Iran ‘Drafting Framework to Advance’ Future US Talks, Says FM
Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran was "drafting" a framework for future talks with the United States, as the US energy secretary said Washington would stop Iran's nuclear ambitions "one way or another". Diplomatic efforts are underway to avert the possibility of US mi»»»
India AI summit: Brazil's Lula lands, US giants tout plans
TechnologyIndiaIndia AI summit: Brazil's Lula lands, US giants tout plansMark Hallam with AFP, AP, ReutersBrazil's President Lula da Silva has arrived in New Delhi, joining Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sanchez and other leaders. Meanwhile, Google and Nvidia touted their Indian expansion plans at the AI I»»»
What to know about Hormuz Strait, which Iran temporarily closed for military drill
Iran says it temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The move came as semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported live fire exercises in the vital waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil passes. The move is a rare, perhaps unprecedented shutdow»»»
Japan's exports surge 17% in January, on strong shipments to China, Asian markets
Japan's exports surged nearly 17% in January from a year earlier, lifted by seasonal factors and strong demand in China and other Asian markets. Imports slipped 2.5% from the same month a year earlier to 10.3 trillion yen ($67 billion), while exports climbed 16.8% to 9.19 trillion yen ($59.8 billio»»»
Indonesia tightens control on nickel as US and China scramble for critical minerals
Indonesia is tightening state control over the world's largest nickel supply after years of betting the metal would anchor a homegrown electric-vehicle industry, and just as global demand begins shifting away from heavy reliance on nickel. The move could still ripple through global EV supply chains»»»
Fireworks Shop Explosion Kills 12 in China
An explosion at a fireworks shop in central China killed 12 people on Wednesday, the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is common during holiday celebrations in China, especially around Lunar New Year, which fell on »»»
dozens of UN member states condemn Israeli west bank measures
The U.N. missions for 85 member states issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning Israel's encroaching control of the West Bank, which critics say amounts to de facto annexation of the Palestinian territory. "We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel's»»»
Neither Russia, Nor China Conducted Alleged Nuclear Tests in 2020 - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Neither Russia, nor China allegedly conducted any nuclear tests in 2020, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. Last week, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno said that Washington has evidence that China allegedly con»»»
85 UN Member States Condemn Israeli Expansion in West Bank
Eighty-five countries have signed on to a Palestinian-led joint statement condemning the recent Israeli security cabinet decisions aimed at tightening the occupation’s control of the West Bank. “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful prese»»»
Poland Bars Chinese-Made Cars from Military Sites Over Data Security Fears
Poland has barred Chinese-made vehicles from entering military facilities due to concerns their onboard sensors could be used to collect sensitive data, the Polish Army said on Tuesday evening. The army said in a statement that such vehicles may still be allowed onto secured sites if specified»»»
Kyrgyzstan to spend $60 million to improve air quality - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan announced measures to improve air quality, develop climate policy, and implement waste management systems. According to the ministry, as part of efforts to improve air quality, Cabinet of Ministers’ Decree No. 221 a»»»
China shock: Will Merz take on Germany's top rival?
TradeGermanyChina shock: Will Merz take on Germany's top rival?Nik MartinChancellor Friedrich Merz is scrambling to defend German industry from the economic upheaval caused by intense rivalry from China. Momentum is building for fresh trade barriers to stop unfair trade practices. https://p.dw.com/»»»
Turkish industry dying on its feet, warns business association head
Turkey could “lose its industry” unless structural problems, high borrowing costs and persistent inflation are tackled. That’s the warning from Burhan Ozdemir, head of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Assoc»»»
Turkish industry dying on its feet, warns business association head
Turkey could “lose its industry” unless structural problems, high borrowing costs and persistent inflation are tackled. That’s the warning from Burhan Ozdemir, head of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Assoc»»»
How Filipinos can thrive amid Marcos-Duterte split
Manila: At a raucous 2022 campaign rally, the two most formidable names in Philippine politics stood side by side, sealing an alliance that seemed unstoppable. Before a sea of roaring supporters, then–vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte turned to her running mate, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and dec»»»
EU in worst crisis ever – Fico
The EU is facing the deepest crisis in its history, with economic problems compounded by a lack of leadership and long-term vision in Brussels, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned. Fico made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at a conference on affordable rental housing in country’s cap»»»
China-US Desire for Cooperation Unshaken by Circumstances - Xi
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China and the United States' commitment to exchanges and cooperation will endure no matter the shifting circumstances, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a message to friends from the US state of Iowa. Earlier in the day, China Central Television reported that Xi sent congratu»»»
