Britain boosting explosives production to curb reliance on U.S.

Britain is scaling up domestic explosives production for 155mm NATO shells — and doing it without a single U.S. component. 🚢💥 Pop-up “mini-factories” in shipping containers aim to cut dependency on U.S. supply chains and export rules.

#UKDefense #BAESystems #NATO #Explosives #155mmShells #MilitaryIndustry #DefenseTech #SupplyChain #ITAR #DefenseInnovation #BritishArmy #StrategicAutonomy

London theater boom boosting UK economy – and blasting past Broadway

London's world-famous theater district is going from strength to strength, with more than 17 million people watching shows in the West End in 2024 – rising 11% above pre-pandemic levels and outpacing New York’s Broadway.

Hegseth shared Yemen strike details in Signal chat with wife and brother - reports

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details of a March attack on Yemen’s Houthis in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer, The New York Times reports.

His brother and lawyer both work at the Pentagon, but his wife does not—though she reportedly often joins meetings with foreign leaders. It’s unclear if all chat participants had security clearance.

The Pentagon denies Hegseth shared classified material.

This is the second such case. Last month, it was revealed that Hegseth had discussed sensitive military operations in another Signal chat—one that mistakenly included The Atlantic's editor-in-chief. That incident is now under investigation.

Mountain farmers build mini-rail system to feed 6,000 chickens

In Taishun County, Zhejiang Province, a farming family found a brilliant way to feed their 6,000 chickens — using a rail car system! Inspired by monorail vehicles used to transport fertilizer in orchards, they built a 300m track through the mountains to deliver feed and collect eggs with ease.

#SmartFarming #ChickenTrain #FarmLife #ChinesePeasants

Israel cancels visas for French lawmakers

Israel's government has canceled visas for 27 French left-wing lawmakers and local officials. The decision came two days before they were to start a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the group said.

The action came only days after Israel stopped two British members of parliament from the governing Labour party from entering the country.

It also came amid diplomatic tensions after President Emmanuel Macron said France would soon recognize a Palestinian state. Macron has in turn sought to pressure Netanyahu over conditions in Gaza.

#israel #hamas #france

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mry3352y

China and Egypt in joint Air Force drills

Chinese and Egyptian air forces started their first-day training of the "Eagles of Civilization 2025" joint exercise at an air base in Egypt this week.

As the first joint drill between the Chinese and Egyptian air forces, the aim is to enhance the technical and tactical levels of the participating troops on both sides.

The event holds great significance toward promoting pragmatic cooperation and enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two armies.

#china #airforce #egypt #eaglesofcivilization

Parts of Türkiye are still recovering from devastating earthquakes two years ago

With fears of significant seismic activity affecting its biggest city Istanbul, plans have been announced for the biggest upgrade to the iconic Hagia Sofia in its 1500-year history, to protect the famous domes should the worst happen.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42TWUnR

#Türkiye #Istanbul

Spectacular skies at China's world kite park

Vibrant and creative kites filled the sky in China's Weifang attracting enthusiasts from around the world showcasing their offerings to the craft.

Since 1984, the Weifang International Kite Festival has been drawing entrants from around the globe and this year saw 257 teams from 51 countries.

Kites are believed to have been invented in China more than 2,000 years ago.

#china #kites #worldkitepark

China sanctions U.S. Congress members

China has imposed sanctions on some U.S. Congress members, government officials and heads of non-governmental organizations for "egregious behavior on Hong Kong-related issues," its foreign ministry said.

The sanctions come in response to the U.S. sanctioning six Chinese and Hong Kong officials last month, which a foreign ministry spokesperson said China "strongly condemns."

"Any wrong action taken by the U.S. side on the Hong Kong-related issue will be met with resolute and reciprocal counteraction by the Chinese side," the spokesperson added.

#china #hongkong #chinasanctions #uscongress

China showcases cutting-edge military technology at Iraq defense expo

A defense exhibition in Iraq demonstrated the latest in technological advances and evolution of sophisticated military security inventory.

The four-day event was attended by 155 companies from 24 countries, including exhibitors from China.

#cybersecurity #defense #china #iraq #technology

Pope Francis dies, age 88

Pope Francis has died aged 88 after battling double pneumonia.

The Argentine had been head of the Catholic Church since 2013.

