In other news

Chinese and Chilean scientists have completed a joint deep-sea expedition to the Atacama Trench, one of the deepest ocean trenches in the eastern Pacific. The mission, dubbed the 'most ambitious' ever conducted in the region, aimed to uncover the trench's mysteries. The expedition took place amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US, China, and Chile, with Washington expressing concerns over China's collaborations with South American countries, potentially having military purposes.

Chinese scientists have developed a new rare earth alloy that can achieve temperatures extremely close to absolute zero without using helium-3. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of quantum computing and ultra-sensitive detectors. The alloy has been used to build a mini-fridge with no moving parts, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has announced plans for mass production. The development comes at a time when the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is actively seeking a modular, helium-3-free cooling system for next-generation quantum and defence technologies.

A subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, Panama Ports Company (PPC), has accused Panama of missing a deadline for international arbitration over the seizure of its terminals at the Balboa and Cristobal ports. PPC is seeking $2 billion in damages, claiming the government 'illegally took over' its terminals in February. The company also alleged that Panamanian authorities raided its offices with 'armed security forces' and disregarded the rule of law.

The fate of a US$240 billion trade deal between the US and Malaysia hangs in the balance as Malaysia awaits Washington's next move. Malaysian Trade Minister Johari Abdul Ghani initially stated that the agreement was 'null and void' due to a US Supreme Court ruling, but later clarified that Malaysia had not received official notification from Washington regarding the deal's cancellation. The minister said that Malaysia will wait for Washington to submit updated terms before deciding on its next steps.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has stated that the city will continue to expand its business ties with the Middle East despite recent geopolitical tensions in the region. Lee emphasized that Hong Kong remains a safe and stable investment hub, making it an attractive destination for investors. He defended his administration's approach to exploring Middle Eastern markets, citing the region's strong economic growth and the success of his previous visits in fostering project deals and cooperation. While acknowledging that the conflict in the Middle East has affected Hong Kong due to a surge in fuel prices, Lee urged suppliers to increase transparency in pricing and warned of regulatory action in cases of commercial wrongdoing.

The article tells the story of Eric Hsu, a Taiwanese chemist who immigrated to Australia in 1986 and built a successful tofu empire. Initially working from his garage, Hsu and his wife Rachel started making tofu and selling it to local grocers and Asian customers. Using his chemistry background, Hsu was able to simplify the tofu-making process. The business, King International, has grown to become one of Australia's biggest soy-based food creators, with products now being sold in Hong Kong under the brand Kingland.

A 36-year-old Indian national, Akash Tiwari, has been charged with molesting and harassing a flight attendant on a Singapore Airlines flight on February 9. Tiwari allegedly used his body to make contact with the woman's buttocks and followed her to the galley area, causing her distress. He pleaded not guilty when asked to indicate his plea. The incident was reported to the authorities, and a gag order was imposed to protect the victim's identity.

The article highlights seven key stories from Asia reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) over the past week. The stories include the Philippines questioning its security after the US removed missiles from South Korea, Nepal electing a rapper as its new prime minister, and other regional news from Thailand, Japan, and the impact of the US-Israeli conflict on Iran and the BRICS nations. The article provides insights into various topical issues and events across Asia, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the region's politics, culture, and international relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the advancement of an international port alliance under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) amid rising tensions and challenges to global shipping routes. Xi's speech, given at a closed-door meeting in July 2025, emphasized China's need to participate in global ocean governance and defend its maritime rights and interests. The BRI is a China-centered trading network that promotes connectivity and infrastructure development across over 150 countries. The initiative is particularly relevant given the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and disputes over the Panama Canal. Analysts see Xi's remarks as a signal of Beijing's determination to address vulnerabilities in global shipping.

The article discusses how India's government has a tendency to boast about the country's economic achievements and set records, but this can be counterproductive as it creates unrealistic expectations. The article argues that whether India is the fourth or fifth largest economy is not significant, and that the government's focus on rankings and records can be misleading. The article also touches on the issue of politicians laying a trap for themselves by making exaggerated claims about India's economic prowess.

