South Africa

U.S: 20,000 Russians killed in Ukraine war since December

03 May 2023 00:04 AM IST

The White House said Monday it now estimates that just since December, Russia has suffered 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed, as Ukraine has rebuffed a heavy assault by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. In what has become a grinding war of attrition, the fiercest battles have been in

Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring raises anxiety for local banks

02 May 2023 23:38 PM IST

Sri Lanka’s banking sector has sought more clarity and transparency from the government on the recently proposed domestic debt restructuring plans without causing a further escalation of the economic crisis in the country. Having obtained a USD 3 billion facility from the International Monetary Fund, cash-strapped Sri Lanka is currently

US, Philippines to fortify bilateral ties as China continues to flex muscles

02 May 2023 23:37 PM IST

President Joe Biden reiterated the US commitment to the Philippines’ security and noted the “deep friendship” of the two nations as he hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for White House talks on Monday as concerns grow about the Chinese navy’s harassment of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

Afghan labourers face uncertain future amid declining job prospects

02 May 2023 23:36 PM IST

Amid an acute humanitarian crisis, Afghan labourers have expressed frustration over their ongoing economic difficulties and declining rate of unemployment. International organisations reported that more than 50 percent of Afghan households have trouble affording food. Time and again, the Afghan labourers have called on the Taliban to provide them with

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says Taiwan will defend itself

02 May 2023 23:36 PM IST

Taiwan intends to fight for itself in any armed conflict with China and is unclear as to what countries might stand behind it, the self-governing island’s foreign minister said. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and concerns are rising

Intense fighting in Khartoum forcing thousands to flee

02 May 2023 23:35 PM IST

Sudanese fleeing the fighting between rival generals in their capital flooded an already overwhelmed city on the Red Sea and Sudan’s northern borders with Egypt as explosions and gunfire echoed Tuesday in Khartoum. Many exhausted Sudanese and foreigners arrived in Port Sudan, the country’s main seaport, joining thousands who have

Interest rate decision looms as Europe’s inflation soars

02 May 2023 23:34 PM IST

Europe’s painful inflation inched higher last month, extending the squeeze on households and keeping pressure on the European Central Bank to unleash another large interest rate increase. Consumer prices in the 20 countries using the euro currency jumped 7 percent in April from a year earlier, just down from the

US projected to reach debt limit: Treasury Secretary

02 May 2023 23:33 PM IST

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has notified Congress that the US is projected to reach its debt limit as early as June 1 if the body does not raise or suspend the limit before then. In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Yellen urged Congress “to protect the full faith

Thousands of Hollywood writers strike for first time in 15 years

02 May 2023 17:10 PM IST

Thousands of film and television writers will take to the picket lines on Tuesday to demand pay raises and other benefits in Hollywood’s first strike in 15 years. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced that its 11,500 screenwriter members in California, New York, and other cities will refuse to

Food waste in Pakistan costs billion annually, says report

Food waste in Pakistan costs $4 billion annually, says report

02 May 2023 16:25 PM IST

As per the news report on Tuesday, a shocking report in Pakistan has revealed that food waste is worth USD 4 billion annually. Pakistan wastes 26% of its food production, i.e., 19.6 million metric tonnes a year. Most food items are wasted because they do not meet the criteria of

Sundown singer Gordon Lightfoot dead at 84, Know more about his career, personal life, achievements

02 May 2023 13:27 PM IST

Gordon Lightfoot, Canada’s legendary folk singer-songwriter who is popularly known for songs such as “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Sundown,” left us for his heavenly abode. The famous folk singer who used to sing songs about Canadian identity, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. The tragic

France: More than 100 policemen injured in May Day protest against pension law

02 May 2023 04:35 AM IST

More than 100 French policemen were injured in clashes that erupted in Paris on Monday, marking, in the wake of unpopular changes to the pension system that were signed into law last month, reported CNN. Ahead of the protest, the police had warned of a heightened risk of violence, with