In other news

The article 'A short guide to email opening lines' from The Economist's Bartleby column discusses the common opening lines used in work emails, such as 'I hope you are well.' It humorously considers how an alien might interpret these phrases and delves into the nuances behind various email opening gambits, highlighting their role in professional etiquette.

The article discusses a controversy between the Trump administration and Anthropic, a leading AI lab, over the Pentagon's access to its AI models. The dispute raises concerns about who controls the world's most potent technology and could lead to an AI-enabled disaster. The outcome will have significant implications for America's national security and the development of AI.

The US is investing heavily in state-sponsored mining to break China's grip on critical minerals. The Trump administration is splashing cash around the world, securing stakes in mines and exploration sites in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. American firms have secured a trove of mines and exploration sites, and the US government has invested $553m in the Lobito Corridor railway. The move is seen as a desperate attempt to challenge China's dominance in the region.

Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, an AI lab, has apologized for his handling of a crisis after the Pentagon labeled the company a supply-chain risk, the first American firm to receive this designation. Despite the apology, Amodei vows to challenge the Pentagon's decision in court to avoid a chilling impact on Anthropic's business. The crisis was described as one of the most disorienting in Anthropic's history.

Bayer, a German drugs and chemicals firm, is nearing the end of a long legal battle related to Roundup, a weedkiller developed by Monsanto, which Bayer acquired in 2018 for $63 billion. The acquisition turned out to be one of the most disastrous mergers in German corporate history, exposing Bayer to numerous legal claims that have cost it billions. Under new CEO Bill Anderson, who took over in 2023, Bayer has made progress in containing the Roundup litigation and is now focused on refreshing its drug pipeline, cutting costs, and reducing debt. The settlement of the Roundup litigation may also lead to a break-up of the company, as some investors have suggested.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Brazil's Supreme Court in maintaining public trust, given its immense power and recent scandals. The court has been a target of criticism from former president Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters, who have used derogatory language against its members. However, many Brazilians applauded when the court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in jail for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 re-election bid. The article highlights the need for the Supreme Court to regain public trust and maintain its integrity as a crucial democratic institution.

The article argues that China needs to set a more ambitious economic growth target. Historically, China has set top-down economic targets, often with mixed results under Mao Zedong's rule, but later comfortably surpassing them after his death. The current policymakers have been cautious, setting targets that serve as both a floor and a ceiling for ambition. The article suggests that China should aim higher to avoid a fourth year of deflation.

The article discusses how Formula One (F1) has evolved from an exclusive hobby for gentlemen amateurs to a global entertainment business under the ownership of Liberty Media, an American media company. It highlights F1's history of glamour and celebrity appeal, citing its first grand prix in 1950, which included participants from aristocratic backgrounds and attracted a large crowd featuring King George VI. The article suggests that F1 is now attracting a different sort of fan, drawn as much to the lifestyle associated with the sport as to the motor racing itself.

The article argues that Europe can address its economic problems, including a greying population, lack of innovative firms, and underdeveloped capital markets, by reforming its pension system to invest in long-term capital and finance entrepreneurs. By doing so, Europe can turn its weaknesses into strengths, providing both security in old age and dynamism in the present. The article suggests that using pension savings to boost markets can help alleviate the burden of public pensions on government budgets.

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The article discusses the growing trend of countries banning children from social media, but argues that the case for such bans is weak and the benefits are uncertain. The article cites the example of Ramón, a 15-year-old Spanish boy who admits to spending excessive time on social media and being exposed to violent and disturbing content. The author questions the effectiveness of bans in addressing the negative impacts of social media on children.

The article 'Russia's economy has entered the death zone' by Alexandra Prokopenko discusses the transformation of Russia's economy as it sustains its ongoing war against Ukraine. The economy has been significantly altered and is unlikely to recover without another crisis. Western observers anticipate its collapse, but instead, it has entered a state akin to the 'death zone' in mountaineering, where it consumes its own resources faster than they can be replenished. The article highlights the challenges and implications of this economic state for Russia's future.

The article discusses the history and legacy of General Electric (GE), a iconic American company, and how its heirs have fared after its breakup. The success of GE's heirs illustrates the benefits of breaking up large conglomerates. The article highlights GE's innovative strategies in the past, such as accepting payment in the form of customers' shares and creating the Radio Corporation of America to dislodge British dominance in the communications industry. The article suggests that studying GE's history can provide valuable insights into business strategy and entrepreneurship.

