EU and UK hit Russia with wider sanctions that target luxury
The European Union and United Kingdom have expanded sanctions against Russia, focusing on luxury items like pure-bred horses and truffles. The measures aim to restrict Russian oligarchs' access to global markets and limit the country's economic resources in response to ongoing conflicts.
Asia stocks extend losses as Ukraine war, China’s Covid-19 surge hit...
Asian stocks dropped on Tuesday as investor sentiment was dampened by escalating COVID-19 cases in China, ongoing Ukraine-Russia tensions, and anticipated US interest rate increases. MSCI's Asia-Pacific index fell 1.97%, with Chinese stocks experiencing significant weakness, reflecting growing economic uncertainty in the region.
Russian strikes hit western Ukraine as offensive widens.
Russia widened its military offensive in Ukraine, striking airfields in the west and industrial areas in the east. A stalled armored column near Kyiv is moving again, while the US and allies prepare to revoke Russia's trading status. The invasion continues with intense bombardment of cities, especially the besieged port of Mariupol.
World Bank official says war-driven oil price hikes to slash growth...
The World Bank's Indermit Gill highlights how persistent high oil prices from the Ukraine conflict will further impact emerging markets already struggling with pandemic recovery, debt, and inflation challenges. The war is expected to harm vulnerable populations in fragile regions by creating additional economic uncertainties.
FBI releases first declassified 9/11 document after Biden order
The FBI has released its first declassified document about the 9/11 attacks after President Biden's executive order. The 16-page report highlights contacts between hijackers and Saudi officials but does not conclusively prove government complicity. The document was released on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
The first direct contact between Biden and the Chinese president.
In a significant diplomatic development, President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping seven months after his inauguration, raising hopes for reducing the economic and trade tensions that escalated during the Trump administration.
China offers 31 million in aid to the Afghanistan government.
China has announced a $31 million humanitarian aid package for Afghanistan, aimed at helping the country combat COVID-19, address malnutrition, and rebuild its economy. The aid was announced by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a regional diplomatic meeting.
Taliban announces interim government: Mullah Hassan Akhund appointed chief.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the interim government, appointing Muhammad Hassan Akhund as head of state and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as deputy. The new cabinet aims to work across various sectors of the country, following the Taliban's recent takeover of Afghanistan.
Taliban’s Afghanistan takeover presents fresh challenge for social media companies.
Facebook declares Taliban a terrorist organization, banning their content across platforms. Despite efforts to block accounts, Taliban members reportedly continue using WhatsApp for communication, prompting platform vigilance and potential account removals.
Afghanistan conflict: Kabul falls to Taliban as president flees
Taliban militants capture Afghanistan's capital, ending 20-year US military presence and marking a dramatic shift in the nation's political landscape.
