Deputy Ambassador James Ford of the United Kingdom warned at the OSCE that Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is inflicting severe humanitarian suffering and destabilizing not only Ukraine but the wider region. The conflict, which has persisted for over four years, involves relentless Russian military assaults causing deaths and hardship among Ukrainian civilians. Ford emphasized the broader consequences of the war beyond the battlefield, pointing to increased insecurity and economic instability that threaten regional and global stability. The UK insists that achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is essential to restoring stability across Europe and worldwide. The statement... [Continue Reading]
Things took a devastating turn. [Continue Reading]
The ITV star has had a turbulent few weeks. [Continue Reading]
The Lloyds Banking Group customers reported being able to view payments and charges from other sources. [Continue Reading]
'I was there to boost the ratings!!!' [Continue Reading]
A new opportunity. [Continue Reading]
China has officially approved a sweeping new law that promotes what it terms "ethnic unity," drawing sharp criticism from rights advocates who argue that it undermines the cultural and linguistic rights of minority groups, particularly the Uyghurs. This law was passed by the National People's Congress during its annual session and emphasizes the promotion of Mandarin as the "national common language" across various facets of public life including education and official business. This legislation mandates that all children in China learn Mandarin, starting from before kindergarten and continuing through to the end of high school. Previously, students in regions predominantly... [Continue Reading]
The opening week of the war against Iran cost the United States more than US$11.3 billion, lawmakers were told in a Pentagon briefing, according to a New York Times report underscoring the pace at which the conflict is consuming weapons and resources. The Times, citing unnamed sources familiar with Tuesday’s closed-door briefing, said members of Congress were told that the figure excludes many costs connected with the build-up to the strikes – suggesting the final tally for the first week could... [Continue Reading]
If regime holds, control of enriched uranium may be ultimate measure of US-Israeli success, insiders sayMiddle East crisis – live updatesIsrael did not have a realistic plan for regime change when it attacked Iran, multiple Israeli security sources have said, with expectations that airstrikes could drive a popular uprising driven by “wishful thinking” rather than hard intelligence.Iran has now survived nearly two weeks of bombing raids and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Trump is publicly contemplating ending an increasingly costly war. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
In response to soaring oil prices tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran, several airlines operating in Asia and Europe have begun increasing their fares and fuel surcharges, significantly impacting global travel. The surge in oil prices comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions related to the conflict, leading to widespread disruptions in air travel. Data from analytics firm Cirium indicates that over 43,000 flights traveling to and from the Middle East were cancelled between February 28 and March 10, further driving demand for alternative routes and inflating ticket prices. The ramifications of this spike in oil prices are being... [Continue Reading]
Golestan palace in Tehran, a world heritage site, and buildings in historic city of Isfahan harmed, despite Unesco sending coordinatesMiddle East crisis – latest updatesThe governor of the historic Iranian city of Isfahan has accused the US and Israel of a “declaration of war on a civilization” as heritage sites across the country suffer damage in their bombing campaign.The most serious confirmed damage to date has been to Tehran’s Golestan palace, dating back to the 14th century, and the 17th-century Chehel Sotoon palace in Isfahan. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran has expanded into a new phase, with intense fighting reported near Beirut and in southern Lebanon. This escalation has resulted in significant casualties and mass displacement. Sources confirm that the current clashes have led to the deaths of more than 630 individuals and forced at least 800,000 people to evacuate their homes, creating a pressing humanitarian crisis in the region. Recent reports indicate that Israel's military operations against Iranian-affiliated forces, particularly Hezbollah, have intensified. These developments follow a broader conflict that has been unfolding in various forms throughout the region, with communities... [Continue Reading]
Proposed package comes after regulator finds ‘serious and unacceptable breaches’ in how company operatesWelsh Water is to pay a proposed £44.7m after the industry regulator found “serious and unacceptable” breaches in the supplier’s sewage and network services.Ofwat said Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water failed to properly operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater network to ensure it could cope with levels of sewage and wastewater, and did not have adequate processes in place or oversight by senior bosses. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
After 16 months since his quiet exit Alex will be back on our screens [Continue Reading]
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, March 12: Multiple leaks to the American press by Pentagon officials point the finger at faulty US data that listed an Iranian primary school as a military target, leading to a Tomahawk strike that killed more than 170 people. In other news, UK papers react to the “Mandelson Papers”. And finally, The Guardian reports on an intrepid young fox with an American dream. [Continue Reading]
Following the death of Ronnie Delany, his achievements on the track were recalled by John Treacy and Eamon Coghlan, with both of the view that his success at the 1956 Olympics was truly remarkable given the global nature of athletics. [Continue Reading]