Francis, who led the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, had been unwell since his admission to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

He had part of a lung removed as a young man and suffered numerous health issues in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. He had to use a wheelchair due to hip and knee pain.

The Art Of Easter Egg Writing In Slovenia

Painting and dying eggs is a common Easter tradition, but in Slovenia, the eggs display a special message.

CGTN’s Aljosa Milenkovic reports.

Thousands protest in U.S. against Donald Trump

Thousands of protesters rallied in Washington and other cities across the U.S. to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump's policies on deportations, government firings, and the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine.

Outside the White House, protesters carried banners that read "Workers should have the power," "No kingship," "Stop arming Israel" and "Due process.”

Why schoolchildren in Geneva are learning Mandarin

April 20th is the UN's Chinese Language Day.

To mark the day, CGTN's Julia Lyubova reports on the Swiss school kids getting their heads around Mandarin…

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mvdww9f2

Lavrov: 'EU openly wants to revive the European ideology of Nazism'

Speaking in Moscow, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that the European Union is stoking the revival of nazi ideologies.

His comments come after senior EU officials warned candidate countries not to attend Russia’s annual military parade on May 9.

#russia #europeanunion #EU #Kremlin #Lavrov #Putin

Chinese naval fleet conducts drills to boost combat capabilities

A training center attached to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy conducted intensive drills focusing on air defense, missile interception, and joint anti-submarine operations to test fleet combat capabilities.

"The drills involved coordinated operations between multiple forces, including both naval and air units.

Throughout the training, the warships encountered various simulated threats, effectively testing not only their combat readiness, which requires the forces to be ready for combats at any time, but also the fleet's joint operational capabilities," said Chen Jin, member of China's naval training center.

#china #navy #warships #militarytraining

Israeli military admits ‘failures’ in review of Gaza aid worker killings

The Israeli military said that a review into the killing of 15 emergency responders in Gaza last month found professional failures and violations of orders but no attempt to conceal the incident.

The paramedics and emergency workers were shot dead on March 23 near the southern Gaza city of Rafah and buried in a shallow grave where their bodies were found a week later by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

A commanding officer is to be reprimanded and a deputy commander dismissed, the military said.

#IDF #Israel #Gaza

Italy is battling one of the worst fertility crises in Europe.

Yet, much of the discourse centres around economic and social causes.

In the picturesque coastal town of Salerno, a different picture may be emerging.

READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/2waxc2xe

#Italy #Fertility #Crisis #Microplastics #Environment #Science

Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of breaking Easter ceasefire

An Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin fell apart within hours on Sunday, as both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of violating the brief pause in fighting.

The pause in hostilities was announced by Putin ahead of Orthodox Easter. But by midday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had launched 26 attacks since the ceasefire began.

Russia’s Defence Ministry responded by claiming Ukraine had broken the ceasefire more than 1,000 times.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/yc2wxwr4

#Russia #Ukraine #Easter #Ceasefire

Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of breaking Easter ceasefire

An Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin fell apart within hours on Sunday, as both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of violating the brief pause in fighting.

The pause in hostilities was announced by Putin ahead of Orthodox Easter. But by midday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had launched 26 attacks since the ceasefire began.

Russia’s Defence Ministry responded by claiming Ukraine had broken the ceasefire more than 1,000 times.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/yc2wxwr4

#Russia #Ukraine #Easter #Ceasefire

U.S. and Russian cosmonauts return from space together

Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Wagner as well as NASA's oldest active astronaut Donald Pettit returned to Earth early this Easter Sunday.

The three crew members had concluded a 7-month research mission aboard the International Space Station with Pettit celebrating his 70th birthday in tandem with the event.

NASA footage presents the craft’s descent and landing in Kazakhstan, as well as ground crews carrying the crew from the spacecraft.

Russia's Roscosmos space agency celebrated via Telegram, messaging the words
"It’s deorbiting and descent to Earth were normal".

Iran FM says U.S. nuclear talks 'entering next stage' after meeting in Rome

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that the nuclear negotiations with the U.S. in Rome were constructive, adding that talks would now enter the “next stage”.

#iran #nuclearweapons #worldpolitics #middleeast #nuclear

Zelenskyy says Putin's Easter ceasefire has not halted activity

Ukraine President Zelenskyy said that the Russian army is making a pretence of an Easter ceasefire declared by President Putin, continuing overnight attempts to inflict front-line losses on Ukraine.

