Category: World

BEIJING—In his New Year’s address on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s unwavering stance on the reunification with Taiwan and emphasized a broader vision of international cooperation to build a shared future for humanity. “We Chinese are members of the same family on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” Xi stated, reinforcing China’s narrative of historical and cultural ties. “No one can ever break the ties of kinship that bind us together, and no one can ever halt the current trend of China’s reunification.” Focus on Unity and Global…

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WASHINGTON—President-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to attend the state burial of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence during New Year’s Eve festivities, Trump confirmed his presence at the ceremony after receiving an invitation. “I’ll be present. We received an invitation,” Trump said, opting not to elaborate when asked about interactions with Carter’s family. Honoring a Former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat who served as the 39th President from 1977 to 1981, was known for his advocacy for…

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Taipei: The local meteorological authority has declared 2024 the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 24.97°C, a staggering 1.66°C higher than the 20th-century average. While most months experienced above-average temperatures, December provided a brief respite. Rainfall, however, remained close to average levels despite regional variations. Environmental Impacts: Coral Bleaching Crisis The soaring temperatures have exacerbated environmental challenges, particularly a severe coral bleaching event along Taiwan’s southern and eastern coasts. Areas affected include Little Liuqiu, Orchid Island, Green Island, and Kenting. The phenomenon, linked to prolonged seawater temperatures…

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London: The 2025 New Year Honours List, announced by King Charles in London, celebrates a diverse array of achievements across professions, including over 30 honorees of Indian descent. This prestigious recognition highlights the contributions of community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and more. Among notable recipients are Gareth Southgate, former England men’s football manager, and Conservative MP Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, who received a Knighthood for political and public service. Indian-origin honorees include: Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) Satwant Kaur Deol: For contributions to further education. Charles Pritam…

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Damascus: Syria’s new leadership has named Maysaa Sabrine, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank, as its first female governor in over 70 years. Sabrine succeeds Mohammed Issam Hazime, appointed in 2021 by ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Her appointment reflects a significant shift in Syria’s financial leadership amid ongoing political changes. A senior Syrian official confirmed the news, though Sabrine has yet to make a public statement. This decision comes at a pivotal moment as Syria seeks to stabilize its economy and recover from prolonged conflict. With over a…

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Thimphu, Bhutan – On December 31, 2024, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited the Indian Embassy in Thimphu to sign the book of condolences in remembrance of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Expressing his gratitude for Singh’s “unwavering support and personal friendship,” Tobgay acknowledged the late leader’s significant role in the development of Bhutan, particularly his contribution to the introduction of the country’s 11th Five Year Plan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tobgay shared a…

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Washington: James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 100. Carter, known for his dedication to human rights, peacebuilding, and humanitarian work, led the nation from 1977 to 1981, before spending the decades following his presidency as a global advocate for peace, democracy, and social justice. Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was raised in a small town and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy before returning to Georgia to manage his…

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Udaipur – Urban Square Mall, Rajasthan’s largest shopping and entertainment hub, became the epicenter of Christmas festivities as over 20,000 visitors gathered for a Dubai-style fireworks display that lit up the Udaipur skyline in a dazzling spectacle. The event, described as a multi-sensory extravaganza, has set a new benchmark for celebratory events in the region. A Night of Unmatched Entertainment The evening’s highlight was the breathtaking fireworks show, which transformed the night sky into a vibrant canvas of colors, leaving attendees in awe. The celebration was further elevated by exceptional performances…

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Washington: A recent holiday debt poll by LendingTree, the country’s online lending marketplace, reveals that 36% of Americans took on holiday debt this Christmas season, a slight increase from 34% a year ago. The average debt accrued rose to $1,181, up from $1,028 during the same period in 2023, highlighting the growing financial burden on consumers amidst persistently high inflation. Financial Strain and Regret The survey found that only 44% of individuals who incurred holiday debt did so intentionally. A significant portion—60%—reported feelings of anxiety about their spending, and 42%…

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New Delhi: Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night in New Delhi at the age of 92, following a prolonged battle with age-related illnesses. Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was renowned for his pivotal role in shaping modern India’s economic framework, particularly the liberalization reforms of 1991. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden extended their condolences, calling Singh “a true statesman” and praising his political bravery and strategic vision. Biden emphasized that Singh’s leadership laid the groundwork…

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