From oil to saffron: how US-Iran conflict is rattling Chinese investors
The supply of oil and other essential commodities may be grabbing the headlines as the US-Iran conflict escalates, but the ripple effects are being felt far beyond energy markets – all the way to the global supply of the saffron used in footbath packs and heat patches. Chinese retail investors have been peppering listed companies with questions about how disruptions tied to the conflict could affect everything from fertiliser imports to the pharmaceutical products containing the prized... [Continue Reading]
Special relationship gets special treatment - Trump is clearly bruised by an ally turning its back
Lest there be any doubt, the special relationship is pending repair. [Continue Reading]
80 years on, gender gap persists in Japanese politics
Gender equality in politics remains far from achieved across Japan’s 47 prefectures, research by a group of experts has shown as it released local index scores on International Women’s Day. While nearly 80 years have passed since women in Japan first exercised their right to vote, the politics index fell in eight prefectures, including Kanagawa near Tokyo, from the 2024 figures, while many other prefectures also saw little change. With a score of 1 representing full equality, Tokyo scored 0.386,... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon says at least 4 killed in Israeli strike on Beirut hotel
Lebanon’s health ministry on Sunday said an Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people, with Israel saying it had targeted commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on Monday, when Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes. Israel, which has kept up strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire, launched... [Continue Reading]
Judge Voids Mass Layoffs at Voice of America
The ruling, which said that Kari Lake’s appointment to oversee V.O.A.’s parent agency was invalid, was a major rejection of President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the government-funded news group. [Continue Reading]
Middle East war live: Deadly strike on Ramada hotel in central Beirut
Lebanon's health ministry said Sunday that an Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people and wounded 10 others. Meanwhile, the Israeli military struck several Iranian oil facilities late on Saturday. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. [Continue Reading]
Hemmed in by wars, here's how some airlines are still flying from Australia to Europe
Travel routes between Australia, Asia and Europe are narrowing. Here is how airlines are still flying the Kangaroo route despite wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Are couples happier sleeping separately?
Despite many people like Hannah finding a "sleep divorce" improves their sleep , and their relationship , a "pervasive stigma" about not sharing a bed persists. [Continue Reading]
Iran war oil shock accelerates Southeast Asia’s EV revolution
A man in a Mercedes drives up to a Bangkok forecourt, cash in hand, ready to buy an electric vehicle he hadn’t planned on owning. Southeast Asia’s EV revolution has found a new accelerant. “He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to fill up his car any more,” said Samart Prakotkancharna, managing director of Ratchapruek P Car Centre in Thailand’s capital, describing the scene that played out on his forecourt. Cash buyers had been streaming in all week, spooked by rising diesel prices and hunting for... [Continue Reading]
I donated my eggs to a woman I met on the Tube
The story of how a chance encounter between two women on the Piccadilly line led to an IVF baby. [Continue Reading]
Foreign Minister Wang Yi sets forth China’s foreign policy direction amid ‘two sessions’
This live blog is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account below. For full coverage of the 15th five-year plan, including policy and economic shifts plus Trump’s visit, subscribe with our China Super March offer now. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is facing the media this morning to outline Beijing’s foreign policy direction in one of the most-watched events during the annual “two sessions”. The press conference is held as China carefully manages its... [Continue Reading]
Kuwait airport, Saudi Arabia targeted as Iran vows to continue Gulf strikes
Gulf nations reported on Sunday missiles and drone attacks, while Iran vowed to press on with strikes against neighbouring countries as the regional war entered its second week. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait all reported new attacks, after loud explosions were heard in Dubai and Bahrain’s Manama a day earlier, and Kuwait’s national oil company announced a “precautionary” cut to production. Qatar’s defence ministry said on Sunday that the country was targeted a day earlier by 10 ballistic... [Continue Reading]
Spectacular images reveal unique sea creatures and corals off Caribbean islands
Scientists discover underwater mountain ranges, golden towers of coral, and never-before-seen sea creatures. [Continue Reading]
Tumut's dream to grow nation's biggest pumpkins can't be squashed
Deep in the NSW Snowy Mountains, these heavyweights of the veggie patch are determined to grow the biggest pumpkins in the country. [Continue Reading]
Smoking Jars of Metal and Fuses Thrown at Protest Near Mayor’s House
Six people were arrested after anti-Islamic protesters led by the right-wing activist Jake Lang clashed with counterprotesters near Gracie Mansion. [Continue Reading]
Why Hong Kong must make mental health an immediate economic priority
