China kicks off second day of military drills around Taiwan

China has begun a second day of military drills around Taiwan in the latest escalation of tensions over the self-governing island.

Nepal to scrap ’failed’ Mount Everest waste deposit scheme

A scheme to encourage climbers to bring their waste down from Mount Everest is being scrapped - with Nepalese authorities telling the BBC it has been a failure.

Beyoncé declared a billionaire by Forbes

Beyoncé has been declared a billionaire by Forbes, making her the fifth musician to join its list of the world’s wealthiest people.

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia dies aged 80

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80 after suffering from prolonged illness.

How are China’s open-source AI models democratising AI globally?

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a counter-intuitive trend is taking root. Martin Casado, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), recently estimated that 80 per cent of open-source artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups in the firm’s portfolio are now building upon Chinese models. This represents a structural shift in the global AI economy.

Pakistani sports bodies engulfed in corruption and mismanagement

Pakistan’s sports sector remains in the doldrums due to entrenched corruption, chronic mismanagement, and sustained political interference. From cricket to hockey to kickboxing, various sports bodies in Pakistan have been blamed for alleged corruption, administrative failures, and the exploitation of athletes, according to the reports.

Data centre surge reaches India as American tech giants invest billions

Mr Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, was striding across a stage in New Delhi, extolling his company’s US$17.5 billion (S$22 billion) investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and the benefits it would bring to his native country’s 1.4 billion people.

700 kmph in 2 seconds: China sets world record with high-speed maglev train

Chinese scientists have achieved a milestone in magnetic levitation technology. Researchers at China’s National University of Defence Technology successfully propelled a one-tonne vehicle to 700 kilometers per hour in just two seconds on a 400-meter test track, setting a new world record for superconducting electric maglev systems.

Mexico train crash kills 13 and injures almost 100

At least 13 people died and almost 100 were injured after a train derailed in Mexico’s south-western Oaxaca region, the Mexican navy said.

Root says 'silly' to change England management after Ashes loss

Veteran England batsman Joe Root has said it would be ’’silly’’ to change England’s management team after losing the Ashes, with players ’’absolutely committed’’ to the current set-up.

India-New Zealand FTA means more jobs, incomes, trade: PM Christopher Luxon

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the Free Trade Agreement with India as a landmark deal, noting that it means more jobs, higher incomes and more exports from Indian markets.

French cinema actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionised 1950s French cinema and became a symbol of sexual liberation, has died aged 91.

Former England cricket boss Morris dies aged 62

Glamorgan announced the death of Hugh Morris, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), at the age of 62 on Sunday.

War-torn Myanmar voting in widely criticised ’sham’ election

Myanmar is voting in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, many of their leaders jailed and as much as half the country not expected to vote because of an ongoing civil war.

India delivers ambulances to Afghanistan as health care cooperation grows

India has delivered a consignment of ambulances to Afghanistan, fulfilling an earlier commitment made during high-level talks in New Delhi.

Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire begins after weeks of deadly clashes

A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has come into effect along the border, where almost three weeks of deadly clashes have forced nearly one million people from their homes.

Japan Cabinet approves record defense budget to deter China

The Japanese Cabinet on Friday approved a record budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

China’s industrial profits tumble at fastest pace in over a year

Profits at China’s industrial firms in November fell at their fastest pace in over a year, as weak domestic demand offset resilience in exports in another sign of a stuttering economic recovery that backs calls for additional policy stimulus.

Delhi’s air quality edges closer to ’severe’ again as smog engulfs capital

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR edged closer to the ’severe’ category once again and was hovering around the 391-mark on Sunday morning, with a thin layer of smog engulfing parts of the national capital, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Dhaka Capitals coach dies after collapsing ahead of BPL game

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki died after collapsing suddenly at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium during a Bangladesh Premier League match on Saturday.

At least 15 dead, 19 injured in Guatemala bus accident

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, authorities said on Saturday.

Four hikers found dead after avalanche in central Greece

Four hikers who went missing on Christmas Day have been found dead after being buried by an avalanche in the snow-covered Vardousia Mountains in central Greece.

Zelensky plans to meet Trump on Sunday for talks on ending Russian war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will meet his US counterpart Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, as talks continue on ending Russia’s full-scale war.

Pakistan’s textile industry reels under rising costs and supply chain disruptions

Pakistan’s textile industry, long regarded as the backbone of the national economy, is confronting what many industry leaders describe as the most severe crisis in its history.

Former Malaysia PM Najib Razak found guilty in state funds scandal

A Malaysia court has convicted former prime minister Najib Razak for abuse of power and money laundering, in his second major trial for a multi-billion-dollar state funds scandal.

Pope Leo urges ’courage’ to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address

Pope Leo has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the ’’courage’’ to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peter’s square.

US launches strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria

The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria’s government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.

End China’s illegal fishing

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday lashed out at Chinese fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in Korea’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Sea, calling the practice “really bad” and warranting harsher action by the Korea Coast Guard.

Three new airlines cleared to enter Indian market after IndiGo disruption

Air travellers are set to get more choice in the domestic aviation market, with three new airlines preparing to take to Indian skies in the near future.

China’s CNOOC makes second big oil find in Bohai Sea

China’s oil major CNOOC Limited said on Wednesday (Dec 24) it has discovered an oilfield with proved in-place volumes exceeding 100 million tons of oil equivalent in its second big find in the central Bohai Sea.