West ups defense spending to keep ahead of Chinese tech: conference report
The United States led a rise in Western defense spending in 2018 as it moved to keep ahead of Chinese and Russian pushes into advanced military technology, a report said on Friday.
Myanmar army chief denies systematic persecution of Rohingya
Myanmar’s army chief, who is facing international calls that he be prosecuted for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, has denied any systematic army persecution and said such accusations were an insult to his country’s honor.
British investigators identify third man in Russian spy poisoning: sources
British investigators have identified a Russian military intelligence officer as a third suspect in the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, two European security sources told Reuters.
Fire alarms ‘faulty’ at Delhi blaze hotel, prompting mass reinspections
A hotel that caught fire in the Indian capital on Tuesday, killing 17 people, passed safety checks 14 months ago, but an investigation has revealed breaches of regulations, such as faulty alarms, prompting a mass reinspection of other hotels.
Swiss immigration rises again as ties with EU face test
Immigration into Switzerland rose again last year, taking the foreign population further above 2 million as the wealthy country’s open-door policy for Europeans faces a right-wing challenge.
India summons Pakistan envoy over Kashmir attack: Indian government source
India summoned Pakistan’s envoy on Friday over a deadly attack in Kashmir and served a diplomatic notice demanding Islamabad take action against the militant group that has taken responsibility for the attack, a government source said.
Spanish PM to call snap election for April 28: El Pais
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will on Friday call a snap national election for April 28, after losing a key budget vote, the daily El Pais said.
Explainer: Why is the Philippine government accused of going after media?
Philippine journalists planned to hold a rally on Friday in support of media freedom after the arrest of an award-winning head of a news website sparked condemnation of the government.
Life in Kabul’s squatter camps highlights challenge for any Afghan peace
While negotiations between Taliban insurgents and U.S. envoys fuel dreams of peace in Afghanistan, the squatter village of Pul-e Shina highlights the tough realities ahead if the country is to re-build after years of war.
Britain is ready to leave EU next month without a deal: Leadsom
Britain’s government is ready to leave the European Union without a divorce deal unless parliament votes for Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plan, the government’s leader in the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, said.
