Hardline Hindus push Modi to allow temple on disputed Indian site
Hindu nationalists linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party urged him on Wednesday to push through laws to allow the building of a temple on the ruins of a 16th century mosque, a flashpoint in tensions with minority Muslims.
Remember: ‘China, China, China,’ new acting U.S. defense secretary says
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told civilian leaders of the U.S. military to remember “China, China, China” even as they wage counter-insurgency battles, in remarks during closed-door talks on Wednesday recounted by a U.S. official.
Russia allows consular access to suspected U.S. spy: RIA
Russia has allowed consular access to detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan, who is suspected of espionage, RIA news agency cited a foreign ministry spokesman as saying on Wednesday.
Philippine Airlines seeks Saudi overfly permit for direct route to Israel
The Philippines has requested permission for its flag carrier [PHL.UL] to overfly Saudi Arabia en route to Israel, the company president said, seeking to become the second airline to win such rights after a decades-long ban by Riyadh.
Saudi PIF entertainment company plans to build leisure complex in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia announced plans on Wednesday to build an entertainment complex in the capital Riyadh, the latest in a series of state-backed efforts to encourage public leisure activities after decades of tight social restrictions.
Bolsonaro gives Brazil farm ministry powers on indigenous land, in win for farmers
New Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro issued an executive order on Wednesday making the Agriculture Ministry responsible for deciding on lands claimed by indigenous peoples, in a victory for agribusiness that will likely enrage environmentalists.
Sudan restricts social media access to counter protest movement
Sudanese authorities are blocking access to popular social media platforms used to organize and broadcast nationwide anti-government protests triggered by an economic crisis, internet users say.
Cargo ship drops containers in North Sea, items wash up on Dutch islands: RTL
Dozens of containers with items including flat-screen televisions washed up on the Dutch islands of Terschelling and Vlieland after a vessel lost its cargo in heavy seas, a report by RTL Nieuws said, citing a Dutch coast guard.
Brazil’s new Justice Minister Moro: Ending impunity top goal
Brazil’s new Justice Minister Sergio Moro said powerful drug gangs are a threat to democracy and that despite nearly five years of intense anti-corruption investigations, perceived levels of graft are still far too high.
Pompeo discusses Venezuela with Brazil’s new right-wing government
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed Venezuela with the foreign minister of Brazil’s new right-wing government on Wednesday, in the context of what he termed a joint front against authoritarian regimes in Latin America.