The article discusses the unexpected rise of Islamist parties in Bangladesh following the 'Gen Z' revolution in August 2024, which ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed. Despite Jamaat-e-Islami being banned under her rule, the party became the main opposition in the recent election, securing about a third of all votes. The article highlights the surprising popularity of Islamist groups among the younger generation and their influence on campuses.

The article discusses the recent appointment of 35-year-old Balendra Shah as Nepal's new prime minister. Shah, a former rapper, has been given a significant mandate by voters. The article highlights the challenges of traveling to Jhapa, a district in southeastern Nepal, where Shah won a significant victory. The article also touches on the broader context of Nepalese politics and the expectations from Shah's leadership.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung is tackling the country's housing market issues, which he considers a major problem. He recently sold his flat in Seoul at a below-market price to emphasize that homes are for living, not investment. The housing market in Seoul is seen as a significant political and economic challenge.

Taiwan is developing its drone industry to export drones free of Chinese components, with companies like Kunway Technology already exporting 'kamikaze' quadcopters to Ukraine. The drones are more expensive than Chinese equivalents but have a key selling point: no Chinese parts. Taiwan launched a program to build its drone industry in 2022, and entrepreneurs like David Liu have taken advantage of the opportunity.

The article 'Time to buy the most rubbish stocks you can find' published in The Economist suggests that investors should consider buying low-quality stocks during certain market conditions. The author argues that the advice to invest in 'quality' stocks is often given by investment advisers, implying that without their guidance, investors might opt for inferior stocks. The article discusses the current market scenario and suggests that it might be a good time to invest in 'rubbish' stocks, likely due to their undervaluation. The piece is part of The Economist's Finance & economics section, specifically under the 'Buttonwood' column, which often discusses financial markets and investment strategies.

The article discusses Nitish Kumar's achievements and shortcomings as the chief minister of Bihar, India's poorest state, after serving for nearly 20 years. Bihar has shown significant development under his leadership, with improvements in infrastructure such as roads, illumination, and shopping centers. Despite these advancements, the state still grapples with poverty, as evident from the prevalence of bicycles. Nitish Kumar's coalition was recently elected for a record fifth time, but he announced his decision to step down and move to the upper house of India's parliament.

The article discusses how stock markets struggle to price technological revolutions, using artificial intelligence (AI) as a prime example. It highlights that during times of significant change, whether acute or slow-moving, predicting which businesses will succeed or fail becomes increasingly challenging. The article draws parallels between the current AI-driven disruption and historical instances of technological upheaval, suggesting that investors will face difficulties in assessing the impact of AI on various industries and companies. The piece emphasizes the inherent uncertainty and complexity involved in valuing companies amidst such profound technological shifts.

The article discusses the escalating conflict in South Sudan, particularly in the Jonglei state, where thousands have fled their homes due to fighting between government forces and those loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar. The conflict has led to widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and a dire humanitarian crisis. The UN has warned of a possible return to full-blown civil war, and aid organizations are struggling to provide assistance due to insecurity and logistical challenges. The article highlights the human cost of the conflict, with stories of civilians who have lost loved ones and been forced to flee their homes.

A former South African police officer, Matipandile Sotheni, has been charged with the murder of Marius van der Merwe, a whistleblower who testified against police corruption at the Madlanga commission. Van der Merwe's testimony implicated several police officials in the torture and murder of a suspected robber, Emmanuel Mbense. Sotheni allegedly shot Van der Merwe in front of his family, and also faces charges of attempting to kill his wife and children. The case has sparked national outrage and raised concerns about police corruption in South Africa.

Whistleblowers from Meta and TikTok have revealed that the companies allowed harmful content to rise on their platforms after internal research showed that outrage-driven engagement was high. The whistleblowers claim that the companies prioritized growth and profits over user safety, and that their algorithms were designed to maximize engagement, even if it meant promoting harmful content. The whistleblowers provided evidence of the companies' internal research and decision-making processes, which showed that they were aware of the problems caused by their algorithms but chose to ignore them. The revelations have raised concerns about the impact of social media on users, particularly children and teenagers, and have sparked calls for greater regulation of the industry.

