Author: Web Desk

Tokyo: Japan has prepared to inform the United States that it intends to participate in the Golden Dome missile defence programme, according to government sources familiar with the matter. The announcement is expected to be made when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on March 19 during a leaders’ summit. Japanese officials have indicated that the country could contribute to missile production under the Golden Dome initiative as global conflicts increase demand for military equipment. The project, introduced by the United States administration last year, aims to expand existing missile defence systems and develop additional…

Baghdad: Rescue operations have begun after a US military refuelling aircraft was involved in one of the latest plane crashes linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The aircraft, identified as a KC-135 refuelling plane, went down in western Iraq on Thursday. US Central Command has said the crash occurred during an operational mission and involved another aircraft, though authorities confirmed it was not caused by hostile action or friendly fire. At least five crew members were reported to be onboard the aircraft at the time of the plane crashes incident. Officials have not yet confirmed whether any injuries occurred,…

Beijing: China has passed a new ‘ethnic unity’ law that mandates Mandarin education for children from early schooling through high school, a move that authorities say will promote national integration but critics argue could weaken minority languages and cultures. The legislation was approved during the closing session of China’s annual National People’s Congress in Beijing. The law has been presented as part of broader policies designed to strengthen unity among the country’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups, with the Han Chinese majority forming the largest population group. Under the new ‘ethnic unity’ law, all children must learn Mandarin before entering…

Singapore: The global oil price has surged again as markets react to supply risks linked to the Iran conflict, despite an agreement by major economies to release large amounts of oil from emergency reserves. Brent crude has climbed more than 9 percent in Asian trading, rising above $100 (£74.79) per barrel. The increase has occurred even after all 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced plans to release a record 400 million barrels of oil to address supply concerns. The emergency move represents the largest coordinated release of reserves in the organisation’s history. The previous record occurred…

New Delhi: India’s hospitality industry has warned of potential disruptions and shutdowns as LPG supplies tighten following the ongoing Iran conflict. Restaurants and hotels across the country have raised concerns about the shortage of cooking gas, which is widely used in commercial kitchens. Industry groups have alerted authorities that limited access to LPG could affect daily operations for restaurants, food chains and hotels. The shortage has emerged as the United States and Israel’s conflict with Iran has disrupted shipping routes in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. These waterways are vital for global energy trade, and the disruption has…

Hanoi: Vietnam has called on businesses across the country to encourage remote working arrangements as fuel shortages and price increases affect energy supplies. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued the recommendation as part of broader efforts to reduce fuel consumption and manage supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. Authorities have stated that companies should encourage employees to work from home when possible to reduce travel and transportation demand. The government has indicated that Vietnam has been among the countries most affected by fuel disruptions since the United States and Israel began military action against Iran. The country…

London: International flights have been forced to navigate increasingly restricted routes as airspace closures linked to the Iran conflict continue to affect aviation across the Gulf region. The situation has intensified after the southern half of Azerbaijan’s airspace was closed following a drone attack. This development has pushed many flights into a narrow corridor across the northern part of the country, adding further pressure to already disrupted global flight routes. Air traffic across the region had already been affected as airlines avoided several areas considered unsafe. Western airlines have stopped using Russian airspace since the Ukraine invasion in 2022, including…

Jakarta: Indonesia has introduced a social media ban that prevents children under the age of 16 from creating accounts on several popular digital platforms. The regulation has been signed by Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, who has confirmed that the restriction will apply to platforms considered high risk for minors. These include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox and the livestreaming platform Bigo Live. The social media ban will begin implementation gradually starting from 28 March. Authorities have stated that the phased rollout will continue until all platforms comply with the new national regulations. Indonesia, with a…

The 75 Hard Challenge has become one of the internet’s most talked-about wellness trends in recent years. On TikTok alone, more than 890,000 videos have been posted using the hashtag #75Hard, with participants sharing daily routines, progress updates and personal transformations. The challenge has attracted people who want to improve their fitness, strengthen discipline and create healthier daily habits. Its growing popularity is largely driven by social media motivation and the promise of major lifestyle changes. Participants are drawn to the program because it offers a clear structure and a defined goal over a fixed period of time. Key reasons…

Mumbai: The T20 World Cup semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium has delivered a thrilling contest as India has narrowly defeated England by seven runs to advance to the final. India has posted an imposing total of 7-253 after strong contributions from several batters. Sanju Samson has led the scoring with a commanding 89 runs, while Shivam Dube has added 43 and Ishan Kishan has contributed 39 to strengthen the total. The aggressive start has allowed India to build pressure on England’s bowling attack. Samson has continued strong form in the T20 World Cup, following an unbeaten 97 against West Indies…