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China has approved a new law aimed at promoting 'ethnic unity' by requiring minority groups to learn Mandarin. Critics argue that the law will erode the rights of minority groups and suppress their cultural identities. The law mandates that children be taught Mandarin from before kindergarten to the end of high school, potentially cutting them off from their native languages and cultures. Beijing claims that the law will improve job prospects and promote modernization through greater unity. However, human rights groups and academics have expressed concerns that the law is part of a broader effort to assimilate minority groups into the dominant Han culture, citing examples of repression in regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia.

A scandal in France involving 'ghost car' registrations has led to around one million illegally registered vehicles being driven on the roads, resulting in lost taxes and fines of hundreds of millions of euros. The fraud, which began in 2017, involves fake dealerships manipulating the state vehicle licensing agency's records. This has not only led to financial losses but also compromised road safety by allowing unsafe vehicles onto the roads and facilitated various criminal activities. The state auditor's report highlighted vulnerabilities in the system that were exploited by unscrupulous operators. The French government has acknowledged the issue and is taking steps to address it, including reducing access to the vehicle registration system and increasing fraud detections.

France is holding town council elections, with the results closely analyzed for trends ahead of next year's presidential votes. The elections are seen as a test of how far mainstream parties are prepared to go in forming alliances with the far left and far right. The high-profile contest for the mayorship of Paris is particularly significant, with the current left-wing control potentially shifting to the right. The front-runners in the Paris mayoral race are Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire and former culture minister Rachida Dati from the right. The elections are taking place under a new system, which personalizes the campaign and may favor more famous candidates like Dati. The outcome will be influenced by potential alliances between candidates and the impact of judicial issues, such as Dati's upcoming corruption trial.

Israel's military has dropped charges against five soldiers accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee from Gaza, citing 'exceptional circumstances' that affected the prosecution's ability to preserve a fair trial. The alleged incident occurred at Sde Teiman military prison in July 2024 and was partially caught on CCTV. Human rights activists have condemned the decision, stating that abuse of Palestinians in Israeli jails is systematic and rarely investigated properly. The move was praised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it the end of a 'blood libel.' The United Nations Committee against Torture has expressed concern over reports of widespread torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.

First Nations chiefs met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and expressed their concerns about the Alberta separatist movement, which they believe threatens their treaty rights with the Crown. The King 'expressed his concern' and 'committed to learning more'. The chiefs asked the King to issue a Royal Proclamation affirming their treaties and rights. The Alberta separatist movement is gathering signatures for a secession referendum in October, which First Nations leaders oppose, citing potential violations of their treaty rights.

Netflix has announced a sequel to its most-watched movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters. The film follows the story of K-pop group Huntr/x, who lead secret lives as demon hunters. The sequel is the first project under co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans' new multi-year deal with Netflix. Critics predict the original film will win at the Oscars, where it has two nominations. The film's song 'Golden' won a Grammy for best song written for visual media, marking the first time a K-pop song has achieved this feat. The original film took seven years to make and has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking into mainstream Western markets.

A committee of MPs has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the UK government's future funding for the BBC World Service. The World Service, which reaches over 300 million people weekly, is considered a vital part of the UK's soft power. However, its funding agreement with the government expires at the end of the month, and a new agreement has not been put in place. The committee warned that the World Service is at risk of losing its position as the most-trusted international broadcaster due to funding difficulties and poor management by the BBC. The BBC is seeking full government funding for the World Service, as it had until 2014. The government has stated that the World Service's work is 'highly valued' and that its next funding allocation will be made before the start of the new financial year in early April.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by 35-year-old rapper-politician Balendra Shah, has won a landslide victory in Nepal's election, securing 182 seats in the lower house of parliament. The RSP's win is significant as it is the largest victory for a single party in Nepal in decades, and Shah is expected to become the country's next leader. The election was seen as a reflection of the desire for change among Nepal's youth, who were key in the protests that toppled the previous government last year. The protests were sparked by issues including unemployment, economic stagnation, and inequality. The RSP's victory is all the more remarkable given that the party was founded only in 2022 and came fourth in the previous election. Shah's win is also notable as he is largely untested in politics, having only served as the mayor of Kathmandu.

