WORLD
China prepares for Taiwan blockade, raising global alarm over possible conflict
China is increasingly prepared to blockade Taiwan, raising global fears of conflict, economic disruption, and testing US resolve under President Trump.
WORLD
US universities face mounting pressure under Trump’s second term
Universities in the US are scrambling to protect funding and influence amid President Trump’s aggressive push to reshape higher education through financial penalties, political pressure, and cultural reform.
WORLD
Regional tensions over the South China Sea impact sales of Baby Three doll in Vietnam
Vietnamese consumers boycott the Baby Three doll over claims that its design resembles China's disputed nine-dash line, leading to government investigations and plummeting sales.
WORLD
Travellers report detentions, questioning at US borders amid Trump immigration crackdown
Reports of increased detentions and electronic searches at US borders under President Trump’s immigration crackdown are prompting legal experts to urge travellers—especially noncitizens—to prepare and know their rights.
WORLD
China’s ageing pets create a booming market for funerals and elder care
As China’s first generation of pet owners face ageing cats and dogs, a booming market for pet funerals, elder care, and health services is rapidly emerging.
INDIA
Trump seeks public gratitude from allies as part of foreign policy approach
The US President is reshaping diplomacy by expecting public gratitude from allies, signalling a more transactional and personal approach to foreign policy.
WORLD
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric risks unravelling the global order
Donald Trump’s expansionist rhetoric and territorial ambitions are eroding the postwar international norm against conquest, threatening the foundations of the global rules-based order.
WORLD
Paris votes on bold plan to green 500 streets amid climate and mobility debate
Parisians has voted on a proposal to transform 500 streets into green pedestrian zones, testing public support for ambitious climate reforms that could disrupt daily life.
WORLD
US universities face mounting pressure under Trump’s second term
Universities in the US are scrambling to protect funding and influence amid President Trump’s aggressive push to reshape higher education through financial penalties, political pressure, and cultural reform.
WORLD
US signals shift in Taliban ties, may reopen Kabul embassy: Report
Direct engagement with the Taliban and the Haqqani network is essential for the Trump administration to counter ISIS-K (Islamic State – Khorasan Province), which is the biggest security threat to Afghanistan and US interests in the region.
WORLD
Trump rants about 'distorted' portrait of himself in Colorado, slams 'radical Left' governor: 'Take it down!'
Trump added that the same artist also did a portrait of President Obama, which "looks wonderful" but the current one of himself "is truly the worst".
WORLD
US removes $10 million bounty on Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani: Report
Previously, the US State Department had offered rewards of $10 million for Sirajuddin Haqqani, $5 million for Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and $5 million for Yahya Haqqani under the Rewards for Justice program.
WORLD
Trump slams Judge Boasberg over ‘conflict of interest’ after photo with Kamala Harris’ husband
"Such a conflict of interest!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, posting the image and reigniting accusations of bias against the judge, who has frequently ruled against his policies.
WORLD
‘I didn’t sign it’: Trump denies role in Alien Enemies Act order bearing his signature
“I don’t know when it was signed, because I didn’t sign it,” Trump said on the White House South Lawn before departing for his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club.
BUSINESS
Twitter’s iconic bird logo sold for nearly $35,000 at auction
RR Auction, known for selling rare collectibles, confirmed the sale of the 254 kg sign measuring 12 feet by 9 feet, but did not disclose the buyer's identity.
WORLD
Elon Musk threatens Pentagon leakers over report on US-China war briefing
Elon Musk has threatened Pentagon leakers after a report claimed he was to be briefed on potential US war plans with China—an allegation both President Trump and Musk denied.
WORLD
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick under fire for promoting Tesla stock on Fox News
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is under fire for urging Americans to buy Tesla stock on Fox News, raising concerns over ethics violations and favouritism toward Elon Musk’s company.
WORLD
House Republicans push court reform bills amid Trump-aligned backlash to federal rulings
House Republicans, lacking votes for judicial impeachments, are advancing legislation like the “No Rogue Rulings Act” to limit federal judges’ power amid mounting MAGA pressure over rulings against President Trump.
WORLD
Elon Musk meets with Pentagon to discuss China threat and federal cuts
Elon Musk met with Pentagon officials to discuss China and federal downsizing, raising concerns over conflicts of interest due to his deep ties with both the Trump administration and Chinese markets
WORLD
White House faces backlash after Social Security numbers exposed in JFK assassination files
The Trump administration is facing backlash after unredacted Social Security numbers were exposed in newly released JFK assassination files, prompting emergency mitigation efforts and legal concerns.
WORLD
Turkish markets plunge as protests erupt over arrest of Erdoğan rival Ekrem İmamoğlu
Turkish markets have plunged and protests erupted nationwide after the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu, deepening political and economic turmoil under President Erdoğan’s rule.
WORLD
Carlyle’s $945 mn deal for Energean’s oil and gas assets collapses over regulatory hurdles
Carlyle’s $945 million deal to acquire Energean’s Mediterranean oil and gas assets has collapsed after failing to secure regulatory approvals in Italy and Egypt.
WORLD
European powers draft plan to take over more NATO defence duties amid Trump uncertainty
European powers are preparing a proposal to gradually take over more NATO defence responsibilities from the US, aiming to reassure the Trump administration and prevent a sudden American withdrawal.
WORLD
China’s shrinking tax revenue poses challenge to economy and response to US tariffs
China’s falling tax revenue is constraining its ability to manage economic challenges and respond to Trump’s tariffs, as deflation, weak consumption, and a collapsing property market widen the country’s fiscal deficit
