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Xi’s diplomacy injects certainty, stability into turbulent world
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: President Xi Jinping has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts both at home and abroad this spring, cementing a closer bond with neighboring countries, advocating unity and cooperation, and injecting certainty and stability into a turbulent world. In a world grappling with growing uncertainty and instability fueled by protectionism and unilateralism, China has […]
Read MoreDPM Dar holds telephone conversation with Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen
Celina Ali Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this week held a telephone conversation with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Ishaq Dar briefed the Foreign Minister of Denmark on the evolving regional situation and the measures taken by Pakistan’s National Security Committee in response to India’s baseless accusations and its unilateral and provocative actions. […]
Read MoreImran Leghari credits Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership for political consensus
Liaquat Ali Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Imran Leghari this week lauded the recent Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting as a triumph for constitutional supremacy and political consensus, attributing the breakthrough to the leadership and efforts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Leghari said the long-overdue CCI session was a response to the […]
Read MoreChina launches mandatory audits to bolster personal information protection
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: China has enforced new rules that require those handling the personal information of more than 10 million people to conduct regular compliance audits, as part of a broader effort to tighten data privacy and security. Under the regulations issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), such entities must complete audits at […]
Read MoreChina’s tax cuts boost high-tech, manufacturing growth in 2024
China Economic Net Beijing: China’s main policies supporting sci-tech innovation and the development of the manufacturing industry saw tax cuts, fee reductions and tax refunds totaling 2.63 trillion yuan (about 366.75 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, official data showed this week. These policies accelerated the cultivation of new quality productive forces and promoted the high-quality […]
Read MoreChinese vice premier urges efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements, prevent agricultural disasters
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong this week urged sustained poverty alleviation efforts, and emphasized the need to fully implement agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation measures to secure a bumper summer grain harvest. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during […]
Read MoreMeet the winners: Turismo de Portugal
Newswire Lisbon: Representatives from Turismo de Portugal this week spoke with Routes in Seville after winning the Destination category at the Routes Awards for the second consecutive year. Turismo de Portugal is the national tourism authority tasked with promoting, enhancing and ensuring the sustainability of tourism activity in Portugal, a sector critical to the country’s […]
Read MoreGermany asks for EU leeway on defence spending, letter shows
Newswire Berlin: Germany has asked the European Commission for an exemption from European Union borrowing limits in order to increase defence spending in the coming years, according to a letter from German Finance Minister Joerg Kukies this week. Kukies said in an interview that Germany was likely to request the exemption. The European Commission has […]
Read MoreBulgaria’s bold leap: From outsourcing hub to emerging deeptech contender
Newswire Sofia: In the global race to become the next big tech hotspot, many countries pour billions into nurturing homegrown talent, courting VCs, and crafting startup-friendly policies. While some struggle to gain momentum, others seem to leap forward—fast. So, what sets apart these rapid risers? What’s the secret to ecosystem transformation? Look no further than […]
Read MoreBritish High Commissioner Jane Marriott meets JUI-F chief, regional situation discussed
Celina Ali Islamabad: British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence this week to discuss the rapidly evolving regional situation, including the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India. The two sides exchanged detailed views on regional peace, international developments, and the role […]
Read MoreEU foreign policy chief urges Pakistan, India to ease ongoing tension
Celina Ali Islamabad: The European Union foreign policy chief this week urged Pakistan and India to defuse the ongoing tension. Kaja Kalas stated on X that she spoke with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar, and that “I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue to ease […]
Read MoreJapan hosts high-level stakeholders meeting to boost Pakistani workforce integration
Celina Ali Islamabad: Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi this week hosted the ‘Pakistan-Japan Human Resources Stakeholders Meeting’ at his residence, bringing together around 70 key stakeholders involved in advancing employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals in Japan. The event convened high-ranking officials including Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister […]
Read MoreUS urges Pakistan, India to work toward a “responsible solution”
Newswire Washington: The United States this week urged India and Pakistan to work toward a “responsible solution” to the crisis over last week’s killings in Indian-occupied Kashmir, as tensions continue to escalate between the two South Asian nuclear powers. “This government is in constant communication. We are asking for a responsible resolution from both parties,” […]
Read MoreIs PM Meloni of Italy the leader Europe needs?
