![A large laser-ignited fusion research centre is being built in China's Mianyang, potentially aiding nuclear weapons design and power generation. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/587848_5643304_updates.webp "587848_5643304_updates")
A large laser-ignited fusion research centre is being built in China’s Mianyang, potentially aiding nuclear weapons design and power generation.
![Google Maps will rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in the US, keeping the original name in Mexico. [File photo via Unsplash/Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/587762_6877373_updates.webp "587762_6877373_updates")
Google Maps will rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in the US, keeping the original name in Mexico.
![Deputy PM Dar reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to China, strengthening ties and economic cooperation through CPEC. [Image via X/@ForeignOfficePk]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GiXaPrbXwAA8SP0-768x514-1.webp "GiXaPrbXwAA8SP0-768×514")
Deputy PM Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to China, strengthening ties and economic cooperation through CPEC.
![SBP announces timeline for new design currency notes, with release expected by 2025 pending cabinet approval. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/newq1737556728-0.webp "newq1737556728-0")
SBP announces timeline for new design currency notes, with release expected by 2025 pending cabinet approval.
![Trump's foreign aid freeze disrupts development in Nepal, Pakistan, and other nations, with key projects halted. [Image via Wikimedia Commons]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TrumpPortrait.webp "TrumpPortrait")
Trump’s foreign aid freeze disrupts development in Nepal, Pakistan, and other nations, with key projects halted.
![Catherine West meets Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss poverty, regional development, and digital transformation. [Image via News First]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WEB-2025-01-28T081605-779019.webp "WEB – 2025-01-28T081605-779019")
Catherine West meets Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss poverty, regional development, and digital transformation.
![Yoshitha Rajapaksa granted bail on two surety bonds after arrest over alleged illegal property purchase in Ratmalana. [Image via News First]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WEB-26-778930.webp "WEB (26)-778930")
Yoshitha Rajapaksa granted bail on two surety bonds after arrest over alleged illegal property purchase in Ratmalana.
![Sri Lanka and UAE discuss enhancing trade ties, investment, and business opportunities at Dubai Chamber meeting. [Image via Daily FT]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image_2408524d8f.webp "image_2408524d8f")
Sri Lanka and UAE discuss enhancing trade ties, investment, and business opportunities at Dubai Chamber meeting.
![UN and Arab League oppose Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza, citing violations of international law. [Image via The Nation]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/un-opposes-trump-s-proposal-to-relocate-palestinians-outside-gaza-1738035665-4812.webp "un-opposes-trump-s-proposal-to-relocate-palestinians-outside-gaza-1738035665-4812")
UN and Arab League oppose Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza, citing violations of international law.
![Belarus election: Lukashenko declared winner in disputed vote; Western nations reject results, call for sanctions. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/3OMQ3EAMDBKM5PGTCFRMNEPJHE.webp "3OMQ3EAMDBKM5PGTCFRMNEPJHE")
Belarus election: Lukashenko declared winner in disputed vote; Western nations reject results, call for sanctions.