Hours before heading to an Orthodox Easter service late on Saturday, Putin announced the surprise 30-hour ceasefire, ordering his forces to "stop all military activity" along the front line.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has also reported that Ukraine has shot at the positions of Russian troops 444 times despite the Easter ceasefire.

As a result, there were deaths and injuries among the civilian population, as well as damage to civilian objects, the ministry added.

#russia #ukraine #easter #putin #Russiaukraineconflict #ceasefire

Heartbroken Brits abandon pets as living costs bite

Pet abandonments are up 32% in the first few months of 2025 as owners face horrible budgeting decisions.
#pets #uk

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/y5rk69n6

Russia and Ukraine have carried out a new prisoner exchange, with both sides confirming that the operation was facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the core exchange followed a “246 for 246” format. In addition, Russia stated that 31 wounded Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred in exchange for 15 wounded Russian servicemen requiring urgent medical treatment.
Russian officials reported that the returned servicemen are currently in Belarus and will be transferred to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on his Telegram channel that 277 individuals had returned from Russian captivity. He did not specify the number of prisoners handed over to Russia.
Both sides publicly acknowledged the role of the UAE as a mediator in this latest exchange.

#RussiaUkraine #PrisonerExchange #UkraineConflict #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #ConflictResolution #UAE #Diplomacy #Belarus #POWs #RussiaMOD

Malaysia PM - We refuse to be intimidated by tariffs

In a joint interview with China Media Group and Astro Awani, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that Malaysia’s foreign policy is guided by national interest, the principles of free trade, and a commitment to public welfare amid growing geopolitical volatility.

The remarks come ahead of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 15–16 — his first in 12 years — underscoring the strategic importance of China–Malaysia relations in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Prime Minister Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s support for open and rules-based trade and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with China, even as global trade faces challenges stemming from U.S. tariff policies and shifting geopolitical alignments.

Robots run half-marathon in Beijing, but humans still triumph

An assortment of cutting edge robots from inventors across China have pitted their athletic prowess in a marathon to prove that their progress is ongoing and the technology is keeping up with humankind competition.

#robots #athletics #marathon #technology #humanrace #roborace

Heavy metals contaminate up to 17% of world's arable land: study

Up to 17 percent of cropland worldwide is contaminated with at least one type of toxic heavy metal, posing health risks to up to 1.4 billion people, scientists warn.

Metals can be toxic to people, animals and plants at different doses, spreading into different ecosystems through food chains and water.

By running their samples through artificial intelligence-assisted analysis, the researchers found that between 14 and 17 percent of arable land is contaminated by at least one of the metals.

READ MORE:
https://tinyurl.com/2maw7zf9


#pollution #environment #heavymetal

In Pictures: The holy fire ceremony in Jerusalem

The Holy Fire ceremony took place today at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Held annually on Holy Saturday, the ritual marks the Orthodox celebration of Easter.
According to tradition, a flame miraculously appears in the tomb of Jesus Christ and is used to light candles, symbolizing the resurrection.
Thousands of pilgrims gather each year to witness and receive the flame, which is considered one of the most sacred events in the Orthodox Christian calendar.

#HolyFire #Jerusalem #Sepulchre #Easter #Christian #HolySaturday #Religious #Pilgrimage #Easter2025 #Ritual

More than a decade of war has devastated Syria’s economy. But the scale of what it takes to rebuild isn’t just enormous — it’s nearly unprecedented.

According to Abdallah Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General at the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Syria faces an economic recovery challenge of historic proportions. The numbers reveal just how steep the climb is.

👉 Swipe through to understand the numbers behind the headlines.

#Syria #MiddleEast #Assad #SyriaWar

‘She could have called me a …’: JD Vance jokes with Meloni

U.S Vice President, J.D Vance, said that he could have been called a "jerk" by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after she spoke Italian during a meeting between the two officials in Rome on Friday.

After Meloni repeated her opening words in English, Vance joked "I hope that's exactly what you said. Of course, she could have called me a jerk and I wouldn't know."

"It would be in the most beautiful language imaginable, so I wouldn't even get offended," he added.

Vance and Meloni met in Rome on Friday to discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The pair had met the day before in Washington, before traveling to Italy.

