Swiss canton becomes second to ban burqas in public
Voters in St. Gallen on Sunday approved by a two-thirds majority a ban on facial coverings such as the burqa, becoming the second Swiss canton to do so.
India’s Modi launches health insurance for 100 million families ahead of elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world’s biggest healthcare program on Sunday, aiming to provide free health services to half a billion poor people, which could boost his chances in national elections early next year.
Swiss voters reject more aid for farmers
Swiss voters decisively rejected more help for farmers in two referendums on Sunday, heeding the government’s warnings that the measures would send food prices rocketing and hurt the economy, projections for broadcaster SRF showed.
From reality TV to U.N., Trump to wield Security Council gavel
He has chaired board meetings, cabinet meetings and starred in a reality television show, but on Wednesday U.S. President Donald Trump will wield the gavel in the United Nations Security Council to denounce Iran for what his administration sees as its …
Rebel attack in Congo Ebola zone kills at least 14 civilians
At least 14 civilians were killed on Saturday in a six-hour attack by rebels on the town of Beni in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials told Reuters, warning the unrest may hamper efforts to quash an Ebola epidemic in the area.
Britain’s opposition Labour backs new election over Brexit impasse
Britain’s opposition Labour Party prefers a new election to a second referendum on Brexit, its leader said on Sunday, heaping pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May whose plans for a deal with the EU have hit an impasse.
Trump expected to tout North Korea progress, but concrete moves lacking
A year after Donald Trump threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea in his first speech at the United Nations, the U.S. president will return to the podium in New York this week to tout diplomatic efforts that have reduced the risk of war.
Turkey’s Erdogan seeks better economic, political ties with Germany
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday he would work on improving political and economic ties with Germany during a visit to the country later this month.
China’s Catholic Church pledges loyalty to Party after Vatican deal
China’s Catholic Church reaffirmed its loyalty to the country’s ruling Communist Party on Sunday, while welcoming a landmark deal struck with the Vatican on appointing new bishops.
Iran Guards vow vengeance against military parade attackers: statement
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed on Sunday to take “deadly and unforgettable” vengeance against attackers at a military parade who killed 12 of their comrades and 13 others, in a statement carried by Iranian news agencies.
