Top 10 news from around the world:
First birth control pill approved for sale without prescription in US
The US FDA has approved the first OTC contraceptive pill, allowing women to buy it without prescriptions. The pill, which was approved for prescription use in 1973, is now available to women for over-the-counter purchase in the US.
Pay your dues by July 15: Riyadh Airport in final warning to PIA
The Riyadh Airport Authority has issued a final warning to Pakistan International Airlines to clear its outstanding dues of 8.2 million riyals by July 15. Additionally, the PIA has been cautioned by Jeddah Airport for non-payment of liabilities.
China’s exports fall most in 3 years
China’s exports declined in June at the fastest pace in three years as high inflation in key developed markets and geopolitics hit global demand. Exports from the world’s second-largest economy slumped a worse-than-expected 12.4% year-on-year in June.
Zelenskyy reacts to UK minister asking Ukraine to be more grateful
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted to UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace’s remark that Ukraine should show more “gratitude” for West’s arms supply amid the ongoing war. “I don’t know how else we should be grateful….Zelenskyy said.
UK announces pay rise as junior doctors go on strike in England
After junior doctors went on strike for five days starting Thursday, the UK government granted pay raises to public sector workers. The government, accepting recommendations, announced pay increases of at least 6% for doctors and teachers.
India can be a strong bridge between Global South & West: PM Modi in France
Indian PM Narendra Modi, in an interview with French newspaper Les Echos, said India can be a “strong bridge” between Global South and the West. He left for France to join President Emmanuel Macron for Bastille Day Parade as the Guest of Honour.
North Korean state TV shows footage of latest ballistic missile launch
North Korea’s state television has released footage of the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile test launch which took place on Wednesday morning. The long-range missile flew for more than an hour before landing short of Japanese waters.
Trying to end generation of humans: Iran on West supporting LGBTQ
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi condemned Western countries for trying to promote the idea of homosexuality. “By promoting homosexuality they are trying to end the generation of human beings,” Raisi said.
India votes in favour of Pakistan’s UN resolution against Quran burnings
India on Wednesday voted in favour of a resolution brought by Pakistan, at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), condemning and strongly rejecting the burning of the Quran in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe.
Wagner group hands over more than 2,000 weapons to Russia
Russia’s Defence Ministry on Wednesday said the Wagner group has handed over more than 2,000 pieces of military hardware, including tanks, following the mercenary group’s failed mutiny last month.