#Meloni #Vance #RussiaUkraine #Ukraine #Russia

Putin declares Easter ceasefire in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering all Russian forces to halt military activity from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

“Based on humanitarian considerations ... the Russian side announces an Easter truce,” Putin said during a Kremlin meeting. He added that troops should stay ready to respond to any “provocations or ceasefire violations.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed all commanders involved in the “special military operation” have been instructed to observe the truce, saying it would hold only if “mutually respected.”

Less than an hour later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on Telegram:

“As for Putin’s next attempt to play with people’s lives, an air alert is now spreading across Ukraine. At 17:15, Russian strike drones were spotted in our skies… ‘Shaheeds’ in our skies are Putin’s true attitude to Easter and to people’s lives.”

#Putin #Russia #Ukraine #Zelenskyy #RussiaUkraine

Naim Qassem: Hezbollah 'will not let anyone disarm it'

Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem has declared the group will not give up its weapons.

“We will not let anyone disarm Hezbollah or disarm the resistance,” Qassem said on a Hezbollah-affiliated TV channel. “We must cut this idea of disarmament from the dictionary.”

He said his group was ready for dialogue on a “defence strategy,” “but not under the pressure of occupation” by Israel.

His comments came just hours after another Hezbollah official said the group won’t consider disarmament unless Israel fully withdraws from the south and ends its “aggression.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who took office in January, has pledged to restore the state’s monopoly on weapons.

Last week, he said 2025 would be “the year in which the Lebanese state alone holds weapons.”

#hezbollah #israel #lebanon #iran

U.S. will abandon peace talks if Russia or Ukraine make it too difficult

U.S. President Donald Trump took to the Whitehouse stand to address the press in relation to the frustrations that would lead to America’s abandonment of ongoing peace talks between Russia and the Ukraine.

#trump #russia #ukraine #peace

Trump: U.S. will abandon peace talks if Russia or Ukraine make it too difficult

U.S. President Donald Trump took to the Whitehouse stand to address the press in relation to the frustrations that would lead to America’s abandonment of ongoing peace talks between Russia and the Ukraine.

#trump #russia #ukraine #peace

Edinburgh strives to balance locals, tourists, heritage and the future

Scotland's capital is a tourist hotspot but needs some redevelopment. Which way will the balance tip? CGTN's Michael Voss reports from Edinburgh.

#heritage #tourism

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2f3xk76x

Ex-Slovenian PM cleared of corruption

A Slovenian court has brought the first-instance ruling to acquit Janez Jansa, a three-time prime minister and the key opposition figure in the Alpine country, and two alleged accomplices on charges of abuse of office and corruption. Jansa, who championed Slovenia's bid for independence from the then Yugoslavia in 1991 and served three times as Slovenia's prime minister, was sentenced to two years in jail in 2013 for bribery in a 2006 deal with Finnish defence group Patria while serving his second term as premier.

U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal - a step closer to reality?

Kyiv and Washington have signed a memorandum that paves the way for a “minerals‑for‑reconstruction” pact: Ukraine would develop lithium, graphite, titanium and other critical deposits, while profits flow into a U.S‑backed reconstruction fund.

Supporters see a lifeline for post‑war recovery; critics warn of unequal terms, U.S. leverage and questions about EU alignment. Technical talks aim to seal the full agreement by 26 April.

Palestinian militant group Hamas has offered to return all remaining Israeli hostages - in return for a deal to end the Gaza fighting for good. It comes as Israel's latest offer, for a temporary 45-day ceasefire was rejected at negotiations in Cairo. Without a solution to the conflict in sight, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise.

With huge fall in European traveler numbers to U.S., is American tourism in crisis?

The American tourism industry could be approaching crisis point amid a drastic fall in international bookings to the U.S.

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has reported an overall fall of 17 percent in visitor numbers across Europe compared to March 2024. That follows news of a 70 percent drop in cross border travelers from Canada.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4uc3axkd

Hamas make hostages offer

Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ negotiating team leader, says all Israeli hostages could be freed — if Israel agrees to a full withdrawal, ends the war, and allows Gaza’s reconstruction to begin.

China blasts U.S. ship fees

Beijing has criticized new U.S.-proposed port fees on China-built ships, calling them harmful and one-sided. As Washington plans to increase charges up to $250 per container over the next three years, China urges a halt to these ‘wrong practices’.