Michael B. Jordan celebrated his Oscar win for Best Actor by visiting In-N-Out Burger with his trophy. He was seen eating a 3x3 burger while signing paper hats for staff, surrounded by photographers and fans. This is not the first time a celebrity has celebrated an Oscar win with fast food; Hilary Swank, Julia Roberts, and Jamie Lee Curtis have done similar in the past. In-N-Out Burger has a long-standing relationship with the Oscars, having been served at the Vanity Fair afterparty since 1994.

The UK government's plan to move English language tests for migrants online has been met with warnings from the largest international providers of English language exams that it could lead to fraud and criminal abuse. The providers, who currently oversee two-thirds of in-person English tests, say that remote testing would be vulnerable to cheating and undermine the security of the UK's immigration system. They have written to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, expressing their concerns and stating that they cannot endorse the proposed approach. The Home Office has said that it is still in the process of securing a test provider who will meet the highest thresholds of data security and fraud prevention.

Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced that Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in the Ukraine conflict after talks in Moscow. The decision comes after reports emerged that over 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight for Russia, with some claiming they were duped into joining with promises of civilian jobs. Mudavadi is also seeking the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home and negotiating an agreement for easier access to the Russian job market for Kenyans.

Kouri Richins, a Utah author who wrote a children's book about grief after her husband's sudden death, has been found guilty of fatally poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced drink. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching a verdict. Richins, 35, was also found guilty of fraudulently claiming insurance benefits and attempted murder after poisoning her husband's sandwich in an earlier incident. Prosecutors presented evidence that Richins had accumulated debt, taken out life insurance policies on her husband, and was having an extramarital affair. The most serious charge, aggravated murder, carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Two boats carrying 21 people, including 18 students from a Kyoto high school, capsized off the coast of Henoko, Japan, resulting in the deaths of a 17-year-old female student and the captain of one of the boats. The incident occurred near a controversial U.S. military base relocation site on the island of Okinawa. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but officials reported that the water was not very rough despite a high-wave advisory. The students were on a peace education program to observe the Henoko area. The incident has drawn attention to the long-standing controversy surrounding the U.S. military presence on Okinawa, which has been opposed by many local residents due to concerns over accidents, noise, pollution, and crime.

A fifth member of the Iran women's soccer team has decided to return to Iran after initially accepting a refugee visa in Australia, leaving only two team members who have chosen to remain in Australia. The team's decision to accept asylum had sparked a diplomatic controversy, with the Iranian government pressuring the players to return. The team is currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, waiting to make flight connections to return to Iran. The Australian government has stated that it respects the decisions of the players who have chosen to return and will continue to support those who remain in Australia.

The Israeli military announced that the brother of Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the suspect accused of attacking a Michigan synagogue, was a Hezbollah commander killed in an airstrike. Ayman Ghazali is accused of ramming a truck into Temple Israel synagogue outside Detroit, where over a hundred children were attending classes. The attack was described as a 'targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.' The FBI is investigating the incident, but declined to comment on Israel's claims about the suspect's brother, Ibrahim Muhammad Ghazali, who was allegedly responsible for managing weapons operations for Hezbollah. A Lebanese official confirmed Ibrahim Ghazali's death and stated that his children and another brother were also killed in the airstrike.

Mexican authorities have arrested Jose N, also known as 'El Pepe', a suspected drug trafficker who played a key role in the operation that led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Pepe was responsible for transporting Oseguera's romantic partner to a luxurious cabin where he was later fatally wounded by elite Mexican troops on February 22. The arrest was made in the Tlajomulco municipality in Jalisco, and drugs, weapons, and a vehicle were seized from the detainee. Oseguera was Mexico's most wanted man and had a $15 million bounty on him by the United States. His death sparked widespread violence by CJNG members across Mexico, resulting in over 70 deaths, including 25 Mexican National Guard troops.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) discusses the recent Iran conflict and domestic terrorism on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Warner criticizes the FBI's handling of domestic terrorism, citing the firing of top counterterrorism officials and the reassignment of agents to immigration enforcement. He also expresses concerns about the Iran conflict, questioning the decision to go to war and the lack of clear goals or a plan for success. Warner calls for a thorough investigation into a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran, which killed nearly 200 people, and expresses disappointment in the president's handling of the situation.

