In focus at India’s upcoming Budget 2026 – a sweet dish, a red cloth ledger, and implementation
As India prepares to unveil its annual Budget on Sunday (Feb 1), industry leaders are calling for action on AI, semiconductor design and funding reforms.
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At least 170 killed in air strikes during Myanmar's widely criticised election, UN says
The UN said "credible sources" had counted more than 400 strikes in the same period.
Nipah airport screenings are for reassurance, not scientific step to stop spread, experts say
Public health experts said airport temperature screenings rarely worked to stop the spread of disease.
Iran prepared for 'fair' talks with US but not on defence capabilities, Araqchi says
ISTANBUL, Jan 30 - Iran is prepared for the resumption of talks with the United States, but they should be fair and not include Iran's defence capabilities, Iran's chief diplomat said on Friday, as regional powers work to prevent military conflict between the two foes.
Russia halts strikes on Kyiv until Sunday at Trump's request, Zelenskiy to reciprocate
KYIV, Jan 30 - Russia has agreed to a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to halt airstrikes on Kyiv until February 1 amid harsh winter temperatures, and Ukraine said it was ready to reciprocate as Washington pushes for a diplomatic solution to end the war.
In China’s richest province, not every city is in the fast lane
The differing fortunes Foshan and Shenzhen, both in Guangdong province, show the challenges of China's economic transition.
US war with Iran demands strategy, not just strength
We’ve entered a new age of international warfare where it has become apparent in advance how a conflict may unfold prior to the start of that war. For example, aircraft carriers move from one location to another; military bases throughout the world are being emptied; and
China to lift restrictions on UK lawmakers, PM Starmer says
SHANGHAI, Jan 30 - China is set to lift restrictions which it had imposed on a group of British lawmakers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday, meaning that they will now be free to travel to China.
WHO says Nipah virus risk low in India with no sign of spread
None of the over 190 contacts of the two people infected with the Nipah virus in India have tested positive for or developed symptoms of the virus, said an official with WHO's Health Emergencies Programme.
GRRM’s gold call: A 2024 forecast that held
Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. How GRRM anticipated gold’s breakoutAn analysis by David Goldman for GRRM in October 2024 argued gold was set for a structural repricing driven by dollar weaponization,
Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt to reopen on Sunday, Israel says
JERUSALEM, Jan 30 - Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing on Sunday for people to travel between Gaza and Egypt, the Israeli government agency that coordinates civilian policy in Gaza, COGAT, said on Friday.
Explainer-How does Iran's system of power work?
Jan 30 - The United States is considering new military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran over its deadly suppression of protests this month.
South Africa declares Israel's chargé d'affaires persona non grata
JOHANNESBURG, Jan 30 - South Africa has declared Israel's chargé d'affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata, its foreign affairs ministry said on Friday.
At least 170 civilians killed in Myanmar air strikes during election: UN
There were more than 400 military air strikes during nearly two months, said the UN.
At least 170 civilians killed in Myanmar airstrikes during election: UN
More than 400 airstrikes were conducted during the voting period between December 2025 and January 2026.
India arrests owner, manager after warehouse blaze kills 25
Rescuers are still combing through the debris for dozens more still feared missing.
Worried families in India urge return of crew on ship seized by Iran
Iran seized the oil tanker with 18 crew members, including 16 Indians, in December alleging it had illegal diesel.
Panama voids Hong Kong-based firm's canal port contracts
The move follows Donald Trump's previous claim the US was taking the crucial Panama canal "back" from China.
Visit by Britain’s PM Starmer shows drawbacks of ‘China pivot’ in countering Trump
It is unclear what tangible long-term benefits such overture will yield, experts say.
Visit by Britain's Starmer shows drawbacks of 'China pivot' in countering Trump
HONG KONG/BEIJING, Jan 30 - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China is the latest win Beijing can tout in its rivalry with Washington, but the deals he brings back to London also show the limits of the balancing act that middle powers may try to play.
Malaysia major-general charged with misappropriating US$1.27 million of Armed Forces Welfare Fund
Mohamed Fauzi Kamis is the third high-ranking military officer to be charged in just over a week, following the former armed forces chief and former army chief.
Malaysian court allows Rosmah Mansor temporary release of passport for trip to Singapore
She will return to Kuala Lumpur to attend an appeal hearing scheduled for Feb 25.
Malaysian influencer fined $12,800 for video of teens giving homeless man leftover chicken bones
Tang Sie Luk has since uploaded an apology video on his Instagram account.
Between justice and error: Why Taiwan remains divided over the death penalty
The island’s Constitutional Court ruled in 2024 that while the death penalty remains constitutional, it must be reserved only for the most serious crimes, among other conditions.