Students flee university shooting that killed two in Florida

Two people were killed and five others injured in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, campus police have confirmed.

A suspect is in custody in connection with the incident, according to a spokesperson for the local police department.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student and the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy.

#massshooting #florida #floridashooting #usaguns

U.S. will abandon Ukraine peace push if no progress within ‘days'

Thursday's Paris talks were the first high-level in-person talks to include European powers – but U.S. is insisting progress needs to be swift.

#ukraine #russia

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4s5ssjsv

'How steak and cooking helped me settle in UK'

Chinese snooker player Fan Zhengyi, who trained at the Ding Junhui Snooker Academy, shares how life in Sheffield has evolved for him — from missing home comforts to mastering steak & burgers.

“Now I can get almost everything I’d eat in China… and I’ve even discovered my talent for cooking!”

#FanZhengyi #SnookerLife #Sheffield #Cooking #Snooker #ChineseSnooker

‘Major consequences’: Russia warns Germany over supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Russia says it will treat Ukrainian strikes on transport infrastructure using German Taurus missiles as ‘direct participation’ by Berlin in the conflict. The warning comes after Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was open to supplying the weaponry to Kyiv.

Four dead in Italian cable car accident near Naples

A local operator, two Brits and an Israeli lost their lives, with another Israeli seriously injured.

#disaster #naples #cablecar

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3wtea3s4

U.S. shoppers flock to Chinese apps: What are DHgate and Taobao?

Two Chinese apps you may need to know: DHgate & Taobao. Both are now topping the U.S. App Store charts. So what’s driving the surge?

#DHgate #Taobao #ChineseApps #AppStore #TikTokFinds #Ecommerce #OnlineShopping

Hamas ‘ready to release all remaining hostages’ for an end to war

Hamas' Gaza chief said the group was ready to immediately negotiate a deal to swap all hostages with an agreed number of Palestinians jailed by Israel within a deal that would end the war in the enclave.

In a televised speech, Khalil Al-Hayya, who leads the Hamas negotiating team for the indirect talks with Israel, said the group refuses an interim truce deal.

#hamas #gazawar #israelgaza #israelihostages

‘Make the West great again’ Meloni meets Trump at the White House

As the first EU leader to enter the Oval Office since the latest round of U.S.–EU tariff sparring, the pair held a 90‑minute amidst strained trans‑Atlantic ties.

Meloni pressed for a 90 day freeze to explore tariff options, which Trump called ‘possible, maybe easy’.
On NATO and defence, Meloni reiterated Italy will reach the 2% GDP spending target this year.

The leaders discussed a U.S.-Italy minerals deal to fund Kyiv’s reconstruction, with Trump adding that the EU must step up on security guarantees.

Both railed against illegal flows of migrants, though Meloni defended the EU’s broader asylum pact that Trump ridiculed.

Trump accepted an invitation for an official visit to Rome “in the near future” and said he would consider meeting EU officials there if progress on tariffs is visible.

#Meloni #Trump #USItaly #TransatlanticRelations #TradeTalks #Tariffs #NATO #EU #Ukraine #Migration #Diplomacy #MakeTheWestGreatAgain

Europe's Big Three to meet Ukraine & U.S. in London for further peace talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in one of several high-level meetings in the Elysee Palace on Thursday. The Ukrainian, British and German foreign ministers were also in the French capital to take part in meetings with their U.S. counterpart Rubio. The focus was on trying to pave the way for a lasting ceasefire for Ukraine, and to discuss future security guarantees, notably the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' idea to deploy western troops inside Ukraine after an eventual peace agreement.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/55euh5p2

U.S. ‘READY TO MOVE ON’ FROM UKRAINE DEAL SAYS RUBIO

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Donald Trump will walk away from trying to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless there are clear signs that a deal can be done. "We need to determine very quickly now….whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks," Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders.

U.S. ‘READY TO MOVE ON’ FROM UKRAINE DEAL SAYS RUBIO

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Donald Trump will walk away from trying to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless there are clear signs that a deal can be done. "We need to determine very quickly now….whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks," Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders.

‘Make the West great again’ Meloni meets Trump at the White House

As the first EU leader to enter the Oval Office since the latest round of U.S.–EU tariff sparring, the pair held a 90‑minute amidst strained trans‑Atlantic ties.

