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Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has told the BBC that he fled the country after January's disputed presidential election because he feared for his life. Wine, a pop star turned politician, claimed that President Yoweri Museveni's regime wanted to eliminate him and that Museveni's son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had threatened to kill or castrate him. Wine announced his departure from Uganda in a video on social media, calling for targeted international sanctions against Museveni and denying that he had broken any laws by running for president. He expressed a desire to return to Uganda but feared for the safety of his party members who remained in the country. Wine's departure comes after Museveni won the election with 72% of the vote, sparking protests and allegations of rigging from the opposition.

Protesters in Cuba have ransacked a Communist Party building in the city of Moron following a rally over food prices and power cuts, amid a deepening energy crisis. The demonstration began peacefully but escalated into vandalism, with five people arrested. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the protesters' legitimate complaints but condemned the violence. The crisis has been exacerbated by a US oil blockade, which has led to shortages of fuel, food, and medicine. The US has blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island.

The article discusses how US anti-abortion groups are influencing a new generation of young people in the UK to become anti-abortion activists. It highlights the growing presence of American groups such as 40 Days for Life and Turning Point USA in Britain, and how they are inspiring young people like John Alexander and Inge-Maria Botha to become more vocal about their anti-abortion views. The article also notes that the influence of US groups is not limited to ideology, but also includes financial support, with some UK branches of US organizations increasing their expenditure by 46% between 2020 and 2023.

Heavy rainfall in Kenya has caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least 66 deaths over the past week, with the capital city Nairobi being the worst affected. The flooding has been exacerbated by poor drainage and unregulated development, which has obstructed rivers and waterways. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer ground, and over 2,000 people have had to leave their homes. The Kenyan government has responded by clearing blocked drainage systems and delivering emergency food supplies and medical assistance to those affected. The flooding has also affected neighboring Ethiopia, where over 100 people have been killed. Climate change has been cited as a contributing factor to the extreme rainfall.

Treasure hunter Tommy Thompson was released from prison after a decade for refusing to disclose the location of gold coins from the SS Central America shipwreck. Thompson discovered the wreck in 1988 and recovered millions of dollars' worth of treasure, but investors accused him of cheating them out of promised proceeds. Thompson was jailed in 2015 on a criminal contempt charge and was held until his civil contempt sentence was ended last year. About 500 gold coins remain unaccounted for.

Ukraine is fighting on multiple fronts against Russia, including a financial frontline where the government is working to secure the country's economic future. A new €90bn loan from the EU will help cover Ukraine's budget shortfall over the next two years. The country's finance minister, Sergii Marchenko, emphasizes the importance of a strong economy to support the war effort and achieve EU membership. However, the war has caused significant economic strain, with inflation remaining a problem and businesses struggling to cope with power outages and a shortage of skilled workers. The IMF has approved an $8.1bn loan, but Ukraine must implement tax reforms and tackle tax evasion to meet the conditions. The country's economic survival is uncertain, with some predicting default and economic collapse if the war continues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused European allies of 'blackmail' over their demands to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Zelensky argues that restoring the flow would be equivalent to lifting economic sanctions on Moscow. Hungary, which depends heavily on Russian energy, is blocking fresh EU sanctions on Moscow and a vital €90bn loan for Kyiv until the pipeline is reopened. Zelensky is opposed in principle to allowing Russian oil to transit through Ukraine while the EU sanctions its sale elsewhere. He also discussed Ukraine's potential cooperation with the US on drone production and warned about the risks posed to Ukraine by the widening conflict in the Middle East.

The article 'China defence experts vanish online, Thai coconut cartel crisis: 5 weekend reads you missed' from the South China Morning Post summarizes five significant news stories from the previous weekend. The stories include the disappearance of top Chinese nuclear, radar, and missile experts' profiles from the Chinese Academy of Engineering's website, the US shifting its THAAD missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East and its implications for China, and Hong Kong users' embrace of OpenClaw, an open-source AI tool. The article aims to keep readers informed about various news across Asia and beyond, encouraging subscription to the South China Morning Post for more comprehensive reporting.

Resource-rich African nations are increasingly asserting control over critical minerals, exerting pressure on Chinese supply chains. Zimbabwe, Africa's largest lithium producer, has suspended exports of raw lithium minerals and concentrates, affecting Chinese battery producers who rely on Zimbabwe for nearly 20% of their lithium concentrate supply. This move has led to a surge in lithium carbonate prices on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council has warned users of 24-hour gyms about hidden costs and data privacy risks associated with membership. A survey of 11 gym operators found that nearly half imposed extra non-refundable charges, significantly increasing costs for short-term users. The council urges consumers to carefully review membership terms and consider their workout habits before signing up.

