Beijing promoted 10 officials to full membership of the Communist Party’s Central Committee at a major political gathering this week, where the normally routine process of filling vacancies took on new significance. The names of the officials who have filled the vacant slots were included in a communique released at the end of the fifth plenum of the party’s 20th Central Committee on Thursday. The event, which focused on party discipline and the fight against corruption, confirmed that 24 full...

The film Everest: The Other Side, a collaborative US-China project that opened on Friday in 515 US cinemas and that will premiere at 700 IMAX theatres in China on November 6, starts with a majestic shot of the world’s tallest mountain. Then the music builds and more challenging weather rolls in, foreshadowing what is at stake. The film invokes a well-trod narrative for fans of the mountaineering genre: a mix of the grit and sacrifice driving world-class climbers, along with no small amount of...

China has broken up a major transnational drug trafficking network in cooperation with Indonesia and Malaysia, seizing around 1.2 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine, China’s Ministry of Public Security said on Friday. The operation was carried out on October 21 by Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), which raided and shut down a large-scale drug processing and purification facility in Aceh, Indonesia, and arrested 11 people, with help from China’s National Narcotics Control Commission...

In May, Donald Trump touring Beijing’s Temple of Heaven – bathed in golden light as traditional Chinese music played in the background – was an unlikely image of US-China relations. For Julian Gewirtz, a former China official on president Joe Biden’s National Security Council, it also had a familiar Gen Z twist. “Trump, strange as it is to say, is Chinamaxxing,” he wrote in a Substack post at the time. The social media trend celebrates the features of Chinese life, from high-speed trains and...

Top Democrats on the US congressional intelligence committees say they are preparing to check and respond to any claim by US President Donald Trump that foreign powers interfered in the November 3 midterm elections, even though they say they have seen no sign of any country interfering with voting or vote counting. The concern comes as Democrats lead by eight points among likely voters in the fight for control of Congress, according to an October 27 PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. It also follows a...

Australia’s preparations for a possible conflict with China reflect “a relatively superficial understanding”, argues prominent economist John Edwards. Europe, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia and India, he notes, are not preparing for such a conflict. Why should Australia? Edwards, a former senior economic adviser to former Labor prime minister Paul Keating, makes the observation in a Lowy Institute paper released in October and in a newspaper interview. Instead, he sees US-China rivalry as a...

US midterm election 2026: California voters will elect a new governor on November 3 and decide a handful of House races that could swing the balance of power in Congress.

On a recent warm Thursday evening, supporters drift into San Francisco’s United Irish Cultural Centre to hear Connie Chan, who is running for California’s 11th congressional district. Born in Hong Kong, Chan attended elementary school in Taiwan before immigrating to the United States at 13. Now a San Francisco supervisor, she hopes to succeed long-time Democratic powerhouse Nancy Pelosi, who announced her retirement and endorsed her. The 48-year-old politician would be the first Asian-American...

Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran to support ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran regarding nuclear issues. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the conflict with Iran would conclude soon. However, he did not elaborate on how the resolution would take place during the upcoming elections. Iran maintains its stance on nuclear demands while seeking relief from economic sanctions imposed by the US.

Pentagon officials have requested several NATO countries to tone down their public statements regarding Russia's threat. These requests are primarily directed towards Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Concerns have arisen over comments suggesting Russia is cornered due to its stalled invasion of Ukraine. As the Trump administration seeks a negotiated end to the war, pressure is applied on Ukraine as well.

he founded the influential label Maybach Music Group, boosting the careers of signees like Wale, Meek Mill and French Montana.

The US Federal Communications Commission intends to vote on banning Chinese telecom firms from accessing US phone numbers. Concerns around national security have led to this potential decision against companies like China Mobile and China Telecom. The measure aims to prevent illegal robocalls and protect US telecommunications. China has opposed this likely ban, asserting it undermines legitimate business practices.

The Election Commission of India plans multiple timeline extensions for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Bihar completed its process quickly, but most other states needed additional time. Delhi has the most extensions, now totaling over 176 days. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are facing delays in finalising their electoral rolls. These prolonged timelines reflect ongoing issues with voter application discrepancies and entry verifications.

