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Michael McNamara on AI, media, and governance at DNPA conclave 2025

Michael McNamara, Co-Chair of the European Parliament's AI Working Group, speaks to WION about the newly passed AI Act and its impact on innovation, regulation, and ethical AI development in Europe. He discusses key provisions, the balance between oversight and technological growth, and what this legislation means for global AI governance.

Taiwan says detects 45 Chinese aircraft in 24-hours, highest this year

Taiwan said Thursday it detected 45 Chinese aircraft near the island, the highest number this year and a tally that comes a day after Taipei condemned China's "live-fire" drills off the south. Watch this report for more details!

Oscars 2025:  Host Conan O'Brien offers sneak peek into the ceremony

Oscars host Comedian Conan O'Brien and the creative team behind the upcoming ceremony shared a few insights into what audiences can expect this year.

TROPEX 2025: Enhancing India's maritime power through theatre-level operational readiness drills

India news | Opinion : TROPEX serves as a crucial strategic tool to test, refine, and validate India's maritime security capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. It is insufficient to field naval forces prepared to fight the battles of tomorrow with doctrine and weapons designed for the wars of yesterday.

Trump sows confusion around global tariffs timing, scope

Asian stocks seemed directionless as investors parsed the latest tariff announcements from the US. President Donald trump and earnings from Nvidia failed to impress markets. This comes after most regional stock markets posted solid gains on Wednesday. The broader cues in global markets point to safety first approach as the 'tariff man' flexed his muscles again.

Report: India’s middle class shrinks as wealth gap widens

India, with a population of 1.4 billion, appears to be a vast consumer market. However, a deeper look reveals that nearly 1 billion people lack the disposable income required for discretionary spending. According to the Indus Valley Annual Report 2025, only 130 to 140 million people—about the population of Mexico—form India's true consuming class.

IMF review of Pakistan's economic recovery bailout due

Pakistan's finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said an IMF delegation will visit the country next week. The first assessment of the $7 billion rescue package is scheduled for March. Last summer, as part of its economic recovery strategy, Islamabad received a $7 billion loan from the IMF. According to Pakistan's finance minister, the country's economy has stabilised and should now prioritise export-led growth.

Bangladesh eyes freer currency amid economic challenges

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new currency strategy to stabilize the Taka, which has underperformed most Asian currencies in 2025. The new approach involves daily recalibration of the exchange rate, moving closer to a freely floating system.

Ukraine peace talks spark debate over brand returns to Russia

Peace talks between the US & Russia over Ukraine have put the spotlight on what the brands will do when the war ends. Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, over 1,000 Western companies have exited Russia, leaving behind a void in the retail and automotive sectors. However, the Russian market has adapted rapidly.

'Anaesthetic agent': Thai authorities report surge in 'Zombie cigarette' cases in Bangkok

The Thai government has cautioned young people about a new form of drug-laced e-cigarette, known as “zombie cigarettes,” which contain the anaesthetic etomidate. Officials have pledged to intensify enforcement efforts.

Hong Kong aims to cut spending by 7% to balance budget

Hong Kong is facing its toughest fiscal test in three decades, with annual deficits exceeding $20 billion in three of the past four years. The city’s finance chief, Paul Chan, has announced a plan to restore fiscal balance by mid-2027. The government will cut recurrent spending by 7%. The government has also announced plans to slash 10,000 civil service jobs.

Top earners drive US growth as wealth gap grows

The US economy appears strong on the surface, with low unemployment and stable inflation expectations. But beneath the surface, a growing wealth divide is reshaping consumer spending. Let’s break down the numbers and what they mean for the broader economy.

Starc reveals what led to his absence from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad

Sports, Cricket: Starc was part of the five Tests at home against India, throwing rockets throughout the series while playing the two away Tests against Sri Lanka.

Indonesian punk rock band Sukatani forced to apologise for anti-corruption song

Punk rock band Sukatani reveals that they were forced to issue an apology by the Indonesian police after their new song “Bayar, Bayar, Bayar” went viral.

Russian Rouble gains on Trump-Putin bromance

After three years of war, Washington may have offered Moscow an economic lifeline just as the Russian economy is over-heating driven by Western sanctions. US President Donald Trump is urging for a swift agreement to end the war in Ukraine, which has alarmed Washington's European allies. This comes amid skyrocketing interest rates, persistently high inflation, and Russia's massive fiscal stimulus.

India successfully tests indigenous naval missile with precision strike capability

India has successfully conducted trials for its indigenous naval anti-ship missile, showcasing its advanced precision strike capability. The missile, developed by DRDO, can retarget in flight, making it a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s arsenal. The Defence Minister praised the achievement, calling it a milestone in India’s defense technology.

Blake Lively ends social media silence, pays tribute to Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg

Entertainment Hollywood Amid legal feud with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively has maintained her silence on social media but she posted to remember her Gossip Girl co-star Michelle.

Hundreds of faithful pray at St Peter's Square for Pope Francis' health

Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for an ailing Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering and hope for his recovery. Watch this report for more details!

‘Homecoming’: NASA’s Sunita Williams prepares for re-entry as Crew Dragon readies for departure

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been on the International Space Station (ISS) since September 2023, are now set to return earlier than initially planned. Their prolonged mission was due to delays with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.