Cult Dubai’s InClassica International Music Festival returns with composer Alexey Shor at centre stage
No Comment Children perform Kabuki theatre at western Japan festival The children said they practiced every day during their spring break from school and many visitors to the event applauded their compelling performance. 16/04/2025
Nature Awestruck 17th-century sailors help scientists solve an ocean mystery Scientists are one step closer to understanding bioluminescent seas thanks to a new database spanning centuries. 16/04/2025
Economy China’s first-quarter economic growth beats estimates as tariffs loom China’s economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter, surpassing analysts’ expectations. Other key economic data has also topped estimates, suggesting the stimulus measures have been effective in bolstering the world’s second-largest economy. However, its economic outlook remains uncertain. 16/04/2025
Iran Iranian supreme leader not 'overly optimistic' about US talks Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged officials “not to tie the country’s affairs” to the talks, which are set to resume for a second round on Saturday. 16/04/2025
World News Cooperation between China, North Korea and Russia threatens Pacific According to the South Korean military, North Korea has also deployed thousands of troops to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. 16/04/2025
Iran Iran and Armenia simulate border threats in joint military drills The two-day joint military drills involved elite forces and heavy weaponry, as well as sniper units. 15/04/2025
Changemakers of Uzbekistan Meet Uzbekistan’s chess prodigy In partnership with Agency of Information and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan In this new episode of Changemakers of Uzbekistan, we follow Nodirbek Abdusattorov, a chess grandmaster who balances a demanding competitive career with university studies while aiming for new milestones. 15/04/2025
Iran Confusion about US-Iran nuclear talks venue as Tehran points to Oman Iran's foreign ministry now insists negotiations will take place again in Oman, contradicting earlier reports from Italy, the Netherlands and Iraq. 15/04/2025
Singapore Singapore dissolves parliament, paving the way for 3 May election The ruling People's Action Party has been criticised for tight government control and a government-knows-best stance, media censorship and the use of oppressive laws against dissidents. 15/04/2025
Business South Korea to boost chip industry support in face of Trump's tariffs South Korea said on Tuesday it will expand its financial support package for its crucial semiconductor industry to 33 trillion won (about €22.43 million) as part of efforts to address uncertainties posed by the Trump administration’s tariff hikes. 15/04/2025
Economy Xi makes a case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia China is seeking to position itself as a pillar of stability as US President Donald Trump continues to spook investors with tariff plans. 15/04/2025
Israel Netanyahu's son lashes out at Macron over Palestine recognition plans Yair Netanyahu hit out at the French president on X as he responded to his remarks about a two-state solution. 15/04/2025
Gaza Hamas delegation heads to Qatar for ceasefire talks with Israel The militant group's delegation is reportedly reviewing an Israeli proposal, but says they are against a clause calling for their disarmament. 15/04/2025
Yemen At least seven killed in suspected US airstrikes on Yemen The new US campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. 15/04/2025
Energy Frontiers Baku hosts talks on gas corridors, green energy and EU partnerships In partnership with Azpromo In this special edition of Energy Frontiers, we’re in Baku for exclusive insights into Azerbaijan’s evolving role in energy security, renewables, and its growing partnerships with Europe and beyond. 14/04/2025
No Comment Kashmir village lights torches in 700-year-old festival Each torch lit is a gesture of faith and connects generations, bringing people together in hope. 14/04/2025
No Comment Thai Buddhist splashed with water as new year festival starts Locals, tourists and others visited the Wat Arun temple in the capital Bangkok to pour water on Buddha images in an act that symbolises cleansing, reverence and good fortune. 14/04/2025
Cult Watch violin virtuoso Gil Shaham live at InClassica Festival 2025 In partnership with InClassica International Music Festival Join us for a night of Mozart, Mendelssohn and Shor with one of the world’s finest violinists Gil Shaham for InClassica International Music Festival. 14/04/2025
Economy China's exports jump 12.4% as imports fall under Trump-era tariffs China's exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year earlier as companies rushed to beat increases in US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the government said on Monday. 14/04/2025
Japan Expo 2025 opens with Beethoven's 9th Symphony and futuristic exhibits Expo 2025 opens in Japan, offering a vision of the future with participants from more than 160 countries and regions showcasing their futuristic exhibits amid a time of global divisions, tensions and wars. 14/04/2025
Gaza Israel strikes hospital in Gaza as strikes intensify across region The pre-dawn strike hit Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, after Israel issued an evacuation warning, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 13/04/2025
Tech News How do you raise a child in the AI age? One father is turning to play In South Korea, an AI education boom is pushing for children to learn about the tech early to avoid being left behind. For one family, it has become a fun playtime activity that inspires learning. 13/04/2025
Azerbaijan Azerbaijani border guards foil armed drug smuggling attempt from Iran Dozens of kilograms of cannabis was seized by the Azerbaijani border guards following the shootout. 12/04/2025
Japan Osaka welcomes future society-themed World Expo 2025 This will be the second time the Japanese city is hosting the World Expo, having previously done so in 1970. 12/04/2025
Gaza Palestinians once again face displacement after latest Israeli orders Palestinians could be seen walking through the streets, each carrying at least one bag, while others had carts piled with belongings. People either pulled the carts themselves or used motorbikes and donkeys. 12/04/2025
Cambodia Euroviews. Cambodia’s descent into autocracy demands a bold EU response The world is watching, and history will judge our response. Let us ensure that the EU’s actions reaffirm our collective commitment to a future where democracy and human rights are not only preserved but are allowed to flourish, Mu Sochua writes. 11/04/2025