Newswire Rome: Donald Trump’s return to the White House has made Giorgia Meloni an unlikely leader of the European Union in its dealings with the United States. Italy’s prime minister may hail from a far-right nationalist party, but she is siding squarely with the EU, arguing that it is “childish” to think that Italy must […]
Read MorePM, Pakistani envoy greet Australia’s PM Albanese on re-election
Celina Ali Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week warmly congratulated Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election In a post on X, PM Sharif said, “Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election. I wish him continued success in serving the […]
Read MoreIndian attitude real threat to regional peace: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan is monitoring the situation stemming from India’s aggressive moves that followed last week’s attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, and will seek a UN Security Council meeting when “appropriate” to do so, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said this week. “It is evident that there was an incident, but now what has evolved in […]
Read MoreHigh Commissioner Dr Mohammed Faisal meets TMUC CEO Dr Faisal Mushtaq to discuss launch of Pakistan’s first UK universities’ international branch campus
Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, met with Dr. Faisal Mushtaq, Founder and CEO of The Millennium Universal College (TMUC), this week to discuss a major educational initiative set to transform the higher education landscape in Pakistan. During the meeting, Dr. Mushtaq shared his vision for Pakistan’s first […]
Read MoreUmar Rehman Malik criticises India for blocking Pakistani content
Abdullah Jan Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Umar Rehman Malik this week criticised India for blocking Pakistan’s official content. “(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s India is quick to block Pakistan’s official content in a desperate bid to control the narrative and spread propaganda to defame Pakistan. From Pahalgam to Kashmir, facts expose India’s failures,” […]
Read MoreWhat China-US lunar competition reveals about future of high-tech leadership
Global Times The recent decision by China’s space agency to grant NASA-funded American universities access to lunar samples – retrieved from the moon’s far side – offers more than a scientific opportunity; It is a poignant reflection of two fundamentally divergent approaches to technological advancement. These different approaches shape the trajectory of space exploration and […]
Read MoreHonouring Chinese workers in the name of global development
Global Times As the International Workers’ Day, which falls on May 1, approaches, a grand gathering was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and honor model workers and exemplary individuals. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered an […]
Read MoreItaly: Leonardo supplies first UH-169D helicopter to Italian Army
Newswire Rome: Italy this week took delivery of its first UH-169D Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) from Leonardo as part of a contract signed in 2020. The program covers a total of 25 aircraft, associated support, and training services for the army, with completion set for 2027. The arrival of Rome’s new helicopter followed two UH-169B […]
Read MoreFrance to compensate more Harki families for mistreatment after Algerian War
Paris: France this week recognised additional sites at which Harkis – Muslims who fought alongside the French during the Algerian War – faced harsh living conditions following Algeria’s independence. While the move will allow up to 6,000 more Harkis and their descendants to claim compensation, groups representing the victims say it doesn’t go far enough […]
Read MoreXi urges promoting healthy, orderly development of AI
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, this week urged efforts to promote the healthy and orderly development of artificial intelligence (AI) in a beneficial, safe and fair direction. Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the […]
Read MoreGreenland, Denmark affirm alliance amid Trump’s interest in US control
Copenhagen: Greenland and Denmark agreed this week to strengthen their ties in response to US President Donald Trump’s interest in taking control of the strategically located Arctic island, their leaders said after talks in Copenhagen. Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Mr Jens-Frederik Nielsen, landed in the Danish capital on April 26 for a three-day visit, in […]
Read MoreBilawal Bhutto urges dialogue with India amid escalating tensions
Liaquat Ali Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari this week called for dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve ongoing disputes, as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. In an interview, Bilawal criticised India’s rejection of Pakistan’s offer for talks following the deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Indian […]
Read MoreExplainer: What’s the proper English equivalent for the Chinese New Year
China Economic Net Beijing: As the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday, the traditional celebrations for the Chinese New Year (pronounced “Chunjie”) or Spring Festival, in 2025 draw to a close. This year’s Spring Festival is the first one since its inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With the Spring […]
