Three Drones Shot Down Near Moscow, Flight Operations Disrupted, Officials Report

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Moscow, Russia — Russian air defense systems intercepted three drones heading toward Moscow on Saturday, prompting the temporary closure of two of the capital’s busiest airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, according to city mayor Sergei Sobyanin and aviation authorities.

Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia confirmed that all arrivals and departures were briefly suspended for safety reasons, with over 140 flights canceled and more than 130 diverted. Operations later resumed, but the disruption highlights growing concerns over intensified Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed more than 230 Ukrainian drones were shot down across the country since Saturday morning—27 of them over the capital. Kaluga International Airport, southwest of Moscow, also halted services after 45 drones were intercepted in the region.

Drones were also reported downed in several other areas including the Rostov and Bryansk regions near the Ukrainian border, and over the Black Sea. No casualties were reported from the drone strikes inside Russia.

Russia’s Association of Tour Operators (Ator) revealed that Moscow airports were closed 10 times within 24 hours due to repeated drone incursions. This incident mirrors a similar disruption in May, when over 500 drones launched by Ukraine stranded an estimated 60,000 passengers at airports nationwide.

While Russia contended with aerial attacks, it also continued its own strikes across Ukraine. Ukrainian regional authorities reported at least three civilians killed during overnight Russian air raids. In Donetsk, two people lost their lives in separate strikes, and a 78-year-old woman died in Sumy after residential buildings caught fire. Additional attacks were reported in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine’s air force stated it had intercepted 18 out of 57 Russian drones overnight, with seven others reportedly lost due to radar jamming.

Amid this escalation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to peace talks but reiterated that Russia’s primary objective is to achieve its “strategic goals.”

“President Putin has repeatedly expressed his willingness to reach a peaceful resolution, but this process is complex and demands serious effort,” Peskov said in a televised statement.

The latest wave of attacks underscores the continued volatility in the conflict, now in its fourth year, with no immediate end in sight.


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At Least 37 Dead as Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay Amid Sudden Storm

Hanoi, Vietnam — At least 37 people have died and five remain missing after a tourist boat capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, according to state media reports.

The vessel, named Wonder Sea Boat, was carrying 48 passengers—many of them children—and five crew members when it overturned on Saturday afternoon during extreme weather conditions. Vietnamese authorities confirmed that 10 survivors were rescued by Saturday evening, while recovery teams had retrieved 37 bodies by Sunday morning.

Among those rescued was a 14-year-old boy who survived nearly four hours trapped in the overturned hull of the boat. Another survivor, a 10-year-old child, described his harrowing escape to local media: “I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers.”

Four of the deceased have yet to be identified, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing. The boat has since been salvaged and brought ashore, according to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Most of the passengers were Vietnamese families visiting from the capital, Hanoi. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy. “Violations, if found, will be strictly handled,” a government statement said.

Experts from the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting attributed the sudden storm to a convergence zone exacerbated by recent high temperatures, creating volatile weather across northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin. The area is also bracing for further severe weather due to the incoming Storm Wipha, which entered the South China Sea on Sunday and is expected to strengthen as it approaches Vietnam early next week.

Wipha has already caused disruptions in Hanoi, about 175 km from Ha Long Bay, where strong gusts toppled trees and forced several flight delays and diversions at Noi Bai International Airport.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. The region draws millions of tourists annually. However, boat safety concerns have resurfaced following similar incidents, including last year’s Typhoon Yagi, which sank 30 vessels in the nearby Quang Ninh province.

Authorities are urging tour operators to review safety protocols as stormy weather continues to threaten the region.


SOURCE : AGENCIES VIA ALZAZEERA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Thailand Legalized Marijuana First in Asia — But the Fallout Has Sparked National Debat

Bangkok, Thailand — Three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand is reversing course. The government this week introduced sweeping regulations that restrict cannabis use to strictly medical purposes, a dramatic shift from the liberal policies that triggered a nationwide “green rush.”

As of Thursday, cannabis can now only be sold to individuals with a valid doctor’s prescription. Recreational use is effectively banned, and the country’s more than 18,000 licensed dispensaries must adapt to the new regulations or face closure.

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“This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. He also revealed the government’s intention to eventually reclassify cannabis as a narcotic — a major reversal of the 2022 policy that allowed open trade and consumption of marijuana products.

Pro-cannabis activist Kitty Chopaka, seen here at a protest against the Thai government in 2024, says the new rules will not stop people from buying marijuana for recreational purposes. Photo : Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

New Restrictions on the Cannabis Industry

Under the new Health Ministry guidelines, cannabis shops must:

  • Sell only to customers with a medical certificate.
  • Keep detailed sales records.
  • Submit to regular inspections.
  • Cease all forms of commercial advertising.
  • Avoid vending machine and online sales.

