BEIJING: Strong winds and blowing sand pushed air pollution higher in China’s capital over the weekend, with city meteorological authorities reporting a sharp rise in PM10, the coarse particulate matter closely associated with dust events. The citywide average PM10 concentration reached 175 micrograms per cubic meter by 2…

KOTA KINABALU: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 struck off Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo island early Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake hit shortly before 1 a.m. local time and was centered offshore north of Kota Belud, the USGS said, with the tremor originating deep below…

CAIRO: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said it has documented a previously unknown rock art site in South Sinai featuring a natural sandstone rock shelter that preserves paintings, carvings and inscriptions spanning thousands of years. The ministry said the site, known as the Umm Irak Plateau, contains…

NEW DELHI: India’s updated baggage framework took effect on February 2, 2026, changing how returning travelers can bring personal goods into the country and revising long-standing limits on jewellery carried in baggage. Under the Baggage Rules, 2026, eligible passengers may bring gold, silver and other precious metal jewellery under…