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Dec. 21, 2025, 4:56 p.m.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 10% to 30% Award Rebate Select Routes January 5 – February 7 & February 23 – March 31, 2026 (Book By December 31)

Cathay Pacific has launched an award-rebate promotion on select regional flights between January 5 and February 7, and between February 23 and March 31, 2026, if booked by December 31. Asia Miles members can get 10%, 20% or 30% award rebate, depending on the …

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 10% to 30% Award Rebate Select Routes January 5 – February 7 & February 23 – March 31, 2026 (Book By December 31)

Cathay Pacific has launched an award-rebate promotion on select regional flights between January 5 and February 7, and between February 23 and March 31, 2026, if booked by December 31. Asia Miles members can get 10%, 20% or 30% award rebate, depending on the …

Dec. 21, 2025, 2:57 p.m.
China's Tencent Gains Access to the "Banned" NVIDIA's Blackwell B200 AI Chips by Leveraging the Rental Loophole in U.S. Export Controls

While Blackwell is banned from being exported to China, it appears that domestic AI giants have found their workarounds to access NVIDIA's latest technology. Chinese AI Giants Are More Inclined Towards the 'GPU Rental' Model Over Getting Hopper Chips, Claims …

China's Tencent Gains Access to the "Banned" NVIDIA's Blackwell B200 AI Chips by Leveraging the Rental Loophole in U.S. Export Controls

While Blackwell is banned from being exported to China, it appears that domestic AI giants have found their workarounds to access NVIDIA's latest technology. Chinese AI Giants Are More Inclined Towards the 'GPU Rental' Model Over Getting Hopper Chips, Claims …

Dec. 21, 2025, 2:35 p.m.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025

The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.

Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025

The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.

Dec. 21, 2025, 2 p.m.
Starship success, a private moon landing and more: The top 10 spaceflight stories of 2025

Over the past 12 months, we saw multiple spaceflight records broken, the debut of a powerful new rocket and the first-ever fully successful private moon landing.

Starship success, a private moon landing and more: The top 10 spaceflight stories of 2025

Over the past 12 months, we saw multiple spaceflight records broken, the debut of a powerful new rocket and the first-ever fully successful private moon landing.

Dec. 21, 2025, 1:07 p.m.
Humanoid robots are coming. Eventually?

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on robotics and AI, follow Robert Hart. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. We're taking a winter b…

Humanoid robots are coming. Eventually?

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on robotics and AI, follow Robert Hart. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. We're taking a winter b…

Dec. 21, 2025, 1 p.m.
Grid-Scale Bubble Batteries Will Soon Be Everywhere

This giant bubble on the island of Sardinia holds 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. But the gas wasn’t captured from factory emissions, nor was it pulled from the air. It came from a gas supplier, and it lives permanently inside the dome’s system to serve an ec…

Grid-Scale Bubble Batteries Will Soon Be Everywhere

This giant bubble on the island of Sardinia holds 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. But the gas wasn’t captured from factory emissions, nor was it pulled from the air. It came from a gas supplier, and it lives permanently inside the dome’s system to serve an ec…

Dec. 21, 2025, 12:08 p.m.
UK government was hacked in October, minister confirms

Attributed to Storm 1849 threat group.

UK government was hacked in October, minister confirms

Attributed to Storm 1849 threat group.

Dec. 21, 2025, noon
Zootopia 2 turns out to be more dangerous than KPop Demon Hunters amid venomous snake craze

Gary De'Snake is inspiring a fad for blue pit vipers.

Zootopia 2 turns out to be more dangerous than KPop Demon Hunters amid venomous snake craze

Gary De'Snake is inspiring a fad for blue pit vipers.

Dec. 21, 2025, 11:55 a.m.
Links 12/21/2025

Our strategic daily links: egg decorating, roving black hole, Venezuelan oil, Chinese robots, India's economy, Gaza horrors, Ukraine burning, vanishing privacy, Trumpishness, Musk world, hapless Democrats, immigration troubles, Mr. market, AI, and wretched ex…

Links 12/21/2025

Our strategic daily links: egg decorating, roving black hole, Venezuelan oil, Chinese robots, India's economy, Gaza horrors, Ukraine burning, vanishing privacy, Trumpishness, Musk world, hapless Democrats, immigration troubles, Mr. market, AI, and wretched ex…

Dec. 21, 2025, 11 a.m.
China's open AI models are in a dead heat with the West - here's what happens next

With the rising technological prowess and greater openness of Chinese models, the world is increasingly turning to the East for efficient and customizable AI, a new report finds.

