Beijing has instructed Chinese ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz to “phone home” regularly amid growing safety concerns in the strategic waterway. The move reflects China’s heightened attention to maritime security as tensions rise in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is a vital passage for global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region has wide-reaching implications for international energy markets, and China, as a major oil importer, is closely monitoring developments. Officials in Beijing emphasized that all Chinese vessels should maintain continuous communication…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Beijing, China, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Communication and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. Recognized for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting style, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on key national and international developments.
China is closely watching social unrest in Nepal, a key strategic partner, as protests and political instability sweep across the Himalayan nation. Officials and analysts in Beijing are assessing the potential risks to Chinese interests, including economic projects, regional influence, and border security. Nepal has recently witnessed a surge in demonstrations, sparked by political disagreements and economic grievances. Protesters have taken to the streets in major cities, demanding government accountability, economic reforms, and protection of democratic institutions. The unrest has disrupted daily life and raised concerns about long-term stability. For China, Nepal is a critical neighbor. The Himalayan country serves…
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banned fibre optic internet in Balkh province to “prevent immorality.” Authorities enforced a complete shutdown, leaving homes, businesses, and institutions without cable internet access. The decision marked the first provincial ban since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Mobile data remains functional, but users describe it as costly and unreliable. Government Defends Restriction Provincial spokesman Haji Attaullah Zaid confirmed the order and described it as a step to safeguard morality. He promised authorities would develop an alternative system inside Afghanistan to cover essential needs. Officials gave no explanation for selecting Balkh or whether similar…
Alphabet attracted heavy investor interest after a court ruling blocked the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser. Its stock climbed steadily, pushing the company’s valuation above $3 trillion (€2.55 trillion). Alphabet joined an elite group of trillion-dollar giants, alongside Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Nvidia leads with a $4.2 trillion (€3.57 trillion) market cap, followed by Microsoft at $3.8 trillion (€3.23 trillion), and Apple at $3.5 trillion (€3 trillion). Antitrust Ruling Fuels Market Confidence Alphabet’s momentum accelerated in September after a long-running antitrust case ended in its favor. The US Department of Justice had demanded the sale of Chrome and possibly…
Danish researchers examined data from over 77,000 adults using anti-obesity drugs without diabetes. They discovered that 52 percent quit within one year. Eighteen percent stopped after three months, 31 percent after six months, and 42 percent after nine months. Professor Reimar W. Thomsen from Aarhus University said patients lose appetite-control benefits when they stop treatment. He warned that the drugs must be taken long term to remain effective. Cost, Age, and Gender Shape Dropout Rates Younger adults under 30 quit at higher rates than older groups. Compared with people aged 45 to 59, younger adults were 48 percent more likely…
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a nonbinding resolution supporting a two-state solution on Friday. Delegates voted shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood. Out of 193 member states, 142 supported the New York Declaration, while 10 opposed and 12 abstained. France and Saudi Arabia presented the resolution, which recognized an independent Palestinian state under Palestinian Authority control. The text condemned the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, demanding accountability for the attack. It also denounced Israel’s siege and starvation campaign in Gaza, which created a humanitarian disaster. Path to…
Police apprehended the suspected gunman who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday. Trump told Fox News he learned about the arrest minutes before his interview, adding, “We have him in custody.” Officials said someone close to the alleged shooter provided key information on their location. New Footage and Evidence Surface FBI and Utah police released video Thursday showing a suspect fleeing after Kirk’s daylight assassination on campus. The footage displayed an individual in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black long-sleeve shirt with an American flag. The suspect leapt from a roof, crossed a street,…
Brazilian Supreme Court justices voted to convict Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. A majority of the five-justice panel ruled against him on Thursday, holding him guilty on five separate counts. Justice Cármen Lúcia delivered her vote after Justice Luiz Fux broke ranks and called for Bolsonaro’s acquittal. One justice still needs to vote before the panel finalises Bolsonaro’s sentence, which may stretch into decades. Divisions Deepen as Trial Unfolds The judgment has sharpened Brazil’s political rifts and stirred warnings of retaliation from the United States government. Donald Trump denounced Bolsonaro’s prosecution as “a witch…
Eyewitnesses saw a bullet strike Charlie Kirk’s neck before aides rushed him off stage in Utah. US President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old Turning Point USA co-founder died after the attack. Trump praised Kirk on Truth Social, calling him “legendary” and declaring, “Charlie, we love you.” Shooting at Utah Valley University Videos show Kirk speaking under a white tent before a gunshot ended his response to an audience question. Blood poured from his neck as he reached up with his right hand, witnesses reported on social media. Police detained a suspect immediately after the shooting but later…
Beijing courts are seeing a sharp rise in legal cases involving artificial intelligence, showing the need for stronger oversight as this technology spreads across multiple sectors. Since the Beijing Internet Court opened in September 2018, it has resolved more than 245,000 lawsuits. Among them, AI-related cases have grown rapidly. Most focus on copyright ownership of AI-created works and whether using AI products or services can lead to legal violations. Zhao Changxin, vice-president of the court, discussed the trend during a recent news briefing. Zhao explained that as AI enters more industries, disputes are no longer confined to the internet sector.…
