Microsoft launches its own AI models to take on OpenAI and Anthropic

Seven in-house models unveiled at Build 2026 signal Microsoft's push to cut costs and compete at the AI frontier as its biggest investees race to go public.

Commission accelerates transition away from animal testing in chemical safety assessments

Page contents On 1 June, the European Commission presented a road map towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments, which lays out clear, tangible steps to ensure the transition to innovative non-animal approaches. The roadmap will also preserve the

Markets 'confused' by US-Iran uncertainty, expert says

Economics analyst Osama Rizvi believes the chance of markets getting "worse" or "ugly" is "more than getting better" due to the changing situation between the US and Iran. According to Rizvi, economic confidence is "going down" in Europe.

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Wins Battle Against Censorhip in India After Being Blocked Amid Fears Theatrical Release ‘Would Break Up the India-Israel Relationship’

In a significant reversal, Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated feature “The Voice of Hind Rajab” has been cleared by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) that had blocked the politically sensitive film’s release in March. After weeks of controversy in India over

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin to be freed after royal pardon

Ukraine targets St Petersburg as flagship economic forum opens in Russia

The incident comes a day after Russia launched a massive drone and missile barrage at Ukraine, killing at least 23 people.

Africa: AU-EU Space Partnership Revolutionises Weather Systems to Save Lives

[African Union] The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), officially inaugurated the African Meteorological Satellite Application Facility (AMSAF) on 18 May 2026 at the AU Headquarters. This event marks a pivotal milestone in Africa's

India removes exam chief over marking fiasco

Africa: Spiro Raises $215m Equity to Expand EV Network in Africa

[Daba Finance] Spiro, an electric vehicle and battery-swapping company operating across Africa, has raised $215 million in equity financing to expand its transport and energy infrastructure across the continent.

Australia’s nicotine use soars 40% on black market cigarettes

As much as 80 per cent of all estimaged nicotine consumption in Australia in 2025 was illegal.

Wading bird populations in the New York–New Jersey Harbor are in decline

Urban estuaries can support thriving ecosystems despite bustling human activity. Noting that bird populations can serve as a key indicator of environmental health, researchers recently investigated trends in the New York–New Jersey Harbor, home to the largest breeding

Canada calls for US and Mexico free trade deal to be renewed for 16 years

“The Agreement is highly beneficial to each of our countries and to the integrated North American economy," a letter conveying Canada’s recommendation, sent to the US and Mexico trade representatives, said.

EBRD lowers growth forecast as Iran war energy shock continues to hit economies

Economic growth across the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's regions is expected to slow more sharply than previously forecast this year, largely due to higher inflation linked to the Iran war, which has pushed up energy prices. Inflation across the bank's

Hostilities flare in Iran war, oil jumps with talks at a stalemate

By Enas Alashray and Patricia Zengerle CAIRO/WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - Gulf hostilities flared again on Wednesday, with an Iranian missile attack damaging Kuwait's airport and the U.S. military carrying out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomacy between Washington

Commission proposes new authorization for mobile satellite services for EU's resilience and competitiveness

The European Commission adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite services (MSS) providers who will be authorized to use the harmonized 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027, when the current licenses expire. Spectrum for mobile satellite services is a strategic asset

‘If you throw trash, you lose cash’: Tokyo tourist district introduces littering fines

Visitors caught dropping rubbish in Tokyo’s popular Shibuya ward will now be fined on the spot as authorities battle the side effects of Japan’s record tourism boom.

Protests erupt in UK over murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak

In a joint statement, a conglomerate of Sikh community groups condemned what it called a "moment of madness by an individual".

Military seeks prison time for Indonesian soldiers in acid attack

The prosecution contends the soldiers did not act on orders but on their own initiative.

Africa: All of Africa Today - June 3, 2026

[allAfrica]

Iran drone and missile attack hits Kuwait airport, state news agency says

DUBAI, June 3 (Reuters) - An Iranian drone and missile attack struck Kuwait's international airport early on Wednesday, causing injuries and forcing authorities to divert flights, Kuwait's state news agency reported. Theattack caused "severe damage" to the airport's T1

Watch Michael Stipe and Andrew Watt Showcase ‘I Played the Fool’ on ‘Kimmel’

The collaborative song appeared during the opening credits of Steve Carell's recent HBO series Rooster

Growing foreign electorate puts voting rights in focus at South Korea's local polls

South Korea allows certain foreign nationals to vote in local elections - those aged 18 or older who have held permanent residency status for at least three years are eligible to cast ballots.