The US Pentagon has designated AI firm Anthropic as a supply chain risk, marking the first time a US company has been given this label. Anthropic has vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing concerns over the legality of the designation. The move comes after Anthropic refused to give the defence agencies unfettered access to its AI tools, citing concerns over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The designation has significant implications for Anthropic's business, with Microsoft announcing it will continue to embed Anthropic's technology in its products, except for those used by the US Department of Defense.

Britney Spears was arrested in California on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. She was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol after being reported for driving erratically at a high speed. Spears submitted to field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested. She was released from jail the following morning and is due to appear in court on May 4. Spears' representative stated that she would comply with the law and seek help and support during this difficult time. The incident is still under investigation, and chemical test results are pending. Spears has a history of being under a conservatorship, which controlled her finances and personal life for 13 years until 2021. She has recently spoken about her struggles and has indicated that she may return to performing in certain countries.

Ecuadorean troops have seized a 35m-long 'narco-submarine' hidden in a nature reserve near the Colombian border. The semi-submersible was carrying 6,000 gallons of fuel and was ready to embark on a long drug-smuggling voyage. The discovery was made shortly after Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced a 'new phase' in his government's war on drug cartels. The operation also uncovered a camp being used by criminals as a logistics hub, six speedboats, seven outboard motors, and dozens of barrels of fuel. Troops came under fire during the operation, but there were no reported arrests or drug seizures.

Finland plans to lift its decades-old ban on hosting nuclear weapons on its territory, aligning with Nato's deterrence policy amid heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The proposal, announced by Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen, aims to enable Finland's military defense as part of the alliance and to take full advantage of Nato's deterrence and collective defense. The change requires amendments to Finland's Nuclear Energy Act and criminal code. Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia and became Nato's 31st member in 2023, has seen a significant deterioration in its security environment since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), a group of conservative Anglicans, has pulled back from electing a rival to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, as head of the Anglican Church. Instead, they have unveiled a new leadership council headed by Rwanda's Archbishop Laurent Mbanda. Gafcon's decision comes amid divisions over theological differences, particularly regarding LGBTQ clergy and same-sex blessings. The group claims to speak for the majority of the Global South, although this is contested. The move is seen as a deepening of the rift between Gafcon and the Church of England, and its implications for the shared ties of Anglicans worldwide are unclear.

The article discusses how the Iran conflict is affecting China's economic ambitions and its relationship with Iran. China is concerned about the potential disruption to its oil supplies and shipping routes through the Middle East. Despite being considered a close ally of Iran, China's relationship with Tehran is transactional and not based on ideological or cultural ties. China is trying to position itself as a responsible global leader and is considering mediating talks between countries involved in the conflict. However, its ability to do so is limited by its lack of military power and its desire to avoid getting drawn into the conflict.

A 19-year-old Canadian backpacker, Piper James, died from drowning after being attacked by dingoes on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The coroner's court found that James died due to multiple injuries from the dingo attack, which led to drowning. The incident occurred on January 19, and about ten dingoes were found circling her body. At least six of these dingoes were later euthanized. James had been working at a hostel and had plans to go for an early morning swim. Her parents described her as having an 'infectious laugh' and a love for starting her day in the ocean. This incident is rare, with the last known fatal dingo attack on the island occurring in 2001.

Savannah Guthrie, a host of NBC's Today programme, is planning to return to work while the search for her missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy, continues. Nancy Guthrie has been missing from her Arizona home since February 1, with authorities believing she was abducted. The investigation has yielded few clues, with detectives receiving nearly 40,000 tips and recovering DNA evidence from a glove found near Nancy's home, but it did not match any records in the FBI database. Savannah Guthrie has been off-air since January 30, but has posted emotional pleas on social media for her mother's return. Her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, confirmed that Savannah plans to return to the show, but no date has been set. The family has offered a $1m reward for Nancy's safe return, and purported ransom notes demanding $6m in cryptocurrency have been sent to media outlets.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Hungary of taking seven employees of Ukraine's state savings bank, Oschadbank, hostage in Budapest. The employees were transporting $80m worth of cash between Austria and Ukraine when they were detained. Ukraine has sent an official note demanding their release. Oschadbank stated that GPS data showed the vehicles in Budapest and demanded the immediate release of its employees and property. The incident has heightened tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, which maintains close ties with Russia and has opposed military aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for blocking a European aid package for Kyiv, and Orban has accused Ukraine of imposing an 'oil blockade' on Hungary by delaying the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline.

