China steps up air and sea incursions near Taiwan

China has increased incursions by its aircraft and warships in the Taiwan Strait with 59 sorties reported from Monday evening to Tuesday morning, as it repeated warnings against any “external interference” on the “Taiwan question.”

Musk, Tesla and the EU: Plutocracy is roiling European politics

In recent years, the growing influence of tech moguls like Elon Musk has become a defining force in global politics and economics, particularly in Europe. Elon Reeve Musk, a businessman renowned for his leadership roles in Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter (now X), has expanded his influence beyond the tech industry.

India remains a high-growth real estate market in Asia Pacific region: Colliers report

Within the Asia Pacific region, India continued to exhibit strong momentum with the second half of 2024 witnessing a robust jump in real estate investments.

China says military exercises near Taiwan punishment for ’separatism’

Chinese military exercises near Taiwan on Monday were punishment for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s continued promotion of ’’separatism’’, according to a stern statement out of Beijing, as Taiwan hit back by calling China a troublemaker.

Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

President Vladimir Putin has rejected an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following a call with US President Donald Trump.

Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on Earth

After nine months in space, Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally arrived back on Earth.

Thai officials set to visit China to check on Uyghur deportees

A delegation from the Thai government will visit China this week to check on the welfare of dozens of Uyghur refugees, after their controversial deportation drew global condemnation and US travel sanctions on local officials.

China’s defense spending soars: A signal of global ambition or structural constraints?

Beijing’s recent 7.2% increase in its defense budget, outpacing GDP growth, continues a long-standing trend in China’s strategic trajectory. While official narratives frame this expansion as vital for national security and technological modernization, the scale and scope of this spending suggest a broader ambition: building a military capable of projecting power beyond its traditional spheres of influence.

China's first 1-tonne payload cargo drone completes maiden flight

A large unmanned cargo aircraft, independently developed by Yitong UAV System Co, completed its maiden flight on Saturday at Laixi Dianbu Airport in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province, with a payload capacity exceeding one ton, marking another significant breakthrough for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment, Science and Technology Daily reported on Monday.

How China’s AI roadmap drives industrial growth and global innovation

In the newly released 2025 Government Work Report of China, expected development planning in the AI field was announced. “The country will establish a mechanism to increase funding for industries of the future and foster industries such as biomanufacturing, quantum technology, embodied artificial intelligence, and 6G technology.”

US imposes visa restrictions on officials involved in ’forced return’ of Uyghurs to China

The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign government officials involved in the forced return of Uyghurs and other vulnerable ethnic or religious groups to China.

’Frequent References’ to J-K Will Not Validate Pak’s Claim on Territory: India at UN

India has slammed Pakistan for its “unjustified” reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the UN General Assembly, with New Delhi asserting that such remarks will neither validate the country’s claim nor justify its practice of cross-border terrorism.

Chinese professor returns to Japan after going missing in China

A Chinese professor of Kobe Gakuin University in Hyogo Prefecture returned to Japan in January after going missing during his temporary stay in China, university officials said Friday.

Death toll from North Macedonia nightclub fire rises to 59

At least 59 people have been killed and more than 155 injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia, officials say.

Trump administration mulling new travel restrictions on citizens from dozens of countries

The Trump administration is considering issuing travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.

At least 31 dead as tornadoes tear through southern US

At least 31 people have died in the US - including 12 in Missouri alone - after deadly tornadoes tore through several south-eastern states, flipping cars and flattening homes. In Kansas, at least eight people died after more than 55 vehicles were involved in a crash due to a dust storm.

Rail Revolution: Kapurthala’s Vande Bharat Coaches to Hit the Tracks Soon

In a bold stride towards modernizing India’s railway fleet, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala has commenced production of the highly anticipated Vande Bharat coaches. This initiative marks a pivotal enhancement in the nation’s semi-high-speed train network, aiming to boost passenger comfort, elevate travel speeds, and reinforce safety standards.

EU Parliament condemns Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China

The European Parliament has issued a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting 40 Uyghurs back to China, stating that the action violated international law, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA).

China leads global rankings in high-quality research papers, according to latest Nature Index

The latest Nature Index rankings (covering the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024) were recently released by the internationally renowned academic publisher Nature.

US approves bills to prevent purchase of China-made batteries

The US House of Representatives approved two bills related to China, both of which prevent the Department of Homeland Security from buying batteries produced by Chinese companies and establish a working group within the department to track and address threats from China, as reported by Voice of America (VOA).

Armenia seeks BRICS observer status, eyes expanding cooperation with India

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has expressed Armenia’s interest in obtaining observer status in the BRICS group, TV BRICS reported.

Pakistan army says 300 hostages freed from train

Pakistan’s army says it has freed more than 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday.

Catholics mark Pope’s 12th anniversary with prayers for his recovery

Catholics around the world are marking the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’s election as pontiff by praying for his recovery.

Woman and her infant among 3 shot dead for ‘honour’ in Mardan

A woman and her infant son were among three shot dead for so-called ‘honour’ in the early hours of Monday in the Rustam area of Mardan, officials said.

Canada’s PM-designate plans to strengthen ties with India

Canada’s Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney said that Canada looked forward to strengthen India-Canada ties.

UK concerned by Chinese activity in South China Sea, says foreign minister

Britain is concerned by China’s ’’dangerous and destabilising’’ activity in the South China Sea, British foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday.

Ukraine ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia

Ukraine has said it is ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia proposed by the US, after a day of US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia.

More than 100 passengers rescued from Pakistan train attack

Armed militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan region have attacked a train carrying more than 400 passengers and taken a number of them hostage, military sources told the BBC on Tuesday.

China’s Panama Strategy: A Threat to Global Trade and Security

China’s global ambitions are expanding well beyond its borders, aiming to control crucial trade routes and assert military dominance on a global scale. The so-called ’’Panama Strategy’’ is a manifestation of China’s larger goal: to reshape the world order in its favor by leveraging strategic waterways and infrastructure investments.

PM Modi’s Mauritius visit sparks excitement among Indian diaspora

Indian diaspora members in Mauritius are eagerly preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the Holi festival and the country’s National Day celebrations.