News in Brief(2023-07-25)

Russia to host an Africa summit
NAIROBI, July 24: As Russia seeks more allies during its invasion of Ukraine, longtime U.S. security partner Kenya might not be an obvious choice. But hours after Russia terminated a deal to keep grain flowing from Ukraine, Moscow's ambassador saw an opening to appeal to one of the African countries that would feel the effects the most. In an opinion piece for two of Kenya's largest newspapers, Ambassador Dmitry Maksimychev blamed the United States and European Union for the deal's collapse, asserting they had "used every trick" to keep Russian grain and fertilizer from the global markets. — AP
15 perish in Indonesia boat capsize
JAKARTA, July 24: An overloaded passenger boat capsized off Indonesia's Sulawesi island, killing 15 people, rescuers said Monday. Authorities said that the 33 other passengers survived. The vessel was traveling from Lanto village in Buton Central regency in Southeast Sulawesi province to nearby Lagili village when it capsized just after midnight on Monday, local search and rescue agency head Muhammad Arafah said. The wooden boat was designed to carry 20 people. — AP
Australia to buy Hercules aircraft
CANBERRA, July 24: Australia said Monday it will buy 20 new C-130 Hercules from the United States in a 9.8 billion Australian dollar ($6.6 billion) deal that will increase by two-thirds the size of the Australian air force's fleet of its second-largest heavy transport aircraft. The announcement follows the U.S. Congress' approval last year of a larger sale of 24 of the Lockheed Martin-manufactured propellor-driven aircraft. — AP
9 die as plane crashes in Sudan airport
DAMASCUS, July 24: Nine were killed, including four military personnel, after a civilian plane crashed in Port Sudan airport due to a technical failure, the Sudanese army said on Sunday. The army added in a statement that a female child survived the crash. The Antonov plane malfunctioned as it was taking off before crashing, it added. — Reuters
Fuel truck explosion kills 8 in Nigeria
ABUJA, July 24: At least eight people were killed when a fuel truck exploded in southwestern Nigeria as residents were trying to siphon petrol out of it, police said on Monday. The truck was involved in an accident on Sunday night in a neighbourhood of Ondo state which caused it to veer off the road and topple on its side, the police said. "Some people went there to scoop fuel, in the process the tanker exploded," said Ondo state police spokesman Fumilayo Odunlami-Omisanya. — Reuters
Taiwan holds annual evacuation drill
TAIPEI, July 24: Cities across northern Taiwan ordered cars off roads and people to stay indoors on Monday for an annual air-raid exercise as the island steps up preparations in the event of a Chinese attack amid rising military threats from Beijing. Sirens sounded at 1:30 pm for the mandatory street evacuation drills, which effectively shut towns and cities including its capital Taipei for 30 minutes. An "air raid alert", asking people to evacuate to safety immediately, was sent via text message. — Reuters
Criminal charges: NZ's minister quits
WELLINGTON, July 24: New Zealand's justice minister resigned Monday after police filed charges against her and said she was over the legal alcohol limit when she crashed into a parked car. The incident involving Kiri Allan was the latest in a series of missteps and scandals involving government ministers less than three months out from national elections. — AP