WORLD
Ukraine needs 'hard work, determination' to join EU, says von der Leyen
Addressing the Ukrainian parliament through a video link, she added on Friday that the path towards EU membership required reforms in many areas, including tackling corruption. She also took note of the steps Ukraine had already taken in this direction. "You have created an impressive anti-corruption machine. But now these institutions need teeth, and the right people in senior posts," she said.
Iran's FM says durable guarantees key to conclusion of nuclear talks
"America's realism and obtaining stable guarantees for Iran's full economic benefit from the agreement can make the outcome of the negotiations fruitful," he tweeted on Friday. Amir-Abdollahian added that Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, in full coordination with him, "seriously continues to negotiate logically, reasonably and actively for the lifting of sanctions".
Self-driving cars block traffic for hours in US, manually moved later
More than a half dozen Cruise robotaxis stopped operating, causing a "driverless roadblock" that lasted for several hours, reports TechCrunch. A Cruise spokesperson, without revealed the cause, said that the issue was resolved and "no passengers were impacted" and "we apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced." The vehicles were recovered through a combination of remote assistance and manual retrieval.
China's plan to turn Xinjiang into industrial hub is threat to Uyghurs
The Centre for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS), which studies global conflict and trans-national security issues, said China is establishing industrial parks, providing more financial assistance from state-owned enterprises, and connecting manufacturers within its borders as part of a long-term objective to bolster supply chains, RFA Uyghur reported.
Once known as Asia's World City, Hong Kong seen as just another Chinese city now
On July 1, 1997, the British flag came down for the last time in Hong Kong, as the city returned to Chinese rule. The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under Deng Xiaoping had promised it could run its own affairs under "one country, two systems," with the city's freedoms preserved for at least 50 years, and with progress promised towards fully democratic elections.
India, Pakistan share list of prisoners
India handed over lists of 309 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 fishermen in India's custody. Similarly, Pakistan shared lists of 49 civilian prisoners and 633 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1.
Modi, Putin discuss bilateral ties
In particular, the two leaders, in their telephonic conversation, exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilisers and pharma products could be encouraged further, it said. The two leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets. In the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister reiterated India's long-standing position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.
Character of Hong Kong has fundamentally changed with Beijing in full control
The 2020 law followed massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, which included violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Now, observers say, there is a slim hope for a more democratic political system and they fear that the character of the city has fundamentally changed, with Beijing in full control.
Australia ends Covid isolation payments amid new wave warning
Defending the move to end the scheme, Butler said the government could not afford to continue funding the payments, saying he "hoped" people would continue to isolate when required. "We're going to have to start moving towards more normal programs that support the Australian community and people have been on notice about that for some time," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio.
China renews alert for approaching typhoon Chaba
At 8 a.m. Friday, the Hainan meteorological department detected that Chaba was about 250 km northeast of Yongxing Island, Sansha city and its intensity was slowly increasing while moving at a speed of about 20 km per hour, reports Xinhua news agency. The department forecast Chaba to make landfall in the coastal areas of Guangdong and Hainan between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, packing strong winds.
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