Africa launches world's largest trade zone

After seven years of negotiations, African leaders met on Sunday to launch the largest free trade zone in the world, bringing together a population of approximately 1.2 billion and a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion.

Report: Japan used chemical weapons in WW II

The discovery of a Japanese army report confirms that Japan used chemical weapons in northern China during World War II.

Trump hits back over diplomat's harsh words

LONDON - US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the United Kingdom launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador to the US had described the president and his White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional".

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Govt policies urged to boost technologies

A farmer sitting in his house can now learn his cow's movements using a wearable sensor. He gets real time data on his mobile phone of the cow's patterns such as eating, drinking, resting, fertility and temperature. Furthermore, the technology also predicts problems such as digestive disorders and provides the farmer with an online veterinarian.

US envoy hails Taliban talks as 'most productive'

DOHA, Qatar - The seventh round of peace talks between the United States and Afghanistan's Taliban in Qatar are the "most productive" so far, US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said on Saturday.

Migrants disembark in Italy after rescue boat defies ban

ROME - Dozens of shipwrecked migrants disembarked in Italy early on Sunday after their rescue boat docked on the island of Lampedusa, the second vessel in a week to defy efforts to stop them by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

Abe's ruling bloc on course to win majority in Japan election

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition is on course to grab a solid majority in Japan's upper house elections this month and cement his premiership, local media reported on Saturday.

Quake damage not as bad as expected

RIDGECREST, California - Officials in Southern California expressed relief on Saturday that damage and injuries weren't worse after the largest earthquake the region has seen in nearly 20 years, while voicing concerns about the possibility of major aftershocks in the days and even months to come.

Former NIH chief defends dismissed Chinese scientists

A leading US biomedical scientist on Friday questioned some top US research institutions' recent practices of dismissing Chinese American scientists over security concerns, noting their contributions to the scientific and economic success of the United States.

Study: US is world's top waste producer

NEW YORK - The United States is the world's top waste producer which creates three times the global average of per capita trash, new research on global garbage trends has shown.

Iran set to surpass uranium enrichment limits

TEHERAN - Iran announced on Sunday that it is set to break a limit set on uranium enrichment, breaching the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, as it attempts to press remaining signatories to the endangered pact into keeping their side of the bargain.