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 the hockey tournaments at both the Olympics and Paralympics. The U.S. has now won six of the past seven Winter Paralympics editions. Canada lost its third straight final, while China won its second successive bronze medal by beating the Czech Republic 3-2. The final set a new record attendance for Para ice hockey with 10,755 fans.

The United States advanced to its third straight World Baseball Classic final by defeating the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal match. Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony homered for the US, while Paul Skenes and the US bullpen limited the Dominican Republic's offense. The Dominicans reached the semis for the first time since winning the title in 2013, but fell short despite a strong roster. The US will face the winner of Monday's semifinal between Italy and Venezuela in Tuesday's title game.

Three men, Ramon Akoyans, 18, Roma Akoyans, 20, and Bruneil Chamaki, 32, have been arrested for a brutal assault on two Israeli-American men at a restaurant on Santana Row in San Jose. The suspects allegedly used antisemitic language during the attack, which was caught on video and has gone viral. The San Jose Police Department is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime and has worked with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. The victims were battered, with one reportedly knocked 'out cold' during the altercation. The community is on edge, and the police have assured that those responsible will be held accountable.

Comedian Chelsea Handler has criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines for selling her a 'toxic' Brentwood mansion for $5.9 million in 2021. Handler claimed on her podcast that the property had numerous problems, including a lack of proper foundation, and that she still hasn't been able to move in. Handler expressed frustration with the couple, particularly given Kennedy's role as Health and Human Services Secretary, and mocked their friendly note after the sale.

A retired US Air Force launch officer, Robert Salas, claims that UFOs disabled multiple nuclear missiles at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana during the Cold War in 1967. Salas recounts that while he was at the controls underground, panicked guards called to report strange lights in the sky, which were not Soviet airplanes. The guards described the crafts as emitting a 'pulsating reddish light' and hovering above the base's front gate. Shortly after, the missiles' control panel indicated a malfunction, and all 10 missiles went from 'green to red,' rendering them unable to launch. Salas believes that intelligent non-human civilizations visited Earth to prevent a nuclear war. The incident was investigated by Boeing, but the cause of the malfunction remained unknown. Salas was forced to sign a gag order but went public decades later after reading about a similar incident.

Kouri Richins, a Utah children's grief author, was found guilty of fatally poisoning her husband Eric Richins with fentanyl in 2022. The prosecution argued that she did so to escape her $4.5 million debt and start a new life with her lover, Robert Josh Grossman, using Eric's $4 million estate. Richins was convicted of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery charges after a three-week trial. She faces up to 25 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13.

New York City is spending $81,000 per homeless person on the streets, with overall spending increasing by 320% from $102 million in 2018 to $368 million last year. Despite this, the street-homeless population only grew by 26%. The city's comptroller warns that the spending lacks focus on effective services, and the money is not directly benefiting the homeless. The article criticizes the city's approach, suggesting that it has become a 'jobs program' rather than a solution to homelessness. The mayor is accused of wanting to increase spending further, while the city comptroller calls for more efficient use of resources.

Ant Group's subsidiary, Wealthiness and Prosperity Holding, has completed the required regulatory steps to acquire Bright Smart Securities, a Hong Kong-listed brokerage firm. The deal, valued at HK$ 2.81 billion ($358 million), is expected to be completed by March 30, potentially triggering a mandatory cash offer for the remaining shares. Bright Smart Securities' shares surged 82% on the news, later paring gains to 70%. The acquisition marks Ant Group's entry into the brokerage business, with the company partially owned by Jack Ma's Alibaba Group.

Asia-Pacific markets rose on Tuesday as auto and tech stocks gained after Nvidia announced a robust revenue forecast and partnerships with regional carmakers. Investors also assessed Iran war developments, with oil prices rising as a result. The gains were seen across various markets, including Japan's Nikkei 225, South Korea's Kospi, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index. U.S. stock futures were flat after major indexes rose overnight.