China's open AI models are in a dead heat with the West - here's what happens next

With the rising technological prowess and greater openness of Chinese models, the world is increasingly turning to the East for efficient and customizable AI, a new report finds.

Dec. 21, 2025, 11 a.m.
Moore Threads unveils next-gen gaming GPU with 15x performance and 50x ray tracing improvement — AI GPU with claimed performance between Hopper and Blackwell also in the works

Moore Threads has just revealed its next-gen GPU architecture coming in 2026, dubbed "Huagang," which will bring new gaming and AI GPUs. The "Lushan" gaming GPU is promising up to 15x increase in AAA gaming performance, while the "Huashan" AI GPU is gunning f…

Moore Threads unveils next-gen gaming GPU with 15x performance and 50x ray tracing improvement — AI GPU with claimed performance between Hopper and Blackwell also in the works

Moore Threads has just revealed its next-gen GPU architecture coming in 2026, dubbed "Huagang," which will bring new gaming and AI GPUs. The "Lushan" gaming GPU is promising up to 15x increase in AAA gaming performance, while the "Huashan" AI GPU is gunning f…

Dec. 21, 2025, 10:36 a.m.
Lenovo intros affordable digital camera with 4K recording and 18x zoom support

The Lenovo X1 Digital Camera has been formally introduced in China. It comes with a 12 MP Sony CMOS sensor with support for 4K video recording and 18x digital zoom. The pre-launch price is CNY 389, around $55.

Lenovo intros affordable digital camera with 4K recording and 18x zoom support

The Lenovo X1 Digital Camera has been formally introduced in China. It comes with a 12 MP Sony CMOS sensor with support for 4K video recording and 18x digital zoom. The pre-launch price is CNY 389, around $55.

Dec. 21, 2025, 10:16 a.m.
Sabah business group urges unity, cautions against divisive racial politics

KOTA KINABALU: A prominent Sabah business group leader has urged the state's Chinese community to place their trust in elected representatives regardless of race, moving away from the belief that only members of their own community can safeguard their interes…

Sabah business group urges unity, cautions against divisive racial politics

KOTA KINABALU: A prominent Sabah business group leader has urged the state's Chinese community to place their trust in elected representatives regardless of race, moving away from the belief that only members of their own community can safeguard their interes…

Dec. 21, 2025, 10:10 a.m.
Reckless drive: China's carmakers should think twice before they export their price war to overseas markets

China’s automakers are betting big on exports as sales weaken at home, but if they spark off price wars in export markets, they may find trade barriers rising fast. They need to read their target markets well—with an ear to the tarmac for local sensitivities.

Reckless drive: China's carmakers should think twice before they export their price war to overseas markets

China’s automakers are betting big on exports as sales weaken at home, but if they spark off price wars in export markets, they may find trade barriers rising fast. They need to read their target markets well—with an ear to the tarmac for local sensitivities.

Dec. 21, 2025, 9:07 a.m.
Boon for exporters as Kenya inches closer to China tariff deal

Trade official confirms the deal is almost done, which would grant Kenyan products duty-free access to China’s vast market.

Boon for exporters as Kenya inches closer to China tariff deal

Trade official confirms the deal is almost done, which would grant Kenyan products duty-free access to China’s vast market.

Dec. 21, 2025, 9 a.m.
Week in review: Exploited zero-day in Cisco email security appliances, Kali Linux 2025.4 released

Here’s an overview of some of last week’s most interesting news, articles, interviews and videos: How researchers are teaching AI agents to ask for permission the right way People are starting to hand more decisions to AI agents, from booking trips to sorting…

Week in review: Exploited zero-day in Cisco email security appliances, Kali Linux 2025.4 released

Here’s an overview of some of last week’s most interesting news, articles, interviews and videos: How researchers are teaching AI agents to ask for permission the right way People are starting to hand more decisions to AI agents, from booking trips to sorting…

Dec. 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
As 2026 nears, can India steady itself in a fragmenting world economy?

Tariffs, tech wars and shifting alliances defined 2025. Whether India’s trade strategy and domestic reforms can withstand a fracturing global economy is the question for 2026.

As 2026 nears, can India steady itself in a fragmenting world economy?

Tariffs, tech wars and shifting alliances defined 2025. Whether India’s trade strategy and domestic reforms can withstand a fracturing global economy is the question for 2026.