Read MoreChina to launch Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on April 24
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 5:17 p.m. Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) this week. The spaceship will carry three astronauts — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — to carry out […]
Read MoreAmid tariff pressures, Chinese exporters adapt and expand
Henan Daily Zhengzhou: As the US ratchets up tariffs on Chinese imports, exporters in central China’s Henan province are feeling the strain, but they are not standing still. In Xinxiang, a manufacturing hub in the province’s north, firms accustomed to shipping goods across the globe are now navigating a more turbulent trade environment. Yet, rather […]
Read MorePortugal receives more from EU than it pays in
Newswire Lisbon: The European Union (EU) sends more money to Portugal than the country has to transfer to Brussels, in the form of national contributions, which has helped external accounts. Between 1996 and 2024, the balance of flows with Brussels totalled, on average, 1.6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data released by […]
Read MoreEU may accept 12-month work visas for ‘youth experience’ scheme with UK
Newswire London: The EU is prepared to make major concessions in negotiations to allow British and European 18- to 30-year-olds to travel and work freely, potentially paving the way for a long-awaited reset with Brussels. A scheme that would allow thousands of young Europeans to live and work in the UK has been seen as […]
Read MoreUK High Commissioner Jane Marriott meets DPM Dar to discuss regional developments
Celina Ali Islamabad: In an important diplomatic engagement reflecting the United Kingdom’s continued interest in South Asian stability, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar this week. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the meeting focused on exchanging views on […]
Read MoreGermany bets on volunteers to fix a hollowed-out army — but will it work?
Chris Lunday Berlin: Berlin’s incoming government, formed by Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democrats and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), has released a coalition agreement outlining plans for a new voluntary military service to rebuild the overstretched and steadily shrinking ranks of Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr. The plan involves sending a mandatory questionnaire to all […]
Read MoreBulgaria finalises €600 million funding for nearly 10GWh of energy storage
Newswire Sofia: The Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria has selected 82 winning energy storage projects for a share of BGN 1.15 billion (€588 million/US$670 million) in financial support. The scheme will support the construction and commissioning of 82 standalone energy storage projects with a total of BGN1,149,013,428.49 spread across the projects, which will add up […]
Read MoreJapan promises help for safe water’s supply
Celina Ali Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan Akamatsu Shuichi this week said the Japanese government and Japan International Cooperation Agency would continue to strive to ensure supply of safe water across Pakistan. He was speaking at the handover ceremony for the 4.094 billion yen worth of the grant aid Project for the Improvement of Water Treatment […]
Read MoreUS envoy Natalie Baker discusses trade with GTEC chairman
Celina Ali Islamabad: Natalie A. Baker, Acting Ambassador and Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Islamabad, this week held a trade meeting with Mazhar Hussain Thathal, Chairman/ CEO Global Trade Expo Centre Pakistan, alongside a delegation of Pakistani SMEs. Liaqat Thathal, Director of International Trade & Relationship at GTEC, emphasized the organization’s vision: “We […]
Read MoreItaly: The first monument for Satoshi Nakamoto arrives in the Molise region in Fornelli
Newswire Rome: The first monument dedicated to Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin (BTC), has arrived in Italy. In the small Molise municipality of Fornelli, with 1,800 inhabitants, the inauguration of the statue created by the young local crypto artist, Mattia Pannoni, took place on May 1. Italy will also host its first monument dedicated […]
Read MoreAli Rehman Malik offers heartfelt condolences on passing of Pope Francis, visits Lady Fatima Church
Abdullah Jan Islamabad: Chairman of the Institute of Research and Reforms International (IRR International) Ali Rehman Malik accompanied by Riaz Ali Turi this week visited Lady Fatima Church in Islamabad to offer heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. During the visit, a floral wreath was […]
Read MoreHigh Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri strengthens Pakistan-Australia ties through active diplomacy
Celina Ali Islamabad: In a reflection of Pakistan’s proactive and people-centered diplomacy, High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri continues to play a leading role in deepening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia across multiple sectors, including trade, education, and cultural exchange. Since assuming office in Canberra, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri has been at the forefront of advancing […]
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