European stocks are expected to open flat on Tuesday as global markets remain volatile due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East and fluctuating oil prices. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is predicted to rise 0.1%, while Germany's DAX, France's CAC 40, and Italy's FTSE MIB are expected to remain steady. Oil prices have been volatile, dropping on Monday after a report that the U.S. will announce a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but then rising over 2% overnight due to uncertainty over the coalition's impact. Traders are now focused on the U.S. Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting starting on Tuesday, with expectations that interest rates will be held steady due to the situation in Iran. Asian markets rose overnight, while U.S. stock futures fell slightly. Key earnings releases on Tuesday include Prudential and Poste Italiane, along with the latest EU economic sentiment data.

Japan's tourism industry has seen a significant decline in visitors from mainland China, with a 60% drop in January 2026 compared to the previous year. However, overall inbound tourism only fell by 4.9% due to increased visits from other countries such as South Korea and Taiwan. Experts say Japan's diversified tourism portfolio and strong short-haul flight links have helped mitigate the decline. While Chinese tourists are unlikely to return soon, Japanese businesses are looking to capture demand from other regions.

The article discusses how Chinese censors are allowing anti-US AI-generated videos to spread on social media platforms despite China's foreign ministry urging de-escalation in the Iran war. The article also touches on various other global news stories, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iranian soccer team members abandoning their asylum bids, and protests in London and Cuba.

The article reports on a near-total internet blackout in Iran that has lasted for over two weeks following an attack by the US and Israel. Iranians are facing restricted internet access as the Islamic Republic tightens control over online connectivity. The article also touches on related news stories, including the killing of four members of a Palestinian family by Israeli soldiers, Iranian soccer team members abandoning their asylum bid in Australia, and protests in London and Cuba.

The article discusses Lebanon's efforts to protect civilians during Israel's bombing campaign. Rescue teams in Beirut are risking their lives to save the wounded, extinguish flames, and provide critical aid. The article also reports on Israeli forces killing four members of a Palestinian family in the occupied West Bank. The incident is under investigation by Israel's military. The article highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and the efforts of rescue teams to respond to the 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 Mr. Aw Ban Soon, a third-generation Chinese Singaporean, as he returns to his ancestral home in Anxi county, Fujian province, with his siblings. The article notes that China's rapid economic growth has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, making relatives in ancestral home towns self-sufficient. As a result, family ties are now shaped more by personal choice and kinship rather than obligation. The article also touches on the challenges of sustaining and deepening these renewed connections.

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 many first-time fliers taking to the skies.

The Straits Times article on the food and beverage sector reports on various developments in Singapore's F&B industry. Australian tea brand T2 Tea and Hong Kong chain Itacho Sushi have shut down their operations in Singapore. In contrast, some Singaporean pizzerias have made it to the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list. The article also discusses the challenges faced by independent restaurants and the impact of the drink container return scheme on F&B outlets. Additionally, it mentions the annual pay rise for food services workers, including waiters, over the next three years.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been moved out of intensive care after his medical condition improved. He was hospitalized for pneumonia and had been in intensive care since Friday. His wife, Michelle, announced on Instagram that he had been transferred to a semi-intensive care unit after tests showed reduced inflammation. Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for leading a coup attempt and other charges, and his family has been calling for him to be allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest. His son, Flavio Bolsonaro, is expected to run for president later this year.

A Russian natural gas tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, is adrift in the Mediterranean Sea after catching fire earlier this month. The vessel, which was carrying liquefied natural gas and other fuels, poses an 'imminent and serious' ecological threat, according to several European nations. The EU states that the tanker is part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' intended to bypass sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia claims the vessel was attacked by Ukrainian naval drones, but Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. The EU is concerned about the potential ecological disaster and the challenge of maintaining sanctions while resolving the situation.

The article discusses the increasing presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the East China Sea, which are believed to be part of China's maritime militia. Analysts have identified large formations of these vessels, numbering in the thousands, that have gathered in tight, linear formations and held position for extended periods. This behavior is seen as a 'gray zone' exercise, blurring the lines between civilian and military activities. Experts warn that this could be a sign of rising pressure on Taiwan and potentially affect regional and global economies. The article highlights the need for Taiwan to reassess its response to these developments and consider deploying surveillance drones or air patrols to demonstrate presence and reinforce deterrence.