China’s factory activity growth hits 3-month high in February, as millions return to work after holidays

Israeli forces conducted multiple raids in the occupied West Bank, arresting two Palestinians and damaging a bus carrying Hajj pilgrims in Jenin, where a military vehicle reportedly rammed into the bus. The bus was transporting elderly Palestinians to Saudi Arabia via Jordan, prompting condemnation from Jenin Deputy Governor Mansour al-Saadi due to the distress caused to vulnerable passengers. Additional arrests occurred in Silat al-Harithiya and Tulkarem, while military actions in Nablus involved gunfire and sound...

Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh made a notable debut at the Met Gala, dressed in an opulent ivory and gold ensemble by designer Prabal Gurung, reminiscent of an early 20th Century maharajah. His style, which fuses traditional Punjabi aesthetics with Western influences, has garnered global attention, influencing a new generation of Punjabi musicians and fashion trends. This cultural shift reflects the rise of Punjabi identity from local farming communities to a global consumer presence, showcasing an...

SummaryAssociate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announced the success of a Government directive aimed at addressing abusive Kāinga Ora tenants, resulting in improved tenant behaviour. He noted that the previous Sustaining Tenancies Framework, which ended in March last year, allowed some tenants to remain in their homes despite engaging in disruptive activities. Potaka emphasized that while most social housing tenants are respectful, a small minority have negatively impacted their neighbours and properties, highlighting the privilege of...

Uche Akolisa & Kelechi AnoziaBBC News, LagosIn Lagos, Nigeria, rising living costs have led to an increase in abandoned pets, as seen in the case of Preye Maxwell, who reluctantly surrendered his dog Hanks due to financial strain after losing his job. The inflation rate, which peaked at 35% in December 2024, has drastically raised expenses for pet care, prompting many owners to abandon pets rather than seek new homes. Activists report that shelters now...

SummaryPhil Mangano, a film and television editor in Los Angeles, faces job insecurity following the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which led to a loss of about 40,000 industry jobs and a 58% drop in TV production since 2021. California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to increase film and TV tax credits from $330 million to $750 million aims to revive the struggling industry, but experts question if it's sufficient to compete with other states and countries offering...

Incessant heavy rainfall in Guwahati over the past 24 hours caused severe waterlogging, prompting rescue efforts from the State Disaster Response Force and local authorities. The downpour, attributed to a depression over northern Bangladesh and Meghalaya, resulted in Guwahati recording its highest-ever May rainfall of 111 mm and led to at least 32 fatalities across five northeastern states, including nine in Assam. While a decrease in rainfall intensity is expected, residents in vulnerable areas remain...