Russia says U.S. nuclear accusation is an attack on global arms control
Russia’s ambassador to the United States on Thursday said a U.S. allegation that Moscow may be conducting banned nuclear tests was a calculated attempt to undermine nuclear arms control, Russian state television reported.
UK finance minister cautions PM candidates over no-deal Brexit and spending
Britain’s finance minister on Thursday warned those in his party vying for Prime Minister Theresa May’s job that a no-deal Brexit would threaten the United Kingdom’s cohesion and that they should tone down irresponsible spending pledges.
Thousands rally in Mongolia to call for government to step down
Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, on Thursday to demand the leadership step down over allegations of corruption and failure to revive a struggling economy.
Minimal hope for more survivors in Hungary boat accident: ambulance
There is minimal hope to find more survivors in the Danube river after a boat carrying South Korean tourists capsized on the flooding Danube in the Hungarian capital on Wednesday, a spokesman for the national ambulance service said.
Unveiling ‘wellbeing’ budget, New Zealand earmarks $2.5 billion spending in slowing economy
New Zealand on Thursday unveiled a $2.5-billion spending package under a much-hyped ‘Wellbeing’ budget, prioritizing mental health and alleviating child poverty, but it expects a smaller surplus and slower economic growth over the next year.
UK’s Hammond would back national interest over party in any Brexit confidence vote
British finance minister Philip Hammond hinted on Thursday he could vote against the government in a no-confidence showdown if a new prime minister sought to pursue a no-deal Brexit.
U.S. looks to improve ties with Indonesian special forces, stage exercises
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan met his Indonesian counterpart on Thursday as the United States looks to improve ties with an Indonesian special forces unit that have been limited due to human rights abuses in the 1990s.
Taiwan holds military drills, vows to defend against Chinese aggression
Taiwan’s air, sea and land forces conducted a drill to repel an invading force on Thursday, as its defense minister pledged to defend the self-ruled island against China’s rising military threat.
Economy in focus as India PM Modi starts second term without key aide
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take his oath of office on Thursday along with his ministers, though he suffered a setback at the start of his second term when key aide and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the next government.
Malaysia’s Mahathir proposes common East Asia currency pegged to gold
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday mooted the idea of a common trading currency for East Asia that would be pegged to gold, describing the existing currency trading in the region as manipulative.
