Written by Chinese leader Xi Jinping pressed the ever-sensitive issue of Taiwan in a phone call Monday with US President Donald Trump, as he stressed the need to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers. China’s foreign ministry said the call touched on other issues like Ukraine, but Taiwan featured prominently with China embroiled … Continue reading “China’s Xi Pushes Taiwan Issue In Call With Trump”
Enzo Maresca has played down comparisons between rival teenage wingers Estevao and Lamine Yamal on the eve of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday. Estevao, 18, has caught the eye since arriving at Stamford Bridge in July, with nine goals for club and country. Chelsea manager Maresca was asked at his pre-match … Continue reading “Maresca Urges Chelsea’s Estevao To Ignore Yamal Comparisons”
Diplomats and premium visa-holders in Saudi Arabia told AFP that the conservative kingdom has quietly eased restrictions on purchasing alcohol for select foreign residents. While the government has not made any statements regarding the sale of alcohol in recent days, the sources said non-Muslim individuals with so-called premium resident status are now able to … Continue reading “Saudi Residents Report Booze Ban Eased For Select Foreigners”
German actor Udo Kier, whose offbeat charisma made him a cult figure in both arthouse and Hollywood cinema, has died at 81 in California, US magazine Variety reported. With a career spanning more than half a century, Kier appeared in hundreds of films — often stealing scenes with his unmistakable presence. Kier first rose … Continue reading “Germany Hollywood Veteran Udo Kier Dead At 81”
The EU executive on Monday said it feared Universal Music Group’s $775-million acquisition of global music services company Downtown could restrict competition. The European Commission launched an investigation into the deal in July this year after independent music companies warned it would allow UMG to substantially increase its industry dominance. Headquartered in the Netherlands, … Continue reading “EU Warns Universal’s $775 MN Downtown Bid May Restrict Competition”
Venezuela on Monday rejected a US terrorist designation of an alleged drug cartel as a “ridiculous lie” amid a major American military buildup in Caribbean waters. “Venezuela categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejects the new and ridiculous lie from the Secretary of the Department of State, Marco Rubio, who designates the alleged Cartel of the Suns … Continue reading “Venezuela Rejects US Terrorist Designation As ‘Ridiculous Lie’”
Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae star who helped transform the island’s rhythmic music into a global cultural phenomenon, has died, his wife said Monday. He was 81. “It is with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” his wife, Latifa Chambers, … Continue reading “Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff Dead At 81”
Governors of the South-West states on Monday held a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is also the Chairman of the regional forum. Others included Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and the host … Continue reading “Insecurity: Sanwo-Olu, Other South-West Govs Meet In Ibadan”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the coalition party, the African Democratic Party (ADC), just 17 months to the 2027 general elections. The 78-year-old politician disclosed this in a short post on his official X handle on Monday, attaching pictures of him holding the party’s membership card with the brief caption, … Continue reading “Atiku Officially Joins ADC”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Limited) has announced its financial performance for the full year ended 2024, reporting a profit after tax of ₦5.4 trillion on revenue of ₦45.1 trillion. The results, shared during its earnings call with analysts, underscore a year of strong operational delivery, according to a statement by the Company’s Chief … Continue reading “NNPC Declares ₦5.4trn Profit After Tax”