A Call for Reporting Tips Rankles Pentagon Officials
A Washington Post appeal for information about the military qualified as prohibited “solicitation,” according to defense officials. [Continue Reading]
Southeast Asia faces spillover cyber risk from Iran war as ‘blast radius’ widens
Southeast Asia is facing a growing cyber spillover risk from the widening US-Israel war with Iran, with security experts warning that state-linked hackers and criminal groups are seeking to exploit turmoil around energy, shipping and banking networks to hit targets far beyond the Middle East. The assessment comes as Iran said it would target economic and banking interests linked to the United States and Israel in the region after an attack on an Iranian bank, while the United Arab Emirates said... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong poised to grant first stablecoin licences to HSBC, Standard Chartered: sources
HSBC and a joint venture led by Standard Chartered are expected to be among the first companies to obtain Hong Kong’s stablecoin licences within two weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. The number of licences and timetable had yet to be finalised and remained subject to change, but sources said a possible date was March 24. The two banks declined to comment. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) last month revealed that a small number of stablecoin licences would be granted... [Continue Reading]
When Weight-Loss Drugs Don’t Work
Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound have been hailed as miracle treatments. But one in 10 people are what scientists call “non-responders.” [Continue Reading]
Iranian regime-linked handler investigated by Australian police over alleged death threat
Protester alleges that Iranian handler ‘looked at us and then drew a line on his throat and pointed to us’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian police investigated a complaint involving an Iranian regime-linked handler for the country’s football team after a group of activists alleged he threatened to kill them at a Women’s Asian Cup match last week.The criminal investigation, confirmed by Queensland police, has led to renewed calls from the Iranian diaspora for tougher immigration screening processes to block people linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard... [Continue Reading]
Czech 2026 budget passes but defence outlays fall short of NATO pledge
Czech lawmakers approved the 2026 budget, keeping defence at 1.7% of GDP despite NATO and President Petr Pavel’s calls to reach the targets outlined by the US following a push from the Trump administration to aim for 5% of total spending. [Continue Reading]
Iconic TV and soap star Wendy Playfair dies months before 100th birthday
The star had an extensive career spanning decades. [Continue Reading]
China approves 'ethnic unity' law requiring minorities to learn Mandarin
The law states that children should be taught Mandarin before kindergarten, until the end of high school. [Continue Reading]
Why Oil Prices Surged Even After the Release of Strategic Reserves
Reserves or no reserves, the outlook remains bleak as long as a major oil and gas trade route remains virtually closed. [Continue Reading]
Woman and man, 40s, die in separate crashes in Meath
Two people in their 40s have been killed in separate road crashes in Co Meath. [Continue Reading]
Man, 40s, dies following collision on M3 in Meath
Two people in their 40s have been killed in separate road crashes in Co Meath. [Continue Reading]
John Lewis to pay first staff bonus for four years
The department store and Waitrose supermarket owner will give workers a bonus equivalent to an extra week's pay. [Continue Reading]
Iran war: What is happening on day 13 of US-Israel attacks?
Cyberattacks, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising oil prices are deepening the global consequences of the war. [Continue Reading]
Will Everton's formidable away form throw open title race?
