ASIA

LABUBU FEVER TAKES OVER THE WORLD AS CHINESE TOY BRAND POP MART GOES GLOBAL

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What began as a niche toy figure in China has become an international obsession. Labubu, the mischievous, elf-like monster doll created by artist Kasing Lung, has captured hearts and wallets across the globe. From viral queues in Shanghai to boutique shelves in London and viral Instagram moments featuring Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, the toy has evolved from cult collectible to mainstream phenomenon.

LONDON-BOUND AIR INDIA FLIGHT CRASHES IN AHMEDABAD: NO SURVIVORS AMONG 242 ON BOARD

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A London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, tragically crashed moments after departing Ahmedabad's airport on Thursday, June 12. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to Gatwick Airport when it plummeted into the residential area of Meghani Nagar, just five minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. local time.

TAIWAN TESTS SEA DRONE AMID MILITARY PRESSURE FROM CHINA

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Amid ongoing military pressure from Beijing, Taiwan unveiled a bomb-carrying sea drone on Tuesday, signaling its commitment to bolstering defense capabilities through uncrewed surface vehicles. The move reflects Taiwan's increasing reliance on drone technology, a strategy influenced by the successful use of aerial and maritime drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to offset traditional military advantages.

NORTH KOREA REFLOATS CAPSIZED WARSHIP

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After a reported capsize during its launch, North Korea has refloated a warship that drew criticism from Kim Jong Un. State media KCNA reported the ship "safely entered the water vertically" and is now "moored at the pier." Repairs are expected to be completed before a key meeting led by Kim, attended by top officials.

DEATH TOLL IN INDIA PLANE CRASH CLIMBS TO 270 AS SEARCH TEAMS FIND MORE BODIES

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Search and recovery teams continued scouring the site of one of India’s worst aviation disasters for a third day after the Air India flight fell from the sky and killed at least 270 people in Gujarat state, officials said Saturday.

INDIA SET TO CONDUCT ITS CENSUS AFTER SIX-YEAR DELAY

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India is finally set to carry out its population census after a six-year delay, with the two-phase exercise slated to finish by 2027, according to government officials. As one of the world’s most extensive administrative undertakings, the decennial census provides vital information for welfare planning, federal fund allocation, electoral boundary delimitation, and policymaking. Initially planned for 2021, the census faced several postponements since the last count in 2011.

BANGLADESH'S INTERIM LEADER DECLINES MEETING UK MP OVER CORRUPTION CLAIMS

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Bangladesh's interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has firmly declined to meet Labour MP Tulip Siddiq during his London visit, amidst a growing swirl of corruption allegations and international political friction. The Nobel laureate and former economist, who assumed leadership after the dramatic ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government, told the BBC that any engagement with Siddiq would interfere with an ongoing legal process. His stance emphasized trust in Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is probing claims that Siddiq unlawfully acquired land through her familial connections.

INDIAN MINISTER SAYS TESLA IS NOT INTERESTED IN PRODUCING IN INDIA

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Tesla, the electric vehicle giant owned by Elon Musk, is reportedly "not interested in manufacturing in India," according to the country’s heavy industries minister. The statement came on Monday as India released detailed guidelines for a new scheme aimed at boosting EV manufacturing. This marks the first public acknowledgment by India that it has struggled to attract investment from Tesla despite offering incentives since March.