Hong Kong’s new budget is positioned to foster high-quality, inclusive growth through innovation and finance. Ahead of projections, a surplus of HK$2.9 billion (US$370.8 million) is now expected, largely due to the stronger-than-expected stock market and tax receipts. Reflecting a sound fiscal approach and forward thinking, the 2026-27 budget will maintain an operating surplus and allocate about 60 per cent of recurrent spending to vital sectors such as health, social welfare and education. The... [Continue Reading]
Wife of China director Zhang Yimou, who is 31 years his junior, remains largely unknown to public
Chinese film director Zhang Yimou may be a household name who is celebrated as the country’s “national master” but his wife Chen Ting is little known and dedicates herself to their family. The woman behind China’s No 1 director recently attracted attention for appearing at the Beijing premiere of Zhang’s latest movie Scare Out in mid-February. Pictures of Chen, 44, dressed casually, went viral on mainland social media as internet users were impressed by her slim physique and relatively young... [Continue Reading]
Jessie Buckley says acting helped her overcome eating disorder as a teenager
The Oscar-frontrunner says acting is "like water to me" as she credits her craft with helping her mental health. [Continue Reading]
'Our children paid the ultimate price' – How the Dunblane school shooting changed Britain
A new BBC documentary charts how the murders of 16 children and their teacher in March 1996 led to a handgun ban in the UK. [Continue Reading]
Trump Asserts US Military Efforts Against Iran Are Successful, Downplays Need for UK Support
United States President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the ongoing military efforts against Iran, stating that the conflict is "already won" and signaling that US forces do not require the assistance of the United Kingdom. His statement comes in response to reports about the UK's Ministry of Defence placing the HMS Prince of Wales on "high readiness" for potential deployment to the Middle East. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump indicated that he does not see a need for the Royal Navy's support, alluding to the UK as a former ally that has joined... [Continue Reading]
Nightclub bombing in Peru injures more than 30 people
A bombing at a nightclub in Peru has injured at least 33 people, including teenagers. [Continue Reading]
Breeding and releasing cane toads a 'bit crazy' but for greater good
Field work is underway near Broome where researchers are deliberately breeding the invasive cane toad as part of a strategy to protect native wildlife. [Continue Reading]
I’m optimistic about the PS6 and it’s all thanks to Valve – Reader’s Feature
With more news about the PlayStation 6 starting to appear, a reader feels that the appearance of Valve’s Steam Machine will have a big impact on Sony’s plans. [Continue Reading]
Rock fishermen drown amid 'very choppy' conditions on NSW Central Coast
Emergency services find the bodies of two Sydney men after being called to Little Beach, at Bouddi National Park. [Continue Reading]
Trump says US does not need United Kingdom aircraft carriers for Iran war
The president called the Iran war 'already won' as he dismissed reports that the UK was preparing HMS Prince of Wales. [Continue Reading]
Swapping scissors for a circular saw, tradie wants more women to pick up the tools
For more than a decade, Haley Miles used scissors every day in her hairdressing business, but, at 32, she picked up tools of a different kind and built a career as a carpenter. [Continue Reading]
'A tough lesson' - Newcastle get sobering reminder of gap to top
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits his side were taught a tough lesson in their 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Manchester City. [Continue Reading]
‘Keep the change’ no more: Hong Kong taxi drivers prepare for shift to e-payments
Hong Kong cabbies are counting down to the end of the “keep the change” tradition as the industry prepares for a mandatory shift from cash-only payments to electronic settlements. In the weeks leading up to April 1, taxi drivers are racing to install e-payment tools, while service providers say 90 per cent of the cabbies have already adopted such solutions. Chau Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, said the transition to digital payments meant cabbies... [Continue Reading]
China’s shoppers head for suburban outlets, a bright spot in retail property
For Steven Zhou, a 40-year-old Beijing office worker, suburban outlet stores offer a better shopping experience than urban malls, allowing him to escape the city, park his car without frustration and, most importantly, find good deals. “Outlets offer a wide selection of brands, with attractive discounts, especially on sportswear,” Zhou said. Across the mainland, outlets are expanding while traditional and luxury malls face high vacancy rates. Offering well-known brands at discounted prices,... [Continue Reading]
'Death of a monster' and 'Blair rebukes Starmer'
Soham murderer Ian Huntley's death following a prison attack dominates today's papers. [Continue Reading]
How to turn your old Aussie home into an energy efficient haven
Owners of older homes are being urged to have their energy efficiency assessed, with experts saying improvements will not only make them more comfortable, but help them save money as well. [Continue Reading]
Two Iranian vessels depart Chinese port carrying materials linked to rocketry amid escalating US-Iran tensions
In a significant development amidst escalating tensions, two Iranian vessels have left a Chinese port reportedly carrying materials linked to rocketry. Experts believe these ships are transporting a crucial precursor for rocket fuel, raising concerns about their potential role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The departure of these vessels occurs while military hostilities between the United States and Iran continue to unfold, marking a potential pivot in the geopolitical landscape of the region. Official confirmations surrounding the specific contents of the vessels remain sparse. However, the fact that they were permitted to depart from China during a time of... [Continue Reading]
