Winter woes of people of Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continues to suffer from severe load-shedding making it difficult for the local populace to lead a normal life. With high electricity bills having become the norm, people are faced with a double whammy.

Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples

The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis had allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, his most definitive step yet to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics and more reflective of his vision of a more pastoral, and less rigid, church.

Biden safe after car collides with motorcade

President Joe Biden was safe on Sunday night after a car collided with a motorcade SUV that was part of the president’s security detail, a Reuters witness said.

US-China science pact renewal ’not a given’ -US envoy

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns said on Friday he had started talks with Beijing on renewing a landmark scientific cooperation agreement, and while the deal needed to be modernized, prospects for a new one were uncertain.

Quad to ’detect and deter’ cyber-attacks to keep Indo-Pacific resilient

The Quad members--India, Australia, Japan and the United States--discussed the importance of enhanced cooperation in the field of cybersecurity while reaffirming an Indo-Pacific that is resilient and equipped against cyberattacks.

Sri Lanka’s lotus tower: A towering marvel or looming white elephant?

Sri Lanka’s Lotus Tower, an architectural marvel that graces the skyline of Colombo, has become a focal point for both admiration and concern since its grand opening in September 2022.

Cairns in Australia experiencing ‘life-threatening’ flash-flooding

Cairns in Australia is experiencing “life-threatening” flash-flooding due to ex-cyclone Jasper, with dramatic images showing Cairns Airport under water.

More than 60 feared dead off Libya in latest migrant tragedy

At least 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off Libya’s coast, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said yesterday, in the latest such tragedy off North Africa.

Perry death an accident caused by ketamine - coroner

Actor Matthew Perry’s death was an accident caused by the ’’acute effects of ketamine’’, medical officials in Los Angeles have confirmed.

India, US reaffirm commitment to combat illicit finance risks in global financial system

India and the United States have reiterated their commitment to jointly work to address illicit finance risk in the international financial system.

Philippines ’wargaming’ Chinese hostilities as sea standoffs intensify

The Philippines is contingency planning for an escalation of hostilities in the South China Sea, according to a senior military official, including a scenario where crew repel Chinese forces attempting to board Philippine vessels.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher died of lung cancer

Two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Andre Braugher died of lung cancer after being diagnosed with the disease several months ago, his publicist has confirmed to the BBC.

Chinese forces approached close to Taiwan coast to ’intimidate’ voters before key elections - sources

Taiwan’s military drove away four attempts by Chinese forces to approach the island’s sensitive contiguous zone last month, Taiwan security officials said, in what they see as a ramped-up Chinese campaign to ’’intimidate’’ voters before key elections.

Woman once branded ‘Australia’s worst female serial killer’ acquitted

The woman once branded ‘Australia’s worst female serial killer’ will seek a record compensation payout after she was acquitted of killing her four children following a 24-year fight for justice.

’’India plays leading role in AI’’: French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on India hosting GPAI Summit

The French Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday stressed that India plays a leading role in AI by hosting the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GP AI ) Summit.

India’s economy follows China to reach rapid take off

India has been the world’s fastest-growing major economy in the last two years and is forecast to retain the top spot in 2024 as the urbanisation and industrialisation process reaches the rapid take-off phase.

Explainer: Why China, the Philippines keep fighting over tiny shoal

The Philippines on Monday described the actions of Chinese vessels against its boats carrying out South China Sea resupply missions over the weekend as a ’’serious escalation’’.

Dozens killed in Islamist militant attack on northwest Pakistan army base

The bomb and gun attack occurred in the district of Dera Ismail Khan on the edge of the lawless tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, the two security officials told Reuters.

Australia plans to halve migrant intake, tighten student visa rules

Australia on Monday said it would tighten visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers that could halve its migrant intake over the next two years as the government looks to overhaul what it said was a ’’broken’’ migration system.

Apple moves production AWAY from China: A quarter of new iPhones to be manufactured in India

One in four iPhones could soon be manufactured in India as Apple joins a growing list of companies seeking to reduce their reliance on China.

Health crisis as immunisation comes to a halt in G-B

The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government is under fire for its perceived apathy towards looming health threats in the region, leading to a critical halt in the immunisation programme in the vulnerable Diamer district.

Taiwan reports rare nighttime Chinese military activity nearby

Taiwan reported rare nighttime Chinese military activity around the island on Thursday, including aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues such missions ahead of Taiwan’s January election.

PM Modi’s ’Wed in India’ call aims to redirect Rs 1 lakh crore spent on overseas weddings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for ’’Wed in India’’ has set the stage for a potential influx of Rs 1 lakh crore back to the country, redirecting expenditures incurred on destination weddings abroad.

Baseball star joins LA Dodgers in record $700m deal

Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in the biggest deal in the sport’s history.

Sri Lanka and India eye a gems and jewellery alliance

While the global economy grapples with uncertainties, Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence. This unexpected surge in exports has sparked a renewed focus on both bolstering the industry and addressing the challenges that continue to impede its full potential. Could India, a global leader in the gems and jewellery sector, be the key to unlocking Sri Lanka’s true brilliance?

How ’The Mango Tree’ became Colombo’s North Indian cuisine maestro

In the heart of Colombo, a city whose very name echoes the vibrant hues of mango leaves, there stands a mango tree that goes beyond being a mere symbol of foliage. ’The Mango Tree,’ an establishment founded in 2004, has evolved into a culinary landmark, offering authentic, affordable, and irresistible North Indian cuisine that has captivated the taste buds of Sri Lankans.

Japan adds Chinese nuclear weapons lab and others to WMD concern list

Japan revised on Wednesday its End User List, which provides exporters with information on foreign entities possibly involved in activities such as the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

4 Indian women, including Finance Minister Sitharaman, rank in Forbes’ top influential list

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been ranked 32nd in Forbes’ list of the world’s most influential women, alongside notable women such as US Vice President Kamala Harris and musician Taylor Swift.

BBC News presenter apologizes after flipping the middle finger live on air

A BBC News presenter has apologized after flipping the middle finger live on air on Wednesday. Maryam Moshiri, the chief presenter at the British network, said she was ’’joking around a bit with the team’’ when she stuck up her middle finger just as the broadcast went to air.

Italy pulls out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

BBC: Italy will pull out of China’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the government has confirmed. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration notified Beijing that it would cease participating in the BRI ahead of a deadline a