BBC Sport examines whether Everton can win for a fifth time in six away games at Premier League leaders Arsenal. [Continue Reading]
Southeast Asia shuts offices, limits travel as oil crisis deepens
Countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam heavily depend on fuel imports and have limited energy reserves. [Continue Reading]
Indonesia, Australia to expand security cooperation with Japan, PNG
Indonesian defence minister says Morotai Island in North Maluku province may be site of future joint training facility. [Continue Reading]
Queensland’s ‘from the river to the sea’ laws likened to Bjelke-Petersen era anti-protest regime
Health minister Tim Nicholls corrects claim alleged Bondi terror attack gunman Naveed Akram used controversial phrase, as laws roundly criticisedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPolice arresting pro-Palestinian protesters for using the phrase “from the river to the sea” had “all the hallmarks of an authoritarian police state”, according to a Greens MP, amid widespread backlash against Queensland’s new hate speech laws.The controversial laws went into effect yesterday after passing a vote in parliament last week. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
France walks ‘fine line’ as US-Israel war on Iran escalates
President Macron has criticised the onslaught and questioned the war's legality but ultimately blamed Iran. [Continue Reading]
Co-founder of Copenhagen's Noma steps down after abuse allegations
René Redzepi, co-founder of a restaurant repeatedly named the world's best, has announced he is stepping down after reports was abusive to staff at the famed Copenhagen restaurant. [Continue Reading]
Russia and US hold first direct talks since tensions escalated over Iran conflict, described as productive by Russian negotiator
Russian officials reported a significant diplomatic engagement between Russia and the United States, marking the first direct talks since the escalation of tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The discussions took place in Florida and were characterized as "productive" by Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev. This meeting comes on the heels of the United States lifting some sanctions on Russian oil, a decision made to stabilize global prices amid the chaos ensuing in the Middle East. During the meeting, Dmitriev thanked US negotiators, including global envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum, emphasizing that the teams... [Continue Reading]
Coroner to examine whether 'unusual' death of Elizabeth Struhs was preventable
The Queensland coroner will examine interactions the Struhs family had with government agencies before the eight-year-old's death at the family's Toowoomba home in 2022. [Continue Reading]
Analysis: The war on Iran is at a crossroads
Iran is raising the costs of a continued war, for the US and Gulf nations. But could it , and the US , escalate further? [Continue Reading]
Tesla set to start supplying UK homes with electricity
Elon Musk's Tesla can soon start supplying British homes with electricity after it was granted a licence today, bringing a new competitor into the market at a time of heightened worries over rising bills. [Continue Reading]
Israeli airstrike in Beirut kills at least eight and injures many in Ramlet al-Baida area housing displaced families
In a significant escalation of military tensions in the region, an Israeli airstrike targeting displaced families in Beirut has resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries. The strike occurred in the Ramlet al-Baida area, where individuals had sought temporary refuge amid ongoing conflicts. Witnesses report that they were roused from sleep by the sound of approaching jets, only to experience the devastating impact of the strike shortly thereafter. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health confirmed that the airstrike injured 31 individuals, with many more affected by the chaos and destruction. The attack is part of a broader initiative... [Continue Reading]
Over 160 complaints filed after Mayday shifts Hong Kong show: Consumer Council
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has received at least 174 complaints after Taiwanese rock band Mayday cancelled one of its coming concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park and rescheduled it for later, sparking frustration among fans. The Consumer Council said that as of 5pm on Thursday, it had received complaints from 80 residents and 94 from outside Hong Kong, involving a total sum of HK$485,333 (US$62,010). The largest local claim amounted to HK$7,900, whereas the largest non-local case concerned... [Continue Reading]
Orbán claims Ukrainians ‘threatened’ his family as anti-Kyiv campaign ramps up before election
Prime minister makes claim as accusations mount that he is using row with Ukraine for political gain in run-up to electionsHungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has accused Ukrainians of plotting to attack his family, as an increasingly bitter standoff between Kyiv and Budapest continues.Orbán and his allies appear to be using the dispute for maximum political gain before the election due next month that could end the 16-year rule of his nationalist government. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The Pussycat Dolls confirm reunion: 'We're celebrating where we're at as women'
Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt announce a new single and world tour. [Continue Reading]
