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Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for removing Prince Andrew from the line of royal succession in a letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The move comes after Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and amid pressure over his ties to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Removing Andrew from the line of succession would require an act of Parliament supported by 14 Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and New Zealand. The UK government is considering introducing legislation to remove him, but a spokesman said they would not comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.

A bus carrying tourists from Pokhara to Kathmandu in Nepal crashed on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 19 people, including a 24-year-old British man identified as Stewart Dominic Ethan. The bus fell 200m onto the bank of the Trishuli river in the Dhading district, injuring 25 others. The cause of the incident is under investigation by a five-member taskforce created by Nepal's Home Ministry. The UK Foreign Office is assisting the family of the deceased Briton. Road accidents are common in Nepal due to poor road maintenance and narrow paths in mountainous areas.

An explosion occurred outside Savyolovsky Station in Moscow, killing one traffic police officer, Denis Bratuschenko, and injuring two others. The Russian Interior Ministry reported that an unidentified device was detonated by an unknown individual. Authorities are investigating the incident, and a criminal case has been opened against the perpetrator. The motive behind the explosion is yet to be established.

The French government is at odds with the US ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, after he failed to explain comments made by the US embassy on social media regarding an alleged rise in violence in France. The comments were made in reference to the murder of a far-right nationalist, Quentin Deranque, and were seen as an attempt to blame the French far-left for the violence. The French foreign ministry has requested that Kushner be blocked from direct access to government ministers, citing his 'apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission'.

A 21-year-old man, Austin T. Martin, was shot dead by Secret Service agents after entering the secure perimeter of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Martin was carrying a shotgun and fuel can. Trump, who was in Washington DC at the time, later joked that he must be a 'consequential' president to be a target. The incident is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Secret Service. Martin's family had reported him missing, and friends described him as a 'good kid' who was struggling after his sister's death. The incident highlights concerns about political violence in the US, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accusing the political left of 'normalising' such violence.

The youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former President Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Mugabe, has been formally charged with attempted murder in a South African court. He was arrested last week after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg. Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, appeared in court alongside his bodyguard, Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, who also faces charges including defeating the ends of justice related to a missing firearm. The victim is in hospital in a critical condition. The case was postponed until 3 March for a bail hearing.

North Korea's ruling Workers' Party has re-appointed Kim Jong Un as its general secretary at the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. The announcement was made on Sunday in Pyongyang, with state media reporting that Kim vowed to boost the country's economy and people's standard of living. The congress, attended by around 5,000 party members, provides insight into the structure of political power in North Korea. Kim's daughter, Ju Ae, is expected to make an appearance, with South Korea's spy agency suggesting she has been chosen as Kim's heir. The event comes as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions.

Rob Jetten, 38, has become the Netherlands' youngest ever prime minister and the country's first openly gay leader. He heads a centre-right minority government formed with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA) after his Democrats 66 party (D66) narrowly won the October election. The new government faces challenges, including negotiating major reforms and addressing sensitive issues like asylum migration. Jetten's appointment is seen as a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation globally.

Authorities in Chiang Mai, Thailand are investigating the deaths of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction where visitors can interact with tigers. The tigers died from canine distemper virus, a highly contagious disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The outbreak has raised concerns about the living conditions of captive tigers used for entertainment in Thailand, with animal rights groups criticizing the practice. The facility has been temporarily closed for disinfection, and staff have been placed under observation.

China has added 20 Japanese entities to its export control list and another 20 to a watch list, increasing economic pressure on Tokyo amid a prolonged diplomatic row. The move targets companies involved in Japan's military equipment research, development, and production, including subsidiaries of major Japanese firms like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Chinese exporters are banned from shipping dual-use goods to entities on the list, and exports to those on the watch list that may enhance Japan's military capabilities will not be approved.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the UN Human Rights Council, stating that no country should act as a 'human rights teacher' and that human rights should not be used to 'whitewash hegemony.' He emphasized the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international laws, advocating for sovereign equality and an inclusive governance system that represents the Global South. Wang Yi warned against the exploitation of human rights to justify double standards and interference in other countries' internal affairs.

