WORLD

COMMENT: By Jim O’Neill Six major indicators suggest the global economy is growing at the fastest rate in many years Disconcerting political developments in the United States and the United Kingdom might lead one to conclude that an already challenged world economy will struggle even more in the near term. …

Ramallah, Palestinian Territories | AFP |  US President Donald Trump’s break with decades of support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is irresponsible and does not advance peace, a senior Palestinian said on Wednesday. “This does not make sense,” Palestine Liberation Organisation executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi told …

  The world could be caught off guard by these potentially transformative developments Economic pundits traditionally offer their (traditionally inaccurate) New Year predictions at the beginning of January. But global conditions this year are anything but traditional, so it seemed appropriate to wait until US President Donald Trump settled into …

San Francisco, United States | AFP |  Facebook on Tuesday announced it was rolling out apps to allow people to view videos posted on the social network on connected televisions. The new apps — for Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV and Samsung Smart TV — will provide a more convenient …

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | AFP | The body of the assassinated half-brother of North Korea’s leader is to undergo an autopsy on Wednesday, police said as they searched for those responsible for the Cold War-style killing at a Malaysian airport. Two women are believed to have used some kind of …

Paris, France | AFP |  French pedestrians have the reputation of being a law unto themselves — but an unusual study has provided some scientific backing for the stereotype. Four times out of 10, French pedestrians cross the road when the lights are against them, according to a paper published …

Washington, United States | AFP |  The White House announced Monday that Michael Flynn has resigned as President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, amid escalating controversy over his contacts with Moscow. In his formal resignation letter, Flynn acknowledged that in the period leading up to Trump’s inauguration: “I inadvertently briefed …

Islamabad, Pakistan | AFP |  A Pakistani court Monday banned public celebrations of Valentine’s Day in the capital Islamabad, the latest attempt by authorities to outlaw a holiday seen by many in the traditional Muslim society as vulgar and Western. The Islamabad high court issued the order after a petitioner …

Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warmly welcomed Donald Trump’s election as US president, will visit the White House Wednesday to test his supportive campaign pledges against emerging policy. Since taking office, Trump has edged away from unqualified backing for Netanyahu’s drive for more Jewish …

The most precious fruit in the world, mangoes are a whole lot more than just a delicious, refreshing treat produced by nature. As evidenced by copious scientific research, mangoes are also a powerful medicinal food, as they contain nutrients that can help clear up skin, promote eye health, stave off …