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China’s manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong and research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) are set to complete major upgrades in preparation for deep-sea exploration missions this year, according to the country’s oceanic affairs administration. Jiaolong, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. The China-made underwater ship has explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Its upgrades are currently in progress and technicians have already completed major enhancements to its critical components, including the lithium battery system. The sea dragon-inspired submersible is scheduled to undergo tank tests in February…

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Public Security on Sunday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the U.S. decision to impose a 10-percent additional tariff on imports from China under the pretext of fentanyl-related issues. China is one of the countries with the strictest drug control policies and the most rigorous enforcement in the world, said the spokesperson, adding that China has consistently and resolutely fulfilled its international drug control obligations and actively engaged in international anti-drug cooperation with countries around the world, including the United States. Despite the absence of widespread abuse domestically, China became the first…

China’s annual trade in services exceeded $1 trillion for the first time last year, demonstrating significant potential for further growth. The services import and export value amounted to a record high of 7.5 trillion yuan (about $1.05 trillion) in 2024, expanding 14.4 percent year on year, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce. Exports grew 18.2 percent year on year, while imports grew 11.8 percent, according to the ministry. Driven by global trends of digitization, smart technology advancement and green development, China’s trade in services grew in scale, its structure was further optimized, and its international competitiveness…

SINGAPORE: Cryptocurrency prices slid on Monday, with bitcoin at a three-week low and ether at its lowest since early September, as the spectre of a global trade war put investors on edge and pushed them out of risky assets. Bitcoin, the world’s biggest and best-known crypto, fell to $94,476.18 on Monday morning in Asia, touching a three-week low of around $91,441.89. Smaller cryptocurrency ether was down around 24% and back to levels last seen in early September. It last fetched $2,494.33. Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and most Canadian imports, and 10% on…

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will pay a state visit to China from February 4 to 8 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

LAHORE : Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that Pakistan has always been a beautiful bouquet of diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. In her message on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, she emphasised that Punjab belongs to everyone, where individuals can practice their faith freely and without fear. She highlighted that all religions teach love, peace, and tolerance, which form the foundation of a truly welfare-oriented society. Maryam Nawaz urged people to embrace differences without compromising on religious teachings and cultural values. She stressed that respect for beliefs and the promotion of harmony are essential for sustainable…

A terrorist attack on a police check post in Dera Ghazi Khan was foiled after security personnel repelled the assailants, forcing them to flee, Punjab Police said on Saturday. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 15 to 20 terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the Jhangi checkpost, located within the jurisdiction of Vahowa police station, under the cover of darkness. The attackers used rocket launchers, hand grenades, and advanced weaponry in the strike. However, police forces swiftly retaliated, thwarting the attack and compelling the terrorists to escape. A search operation has been launched in the area to track down the…

LAHORE : Fog has once again engulfed parts of Punjab, causing closure of motorways at various points and disruption in schedule of flights at Lahore airport. A spokesperson said various sections of the motorway have been closed due to extremely low visibility caused by dense fog. The M3 motorway from Faizpur to Nankana Sahib, the Lahore-Sialkot M11 motorway and the M2 motorway from Lahore to Hiran Minar have been closed due to dense fog. On the other hand, flight operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport have also been disrupted by the fog. Sources said flight 402 from Karachi to Lahore…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is expected to visit Pakistan twice before June this year to review the country’s economic performance and key financial targets. The visits are crucial for the release of the second $1 billion tranche under the ongoing $7 billion bailout program. According to Finance Ministry officials, the first visit of the IMF team is anticipated next month, during which economic review talks will take place. The delegation will assess Pakistan’s progress on economic reforms from July to December, including tax collection, agricultural income, and expansion of the tax net. If the review is successful, Pakistan…

ISLAMABAD : The government has increased the price of petrol by Re1 per litre, setting the new price at Rs257.13 per liter for the next fortnight. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the price of petrol has been increased by Re1, and the price of high-speed diesel has risen by Rs7. After the price hike, the new price of petrol is Rs257.13 per litre, while the new price of high-speed diesel is Rs267.95 per liter. The new prices have been implemented from midnight. It is noteworthy that on January 15, the government had raised the price…