Sunshine 100 China Holdings, a mainland Chinese developer facing debts amid China’s property sector downturn, said on Thursday that it plans to oppose a winding-up petition filed against it in Hong Kong. HTI Financial Solutions and Haitong International Financial Products filed the winding-up petition against the developer at the High Court of Hong Kong over an unpaid redemption sum of about US$205 million, including accrued interest, due on March 19, 2025, according to a Sunshine 100 filing... [Continue Reading]
China’s central bank has called for heightened cybersecurity awareness and caution in the use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector, adding to a chorus of warnings over security risks amid the nationwide buzz surrounding the OpenClaw AI agent. At its annual technology conference in Beijing on Wednesday, the People’s Bank of China called for further efforts to “enhance the resilience of cybersecurity and data security”, according to a readout of the meeting posted on its website. The... [Continue Reading]
Plus, Planned Parenthood’s new offering: Botox. [Continue Reading]
From speaking Chinese to filming square dancing in a park, Hollywood’s golden boy Timothée Chalamet gave his fans a lot to talk about during his trip to China. The 30-year-old American-French actor, affectionately called tian cha, “Sweet Tea”, by his Chinese fans due to the phonetic similarity to his name, is considered a front runner to win an Oscar. His recent trip to China is to promote Marty Supreme, a film about a shoe salesman who risks everything to pursue his dream of becoming a world... [Continue Reading]
Under new Taliban laws, a husband is allowed to beat his wife as long as it is not done with ‘obscene force’, which the woman must prove in courtThe shocking level of physical violence against women permitted under the Taliban’s new laws has been revealed this week by the case of a woman in northern Afghanistan, who said she was beaten with a cable wire by her husband and told by a judge: “You want a divorce just because of that? … A little anger and a few beatings won’t kill you.”Farzana* said her husband was quick-tempered and often resorted... [Continue Reading]
Comments in books, speeches and videos shed new light on defense secretary’s personal commitment to war on IranThe US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has expressed a violent antipathy towards Iran for years in books, Fox News broadcasts, educational videos and a 2018 speech to an Israeli media conference in Jerusalem, a Guardian review has revealed.In a 2020 book, for example, Hegseth wrote that Iran’s leaders were “actively seeking the military means – especially nuclear weapons – to bring the West to its knees”. And in a 2017 video for PragerU, the hard-right media platform, Hegseth described Iran as “America’s mortal... [Continue Reading]
TV star announces birth of Ozzy Matilda Osbourne on social media, alongside image of cuddly batJack Osbourne, the only son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, has honoured his late father by naming his baby daughter after him.Jack, 40, announced the birth of Ozzy Matilda Osbourne on social media alongside his wife, Aree, who he married in 2023. The newborn Ozzy was pictured lying next to a cuddly bat toy: another reference to his father, who famously bit the head off a real bat during a 1982 concert believing it was made of rubber. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The UK government’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) currently has a significant number of cases pending a conclusive grounds decision for potential victims of modern slavery. These cases are referred by authorized first responders such as police forces, local authorities, NGOs, and government agencies tasked with identifying and supporting victims. Potential victims remain in limbo as authorities assess whether individuals meet the criteria for modern slavery protections. This delay can hinder victims' access to vital support services including housing, medical care, and legal assistance. The backlog reflects the ongoing pressure on the UK’s system to process and respond to modern slavery... [Continue Reading]
The UK Ministry of Defence published its 2025 Trade, Industry and Contracts bulletin, outlining the department's spending patterns with industry and commerce. This report provides a breakdown of defence expenditure and examines its broader influence on the UK economy, comparing MOD spending with other government departments and international counterparts. Notably, the report excludes data on Major Equipment Projects for 2025 due to changes in reporting formats. Previously, equipment spending was included under Project Performance tables within the Defence Equipment Plan. However, no equivalent data was produced for 2024, as the Defence Equipment Plan will be replaced by a new Defence... [Continue Reading]
The United Kingdom's latest statistical report on the operation of the Terrorism Act 2000 reveals that 31 arrests were made under the act in the year ending December 31, 2025. These arrests resulted from police actions aimed at countering terrorist threats and maintaining national security. The report also covers outcomes of these arrests, such as prosecutions or releases, and offers detailed data on stops and searches carried out under the act's provisions. This data underscores the continued vigilance of UK law enforcement agencies in detecting terrorism-related activities amid a complex security environment. It highlights the balance authorities must strike between... [Continue Reading]
Gas Networks Ireland has today unveiled plans to spend €200m to decarbonise its two compressor stations in Scotland - a development which it says will decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 42%. [Continue Reading]
Gas Networks Ireland has announced plans to spend €200m to decarbonise its two compressor stations in Scotland - a development which it says will decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 42%. [Continue Reading]
An Al Jazeera crew filmed bunker-busting bombs being loaded onto US military planes at a UK military base. [Continue Reading]
It is easy to treat the case as just a French affair. In reality, the appeal carries wider international stakes and has become a stress test for the rule-of-law ecosystem under pressure across the EU. [Continue Reading]