Violators could face up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht (approximately $620). Further legislation may increase penalties and impose stricter business regulations.

These rules are expected to significantly impact cannabis tourism in popular destinations like Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Pattaya’s beach strips, where dispensaries and weed-themed cafés flourished amid lax oversight.

Tourists and locals alike will now need documentation proving medical necessity for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, epilepsy, or chronic nerve pain. Foreign tourists can present prescriptions from their home countries.

“We want tourists to enjoy Thailand’s culture and nature — but not view it as a hub for recreational cannabis,” Somsak said.

From Legal Boom to Backlash

Thailand first legalized medical marijuana in 2018. In 2022, it became the first Asian nation to fully decriminalize cannabis — removing it from the narcotics list. But without accompanying laws to regulate the booming industry, a legal gray zone emerged.

Thousands of cannabis shops and cannabis-themed businesses opened rapidly, from hemp spas to weed festivals. One such event in Bangkok earlier this month featured former boxing champion Mike Tyson promoting his cannabis brand.

A government report from 2022 projected the Thai cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though officials now admit that widespread unregulated trade has made it difficult to track the industry’s true size.

Somsak said the new regulations are intended to close this legal gap and prevent the social harms associated with unchecked cannabis use.

“We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,” he explained. “Revenue may dip at first, but responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable.”

Rising Concerns and Smuggling Cases

The push to tighten laws follows rising public concern about cannabis misuse, especially among youth. Reports of underage use, street smoking, and complaints of strong odors have spurred backlash in tourist areas and islands like Phuket, where zoning proposals are being considered.

“Cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue,” Somsak warned. “It affects children, causes public nuisance, and damages public safety.”

Adding to the problem is a spike in cannabis smuggling. Several recent cases involving British tourists attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand have made international headlines. In response, Thai and British authorities have formed a joint task force to combat illegal drug exportation.

As Thailand moves to reclaim control over its cannabis industry, many are watching to see whether this crackdown marks the end of Asia’s most liberal cannabis experiment — or just a course correction toward more responsible use.


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At Least 39 Killed in Fire at Sigachi Pharmaceutical Factory in Telangana

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Telangana, India — At least 39 people have died and 34 others were injured following a devastating explosion and fire at a chemical factory operated by Sigachi Industries in southern India, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, has prompted the company to halt operations at the affected facility for 90 days.

The explosion ripped through the pharmaceutical supplier’s plant in Telangana state, causing the entire structure to collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews still working to clear the debris.

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“We are still clearing the debris,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Service. “Only after this is complete will we know if any more bodies are trapped.”

Authorities say more than 140 workers were present in the plant when the blast occurred. At least 25 of the deceased have yet to be identified, according to district official P. Pravinya.

One survivor, Chandan Gound, 32, recounted his escape:

“I stepped out to use the restroom and suddenly heard a loud blast — like a bomb. Flames erupted, and I had to jump the wall to escape. Many managed to flee, but a large number were trapped inside.”

The Telangana state government has formed a five-member investigative committee to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown. Sigachi has stated the plant is fully insured and that it has begun processing claims for the extensive damage to its equipment and infrastructure.

Sigachi Industries is a major producer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The Telangana facility accounts for over 25% of the company’s total production capacity of 21,700 million metric tons annually. MCC is widely used for its compressibility and ability to enhance drug release in tablets, as well as in low-calorie foods and skincare products.

The company’s shares fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, heading for their steepest two-day decline on record.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people were killed and four injured in a massive fire at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu — a region notorious for repeated industrial accidents involving explosives.

Both tragedies have renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in India, particularly in the hazardous chemicals and manufacturing sectors.


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Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Phone Calls

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Bangkok, Thailand — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s embattled 38-year-old prime minister, was suspended from her role on Tuesday following a Constitutional Court decision to launch an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former strongman, Hun Sen. The scandal has thrown the Southeast Asian nation back into political turmoil just 10 months after Paetongtarn assumed office.

The Constitutional Court voted to temporarily suspend her from prime ministerial duties while it deliberates on whether she breached ethical standards laid out in Thailand’s constitution. Paetongtarn will, however, remain in the Cabinet as culture minister following a recent reshuffle.

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The suspension follows a petition filed by 36 senators, who accused Paetongtarn of undermining national interests in a phone call that was later authenticated by both Thai and Cambodian officials. The conversation, held on June 15, occurred amid rising tensions over a deadly border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to criticize her own military, suggesting Hun Sen should disregard statements from a senior Thai army commander in the northeast. She also assured Hun Sen that if he “wants anything,” he should ask her directly — remarks that critics say amounted to compromising Thailand’s sovereignty.

