China announced on Friday it was adding 14 European entities to an export control list in retaliation for the European Union penalizing 14 Chinese enterprises as part of its latest round of sanctions against Russia.

Chinese companies will not be allowed to export dual-use items, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, to the 14 European organizations, China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Additionally, foreign companies are barred from providing to the 14 entities dual-use items made in China.

The European companies affected include Czech vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks, Italian electric motor maker Lafert SpA, German manufacturer Sindlhauser Materials GmbH and French drone manufacturer Cavok UAS.

A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in retaliation for the E.U. on Thursday adding 14 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong enterprises to its latest list of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

The measures are intended “to safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, in response to the E.U.’s egregious actions,” the spokesperson said.

The E.U. on Thursday adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia targeting banks, cryptocurrency companies and military equipment manufacturers among other categories. The sanctions included entities from other countries such as China, India and Turkey, believed to provide Russia with dual-use goods and technology.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that Pakistan is making fast progress in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) with universities, academia, students, industry and institutions working together to build a strong technology ecosystem.

The minister said that the two-day event was held to display a wide range of emerging technologies including industrial automation, mechanical robots, autonomous systems, defence technology, logistics and rescue robots, disaster management solutions, advanced navigation systems and simulators, while expressing satisfaction over the successful conclusion of RAS Expo 2026.

“Such exhibitions would continue to be organised by the government to provide a common platform for the young people, educational institutions and industry and promote technology-driven industries in the country,” she said.

PM announced $20 million to boost the advancement of robots and new technology, Shaza Fatima said. The government has also instructed the industry to develop improved simulators, she said, allowing enterprises to practically evaluate their manufacturing processes and take better advantage of automation.

The minister tried to allay fears that the emergence of advanced machines would mean a loss of human jobs, arguing that technology would not kill jobs but would change the nature of jobs. The future will demand competent people to design, build, run and repair robots and sophisticated gear, she said.

She pushed students to follow careers in subjects such as mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, AI and robots, saying the future economy would be based on these abilities.

“A technology oriented workforce would not only create new job opportunities for the youth but also play a pivotal role in the economy, industry and national development of Pakistan,” she added.

Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced Saturday he has resigned, delivering a huge blow to student demonstrators throughout the country who had called for his resignation to take responsibility over exam paper leaks.

The minister announced his resignation on ​X just as police used tear gas to disperse teenage protestors in New Delhi, hours before the leaders of the protests were due to hold another round of discussions with ministers.With regard to the scenario that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation…. “I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister,” Pradhan stated in his post.”I have great respect for the hopes, feelings and legitimate hopes of the youth of the country.”

As the news spread cheers erupted among thousands of demonstrators who have been marching in downtown Delhi and abroad.

Federal officials have blocked internet access and closed 18 metro stations in the capital in an effort to quell the protests.

Since police injured many students on Monday, anger has spilt over, with police charging baton and firing tear ⁠gas to discourage crowds of protesters marching on parliament.
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The rallies, driven primarily by young people and sparked by outrage over leaks of question papers for high-stakes entrance exams, reflect resentment at job scarcity, corruption and government accountability.