A blast targeting a train carrying military personnel and their relatives killed at least 24 people and wounded over 50 in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, on Sunday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident as a cowardly act of terrorism.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed 204 lives from 867 suspected cases across three provinces. Uganda confirmed three new cases, while the Red Cross reported three volunteer deaths. The WHO's previous count on Friday recorded 177 deaths from 750 suspected cases. The outbreak poses risk to Uganda and 10 other African nations, prompting heightened regional health alerts and response measures.
Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Sunday morning, killing four people, according to authorities. The Ukrainian air force reported the assault involved 600 drones and 90 missiles. The attack came after President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for Ukrainian strikes in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Multiple explosions were heard throughout the capital during the early morning hours.
A coal mine explosion in Shanxi province has killed at least 82 people. Local authorities have accused the Shanxi Tongzhou Group of serious legal violations and ordered all four mines operated by the company to suspend operations immediately. Search and rescue operations continue as preliminary assessments reveal regulatory breaches by the mine operator.
Bangladesh's potential acquisition of the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jet could heighten tensions with India, particularly regarding the sensitive northeast region. Pakistani media reports indicate Pakistan has transferred a fully operational JF-17 Thunder Block III combat aircraft simulator to Bangladesh for pilot training in combat tactics and systems management. The move may further strain already tense relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
A blast targeting a train carrying military personnel and their relatives killed at least 24 people and wounded over 50 in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, on Sunday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident as a cowardly act of terrorism.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed 204 lives from 867 suspected cases across three provinces. Uganda confirmed three new cases, while the Red Cross reported three volunteer deaths. The WHO's previous count on Friday recorded 177 deaths from 750 suspected cases. The outbreak poses risk to Uganda and 10 other African nations, prompting heightened regional health alerts and response measures.
Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Sunday morning, killing four people, according to authorities. The Ukrainian air force reported the assault involved 600 drones and 90 missiles. The attack came after President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for Ukrainian strikes in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Multiple explosions were heard throughout the capital during the early morning hours.
A coal mine explosion in Shanxi province has killed at least 82 people. Local authorities have accused the Shanxi Tongzhou Group of serious legal violations and ordered all four mines operated by the company to suspend operations immediately. Search and rescue operations continue as preliminary assessments reveal regulatory breaches by the mine operator.
Hong Kong's government and businesses are actively replacing Western technology products with domestic alternatives, reshaping the region's digital infrastructure. Tech experts note that US giants like Microsoft have long dominated Hong Kong's digital landscape, but their dominance is now being challenged, particularly in the government sector. This transformation reflects deeper integration with mainland China and rising geopolitical risks.
A nine-storey concrete building under construction collapsed early Sunday morning in Angeles City, approximately 80 kilometers north of Manila, Philippines. The building's walls and scaffolding buckled around 3am, with approximately 19 people feared trapped in the debris. Local officials have launched rescue operations at the site.
The United States' Pax Silica initiative to establish an AI-native industrial hub in the Philippines has encountered political resistance. Philippine officials rejected US proposals for special governance arrangements and diplomatic protections, insisting the planned economic security zone remain subject to local laws. The dispute underscores tensions between Washington's efforts to secure critical technology supply chains and host nations' sovereignty concerns.
Bangladesh's potential acquisition of the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jet could heighten tensions with India, particularly regarding the sensitive northeast region. Pakistani media reports indicate Pakistan has transferred a fully operational JF-17 Thunder Block III combat aircraft simulator to Bangladesh for pilot training in combat tactics and systems management. The move may further strain already tense relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India on Saturday and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for over an hour, extending an invitation for Modi to visit the White House. Rubio described India as a natural partner, emphasizing the importance of the US-India relationship. The visit comes one week after President Trump's state visit to China, demonstrating the US commitment to maintaining strategic partnerships with both Asian powers.
Lai Ka-ying, a 43-year-old Hong Kong-born payload specialist, will launch on China's Shenzhou-23 mission to the Tiangong space station, expected to blast off Sunday night. Despite suffering from motion sickness, heat intolerance, not being a top student, and lacking Mandarin proficiency, she completed nearly two years of training with a 'let's give it a try' attitude.
China's outward direct investment grew 7% to US$174 billion last year, while overseas mergers and acquisitions rebounded to over US$43 billion, up nearly 40%, according to EY data. Chinese companies' appetite for global deal-making has returned, but their approach has evolved from the asset-driven, light-regulation strategy of a decade ago to a more cautious market entry approach.
Zimbabwe is advancing its lithium processing strategy to break the cycle of raw mineral extraction and export that has dominated its mining sector for decades. Last month, Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, exported Africa's first lithium sulphate consignment from its US$400 million Arcadia mine near Harare. This milestone follows Harare's decision to accelerate its ban on raw mineral exports to February this year.
As the US-Israel conflict extends beyond 80 days and disrupts shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese investors operating in Iran are increasingly turning to railway and overland transport to sustain their businesses. With maritime traffic showing no signs of recovery, many are exploring transcontinental freight links across Eurasia as a more reliable alternative. Traders like Han Yun are travelling extensively to establish new logistics routes amid global shipping challenges.
