featured News Trending

Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Portugal

By 40 0

A Delta flight travelling from Barcelona to Boston made an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal, on Sunday afternoon after a reported mechanical issue and smoke in the cabin. Flight DL251, operated by an Airbus A330, was diverted to Porto and landed safely, according to the airline.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft departed Barcelona at around 3:15 p.m. local time and landed in Porto at approximately 5:45 p.m. Eight passengers were treated on the airport tarmac following the incident.

Three other passengers were taken to hospital for further treatment, Portugal’s emergency and civil protection authority told Reuters. The cause of the reported smoke and mechanical issue was not immediately detailed.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Azerbaijan Pardons French National After EU Drops Sanctions on Usmanov

By 108 0

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pardoned French national Martin Ryan on Wednesday, shortly after the European Union lifted sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Ryan had been serving a 10-year prison sentence in Azerbaijan after being convicted of espionage in March. It was not immediately clear whether he had been released.

European diplomats told Reuters that France had privately indicated concerns that Azerbaijan was using Usmanov’s sanctions case to pressure Paris over French citizens detained in the country. Azerbaijan rejected the suggestion, saying its support for removing sanctions against Usmanov was based on its view that the measures were unjust. Relations between France and Azerbaijan have been strained for years, partly over France’s support for Armenia.

The EU’s decision to remove sanctions on Usmanov and fellow Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman has also exposed differences among EU governments over policy toward Moscow. Ukraine has criticized the move and said it would seek to have sanctions reinstated. Ryan was among 19 people pardoned by Aliyev on Wednesday, including Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian-Israeli and Pakistani citizens.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Norwegian Police Investigate Telenor Over Suspected Crimes Against Humanity in Myanmar

By 146 0

Norwegian police have launched an investigation into telecom company Telenor over allegations that it aided and abetted crimes against humanity in Myanmar following the country’s 2021 military coup. Investigators raided Telenor’s headquarters in Oslo as part of the probe, which also includes suspected violations of sanctions rules. Police allege that Telenor Myanmar repeatedly handed historical customer traffic data to the military regime during a period of widespread abuses against civilians.

Telenor, which completed its withdrawal from Myanmar in March 2022, said it is cooperating with investigators and wants to help clarify the case. The company said it faced an “impossible situation” after the military takeover, arguing that employees could have faced imprisonment, torture or the death penalty if they refused military orders. Telenor also said that no individuals are currently charged or under investigation.

The investigation also covers the transfer of sanctioned surveillance equipment when Telenor sold its Myanmar business. Police are examining whether the company failed to obtain required approval from Norway’s foreign ministry for the transaction. Activist groups have welcomed the investigation, alleging that customer call logs and location data were shared with the military and that sensitive surveillance equipment was transferred to a military-linked company.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Germany May Blame Russia for Airport Drone Attack

By 125 0

Germany is expected to blame Russia for an attempted drone attack targeting a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, according to two sources. The government may also consider imposing new sanctions against Moscow in coordination with its allies.

Airport workers reportedly discovered a drone carrying explosives and a detonator at the airport, which serves as an important civilian freight and NATO logistics hub. Germany had previously described the incident as part of a wider hybrid war against Europe without directly accusing Russia.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that Germany was considering further measures against Russia, saying the country would respond when attacked. Russia has previously rejected accusations of involvement, calling them a fabricated provocation.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Germany Finalising Response to Suspected Leipzig Drone Attack

By 133 0

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that Germany is finalising its response to the suspected drone attack near Leipzig/Halle airport earlier this month. He said the government was coordinating its actions with European Union and NATO partners, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

The incident took place on August 4, when a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft used to transport military supplies. Germany has not officially identified those responsible, although Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a potential “hybrid attack scenario” and raised the possibility of foreign involvement.

