Inside the PLA’s new austerity drive: lean, mean, printing-on-both-sides machine

China has accused the Philippines of setting up “numerous obstacles” to attending a meeting with defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and of violating “basic diplomatic protocols”. The row, which follows years of tension over the two countries’ competing claims to the South China Sea, saw Beijing sending its defence attache to the meeting in the Philippines – the lowest-ranking Chinese representative at the event since it was first held in 2010. “The...

Christine Lagarde has announced her decision to step down from her position at the ECB. Her resignation will take effect on February 7, 2027, nearly nine months early. Originally, her term was expected to end in October 2027. Speculation regarding her early exit has been ongoing for several months. The announcement coincides with the ECB's interest rate decision the same day.

Jio Platforms celebrated its stock market debut at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, where Mukesh Ambani's grandchildren stole the show with their charming behavior. Their playful moments quickly became internet sensations, receiving a flood of comments from online users. The event showcased not only their playful nature but also how Mukesh and Nita Ambani navigated the joyful chaos with incredible patience and affection, highlighting their expanding family bonds.

Mumbai Indians confirmed the exit of Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey, and Carl Hopkinson from their coaching positions. Malinga, a key player and mentor, inspired many during his time with the franchise. Mhambrey contributed significantly to developing the team's bowling talent and understanding its culture. Hopkinson, who joined recently, helped improve the fielding standards of the team as well.

Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia has been relieved of his strategy and planning duties within the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This removal coincides with reports of President Donald Trump contemplating new military strikes against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced significant cuts to military leadership, emphasizing accountability and a shift in military focus.

In a show of defiance, North Korea has test-fired nearly 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its eastern shores amid rising frictions with South Korea. This move follows North Korea's threats to revive propaganda efforts and introduce new military assets to the region. Kim Jong Un recently strengthened ties with China, highlighting their support amid escalating tensions linked to past border disputes.

The climate-tech company, founded by Karthika Gopi and Rahul Babu, develops microalgae-based systems to capture carbon dioxide and purify air

A recent examination of 45 plastic cattle tanks has shed light on the significant role that species arrival order plays in biodiversity. Tanks with low nutrients exhibited similar communities irrespective of this order, while high nutrient tanks presented diverse variations. This phenomenon, termed the priority effect, has implications for community stability and ecosystem restoration efforts, cautioning restoration ecologists against presuming automatic self-repair in nutrient-rich habitats.

The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for direct recruitment to government jobs, making individuals associated with organisations that advocate changing the existing social system through violence ineligible for appointment. The order clarifies that political ideology alone, an FIR or a pending investigation cannot automatically disqualify a candidate.

The International Monetary Fund has nominated Min Liao, China’s Vice Minister of Finance, for Deputy Managing Director. His appointment follows the term expiration of Bo Li, which ends on November 30, 2026. Liao has extensive experience in financial regulation and macroeconomic governance, contributing to global economic policy coordination. He has played significant roles in various financial institutions since beginning his career.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has named Germany, Japan and China as three countries with strong positions in advanced manufacturing, citing China’s integration of computing and industrial production. He also said US export restrictions had accelerated China’s semiconductor ambitions, while maintaining that American technology companies were prepared to compete globally.

Beijing has promoted General Zhang Shengmin, the key player in the anti-corruption campaign that has cut deep into the military’s top leadership, to its top decision-making body, the Politburo. Zhang, who was last year promoted to vice-chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the top command body, was the military’s anti-corruption chief from 2018 until July this year, and is the top enforcer in Beijing’s fight against corruption in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). That drive left the...