Asia

Tech News

Apple begins AI trial in China, powered by Alibaba

Apple has begun testing its AI tools with developers in China, almost two years after launching them in the US. To comply with Beijing’s strict rules, it is relying on Alibaba’s Qwen model.

4 November 2026

Israel

Israel's election commission says no fraud found in last week's vote

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters have repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties had “stolen” the election, possibly with foreign assistance.

4 November 2026

Ecotech

China is winning the clean industry race. Can Europe catch up?

China secured 23 of the world’s 36 major clean industrial projects financed last year, as emerging economies advanced past both Europe and the US.

4 November 2026

Europe News

Euroviews. The Zangezur Corridor: Regional peace and global connectivity

The Zangezur Corridor is a test case for the region, writes Dr Matin Mammadli of the Centre for the Analysis of International Relations in Baku in an article for Euronews. It could link Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, strengthen trade between Europe and Asia, and lay an economic foundation for peace.

3 November 2026

Art

Baku Art Weekend: Two days of remodelling and rethinking art

Transforming a carpet into contemporary art and replacing a painter’s brush with a syringe. Just a few insights into how an art weekend offered new methods of artistic licence to creatives gathering in Baku.

3 November 2026

South Korea

South Korea and Turkey sign financing pact for nuclear power projects

Turkey and South Korea are expanding nuclear, defence and trade ties. Their latest agreement explores funding for nuclear projects, while Ankara weighs potential partners for its planned Sinop plant.

3 November 2026

Earth Series

Tackling air pollution at its source

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

From emissions at busy ports to pollution from industry, traffic, heating and dust, improving air quality means tackling a complex mix of sources. In Turkey and Uzbekistan, different approaches are being taken to reduce emissions and better understand the air people breathe.

3 November 2026

Qatar

Qatar sees 'hope' for US-Iran deal as proposals exchanged in real time

Qatar said Tuesday it saw hope for an interim deal as mediators continue to exchange proposals, despite fresh US strikes and threats to shipping through Hormuz continue to complicate efforts to end the Iran war.

3 November 2026

Tech News

Robots, drones and renewable energy: The highlights of InnoWeek 2026

From remotely operated firefighting equipment to agricultural drones and student-built electric vehicles, innovators in Uzbekistan are developing practical solutions while exploring opportunities for commercial production and international markets.

3 November 2026

No Comment

Video shows two helicopters colliding in Nepal’s Everest region

Two small helicopters collided while landing on a snowy site in Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, killing an Indian tourist and injuring a New Zealander.

3 November 2026

Saudi Arabia

Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed to December over regional security

The Asian Football Confederation cited “exceptional circumstances” and travel disruptions in moving the tournament from January 2027 to late December, after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia forced the Dakar Rally and the WTA Finals to be cancelled or relocated.

3 November 2026

Iran

Iran warns of ‘new battlefield’ after reported US strike on Qeshm

Parliament speaker Ghalibaf said “the ball is in America’s court to prevent war” as Iran reached its highest defensive readiness and Iranian outlets reported Tehran had updated its target bank to include US support bases in Europe under a “response without geographical limits”.

3 November 2026

Tech News

North Korea slams FBI claims it was behind €5bn Binance hack

A 2024 United Nations report said proceeds from North Korean cyberattacks had "reportedly helped to fund the country's development of weapons of mass destruction".

3 November 2026

Partner content

Thailand, An Exquisite Address Beyond Travel

Partner content presented by thailandprivilege.co.th

As work becomes borderless and global citizens rethink where they live, Thailand is emerging as a destination not only to visit, but to experience, return to and, for some, call a second home.

3 November 2026

Focus

Drones and robots on show at Milipol Qatar

In partnership with Media City

From a drone carrying traffic lights to a remotely operated robot, exhibitors at Milipol Qatar demonstrate equipment designed for emergency response, surveillance and work in dangerous places.

2 November 2026

Culture news

Baghdad brew: New signs of daily life found in ancient Mesopotamia

Archaeologists working at Tell Muhammad in Baghdad have uncovered new evidence of daily life in ancient Mesopotamia, including possible bread and beer production facilities. The site dates mainly to the era of Hammurabi, around 2000 to 1600 BC.

2 November 2026

No Comment

Humanoid robots climb China’s Mount Tai in unusual challenge

China's Mount Tai hosts a robot challenge, with nearly 90 teams tackling 3,100 steps and a 600-metre climb on an ancient mountain path.

2 November 2026

Afghanistan

Taliban voices 'concern' over US plans to deport Afghans via Pakistan

Advocacy groups have warned that the removal of former allies and their families could endanger their lives.

2 November 2026

Iran

Iran says it can reopen Hormuz in two days if US meets conditions

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the timeline shortened from the seven days first proposed in September was “another indication of Iran’s good-faith approach” but that “everything depends” on Washington.

2 November 2026

Water

From communal taps to homes: How drinking water access is changing in Uzbekistan

In the country's northwest, an Asian Development Bank-backed project is upgrading treatment facilities and distribution networks, extending household connections while further works remain under way.

2 November 2026

Business

Central Asian mineral trade moves beyond investment discussions

At a forum in Tashkent, participants examined technology transfer, financing and transport routes. A recent German-Kazakh industrial roadmap and preliminary financing terms with a French bank illustrate the different stages of cooperation.

2 November 2026

Ecotech

China's record clean tech exports help slash global emissions - report

Clean tech is growing "much faster than anyone predicted just a few years ago” as gas prices continue to soar.

2 November 2026

North Korea

Switzerland restores diplomatic presence in North Korea

Switzerland is renewing direct talks with North Korea as tensions rise on the peninsula. Seoul hopes the Swiss office will help it engage with Pyongyang.

1 November 2026

Iran

Iran warns of 'geographically unrestricted response' if US attacks

Iran ramps up its threats and does not exclude pre-emptive military action, but its officials have nevertheless noted positive steps in mediated negotiations with the US ahead of the decisive midterm elections. The Gulf countries remain "braced for the worst."

1 November 2026

Yemen

UN demands investigation after death of staff member held by Houthis

Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani said more than 70 UN staff members and dozens of humanitarian workers remain in Houthi custody.

1 November 2026

Destinations

Doha stopover guide: What to see and do in Qatar's capital city

Qatar’s capital Doha offers plenty for travellers on a stopover, whether it’s a 24-hour stay or a few days. Here’s what to see, where to dine and what to experience beyond the airport.

1 November 2026