In other news

Carnival Cruise Line has canceled 11 sailings on its Carnival Firenze ship between October 12 and November 16, 2026, due to changes in its deployment strategy. The ship will be repositioned from its current home base in Long Beach, California, to Miami in early 2027 and then permanently relocate to New York City by summer. Affected passengers have been notified and given options to rebook another cruise or receive a full refund. Those who rebook by March 25, 2026, will receive a $50 onboard credit per person. Industry insiders say the disruption is not entirely surprising, but it is still a disappointment for travelers who had already booked their getaways.

Logan Wilson, a former linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 29 after six seasons. Wilson, who was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2020 draft, had a notable career, playing in the Super Bowl and recording four interceptions in the 2021 season. He was traded to the Cowboys halfway through the last season and played seven games before being released in February. Wilson expressed gratitude for his career and excitement for the next chapter of his life, citing more time with family and new fitness challenges as reasons for his retirement.

A University of Alabama student, James Paul Gracey, has gone missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain. His fraternity brother, Cavin McLay, recalled the last moments they spent together at a nightclub before Gracey's disappearance. Surveillance footage shows Gracey leaving the club with an unidentified person, leading police to suspect foul play. McLay described Gracey as a great person and a man of upstanding character. The family and friends of Gracey are working with local authorities to find him.

The article by Miranda Devine criticizes the FBI's response to recent Islamic terror attacks in the US, questioning their preparedness and procedures for monitoring released terrorists. The author highlights the case of Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a convicted ISIS terrorist who was released from prison in 2024 and went on to attack an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Devine argues that the FBI's claim that it's not their job to monitor released terrorists is unsatisfactory and raises alarming red flags about the agency's ability to handle a heightened terror threat.

The article reports that Rama Duwaji, the wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City's first lady, has been accused of celebrating Palestinian terrorists in resurfaced social media posts. The posts, made when Duwaji was a teenager and young adult, praised Leila Khaled, a Palestinian plane hijacker, and criticized US military actions. Duwaji's past social media activity has sparked controversy, with some defending her right to free speech and others calling for her to be scrutinized for her views. The controversy comes amid reports that Duwaji liked a celebratory Instagram post after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

British pop star Gary Glitter, 81, is reportedly on his last legs in prison due to poor health. He is serving a 16-year sentence for abusing three young girls and has a history of sex crimes involving minors across multiple countries. Despite his declining health, Glitter hasn't earned sympathy from fellow inmates, who view him as arrogant. His sentence runs until 2031, and parole officials have denied his release due to an 'uncontrolled interest' in young girls.

The article argues that the greed of big-city US teachers unions is fueling a national demand for school choice. It cites examples of unions in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles demanding significant pay hikes despite poor student performance and budget deficits. The article claims that the unions' actions harm poor and middle-class families and that their power is limited in some states where Republicans have overridden Democratic vetoes to promote school choice. The author believes that the school-choice movement is gaining momentum as families become aware of the failures of union-controlled public schools.

The article argues that New York Attorney General Tish James' civil-fraud case against former President Trump was based on false assumptions, specifically regarding the valuation of Mar-a-Lago. Forbes recently estimated the value of Mar-a-Lago at $560 million, close to Trump's original estimate of $517 million, contradicting James' claim that Trump had inflated the value. The article criticizes James and Judge Arthur Engoron for making a 'travesty of justice' and argues that the case was a form of 'nakedly political lawfare' against Trump.

US officials detected unidentified drones above Fort McNair, an army base in Washington where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth live. The officials have not determined the origin of the drones, prompting concerns about relocating the secretaries. However, they have not been moved. The incident has heightened alert levels due to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran.

A 71-year-old doorman, Nicolaie Lica, was brutally beaten by a 29-year-old man, Moshe Dardashty, in a Manhattan building on March 8. Lica, who had worked in the building since 1998, was attacked after he prevented Dardashty from entering the building. Despite being polite and calling Dardashty 'sir', Lica was severely injured, suffering a broken nose, eye socket, and vertebrae. Dardashty was arrested and charged with assault and attempted assault. The attack has sparked an outpouring of support for Lica, with a GoFundMe page set up to help cover his medical expenses.

