Nairobi initiative turns plastic waste into chess sets

US sanctions on ICC: Commission says victims’ kin could bear brunt

MANILA, Philippines — Families of victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war could bear the brunt of the United States’ sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Truth Commission warned on Sunday. The ICC is set to put Duterte on trial on Nov. 30 over killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs.

Documents falsified to evade tax on Abramovich's wealth

Backdated paperwork also made the Russian oligarch’s yachts and mansions disappear from accounts, BBC finds.

Beyoncé expands beauty scholarships to the UK with $250,000 for 10 schools

Japanese shoemaker designs rain boots anyone can wear

A Japanese shoemaker is using his own techniques to modify rain boots to cater to people with foot problems, including those having difficulty bending their ankles or using orthotics or medical devices. “I want to make rain boots that anyone can wear,” said Hirokazu Nagao, 58, running a footwear workshop in Fukui Prefecture in central

US senators say Trump’s diesel deal with Russia is illegal

WASHINGTON — Seven US senators from both parties issued a statement Sunday questioning the legality of President Donald Trump’s deal to allow Russian diesel exports despite a US ban in place since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump on Friday announced an agreement with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to release a massive quantity of diesel

Kiko Pangilinan, LP defend Leni Robredo over Israeli envoy meet

MANILA, Philippines — Liberal Party (LP) and its chair, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, on Saturday defended Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo over her Oct. 5 meeting with Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, saying there was no evidence that the mayor’s acceptance of the diplomat’s visit meant she supported Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The senator said

Melinda French Gates and daughters back $70 million fund for women's health

In 2005, this Australian home sold for A$420,000; 20 years later, it fetched A$1.375 million

Wonga Park in Australia has witnessed remarkable appreciation in property value, rising from A$420,000 in 2005 to A$1.375 million by 2025. This enchanting home boasts a 160-metre miniature railway, picturesque gardens, a chicken coop, and stunning vistas of the Dandenong Ranges. Its allure is further enhanced by five bedrooms and unique features, ensuring it remains a sought-after gem among buyers over the years.

Tribunal Orders Claim Reassessment: Qld body told to revisit defect case; payout cap may leave $200k gap

A homeowner in Brisbane encountered severe hurdles when dealing with a building plagued by significant structural flaws. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission initially denied his claim, but a tribunal later overturned this ruling. With nine major defects needing repairs estimated at over $500,000, any compensation may still fall short due to statutory limits. The QBCC is now reviewing his claim for possible reimbursement.

Trump's 'energy ceasefire' sparks confusion as Russia strikes Ukraine

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump sowed confusion on Sunday, announcing an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia that sparked astonishment in Kyiv, silence from Moscow and support from Ukraine's Western allies. But the ceasefire appeared shaky at best as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia struck multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday, including one in the capital and another in Kharkiv, leading to power outages and outrage. Trump's announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel, prompting outrage by European allies and Kyiv, who said it would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump said early Sunday on Truth Social. "Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" Zelenskyy appeared to express surprise at the announcement, saying he was seeking further details, but added that "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well." Russia has yet to confirm its agreement

Policymakers take on energy shock, rising debt at IMF-World Bank meetings

BANGKOK — Finance ministers and central bankers meet in Bangkok this week for the annual gatherings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, with the global economy buffeted between the U.S.-Iran war's energy shock, rising debt pressures and the AI boom. The meetings run from Monday through Saturday in the Thai capital, and will see policymakers tackle some stark choices, with the IMF calling on governments to rein in spending even as vulnerable citizens' needs may be growing in the face of surging inflation and climate risks. The week will see a combination of high-level closed-door meetings, public events and policy announcements from the world's top economic officials. On Tuesday, the IMF will unveil its global economic forecast, along with detailed regional outlooks through the week, as policymakers set about tackling the challenges darkening the economic horizon. "To put it simply, the global economy is being pulled in two opposite directions: a negative energy supply shock and a positive demand shock from AI," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva at an event kickin

Iran calls latest US response to proposal insufficient, other Mideast developments

A senior Iranian official says Tehran finds the latest U.S. response to a proposal to end the war “insufficient" and warns of attacks on regional data centers and cables if fighting intensifies again. Meanwhile, Israel’s former attorney general took the witness stand in corruption cases against Benjamin Netanyahu, as the political future of the country's longest-serving prime minister hangs in the balance with elections weeks away. Iran says latest US response is ‘insufficient’ The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council says Tehran finds the latest response from the United States “insufficient” as efforts at negotiations to end the war and fully open the Strait of Hormuz limp along. The comments by Mohsen Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guard commander, were carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. Rezaei added that Iran is no longer responding to the U.S. and said Washington must clarify certain issues, without giving details. He said the U.S. has accepted some of the seven conditions but others remain unclear. Iran’s delegation to the annual U.N. gathering