronicle →
Japan's south-western Kyushu region was struck by a powerful earthquake on Tuesday that left at least 13 people dead, with more than 100 aftershocks recorded since. Rescue crews are searching through rubble at a paper factory and shopping mall in Kumamoto prefecture, while the Japan Meteorological Agency warns residents to watch for strong aftershocks in the coming days.
6 hours ago · The Chronicle →
Saudi Arabia and the US carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, with Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces reporting at least 20 members killed. The strikes followed an Iranian missile attack on US forces in the Middle East that was said to have been intercepted.
6 hours ago · The Chronicle →
The Trump administration unfroze $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for Gavi, a global alliance helping the world's poorest countries purchase vaccines, after Washington withheld the money over concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The State Department said the decision followed Gavi's commitment to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines and expand access to mercury-free alternatives.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has begun legal action against messaging platform Telegram, alleging it failed to remove videos linked to terrorist attacks including the Christchurch and Buffalo shootings despite being notified. Civil penalties could reach A$54.6 million ($38 million) for non-compliance with Australian codes and standards.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
Saudi Arabia, which has largely avoided involvement in the US-Iran conflict since 28 February, has begun conducting joint strikes with the US on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq after being attacked from three sides. The kingdom now faces a choice between continuing retaliatory strikes as a deterrent or attempting to de-escalate through negotiation.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged between 3.5% and 3.75% for the fifth consecutive time, with Fed chairman Kevin Warsh acknowledging there is no "magic wand" to ease inflation. Policymakers voted 9-3 to hold rates steady as inflation concerns persist, particularly due to Middle East tensions and their potential impact on oil and consumer prices.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
Former US health official Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a Senate hearing on Covid-19 origins, invoking the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times and citing concerns that Republicans might use his testimony to prosecute him for perjury. Fauci has previously denied Republican accusations that he concealed pandemic information and lied about its dangers, calling the allegations "simply preposterous."
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to 211 member associations offering $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, with a 19 September deadline for access to an initial $20m. UEFA accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →