BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that facts have fully proved that strengthened cooperation between China and Britain not only serves the fundamental interests of both sides, but also contributes to world peace and prosperity. Li made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the “Icebreakers” 2024 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Britain’s 48 Group Club. For a …

LONDON: Britain’s King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has started receiving treatment, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. The diagnosis came shortly after the 75-year-old monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate. “His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement. It was during this intervention that the separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as …

PHNOM PENH: The value of imports and exports passing through the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ) in Cambodia reached 3.36 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 34.8 percent, the zone operator said in a recent statement. Jointly ventured by Chinese and Cambodian investors, the SSEZ is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “The …

TOKYO: The support rate for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet fell 2.8 percentage points to 24.5 percent, marking its second-lowest rating, amid a high-profile political funds scandal engulfing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a Kyodo News survey showed Sunday. A total of 84.9 percent of the respondents said LDP lawmakers who failed to report income from fundraising parties …

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide in Beijing on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Norway, and the relationship between …

PARIS: Global gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to ease to 2.9 percent in 2024 from 3.1 percent in 2023, before recovering to 3.0 percent in 2025 as financial conditions ease, according to the outlook released Monday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Annual GDP growth in the United States would moderate to 2.1 percent in …

BEIJING: As the eight-day Spring Festival holiday draws closer, global tourist destinations are keen to attract Chinese holidaymakers, with high hopes for a tourism boom. In a video message last week, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists, as they had been the largest source of inbound tourism for the country. The prime minister expressed …

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolences to Namibia’s newly sworn-in President Nangolo Mbumba over the death of former Namibian President Hage Geingob. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi extended profound condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to the Namibian government and people, as well as Geingob’s family. …

As the world recovered from the aftershock of the Covid-19 pandemic, another silent epidemic is slowly gripping it, especially he younger population of India. High blood pressure, or hypertension has emerged as the new challenge. Once thought to be an affliction of the elderly, hypertension is now making its presence felt among the youth, raising a barrage of questions about …

Pakistan is observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on Monday to reaffirm the nation’s unwavering support to the relentless struggle of the Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under United Nations (UN) resolutions. The people and the government of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir observe Solidarity Day every year not only to renew their love and affection with the …

At least 10 policemen were martyred and six others sustained injuries as terrorists attacked Chaudhvan police station Dera Ismail Khan. As per details, the terrorists carried out the attack at midnight on Monday which continued for more than two hours and 10 cops were martyred as a result. According to police officials, the six injured personnel have been shifted to …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday asked Pakistan to hike the gas tariff. According to sources, the IMF demanded Pakistan to increase gas prices till mid-February, the hike in gas prices could go up to 41 percent. Sources said that the IMF refused to provide subsidies on the power tariff except for the subsidies given in the budget. Sources …

Singing sensation Atif Aslam is making a much-anticipated comeback to Bollywood after a seven-year hiatus. He has lent his vocals to a romantic melody for the upcoming film ‘Love Story of 90s’, directed by Amit Kasaria and starring Adhyayan Suman and Divita Rai. Aslam, known for his soulful renditions of hits like ‘Dil Diyan Gallan’ and ‘Main Rang Sharbaton Ka’, …

In a dazzling spectacle of love and camaraderie, Pakistani woman cricketer Javeria Khan exchanged vows in a grand wedding ceremony held in the heart of Karachi. The star-studded event, attended by fellow cricketers, close relatives, and friends, has set social media abuzz with enchanting glimpses of the joyous occasion. Javeria, the blushing bride, stole the spotlight in an ethereal off-white …

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to witness the election of its new chairman during a special meeting of the PCB Governing Board scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 PM. The key huddle will be hosted at the prestigious National Cricket Academy, serving as the backdrop for what promises to be a significant moment in Pakistani cricket administration. The responsibility …

A new examination and screening system can now accurately identify the presence of pork byproducts in processed meat products. The technology guarantees rapid and precise results, providing outcomes within a day and facilitating up to 100 tests per hour. The Dubai Central Laboratory has incorporated an innovative laboratory test that employs heightened concentrations of DNA or genetic material extracted from …

Pakistan goes to the polls on Thursday following a lacklustre election campaign overshadowed by court battles and accusations by rights groups that the vote is not being held on a level playing field. Here is a look at the main players: Nawaz Sharif Dubbed the “Lion of Punjab”, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is expected to win enough seats to …

Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Murtaza Solangi inaugurated on Monday the cutting-edge Media Compliance application designed to streamline the reporting process for journalists and media personnel. The inauguration ceremony marked a significant milestone in ensuring a transparent and accountable electoral process. The Media Compliance application provides a user-friendly platform that enables journalists to file complaints seamlessly through various devices, including …

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa accused on Monday the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating a conspiracy in tandem with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to manipulate the upcoming elections. Speaking to media persons in Lahore, Khosa claimed that he, as the NA-122 constituency candidate, has been confronted with irregularities orchestrated by PML-N’s election staff. Khosa asserted that …

In a significant move aimed at providing relief to the public, the government of Gilgit-Baltistan decided to suspend the enforcement of all fees and taxes introduced through the Finance Act 2023 in select departments. This decision, announced by the Chief Minister’s office in a notification, will particularly affect the construction and fisheries sectors, with exemptions granted to the education and …

Tomorrow, February 6, marks the final curtain call for candidates across Pakistan as the 2024 election campaign officially concludes at midnight. With the clock ticking down, candidates are making last-ditch efforts to sway voters across the country in their favour. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declared the period following February 6 and 7 as a pre-poll silence period, …