German media have reported that Berlin could publicly blame Russia and introduce sanctions in coordination with EU partners. Merz did not comment on the suspected perpetrator but said Germany’s response had been agreed in principle and that its European and NATO allies would be involved in the final decision.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Swiss Government Rejects Stricter Neutrality Ahead of Referendum

By 163 0

Switzerland’s government has rejected a proposal to introduce a stricter definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution ahead of a nationwide referendum on September 27. The initiative seeks to make Swiss neutrality permanent and armed, while preventing the country from joining military alliances.

Supporters, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, argue that Switzerland’s neutrality has been weakened by its decision to impose sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and by closer cooperation with NATO on areas including military training. They also want Switzerland barred from taking part in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions on warring nations unless authorised by the United Nations.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s position, saying Switzerland remains neutral and does not need a more restrictive definition. He warned that the proposed constitutional changes could limit the country’s ability to cooperate with foreign partners during emerging security threats. A June Tamedia poll showed 34% support for the initiative, compared with 54% opposed.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

France to Summon Russian Envoy Over Alleged Cyberattacks

By 203 0

France has announced that it will summon the Russian ambassador to Paris in the coming days over an alleged cyberattack campaign targeting several European countries, including France. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the attacks were aimed at espionage and sabotage and accused Russia of orchestrating the operation.

Alongside the diplomatic move, France plans to impose sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four Russian entities allegedly linked to the cyber campaign. According to Barrot, the attacks were carried out under the direction of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

The announcement comes as the European Union works to finalise its 21st package of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. France has previously accused Moscow of launching cyberattacks against the country and says it will continue taking measures to strengthen its cybersecurity and national security.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Kremlin Seeks Answers After Apple Removes Russian Apps from App Store

By 197 0

Russia has demanded an explanation from Apple after several applications linked to Russian technology company VK were removed from the App Store without prior notice. VK, which operates popular social media, messaging, video, email, and educational platforms, said the company is not subject to U.S. sanctions and described Apple’s decision as unfair and unacceptable for millions of Russian users.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian authorities would formally seek clarification from Apple and warned that Moscow could reconsider future cooperation with the company if satisfactory answers are not provided. He also suggested that affected users could switch to Android devices, where VK’s applications remain available.

The dispute comes amid Russia’s broader effort to reduce reliance on Western technology platforms since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. Moscow has increasingly promoted domestic digital services, including VK’s state-backed MAX messenger, while strengthening control over the country’s online ecosystem. VK remains one of Russia’s largest internet companies, with millions of daily users across its social media and video platforms.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

G7 Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine, Plan Tougher Sanctions on Russia’s Energy Sector

By 230 0

Leaders of the G7 nations have reaffirmed their united support for Ukraine, pledging to back the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meeting at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, the leaders agreed to intensify pressure on Russia by strengthening sanctions aimed at its war-driven economy.

In a joint statement, the G7 announced plans to expand restrictions on Russia’s oil and gas sectors as part of broader efforts to limit Moscow’s ability to finance the ongoing conflict. The move signals continued international commitment to supporting Ukraine while increasing economic costs for Russia.

The leaders also welcomed the recent agreement between the United States and Iran and expressed readiness to assist with its implementation. Additionally, they pledged to diversify global energy supply routes, reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, and build up energy reserves to improve long-term energy security.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

UK Moves to Join EU’s Ukraine Loan Initiative

By 283 0

The United Kingdom is set to begin talks to join the European Union’s £78 billion ($105.9 billion) loan programme for Ukraine, signalling closer defence and financial cooperation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the move at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, highlighting Britain’s intent to support Ukraine with critical military resources.

The EU-backed loan, approved last month, aims to cover a significant portion of Ukraine’s financial and defence needs over the next two years, with a large share directed toward military spending amid its ongoing war with Russia. The UK government said participation could also open opportunities for British defence firms to contribute to Ukraine’s urgent requirements.

Alongside the funding initiative, Britain plans to introduce further sanctions targeting Russian companies to disrupt military supply chains. The move reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly as the United States urges allies to take greater responsibility for regional security, pushing the UK and EU toward deeper strategic alignment post-Brexit.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright