Once-in-a-decade push for the ‘locked out’: Global leaders set for landmark UN conference in Turkmenistan

Backed by the new Awaza Programme of Action, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries or LLDC3 will push for freer transit, smarter trade corridors, stronger economic resilience and fresh financing to lift development prospects for the 570 million people living in those countries. For landlocked nations, geography has long dictated destiny.   Trade […]

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President Trump Imposes Global Tariffs, Delays Implementation by Seven Days

Washington, D.C. – August 1, 2025President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing new tariffs on dozens of countries, with rates set to take effect on August 7. The delay, announced late Thursday, allows time for final adjustments to the tariff schedule. Broad Tariff Measures and Negotiation Outcomes The new trade policy includes a […]

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In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis. “The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York. “Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.” His remarks […]

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Wife of Marine Veteran Released from ICE Detention After Two Months

Baton Rouge, LouisianaPaola Clouatre, a 25-year-old mother of two and wife of Marine Corps veteran Adrian Clouatre, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Monday after two months of detention. Her arrest followed what she believed to be a routine immigration appointment related to her green card application. Detention and Family […]

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Portugal Signs Concession and Financing Agreements for Lisbon–Porto High-Speed Rail Line

Portugal has taken a major step toward modernizing its rail infrastructure with the signing of the first concession agreement and initial financing tranche for the Lisbon–Porto high-speed rail line. Strategic Infrastructure Investment Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), the national rail infrastructure manager, signed a 30-year concession contract with Avan Norte – Gestão da Ferrovia de Alta […]

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Stadler Secures €700 Million Contract to Supply 132 High-Floor Light Rail Vehicles for Cologne

Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler has been awarded a €700 million contract by Cologne’s public transport operator, Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB), to deliver 132 high-floor light rail vehicles as part of a major fleet modernization initiative. Tailored Design and Enhanced Capacity The new vehicles are custom-designed for Cologne’s light rail network and feature a modular configuration. Each […]

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Press Freedom Advocates Condemn Extension of Kurdish Journalist’s Imprisonment

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned a ruling by the Duhok misdemeanor court ordering Kurdish journalist Omed Baroshky to serve an additional six months in prison. The decision reinstates a previously suspended sentence from December 2021, citing a breach of its conditions. Retaliation for Reporting Baroshky, a freelance journalist known for his investigative […]

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UN Chief Welcomes Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire, Urges Civilian Redress and Confidence-Building

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand following five days of deadly border clashes, while calling on both governments to pursue civil de-escalation and ensure redress for victims in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law. Appeal for Accountability and Protection Türk emphasized […]

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Trade measures critical to ending plastic pollution

That assessment by UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, comes in an update published on Thursday ahead of the final round of talks to develop a legally binding international instrument against plastic pollution. “Although plastics are directly linked to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change – there is still no comprehensive international […]

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AFRICA CONTINENTAL BRIEF | JULY 2025 -Overview of Key Political, Economic & Policy Developments Across Africa

Business & Macroeconomics 🇰🇪 Kenya – The government plans to sell a 65% stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company as part of a broader state asset divestment programme aimed at raising $1.1 billion. 🇳🇬 Nigeria – MTN Nigeria reported a 55% year-on-year increase in service revenue, reaching $1.54 billion for H1 2025. In parallel, the […]

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