Qantas Airways has agreed to pay A$105m (£55m; $74m) to settle a class action lawsuit over claims that it should have issued cash refunds for cancelled flights during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lawsuit was made on behalf of passengers whose flights were cancelled between 2020 and 2022 and received travel credits instead of cash. Qantas denied liability but had expected to pay A$55m. The settlement is subject to court approval. A similar lawsuit is ongoing against Jetstar, Qantas's budget carrier.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is sending current and former fighters to train Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The training seminar, which includes fighters like Justin Gaethe and Jorge Masvidal, aims to provide FBI agents with insights into the fighters' training techniques and tactics. UFC CEO Dana White stated that the organization is proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques. The event is part of a broader connection between the UFC and the White House, with Donald Trump planning to host a UFC event at the White House in June to mark 250 years since the US Declaration of Independence. The UFC has a history with Trump, having hosted early UFC events at his business properties in the early 2000s.

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 Congolese mines and investing in infrastructure to speed up shipping to America. American firms have secured the first crack at a trove of mines and exploration sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the US government has invested $553m in the Lobito Corridor railway. The move is part of a broader effort to challenge China's dominance in the global mining industry.

The article discusses the potential consequences of a war between America and Iran on Bahrain, a small Gulf island nation. The conflict has already caused significant damage to Bahrain's infrastructure, including refineries, factories, and high-rise apartments, as Iran has retaliated against American bombing campaigns. The kingdom's economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues, which are dwindling due to the conflict. The article suggests that Bahrain's financial struggles, combined with the physical damage, may bring the kingdom to its knees. The conflict has also had broader regional implications, reshaping the Middle East and affecting the global economy.

China is grappling with the concept of inherited wealth, a relatively new phenomenon due to the country's historical eradication of private enterprise and wealth under Communist rule. As the economy slows and opportunities narrow, a select few are receiving significant inheritances. This shift has led to increased interest in estate planning, with professionals like Chen Kai promoting the importance of wills and wealth protection. However, cultural obstacles remain, as writing a will and having substantial wealth to pass on are novel concepts in modern China.

China is on the cusp of its first great intergenerational transfer of wealth in modern history, which is expected to widen inequality, cement privilege, and breed resentment. The Communist Party government, committed to 'common prosperity,' appears surprisingly indifferent to the implications of this transfer. Over the past half-century, China has lifted vast numbers out of poverty, creating significant wealth. However, the method of passing this wealth to the next generation poses a new and underappreciated risk. The article suggests that the government's lack of action on taxing inherited wealth will exacerbate these issues.

The article 'Haiti needs order first, then elections' discusses the dire situation in Haiti, where gangsters control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, extorting money from civilians and causing widespread suffering. The situation is dire, with 1.4 million people displaced and only 10% of clinics fully operational. The article argues that a UN-backed security mission has done little to improve public safety and that the country needs order before it can hold elections. The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is compared to that in war-racked Sudan, with Haitians more likely to suffer from severe hunger.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's policies and actions have alienated Hispanic voters, potentially benefiting Democrats in the midterm elections. Trump's 2024 presidential campaign resonated with many Latinos who felt economically squeezed and frustrated with the border situation. However, they now feel 'buyers' remorse' as their expectations have not been met. The article suggests that Trump's approach has given Democrats an opportunity to capitalize on this discontent.

The article discusses the rise of populism in British politics, led by Nigel Farage on the right and Zack Polanski on the left. The Green Party, led by Polanski, has gained momentum and scored a stunning victory in a by-election in Manchester, pushing Labour into third place. Farage's Reform UK also performed well, and together they polled higher than Labour and the Tories combined. The article suggests that this trend will continue in local-government elections in May.

The article discusses the concept of a 'K-shaped economy' in the context of the United States, where the wealthy continue to thrive while the poor struggle. It explores the idea that the spending of the super-rich is propping up the current economic boom and preventing it from turning into a bust. The article references the post-pandemic recovery and the anxieties surrounding the economic divide in America, likening the economy to a backslash rather than a straightforward linear or alphabetic shape like L, U, V, or W used to describe business cycles.