The Election Commission of India plans multiple timeline extensions for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Bihar completed its process quickly, but most other states needed additional time. Delhi has the most extensions, now totaling over 176 days. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are facing delays in finalising their electoral rolls. These prolonged timelines reflect ongoing issues with voter application discrepancies and entry verifications.

The direction came after the court was informed about alleged irregularities in the filing of Form 7 applications, including instances in which a large number of objections were submitted against voters belonging to a particular community.

Israel's recent inconclusive election has left major political blocs short of a governing majority. Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition leader, may challenge Benjamin Netanyahu with the help of Arab parties. The two main Arab parties, Ra'am and the Joint List, hold a combined 19 seats in the Knesset. While some Jewish opposition figures reject Arab support, Ahmad Tibi has offered assistance for a minority government.

Amit Shah praised CM Yogi Adityanath's law-and-order record and implementation of central welfare schemes, amid speculation over differences between the state leadership and the BJP's central leadership. Addressing BJP's state executive meeting in Lucknow, Shah asked party workers to put aside all doubts and distractions and focus single-mindedly on the party's victory.

Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the Samajwadi Party's recent successes in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. He believes these results reflect the BJP's diminishing political strength in the state. Yadav pointed out that BJP lost significant ground in Varanasi, emphasising that the party is vulnerable as elections approach. He also accused Yogi Adityanath of sacrificing Varanasi for Gorakhpur's gain.

West Bengal's dhakis preserve a generations-old rhythmic language that accompanies every Durga Puja ritual. Their distinctive drum beats carry cultural and spiritual significance, making them vital custodians of India's intangible heritage.

West Bengal's dhakis preserve a generations-old rhythmic language that accompanies every Durga Puja ritual. Their distinctive drum beats carry cultural and spiritual significance, making them vital custodians of India's intangible heritage.

The Opposition INDIA bloc has postponed the mock impeachment event against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to Saturday due to rain. Leaders resolved to ensure Sunday’s rally at Ramlila Ground will demonstrate their strength and support. Rahul Gandhi accused the home minister of attempting to prevent people from reaching the rally. The event will include a march from Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan as planned.

If you are looking for spooky but good Halloween wishes to share with your friends or on social media then you are at the right place. Choose a funny greeting for the group chat or a warmer message for someone you miss. The collection includes short Happy Halloween notes that work with costume pictures and party invitations.

Piyush Goyal emphasized that Indian talent should be viewed as a global brand alongside established names. He called for Indian businesses to enhance their competitiveness and focus on quality. Goyal mentioned the importance of promoting domestic products without restricting consumer freedom. He also outlined challenges posed by international competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia. Additionally, he stressed that work ethic contributes significantly to success in India’s economy.

Piyush Goyal emphasized that Indian talent should be viewed as a global brand alongside established names. He called for Indian businesses to enhance their competitiveness and focus on quality. Goyal mentioned the importance of promoting domestic products without restricting consumer freedom. He also outlined challenges posed by international competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia. Additionally, he stressed that work ethic contributes significantly to success in India’s economy.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to create enforcement measures. These measures aim to prevent unauthorised sharing of live-stream court recordings. The court is hearing a PIL focused on exploitation of such recordings on digital platforms. Suggestions for official recordings to be authenticated through digital means were discussed during the hearing.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to create enforcement measures. These measures aim to prevent unauthorised sharing of live-stream court recordings. The court is hearing a PIL focused on exploitation of such recordings on digital platforms. Suggestions for official recordings to be authenticated through digital means were discussed during the hearing.

Arunachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein addressed ongoing protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. He mentioned the importance of responsibly utilising the state's rich natural resources to boost economic growth. Prohibitory orders were implemented in response to violent protests, leading to numerous arrests. Mein emphasised the necessity for dialogue with stakeholders to resolve concerns. He encouraged youth involvement in fostering a peaceful and developed Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein addressed ongoing protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. He mentioned the importance of responsibly utilising the state's rich natural resources to boost economic growth. Prohibitory orders were implemented in response to violent protests, leading to numerous arrests. Mein emphasised the necessity for dialogue with stakeholders to resolve concerns. He encouraged youth involvement in fostering a peaceful and developed Arunachal Pradesh.