The US and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations after the US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. The announcement marks a symbolic step towards improving relations between the two countries. The US has accused Maduro of leading a criminal organization involved in activities such as illegal mining and drug trafficking. The US embassy in Caracas has reopened, and Washington has appointed a new diplomat in Venezuela. The two countries plan to work together to develop mining in Venezuela and promote stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation.

Cuba has charged six suspects with terrorism over a fatal shooting incident involving a U.S.-flagged speedboat that allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers. The suspects, of Cuban origin, remain in pretrial detention. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including at least one American citizen. The Cuban government claims that the boat was attempting to infiltrate the island to commit acts of terrorism and that its soldiers returned fire in self-defense. The suspects are believed to have been armed with high-powered weapons and ammunition. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison or the death penalty, although Cuba has maintained a moratorium on the death penalty since 2003.

Ecuadorian forces sank a 'narco sub' near its northern border as part of a joint military operation with the United States to combat organized crime. The operation, which began on Tuesday, resulted in the discovery of a clandestine camp and the seizure of various equipment, including six speedboats, 25 tanks containing diesel, and navigation equipment. The 'narco sub', approximately 115 feet long, was presumably intended for drug trafficking. Military personnel were shot at during the operation but returned fire. The Ecuadorian government has been working with other countries to crack down on organized crime, which has been linked to a wave of violence in the country.

A federal contractor, John Daghita, has been arrested in the Caribbean island of Saint Martin for allegedly stealing $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrest was made by law enforcement on the island in a joint operation with the French Gendarmerie's elite tactical unit. The FBI Director, Kash Patel, announced the arrest on social media, posting photos of Daghita being taken away in handcuffs. The operation was conducted in cooperation with international law enforcement agencies. The FBI stated that they will continue to work with their international partners to track down and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers.

A U.S. Army Central memo reviewed by CBS News suggests that Iranian intelligence likely identified and tracked U.S. forces moving off military installations in Kuwait before an Iranian retaliatory strike killed six American service members. The memo stated that Iranian-aligned militia groups used a combination of intelligence capabilities to monitor U.S. troop movements. The U.S. forces had moved to a tactical operations center at the Shuaiba port in Kuwait as part of a 'get off the X' plan to protect troops from Iranian fire. However, the center was not defendable from aerial attacks, and despite requests for additional Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, none were provided. The Pentagon has been exploring ways to harden positions and counter drones since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A new study published in Nature reveals that sea levels are higher than previously thought due to a 'methodological blind spot' in measuring coastal water levels. The study found that about 90% of previous studies underestimated baseline coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot, with more frequent underestimations in the Global South, Pacific, and Southeast Asia. This discrepancy puts tens of millions more people at risk of flooding and threatens already vulnerable communities. The study's findings suggest that if sea levels rise by 3 feet by the end of the century, waters could inundate up to 37% more land and threaten 77 million to 132 million more people.

The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations after a four-year hiatus. The decision comes after a series of visits by Trump administration officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who met with Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. The move is seen as a major shift in the historically adversarial relationship between the two countries and is aimed at promoting stability, supporting economic recovery, and advancing political reconciliation in Venezuela. The re-establishment of diplomatic relations will facilitate the joint efforts of the two countries to address the crisis in Venezuela and promote foreign investment in the country's oil and mining sectors.

American basketball player Jarred Shaw is imprisoned in Indonesia for ordering cannabis gummies to treat his Crohn's disease. Shaw's health is deteriorating, and he is seeking a compassionate release. Shaw was arrested in May 2025 and faces 26 months in prison. His legal team is petitioning for a release, citing his cooperation and lack of prior record. The US State Department is providing consular assistance, and a foundation is working to raise funds to help Shaw return to the US.

