Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

UK may recognize a Palestinian state. And, EPA proposes removing pollution limits
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories The United Kingdom has signaled that it...

Dusit International Signs Strategic Partnership for Hotel Development in France
Bangkok, Thailand – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with SYDEL, a French real estate investment company, to establish Dusit France – a joint...

France’s economic growth picks up in second quarter
France’s economic growth picked up in the second quarter despite the uncertain international environment, according to government data released on Wednesday. Gross domestic product in the eurozone’s second-largest economy grew by 0.3 percent...

Cooperative fossil fuel levies could raise 66 bn annually to fight climate change: Study
Smaller coalitions of fossil fuel-importing countries could generate USD 66 billion annually to help developing nations cut emissions, according to a new study by climate economists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)....

Britain and France mull recognising a Palestinian state – will it impact Israel? Do London and Paris hold clout?
Britain has said it will recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza by September. The announcement, following France's similar move, sans the rider, marks growing European frustration with Israel's conduct in the...

Pro-cyclist ‘car-doored’ on London road sues for £1m over ruined Tour de France dreams
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France returns for second edition in January
Following its successful debut in February this year, L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France will return for its second edition on Jan. 25 2026. Organised with the support of official partner Skoda and government partner Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the...

Pogačar shows unrivaled audacity to win his 4th Tour de France title
PARIS — The roads were dangerously slippery after heavy rain. A fourth Tour de France title was all but won anyway, so finishing safely in the pack would do fine for Tadej Pogačar. Especially considering Sunday’s final stage had already been...

Türkiye’s glaciers fall victim to climate change faster than expected
HAKKARİ- Agence France-Presse The glaciers in the eastern province of Hakkari have lost nearly 50 percent of their volume over the past 40 years, falling victim to the climate crisis and global warming at a faster rate than expected, an expert has...

Call to pull up highly allergenic plant in south of France
Ragweed should ideally be removed before the flowering period in August and September Up to 3.5 million people in France are thought to be allergic to ragweed pollen Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock France’s Regional Health Agency is calling for...
High gold prices ‘a nightmare’: French luxury jeweller Boucheron’s CEO
[SINGAPORE] The European Union and the United States may have averted a trade war when they made a tariff deal this week, but manufacturing costs remain a nightmare for French luxury jeweller, Boucheron. This is because gold prices have been...

NTT DATA and Mistral AI to shape future of sustainable and secure private AI for enterprises
NTT DATA and Mistral AI announced plans to jointly sell and deploy safe and private enterprise-grade AI solutions that are able to foster strategic autonomy for clients. The companies will combine NTT DATA’s comprehensive GenAI and IT services...

UK consumers are the worst for clogging up recycling bins by ‘wishcycling’
UK consumers are the worst offenders globally when it comes to ‘wishcycling’ – disposing of a piece of packaging in a recycling bin when they weren’t 100% sure it was recyclable. According to research unveiled today, three-quarters (73%) of UK...

After France, UK to Recognise Palestine If Israel Refuses Ceasefire
The UK will formally recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel acts to end the “appalling situation” in Gaza. After an emergency cabinet meeting, Downing Street released a statement saying the UK would recognise Palestine unless...

Malta, UK and France to recognize State of Palestine at UN General Assembly
ALBAWABA - The Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, announced on Tuesday that his country will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Malta's decision came following a similar announcement made by...

French covereds are going through OATs, resistance is futile
Conventional wisdom — reflected in bond spreads throughout core Europe — suggests that the sovereign, as the largest and most liquid borrower in a country, should set the floor for covered bond spreads. For many investors, pricing through the...

Indonesia-France boost fashion, crafts collaboration through residency
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia, through the Ministry of Creative Economy, is strengthening its collaboration with France in the fashion and craft sectors via a joint residency program. This initiative will engage designers from both countries to...

H1 Natural Disasters Had Insured Price Tag of $80B – Driven by US Claims: Munich Re
Natural disasters across the globe cost insurers US$80 billion during the first half of 2025, up from $64 billion in H1 2024, according to Munich Re’s mid-year natural disaster report. On the other hand, overall economic losses (which include...

Madagascar: Authorities fail to protect and assist Antandroy people displaced by climate-exacerbated droughts – new report
Malagasy government violated right to freedom of movement and choice of residence of Antandroy IDPs Amnesty International research documents arduous 1,500km journey in search of survival French colonial policies contributed to Antandroy’s...

New powers for France's municipal police force proposed by government
Police officers will check on your home daily, to spot signs of trouble gabriel12 / Shutterstock Municipal police officers might soon be able to issue fines for graffiti, driving without a licence, and taking alcohol into sports stadiums under a...