The South China Morning Post has curated seven lifestyle stories that resonated with readers over the past week. The highlights include BTS's highly anticipated comeback concert after completing their military service, a mother's remarkable 22kg weight loss journey that led to bodybuilding and starting a healthy snack brand, and a Taiwanese chemist's success in building a soy empire in Australia. Other stories cover various aspects of lifestyle, culture, and personal achievements.

The Chinese government has urged electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to end their price war and focus on innovation as demand cools. At a high-level meeting, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Market Regulation gathered 17 major carmakers to regulate competition and stabilize the sector. The government has vowed to strengthen price monitoring and cost investigations, and urged companies to honor their 60-day payment cycle commitment to suppliers. The move comes as domestic manufacturers struggle with cooling demand and the phasing out of government subsidies.

China's youth unemployment rate decreased for the sixth consecutive month in February, dropping to 16.1% from 16.3% in January. Despite this improvement, young job seekers continue to struggle in a challenging labor market affected by global economic uncertainty and deflationary pressures. The government has pledged to formulate employment support policies for college graduates and other young people.

The UK government has confirmed that Hongkongers applying for settlement under the British National (Overseas) visa pathway will not face stricter English language requirements. Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp stated that the current B1 English language requirement will remain unchanged. The clarification came after over 30 MPs sent a letter to the Home Office urging the maintenance of the existing English threshold for BN(O) applicants. The UK government had announced changes to English language requirements for settlement applications on March 5, but these changes will not apply to BN(O) visa holders. The new rules will take effect from March 26, 2027, and will raise the required level for settlement from B1 to B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for other immigration routes.

China has made significant changes to its Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), potentially creating a rival to US-dominated payment systems. The updates allow CIPS to expand beyond yuan settlements and include multicurrency transactions. Economist Ju Jiandong suggests that these changes could pave the way for CIPS to become a global platform compliant with various foreign payment channels.

Zhang Jinshui, a 47-year-old leading Chinese remote-sensing scientist and professor at Beijing Normal University, has died. Zhang was instrumental in enhancing China's food security with satellite technologies and led major R&D programmes. His death is reported to be due to a combination of illness and an accident, with sources suggesting he had a degenerative neurological disease and died following a fall. Zhang's research team developed survey technologies for crop area statistics, integrating satellite, aerial, and ground-based observations.

Thailand's new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has taken charge amid economic challenges and border tensions with Cambodia, while the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran is putting pressure on Thailand's economy due to rising fuel prices. Anutin, an arch-conservative and heir to a construction fortune, won a comfortable majority vote in the lower house to become prime minister. He has pledged to reset the country's economy and respond swiftly to public needs.

A public hearing has begun in Hong Kong to investigate a deadly fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, which killed 168 people. The hearing, overseen by a judge-led independent committee, aims to identify systemic problems related to large-scale building maintenance and renovation works. Lead barrister Victor Dawes presented evidence showing substandard scaffolding mesh was used by contractors and a cigarette 'most likely' caused the blaze. Fourteen members of the housing estate's former owners' corporation and seven other residents are among the 37 people named as 'involved parties'.

Chinese researchers have developed the world's smallest atomic clock, which could revolutionize drone warfare, underwater navigation, and battlefield communication. The clock, developed by a team led by Professor Chen Jiehua from Wuhan University, is only 2.3 cubic cm in size and loses just one second every 30,000 years. This breakthrough could give China an edge in modern warfare, where precise timing is crucial. The clock's small size and low power consumption make it ideal for use in swarm drones and other applications where traditional atomic clocks are too large and power-hungry.

The Canadian province of Alberta has proposed a bill to limit the use of medically assisted dying (Maid) to end-of-life circumstances, reversing a federal expansion that allowed people with serious, incurable illnesses or disabilities to access the procedure. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the legislation would strengthen safeguards and protect vulnerable Albertans. The proposal has garnered support from some disability and mental health organizations, but critics argue it limits patient autonomy and circumvents constitutional law.

The leader of Ecuador's Los Lobos gang, Ángel Esteban Aguilar Morales, alias Lobo Menor, has been arrested in Mexico City for his alleged involvement in the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. Aguilar was wanted by Interpol and was linked to drug trafficking, extortion, and homicide. The arrest was a result of a joint operation between Ecuador's navy, security, and migration officers. Villavicencio's murder was previously linked to Los Lobos, with five members jailed for the crime. The gang has deep connections to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico and is considered a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the US.

