Author: Verified News Online

AdvertisementUS-China tech warTechBig TechChinese LED chipmaker’s purchase of Dutch firm collapses after US oppositionThe failed Lumileds deal highlights the growing hurdles Chinese tech firms face in overseas acquisitions under tightening US policy
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenXiaofei Xuin ParisPublished: 10:30pm, 17 Apr 2026China’s leading LED chipmaker and its Malaysian partner have abandoned their US$239 million cash offer to purchase Dutch technology company Lumileds Holding after opposition from US authorities, marking the latest setback for Chinese tech investment overseas following the high-profile Nexperia saga.Sanan Optoelectronics, listed in Shanghai, said in a disclosure announcement on Friday that despite multiple rounds of discussions, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determined the transaction would pose “irresolvable US national security risks” and asked the firms to withdraw their filing and abandon the transaction.“Accordingly, on April 17, 20..

AdvertisementUS, Israel war on IranUSDiplomacyIran, US say Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vesselsTehran said ships would have to follow a route through the waterway outlined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation
2-MIN READ2-MIN4 ListenMark Magnierin New YorkPublished: 9:51pm, 17 Apr 2026Updated: 10:59pm, 17 Apr 2026In an apparent sign that Tehran blinked first in the blockade showdown between Iran and the US, the two sides announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operational after nearly seven weeks that have seen hundreds of ships blocked and sent energy prices soaring worldwide.“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a similar message on social media without the all capital lettering.
Advertisement“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the..

PC: Google Gemini A significant archaeological discovery in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has uncovered a vast rock shelter measuring 100 metres long that served as a continual record of humankind's activities for the past 10,000 years. It is located in proximity to the ancient mining centres of Serabit el-Khadim, where researchers were able to establish an incredible chronology of rock art; from the work of Epipaleolithic hunter-gatherers (approximately early Holocene), through medieval travellers, all the way to today. The archaeological team from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities discovered many different styles of artwork that were created by these various groups, including iconography depicting animals painted with red pigment and hunting scenes carved into the rock using the technique known as sunken relief.The archaeological shelter also provides evidence of human habitation in the form of structures (such as stone living units, hearths and pottery) that have been dated..

Image: AI Generated It is well known that China loves building ambitious infrastructure projects, and its hydroelectric power stations are no exception. The Three Gorges Dam, which already boasts the title of the world’s largest hydroelectric station, attracts the interest of the international community not only due to its size but also because of its unforeseen effect on the planet. Some scientists claim that such a gigantic body of water influences the Earth’s axis. However, China has even more ambitious plans regarding hydroelectric power, a project worth $165 billion. What are the implications of this decision? Let’s find out.The three Gorges Dam and Earth’s rotation impactThe Three Gorges Dam represents an amazing example of human genius, providing the energy of 22,500 megawatts per year, enough for thousands of families. This colossal structure with such a huge storage of water caused some astonishing scientific discoveries. The dam is said to slow the rotation of our planet, acc..

AdvertisementHong Kong transportHong KongTransportHong Kong government forks out two-thirds of HK$90 million tab for HK$2 fare revampAbout 220 beneficiaries averaged more than 240 trips a month – equivalent to more than eight trips daily – with one hitting as many as 20 trips a day
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenEmily HungPublished: 10:59pm, 16 Apr 2026The revamp to Hong Kong’s HK$2 (26 US cents) transport fare concession scheme for the elderly and disabled carried a HK$90 million price tag, with the government paying two-thirds, a Legislative Council finance committee paper revealed on Wednesday.
It also showed that about 220 beneficiaries averaged more than 240 trips a month – equivalent to more than eight trips daily – with one hitting as many as 20 trips a day, in the first year of real-name registration.
The government adjusted the scheme on April 3, requiring beneficiaries to pay 20 per cent of the fare, instead of a flat HK$2 rate, for trips costing more than HK$10.
AdvertisementA 240-tr..

AdvertisementUS, Israel war on IranUSUS says China pledged not to arm Iran during ceasefirePentagon says Beijing offered assurances as US tightens blockade and warns Tehran talks could quickly give way to renewed strikes
2-MIN READ2-MIN1 ListenTeresa Elena Frontadoin WashingtonPublished: 10:42pm, 16 Apr 2026Updated: 10:48pm, 16 Apr 2026China has assured the United States that it will not supply weapons to Iran during the current ceasefire in the Middle East conflict, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, as Washington stepped up pressure on Tehran to agree to a broader peace deal brokered by Pakistan.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said Beijing had conveyed the assurance directly, amid heightened concerns in Washington about external support for Iran during the fragile pause in fighting.
“Trump has a strong and direct relationship with Xi. They communicated on that, and China said that is not going to happen,” Hegseth said, referring to reports of a possible Chi..