Around the World

GT keeps the newswire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe

 

FRANCE

Sales-call ban

Unsolicited telemarketing calls have been banned under a new law requiring businesses to obtain consumers’ prior consent. The measure replaces an opt-out system that consumer groups said was frequently ignored. Spammers can face fines of up to 75,000 EUR per call, while companies can be fined up to 3,75,000 EUR. Exceptions apply where consumers have given consent or have an existing contractual relationship with a company. The law has raised concerns in Morocco, as their telemarketing industry recruits thousands and relies heavily on French clients.

 

USA

Trump’s secret swap

President Donald Trump covertly switched aircraft in Turkey last month after intelligence warned of an Iranian threat targeting his plane. He boarded Air Force One publicly before being hidden in a catering truck and moved to a military jet, while journalists and some staff remained aboard unaware. The move came as US strikes on Iran resumed following a breakdown in negotiations. Trump had earlier called himself Iran’s "number one target".

 

 

　

Russia

Anti-war party barred

The only registered liberal, anti-war party in the country, Yabloko, has been barred from September’s parliamentary elections after a Moscow court ruled against it. The case was brought by pro-Kremlin nationalist party Rodina, which accused Yabloko of supporting an extremist organisation and violating copyright. Russia’s financial monitoring service also alleged that the party received foreign funding. Yabloko had campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine and opposing political repression. Several of its members had already been prevented from running for office. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court, chanting for peace and freedom.

COLOMBIA

 

Deadly quake strikes

Over 250 people have been killed after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s western part on August 10, damaging buildings in Pereira, Cali, and Manizales. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency. Rescue teams searched for people trapped under rubble, with hospitals in Pereira overwhelmed by casualties. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and imposed curfews in several cities to clear roads and prevent looting.

 

UAE

Visa fees waived

Indian tourists can now get UAE entry visas without any extra cost when booking eligible Abu Dhabi holiday packages through participating travel partners and online travel agencies. The 92-day programme, running from August 1 to October 31, requires travellers to book at least three consecutive nights at an Abu Dhabi hotel and a return flight from India. Travel partners using their existing destination management companies will be reimbursed 285 AED for each visa issued.

 

INDIA

Double breakthrough

Athletes Basant Kumar Meghwal and Shahnavaz Khan made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, winning silver in high jump and bronze in long jump, respectively. Meghwal, who earlier won the Asian U20 gold in Hong Kong, became the first Indian to win a high jump medal at the championships. Khan, the Asian U20 champion, became the first Indian man to win a long jump medal at the event with a personal best of 7.84m.

 

AUSTRALIA

150-year book overdue

A book borrowed from Kiama Library in the 1870s has finally resurfaced after being discovered behind a boarded-up fireplace. ‘Antiquities of Athens’, was found by Ross Simmons who believes his great-grandfather, John Simmons, borrowed it. The library staff calculated its original late fee - amounting to about 28,000 AUD today (due to inflation), but waived the charge. The book, still in good condition, will feature in the library’s special collection.