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AdvertisementCentral AsiaWorldRussia & Central AsiaAfghanistan wants US$10 billion in trade deals with Central AsiaCentral Asia’s typical trade routes through Russia are hampered by heavy sanctions, while the Taliban is trying to trade with the world despite international sanctions
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAgence France-PressePublished: 9:26pm, 5 Apr 2026Afghanistan aims to increase trade with Central Asian countries to US$10 billion within the next three or four years, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Sunday.
Trade with Central Asian countries to Afghanistan’s north came to about US$2.7 billion in 2025, itself a significant increase over previous years, Muttaqi said.
He stated Afghanistan’s new trade goal with its neighbours at a “constructive dialogue” meeting in Kabul with representatives from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
AdvertisementThe meeting focused on political, economic and security issues, regional cooperation, trade and the expansi..

AdvertisementScienceChinaScienceChina’s push for hydrogen-powered planes takes step forward amid Iran energy crisisThe maiden flight of the most powerful plane of its kind was hailed by state media as establishing a ‘complete technological chain’
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenWilliam ZhengPublished: 9:00pm, 5 Apr 2026A Chinese cargo plane powered by a hydrogen-fuelled engine has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a milestone in China’s push for green aviation.The 7.5-tonne uncrewed aircraft is powered by the world’s most powerful hydrogen turboprop of its kind, capable of generating more than 1 megawatt.
The engine operated normally and remained in good condition throughout the 16-minute test flight on Saturday, state news agency Xinhua reported, citing the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), its developer.
AdvertisementThe aircraft covered 36km (22 miles) at a speed of 220km/h (137mph), flying at an altitude of 300 metres (985 feet). After completing all scheduled manoeuvr..

Rini Sampath, an Indian-origin professional, has made history by becoming the first South Asian candidate to secure a place on the mayoral ballot in Washington, DC.Sampath was born in Theni in Tamil Nadu. She moved to the United States at the age of seven with her family. She has lived in Washington, DC, for over a decade and currently works as a government contractor. Her entry into the 2026 mayoral race comes at a time when the city is preparing for a competitive election scheduled for November 3, with party primaries set for June 16.31-year-old Sampath is running as a Democratic candidate and has positioned herself as a political outsider. She has stated that she is not backed by special interest groups and wants to focus on improving basic city governance. Her campaign is built around the theme “Fix the Basics,” which focuses on everyday civic issues affecting residents.Her priorities include repairing roads, addressing wastewater problems in the Potomac River, lowering the cost of..

AdvertisementUS, Israel war on IranWorldAfricaIran war: Senegal limits foreign visits for ministers as fallout from conflict deepensPM says budgets in one of the world’s poorest nations were based on an oil price of US$62 a barrel. However, that has almost doubled
1-MIN READ1-MINAssociated PressPublished: 9:45pm, 4 Apr 2026The Senegalese government has banned all but essential foreign trips for government ministers as part of cost-saving measures triggered by the energy crisis linked to the Iran war.
Senegal, like many African countries, imports most of the petroleum products it consumes, leaving its economy vulnerable to supply disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent the price of crude soaring.
For millions in the region, soaring fuel prices have worsened the hardships they already face in some of the world’s poorest households.
AdvertisementThat means not being able to commute to work or afford a meal for many.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said on Frid..