A small French town, Arcis-sur-Aube, has gained international attention due to its mayor, Charles Hittler, running for re-election against an opponent named Antoine Renault-Zielinski. The similarity in names to historical figures Adolf Hitler and Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked online jokes and comparisons. Charles Hittler, whose family name has been in France since the 1940s, has chosen not to change his name despite the potential for controversy. The election has brought attention to the town and its candidates, with Hittler leading in the first round. The article explores the background of the candidates and the unusual circumstances surrounding the election.

The Israeli military has destroyed two bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, linking southern Lebanon with the rest of the country, in a 'direct action against Hezbollah's use of Lebanon's state infrastructure to advance terrorist activity'. The strikes come as part of a widening of Israeli air strikes beyond the southern suburbs into central Beirut, killing at least 12 people and wounding 27. The escalation has deepened an already severe displacement crisis, with over a million people forced to leave their homes. The Lebanese health ministry reports that 968 people, including at least 111 children, have been killed since 2 March. Israel says it is targeting not only Hezbollah fighters and leaders but also businesses linked to the group, including the Al Qard Al Hassan organisation.

Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have announced a feature film starring Labubu, a popular toy doll created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. The movie, directed by Paul King, will combine live-action and computer-generated animation and is in early development. Labubu dolls have become a global sensation, with sales turning Pop Mart into a toy-making behemoth worth nearly $40 billion. The film is seen as a logical next step for Pop Mart, which is expanding beyond toys to entertainment. Experts believe the movie could help the company evolve into an entertainment brand and capitalize on the momentum of Chinese animation.

After a 40-year absence due to poaching, rhinos have been reintroduced to Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park. Two southern white rhinos were relocated from a private ranch to the park as part of an initiative to re-establish a population of eight animals. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has taken measures to ensure the animals' safety, including setting up a secure sanctuary with perimeter fencing and monitoring technology. The reintroduction is guided by a study that found Kidepo to be a suitable site due to its habitat and security conditions. Despite ongoing poaching challenges in Uganda, conservation efforts are underway to protect the reintroduced rhinos and other endangered species.

The US Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, is sailing to Crete for repairs after a fire broke out on board, injuring sailors and causing significant damage. The fire occurred in the laundry facility last week and took hours to extinguish. The ship has been deployed for nearly nine months in the Middle East as part of US operations linked to the war with Iran. More than 200 crew members were assessed for smoke inhalation, and one sailor was medically evacuated. The cause of the fire is being investigated. The ship will undergo pierside repairs at a US Navy base in Crete for over a week. The USS Gerald R Ford has faced several problems during its deployment, including a malfunctioning toilet system in January. Senator Mark Warner criticized the lengthy deployment, stating that the crew has been pushed to the brink. The ship is expected to be relieved by another carrier, USS George H.W Bush.

US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez has been accused of sexual abuse by multiple women, including Dolores Huerta, a co-founder of the United Farm Workers union. Huerta alleged that Chavez manipulated and forced her into having sex on two occasions, resulting in pregnancies that she kept secret. Two other women, Ana Murguia and Debra Rojas, also accused Chavez of grooming and sexually abusing them when they were girls. The allegations have sparked widespread condemnation, with many organizations and officials calling for accountability and action to protect women. The United Farm Workers union and the Cesar Chavez Foundation have responded to the allegations, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed openness to renaming Cesar Chavez Day.

Belgium is deploying soldiers to protect Jewish sites nationwide following a surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe, prompted by the Iran war and recent attacks on Jewish communities. Italian soldiers are also patrolling Jewish neighborhoods in Rome. The move is seen as an escalation in response to the growing threat, with Jewish leaders and national security officials warning of retaliatory or copycat attacks. The Belgian government has announced that soldiers will assist law enforcement in guarding synagogues, schools, and community centers, particularly in cities with large Jewish populations.

