ASIA

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In an effort to reverse declining birth rates, China is introducing its first nationwide subsidy, offering parents 3,600 yuan (£375; $500) annually for each child under the age of three. The handouts are expected to help around 20 million families with the cost of raising young children, state media reports. This comes after the ruling Communist Party abolished its one-child policy almost a decade ago.

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Despite recent efforts by Seoul to ease tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, stated Monday that South Korea remains "the enemy" of North Korea. In a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo Jong said North Korea has "no interest" in talks with the South, regardless of the proposals offered.

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Citing health concerns, India's Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar unexpectedly resigned on Monday night, the first day of the monsoon session of parliament, a move that has prompted widespread speculation. Dhankhar, who also served as chairman of the upper house, had been in office since August 2022, with his term due to expire in 2027. Many opposition leaders have expressed their surprise at the sudden announcement, with one MP saying there was more to the story "than meets the eye".

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Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have parachuted aid into the Gaza Strip as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory deepens.

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Chenyue Mao, a U.S. citizen and longtime employee of the bank, is not allowed to leave the country while she faces an unspecified criminal probe. China's foreign ministry confirmed the case this week, saying Mao must "cooperate with the investigation." But so far, they haven't said what she's being accused of. Mao lives in Atlanta and runs international factoring at Wells Fargo. She's also the chair of FCI, a global trade finance group. That makes her a key figure in international business, especially deals involving Chinese markets.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally signed the recently announced UK-India trade deal during talks held on Thursday. Hosting the Indian leader at his Chequers country estate, northwest of London, Starmer hailed the agreement as a "landmark moment" for both countries, praising Britain's "unique bonds" with India.