New service to assist SMEs with post-Brexit challenges
A new service is being launched to assist Irish small and medium businesses in dealing with post-Brexit red tape and logistical challenges when exporting to Britain. [Continue Reading]
He wanted to run ‘errands’ – I wish I’d run a mile
His first ‘errand’ involved stopping at an enormous house in Kensington and knocking on the door. [Continue Reading]
Pussycat Dolls confirm UK reunion tour with first new song in 6 years
We're so back. [Continue Reading]
Jack Osbourne welcomes baby girl and names her after dad Ozzy in touching tribute
So sweet! [Continue Reading]
How China can win friends and influencers to help tell the country’s story well
Tourists, international students and foreign employees of Chinese companies could serve as grass-roots ambassadors, helping China’s story to resonate with audiences worldwide, according to one of the country’s leading political advisers. Zhang Bo, a professor at Beijing Language and Culture University who is also a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, made the suggestion on the sidelines of the annual “two sessions” meeting. Speaking to the South China Morning Post,... [Continue Reading]
Live: Big first-round losers Brisbane and Parramatta try to restore some pride
The Broncos' defence is labelled "pathetic" as they surrender a 20-6 lead, hit back in the second half but eventually lose 40-32 on the back of future teammate Jonah Pezet's game-sealing try. [Continue Reading]
‘A US military victory in Iran without a political one is not a victory’
‘This is not a war about whose military is better, bigger or more powerful.’ [Continue Reading]
Hobart Clinic chief quits amid reported clash with board
The Hobart Clinic's chief executive has resigned as the state government commissions a review of the mental health hospital's corporate governance. [Continue Reading]
Two tankers explode in attack by drone boats after Iran warns world oil could reach $200 a barrel
Around 1.30 am local time, two tankers were hit by an 'unknown projectile' off the coast of Iraq, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operation. [Continue Reading]
Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge on Wednesday as costs surge
Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm HK Express will double their fuel surcharges next week, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East. The city’s flag carrier said on Thursday the increase would apply to tickets issued on March 18 or later. “The price of jet fuel has approximately doubled since March amid the latest developments in the Middle East,” Cathay said, citing the surge as the reason for the higher... [Continue Reading]
Chile marks sharp turn to the right as new hardline president vows sweeping reforms
Right wing hardliner Jose Antonio Kast was sworn in as Chile’s president Wednesday, marking the nation’s most stark shift to the right since since the brutal dictatorship of general Augusto Pinochet, whom Kast greatly admires. Kast vowed in his inaugural address to follow through on sweeping reforms, including building physical border barriers along the frontier with Bolivia. [Continue Reading]
My phone contents were shared with the police colleague I accused of rape
Police Scotland has been fined £66,000 by a watchdog after it failed to protect sensitive personal information. [Continue Reading]
In South Korea, witnesses describe chain of failures as Itaewon crowd crush inquiry begins
South Korea’s long-awaited public inquiry into the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush opened on Thursday with tearful testimony from survivors and heated exchanges between police officials accused of mishandling emergency calls on the night of the disaster. The hearing came more than three years after the tragedy, following prolonged political gridlock, disputes over accountability and repeated delays in forming an independent investigative body. The National Commission for the Investigation of the... [Continue Reading]
In the US-Israeli war on Iran, who will run out of missiles first?
Are there enough interceptor missiles to defeat Iran’s response to the US and Israel's attacks? [Continue Reading]
Draper fights back for 'huge' win over Djokovic
Jack Draper produces a superb fightback to beat Novak Djokovic and reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals - a result he believes could be "a real big moment" in his season. [Continue Reading]
US-Israeli war on Iran may spark nuclear arms race, Carnegie scholar says
Zhao Tong is a senior fellow with the Nuclear Policy Programme at Washington-based think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and its East Asia-based research centre on contemporary China, Carnegie China. His research focuses on strategic security issues, including nuclear weapons policy, deterrence, arms control, non-proliferation, missile defence, hypersonic weapons, regional security in the Asia-Pacific and China’s security and foreign policy. SCMP Plus readers get early access... [Continue Reading]
Live: Blues and Tigers ignite first full round of AFL season at packed MCG
Carlton kicks only one goal in the second half, but it is just enough to hold off a late charge by a wayward Richmond at the MCG. [Continue Reading]
Noma restaurant co-founder steps down after abuse claims
The co-founder of a fabled restaurant in Denmark - Noma in Copenhagen - has said that he is stepping down after reports of past abuse at his business. [Continue Reading]