Hong Kong's MTR Corporation is set to launch a new signalling system on the Tsuen Wan line on March 15, marking a significant step in its HK$65 billion plan to modernize the city's urban rail network by 2029. The upgrade is part of a larger effort to enhance the reliability of the ageing rail network. The new system has passed rigorous safety tests and received government approval. The MTR Corp plans to upgrade the remaining three urban lines - Island, Kwun Tong, and Tseung Kwan O lines - at a rate of one per year.

CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate led by Li Ka-shing's family, has condemned Panama's authorities for taking over its port terminals in Panama, calling the move 'unlawful' and the 'culmination of a campaign' against its subsidiary, Panama Ports Company (PPC). The takeover followed a presidential decree and a Supreme Court ruling that declared the concession contract unconstitutional. CK Hutchison stated that government representatives entered the ports without invitation, informing PPC that the concession had ended and ordering an immediate halt to operations.

The state of Sarawak has filed a petition in Malaysia's Federal Court challenging the constitutional validity of three federal petroleum laws that give Petronas control over the country's oil and gas sector. This move tests Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ability to hold together his unity coalition, as Sarawak is a key ally in his government. The dispute is over control of energy resources, state sovereignty, and the constitutional agreements that have held Malaysia together since 1963. Sarawak, which holds over 60% of Malaysia's natural gas, is challenging Petronas' decades-long dominance.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven Asia-related news stories from the past week. One key story is the sentencing of South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk-yeol, to life in prison for insurrection due to his role in a martial law decree that led to a constitutional crisis. Other stories include Okinawa voters shifting away from concerns over the US military presence and an archaeological discovery in Nepal shedding new light on Buddha's early life.

Standard Chartered Bank reported a 16% increase in its 2025 profit, driven by robust growth in its wealth management business. The London-based bank's underlying pre-tax profit rose to $7.9 billion from $6.8 billion in 2024. The bank's strong performance was attributed to its distinctive strengths in serving clients' cross-border and affluent banking needs. The bank proposed a final dividend of 49 US cents, bringing the total for 2025 to 61 US cents, and announced plans to spend $1.5 billion on share buybacks this year. CEO Bill Winters attributed the bank's success to a supportive business environment and structural shifts in global trade and investment.

A new deal between the US and Indonesia gives America unrestricted access to Indonesia's nickel, challenging China's dominant position in the market. Analysts say China will likely accelerate investment in alternative nickel supply sources and strengthen its role in the metal's supply chain. Indonesia has become a key player in the nickel market, accounting for over 60% of global mine supply. The deal has the potential to reshape the global supply chain for nickel, a metal used in stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries.

A world-renowned expert in electric motor engineering, Zhu Ziqiang, has joined Hong Kong Polytechnic University after 38 years at the University of Sheffield in Britain. Zhu will continue his research on high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, a core technology behind electric cars, high-speed trains, and wind turbines. He has previously worked with international companies like Siemens, Toyota, and Rolls-Royce, and has called on China's electric vehicle industry to invest in technological innovation.

China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has kept its benchmark lending rates unchanged for the tenth consecutive month, maintaining the 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates at 3% and 3.5%, respectively. This decision comes as the Chinese economy shows signs of slowing down, with a 4.5% year-on-year expansion in the final quarter of last year, its slowest pace since the country lifted its Covid curbs. Despite economic challenges, the Chinese yuan has continued to appreciate, with the PBOC signaling tolerance for a gradual strengthening of the currency. The central bank's decision is seen as a balancing act between supporting the slowing economy and maintaining currency stability. Economists forecast a fluctuation band for the yuan this year, with the wildcard being whether the currency stability objective is softened in 2026.