A Russian military court has sentenced four men from Tajikistan and 11 accomplices to life in prison for a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March 2024, according to state news agency TASS. [Continue Reading]
Saudi and UAE ambassadors to the UN condemn Iranian attacks ahead of Security Council meeting. [Continue Reading]
Residents of a Beirut neighbourhood tell Al Jazeera they felt safe until the Israeli attack on Wednesday morning. [Continue Reading]
Newly elected PM Rahman has blamed Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party for undermining the previous parliament. [Continue Reading]
Airlines across Europe and Asia are increasing fares and raising fuel surcharges as the Iran war sends oil prices swinging wildly and stokes fears of jet fuel shortages if the fighting persists. Demand for alternative routes that bypass the Middle East is also surging, pushing up ticket prices. More than 43,000 flights scheduled in and out of the Middle East were cancelled between February 28 and March 10, according to data from analytics firm Cirium. Here is a rolling list of airlines that have... [Continue Reading]
Photos released by state media showed the dictator and his teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, closing one eye as they fired the firearms. [Continue Reading]
Downtown Los Angeles could get into the 90s, and Phoenix was on track to hit 100. [Continue Reading]
Russian air defense systems reportedly shot down 80 Ukrainian drones during overnight engagements spanning diverse regions such as Crimea, the Black Sea, and several southwestern Russian territories including Krasnodar and Belgorod. This large-scale interception highlights ongoing tactical drone warfare in the conflict zone, with both sides intensifying the use of unmanned systems. In addition to these drone interceptions, Russian forces claimed significant damage to Ukrainian military communications infrastructure in the Kharkiv region over the first week of March, destroying more than 30 communications antennas and around 20 Starlink satellite stations. These actions have disrupted Ukrainian battlefield communications, potentially affecting their... [Continue Reading]
The net profit of Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation dropped by 6.9 per cent to HK$14.68 billion (US$1.88 billion) last year, from HK$15.77 billion in 2024, as higher depreciation costs and weaker revenue from the rail giant’s mainland China operations weighed on earnings. The company recorded a property development profit of HK$11.08 billion last year, up from HK$10.27 billion in 2024, with income generated from projects including The Southside, Lohas Park and Ho Man Tin station. But the MTR Corp... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Thursday targeting areas south of Beirut, including the town of Aramoun in Mount Lebanon Governorate and the Ramlet Al Bayda district in Beirut. These attacks killed at least 11 people and wounded 32, including a child. The strikes come amid a broader campaign of military action that has devastated civilian populations across Lebanon since early March. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health stated that total casualties from Israeli operations since March 2 have reached 634 dead and 1,586 wounded, underscoring the intensity and scale of the current conflict. The deadly assaults have strained local... [Continue Reading]
Max Verstappen says he wishes F1 was "more fun" but is hopeful the sport is heading towards changes that will "improve everything". [Continue Reading]
Documents show Sir Keir Starmer was warned the peer's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a "reputational risk". [Continue Reading]
When he showed his ticket to staff, he realised his mistake. [Continue Reading]
Ofgem licence means firm can replicate Texas setup of powering homes, businesses and EVsElon Musk’s Tesla has won approval to supply electricity to households and businesses across Great Britain, as the tech billionaire expands his energy ambitions.The energy regulator, Ofgem, has formally granted Tesla an electricity supply licence, enabling it to provide electricity to domestic and business premises in England, Scotland and Wales. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Destroyed buildings and rubble-strewn streets were seen in Beirut’s southern suburbs after overnight Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions, according to the Israeli military. [Continue Reading]
A Darwin-based soldier accused of assaulting and robbing a fellow service person has been bailed to travel home to NSW. [Continue Reading]
Governments and businesses across Southeast Asia are rapidly enacting emergency measures as an escalating oil crisis caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran leads to energy shortages. This crisis is exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. Countries heavily reliant on fuel imports, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, are particularly vulnerable given their limited energy reserves. As a result, various governments are taking significant steps to mitigate the impending energy shortages. The Philippines has notably introduced a four-day work week for government offices to conserve... [Continue Reading]
The conflict between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has intensified, marking the 13th day of strikes that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Reports indicate that at least 1,348 civilians have lost their lives amid the ongoing military actions, affecting the stability of the region and contributing to global economic volatility, particularly in oil markets. As tensions escalate, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has articulated three primary conditions for a cessation of hostilities: the recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, the provision of reparations, and secured international guarantees to prevent future aggression. These statements... [Continue Reading]
Brian Joondeph, a Colorado-based ophthalmologist and political commentator, has not published peer-reviewed research on air pollution science. [Continue Reading]