Public reaction has been swift and fierce. Anti-government protests erupted in Bangkok over the weekend, with demonstrators demanding her resignation. The controversy also triggered the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai party — a key coalition partner — further weakening Paetongtarn’s governing Pheu Thai party ahead of a looming no-confidence vote in parliament.

In a press conference following the ruling, Paetongtarn defended her intentions:

“I acted for the country, to protect our sovereignty, to safeguard the lives of our soldiers, and to preserve peace,” she said. “I apologize to all my fellow Thais who may feel uneasy or upset about this matter.”

She also sought to clarify the nature of the conversation, calling it a “negotiation tactic” and claiming it was never meant to be public. “It was a private call aimed at defusing tensions, not a statement of allegiance,” she added.

Thailand and Cambodia share a long and sometimes volatile border stretching over 800 kilometers. While the two nations have cooperated economically and diplomatically in recent years, disputes — particularly over demarcation and historical grievances — have flared into deadly clashes on several occasions.

Paetongtarn’s political future remains uncertain. She took office after the court ousted her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for a separate ethics violation. The same court also controversially dissolved the Move Forward Party — Thailand’s most-voted party in the 2023 general election — and banned its leaders from politics for a decade.

With public trust eroding, coalition support wavering, and an ethics ruling pending, Paetongtarn now faces her toughest political test yet — one that could define the next chapter of Thai politics.


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A week of heavy rains and floods across Pakistan kills 46 people including 13 family members

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Peshawar, Pakistan — Nearly a week of heavy monsoon rains and flash floods across Pakistan has killed at least 46 people and injured dozens, officials said Monday.

The fatalities caused by abnormally strong downpours since Tuesday include 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13 in eastern Punjab province, seven in southern Sindh, and four in southwestern Balochistan, the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials said.

“We are expecting above-normal rains during the monsoon season and alerts have been issued to the concerned authorities to take precautionary measures,” said Irfan Virk, a Pakistan Meteorological Department deputy director.

Virk said that forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of extreme weather like the devastating floods in 2022. Rains inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 people and causing widespread destruction.

The deaths from the past week include 13 tourists from a family of 17 who were swept away Friday. The other four family members were rescued from the flooded Swat River in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Rescuers found 12 bodies from the group and divers continued searching Monday for the remaining victim, said Bilal Faizi, a provincial emergency service spokesman.

The incident drew widespread condemnation online over what many called a slow response by emergency services.

On Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority had warned of potential hazards and advised people against crossing rivers and streams.


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Germany to Boost Ukraine’s Weapons Production to Strengthen Peace Talks Stance Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

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Kyiv, Ukraine — Germany will help Ukraine accelerate domestic weapons production to bolster its position in ongoing but stalled peace efforts with Russia, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced Monday during a high-level visit to Kyiv alongside defense industry leaders.

“We see our task as helping Ukraine so that it can negotiate more strongly,” Wadephul said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The initiative includes the establishment of joint ventures aimed at rapidly increasing Ukraine’s arms manufacturing capabilities, as the country faces mounting pressure on the front lines and surging aerial attacks from Russia.

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Wadephul emphasized that the initiative is not just about delivering equipment but forging long-term, mutually beneficial defense ties. “Our arms cooperation is a real trump card. With your experience and ingenuity, we will both become stronger,” he said.

The visit comes less than 48 hours after Russia launched its largest aerial assault to date, deploying 107 drones overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force. Devastating strikes in the northeastern Kharkiv region killed two civilians and wounded eight others, including a child.

Wadephul harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s posture on peace, calling it a “façade” and accusing him of using peace rhetoric as a smokescreen for continued aggression. “When Putin speaks of peace today, it is pure mockery,” he said.

Ukraine continues to endure a brutal war of attrition along its 1,000-kilometer front, with Russian forces intensifying attacks on civilian areas. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia is using increasing numbers of Shahed drones and decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and pave the way for missile strikes.

Germany has already been Ukraine’s second-largest military supporter after the United States. However, with U.S. aid facing political uncertainty, Berlin’s role has taken on greater urgency. Kyiv has pressed for more air defense systems, which Ukrainian officials say are key to protecting civilians and preventing panic.

Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for more anti-missile systems and thanked Berlin for its current contributions. “They are attacking civilian targets to influence public sentiment. The key is air defense,” he stressed.

While Germany has resisted sending Taurus long-range missiles over fears of escalating the war, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to help Ukraine develop its own long-range capabilities without Western-imposed restrictions — a potential turning point in Ukraine’s strategic autonomy.

Wadephul is also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit, as Ukraine looks to reinforce international partnerships amid worsening battlefield conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis.