Brigham Young University (BYU) mistakenly sent acceptance letters to nine students who had been rejected. The students were initially thrilled but later received rejection notices. After backlash, BYU apologized and allowed the nine students to enroll, granting them provisional admission. The university attributed the mistake to an 'unfortunate error in our admissions decision notification system' and is working to prevent similar errors in the future. This is not the first admissions error for BYU, as they had a similar issue with their College of Nursing in 2024.

Former NFL defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche was arrested in Georgia after a shoplifting incident at a Kroger store. Nkemdiche, 31, was caught by police with groceries concealed in his sweatpants. Although the store declined to press charges, Nkemdiche was taken into custody due to multiple outstanding warrants across several states. This is not Nkemdiche's first run-in with the law, as he was previously charged with marijuana possession in 2015. Nkemdiche was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and played for several teams during his five-year NFL career, earning $13.9 million. He has since played in the USFL and CFL.

The article discusses Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's attempt to present himself as a moderate, despite his past radical views and actions. The author argues that Talarico's 'moderate act' is a scam, pointing out his past tweets about white people being 'contagious' with racism and his support for allowing biological boys to play in girls' sports. The article also highlights similar 'moderate' campaigns by other Democrats, such as New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who later revealed their true, more liberal views. The author suggests that voters should look beyond the 'moderate façade' and be wary of Democrats' attempts to rebrand themselves.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant news stories from the past week, focusing on China's global influence and regional developments. China's $23.9 billion investment in global seaports is a key highlight, despite losing control of the Panama Canal. The article also discusses the impact of rising tensions in the Middle East on Chinese firms' business with Iran. Additionally, Chinese researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a drone made from bamboo fibre, reducing costs by 75%. The stories cover various aspects of China's growing presence and innovations.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, such as BYD and Great Wall Motor, are increasingly relying on exports as their domestic sales slow down due to fierce competition. BYD, the world's largest EV maker, sold more cars overseas than at home for the first time in February, with 53% of its total sales coming from overseas markets. This trend is reflective of a broader shift among Chinese EV makers towards global markets as domestic sales soften. The overall sales of BYD fell 41% year on year, despite a 50% surge in exports. Great Wall Motor also saw its overseas sales exceed domestic deliveries for the first time in February, with 59% of its total sales coming from overseas.

Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of Apple Daily, has decided not to appeal his 20-year jail sentence imposed after being convicted in a landmark national security trial. Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles. His legal team confirmed that they have clear instructions not to lodge an appeal against the conviction or sentence before the 28-day deadline expires. Lai can still file an appeal after the deadline but must provide compelling reasons for the delay. The trial lasted 156 days and was heard by three judges hand-picked by the chief executive to hear national security cases. Six former senior executives at Apple Daily received sentences ranging from 6 years and 9 months to 10 years for similar offenses.

Canada and South Korea have signed a defence agreement, seen as a 'middle-power answer' to increasing cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic region and pressure from the US on its allies for defence burden sharing. The agreement aims to strengthen security and defence cooperation, enhance operational cooperation, and improve interoperability between the two countries' militaries. Analysts view the move as a hedge against a transactional Washington and a way to promote a rules-based maritime system.

Asia-Pacific markets experienced a mixed performance on Friday as oil prices surged due to the Iran conflict, with some indices recovering from earlier losses while others declined. The conflict and uncertainty surrounding global trade policies, including a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's tariff regime, contributed to market volatility. South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Nikkei 225 saw gains, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 and India's Nifty 50 declined. Oil prices, although easing on Friday, had broken through the $80 per barrel mark overnight.

China has set its lowest GDP growth target in decades at 4.5% to 5% for 2026, acknowledging domestic challenges and global uncertainty. The target is the least ambitious since the early 1990s and reflects the government's cautious approach to economic growth. Despite keeping some stimulus measures in place, the report acknowledges the seriousness of persistent domestic growth headwinds, including weak consumption and investment. The government has pledged to create 12 million urban jobs and ramp up investment into scientific research to achieve tech self-sufficiency. The modest growth target still puts China on track to achieving its goal of doubling its economy by 2035.