A Moscow court convicted 19 people for their involvement in the 2024 ISIS-claimed concert hall attack that killed 149 people. The defendants received lengthy prison terms, with 15 sentenced to life. The trial was held behind closed doors due to security concerns. Russian officials have claimed Ukraine's involvement without evidence, which Kyiv denies. The attack occurred despite a U.S. warning about potential terrorist threats in Moscow.

A giant underground steel pipe mysteriously rose over 32 feet out of a construction site in Osaka, Japan, causing traffic congestion and road closures. The pipe, with a diameter of 11.5 feet, was being used as a retaining structure during a sewer construction project. Officials believe that draining water from the pipe may have caused it to float, leading to its unexpected elevation. No injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to lower the pipe back to the ground by injecting water into it. The incident is expected to cause further road closures for several days.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, visited a light munitions factory where they fired new pistols at a shooting range. The visit is seen as part of Kim's efforts to modernize conventional forces and potentially groom his daughter as a future leader. The images released by state media show Kim and his daughter testing the new pistol, with Kim rating it 'excellent'. Experts believe that Kim's daughter is being prepared to take over the family dynasty, with her increasingly prominent public appearances indicating a potential future leadership role.

A shooting occurred at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 12, 2026, resulting in one death and two injuries. The gunman, 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a former Virginia National Guardsman who had been convicted in 2017 for attempting to support ISIS. Jalloh was killed by students in the classroom after being subdued, and the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. The shooting happened hours before a separate attack on a Michigan synagogue.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on six individuals and two companies accused of aiding North Korea's scheme to use remote IT workers to fund its weapons program. The scheme, which generated nearly $800 million in 2024, involves North Korean operatives posing as legitimate IT specialists to secure jobs at companies worldwide. The sanctions target facilitators and companies connected to the operation in North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Spain, and block any property or financial interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities in the United States.

U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters has won three gold medals at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, bringing her total medal count to 22 and making her the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian. Despite facing challenges such as surgery, bone infection, and concussion, Masters credits her childhood as an orphan in Ukraine and her adoption by an American couple for giving her the resilience to persevere. She has competed in both summer and winter Paralympics since 2012 and is an icon among Paralympic athletes, serving as a role model for younger teammates. Masters emphasizes the importance of not giving up on one's dreams and credits her mother as her primary inspiration.

A 550-pound World War II bomb was successfully defused in Dresden, Germany, after causing the evacuation of 18,000 people. The bomb was discovered during construction work on a bridge that collapsed in 2024. The defusal operation involved over 400 police and emergency services personnel, backed by a helicopter and drone. The evacuation zone will be reopened after a final safety check. Dresden was heavily bombed during World War II, and the discovery highlights the ongoing legacy of the war. Similar discoveries have been made in other parts of Europe, including Cologne and Paris.

Cable thefts on key Malaysian train lines have increased significantly due to the high demand and price of copper. The thefts have disrupted train services between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, affecting the MRT Putrajaya and Kajang lines. Thieves have become more brazen, cutting live cables that could halt train operations. The rise in copper prices is attributed to tighter global supply and increasing demand from various industries. The London benchmark price for copper has risen sharply, and scrap copper is fetching high prices in Malaysia. Authorities are struggling to combat the issue, causing inconvenience to commuters.

China has become the first country to mass-produce the strongest carbon fibre, T1200-grade, which has wide applications in defence industries such as aerospace, drones, and robots. The domestically developed fibre has a tensile strength 10 times greater than ordinary steel and is less than one-tenth of a human hair in diameter. Mass production at a projected output capacity of about 100 tonnes a year could put China ahead of established market leaders like Japan's Toray Industries. The ultra-strength fibre was developed by the state-owned China National Building Material Group (CNBM) after two decades of local research and development.

Analysts suggest that China's adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation may mitigate the economic impact of its rapidly ageing population. As fertility rates decline, countries like China, South Korea, and Japan are investing heavily in robotics and AI to offset labour shortages and sustain productivity. According to a Bank of America report, these countries' commitment to AI and automation is likely to intensify as they face shrinking labour pools and rising wage pressures. The region's advanced semiconductor, tech hardware, and machinery ecosystems enable faster and cheaper deployment of these technologies. South Korea has the world's highest robot density, while China and Japan also have significantly higher robot densities than the global average. Experts, including Louis Kuijs, Asia-Pacific chief economist at S&P Global Ratings, note that governments in these countries have been proactive in adopting and applying AI and robotics across their economies.