Countries worldwide are increasingly adopting cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, to control rainfall and address rising global water demand amid the climate crisis. Over 50 countries are currently using cloud seeding, with the U.S., China, France, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia among those experimenting with the technology. Cloud seeding involves introducing tiny particles, usually silver iodide, into clouds to enhance their ability to produce rain or snow. While the technique has been around since the 1940s, recent technological advancements have improved its effectiveness and measurement. Despite controversy over environmental and ecological risks, countries are turning to cloud seeding to boost water supplies, disperse fog, tackle air pollution, and manipulate weather for major events. Experts say cloud seeding can modestly enhance precipitation but is not transformative and works best as part of a broader water and air-quality strategy.

Panama has annulled key port contracts held by CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, and transferred interim operations to A.P. Moller-Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Co. The decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that the concessions for the Balboa and Cristobal terminals near the Panama Canal were unconstitutional. The move is seen as a major victory for the U.S. in its efforts to block China's influence over the global trade artery. CK Hutchison has described the executive decree as 'unlawful' and has initiated arbitration proceedings against Panama. Beijing has warned that Panama will 'pay a heavy price both politically and economically' unless it changes course.

The private credit industry, valued at around $3 trillion, is facing challenges due to a series of bankruptcies, fraud charges, and liquidity strains. Recent events, including the bankruptcies of Tricolor and First Brands, and the indictment of their executives, have raised concerns about the industry's exposure to highly leveraged borrowers and lax corporate lending practices. Blue Owl Capital's decision to halt redemptions for one of its funds has added to the turmoil. Despite these challenges, the industry is not expected to collapse, and capital is still flowing. However, the era of easy returns is fading, and the industry is likely to undergo changes in its growth phase.

The article discusses the key stock market stories for Tuesday, including earnings reports from Home Depot and Amer Sports, consumer confidence data, JPMorgan's investor update, and the performance of the financials sector and data center ETFs. The Dow Industrials lost over 800 points, and the financials sector dropped 3.33% on Monday. Home Depot's shares have gained 10% in the past three months, while Amer Sports' shares have advanced nearly 19%. JPMorgan's shares have been flat over the last three months. The article also mentions Apple's shareholder meeting and the performance of various data center ETFs.

The article examines whether America's war on poverty, initiated by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s, has been successful. It highlights the significant expansion of the welfare state, including the introduction of food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid, and notes that deprivation has fallen dramatically. However, the article questions whether this reduction in poverty is directly attributable to the welfare state, suggesting that other factors may have contributed to this decline.

The article discusses the issue of insider betting in prediction markets, citing a recent example where an individual known as 'ricosuave666' won over $150,000 on Polymarket by betting on the precise timing of Israel's attacks on Iran. The article notes that Israel's government has arrested two men for placing bets using classified information, highlighting the problem of insider trading in these markets. While the article acknowledges that insider betting is a significant issue, it argues that regulators should not necessarily stamp it out, suggesting a more nuanced approach is needed.

The article discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture. A company from Tianjin, China, has developed a brainwave-controlled glove-like gadget that can perform acupuncture on a user's hands, aiming to aid in the recovery of stroke victims. The product is undergoing clinical trials at hospitals in Tianjin. This development represents a modernization of acupuncture, a traditional practice that has been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries.

The article discusses why American allies are visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, despite strained relations between the US and China. The visits are seen as a sign of China's growing influence and the willingness of other countries to engage with it, even as the US and China have tense relations. The article notes that China's honour guard, which has remained unchanged since Nixon's visit in 1972, is still an impressive display of power and coordination. Recent months have seen a surge in visits from foreign leaders, indicating China's increasing importance on the global stage.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a report stating that China's currency, the yuan, is undervalued by 16%. The article discusses the implications of this undervaluation on the global economy and China's economy. The yuan's exchange rate is out of balance with the rate that would stabilize China's economy and balance the world economy. The article highlights the complexities of the issue and the potential consequences of the yuan's undervaluation.