Population ageing is becoming a global phenomenon affecting even developing regions. Southeast Asian economies including Thailand and Vietnam have reached intermediate stages of demographic transition, while younger economies like the Philippines now have fertility rates below replacement level. Asia's growing elderly population presents economic opportunities that could offset the negative impacts of demographic change.
Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek announced a permanent 75% price reduction for its flagship V4 Pro model, achieving top-tier global rankings in intelligence-per-dollar efficiency. The Hangzhou-based company made the announcement on Saturday, approximately one month after releasing the V4 generation. The model now significantly outperforms US competitors OpenAI and Anthropic in cost-efficiency metrics, demonstrating substantial value advantage for users.
Archaeologists in Henan province studied a 146,000-year-old animal-butchering site inhabited by Homo juluensis, an extinct human species from approximately 300,000 years ago in eastern Asia. Their discovery of remarkably inventive tools suggests that harsh environmental conditions, rather than warm and hospitable climates, actually drove early human innovation and creativity, challenging long-held scientific assumptions.
Zelos Technology, an autonomous driving leader, reports that its robovan fleet could generate twice the revenue in Southeast Asia and the Middle East compared to the domestic Chinese market. Founded in Suzhou in 2021, the company has built the world's largest robovan fleet but identifies international business scaling as essential for long-term profitability and survival.
Cristian Mungiu's drama 'Fjord,' set in Norway and exploring political polarization, won the Palme d'Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, marking the second top prize for the Romanian director, who previously won for '4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.' Starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as Romanian Evangelicals relocating to Norway, the film received widespread acclaim at a festival where few productions achieved major recognition.
US President Trump announced after calls with Middle Eastern leaders that a US-Iran peace agreement has been largely finalized, with final details under discussion for announcement soon. Trump also stated that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will reopen, facilitating global trade and shipping.
President Trump convened his national security team on the 22nd, including Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and CIA Director Ratcliffe, to seriously consider launching a new round of military operations against Iran should diplomatic negotiations ultimately break down. No final decision has been made, and the plans remain under discussion.
The World Health Organization elevated the risk level of Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to "very high" on the 22nd. As of now, the DRC has recorded 83 confirmed cases, nearly 750 suspected cases, 177 deaths, and 1,603 people with contact history. Neighboring Uganda confirmed three new cases on the 23rd, bringing its total to five confirmed cases.
US President Trump stated that negotiations on a US-Iran agreement have been largely completed, with final details currently under discussion. The agreement is expected to be announced soon and will include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to global energy supply. Trump has held successful discussions with leaders of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israel.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that Russia launched a large-scale nighttime airstrike on the Ukrainian capital, striking a school and triggering a fire. The number of casualties from the attack remains unclear. Local authorities are assessing the damage caused by the airstrike.
The US Central Command reports that its blockade of Iranian ports, launched on April 13, has redirected 100 commercial ships. The operation is supported by over 200 military aircraft and vessels, including two carrier strike groups and multiple guided-missile destroyers, covering all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The commander stated the action economically pressures Iran while allowing 26 humanitarian aid vessels to pass through.
US President Trump announced on the 23rd that peace agreement negotiations between the United States, Iran, and multiple Persian Gulf nations are substantially complete, with only final formalization remaining. According to US officials cited by the New York Times, a key provision involves Tehran's commitment to abandon its enriched uranium stockpile, with implementation details to be determined in subsequent negotiations.
A shooting incident occurred near the White House perimeter on May 23rd. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the gunman is deceased. President Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. The Secret Service stated the incident remains under investigation with further details to be determined.
Gunshots were reported near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting emergency lockdown of the North Lawn and deployment of Secret Service, police, and National Guard personnel. President Trump was inside the White House conducting Iran agreement negotiations at the time of the incident. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed receiving reports of gunfire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, and stated they are coordinating with ground personnel to verify details.
President Trump announced potential progress in US-Iran negotiations following calls with Middle Eastern leaders. Trump stated that relevant stakeholders are coordinating final parameters for a possible agreement, with multiple regional leaders calling for an end to hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz reopening appears more feasible.
US President Trump announced that a deal to end the Iran war is nearing final completion. The statement follows separate calls by the president with Middle Eastern mediators and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Specific details and timeline of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Ukraine's capital Kyiv came under heavy bombardment from Russian missiles and drones following President Zelenskyy's warning of an imminent large-scale attack. The city experienced continuous explosions throughout the night, causing damage to multiple locations. Ukrainian air defense forces engaged in defensive operations, with casualty and damage assessments still ongoing.
China experienced its deadliest mining disaster since 2009 when a coal mine explosion killed at least 82 workers and injured more than 100 others. The incident sparked an ongoing search and rescue operation for survivors. This represents the country's most significant mining safety incident in recent years.
Russia conducted a large-scale attack on Ukraine, resulting in at least four deaths and dozens of injuries. Russia confirmed the use of the Oreshnik missile, which travels at speeds exceeding Mach 10. This attack represents a significant military operation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A train in Pakistan was attacked by armed separatists, killing at least 20 people. The train was transporting military personnel home to celebrate Eid when the blast occurred. Officials attributed the attack to armed separatist groups.