Donald Liao Poon-huai, a renowned Hong Kong architect and public housing visionary, has passed away at 96. He played a crucial role in shaping Hong Kong's housing landscape, serving as the first director of housing from 1973 to 1980 and contributing to the development of landmark housing estates like Ma Tau Wai and Wah Fu. Liao was also the first Chinese official under British rule to serve as secretary for district administration. His family confirmed his death, stating he lived a meaningful life and made significant contributions to the community.

Hong Kong's job market is facing significant challenges as the number of job openings hits a 6-year low in 69% of sectors, with 23 out of 33 job sectors recording their lowest number of vacancies in six years. Experts attribute this trend to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and a sluggish economy. The number of job vacancies fell to a 5-year low of 30,798 last year, down by 51.5% from 2021. Industries heavily associated with AI, such as IT and customer service, are among those with fewer job openings. The city's eight publicly funded universities produced 29,676 graduates in the 2024-25 academic year, with nearly 75% earning undergraduate degrees.

A leading tax policy expert in China, Zhang Lianqi, has suggested that the country's tax flows should resemble parental ties, with the central government acting as the 'father' and local governments as 'children'. Zhang believes that the full implementation of taxation reforms pledged in China's new five-year plan will ease fiscal strains on local governments without altering the central government's dominant role in the country's fiscal landscape. China's systematic advantage lies in its strong central government finance, which can coordinate and redistribute fiscal resources. Local governments have been struggling to replenish their finances amid slowing economic growth and a property crisis. The new five-year plan aims to 'improve the local tax system' and 'increase local autonomous fiscal resources'.

The article discusses China's recent reclamation work on Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, South China Sea. Satellite images show significant expansion of the reef's surface area, prompting questions about its strategic value to Beijing. The reef is claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China's actions have not been confirmed or commented on by Beijing. The reef's location, about 300km from Sanya on Hainan Island and 400km from Da Nang on the Vietnamese coast, is considered strategically important.

A giant steel pipe mysteriously burst through the ground and rose over 30 feet above a busy road in Osaka, Japan, during a sewer construction project. The pipe, used as a retaining structure, had a diameter of 11.5 feet and shot up 42 feet in the air. Authorities believe that draining water from the pipe may have caused it to float and rise overnight. Firefighters later cut a hole in the pipe and injected water to push it down, but it still remains partially visible above ground. City officials plan to cut the remaining visible section, keeping the road closed for several more days.

The article criticizes New York Attorney General Letitia James for ordering NYU Langone hospital to resume 'gender-affirming care' for minors, which includes puberty blockers and hormone treatments. The hospital had discontinued the program due to Trump administration pressure. The author argues that James is embracing an 'ideological con job' and that the care provided is not genuine healthcare, but rather a form of 'mutilation' for confused children. The author praises NYU Langone for initially discontinuing the program and notes that the hospital's website now emphasizes psychological counseling for adolescents instead.

Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and social media influencer, is joining the reboot of the TV show 'Baywatch' as a recurring character named Grace, a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard. This marks her first foray into acting, although she has been involved in an ad campaign with Fanatics Sportsbook. Dunne has been taking acting lessons and has expressed her passion for acting, which she had to put on hold during her time as a student-athlete at LSU. The 'Baywatch' reboot is set to launch in the fall on Fox as part of the network's 2026-27 season, featuring a cast that includes Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, and David Chokachi.

A decorated Lieutenant Colonel and chair of Old Dominion University's military science department, Brandon Shah, was fatally shot by Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a convicted ISIS supporter, during an ROTC class. Shah, a veteran with multiple tours in the Middle East, was known for his service and had collected numerous awards for his military career. Jalloh, who had been honorably discharged from the Virginia National Guard, had previously been sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Two other ROTC members were injured during the shooting, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. Shah's death has been met with tributes from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spangberger and others, who praised his dedication to service and teaching.