Malaysian civil society groups have accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government of using a harsh criminal law to intimidate critics after police investigated activists, academics, and researchers over an alleged plot to topple the government. The investigation, under Section 124B of the Penal Code, carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The groups condemned the government's actions, questioning whether the country wants to return to a time when criticism was not allowed. They expressed concern that the investigation risks shrinking civic space.

Myanmar's military-backed parliament has convened for the first time since the 2021 coup, with the legislature dominated by allies of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won 81% of available seats in a recent election, which was held in only a third of the country. The new assembly is seen as an attempt to legitimize the military regime, which has been branded a sham by the United Nations and EU. The parliament is stacked with hand-picked military officers, giving the top brass effective control over the chamber.

The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai drew a record 230,000 spectators over three days, strengthening the city's case as a global sports and event destination. The event saw a significant increase in ticket revenue, with a 30% year-on-year rise, and attracted visitors from around the world, including Japan, South Korea, and Europe. The success of the grand prix is part of Shanghai's efforts to promote itself as a premier destination and stimulate consumer spending, aligning with China's broader campaign to drive economic growth through consumption. The event's impact was substantial, with foreign arrivals through Shanghai's ports exceeding 27,000 on the opening day, a single-day record.

World-renowned Vietnamese mathematician Ngo Bao Chau is leaving the US to join the University of Hong Kong, citing a deteriorating academic environment in America and a desire to help Asia become a global powerhouse for mathematics and science. Ngo, a Fields Medal recipient, has been teaching at the University of Chicago since 2010 and believes Asia has a unique opportunity to excel in science and mathematics.

The article discusses China's increasing use of fishing vessels as a 'gray zone' tactic to exert pressure on Taiwan. Satellite tracking and ship-transponder data revealed thousands of Chinese fishing vessels gathering into tight formations in the East China Sea, forcing cargo ships to reroute. Analysts believe this is a 'gray zone' exercise, with the vessels operating under clear military direction. The article cites defense experts who suggest that Taiwan should consider treating these vessels as a real naval force and deploying surveillance drones or air patrols to demonstrate presence and reinforce deterrence. The use of fishing vessels as a tactic complicates navigation, creates radar clutter, and raises operational risks for commercial shipping. The article also notes that the United States frequently cites freedom of navigation as a reason for navy patrols in the Indo-Pacific region.

Protesters in Cuba attacked a Communist Party headquarters in the city of Morón, ransacking the building and attempting to set it on fire. The protests were linked to widespread blackouts and economic crisis in the country. Video footage obtained by Fox News Digital appeared to capture gunfire and a man on the ground outside the building. Cuban state media denied that anyone was injured by gunfire and announced five arrests. The protests are part of a larger crisis in Cuba, with rolling blackouts, food shortages, and economic difficulties fueling public frustration.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is facing renewed scrutiny due to its ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the resignation of its president and CEO, Børge Brende. Brende stepped down after it was revealed that he had dined with Epstein and exchanged emails and SMS communications with him, despite Epstein's conviction in 2008 for soliciting sex from a minor. Critics argue that Brende should have known about Epstein's background, given his role as Norway's foreign minister from 2013 to 2017. The controversy adds to the WEF's existing criticisms, including accusations against its founder, Klaus Schwab, of misusing funds and treating employees inappropriately, although he was ultimately cleared by the WEF board. Various critics, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have spoken out against the WEF, criticizing its stance on globalization and its impact on the West and the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watched a live-fire test of multiple rocket launch systems alongside his teenage daughter on Saturday, as the regime escalates weapons demonstrations amid joint U.S.–South Korea military exercises. The test involved twelve 600mm ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers along North Korea's east coast. Kim stated that the drill was meant to demonstrate the destructive capability of the country's tactical nuclear forces. The launches were condemned by South Korea's National Security Council as a provocation and a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Kim's daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, has appeared alongside her father at numerous military events, fueling speculation about her potential succession.

Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict involving Iran, urging leaders to halt violence and pursue dialogue. The pope made the remarks at the end of his Sunday noon blessing at the Vatican, referencing an attack that struck a school in Iran and killed over 165 people, many of them children. The Vatican has expressed concern about the impact of the fighting in Lebanon and the potential for a humanitarian crisis. While the pope did not cite the US or Israel by name, his comments are seen as a strong appeal to those responsible for the conflict to stop the violence and seek a peaceful resolution.

The Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April, have been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region, particularly the war with Iran. The decision was made by the Formula 1 organisers and backed by the FIA and the Saudi royal family. The cancellation affects not only the F1 races but also the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds. The organisers cited the 'ongoing situation in the Middle East region' as the reason for the cancellation, with Bahrain being heavily targeted by Iran since the war broke out. The cancellation creates a five-week gap in the F1 calendar, impacting teams, broadcasters, and fans worldwide. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated that the decision was 'difficult' but 'right' amid intensifying strikes across the region, while Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of their community and colleagues were their top priority.