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn revealed that surgery saved her leg from amputation after a severe crash during the downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She suffered a complex tibia fracture, other fractures, compartment syndrome, and a broken right ankle. Vonn credited her surgeon, Dr. Tom Hackett, for performing a fasciectomy that 'filleted' her leg open. After nearly two weeks in the hospital, Vonn is now recovering in a hotel and plans to focus on rehab, with a long recovery process ahead, potentially involving further surgeries.

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) ceremony was disrupted when a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. The film academy and the BBC apologized for the incident, explaining that the outburst was involuntary and not intentional. The guest, John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette's, had been announced to the audience before the ceremony, and measures were taken to warn them about potential tics. Despite this, the slur was broadcast on the BBC, prompting further apologies and the removal of the offending content from the streaming service. The incident highlighted the challenges of balancing the need to be inclusive with the potential for offense.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, sparked controversy after stating in an interview that Israel has a right to much of the Middle East, including parts of modern-day Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy later clarified that Huckabee's comments were taken out of context and that there is no change to U.S. policies on Israel. Arab and Muslim countries objected to Huckabee's remarks, calling them 'dangerous and inflammatory' and contradicting the vision put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, came to a close with a ceremony held at the ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona. The event celebrated Italian culture, music, and dance, featuring performances by renowned artists. The ceremony also honored the athletes who participated in the Games, with a somber remembrance of those who have died. The Olympic flag was handed over to the next host nation, France, and the Olympic flames were extinguished at the two cauldrons in Milan and Cortina. The Games saw a record-breaking performance by the US team, with 232 athletes competing and winning a record 12 gold medals. The event was attended by 12,000 spectators and was considered more intimate than the opening ceremony.

Chris Hemsworth has revealed that leaving Los Angeles and relocating to a sprawling farm in Australia was the 'greatest decision' he's ever made. The 42-year-old actor, known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stated that he and his family weren't enjoying life in LA, citing the paparazzi and the trappings of Hollywood as reasons for their dissatisfaction. Hemsworth grew up in Australia and has fond memories of his childhood, where he would have adventures in the bush and develop an interest in acting. He and his wife, Elsa Pataky, have three kids together and have created a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere on their farm. Hemsworth also shared stories about his early life, including his first job repairing breast milk pumps and his early acting roles in Australian TV shows.

Hunter College is reviewing the conduct of tenured professor Allyson Friedman after she made racist comments during a virtual meeting with the Community Education Council. Friedman, an associate professor of biology, was caught on a hot mic saying 'They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school' and 'If you train a black person well enough, they'll know to use the back.' The comments sparked widespread outrage, with local leaders and community members condemning Friedman's remarks. Despite her apology, many are calling for her to be fired, but her tenure may make it difficult to dismiss her outright.

A 40-year-old woman, Tameika Goode, who took over a $2.3 million mansion in Bethesda, Maryland, returned to the property after serving less than two weeks in jail for trespassing and burglary charges. The incident has sparked outrage among neighbors, with one 19-year-old neighbor, Ian Chen, who initially reported Goode's presence to the authorities, calling for state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to prevent similar incidents. Goode's lawyer claimed she 'did her research' and cited squatter's rights to occupy the property due to a title issue.

The article discusses a recent exchange between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom regarding Newsom's potential presidential run. Trump claimed on Truth Social that Newsom had dropped out of the presidential race, prompting Newsom's press team to respond with a dismissive message. The exchange followed an online fight between Trump and Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, over the US women's Olympic hockey team. Newsom has not officially launched his presidential campaign, but speculation is ongoing as he tours the US promoting his new memoir. Newsom has stated that his decision to run will be made as a family and that his four children and wife have a significant say in the matter.

A bus crash in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including a 24-year-old British national. The bus was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu when it drove off the Prithvi highway and landed on the banks of the Trishuli River. 25 people were injured in the crash, which occurred around midnight on Monday. The cause of the crash is being investigated by police. Bus crashes are common in Nepal due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles.

