The vast majority of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programmes have been terminated after a six-week purge, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced. On X, Rubio said that the initiatives “spent tens of billions in ways that did not serve” or harmed US interests. The remaining programmes – just 18% – will … Read more
Before a packed crowd of oil and gas executives on Monday, Chris Wright, the new U.S. energy secretary, delivered a scathing critique of the Biden administration’s energy policies and efforts to fight climate change and promised a “180 degree pivot.” Mr. Wright, a former fracking executive, has emerged as the most forceful promoter of President … Read more
Mohamed Muizzu is the president-elect of the Maldives after he defeated the incumbent, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in the September 2023 presidential elections. Muizzu, a candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), won over 54% of the votes in the second and the final run-off for the polls, which was viewed by many observers as … Read more
PA Media Police at the scene of Lisa Thompson’s murder in May 2022 The son of murdered Dublin woman Lisa Thompson has said her death has left an “irreplaceable void”. He was speaking as Ms Thompson’s killer, 40-year-old Brian McHugh, was given a life sentence on Monday. McHugh, of Cairn Court in Ballymun, was found … Read more
1 hr agoOntario premier: Tariffs could add $100 to US electricity billsDoug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity affecting 1.5 million homes and businesses across Minnesota, Michigan and New York.1 hr agoUS & Canada
The US Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to a Colorado law that bans so-called conversion therapy. The justices agreed they will hear the case after a therapist from Colorado brought an appeal, arguing the state’s restictions violate her free speech rights guaranteed under the US Constitution’s first amendment. Conversion therapy – … Read more
Canada’s most populous province Ontario is slapping a retaliatory 25% surcharge on electricity it sends to US states in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Ontario leader Doug Ford confirmed the move in a news conference on Monday morning, saying it will increase costs about $10 (£7.75) per megawatt-hour for US customers. … Read more
The Trump administration is repurposing a mobile application – originally created to facilitate asylum appointments – into a way for undocumented migrants already in the US to “self-deport”. The app, known as CBP Home, allows migrants to submit an “intent to depart”, which US Customs and Border Patrol says offers them a chance to leave … Read more
When India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, the various princely rulers were able to choose which state to join. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, was the Hindu head of a majority Muslim state sandwiched between the two countries and could not decide. He signed an interim “standstill” agreement to maintain … Read more
Some key dates in Afghanistan’s history: 18th Century – The modern state of Afghanistan begins with Ahmad Shah Durrani (ruled 1747-1772) and the Durrani Afghan Empire that at its maximum encompasses northern India and eastern Iran. 1826 – With the decline of Durrani dynasty Dost Mohammad Khan Barakzai becomes Emir of Afghanistan. 1839-42 – First … Read more