Japan quintuples foreigner visa fees in first price hike since 1978

Japan has implemented a fivefold increase to visa fees for foreigners, marking the first price hike in nearly 50 years.

First high-level US-Iran talks see key agreements after brief walkout

The United States and Iran reached several key understandings during their first high-level talks in Switzerland, agreeing on a 60-day timeline to finalise a deal, setting up a High Level Committee to oversee the negotiations, and establishing communication mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz, despite a tense start and a brief walkout by Iranian negotiators.

France bans alcohol at music festival events under red heatwave alert

France has banned alcohol at some events at a massive national music festival on Sunday as a heatwave pushes temperatures towards record levels.

US-Iran talks to begin in Switzerland as Tehran says it closed Strait of Hormuz

Direct talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland despite the Iranian military saying it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s attacks on southern Lebanon.

EU prepares law to reduce dependence on China for critical goods - media

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Commission will prepare a new law that would oblige EU companies to seek different sources of supply of key goods. At the same time, such a law may not be needed if businesses themselves begin to reduce the risks associated with China.

World’s oldest operating nuclear units back on India’s grid

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited says that following extensive modernisation and refurbishment the first two units at India’s oldest nuclear power plant, Tarapur Atomic Power Station, are now back delivering power.

Iran negotiators, Vance head for Switzerland but Lebanon fighting continues

A high-level Iranian team arrived in Switzerland on ​Saturday for peace talks with the U.S., Iranian state media reported, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed Washington for meetings that Pakistan said will begin on Sunday.

Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs74 after US-Iran peace deal eases oil costs

Pakistan on Friday slashed fuel prices by up to Rs74 per liter after a peace agreement between the United States and Iran helped ease pressure on global oil markets, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying the government was passing on the full benefit of lower international prices to consumers.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations - MEHR

Iran’s top joint military command, ​Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said on Saturday that the Strait ​of Hormuz would ​be closed to vessel ⁠traffic, citing ​alleged violations of a ​ceasefire agreement by the U.S. and Israel, Iran’s ​Mehr state ​news agency reported.

At least seven killed in twin roadside bombings in northwest Pakistan

Two roadside bombs in restive northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people on Saturday, authorities said.

Australia vows to rein in any H5N1 birdflu after confirming first case

Australia will do all it can to curb any spread of H5N1 bird flu, Prime Minister Anthony ​Albanese said on Saturday, as the first mainland infection was confirmed ‌in a seabird a day after being detected in a remote southwestern region.

Australia confirms first case of H5N1 bird flu as virus reaches every continent

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has for the first time been found in Australia, the country’s agriculture ministry confirmed. It means the highly contagious variant has now reached every continent.

EU prepares tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids, Handelsblatt reports

The European Commission plans to impose countervailing duties on Chinese ​hybrid cars, Handelsblatt reported on Friday, ‌citing high-ranking EU officials and industry sources.

Italy cancels US visit after Trump says Meloni ‘Begged’ him for photo

Italy’s foreign minister has canceled a planned visit to the United States over comments President Donald Trump made about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this week.

’The last ride’: Trump takes final flight on old Air Force One

’’I was honoured to be aboard Air Force One last night on its final flight,’’ Monica Crowley, the US chief of protocol, said on X.

US-Iran talks postponed as Vance pulls out of Switzerland trip

A new round of direct talks between the US and Iran have been postponed after Vice-President JD Vance delayed a planned trip to Switzerland.

Afghan government claims strikes on alleged ISIS targets inside Pakistan

Afghanistan’s government on Friday claimed it had carried out strikes against alleged ISIS-linked targets in Pakistan’s border regions.

China tests AI tools to extend heart care as doctor shortages bite worldwide

For many cardiac patients, risk does not end with surgery. It follows them home after discharge, when follow-up can be delayed and warning signs may be missed.

India’s thermal coal imports drop to 4-year low as green power rises

India’s thermal coal imports fell to a 4-year low in January-May due to higher local ​output and rising renewable energy generation, commodities consultancy BigMint said.

Ample world inventories may soften El Nino food supply shock

A super El Nino is likely to unsettle global weather and threaten food output in the coming months, but near record world inventories, expectations ​of near-normal conditions in some key producing regions and advanced planning could limit the fallout.

Thirty-five killed as gunmen attack Niger’s biggest airport

Thirty-five people have been killed after gunmen struck Niger’s largest airport on Thursday, officials say - the second attack in less than five months.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, become first team to reach World Cup knockouts

FIFA World Cup 2026 cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Switzerland says US-Iran talks planned for Friday are off

Talks that had been planned for ​Friday between the ‌United States and Iran at the Burgenstock mountaintop ​resort in Switzerland ​will not take place, ⁠according to a ​Swiss foreign ministry statement.

England blow up Croatia in smashing opener

Dark Horse England moving out for the first time in the 2026 World Cup produced two stunning goals in the second half to out-play Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, USA yesterday.

Indonesia to halt free meal scheme during holidays

Indonesia will suspend its free meal scheme during holiday periods, after mass protests in the capital condemned wasteful spending and demanded that the goverment address worsening economic conditions.

Andy Burnham’s election to parliament sets up bid to oust UK PM Starmer

Labour mayor Andy ​Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential ‌local election in more than six decades.

Climate crisis exposes Pakistan’s weak preparedness, Report warns

As policymakers gather in Islamabad for the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference over May 6 and 7, the urgency of the climate challenge is undeniable. Yet beneath the speeches and symbolic gestures lies a harsher truth: Pakistan remains dangerously unprepared to cope with the consequences of climate change.

Pakistan’s narco economy thrives amid official neglect

In the crowded streets of Karachi in Pakistan, narcotics are no longer confined to hidden corners or criminal enclaves. They move through smartphone apps, courier-style delivery networks and organised supply chains that reach affluent neighbourhoods, university campuses and residential districts.

Ancient ’Robin Hood’ tree is dead, experts say

The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees due to its vast age, size and links to the legend of Robin Hood, is believed by experts to have died.

Unquenchable Scottish thirst for World Cup beer pushes Boston bars to the limit

Bars in Boston are gearing up for a second tidal wave of drinking by Scotland’s Tartan Army of football fans who nearly drained some pubs of all their beer in the first ​weekend of their World Cup occupation of the city.