China PMI surprises as factory activity contracts in January; December industrial profits jump

Nearly half of the advertising budget of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) since 2022 has been allocated to promoting the live sheep export ban, according to the Australian Live Export Council (ALEC). A $2.3 million tender awarded to Universal McCann is highlighted, with DAFF's total advertising spending exceeding $4.66 million in this period, including campaigns for Bird Flu and biosecurity. Critics, including ALEC's CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton, argue the campaign primarily targets urban...

South Korea's Aviation Safety OverhaulIn response to the deadly Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash, South Korea will deploy drones at airports in 2025 to mitigate bird strikes, part of a comprehensive aviation safety initiative. The government plans to enhance infrastructure at six airports, combat pilot fatigue, and increase safety personnel, while also investing $174 million over three years in bird-strike prevention measures, including thermal imaging cameras and bird-detection devices. Additionally, collaboration with local aviation offices...

SummaryBritain's military conducted a joint operation with U.S. forces against the Houthi militia in Yemen for the first time since President Trump re-entered office, aiming to degrade Houthi capabilities and protect international shipping. The operation targeted buildings used for drone manufacturing near Sana, with careful planning to minimize civilian risk, although details on casualties were not provided. This strike follows intensified Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, coinciding with President Trump's...

An SUV crashed into the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, on April 28, 2025, resulting in the deaths of four girls ages 7 to 18, with multiple others injured, including one in critical condition. Police stated that the crash does not appear to be targeted and are investigating the cause; the driver, 44-year-old Marianne Akers, was unharmed. Community leaders and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed deep condolences for the tragic loss of young...

Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTSINGAPORE: Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Tan Cheng Bock on Wednesday (Apr 30) called for the outcome of police investigations into harassment allegations – made by the People's Action Party (PAP) and PSP volunteers in January – to be released to the public within the election...

The Eurozone economy grew 0.4% in Q1, exceeding expectations ahead of Donald Trump's tariff announcements, doubling the previous quarter's growth of 0.2%. Analysts predict that the ensuing global trade war will adversely affect future performance, with indicators of declining business confidence and potential for a technical recession in H2. The European Central Bank has repeatedly lowered growth forecasts, now at 0.9% for 2025, and anticipates further interest rate cuts amidst rising trade tensions, while Germany...