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INI’s ‘You Know What To Do’ Logs Group’s Seventh No. 1 on Japan Hot 100
INI’s “You Know What To Do” has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, giving the group its seventh chart-topper. The song’s strong debut matters because it continues INI’s run of commercially successful releases, while also performing well across radio and digital downloads. Released as the title track of the group’s ninth single,…
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Former NASA chief sounds alarm on China’s lunar “exploration” plans
In a forthcoming memoir, Bill Nelson, former NASA administrator from 2021 to 2025, has issued a stark warning about China’s lunar ambitions and argues that the United States must do all it can to maintain space leadership. Nelson characterises the competition with China as the defining contest of the twenty-first century, comparing its stakes to…
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‘Bling Empire’ Breakout Kim Lee To Host ‘Rice To Riches’ Reality Show For KC Global Media Asia
KC Global Media Asia is developing *Rice to Riches*, an eight-episode reality series co-produced and hosted by DJ and producer Kim Lee, who gained wider recognition through Netflix’s *Bling Empire*. The programme will examine how Asian content creators build careers, monetise social media and develop brand partnerships and original products. Lee will visit creators’ homes,…
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China’s rare earth processing dominance leaves America strategically exposed
The United States has surrendered its dominance in rare earth element processing to China, creating a significant strategic vulnerability. Decades of importing cheaper Chinese-processed rare earths caused American production facilities to close, particularly California’s Mountain Pass mine and separation plant. China has weaponised this advantage, imposing export controls on rare earth materials in 2025 and…
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Sindhu Vee: ‘Makeup, music to feel reckless, two pieces of milk chocolate – and then I go on’
The Guardian publishes an interview with Sindhu Vee, a comedian and actor who has progressed from investment banking through standup comedy to television and film roles. She discusses her new show “Swanky,” inspired by the recent deaths of both her parents, which prompted her to reassess her life and conclude that, despite her losses, things…
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Ahadadream reclaims a racist slur to celebrate Pakistani identity
Ahad Elley, known professionally as Ahadadream, has turned experiences of racism and cultural assimilation into the basis of his music career. His debut album, P★KI, deliberately reclaims a slur directed at his Pakistani identity, expressing pride and self-love while acknowledging the pain and differing views associated with the word. The release marks a significant moment…
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Trump and Xi set to tackle AI, trade and Taiwan
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, trade and Taiwan at their US summit, as China’s global influence and the stakes in the relationship have grown since their last meeting. The talks may produce limited progress, with disagreements over AI safety, US technology restrictions, Taiwan’s defence and the future of the…
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Xiaomi’s new 18 Pro phones improve on Samsung’s privacy display
Xiaomi has launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China, introducing more adaptable hardware-based privacy displays than Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The phones can apply privacy mode selectively to apps, notifications, floating windows and split-screen views, while location triggers and selfie-camera detection can automate activation. Their confirmed international release later this year is…
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Trump and Xi set for AI-focused talks as US bill emerges
Donald Trump is due to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping during a three-day visit expected to focus heavily on artificial intelligence. The meeting comes as UN secretary general António Guterres urges the US and China to establish reliable communication on AI, while US lawmakers Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar prepare legislation to ban artificial superintelligence,…
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Airtel Money targets $800m London listing at up to $9bn valuation
Airtel Money, the African mobile payments arm of Airtel Africa, plans to float in London in one of the UK’s largest listings in years. It aims to raise about $800m at a valuation of $8bn-$9bn, potentially giving the struggling London Stock Exchange a significant boost. The company has 53 million monthly active users across 13…