Japan PM Takaichi Reappointed Following Election
Japan's lower house formally reappointed Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Wednesday, 10 days after her historic landslide election victory. Takaichi, 64, became Japan's first woman premier in October and won a two-thirds majority for her party in the snap lower house elections on February 8. She»»»
eVTOL aircraft, aka air taxis, face delays in the US: Here's why
Commercial "air taxi" service has been pushed back. Again. Reason: It's not because the technology doesn't work or is unproven. It's because US certification timeline for the next-generation electric vertical-landing-and-takeoff (eVTOL) aircraft — a new mode for human flight — poses complex challen»»»
Rubio extends Losar wishes, names envoy
Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar and announced the designation of a senior official as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. “I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the»»»
From Lunar New Year prayers to high-tech displays, millions usher in the Year of the Horse
Fireworks lit the skies and incense smoke filled the air as millions rang in the Lunar New Year on Tuesday. From bustling temple fairs in Beijing to a high-tech Spring Festival gala, the Year of the Horse began in a swirl of prayer, pageantry and cutting-edge spectacle. Traditional prayers, firewor»»»
Shein faces EU investigation over products, design features
BusinessEuropeShein faces EU investigation over products, design featuresMark Hallam with AP, dpaEU regulators are investigating Shein on suspicion that it has not done enough to limit the sale of illegal products and to protect consumers from allegedly addictive design features on the platform. ht»»»
The Munich Security Conference 2026: Much hype, little substance, no hope
What a relief, it’s over. This year’s Munich Security Conference (MSC) has ended. In reality, the meeting has never had much to do with increasing anyone’s security. Otherwise, its Western participants would, for instance, not have laughed at the warning Russian President Vladimir Putin issued ther»»»
US to Return to Nuclear Tests on Equal Basis, Without Atmospheric Explosions - State Dept.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States will return to nuclear testing on an equal basis without massive atmospheric explosions, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw said on Tuesday. “As the President has said, the United States will return to testing»»»
Opinion | Munich Security Conference 2026: A Report Framing Trump’s Bid to Unravel the Liberal International Order
In the halls of the Bayerischer Hof in Munich, where the 62nd session of the Munich Security Conference convened in February 2026, the atmosphere transcended that of a routine diplomatic gathering addressing scattered global crises. Instead, it felt like a direct confrontation with a profound histo»»»
British ‘nuclear umbrella’ won’t protect Europe – Moscow
The British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will not provide extra security to other NATO members in Europe, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has said. Discussions about the continent developing its own nuclear deterrent have accelerated following White House announcements that the US would be scaling »»»
Macron hails ‘acceleration’ of France-India ties amid ‘changing international order’
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday praised the "remarkable acceleration" of France's ties with India in response to the "changing international order". Macron met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai at the start of a three-day visit focused on artificial intelligence co»»»
China rings in the Year of the Horse with colour and tradition
With lanterns, red banners and traditional foods, China is ushering in the New Year. Tuesday marks the first day of the Year of the Horse, believed to bring optimism and opportunity. FRANCE 24's Jan Camenzind Broomby reports from the streets of Beijing.»»»
Prayers, fireworks and fairs: Millions celebrate Lunar New Year across East Asia
Traditional prayers, fireworks and fairs marked the Lunar New Year on Tuesday – alongside 21st-century humanoid robots. The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake. Crowds descended on popular temples to burn incens»»»
Abducting Cuba’s president ‘wouldn’t be very tough’ – Trump
Kidnapping Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel would be an easy operation for the American military, US President Donald Trump has claimed. Speaking on Tuesday to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump praised his strategy of economically isolating the island nation, which has been under a US trade em»»»
Why this ultra-luxury hotel brand still doesn’t have a UAE address. The CEO says that's on purpose
Dubai: For a luxury hotel group founded in 1865, the absence of a UAE address stands out. Langham Hospitality Group has been eyeing the Emirates for years. Deals were discussed. Opportunities came close. There were whispers of launches. But a Langham in the UAE is yet to materialise. Sign up for ou»»»
South Asia: A disconnected giant in a connected world
South Asia is one of the great paradoxes of the global economy. Home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, including three of the ten most populous countries, it should logically be among the most interconnected regions on earth. Instead, it remains one of the least integrated — economical»»»
China overtakes the US in nuclear submarine production, says IISS
China has long ago overtaken the US when it comes to the navy, but now Beijing has also overhauled the US in submarines. China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and»»»
Chinese EV company CATL unveils a new super battery