Children at a primary school in eastern France discovered a mysterious ancient skeleton sitting upright next to their playground. The skeleton is one of several found in the city of Dijon, all buried in a seated position facing west. Scientists are trying to understand why the ancient Gaul people chose to bury their dead in this unusual manner. The skeletons are believed to date back to around 300-200 BC and are remarkably well-preserved. Researchers are still unsure whether the individuals were buried alive or if this was a punishment or a prize. The discovery has shed new light on the culture of the Gauls, an enigmatic Celtic group of people.

The US Senate voted down a resolution to restrict President Trump's war powers regarding Iran, with a 53-47 vote falling short of the required majority. The resolution, led by Democratic Senator Cory Booker, aimed to direct the president to remove US armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless authorized by a declaration of war or specific legislation. The vote comes as the conflict approaches its fourth week, with Trump yet to clarify an exit strategy or rule out sending ground troops into Iran. Democrats had pushed for the vote despite Republican opposition, with some senators vowing to continue pressing the issue until administration officials testify publicly about the war.

Shigeaki Mori, an 88-year-old Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor, has died. Mori was known for his research on American POWs killed by the atomic bomb and was recognized by then-US President Barack Obama during his 2016 visit to Hiroshima. Mori's work led to the US confirming the deaths of 12 captured American service members. Obama mentioned Mori's efforts in his speech and gave him a hug, acknowledging the loss of the American POWs as equal to Mori's own.

Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title by defeating the United States 3-2 in the final. Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly and Wilyer Abreu's solo home run gave Venezuela an early lead. The U.S. tied the game in the 8th inning with Bryce Harper's two-run homer, but Venezuela scored the winning run in the top of the 9th. Daniel Palencia secured the win with a perfect bottom half of the 9th, striking out Roman Anthony to end the game. The victory marked Venezuela's first WBC title and the second Latin American nation to win the tournament.

A Ukrainian drone technology startup, Swarmer, had a significant stock market debut on Nasdaq, with shares soaring over 700% on its first day of trading. The company, founded in Ukraine but based in Austin, Texas, has developed software that enables single pilots to control hundreds of drones at once. Swarmer has been used extensively by the Ukrainian military since 2024 and has gathered significant operational data from the battlefield. The company's success is seen as a potential model for other Ukrainian defense startups to partner with American investors and scale their production. The Pentagon has shown interest in Ukraine's drone technology, and Swarmer's listing is seen as a bet on the growing attention to Ukraine's battle-tested and cost-effective defense technology.

A woman in Macau was hospitalized after being startled by a humanoid robot while walking and using her mobile phone. The incident was captured on video, showing the woman angrily confronting the robot. Although there was no physical contact, she required hospital treatment but was later discharged without pressing charges. The robot was operated by a Macanese man who was conducting a test for promotional purposes. The incident highlights the increasing presence of humanoid robots in public spaces and the need for their operators to be vigilant to avoid causing alarm.

The article discusses how China's economic rise has redefined the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. Using the example of a Singaporean family, the Aw family, who visited their ancestral home in Anxi county, Fujian province, in 1989 and again in 2025, the article highlights the changes in the dynamics between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. In the past, overseas Chinese sent money and gifts to their relatives in China, but with China's economic growth, the relatives in China are now more self-sufficient, and the relationships have become more about kinship and personal choice. The article also notes that while renewed contact does not always translate into closeness, the bonds between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China have become simpler and more about mutual affection.

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 article discusses various news and updates related to electric and hybrid vehicles. It mentions that COE prices have risen across all categories in Singapore, with Cat A premium increasing by 3.4% to $111,890. Sri Lanka has asked electric vehicle owners to unplug their vehicles at night. The adoption of electric vehicles has avoided the use of 2.3 million barrels of oil per day in 2025. Honda is facing troubles with its electric vehicle plans, and the owner of a Porsche EV is suing a car dealer for $300,000 over battery replacement. Singapore is set to have its first of six new EV fast-charging hubs in HDB towns by early 2027. The article also includes car reviews of Audi's new Q3 and Xpeng G6 Air.

Public hearings are set to begin in Hong Kong to investigate a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex that killed 168 people. An independent committee will examine whether fire safety standards were inadequate, if construction practices contributed to the fire, and if there were failures by government officers or contractors. The investigation will also look into potential systemic problems such as corruption and bid-rigging. The fire, which occurred in November, was the world's deadliest residential building fire since 1980 and engulfed seven out of eight residential towers in the complex. Police and anti-graft agencies have made several arrests in connection with the fire.