At least five people have been killed and 18 wounded in recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, with four deaths occurring in the Kyiv region due to targeted energy infrastructure. The attacks involved around 430 drones and 68 missiles. US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are currently stalled as Washington focuses on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern that Russia may exploit the Middle East conflict to cause further destruction in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for enhanced air defense systems in Europe.

Severe flooding in Kenya has resulted in the deaths of at least 62 people, including eight children, with the capital city Nairobi being the worst affected. Over 2,000 families have been displaced across the country due to heavy rainfall. The region is expected to experience more rain, with governments urging residents to exercise caution. Neighboring Ethiopia has also been affected, with 80 people dying in landslides triggered by flooding.

North Korea launched around 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in response to a joint US-South Korea military exercise called Freedom Shield. The launches were seen as a show of force and have raised concerns that they could undermine diplomatic efforts between the parties involved. The exercise, which is held annually in March, has been criticized by North Korea as an 'invasion rehearsal' that undermines regional stability. The recent tensions come amid speculation about the US relocating missile defenses and North Korea's hardened stance towards Seoul, with demands for the US to drop denuclearization preconditions for talks.

The US military has identified the six crew members who died in a refuelling plane crash over Iraq on March 12. The victims include four men and two women, with three being part of the Ohio Air National Guard and the others based at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but US authorities have stated it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The crew members were praised for their service and remembered by their families for their personal qualities.

Pope Leo XIV has moved into the historic papal apartments in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, a residence that was previously eschewed by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The apartments required extensive renovation after being abandoned and were finally occupied by Leo ten months after his election. The move is seen as a return to tradition, as Francis had chosen to live in a simpler apartment in the Santa Marta guesthouse. Leo has also resumed using the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, where he spends most Tuesdays playing tennis and swimming. The papal apartments are located in the heart of the Apostolic Palace, which houses important sites such as the Sistine Chapel and the Apostolic Library.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for the next round of trilateral peace talks with the U.S. and Russia to end the ongoing conflict, but stated that the U.S. and Russia need to agree on the venue and date. Zelenskyy also warned of the risk that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could drain Ukraine's air defense stockpiles. Additionally, he pushed back against U.S. President Trump's assertion that Washington doesn't need Ukrainian drone technology, revealing that Ukraine had offered a $35-50 billion defense cooperation deal to the U.S. last year.

The United States won the Para ice hockey final against Canada at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, completing a sweep of both the Olympic and Paralympic hockey tournaments. Jack Wallace scored a hat trick, helping the U.S. team win 6-2. This victory marked the U.S.'s fifth straight Paralympic title and made them the first nation to sweep both Olympic and Paralympic hockey tournaments. The win was part of a dominant performance by the U.S. team, which has now won six of the past seven Winter Paralympics editions. Canada suffered its third straight loss in the final. The match also set a new record attendance for Para ice hockey with 10,755 spectators.

The US Department of Defense has identified six US service members who died in a military refueling aircraft crash in Iraq last week. The victims were members of the Ohio Air National Guard and Florida-based crew members. The crash occurred on March 12 while the aircraft was taking part in operations against Iran. The crew was on a combat mission but flying over friendly territory when the incident happened. The Defense Department is investigating the cause of the crash. The victims' families are coping with the loss, with one family describing their son as 'a trailblazer' and 'a man of purpose'.

A 66-year-old former veteran and technology teacher, nicknamed 'Major Hands', has been accused of hosting 'prostitution parties' at his home in Macedon, New York. Eric Simpson allegedly used his home as a brothel from 2021 to 2025, promoting and managing prostitution activities, and was indicted on federal charges. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to one count of use of interstate facilities to promote a prostitution enterprise. Simpson had a 29-year career in the New York National Guard and worked as a teacher in various schools before resigning in January.

The first known case of a severe strain of the mpox virus, known as 'mpox clade I', has been detected in New York City. The case is travel-related, and health officials are recommending that those at risk get vaccinated. The clade I strain is believed to be more transmissible and cause more severe illness than the clade II strain, which caused a global outbreak in 2022. Health officials are urging those at particular risk, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, to get the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series.

A cold front is expected to bring thunderstorms and strong winds to New York City on Monday, with forecasters warning of 'damaging' wind gusts and potential urban flooding. The city's Emergency Management Department has announced restrictions on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on MTA bridges starting at 4 p.m. on Monday due to expected high winds of up to 50 miles per hour. Residents are advised to stay vigilant for updates on road and transit conditions throughout Monday night as stormy conditions persist. Temperatures will drop significantly on Tuesday, with highs struggling to reach the 40s after a mild Monday in the low 60s.

