Indian royals carve out new calling decades after losing their thrones

South China Morning Post - Nov 2, 2026

In a sprawling palace in western India, the “queen” or Maharani of Baroda welcomes guests with fragrant rose petals, presenting torchlit dances of Hindu myths. Dressed in glittering finery, Radhikaraje Gaekwad is a queen in name only, a modern businesswoman presiding over a world her ancestors once ruled. “The key has been that we have adapted,” the 48-year-old said in her vast Lakshmi Vilas Palace, describing how India’s former royals have found new roles, from cultural ambassadors to...

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To fly or not to fly: Chinese mechanic reports short-lived GE engine blades in Boeing 787

Nov 2, 2026

To fly or not to fly: Chinese mechanic reports short-lived GE engine blades in Boeing 787

A Chinese aviation specialist has reported that some high-pressure turbine blades in US-made GE Aerospace engines powering Boeing 787 aircraft have suffered unexpectedly early damage, leaving airlines with a difficult choice: replace the engines or continue flying under strict inspection requirements. The findings raise questions about the reliability of American aerospace products amid growing scrutiny of US manufacturing quality. According to the study, cracks can develop in some blades within...

2 cleaning firm executives charged for taking HK$75 million in bribes from supplier

Nov 2, 2026

2 cleaning firm executives charged for taking HK$75 million in bribes from supplier

Hong Kong’s corruption watchdog has charged two former senior executives of a Hong Kong-listed cleaning company with allegedly accepting more than HK$75 million (US$9.6 million) in bribes linked to the procurement of cleaning vehicles and their maintenance services. William Fung Chi-wang, 54, former director of Johnson Cleaning Services Company and former chief executive of its parent firm, and Jimmy Lee Sai-leung, 57, the company’s ex-general manager, were charged last Friday with one count of...

PNP conducts operation vs Bantag at Ifugao poultry farm

Nov 2, 2026

PNP conducts operation vs Bantag at Ifugao poultry farm

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said an operation was conducted to arrest former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag at a poultry farm in Barangay Pugol, Lamut, Ifugao on Sunday. However, Bantag was not found at the location during the operation.

China’s fifth plenum readout

Nov 2, 2026

China’s fifth plenum readout

This article is the official English translation of the original Chinese document released by Xinhua.

Chinese scientists found giant ‘chimneys’ in deep water that could alter submarine warfare

Nov 2, 2026

Chinese scientists found giant ‘chimneys’ in deep water that could alter submarine warfare

Chinese researchers have mapped how energy from surface wind surges thousands of metres into the seabed, revealing massive underwater conduits they called “inertial chimneys”. The discovery, based on data collected by a US-funded ocean sensor array off the east coast of Japan, coupled with future long-term underwater monitoring, can provide underwater acoustic environmental support for marine detection and communication, the team said. The scientists from the Institute of Oceanology of the...

Ex-Kissinger partner on how China, US can evolve together or die together

Nov 2, 2026

Ex-Kissinger partner on how China, US can evolve together or die together

Joshua Cooper Ramo is chairman and CEO of Sornay, an investment and advisory firm. Previously he was CEO of Kissinger Associates. Ramo is the author of the new book Darwin’s Lock: America, China and the Shared Future of Nations. His 2004 analysis of “the Beijing consensus” contrasted the Western and Chinese economic development models. He is the author of two New York Times bestselling books and now lives in Shanghai with his family. For other interviews in the Open Questions series, click...

Bicam talks on 2027 budget to be opened to CSOs -- JV Ejercito

Nov 2, 2026

Bicam talks on 2027 budget to be opened to CSOs -- JV Ejercito

Senate finance committee chairperson JV Ejercito has committed to inviting civil society organizations (CSOs) to observe the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2027.

In South Korea, Lee’s overseas trips fuel familiar battle over presidential perks

Nov 2, 2026

In South Korea, Lee’s overseas trips fuel familiar battle over presidential perks

President Lee Jae Myung’s overseas trips have again drawn attention to South Korea’s shifting political standards, adding to a familiar cycle of disputes over presidential golf and the presidential plane whenever power passes between conservative and liberal administrations. The controversies centre on taxpayer money and the public’s attitudes towards presidential privilege, with governing parties defending certain activities as necessary for diplomacy or official duties and the opposition...

What can Cambridge teach Hong Kong about building university towns?

Nov 2, 2026

What can Cambridge teach Hong Kong about building university towns?

Strong government-industry partnership and interdisciplinary education are what make a university town financially viable and successful, the head of a University of Cambridge college has said, sharing the UK’s experience as Hong Kong develops its Northern Metropolis plan. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Professor Girish Menon, president of Lucy Cavendish College, said Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan character made it “best placed” to place young people at the heart of its university...

Apec China summit: from traffic curbs to tree planting, Shenzhen’s plans enter final phase

Nov 2, 2026

Apec China summit: from traffic curbs to tree planting, Shenzhen’s plans enter final phase

Construction workers have been working late into the night in downtown Shenzhen as the city makes its final preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in two weeks’ time. On a weekday night, a South China Morning Post reporter saw at least 50 construction workers gathered at an intersection about 1km (just over half a mile) from the Apec venues in the central district of Futian, laying down pebbles and planting trees along the pavements. The main road that leads up to the...

House spends P100M a year on utilities. Why ask for P1B?

Nov 2, 2026

House spends P100M a year on utilities. Why ask for P1B?

In 2025, the House secured a billion pesos for the chamber's water and electricity expenses, even though it historically spent only a small fraction of that amount annually. Where did the money go?

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