Dec. 21, 2025, 8:02 a.m.
Indian Blueprint must be implemented, says Zahid

BUTTERWORTH: Barisan Nasional will push for full implementation of the Indian Blueprint programme, a government plan launched in 2017, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Read full story

Indian Blueprint must be implemented, says Zahid

BUTTERWORTH: Barisan Nasional will push for full implementation of the Indian Blueprint programme, a government plan launched in 2017, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Read full story

Dec. 21, 2025, 6 a.m.
China's secret "Manhattan Project" claims a stunning win: A homegrown EUV machine

China has secretly built a working prototype of an advanced EUV lithography machine, a critical tool for manufacturing cutting-edge semiconductors. The project, described as China’s “Manhattan Project,” involved reverse-engineering by former ASML engineers wo…

China's secret "Manhattan Project" claims a stunning win: A homegrown EUV machine

China has secretly built a working prototype of an advanced EUV lithography machine, a critical tool for manufacturing cutting-edge semiconductors. The project, described as China’s “Manhattan Project,” involved reverse-engineering by former ASML engineers wo…

Dec. 21, 2025, 5:19 a.m.
What is WhatsApp ghost pairing? The new silent way scammers use to secretly access your messages and photos

A new WhatsApp threat, 'ghost pairing,' is silently compromising user privacy. Scammers trick individuals into linking their accounts via fake verification codes or QR scans. This allows attackers to view conversations in real-time without the victim's knowle…

What is WhatsApp ghost pairing? The new silent way scammers use to secretly access your messages and photos

A new WhatsApp threat, 'ghost pairing,' is silently compromising user privacy. Scammers trick individuals into linking their accounts via fake verification codes or QR scans. This allows attackers to view conversations in real-time without the victim's knowle…

Dec. 21, 2025, 5:18 a.m.
It's giving 2025: Gen-Z slangs that were 'caught in 4K' this year

India News: “He soft-launched the relationship with a blurry fit pic, but the NPC behaviour, mid aura and breadcrumbing gave everyone the ick.” If that sentence ma.

It's giving 2025: Gen-Z slangs that were 'caught in 4K' this year

India News: “He soft-launched the relationship with a blurry fit pic, but the NPC behaviour, mid aura and breadcrumbing gave everyone the ick.”If that sentence ma.

Dec. 21, 2025, 5 a.m.
Pick of BL commodities - December 21, 2025

Precious metals continue to make headlines. Last week, platinum soared to an 18-year high, while China’s export curbs could drive silver further higher in 2026. After three months of increase, gold jewelry demand in India and China dropped in November. Indi…

Pick of BL commodities - December 21, 2025

Precious metals continue to make headlines. Last week, platinum soared to an 18-year high, while China’s export curbs could drive silver further higher in 2026. After three months of increase, gold jewellery demand in India and China dropped in November. Indi…

Dec. 21, 2025, 4:22 a.m.
Thai border clashes displace over half a million in Cambodia

More than half a million people in Cambodia have been displaced from their homes by two weeks of deadly border clashes with neighboring Thailand, Phnom Penh’s interior ministry said Sunday. The renewed fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors this mon…

Thai border clashes displace over half a million in Cambodia

More than half a million people in Cambodia have been displaced from their homes by two weeks of deadly border clashes with neighbouring Thailand, Phnom Penh’s interior ministry said Sunday. The renewed fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours this mon…

Dec. 21, 2025, 4:18 a.m.
Zoo Negara teases giant pandas Chen Xing, Xiao Yue's public debut

PETALING JAYA: Zoo Negara has hinted that giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue will be on public display soon. Read full story

Zoo Negara tease giant pandas Chen Xing, Xiao Yue's public debut

PETALING JAYA: Zoo Negara has hinted that giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue will be on public display soon. Read full story

Dec. 21, 2025, 3:42 a.m.
China's rare earths El Dorado gives strategic edge

Buried in the reddish soil of southern China lies latent power: one of the largest clusters of crucial rare earths is mined around the clock by a secretive and heavily guarded industry. The hills of Jiangxi province are home to most of China’s rare earth mine…

China's rare earths El Dorado gives strategic edge

Buried in the reddish soil of southern China lies latent power: one of the largest clusters of crucial rare earths is mined around the clock by a secretive and heavily guarded industry. The hills of Jiangxi province are home to most of China’s rare earth mine…