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, has implemented a strict dress code at its Ruth's Chris Steak House chain, banning hats at the table and requiring 'proper attire.' The move is part of a broader effort to maintain an upscale atmosphere across its various restaurant chains. Meanwhile, Olive Garden is trying to attract customers with a new 'Lighter Portions' menu featuring smaller, more affordable dishes. The contrasting strategies highlight the different approaches taken by Darden's various brands to appeal to their target audiences.

A 78-year-old Tennessee DoorDash driver, Richard Pulley, and his wife Brenda were forced to work together to make ends meet after she lost her job. A kind stranger, Brittany Smith, captured a heart-wrenching video of Pulley struggling to deliver a Starbucks order, which went viral. Smith created a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple retire, raising nearly $500,000. The couple was overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers and expressed gratitude for the kindness.

Australian authorities removed two foster children from a home where they were living with Reginald Arthurell, a convicted transgender triple killer, after being aware of the situation for several months. The incident sparked widespread backlash and calls for the resignation of authorities who allowed the crisis to continue. The minister for Families and Communities of New South Wales apologized for the situation, stating that it 'should never have been allowed' and promising a review to determine how the circumstances were allowed to happen.

China's top legislature has passed a new law aimed at strengthening national identity and ethnic integration, formalizing Beijing's long-running push for ethnic unity. The 'Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law' seeks to foster a strong sense of community among China's 56 ethnic groups and promote common prosperity. Critics argue that the law could undermine the cultural identity of ethnic minorities and be used to pursue individuals or organizations deemed to undermine 'ethnic unity'.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated Afghanistan as a 'state sponsor of wrongful detention' due to the Taliban's continued unjust detention of Americans and other foreign nationals. Rubio accused the Taliban of using 'terrorist tactics' and called for the release of two Americans, Dennis Coyle and Mahmoud Habibi, who are being held without charges. The designation could lead to restrictions on U.S. passport use for travel to Afghanistan if the Taliban does not comply with U.S. demands. The Taliban has denied detaining Habibi and called Rubio's decision 'regrettable', seeking to resolve the matter through dialogue.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, were photographed firing a new pistol at a light munitions factory, as part of the country's efforts to modernize its military. The visit is seen as a display of the regime's military capabilities and a potential grooming of Kim Ju Ae for future leadership. The move comes amid heightened tensions with South Korea and the US, following recent military drills and threats from North Korea.

The article discusses the escalating conflict in Sudan, where the use of drone warfare has significantly increased civilian casualties and made aid delivery and emergency response challenging. The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has resulted in numerous drone strikes, killing hundreds of people, including children. The situation has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with civilians facing displacement, detention, and deportation. The article also touches on the impact of the conflict on neighboring countries and the UK's asylum policy.

A record 280 political parties have registered to participate in Haiti's first general election in a decade, despite concerns over gang violence and corruption. The election is seen as a crucial step towards easing the country's multiple crises. Party members expressed hope that the election will bring new leadership and allow the population to participate in the democratic process. However, many doubt that the election will take place as scheduled due to persistent gang violence.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has condemned Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville's anti-Muslim social media posts as 'bigotry' and 'hatred.' Tuberville reposted an image of Mamdani next to a photo of the 9/11 terror attacks, claiming 'the enemy is inside the gates.' Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, spoke out at a Ramadan iftar dinner, describing the prejudice faced by American Muslims and calling on them to continue celebrating their faith openly. Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have also condemned Tuberville's posts as 'mindless hate' and 'blatant Islamophobic racism.'

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 is told through the experiences of Singaporean families who have visited their ancestral homes in China, noting changes in the dynamics of their interactions with relatives.

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 cultural heritage and identity of the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have maintained their traditions while adapting to the local culture.

Tesla's China-made electric vehicle sales rose by more than 35% in the first two months of 2026 compared to the previous year, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. Despite this growth, Tesla is still behind BYD in sales, with BYD reporting a 36% decline in deliveries during the same period. BYD's new battery technology and growing overseas footprint have helped the company maintain a strong lead over its competitors. Other Chinese automakers, such as Geely and Xiaomi, are also gaining traction with more affordable and feature-rich offerings.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss increasing pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. The talks will focus on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia by targeting its 'shadow fleet' of tankers used to transport oil in breach of sanctions. The Kremlin criticized the planned meeting, saying it would obstruct the peace process. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that he would waive some oil-related sanctions after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.