Science

China defends Russian oil purchases, slams US ‘bullying’ by AFP Staff Writers Beijing (AFP) Oct 16, 2025 China said on Thursday that its purchases of Russian oil were “legitimate” and decried “unilateral bullying” by the United States, as President Donald Trump pushes countries to stop buying fuel from Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Trump

Jumbo drop in estimates of India elephant population by AFP Staff Writers New Delhi (AFP) Oct 15, 2025 India’s wild elephant population estimates have dropped sharply by a quarter, a government survey incorporating a new DNA system has found, marking the most accurate but sobering count yet. India is home to the majority of the

India’s pollution refugees fleeing Delhi’s toxic air By Aishwarya KUMAR Bengaluru, India Oct 16, 2025 Pollution levels in India’s capital shaped Natasha Uppal and her husband’s decision on parenthood — either raise their child away from the city, or stay put and remain childless. New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area, home to more than

US advisor on India accused of taking documents, meeting Chinese by AFP Staff Writers Washington (AFP) Oct 14, 2025 A well-known US scholar on India who advised the US government was charged with retaining classified information and allegedly met Chinese officials, prosecutors said Tuesday. Ashley Tellis, 64, who has worked in or advised the US

US expert on India accused of China meetings denies charges by AFP Staff Writers Washington (AFP) Oct 15, 2025 A prominent US scholar of India who was arrested after allegations of retaining classified documents and meeting Chinese officials is denying the charges against him, his lawyers said Wednesday. Ashley Tellis, 64, who held senior positions

Madagascar on edge as embattled president’s address delayed by AFP Staff Writers Antananarivo, Madagascar (AFP) Oct 13, 2025 A keenly awaited national address by Madagascar’s cornered President Andry Rajoelina, who went missing as calls grew for his resignation, was delayed twice Monday as a group of armed forces tried to take control of the state-owned

Google to invest $15 bn in India, build largest AI hub outside US By Bhuvan BAGGA New Delhi (AFP) Oct 14, 2025 Google said Tuesday it will invest $15 billion in India over the next five years, as it announced a giant data centre and artificial intelligence base in the country. “It is the largest

Brazil ‘frustrated’ with delays in COP climate commitments by AFP Staff Writers Brasilia (AFP) Oct 10, 2025 Brazil expressed frustration Friday as countries — including major polluters such as India and EU members — drag their feet in submitting new climate targets, less than a month before the country hosts COP30. The targets, known as

Bangladesh army says arrest warrants against officers affecting morale by AFP Staff Writers Dhaka (AFP) Oct 11, 2025 The Bangladesh army said Saturday that arrest warrants issued against senior officers had affected troop morale ahead of elections, but pledged to uphold justice amid rising tensions. On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued warrants for

Five youths using tech to drive change win UN-backed prize by AFP Staff Writers Geneva (AFP) Oct 9, 2025 An Indian teenager behind mobile tools to monitor water quality won a United Nations-backed youth activist prize on Thursday, alongside other young people lauded for using technology to drive positive change. Dev Karan, 17, was announced