Latest News

Iranian drones bring back fear for Ukrainians
Iranian drones bring back fear for Ukrainians
World
by  AFP

In Ukraine's port city of Odessa, residents have recently found themselves hiding not from the thunder of rocket attacks but from the whir of buzzing Iranian drones in the sky. But an increasing number of drones taking to the sky has made city residents fear a return to darker days.

In Brazil election run-up, even samba is political
In Brazil election run-up, even samba is political
World
by  AFP

In Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba in Rio de Janeiro, supporters chant "Ole, Ola, Lula" as they sway rhythmically, brandishing flags, T-shirts and caps bearing the likeness of Brazilian presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Pakistan FM warns of consequences to Taliban isolation
Pakistan FM warns of consequences to Taliban isolation
World
by  AFP

Pakistan's foreign minister wants the world to engage the Taliban, warning of dangerous consequences if Afghanistan's rulers are again isolated. In contrast to some previous Pakistani officials, the foreign minister -- whose mother, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated in 2007 -- offered no warm words for the Taliban.

Typhoon Noru tears across Vietnam
Typhoon Noru tears across Vietnam
World
by  AFP

Typhoon Noru tore roofs from homes and caused power outages across central Vietnam Wednesday, with hundreds of thousands of people taking refuge after the storm claimed at least 10 lives in the Philippines.

Sudan traditional wind instrument trumpets harvest time
Sudan traditional wind instrument trumpets harvest time
World
by  AFP

Near the lush fields of his village in Sudan's southern Blue Nile state, Youssef Ismail has crafted a traditional horn-like instrument used for generations to usher in the harvest season. In the village of East Ganis, like in some other Blue Nile communities, "we use it to celebrate the harvest season", which typically begins in November after the wet season, Ismail explained.

China's offshore yuan hits record low against dollar
China's offshore yuan hits record low against dollar
Business and Economy
by  AFP

China's yuan hit a record low against the surging US dollar in offshore trading Wednesday, despite recent efforts by the country's central bank to shore up the currency. The offshore yuan -- which is circulated outside mainland China and is more freely traded than currency in the domestic market -- fell to 7.2386 against the dollar on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.