A Hong Kong court has upheld the convictions and sentences of pro-democracy activists in the 'Hong Kong 47' case, in which 47 activists were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a Beijing-imposed national security law. The case centered on an unofficial primary election organized by pro-democracy campaigners in 2020. Forty-five defendants were sentenced to between four and 10 years in 2024, and 11 activists who appealed their convictions lost their bids. The decision has been criticized by foreign governments and rights groups, with Amnesty International saying the court 'missed a critical opportunity to correct this mass injustice.'

Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for one match amid allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during their Champions League match. The incident occurred during the first leg of the knockout round play-off, which was halted for 11 minutes after Vinicius reported racial abuse. Prestianni denied making a racist slur, claiming Vinicius misinterpreted what he heard. Benfica has appealed UEFA's decision, while anti-discriminatory organization Kick It Out accused Benfica coach Jose Mourinho of 'gaslighting' after he suggested Vinicius had brought the abuse upon himself.

The article provides updates on various drug-related cases and operations conducted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in Singapore. It includes reports on individuals arrested for drug trafficking and abuse, as well as collaborative efforts with Indonesian authorities to combat drug smuggling. The article highlights the ongoing efforts to address drug-related issues in Singapore, including the arrest of young and female drug abusers, and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs. It also touches on the importance of collective effort in combating drug abuse and trafficking.

A by-election is being held in Manchester's Gorton and Denton constituency, a traditional Labour stronghold, where the party faces challenges from Reform UK and the Greens. Labour's support is being eroded due to disaffection with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's handling of issues like immigration and the cost of living. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is capitalizing on anti-immigrant sentiment, while the Greens are attracting former Labour voters with their left-wing populist stance. A recent poll suggests the Greens may win the seat, with Labour potentially coming third. The outcome could impact Starmer's leadership and the country's political landscape.

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 exchange and acculturation between the Chinese and Malay communities in Kelantan, including their shared dialect and cultural practices.

The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continues, with new evidence revealing that the masked suspect seen on her doorbell camera footage was at her doorstep on another night before her disappearance. The FBI released video and photos of the suspect, described as a male, approximately 5'9" - 5'10" tall, and having an average build, wearing an Ozark backpack and a gun holster. Authorities have been scouring the desert landscape for Guthrie and reviewing thousands of hours of video obtained from the greater Tucson area. Despite detaining and releasing two people, investigators have no leading theory about a motive, but believe Guthrie was removed from her home against her will.

US AI firm Anthropic accuses three Chinese AI labs, DeepSeek, Minimax, and Moonshot AI, of cheating by extracting capabilities from its Claude model. The labs allegedly created over 24,000 fraudulent accounts and used over 16 million exchanges with Claude to train their models, a process known as distillation. Anthropic claims this raises national security concerns as the distilled models may lack safety guardrails and could be used for cybercrimes and bio-weapons. The accusations come after OpenAI made similar allegations against DeepSeek and other Chinese AI companies. Anthropic argues that the incident highlights the effectiveness of US export controls and the need to preserve the US lead in AI.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to state-run media. The decision was announced by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Monday, stating that the party formally adopted the measure on Feb. 22 during its Ninth Congress. KCNA described the move as reflecting the 'unanimous desire' of party members, the military, and the public, praising Kim as the 'centre of unity and leadership.' The statement highlighted the country's achievements over the past five years, including improvements to national defense capabilities and economic planning. An analysis by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) suggests North Korea may unveil new strategic weapons and highlight progress under its 2021–2025 military modernization plan. Kim has been in power since 2011 and has served as general secretary of the Workers' Party since 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the development of Russia's nuclear triad an 'absolute priority' during a military ceremony on Defender of the Fatherland Day. Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities and its army and navy amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously warned that Putin's actions could lead to 'World War III.' Russia had suspended its participation in the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington.

