World

As China drafts its 15th five-year plan – the next entry in a line of expansive blueprints that have set the tone for the country’s development over more than seven decades – we examine how these documents inform and reflect high-level policy priorities, what to expect in the coming iteration and how infrastructure spending and investment could evolve to meet …

Donald Trump’s doctor has issued a major health update for the US President just one day after he was pictured with makeup covering his bruised hand. Mr Trump completed his second medical examination of the year – which the White House described as routine – amid speculation about his seemingly discoloured hands and swollen ankles. Despite growing concern over his …

And Portugal has secured the top spot of the most favourable retirement visa schemes across the globe. Adalberto Pucca, head of global mobility services at Global Citizen Solutions said: “Portugal tops our 2025 Global Retirement Index as the D7 visa is one of Europe’s most sought-after passive income visas. “Its appeal stems from a combination of accessible entry requirements and …

A spate of violence on the border between the two countries adds to rising tensions after Kabul accused Islamabad of air raids Heavy fighting erupted on Saturday along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, officials from both sides have confirmed, after mutual accusations of airspace violations and attacks.  Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said its forces launched “successful retaliatory operations” against Pakistani security positions “along …

American actress Diane Keaton has died at the age of 79, a family spokesperson confirmed to People magazine. She passed away in California but the cause of death has not been made public, and her family has asked for privacy, according to the magazine. Keaton was best known for her roles in ‘Father of the Bride’, ‘The First Wives Club’ …

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he has directed the Defence Department to use “all available funds” to ensure American troops are paid on Wednesday despite the government shutdown. Trump said in a social media post that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th”. The Republican president’s …

Tourists have been issued an urgent travel warning for popular tropical islands that see around two million visitors a year. The US State Department revised its travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives earlier this week, urging visitors to be cautious of potential terror attacks.  The Level 2 travel warning said people must “exercise increased caution … due to …

A high-level delegation from the South Asian nation has delivered a sacred remains of the founder of Buddhism to the Republic of Kalmykia The sacred Kapilavastu Relics – believed to contain remains of Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism – were brought to Russia’s Republic of Kalmykia on Saturday on a special Air Force flight. The relics will be displayed …

A British OnlyFans model has been jailed for three years after admitting she tried to smuggle nearly £200,000 worth of drugs into Spain. Clara Wilson, from Huthwaite, Notts, was arrested at Barcelona’s El Prat airport after travelling from Thailand with more than 34 kilos of cannabis in her suitcase. The 36-year-old model was remanded to a local prison by an …

British tourists in Majorca have been issued a stark warning this weekend. Holidaymakers and locals alike are being urged not to go outside by authorities with a number of alerts in place across the Balearic Islands. It comes as Storm Alice continues to sweep across the region, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Spanish weather agency AEMET activated an orange …