Rubio urges Venezuela to release remaining political prisoners
The US has urged Venezuela to release 322 remaining political prisoners held after the military seizure of leader Nicolás Maduro in January and the contested 2024 election.
Trump’s troubles with Iran could open the door to China
China is intensifying diplomatic efforts in the Middle East through high-level meetings with Gulf leaders ahead of a scheduled Trump-Xi meeting later this month.
Indian navy rescues 20 crew from Iranian fishing boat hijacked off Somalia
Indian naval forces rescued 20 crew members from an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked off Somalia after a more than 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, with suspected pirates disarmed and released ashore.
Nike faces religious ban in Libya because it was named after Greek goddess
Libya’s highest religious authority has banned Muslims from buying or wearing Nike products, citing the brand’s connection to a Greek goddess and alleged support for Israel.
Rio Tinto joins fight to stop killer toad march across Australia
Rio Tinto and partners are investing A$28m to build a containment zone across 7,500 sq km in western Australia to prevent poisonous cane toads from reaching the Pilbara region and threatening its ecosystem.
For Ukraine’s Kherson region, a short ceasefire meant a momentary return to normal life
A brief ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region last week allowed residents to experience a rare respite from constant drone attacks, with families venturing outside and evacuating hundreds from a nearby occupied town.