Meloni pressed for a 90 day freeze to explore tariff options, which Trump called ‘possible, maybe easy’.
On NATO and defence, Meloni reiterated Italy will reach the 2% GDP spending target this year.

The leaders discussed a U.S.-Italy minerals deal to fund Kyiv’s reconstruction, with Trump adding that the EU must step up on security guarantees.

Both railed against illegal flows of migrants, though Meloni defended the EU’s broader asylum pact that Trump ridiculed.

Trump accepted an invitation for an official visit to Rome “in the near future” and said he would consider meeting EU officials there if progress on tariffs is visible.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un received a hero’s welcome as he cut the ribbon on 10,000 new apartments in Pyongyang, marking the third phase of a major housing project in the capital.

#DPRK #Kim #KimJongUn

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin on Wednesday with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Araqchi was expected to deliver a letter to Putin from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and to brief the Russian president and his top officials about nuclear negotiations with the United States.

#Putin #Russian #Iran

Chinese snooker star Fan Zhengyi shares how a childhood moment sparked his journey: “At 4, I saw Ding Junhui vs. Ronnie O'Sullivan on TV.

I tried snooker once - and never stopped.”

From table tennis to chasing a World Championship dream 🏆

#FanZhengyi #SnookerDream #DingJunhuiAcademy #SnookerWorldChampionship #ChineseSnooker

Historic art form: Eight Chinese operas on tour across Europe

For the first time, a series of eight Chinese opera productions are touring Europe.

'The Legend of the White Snake', one of China's best-known folktales, marked the starting point at the Chinese ensemble base in Austria.

Venues in Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary - the countries that gave the world Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Bartok - will be hosting a variety of opera styles including Wu Opera, Kunqu Opera and Yue Opera.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/53ts82xt

#China #Europe #Culture

At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian criticized the United States for abusing tariffs under the guise of "reciprocity and fairness," accusing Washington of disrupting the global economic order and undermining multilateral trade.

“These unilateral and bullying acts have posed unprecedented challenges for the UN and multilateralism,” Lin said. He added that China supports the use of international platforms, including the Security Council, to “reaffirm commitment to multilateralism” and protect the development rights of all countries.

#China #USChinaRelations #Tariffs #TradePolicy #UN #Multilateralism #LinJian #Geopolitics #BeijingBriefing

Tariff uncertainty will hit global GDP by 0.6%, warns WTO

Donald Trump's on-off tariff war and the global uncertainty it has provoked will see merchandise trade fall by 0.2 percent this year, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

It will also cause a 0.6 percent hit to global GDP (gross domestic product). And things could get even worse.

Read more ⬇️
https://tinyurl.com/szn9vmr9

‘I am aware of what I represent‘, says Meloni ahead of Trump meeting

The Italian Prime Minister is on her way to the U.S. for her first bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump, as the EU seeks to avert an all-out trade war.
"I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending," Giorgia Meloni said ahead of her visit in which she will attempt to appease Donald Trump while keeping her European neighbors onside.
Speaking at an event in Rome celebrating Italian excellence, she admitted that it's a difficult moment.

Read more:
https://tinyurl.com/3kck4xmv

Ukraine targets Russian missile unit blamed for Sumy attack

Footage showed the moment Ukrainian drones attacked the city of Shuya in central Russia's Ivanovo region.
Shuya hosts the 112th Missile Brigade, which operates Iskander ballistic missiles. Locals told Russian media the military base was the target.
Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence accused the same brigade of launching the April 13 strike on Sumy that killed 35 and injured 117.

#ukraine #russia #shuya

China's UK embassy attack UK politicians' 'twisted mindset' in British Steel row

China's UK embassy have hit back at "the anti-China rhetoric of some individual British politicians" in the wake of the British government's takeover of British Steel.
Their statement accused UK political critics of "arrogance, ignorance" and a "twisted mindset".

Bolsonaro in ICU: Ex Brazil leader seen walking hospital corridor


Jair Bolsonaro started his recovery by walking through hospital corridors after undergoing abdominal surgery linked to a stab wound he suffered in 2018. Doctors say the former Brazilian president is stable and recovering well.


Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is on his feet again after abdominal surgery.
Doctors say he's stable and recovering well, following complications from a 2018 stabbing.
His family posted this video of him walking through ICU as he steps up his recovery.