Dec. 21, 2025, 3:10 a.m.
Jaishankar and Zhao to Make Surprise Visits to Sri Lanka This Week for Presidential Meetings

Amidst the nation's efforts to rebuild following the devastation caused by Cyclone "Dithwa," two high-ranking diplomats from India and China are scheduled to meet separately with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake next week for discussions. During these meeti…

Jaishankar and Zhao to Make Surprise Visits to Sri Lanka This Week for Presidential Meetings

Amidst the nation's efforts to rebuild following the devastation caused by Cyclone "Dithwa," two high-ranking diplomats from India and China are scheduled to meet separately with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake next week for discussions. During these meeti…

Dec. 21, 2025, 3:03 a.m.
TikTok is being sold to US investors: Here's what it means for Android users

TikTok signed a deal that would sell part of the company to U.S. investors, and it could mean sweeping changes for users.

TikTok is being sold to US investors: Here's what it means for Android users

TikTok signed a deal that would sell part of the company to U.S. investors, and it could mean sweeping changes for users.

Dec. 21, 2025, 12:33 a.m.
US intercepts oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, officials say

The U.S. intercepted an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, confirming a "blockade" of sanctioned vessels. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the U.S. will pursue illicit oil funding narco-terrorism. Venezuela denounced the act as "international pir…

US intercepts oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, officials say

The U.S. intercepted an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, confirming a "blockade" of sanctioned vessels. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the U.S. will pursue illicit oil funding narco-terrorism. Venezuela denounced the act as "international pir…

Dec. 20, 2025, 11:57 p.m.
Multi-Vector Statecraft and the New International Order

The United States’ National Security Strategy 2025 (NSS-2025), Russia’s diplomatic recalibration, China’s expanding economic statecraft, India’s centrality, and Central Asia’s rising connectivity corridors collectively signal a transition toward a polycentric…

Multi-Vector Statecraft and the New International Order

The United States’ National Security Strategy 2025 (NSS-2025), Russia’s diplomatic recalibration, China’s expanding economic statecraft, India’s centrality, and Central Asia’s rising connectivity corridors collectively signal a transition toward a polycentric…

Dec. 20, 2025, 11:16 p.m.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Impressive Leica camera sample and telephoto comparison in Q&A with Xiaomi boss

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will apparently cost more than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Xiaomi President Lu Weibing explicitly confirmed this price hike in a Q&A session that revolved around the upcoming Leica camera flagship phone. The handset will feature an optical zoom c…

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Impressive Leica camera sample and telephoto comparison in Q&A with Xiaomi boss

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will apparently cost more than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Xiaomi President Lu Weibing explicitly confirmed this price hike in a Q&A session that revolved around the upcoming Leica camera flagship phone. The handset will feature an optical zoom c…

Dec. 20, 2025, 11 p.m.
Johor to Bhutan flight takes off

KULAI: A historic milestone has been recorded at Senai International Airport following the departure of the first chartered flight from Johor to Bhutan. Read full story

Johor to Bhutan flight takes off

KULAI: A historic milestone has been recorded at Senai Inter­national Airport following the departure of the first chartered flight from Johor to Bhutan. Read full story

Dec. 20, 2025, 10:58 p.m.
This billionaire tested China's limits. It cost him his freedom

Lai, who is facing life in prison, always said he owed Hong Kong, a city that had given him "everything".

This billionaire tested China's limits. It cost him his freedom

Lai, who is facing life in prison, always said he owed Hong Kong, a city that had given him "everything".

Dec. 20, 2025, 10:34 p.m.
'Nearly zero' chance: How a community kept its tai chi teacher

Jack Yang's immigration lawyer said his chances of staying in Australia were "nearly zero," but Ballarat's tai chi community had other plans.

'Nearly zero' chance: How a community kept its tai chi teacher

Jack Yang's immigration lawyer said his chances of staying in Australia were "nearly zero," but Ballarat's tai chi community had other plans.

Dec. 20, 2025, 10:16 p.m.
The way of the Empire of the Sun

In Japanese society, 'religion, collective memory, and private trauma can collide in unpredictable ways'

The way of the Empire of the Sun

In Japanese society, 'religion, collective memory, and private trauma can collide in unpredictable ways'

Dec. 20, 2025, 9:35 p.m.
Pras Michel Seeks to Postpone Serving Prison Sentence While Awaiting Appeal: 'This Wasn't a Fair Trial'

Pras Michel’s lawyers said Fugees rapper should be allowed to appeal verdict before serving in prison in new filing, citing 'improper jury influence.'