Protests Erupt in Cyprus Demanding Closure of British Military Bases Amid Regional Tensions
Growing unrest has engulfed Cyprus as citizens petition for the withdrawal of British military bases on the island, following a recent drone attack that raised fears of escalating conflict in the region. Protesters, demonstrating in the capital Nicosia, labelled the installations a "danger to our security" and called for their immediate closure. The protests coincide with heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontations, which have now extended their implications well into the eastern Mediterranean. The catalyst for this surge in public dissent was an Iranian-made drone that struck the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base. This attack was reportedly... [Continue Reading]
The heartwarming tale of a father, a daughter, and a wedding band wowing India
Band Baaja Bitiya is the moving tale of a father who goes to rescue his daughter from her matrimonial home. [Continue Reading]
Heat and isolation amplify menopause symptoms in rural WA
Pilbara woman Bree Maher spent nearly a year trying to find the right support for her menopause symptoms. She said the heat of northern Western Australia amplified her feelings of isolation. [Continue Reading]
Trump Witnesses Return of Bodies of 6 U.S. Service Members
President Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to witness the transfer of the remains of five men and one woman killed in an Iranian drone strike. [Continue Reading]
‘Counterfeit feminism’ is distracting the world from the real fight for equality
The blame is being put in the wrong places. [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope March 8, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
Venus is aligned with Neptune in Saturn today, creating fruitful ground for truths to be revealed. [Continue Reading]
Italy claim first ever Six Nations win over England
England's Six Nations campaign plunges deeper into crisis as second-half yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje pave the way to victory for a joyous Italy in Rome. [Continue Reading]
Iran live: Israel bombs Tehran oil depots; attacks on Gulf states continue
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE report more attacks despite assurance from Iran's president that the strikes will stop. [Continue Reading]
Singapore’s workers brace for AI disruption: ‘it’s inevitable’
When Joshua Tan turned up to Chinese New Year dinner last month, he hadn’t expected to spend the evening defending his career. He was 27 and freshly employed as a junior software engineer in Singapore. The questions from relatives were pointed: is your job safe? Can’t the computer just do it? It was an awkward conversation, equal parts interrogation and familial concern. But Tan knew the anxiety behind the questions was real. Not so long ago, he and his classmates had been so sought-after by... [Continue Reading]
Dead marine mammals washed up on Port Lincoln beaches left to rot
Large, dead marine animals found on Eyre Peninsula beaches spark concern among locals. [Continue Reading]
Second Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs Scotland for Melbourne
The second of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels begins its seven-week voyage from Scotland to Australia. It will remain in Melbourne until a berth becomes available in Hobart at the end of the cruise ship season. [Continue Reading]
How I've learned that certainty is the thing to really fear
After five decades hosting radio phone-ins and debates, Nicky Campbell reflects on the state of public debate [Continue Reading]
The K-pop concert that sparked an online war across Asia
Criticism of Korean fans bringing professional cameras into a Korean boy band concert in Malaysia, against local rules, spiralled into an online war from Vietnam to Indonesia. [Continue Reading]
Australia may offer military support to Gulf nations facing Iran strikes but won’t participate in a ground war, Wong says
Foreign minister says Australia ‘not participating in offensive action against Iran’ but may help protect other countries Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government is considering offering military support to assist Gulf nations facing strikes from Iran, but will not participate in any ground troop deployment into Iran, the foreign minister has said.The government confirmed nine flights had arrived in Australia from the Middle East since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran one week ago, with another three flights scheduled to arrive on Sunday. Dozens... [Continue Reading]
Huge fire rages at Tehran oil depot after Israeli attack
Footage captured a massive fire raging at the Shahran oil depot in northern Tehran following an Israeli strike. [Continue Reading]
Free dance school run by 12yo champion pirouettes to success
Financial stress means some families cannot afford their children's dance classes, so Armidale tween Annabelle has started a free dance school to keep their dreams alive. [Continue Reading]
UK faces growing calls from locals to remove Cyprus military bases
Foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, tells Guardian Iranian-made drone that hit airbase was launched from Lebanon Britain is facing growing calls to withdraw its military bases from Cyprus as locals step up protests against facilities seen as a threat to their security after an unprecedented drone attack on RAF Akrotiri.Anger over the installations spilled on to the streets of Nicosia, the capital, as protesters chanting “out with the bases of death” marched to the colonial-era presidential palace on Saturday amid fears of the Mediterranean nation being dragged into the wider Iran conflict. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
