China reconfigures its technology around exports, investment and consumption as pistons of its economic engine
The country is now poised to place big bets on technology. In late February, Beijing’s Haidian District – known as China’s Silicon Valley – pledged over 9 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) for industrial innovation this year. Leading AI model firm Zhipu AI and chip designer Moore Threads have been early bets for the district government – prime examples of China’s strategy to back up hard tech for the long haul.
How can we infect humans with a bat coronavirus? New evidence suggests Covid was a pre-conceived ‘weapon of mass destruction’
Researchers proposed modifying viral spike proteins – the part that latches onto host cells – to test whether bat viruses could bind more tightly to human receptors. They also explored changes to the viruses’ cleavage sites, molecular switches that allow them to unlock and enter cells more efficiently.
Group of Seven nations considers release of reserves as oil prices soar highest since 2022 at more than $119 a barrel on Iran war
Monday’s prices compare with all-time highs of around $147 a barrel for the contracts in 2008, according to LSEG data going back to the 1980s. The premium of front-month loading Brent contracts over contracts for delivery in six months’ time surged to an all-time high on Monday of almost $36, according to LSEG data going back to 2004.
World oil prices soar in wake of market turmoil triggered by economic fallout of US-Israel strikes on Iran
Despite efforts by other nations to boost supply, analysts predict that the oil market will continue facing significant shortages, with geopolitical risk premiums expected to stay elevated. This surge in oil prices adds further strain to a struggling global economy. Surging oil prices have triggered turbulence across global financial markets, sending major stock indices into sharp decline.
Why Trump revisited allegations of Iran ‘stealing’ the 2020 US election hours after Israel hit Tehran
Trump has spent the years since 2020 boosting numerous baseless conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being rigged. Since his return to the White House last year, he has empowered his administration to use those debunked conspiracy theories to inform decision-making, from election office raids in Fulton County, Georgia, to lawsuits over unredacted voter rolls.
It is not just technology, Chinese tea brands are increasingly conquering global beverages market
In August 2025, to commemorate Singapore’s National Day, Chagee introduced a new orchid-flavoured beverage, the “Orchid Biluochun Milk Tea,” inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
What stands out in China’s ‘two sessions’ of new 5-year plan that begin this week in Beijing
Domestically, China must deftly navigate long-standing structural issues while responding to ever-emerging technological and industrial challenges. Against this backdrop, the new five-year plan will offer a strategic roadmap – not merely a list of tasks, but a framework guiding how the country will navigate its development priorities, ranging from strengthening its supply-chain capacity to advancing its low-carbon transformation.
Why China’s robotics industry is outpacing fellow industrialised nations and how the momentum creates opportunities for the world
Open-source datasets and motion-control frameworks further reduce industry entry barriers, enabling faster commercialization. At the Hangzhou Embodied Intelligence Pilot Base, this ecosystem approach is being formalised. Li Xingteng, deputy general manager of the base, said organisers are establishing academic, industrial and technical committees to align researchers, founders and chief technologists.
Counties hold $310 million pension arrears with Nairobi accounting for over half the amount
Addressing the media in Kisumu on Saturday, Duba who was re-elected for another five year term warned that continued failure to remit the contributions violates the Retirement Benefits Act and exposes workers to uncertainty over their retirement benefits.
State agency lawyer tells court farmers in Kenya will have leeway to adopt or reject genetically modified maize
National Biosafety Authority is mandated to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of adequate protection of the environment.