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At least 37 people killed in a bus collision in a remote part of Tanzania

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Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania — Dozens of people were killed when two buses collided and burst into flames in a remote part of northern Tanzania, officials said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow in a statement Sunday following the crash that killed at least 37 people and left 30 others injured.

The collision happened on Saturday evening in the Sabasaba area along the Moshi–Tanga highway in the Kilimanjaro region. The identities and nationalities of the victims weren’t immediately known.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, the bereaved families, relatives, and friends,” Hassan said in a statement. “May God grant peace to the souls of the departed and a quick recovery to the injured. May He comfort and strengthen their families during this difficult time.”

The president called for stricter road safety adherence, saying such tragedies continue to take a toll on Tanzanian families.

Tanzania’s government has made repeated calls in recent years to curb road fatalities, which persist despite various safety campaigns.


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Global Leaders Gather in Spain Amid U.S. Absence to Tackle $4 Trillion Development Crisis

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Barcelona, Spain — With the gap between rich and poor nations widening at an alarming pace, over 12,000 delegates including heads of state, ministers, and civil society representatives convened in Seville on Monday for the United Nations’ high-level Financing for Development conference. The event, co-hosted by the UN and Spain, aims to generate trillions in global investment and restore momentum toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

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Despite the absence of the United States—a former top donor now drastically scaling back humanitarian aid—leaders from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia are rallying to confront the deepening global financing crisis. The situation is dire: debt is mounting, international aid is shrinking, trade barriers are rising, and private investment is in retreat.

“Financing is the engine of development. And right now, this engine is sputtering,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his opening remarks. “We are here in Seville to change course—to repair and rev up the engine of development.”

This marks the first time the conference is being held in Europe. It will be officially opened by Guterres, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI. High-profile participants include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The conference’s flagship outcome, the Seville Commitment, already touted by organizers as a landmark achievement, is expected to emphasize flexible financing tools and debt relief strategies—seen as essential to closing the estimated $4 trillion annual development gap.

The gathering comes at a pivotal moment. The last conference of this scale was held in Addis Ababa in 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the SDGs. With just five years left to meet those global targets, many hope Seville can deliver the political will—and financial means—to get the world back on track.


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China Expands Social Security Support Amid Worsening Flood Crisis and Extreme Rainfall

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Beijing, China — In response to growing public concern and mounting climate challenges, China has announced an expansion of its economic safeguards and social security measures for populations affected by flood diversion schemes, as the country faces increasingly extreme rainfall and flooding.

Under revised compensation rules released late Friday, the central government will now cover 70% of compensation funds for people and property impacted by official flood diversions, with local governments responsible for the remaining 30%. This marks a major shift from the previous system, where compensation ratios varied based on the financial condition of local authorities and actual damage incurred.

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For the first time, livestock and poultry that cannot be evacuated in time before the arrival of diverted floodwaters will be eligible for compensation. Previously, only the loss of working animals—such as oxen and horses—was covered, leaving farmers bearing the brunt of personal and economic losses.

Rising Social Tensions Over Flood Control Tactics

Flood diversion, a long-established method in China to prevent catastrophic flooding in urban centers, often involves directing excess water into designated rural zones next to rivers. Many of these areas have been repurposed or inhabited over the years, leading to heightened social tensions when homes and farmlands are deliberately flooded.

In summer 2023, over one million people in Hebei province, adjacent to Beijing, were forcibly relocated after historic rainfall led authorities to flood populated rural zones to protect the capital. The move, though deemed necessary by officials, triggered public anger and demands for accountability and support.

China currently has 98 designated flood diversion zones, mainly concentrated along major rivers such as the Yangtze, which supports nearly one-third of the country’s population. During the 2023 Hebei floods alone, eight flood storage areas were activated.

Unprecedented Rainfall Raises the Stakes

This year’s East Asian monsoon season, which began in early June, has already seen double the usual rainfall in parts of the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, according to the China Meteorological Administration. In provinces like Hubei and Guizhou, more than 30 weather stations recorded all-time June rainfall records.

In Guizhou province, one city experienced flooding that meteorologists described as a “once-in-50-years” event, with water levels rising so rapidly that even local officials were caught off guard. The flood affected nearly 300,000 residents, further pressing Beijing to act.

On Thursday, the Chinese government pledged to relocate vulnerable populations and industries to lower-risk zones and expand areas designated for flood diversion to better manage future disasters.

A Step Toward Equitable Recovery

The latest policy revision signals a more centralized and proactive approach to disaster response in China, reflecting a shift toward greater accountability and recognition of the human cost of climate-related decisions.

Analysts say that while the new compensation scheme won’t undo past damage, it could help restore public trust, ease rural-urban tensions, and prepare China for the increasing impacts of climate change and extreme weather.


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