The very important visit of Chinese vice foreign minister Sun Weidong to Pakistan have further strengthened and pushed forward the trustworthy bilateral relationship between two neighboring and brotherly countries. The in-depth and candid engagements and discussions of Chinese vice FM in his Pakistan’s visit have opened up new chapters of bilateral relationship and the expansion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor …

NANJING: Using spectral imaging data of China’s first solar exploration satellite, Xihe, a group of Chinese physicists constructed three-dimensional velocity diagrams of two kinds of plasmas in the sun’s atmosphere. The dark bands suspended in the corona are much colder and more dense than the surrounding matter, thus showing long dark bars against a bright background. When appearing in the …

SCANDICCI, Italy: China’s volleyball star spiker Zhu Ting scored seven points as Scandicci defeated bottom-ranked Trentino 3-0 in Italian Serie A1 volleyball league on Sunday. “Zhu Ting is the strongest player in the world, she is playing good, I know she can make a difference in important matches,” Scandicci’s head coach Massimo Barbolini said after the 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 victory. …

GUIYANG: Around 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 3, as the whistle blew, a football match in Rongjiang County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, kicked off as part of this year’s Village Super League as well as to mark the upcoming Spring Festival. The football match was between Macao Workers’ Union Football Team and the Guizhou Village Super League Football Team. Passing, fighting, …

NEW YORK: Hundreds of American parents and kids enjoyed a rare glimpse of China’s intangible cultural heritage traditional woodblock printing at the Year of the Dragon celebrations staged by The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Saturday. Artisans from Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center showcased the intricate artistic process, offering visitors a close encounter with one of the most vibrant traditions of …

BEIJING: China’s development is open, and the country welcomes talents from all over the world, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Sunday. Li made the remarks when meeting with the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners and the representatives of foreign experts that work in China ahead of China’s Lunar New Year. Li extended New Year wishes and …

GUIYANG: At the ancient resort town of Shexiang in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, 500 drones with twinkling lights soared into the sky, forming patterns resembling a dragon, a phoenix and a lotus successively, as curious tourists pulled out cell phones to capture the incredible spectacle. The drone fleets were hired by the local tourism company in charge of the resort …

BEIJING: The 2024 Spring Festival is just around the corner, and people across China are embracing the festive atmosphere in the run-up to the most important occasion of family reunions. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited residents in Tianjin, including villagers affected by …

BEIJING: The municipal government of Beijing is planning the establishment of a dedicated “Rocket Street” as a research and production hub for the advancement of commercial aerospace. It is part of the capital city’s ongoing endeavors to foster innovation in the industry. Jiang Guangzhi, director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, said the city had laid out …

BEIJING: The economy on the Chinese mainland will provide a broader stage for businesspeople and enterprises from Taiwan to grow on the mainland, said a senior official. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks on Thursday when meeting …

HEFEI: As the Chinese New Year approaches, a small island in the northwest suburb of Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, is buzzing not because of the fireworks, but because of the operation of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the “Chinese artificial sun.” Before the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10, over 100 …

BEIJING: Since the introduction of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture in October 2023, “culture” has become a buzzword throughout China. In January, a key policy meeting on public communication hailed Xi’s cultural thought, stating that it “provides solid ideological guarantees, powerful inspiration, and favorable cultural conditions to make China a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts.” …

Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko on Sunday set a world record for total time spent in space, surpassing his compatriot Gennady Padalka who logged more than 878 days in orbit, Russia’s space corporation said. At 0830 GMT Kononenko broke the record, Roscosmos said. Kononenko is expected to reach a total of 1,000 days in space on June 5 and by late …

The United States and Britain launched strikes against 36 Houthi targets in Yemen, in the second day of major U.S. operations against Iran-linked groups following a deadly attack on American troops last weekend. The strikes late on Saturday hit buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers and other capabilities the Houthis have used to attack Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon …

It is well known that cuddling with fluffy dogs and kittens makes people feel better, but can consuming fluffy fruit have the same effect? Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand have found that kiwifruit is a powerful mood booster. The research was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, reported Earth. The research team, led by Professor …

Cricket enthusiasts can mark their calendars as the eagerly anticipated 9th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) gears up for ticket sales starting 6th February 2024. How to buy tickets for PSL 9. The process of obtaining passes has been streamlined, allowing fans to conveniently pre-book online through pcb.tcs.com.pk from 1700 PKT onwards. In a departure from the norm, …

India eased past Pakistan 4-0 in their World Group I play-off tie Sunday, as they proved superior in both doubles and singles on Islamabad’s grass courts. A dominant India never looked back after winning both singles matches on Saturday, taking their overall record in the Davis Cup against Pakistan to 8-0. The Indian pair of Saketh Myneni and Yuki Bhambri …

Several main arteries in Karachi flooded after heavy rains triggered traffic jams leaving many parts of the metropolis without power as the country’s largest city has been facing urban flooding each year. Every year people die from drowning and electrocution. Heavy rainfall left many parts of the city submerged with rain water including the Shahrah-e-Faisal road, Old City area, Drigh …

HEFEI: China is projected to launch two test satellites into a lunar orbit to establish a communication between the moon and the Earth. The twin satellites, weighing 61 kg and 15 kg respectively, will fly in formation in the orbit around the moon to validate new technologies, including navigation calibrations and high-reliability signal transmissions, according to a news release of …