Duty-free shopping boom fuels Hainan’s push toward global tourism hub
HAIKOU — Duty-free shopping in Hainan is surging, reinforcing the island province’s drive to become an international tourism and consumption center. The boom has been fueled by new customs operations…
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attends Junaid Safdar’s walima reception
Lahore: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, attended the walima reception of Junaid Safdar, son of senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, on Sunday, marking…
Shenzhou-20 astronauts meet press after safe return to Earth
BEIJING — The three astronauts from China’s Shenzhou-20 mission made their first public appearance in Beijing on Friday, recounting their experiences in orbit and the unexpected discovery of cracks on…
China’s electricity use surpasses 10 trillion kWh in 2025
BEIJING — China’s power consumption reached a historic milestone in 2025, surpassing 10 trillion kilowatt-hours for the first time, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA). The record underscores the…
China moves to strengthen childcare services with quality focus
BEIJING — China is expanding efforts to provide high-quality childcare services, shifting its focus from availability to standards that ease family burdens and safeguard children. The initiative affects millions of…
AI-powered “RoboCops” deployed for traffic control in Chinese cities
HEFEI — Chinese cities are increasingly turning to AI-powered "RoboCops" to manage traffic, with humanoid robots now assisting police officers at busy intersections. In Wuhu, Anhui Province, a robot officer…
Pakistan Railways to upgrade air-conditioning in 153 passenger coaches
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): Pakistan Railways (PR) has launched an extensive program to replace outdated air-conditioning units in its passenger coaches, aiming to restore comfort and improve the overall quality…
Xi, Carney pledge to advance China-Canada strategic partnership
BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Beijing on Friday, their second meeting in less than three months, as both sides signaled a…
Iran signals shift toward permanent internet restrictions amid protests
Iran is moving toward long-term restrictions on public access to the global internet after weeks of nationwide connectivity disruptions imposed during protests over inflation and political grievances, according to digital…
14 new small dams under construction in Rawalpindi division
ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): The Punjab government is constructing 14 new small dams in the Rawalpindi division under a long-term plan to harvest rain and floodwater during the monsoon season…
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