The increase in China’s defense spending is concerning given its economy is “failing”, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Tuesday.Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Admiral John Aquilino said China’s economy had been battered by turmoil in its real estate sector and asserted that its official growth rates…

The same day Iran launched its first ever direct attack on Israel, it embarked on a less-noticed confrontation at home, ordering police in several cities to take to the streets to arrest women accused of flouting its strict Islamic dress code.Iranian authorities insist that their so-called Nour (Light) campaign targets…

Swedish customs made one of the country’s largest cocaine seizures ever, confiscating approximately 1.4 tons of the drug.The cocaine was found in a container at Nynashamn port, south of Stockholm.Six people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in its transport.Swedish customs made one of the country’s biggest-ever cocaine seizures after…

Vietnam, a major rice exporter, is aiming to transform its farming techniques by reducing its emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas.Rice paddies generate methane due to flooded conditions inhibiting soil oxygen, making up 8 percent of human-made methane emissions globally.The crop holds cultural and economic significance in Vietnam, with the…

The UK has pledged an additional $620 million in military supplies for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and ammunition.The announced aid includes 400 vehicles, 60 boats, 1,600 munitions and 4 million rounds of ammunition.The US recently approved $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, but it’s unclear when the UK’s aid will…

North Korea ran simulated nuclear counterstrikes against unspecified foreign enemies on Monday, according to state media. The rocket launches were conducted under the supervision of supreme leader Kim Jong Un at an undisclosed location within the small region surrounding the capital city of Pyongyang.Missiles fired Monday traveled over 300 kilometers and…

New legislation in Hong Kong has banned Styrofoam products and single-use plastic cutlery.Under the new law, single-use cutlery like forks, spoons, straws and plates cannot be sold or distributed to dine-in or takeaway customers.The goal of the regulation is to reduce plastic pollution at its source, according to Hong Kong’s…

European Union countries, including the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, are hesitant to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems.The Netherlands is exploring options to support Ukraine financially and is considering depleting its stock of Patriot systems.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said existing capabilities across the alliance could be made available to…

Heavy rainstorms that swept across southern China over the weekend killed at least four people in riverside cities, while a search was underway for 10 others missing, state media said Monday.The official Xinhua news agency said three people died in Zhaoqing city while one rescuer died in Shaoguan city. It…

A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the “Sex and the City” TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.Nancy Gonzalez…