Pras Michel Seeks to Postpone Serving Prison Sentence While Awaiting Appeal: 'This Wasn't a Fair Trial'

Pras Michel’s lawyers said Fugees rapper should be allowed to appeal verdict before serving in prison in new filing, citing 'improper jury influence.'

Dec. 20, 2025, 9:15 p.m.
REPORT: Universal Studios Park Hits Financial Issues, Loses $213 Million

One of Universal’s newest theme parks has had a disappointing year financially. Universal has spent the past decade rapidly expanding its theme park business, pouring billions into new destinations designed to compete directly with Disney on a global scale. T…

REPORT: Universal Studios Park Hits Financial Issues, Loses $213 Million

One of Universal’s newest theme parks has had a disappointing year financially. Universal has spent the past decade rapidly expanding its theme park business, pouring billions into new destinations designed to compete directly with Disney on a global scale. T…

Dec. 20, 2025, 9:09 p.m.
Japan's Upgraded Type 12 SSM Appears in Clearest Image Yet

The image show a live-fire test of the upgraded Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile conducted between October and November 2020 in California. The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) released on Dec. 19, 2025 more images and information of live-fire tests of its u…

Japan's Upgraded Type 12 SSM Appears in Clearest Image Yet

The image show a live-fire test of the upgraded Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile conducted between October and November 2020 in California. The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) released on Dec. 19, 2025 more images and information of live-fire tests of its u…

Dec. 20, 2025, 8:20 p.m.
US Forces Board Oil Tanker Under Trump's Blockade

US forces moved Saturday against another ship near Venezuela, days after President Trump ordered a "complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country, American officials said. The operation is being carried out by the Coast Guard …

US Forces Board Oil Tanker Under Trump's Blockade

US forces moved Saturday against another ship near Venezuela, days after President Trump ordered a " complete blockade " of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country, American officials said. The operation is being carried out by the Coast Guard …

Dec. 20, 2025, 7:34 p.m.
Military Satellites Now Maneuver, Watch Each Other, and Monitor Signals and Data

An anonymous reader shared this report from the Washington Post. (Alternate URL here): The American patrol satellite had the targets in its sights: two recently launched Chinese spacecraft flying through one of the most sensitive neighborhoods in space. Like…

Military Satellites Now Maneuver, Watch Each Other, and Monitor Signals and Data

An anonymous reader shared this report from the Washington Post. (Alternate URL here): The American patrol satellite had the targets in its sights: two recently launched Chinese spacecraft flying through one of the most sensitive neighborhoods in space. Like…

Dec. 20, 2025, 7:15 p.m.
The biggest tech stories of 2025: Foldables, AI, XR, and the forces reshaping the smartphone industry

From tri-fold phones and ultra-thin designs to AI going mainstream, rising phone prices due to tariffs, here are the biggest tech stories that defined 2025

The biggest tech stories of 2025: Foldables, AI, XR, and the forces reshaping the smartphone industry

From tri-fold phones and ultra-thin designs to AI going mainstream, rising phone prices due to tariffs, here are the biggest tech stories that defined 2025

Dec. 20, 2025, 6:56 p.m.
Our favorite stuff of 2025

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 110, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, happy holidays, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been reading about mall S…

Our favorite stuff of 2025

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 110, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you're new here, welcome, happy holidays, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I've been reading about mall S…

Dec. 20, 2025, 6:43 p.m.
Redmi Note 15 Series Official: Five Models, 200 MP Cameras

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 15 series globally, which is a big deal for people who like the Redmi Note devices. Now they have a lot of options to choose from because the Chinese manufacturer has unveiled five different models: Redmi Note 15,…

Redmi Note 15 Series Official: Five Models, 200 MP Cameras

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 15 series globally, which is a big deal for people who like the Redmi Note devices. Now they have a lot of options to choose from because the Chinese manufacturer has unveiled five different models: Redmi Note 15,…

Dec. 20, 2025, 6:01 p.m.
No small token: China firms convert prized trees, tea into digital assets

BEIJING: On the Chinese tropical island of Hainan, Huanghuali trees - a rare kind of rosewood - are being photographed so that they can be turned into digital ...

No small token: China firms convert prized trees, tea into digital assets

BEIJING: On the Chinese tropical island of Hainan, Huanghuali trees - a rare kind of rosewood - are being photographed so that they can be turned into digital ...