Washington [US], January 24 (ANI): Amid increased tensions between the US and China, a US aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt have entered the South China Sea to promote "freedom of the seas".

Beijing [China], January 24 (ANI): The destruction of a forest in the arid northwest region of China to make vineyards has been condemned by Chinese environmentalists, warning it would cause an ecological disaster.

Shandong [China], January 24 (ANI/Sputnik): A total of 11 miners have been rescued after 14 days of being trapped in a gold mine after an explosion in China's Shandong province, state media reported Sunday.

Hong Kong, January 24 (ANI): Hong Kong plans to lift the COVID-19 lockdown that was imposed on one of its most densely populated districts on Monday, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung informed on Sunday.

Islamabad [Pakistan], January 24 (ANI): Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority has approved the emergency use of the Russian-made vaccine against the coronavirus disease, Gam-COVID-Vac, commonly known as Sputnik V.

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 24 (ANI): With the completion of the construction of the 3,300-metre-long airstrip near Kurebhar on Purvanchal Expressway, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country with two airstrips on expressways to facilitate emergency landing and take-off of fighter planes.

Washington DC [US], January 24 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi and discussed the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the East China Sea territorial disputes, the US Department of Defense (DoD) informed on Saturday.

Leh (Ladakh) [India], January 24 (ANI): A Corps Commander level meeting will be held between India and China in Ladakh at 9:30 AM on Sunday, Army sources informed.

Taipei [Taiwan], January 24 (ANI): After the United States expressed plans to strengthen ties with Taiwan under the Biden administration, Taipei on Sunday expressed gratitude to the US for its commitment of "rock-solid support" against China's coercion.

Hong Kong, January 24 (ANI): China's plan to dam the Yarlung Zangbao, the world's highest river, threatens to spark conflict with downstream India, reported Asia Times.