Author: Andrew Rogers

Korean Air is reporting a significant surge in passenger numbers between South Korea and China, marking one of its strongest periods of travel growth in recent years. Government support and easing travel restrictions have helped boost tourism in both directions. Officials say the increase reflects renewed interest in cultural exchanges, business travel, and leisure tourism. More flights and streamlined travel policies have made it easier for passengers to plan trips between the two countries. Travel analysts note that the surge benefits local economies on both sides. Hotels, restaurants, transport services, and attractions see higher demand as travelers spend on accommodations,…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be weakened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to provoke strong opposition from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would need to meet a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain…

A surprising new study has found that orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins are teaming up to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — the first documented case of such cooperation between the two predators. Researchers from the University of British Columbia and international partners used drone footage, underwater cameras and acoustic tags to track northern resident killer whales, a salmon-specialist ecotype. They discovered the whales were closely following dolphins that appeared to act as “scouts,” leading them toward large Chinook salmon. “Seeing these highly skilled predators following dolphins as if they were leaders was really counterintuitive — and…

A new Cambridge University study has attempted to settle an age-old question — just how monogamous are humans? According to researchers, humans sit 7th out of 35 mammal species, placing us firmly in the monogamous tier, though still behind champions of loyalty such as Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins. The ranking, led by evolutionary anthropologist Dr Mark Dyble, compared the proportion of full siblings to half-siblings in more than 100 human groups and dozens of animal populations. The logic is simple: the more full siblings, the more monogamous the species. Humans reached an average 66% full siblings, compared with 72%…

China has officially added domestically-made AI chips to its government procurement list for the first time. Companies like Huawei and Cambricon are now eligible to supply AI chips to government projects, signaling a major push toward technological self-reliance. The move aims to strengthen local chipmakers and reduce dependence on foreign technology. By prioritizing homegrown AI hardware, the government hopes to boost innovation and support the growth of domestic tech industries. Analysts say this decision could significantly expand the market for Chinese chipmakers. Government contracts often provide stable demand and funding, which can accelerate research, development, and production capacities. China’s AI…

Health officials in England have identified a new variant of mpox after a recent traveller returning from Asia tested positive for the virus. Genetic analysis revealed that the strain is a recombinant form, combining elements of clade 1, the more severe type, and clade 2, the less virulent strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency said it is assessing the significance of the new variant but stressed that viral evolution is normal. Officials urged eligible individuals — including those at higher sexual risk — to receive vaccination as a precaution. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox,…

Marc Guéhi scored a dramatic late winner to give Crystal Palace a 2-1 victory over Fulham, sending Oliver Glasner’s side up to fourth in the Premier League. The defender rose at the near post in the closing stages to head home from a corner, stunning a Fulham team who had fought back into the match and dominating spells of play. Palace took the lead through Eddie Nketiah, who marked his first league start of the season with a confident finish after a clever move orchestrated by Adam Wharton. Fulham struck back with a spectacular effort from Harry Wilson, who curled…

China and Russia have conducted their third joint anti-missile drills on Russian territory, highlighting growing defense cooperation and strategic trust between the two nations. Officials described the exercises as routine and emphasized that they are not directed at any third party. The drills involved coordinated missile defense operations, with both countries testing integrated systems and joint response strategies. Military analysts note that these exercises demonstrate increasing interoperability between Chinese and Russian forces. Officials from both countries stress that the exercises are part of ongoing defense collaboration and aim to strengthen readiness and coordination. By conducting such drills, China and Russia…

While Nepal is best known for Everest and Himalayan trekking, the lesser-known Terai lowlands offer a completely different experience — lush national parks, vibrant Indigenous culture and heartfelt hospitality summed up in the saying “Atithi devo bhava” — the guest is god. Staying with a Tharu family in Bhada, a remote village near the Indian border, visitors experience daily life far from Nepal’s tourist hotspots. Through the Community Homestay Network, travelers cook traditional meals, join festivals and contribute directly to local women-led households. In one home, guests help prepare starfruit pickle and later share dishes during Auli, a harvest celebration…

Max Verstappen will start from pole in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale, with title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lining up right behind him in second and third. The championship remains in Norris’s control: he will become world champion if he finishes ahead of both rivals, or simply third or better. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris sixth or lower. Verstappen, who has surged late in the season, set a 1:22.207 to take pole, but Norris showed confidence despite the pressure, calling the situation “fine” and insisting…