FBI Director Kash Patel faced fresh scrutiny over his travels after attending the US men's hockey team's gold medal celebration at the Winter Olympics. Critics questioned the use of government resources for Patel's trip to Italy, where he met with European security officials but also participated in the team's locker room celebration. Patel defended his actions, saying he was humbled to be invited by the team and that his trip was primarily for professional purposes. The White House backed Patel, while congressional Democrats criticized his use of government resources.

The French government has requested that US Ambassador Charles Kushner no longer have direct access to French government members after he skipped a meeting to discuss comments made by the Trump administration regarding the death of a far-right activist, Quentin Deranque. The activist died from injuries sustained during a fight in Lyon, France. The US State Department had expressed concern over Deranque's death, attributing it to 'violent radical leftism.' French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized the US reaction, stating that it instrumentalized the tragedy for political ends. The French government left the door open for reconciliation, allowing Kushner to continue his duties and engage in diplomatic discussions.

The US tech industry is heavily reliant on Taiwan for high-end computer chips, with 90% of the world's supply coming from the island. Despite warnings from federal officials about the risks of a Chinese blockade or invasion, companies like Apple and Qualcomm have not taken sufficient action to diversify their supply chains. The Biden and Trump administrations have tried to persuade the industry to change, with offers of financial grants and threats of tariffs, but with limited success. A confidential report commissioned by the Semiconductor Industry Association warned that a disruption to Taiwan's chip supply could lead to an economic crisis worse than the Great Depression. The US is investing $200 billion in semiconductor plants, but will still account for only 10% of global production by 2030.

The article explores the Brontë Country in northern England, where Emily Brontë wrote 'Wuthering Heights', and how it reflects the economic stagnation and regional inequality disrupting British politics today. The area, including Haworth and Bradford, showcases stark contrasts between natural beauty and economic struggles. Bradford, once a thriving textile manufacturing center, has declined significantly, with high unemployment and poverty rates. The article discusses how these issues are fueling populist movements and challenging the traditional two-party political system in Britain. Meanwhile, Haworth has become a popular destination for literature fans, highlighting the value of Britain's heritage to its tourism industry.

The K-pop group BTS's comeback concert in Seoul has sold out immediately, with 260,000 fans expected to attend the free event on March 21. The concert, which will be broadcast live on Netflix to 190 countries, has caused a surge in accommodation prices in central Seoul, with some hotels charging five times normal rates. Authorities are preparing for the large crowd, with police warning of potential disruptions to nearby metro stations and roads. The event is expected to have a significant economic impact, with analysts referring to the 'BTS-nomics' phenomenon.

The US has accused China of 'massively' expanding its nuclear arsenal, amid fears of a new arms race following the expiration of the New Start treaty between the US and Russia. The US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Christopher Yeaw, stated that China's nuclear buildup is 'unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque.' China has denied the allegations, with its ambassador Shen Jian insisting that Beijing will not engage in any nuclear arms race. The US has also accused China of conducting secret nuclear tests, which China has called 'groundless.' The expiration of New Start marks the first time in decades that there is no treaty to curtail the positioning of nuclear weapons, prompting fears of a fresh arms race.

The article discusses Russia's new 'thousand cuts' tactic in the ongoing war with Ukraine. After four years of conflict, Russia has shifted from large-scale attacks to using small infiltration units of 2-3 soldiers to exploit weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses. This tactic, reminiscent of Soviet-era stealth tactics, aims to cause a slow and painful hemorrhage rather than a decisive blow. The 'thousand cuts' have achieved tactical gains in key cities like Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, and Russia is attempting to replicate this success along the front line. The tactic is seen as a 'poor man's strategy' due to Russia's inability to make a breakthrough, and it allows them to draw out the conflict to their advantage. Ukraine is beginning to adapt by using technological solutions like terrestrial drones and intensifying strikes deep into Russian territory.