Europe Today: The quest for the EU’s tech independence

Also in this newsletter: The EU's sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan says the bloc should be willing to take “unilateral action” against China's facilitation of Russian sanctions evasion; and why Italy is expected to be criticised by Brussels for its intervention in response to

Defending values, driving reform, delivering impact: New measures to strengthen EU humanitarian action

The Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid sets out how the EU will remain a reliable and principled donor in a global aid system under severe pressure. Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high with 239 million people worldwide in need of assistance, yet current global

Bass heads to runoff in Los Angeles mayoral race

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is slated to advance to the general election in her bid to hang on to her seat, Decision Desk HQ projected early Wednesday. Her opponent has yet to be determined. The first-term mayor has faced a tough reelection battle against Republican

Africa: Nduhungirehe Calls for Action-Driven Korea-Africa Partnership

[New Times] Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe has called for greater focus on implementing commitments made under the Korea-Africa partnership, arguing that cooperation must deliver measurable benefits for people and economies across

French artist JR's giant 'cave' installation in Paris appears damaged

Strong winds and heavy rain damaged artist JR’s giant “La Caverne” installation covering Paris’ Pont Neuf bridge, forcing organisers to postpone its public opening scheduled for June 6.

Indonesia vessels headed towards Singapore with smuggled rare earth metals intercepted

The vessels were carrying tin and heading towards Singapore.

Why the Shangri-La Dialogue finally really mattered

Under Singapore’s increasingly sweltering skies, the lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel in late May 2026 offered a revealing snapshot of a world edging toward deeper fragmentation. The 23rd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, held from May 29 to 31, brought together representatives

Indonesia free meals agency office locked down as investigators raid premises

The raid came just hours after President Prabowo Subianto sacked the head of the agency, Dadan Hindayana, which an official said was linked to governance and food quality concerns.

Putin squeezes Armenia as Russia seeks to retain global clout

MOSCOW, June 3 - President Vladimir Putin has read long-term ally Armenia the riot act: persist in wanting to join the European Union and you can kiss goodbye to cheap Russian oil and gas.

You can’t miss these: Best World Cup 2026 squad announcement videos

From the Beatles to the African savannah, some national federations were inspired and chose even Royals to annouce the final squad lists for the World Cup.

Which European countries attract the most foreign investment?

Foreign investment is widely seen as a key driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation. But which countries are winning the race for international investors, and how is Europe's position changing in an increasingly competitive global market?

Noted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season

Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from development A building that was a noted nesting site for swifts, among the UK’s most at-risk birds, has been demolished during the nesting season, highlighting significant weaknesses

Three Myanmar migrants in Thailand killed by errant war drone

It was unclear whether the drone was launched by Myanmar's military or ethnic armed groups.

Europe must not turn its back on rural women’s empowerment

In the hard-to-reach rural community of West Pokot, Kenya, 156 young women crossed a threshold that once seemed out of reach. Their graduation from HER Lab, a workforce skills programme for marginalized rural young women, was more than a ceremony. It demonstrated the power of

New US tariff plan targets EU and dozens of economies over forced labour imports

The EU and UK are among the economies targeted by a new US tariff proposal linked to forced labour imports, potentially reopening trade tensions just weeks after Brussels reached a deal with Washington.

Europe Today: Magyar softens on Ukraine as EU prepares new Russia sanctions

Hungary could lift its veto on the opening of Ukraine's EU accession talks if Kyiv accepts to protect minority rights for the Hungarian community in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing more sanctions against Russia. Angela Skujins speaks to the EU's Sanctions Envoy, David

UK: Police and protesters clash at Southampton rally over student killing

Clashes broke out between protesters and police in Southampton after the release of bodycam footage linked to the fatal stabbing of student Henry Nowak sparked public anger.

Seven killed after drone hits bus in Russia-controlled part of Ukraine

The bus was travelling between Moscow and Simferopol, in Russian-occupied Crimea, an official says.

EU vs China: Can Europe break its supply chain dependence?

Brussels wants new rules that would make European companies spread out their supply chains rather than rely on a single main supplier. The EU says its trade relationship with China is now "unsustainable." Watch the video.

Spain probe targets Socialist party payments to consultant Leire Díez, 3 times more than admitted

The PSOE paid Díez nearly 45,000 euros for communications work between 2015 and 2017, according to documents sent to a Madrid court, as judges probe an alleged scheme to sway cases affecting the party and the government.

Republic of Moldova joins European Patent Organization as 40th member state

The Republic of Moldova became the 40th member state of the European Patent Organization. This follows the deposit of its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) on 25 March 2026. As of 1 June, European patent applications will automatically include the

Venice Biennale 61: Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective's ritual performance

Patti Smith performed texts and hymns by Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century Benedictine nun, at the official opening of the Holy See's Vatican Pavilion.

Japan’s Fujiya to reduce packaging colours for about 10 products, including Country Ma’am cookies

This move is in response to the surge in prices of naphtha, a key raw material for printing ink.

Is Hormuz the US dollar’s Suez?

In the dog days of summer 70 years ago, Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal. The move triggered the invasion of Egypt by a joint force of British, French and Israeli troops. Although the military operation was a success, it was a diplomatic