Philippine President Marcos rejects calls to declare Chinese envoy persona non grata, says palace
The Chinese Embassy criticised Philippine officials for speaking out against harassment of Philippine ships and fishermen.
Court ruling in Indonesia fuels competing claims for throne in Central Java’s Surakarta Palace
A court ruling allowing one claimant to legally adopt the royal title Pakubuwono XIV has intensified a bitter succession feud at Indonesia’s historic Surakarta Palace.
Did US ‘give back’ Greenland to Denmark, as Trump claims?
When Nazi Germany began its occupation of Denmark in April 1940, Greenland suddenly found itself cut off from its colonial power and thrust into the center of North Atlantic wartime strategy. The US temporarily took control of Greenland, establishing bases and defense
Syrian government, Kurdish forces announce integration deal
DAMASCUS, Jan 30 - The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led group the Syrian Democratic Forces said on Friday they had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire and a phased integration of military and administrative bodies into the Syrian state under a broad deal.
India’s top court weighs rules on stray dogs as bite cases surge
The country’s Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on petitions challenging its stray dog directives, as a debate intensifies over public safety risks and animal welfare.
Pakistan’s sharply shrinking economic sovereignty
Pakistan has stepped back from the edge of immediate default, yet it remains far from building an economy capable of generating durable power. On January 7, Islamabad signaled just how exposed its flagship geoeconomic strategy has become by announcing plans for a dedicated
Coupang CEO questioned in first police appearance over data breach
The appearance followed two earlier summonses that he declined after leaving South Korea.
‘Overpriced’ sanitary pads spark dialogue in S. Korea; groups call for manufacturing overhaul
In a Cabinet meeting on Jan 20, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung mentioned pad prices.
China renews call for citizens to avoid travel to Japan after robbery in Tokyo
The call comes after a group of two Chinese and three Japanese nationals were allegedly robbed.
Healthcare, visas and whisky: What did UK and China get from Starmer's visit?
Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China brought agreements on visas, services, healthcare, green tech and finance.
Investigators launch probe into S. Korean church over election allegations
The church founder is accused of forcing members to join the People Power Party to support it.
Zelenskiy says date or location of next round of US-brokered peace talks could change
KYIV, Jan 30 - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the date or location of the next round of U.S.-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia on how to end the war could change.
South Korea, Japan defence ministers agree to upgrade cooperation
The two countries have in recent months drawn closer in political ties under new leaders.
US war with Iran would be an expensive mistake
Reports of a growing US naval presence in the Gulf have prompted speculation that the US could be preparing for another Middle East war, this time with Iran. US President Donald Trump has warned of “serious consequences” if Iran does not comply with his demands to permanently
Sword of loyalty: decoding Xi Jinping’s perpetual military purge
The recent announcement by China’s Ministry of Defense regarding the investigation of General Zhang Youxia, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has sent ripples through the global geopolitical landscape. For over a decade, President Xi Jinping has wielded
Did Trump really give Nicki Minaj a US$1m ‘gold card’ visa?
“Gold Trump card free of charge,” the rapper wrote on social media.
Bank of Japan’s silence on US Fed threat should worry us all
TOKYO — Earlier this month, central bankers around the globe rushed to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s defense. The burst of monetary solidarity was in response to news on Jan. 11 that Powell was under critical investigation. Ostensibly, it’s related to alleged cost
Malaysia targets March launch for Johor-Singapore SEZ blueprint, masterplan
Malaysia is confident the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will deliver tangible outcomes for businesses, workers and communities in Malaysia and Singapore, said a statement from Malaysia's Economy Ministry.
Indonesia’s future capital Nusantara ‘not a ghost town’, expected to house 4,000 civil servants in 2026: VP Gibran
Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka said he has instructed his office to begin operating from the future capital, and facilities for his secretariat are nearing completion.
Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences
Caning is a common but controversial punishment for violating Islamic law in Aceh province.
China coast guard patrolled Japan-held islands almost daily last year as tensions flare
BEIJING, Jan 30 - China's coast guard patrolled Japan-administered islands in the East China Sea almost daily last year, it said on Friday, aiming to secure its sovereignty over the remote, rocky outpost and to deter Taiwan from taking steps toward independence.
China coast guard patrolled Japan-held islands almost daily in 2025 amid tensions
The patrols could add to tensions as China and Japan are embroiled in a diplomatic dispute.
Board of Peace could complement, not replace, UN Security Council
The Board of Peace, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, represents a novel—and contentious—experiment in international peacemaking that goes far beyond stabilizing and rebuilding Gaza. Its membership, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Hungary,
Power outage again disrupts Tokyo area train services
Stranded passengers had to alight on railway tracks between stations.
Myanmar election delivers victory for military-backed party amid civil war
Myanmar’s military government insists the polls were free and fair, and supported by the public.