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) has unveiled a new electric vehicle battery that it says can fully charge in 12 minutes and retain 80% of its capacity after 1.5mn miles, marking a potential breakthrough in durability and charging speed in the global EV market. »»»
Ukrainian Geneva talks kick off
A new round of peace talks kicks off today in Geneva. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kuchner have already landed and are due to begin talks in a few hours. We're getting close to the end in the sense that we're running out of time. Trump has already made it clear that he wants the deal done by June ahead »»»
Ukrainian Geneva talks kick off
A new round of peace talks kicks off today in Geneva. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kuchner have already landed and are due to begin talks in a few hours. We're getting close to the end in the sense that we're running out of time. Trump has already made it clear that he wants the deal done by June ahead »»»
US Plans to Deploy More Missile Launchers to the Philippines Despite China’s Alarm
The United States plans to deploy more high-tech missile systems to the Philippines to help deter aggression in the South China Sea, where the treaty allies on Tuesday condemned what they called China’s "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities." Beijing has repeatedly expressed alar»»»
France's Macron in India to boost Rafale deal talks, AI ties
BusinessIndiaFrance's Macron in India to boost Rafale deal talks, AI tiesMahima Kapoor with AFP, APEmmanuel Macron arrives in India at a time the country is looking to upgrade its air force, with the Indian government having given preliminary approval to buy more than 100 additional Rafale jets las»»»
China overtakes the US in nuclear submarine production - IISS
China has long ago overtaken the US when it comes to the navy, but now Beijing has also overhauled the US in submarines. China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and»»»
China Has Slashed Air Pollution, but the ‘War’ Isn’t Over
Fifteen years ago, Beijing's Liangma riverbanks would have been smog-choked and deserted in winter, but these days they are dotted with families and exercising pensioners most mornings. The turnaround is the result of a years-long campaign that threw China's state power behind policies like moving »»»
On This Day, Feb. 17: Jimmy Fallon debuts as 'Tonight Show' host - UPI.com
On Feb. 17, 2014, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" made its debut on NBC with the Roots as the house band. 1 of 5 | Jimmy Fallon arrives on the red carpet for the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 2, 2022. On February 17, 2014, "The Tonight Show Starring Jim»»»
Russian Navy Best Guarantor of Safety of Ships Amid West's Attacks - Presidential Aide
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian navy is the best guarantor of safety of Russian merchant vessels amid Western attacks, Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Russian Marine Board Nikolai Patrushev said. By implementing plans for a naval blockade of Russia, the Europeans are explore the limits»»»
China's Russian Oil Imports to Hit New Record in February as India Cuts Back
China's Russian oil imports are set to climb for a third straight month to a new record high in February as independent refiners snapped up deeply discounted cargoes after India slashed purchases, according to traders and ship-tracking data. Russian crude shipments are estimated to amount to 2.07 m»»»
France's Macron in India to boost Rafale deal talks, AI ties
TradeIndiaFrance's Macron in India to boost Rafale deal talks, AI tiesMahima Kapoor with AFP and APEmmanuel Macron arrives in India at a time the country is looking to upgrade its air force, with the Indian government having given preliminary approval to buy more than 100 additional Rafale jets las»»»
Oil in Spotlight as Trump's Iran Warning Rattles Sleepy Markets
Oil prices stabilized on Tuesday as investors assessed supply disruption risks after Iran conducted naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz ahead of nuclear talks with the United States later in the day. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would participate "indirectly" in the Geneva»»»
At Least 14 Killed in Spate of Attacks in Northwest Pakistan
Two bomb attacks and a gunfight between police and militants in northwest Pakistan killed at least 11 security personnel and three civilians, including a child, a security official said. The separate incidents on Monday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which left at least 25 others wounded, come as »»»
India Seizes Three Iran-linked US-sanctioned Tankers
India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, a source said on Monday, confirming a post on X by Indian authorities earlier in February that had been deleted. India aims to prevent its waters from b»»»
China’s vast water diversion project reshapes growth in the arid north
China’s South-to-North Water Transfer Project has delivered 64.73bn cubic metres of water to the country’s arid north over the past year, bringing cumulative transfers to more than 83bn cubic metres since operations began, according to official data released in November 2025. Nearly 118mn people no»»»
China’s vast water diversion project reshapes growth in the arid north
China’s South-to-North Water Transfer Project has delivered 64.73bn cubic metres of water to the country’s arid north over the past year, bringing cumulative transfers to more than 83bn cubic metres since operations began, according to official data released in November 2025. Nearly 118mn people no»»»
India’s record defence budget turns heads
India’s expanded military budget shows how strategic competition with rivals China and Pakistan is heating up. Over $86.7bn was set aside for defence in the national budget for 2026-27, representing a 15% increase from the previous financial year and a 25% increase from 2024-25. This increased spen»»»