South Korea's stock market, Kospi, has experienced significant volatility this week, with a 12% plunge on Wednesday, its largest single-day drop on record, followed by a nearly 10% gain on Thursday, its best day since 2008. Experts attribute the volatility to the market's concentration in a few technology stocks, particularly memory giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, as well as the country's sensitivity to energy price shocks. The Kospi Volatility Index surged 27% to a record high on Wednesday. Retail investors, who have been actively buying Korean stocks using margin accounts and leveraged exchange-traded funds, have amplified the market's swings. Despite the turbulence, some market watchers believe the underlying fundamentals of South Korea's equity market remain intact, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

A large-scale blackout has struck western Cuba, leaving millions without power due to the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. The outage is the latest in a series of power disruptions on the island, which is struggling with dwindling oil supplies due to US sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. The US Embassy in Cuba has warned of significant disruptions, including impacts on water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communications. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that his administration will not negotiate with Washington to establish a new agreement despite the US severing Havana's energy lifeline.

The article discusses the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine using a Mk 48 torpedo in international waters in the Indian Ocean. This incident has brought attention to the Mk 48 torpedo, the U.S. Navy's primary undersea weapon since 1972. The torpedo is capable of defeating surface ships and submarines in various ocean environments and has undergone several upgrades over the years. The article provides details about the Mk 48's specifications, its guidance systems, and its evolution through different hardware variants and software updates.

The article reports that European nations are stepping in to protect Cyprus as the UK faces criticism for delaying the deployment of a warship to the island. The UK government's decision has raised concerns about its commitment to the region and its ability to respond to emerging threats. The article highlights the growing presence of European nations in the region, with Greece and France deploying warships to Cyprus. The move is seen as a demonstration of their commitment to regional security and stability.

Millions in Cuba were left without electricity after a shutdown at one of the country's largest thermoelectric power plants due to a boiler leak. The blackout occurred as Cuba is under a strict US fuel embargo imposed by the Trump administration, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The government restored power to some areas, but the outage was the second in three months, exacerbating the country's energy crisis.

The article explores how China's economic rise has redefined the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. It highlights the shift from a reliance on financial support to a more personal and kinship-based connection. The story follows the experiences of Singaporean families, including Mr. Aw Ban Soon, who visited their ancestral homes in China and found that their relatives were now more self-sufficient and that their interactions were more about mutual affection and kinship. The article also touches on the role of clan associations in facilitating these connections and the changing dynamics between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the deep cultural roots of the Chinese community in Kelantan, their acculturation, and their efforts to preserve their identity.

The South Australian state election is shaping up to be a test for One Nation's surge in popularity. The Liberal party is looking to avoid another crushing defeat, but Newspoll's latest findings suggest its primary vote in South Australia is at an abysmal 14%. One Nation has ruled out doing any preference deals with the Liberals, which the Liberal party's shadow treasurer, Ben Hood, describes as 'highly destructive'. Meanwhile, other news includes the Australian government's response to the Middle East conflict, with three Australians confirmed to be on board a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship. Additionally, Victorian women will soon be able to get the contraceptive pill from chemists without a prescription.

Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily and a prominent pro-democracy activist, has decided not to appeal his conviction, paving the way for potential political negotiations over his release. Lai, a British citizen, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong for sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. The decision marks the end of a years-long legal saga for the 78-year-old critic of the Chinese Communist party (CCP). Western governments, including the UK, have described Lai's prosecution as politically motivated and have called for his immediate release. The UN rights chief has also criticized the verdict, saying it is incompatible with international law. Lai's family has expressed concern that his 20-year jail term could mean 'he will die a martyr behind bars'. The decision not to appeal may mark the start of a political process to secure his release, although Lai's case is complicated by his outspoken criticism of the CCP.

The Pentagon has labeled AI company Anthropic a supply chain risk 'effective immediately', a decision that could force other government contractors to stop using Anthropic's AI chatbot Claude. The move comes after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei refused to back down over concerns the company's products could be used for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapons. Anthropic plans to challenge the decision in court, while some military contractors are already cutting ties with the company. The decision has been met with broad criticism from lawmakers, former defense officials, and experts, who argue it is a misuse of a rule meant to address supply threats posed by foreign adversaries.

China has lowered its economic growth target and increased its annual defense budget by 7 percent, citing a 'grave and complex' global environment. The move is seen as a response to the challenging international situation and a demonstration of the country's commitment to maintaining its military capabilities. The decision was made during a national planning meeting where China's economic resilience was touted despite the difficult global conditions.