A new report by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) reveals that jihadist violence in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) increased significantly in 2025, despite a global decline in deaths from terrorism. Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths, rising by 46% to 750, while the DRC saw a 28% increase to 467 deaths. The report attributes the rise in Nigeria to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoots, as well as newer threats like the Lakurawa group. In the DRC, the IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) drove the increase. Globally, deaths from terrorism dropped by 28% to 5,582, with the Sahel region remaining the centre of global terrorism. Experts suggest that some terrorist groups are shifting tactics to win 'hearts and minds' by reducing attacks on civilians.

The South Korean city of Seoul is increasing security measures ahead of a highly anticipated comeback concert by the K-pop group BTS. The concert is expected to draw over 260,000 fans to Gwanghwamun Square, prompting authorities to raise the terror alert level and deploy thousands of police officers. The event will be BTS's first concert as a complete group since 2022, after all members completed their mandatory military service. The Seoul police agency will deploy 6,500 officers, and the city government will deploy an additional 3,400 personnel. The venue will be managed with stadium-style security, including metal detectors and restricted access to surrounding buildings. The event is also being accompanied by a cultural festival, with BTS-themed media facades and a drone light show.

A former Syrian prison official, Samir Ousman Alsheikh, has been convicted by a US federal jury in Los Angeles on charges of torture and immigration fraud. Alsheikh, a former brigadier general who headed Damascus Central Prison, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit torture, immigration-related fraud offenses, and three counts of torture. Prosecutors said he oversaw and personally carried out brutal abuses against detainees under the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad between 2005 and 2008. The case marks a historic step toward accountability, with Alsheikh becoming the first Assad-era official to be tried and convicted in a US federal court. Alsheikh faces up to 20 years in prison for each torture-related count when he is sentenced at a later date.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez has replaced Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino with General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, who was sanctioned by the US and EU for human rights violations and corruption. Padrino had held the position for over a decade and was also sanctioned by the US for alleged drug trafficking and support for ousted President Nicolas Maduro. The cabinet reshuffle comes amid improved relations between Venezuela and the US, with the US recently restoring diplomatic relations with the South American nation.

The article discusses several instances where sporting results were overturned or changed after the initial outcome. The Senegal national football team's Africa Cup of Nations title was stripped due to misconduct, joining a list of other notable cases. These include Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson's Olympic gold medal being revoked due to steroid use, cyclist Lance Armstrong being stripped of his Tour de France titles for doping, and other instances in football and athletics where results were altered due to various controversies.

The King hosted a state banquet for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu during their two-day state visit to the UK. The King praised the contributions of people of Nigerian heritage to British life, citing their achievements in various fields such as business, technology, and the arts. The visit marked the first state visit by a Nigerian president in nearly 40 years, and the King noted that Nigeria has 'arrived' and is 'transforming at a remarkable pace'. The banquet featured a menu that included dishes such as quail egg tartlet and iced blackcurrant souffle, as well as a mocktail made with West African beverage Zobo. The King and President Tinubu also viewed items from the royal collection and met with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue.

Japan's government rejected a U.S. intelligence assessment that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan represented a significant policy shift. Takaichi's comments, made in November, suggested Japan's Self-Defense Forces could intervene if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force, sparking a furious response from Beijing. The U.S. intelligence report characterized Takaichi's remarks as a 'survival threatening situation' for Japan, potentially allowing Japan to intervene under its 2015 reinterpretation of its Constitution. However, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Tokyo's approach remains 'quite consistent' and that a significant policy shift is not happening. The controversy comes as Takaichi met with U.S. President Donald Trump, with the Iranian conflict expected to dominate the meeting. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te assured that the island's energy supply remains stable despite heavy reliance on imports.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit Lebanon on Thursday to show 'support and solidarity' with the Lebanese people amid the ongoing Middle East war. The visit comes as Israel continues its military strikes on Lebanon, prompting the European Union to call for a halt to the campaign. Barrot will meet with Lebanon's president, prime minister, and parliament speaker during his visit. The conflict in Lebanon began when Hezbollah militants launched rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in significant humanitarian consequences, including at least 968 deaths and over a million displaced people.