Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say. ...
Watch: BBC goes undercover at mini-mart selling drugsWatch: BBC goes undercover at mini-mart selling drugs
BBC UK editor Ed Thomas confronts a shopkeeper secretly filmed selling cannabis and cocaine to one of our researchers. ...
US says allies should pay ‘security premium’ for rare earthsUS says allies should pay ‘security premium’ for rare earths
US allies should pay more for critical minerals sourced from outside of China, the White House’s trade representative said, as Washington looks to break Beijing’s dominance in the sector. The EU and US are reportedly nearing an agreement to coordinate on mining, setting up a club of countries to trade ...
India bristles as Pakistan has its diplomatic momentIndia bristles as Pakistan has its diplomatic moment
Indian political elites are discomforted by regional rival Pakistan’s outsized role in US-Iran peace talks, but there are some bright spots for New Delhi, analysts argued. While India’s prime minister has sought to portray himself as a global leader, the Iran crisis suggests India “remains stuck as a middle power,” ...
US stocks hit record highs despite energy concernsUS stocks hit record highs despite energy concerns
US stocks hit record highs on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, even as energy executives grew more worried about the conflict’s long-term ramifications. The stock market’s animal spirits are returning, CNBC wrote, further evidence that “traders are moving past the Iran war as ...
China bets on data centers in spaceChina bets on data centers in space
A Beijing-based space startup secured $8.4 billion in financing commitments from state-owned or -linked banks, part of China’s efforts to explore building orbital data centers. The funding, SpaceNews wrote, speaks to China’s broader space ambitions and strategy of injecting state capital into private industry. China is reportedly aiming to put ...
Germany pledges more military mightGermany pledges more military might
Germany vowed to take on more “responsibility” for Europe’s defense, in the country’s first-ever postwar military strategy. The new 35-page report calls for quickly boosting troop numbers and military capabilities, and is primarily aimed at deterring Russia, analysts said. Germany was long seen as hesitant to appear overly militaristic or ...
Iran says Strait of Hormuz cannot be opened due to ceasefire breachesIran says Strait of Hormuz cannot be opened due to ceasefire breaches
Iran’s chief negotiator says “violations” by the US and Israel make it impossible to open the strait. ...
China weathered Trump’s tariffs – but the Iran war is taking a tollChina weathered Trump’s tariffs – but the Iran war is taking a toll
The Middle East conflict is putting pressure on factory orders, costs and jobs in China’s export-driven economy. ...
US Navy chief leaving post ‘effective immediately’, Pentagon saysUS Navy chief leaving post ‘effective immediately’, Pentagon says
US Navy Secretary John Phelan is the latest high-ranking military leader to leave the administration in recent months. ...