The article discusses a feud between conservative pundits Mark Levin and Megyn Kelly, with President Trump defending Levin. The feud began when Levin called Kelly 'evil' and 'diabolical' for sharing a post about a terror suspect's family members being killed in an Israeli strike. Kelly responded with personal attacks, including a comment about Levin having a 'micro penis.' Trump praised Levin as a 'truly Great American Patriot' and suggested that his critics were motivated by jealousy. The feud is part of a broader rift among conservative podcasters, including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, over issues like the US and Israel's military action in Iran.

Dubai International Airport resumed a limited flight schedule on Monday morning after a drone attack hit a fuel depot, causing a fire. This is the fourth incident to hit Dubai's international airport, which handles over 90 million passengers annually. Emirates airline expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time, with some flights cancelled. The drone incident affected one of the fuel tanks, but no injuries were reported. The strike is part of a larger conflict in the Middle East, with Iran keeping up its Gulf attacks.

The article discusses an interview with Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, at the Russian Embassy in London. The author reflects on the surreal experience of visiting the embassy and speaking with Kelin, a career diplomat who has been in London since 2019. The conversation touched on various topics, including the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's relationship with Iran, and the West's role in the ongoing tensions. The author notes that despite a cordial and respectful conversation, the two sides seemed to be speaking different languages, with Kelin sticking to the Kremlin's narrative and the author pushing back with counterpoints. The article highlights the ongoing distrust and lack of understanding between Russia and the West, with the conflict in Ukraine remaining a major point of contention.

UniCredit plans to increase its stake in Commerzbank to above 30%, a key regulatory threshold under German takeover law, through an offer to buy more shares. The Milan-headquartered UniCredit already holds a 28% stake in Commerzbank. UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel stated that he does not expect the holding to increase significantly above 30%. The deal is expected to involve an offer exchange ratio of 0.485 shares of UniCredit per share of Commerzbank. UniCredit's bid is designed to overcome the 30% cliff-edge without reaching control, as taking its stake to 100% would eat up 200 basis points of the bank's capital.

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Kenya's sugar sector is facing significant challenges due to low productivity and political corruption, affecting not just the industry but the broader economy. The state-owned South Nyanza Sugar Company, established in 1979, initially brought prosperity to small farmers in western Kenya by setting high sugar prices. However, the sector has since become ailing, with historical benefits now dwindling. The situation is seen as a test case for reform, highlighting the need to address deep-seated issues such as corruption and inefficiency that plague the economy.

The article discusses how two US states, Vermont and Indiana, with differing political and social views, have adopted a similar healthcare policy to limit hospital charges for patients with commercial insurance. The policy aims to address soaring hospital prices, but raises questions about the effectiveness of price controls. The article highlights the contrast between the two states, with Vermont being more liberal and Indiana being more conservative, yet both have embraced this unprecedented healthcare policy.

The article discusses how China's economic rise has redefined the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. With China's growing prosperity, the traditional dynamic of financial support from abroad has shifted, and family ties are now shaped more by personal choice and kinship. The article follows the story of Mr. Aw Ban Soon, a third-generation Chinese Singaporean, who visited his ancestral home in Anxi county, Fujian province, in 1989 and again in 2025. The visits highlight the changes in the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China, with the latter now being more self-sufficient and the interactions becoming more about mutual affection and kinship.

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic expected to hit 1.1 billion by 2047. Currently, only 3-5% of Indians have flown, but the government and airlines are working to increase accessibility and affordability. The number of airports has grown from 74 to 164 in the past decade, and the government has launched initiatives like the UDAN scheme to promote regional connectivity. However, the sector faces challenges such as a pilot shortage, high taxes on fuel, and the need to balance rising costs with low airfares. Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm for flying is growing, with new routes being added and airports being built in smaller towns.

The US and China are concluding talks in Paris on managed trade, agriculture deals, and critical minerals, which could be discussed by Presidents Trump and Xi at their upcoming summit in Beijing. The talks, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, have shown potential areas of agreement, including increased Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods and the establishment of new formal mechanisms to manage trade and investment between the two economies. However, the prospects for major trade breakthroughs are limited due to the short preparation time and Washington's focus on the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The New York Times invites readers to vote for their favorite and least favorite red carpet looks from the Oscars. The article lists 41 celebrities and their outfits, with a voting system to rank the favorites. The poll closes on March 16 at 5 p.m. Eastern. The article highlights various celebrities, their outfits, and their nominations or performances at the Oscars.

An Iranian drone attack hit Dubai International Airport on Monday, igniting a fuel tank and causing a massive fire that forced the suspension of flights. The attack targeted one of the busiest hubs in the world, significantly impacting global air travel. Authorities reported the incident, but details about casualties or the extent of the damage were not immediately available. The attack comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and other global actors, with potential implications for international relations and conflict escalation.