Russia flexes naval firepower in Baltic Sea hovercraft exercises

Russia’s army hovercraft carried out artillery fire drills against aerial and naval targets at the Baltic Fleet's maritime training ranges as part of a scheduled exercise.

In the Baltic Sea, the crews conducted artillery fire at sea and air targets. The firing was carried out using 30mm AK-630 automatic gun systems against simulated aerial targets and mock unmanned enemy boats. All targets were successfully hit during the exercise, the fleet says.

UK Supreme Court Rules "Woman" in Equality Law Means Biological Sex

The United Kingdom's top court on Wednesday upheld an appeal by a campaign group on whether transgender women are legally women under equality legislation, ruling that the law referred to a "biological woman and biological sex".

"The terms women and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex, but we counsel against reading this judgment as a triumph for one or more groups in our society at the expense of another - it is not," Patrick Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court.

'Alles gut' - Putin speaks fluent German during state council meeting

Have you ever heard Russian President Vladimir Putin speak German? Well now you can in a video released of a conversation he had during a state council meeting.

China warns U.S. ‘not afraid to fight’ over tariffs

China's Foreign Ministry has urged the U.S. to cease its ‘maximum pressure’ tactics and engage in equitable dialogue amid escalating trade tensions.

Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that while China does not seek conflict, it is prepared to defend its interests. This statement follows China's recent increase of tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% in response to the U.S. raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%.

#usa #china #tariffs

Chinese ski mountaineers hope to make debut 2026 Olympic breakthrough


China's ski mountaineering team have been training in the Italian Alps ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The sport will debut for the first time at the Milano-Cortina games in February.


Ski mountaineering - or SkiMo - is physically challenging. Participants must climb mountains on foot wearing specialist ski equipment, including modified skins on the bottom of their skis enabling them to climb at an angle.


Read more ⬇️
https://tinyurl.com/mstaatmc

'Israel's policy is clear and no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza.’

Israel will not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to pressure Hamas, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said as negotiations around an Israeli proposal for a Gaza ceasefire continued.

The United Nations warned on Monday that Gaza is facing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023.

📸AFP/ Handout / GPO

#israel #gaza #israelkatz #aid #middleeast #palestine

Study Reveals Guaranteed Monthly Income Doesn't Make People Lazy

A new German study has revealed that guaranteed income does not in fact make people more lazy or spark an increase in quitting full-time work. Receiving this income actually does quite the opposite with people feeling like their lives were ‘more valuable and meaningful’, and felt clear improvements in their mental health.

#Employment #work #guaranteedincome #40hourworkweek #payrise #pay #income

WHO members reach deal on plans to tackle future pandemics

Members of the World Health Organization have reached a landmark agreement on how to learn from COVID-19, which killed millions of people in 2020-22, and prepare the world for future pandemics.

The legally binding pact is widely seen as a victory for the global health agency at a time when multilateral organisations like the WHO have been battered by sharp cuts in U.S. foreign funding.

Read this piece in full 👇
https://tinyurl.com/mwfm6w7k

Biden speaks out on Trump: 'So much damage and so much destruction'

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking for the first time since he lost the presidency earlier this year, slammed the Trump administration over social security.
"In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much, done so much damage and so much destruction. It's kind of breathtaking that it could happen that soon,” Biden said.

#biden #joebiden #trump #usa #uspolitics

Naples museum exhibits stolen treasures
Looted from tombs, trafficked across borders, hidden in homes, museums, and even bathtubs — over 600 stolen archaeological artefacts from Italy have finally been unveiled to the public in Naples.

For decades, these objects were kept in storage as evidence in criminal investigations. Now, thanks to the work of Italy’s art crimes police — a special unit of the national police known as the Carabinieri — prosecutors, and museum curators, they’re on display in Rediscovered Treasures: Stories of Crime and Stolen Artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Among them: red-figure vases returned from the Getty Museum, a rare bronze statue of Emperor Philip ‘the Arab,’ coins from across the Greek, Roman and medieval worlds, and frescoes once owned by Maria Callas. Each object was seized from smugglers, collectors, or looters — some even exchanged for psychotropic drugs or sold for the modern equivalent of €25.

