WORLD

New York, United States | AFP | Google stepped up its smartphone ambitions Tuesday with updated Pixel handsets, touting a move toward computing with a simple hand wave or spoken command. Pixel 4 models boasting features including gesture and face recognition debuted at a “Made by Google” event showcasing new hardware …

Brussels, Belgium | AFP | Britain and the EU were seen to be closing in on a detailed draft Brexit deal on Tuesday, although officials voiced scepticism it would be ready in time for a key European summit this week. The pound jumped to its highest level in five months on …

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Russian President Vladimir Putin signed deals worth over $1.3 billion with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, wrapping up a tour of the Gulf where he also courted investment in Saudi Arabia. A day after inking a major oil cooperation deal with Riyadh, …

Washington, United States | AFP | US lawmakers leading an impeachment probe into Donald Trump turned their focus Tuesday to the State Department amid a torrent of explosive testimony over the president’s foreign policy that they say strengthens the case for his removal. Democrats on Capitol Hill were due to hear …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Departing Bank of England governor Mark Carney insisted Tuesday that there is sufficient time to hand over to his successor, despite Brexit chaos. Canadian Carney, 54, leaves his role on January 31 having extended his tenure twice on turmoil over Britain’s looming exit from …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | British lawmakers called Tuesday for tough action from UEFA after England players were subjected to repeated racist chanting during a Euro 2020 qualifier as Bulgaria’s prime minister urged the country’s football chief to resign. England recorded a 6-0 victory over their hosts in Sofia on …

New York, United States | AFP | The crisis over the 737 MAX that has tarnished Boeing’s image has finally cost Dennis Muilenburg his title as chairman. But Boeing’s move last week to strip Muilenburg of his chairmanship — even as he remains chief executive — could be a prelude to …

Beijing, China | AFP | As Facebook readies to launch its answer to bitcoin, China is set to introduce its own digital currency — one that could allow the government and the central bank to see what people spend their money on, according to analysts. Far from the libertarian ideals of …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  A derelict hospital, dog kennels, abandoned warehouses, suburban homes and buried shipping containers — cannabis farms dot Britain, often staffed by Vietnamese migrants-turned-growers. Some have been smuggled in voluntarily, others trafficked against their will. Here are a few high-profile busts involving Vietnamese migrants. – Bunker …

Luxembourg, Luxembourg | AFP | EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that a deal with Britain could be reached this week, but warned more tough talks are still needed. British and EU officials are racing to reach a deal on Britain’s exit terms before a summit of EU leaders starting …