French PM Bayrou: Trump 'unleashed a cyclone' on world trade

French prime minister François Bayrou says U.S. President Donald Trump "unleashed a cyclone" on world trade with the announcement of sweeping tariffs earlier this month. The comments came as Bayrou discussed the state of the global economy in a speech in Paris on Tuesday.

Read more ⬇️
https://tinyurl.com/yc3w3t8d

#Trump #France

The annual Copernicus Climate Change report is out...and the news for Europe makes for grim reading. 2024 was its hottest year ever, with almost half the continent experiencing record-breaking annual temperatures and over 400,000 people subjected to home-wrecking floods and storms last year.

#copernicus #climatechange #globalwarming

President Donald Trump said on Monday, April 14 that he believes Iran is intentionally delaying a nuclear deal with the United States and that Iranians need to move fast to avoid a harsh response because "they're fairly close" to developing a nuclear weapon.

Both Iran and the United States said on Saturday that they held "positive" and "constructive" talks in Oman with the Iranian supreme leader stating, “we shouldn’t be overly optimistic or overly pessimistic about these talks.”

#Trump #Iran #missiles #nuclearwar #us #uspol

As trade tensions resurface and tariff proposals gain traction in U.S. politics, China is responding with a domestic policy pivot focused on targeted credit growth.

In the first quarter of 2025, Chinese banks issued 9.78 trillion yuan in new loans—around $1.36 trillion. While the total is historically high, the more important story is in the composition of the lending.

New credit is being directed into core sectors of the real economy: lending to small and micro enterprises rose 12.2% year-on-year; long-term loans to the manufacturing sector increased by 9.3%; and consumer credit—particularly in housing—is gaining momentum. Interest rates remain near record lows, helping to sustain this push.

To support the expansion, the Ministry of Finance is issuing 5 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds to recapitalize major state-owned banks. Economists estimate this could unlock up to 40 trillion yuan in additional lending capacity.

📺 Watch the full breakdown

#China #Macroeconomics #TradePolicy #Tariffs #RealEconomy #Manufacturing #Finance #Credit #GlobalTrade #Explainer

President Donald Trump says he has no plan to help a Salvadoran migrant who was living in Maryland get out of prison in El Salvador after he was mistakenly deported.

Bukele also showed no interest in sending Abrego Garcia back to the United States, saying "The question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?"

The Trump administration has deported hundreds of people, mostly Venezuelans, to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

#Trump #uspol #immigration #deportation #donaldtrump #elsalvador #bukele #trumpdeportations

Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, EU study shows

•2024 was Europe’s hottest year on record.
•Sea Surface Temperature for the region was the highest on record
•Almost a third of European river network exceeded the "high" flood threshold
•Striking east-west contrast in climate conditions seen
•All the facts from EU climate monitor Copernicus’s latest report

🔥🔥🔥🇪🇺

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3zr3y377

#Climate #Weather #EU

Chinese security officials say they have implicated three U.S. ‘secret agents’ in cyberattacks during February's Asian Winter Games in the northeastern city of Harbin.

China’s Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, urged the U.S. to take a responsible attitude on cyber security issues, and to stop launching cyber attacks on China.

#china #chinapol #foreignaffairs #us #uspol #cyberattack #internet

US Vice President JD Vance, drops his alma mater’s state University national football championship trophy during an event at the White House which celebrated the Buckeyes' win.

Not knowing how to properly hold it, the trophy itself fell apart in his hands whilst Queen’s We Are the Champions played in the background.

#Vance #JDVance #Trump #US #uspol #ohio #ohiostate

In a complete overhaul to the aviation industry, current ways of travel could be grounded in order for new ‘digital travel credentials’ to take flight.

Plans by the International Civil Aviation Organization would see passengers upload a digital passport to their phone and use only their face for verification to pass through airports.

It would end the need for boarding passes and check-ins - as early as 2028.

Would you get on board with the new rules? Tell us below. 👇

Trump on Zelenskyy: 'You can't start a war you can't win'

U.S. President Donald Trump has been talking to the media about the Ukraine-Russia conflict - and why he thinks it shouldn’t have started.

#trump #zelenskyy #putin #war #missiles

Trump declassifies federal secrets

Trump’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets is bringing light to some of the U.S.’ mysteries, as the Trump administration has accused past leaders of ‘weaponizing’ secrets. What can we expect next?

#news #classifieddocuments #nationalsecurity #trump