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Armed groups, including jihadists and separatists, have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, targeting major cities such as Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sevare, and Mopti. The attacks, described as the largest jihadist attack in years, have resulted in explosions, gunfire, and fighting. Mali's military has responded, claiming to have 'routed' the attackers with 'several hundred' killed, although this has not been independently verified. The separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have claimed joint responsibility for the attacks. The FLA is fighting for a breakaway ethnic Tuareg state in northern Mali. The attacks have prompted a curfew in Bamako and the closure of the international airport. The international community, including the US State Department and the African Union Commission, has condemned the attacks.

A multi-million dollar early flood warning system designed to protect thousands of people in the Everest region has been left to fall into disrepair, with Nepalese officials admitting that it may no longer be working. The system was installed to monitor the Imja glacial lake, which has been expanding due to global warming-induced glacier melting. Locals have reported that siren towers have been left to rust, batteries have been stolen, and satellite data transmission has been unreliable. Despite the risks, officials claim that they lack the budget to maintain the system, and villagers are left to live in fear of a potential flood.

Nato has stated that there is no provision to expel member states after a report emerged that the US might seek to suspend Spain due to its stance on the Iran war. The US official cited an internal Pentagon email suggesting measures to punish allies not supporting its campaign, including reviewing diplomatic support for European 'imperial possessions' like the Falkland Islands. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the report, emphasizing Spain's support for cooperation with allies within international law. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European allies for not aiding the US in its war against Iran, stating that the time for 'free riding' is over. Other Nato allies, including Italy and Germany, have expressed solidarity with Spain and emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to 'vigorously attack' Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, escalating tensions two days after a ceasefire was extended by three weeks. The directive came after at least six people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday. Fresh Israeli attacks followed the order, with the Israeli military saying it struck 'Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon'. Hezbollah retaliated by targeting an Israeli army vehicle in south Lebanon. The ceasefire, which has seen a reduction in fire rather than a complete halt, has been strained by cross-border exchanges between the two sides.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced he will not take up his seat in parliament after his party, Fidesz, suffered a landslide defeat in the April 12 vote. Orbán's nationalist party lost a significant number of seats, going from 135 to 52, while the opposition party Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, won a two-thirds majority. Orbán stated that he is needed to reorganize the patriotic movement rather than being in parliament. The incoming government has pledged to reverse Orbán-era policies, tackle corruption, and restore the independence of the judiciary. Orbán's future as Fidesz leader will be decided at a party conference in June.

Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp has come under fire for a 22-point manifesto posted on X, formerly Twitter, criticizing 'woke' culture and advocating for universal national service and AI-enabled military technology. The post has garnered over 30 million views and sparked controversy due to Palantir's significant contracts with UK government agencies, including the NHS and Ministry of Defence. Critics argue that Karp's views and Palantir's work with US immigration enforcement and Israel's military make it unfit to handle sensitive data. Palantir defends its record, stating it is 'deeply proud' to be helping the UK government deliver more NHS operations and tackle domestic violence.

Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah voted in local elections on Saturday, marking the first poll of any kind in Gaza since 2006. The elections took place amid a backdrop of division between the two main Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, with Hamas not allowed to stand in Deir al-Balah due to a requirement that candidates recognize the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). The results are expected late on Saturday or on Sunday. The elections highlight the continued lack of unity among Palestinians and the disillusionment with the Palestinian Authority (PA) run by President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah party.

Human rights groups in Venezuela have criticized interim President Delcy Rodríguez for announcing that a scheme to release political prisoners is 'coming to an end' after just nine weeks. Nearly 500 political prisoners have been released under the amnesty law, but many more are thought to still be in jail. The groups argue that Rodríguez lacks the power to end the releases and that the move is 'arbitrary and unconstitutional'. The amnesty law was introduced by the National Assembly, and its termination could undermine efforts to promote stability and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela.

A major Russian attack on Ukraine resulted in at least seven deaths, including five in the city of Dnipro where an apartment building was hit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the attack lasted 'practically all night'. Ukrainian authorities repelled most of over 600 Russian drones. Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed to have shot down 127 drones and taken control of a village in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine carried out long-distance drone strikes inside Russian territory, injuring six people in Yekaterinburg. Ukrainian officials met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince to discuss strengthening air defence cooperation.

Thirty-one sloths died before the planned opening of Sloth World, a Florida attraction, due to conditions at a warehouse where they were shipped. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report found that the sloths died due to cold conditions, and the owner of Sloth World has denied allegations in the report. The incident has sparked criticism from lawmakers and animal rights advocates, who are calling for greater regulation of wildlife permits.

The US Justice Department has dropped its investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over alleged building cost overruns. Instead, an internal investigation will be conducted by the central bank's inspector general. The decision comes as President Donald Trump's nominee for Powell's replacement, Kevin Warsh, is being considered by the US Senate. Trump had criticized the Fed's building renovations, calling the costs too high, and had been at odds with Powell over interest rates. The investigation was seen as potentially threatening the independence of the US central bank.

The US Department of Justice has announced plans to expand the methods used for federal executions to include firing squads, gas asphyxiation, and electrocution. The move is seen as a strengthening of the death penalty and a means to deter 'barbaric crimes'. The decision comes as the previous administration had placed a moratorium on most federal executions. The new policy is likely to face opposition from critics who argue that it is 'cruel, immoral, and discriminatory'.

A recent surge in antisemitic attacks in Britain, including vandalism and arson targeting Jewish charities and synagogues, has revealed a new threat. The attacks, which have occurred in London, have been characterized by their brazen nature and potential for harm. The incidents have raised concerns about the growing trend of 'vandalism as a service', where individuals or groups offer destructive services, potentially exacerbating the problem. The article highlights the need for increased vigilance and response to such threats.

Britain's increasing demand for eggs, driven by a surge in baking and brunch culture, has led to a significant reliance on Ukrainian egg imports. This has caused concerns among British farmers, who claim that the cheap imports are undercutting their business, enabling 'fowl play'. The average Briton consumed 209 eggs last year, 45 more than in 2005. British chicken farmers are struggling to keep up with the demand, leading to a rise in imports from Ukraine.

The article discusses Britain's reliance on America for its nuclear weapons, questioning how long it would take for Britain to develop its own nuclear capabilities without American support. A former Pentagon official joked that the only British aspect of their nuclear weapons is the fissile material, with everything else being American. The article explores the depth of the nuclear relationship between the two countries and the implications of Britain potentially having to produce its own nuclear weapons.

The article discusses how Ibram X. Kendi's views on race, which were once highly influential on the American left, have fallen out of favour. Kendi, known for his bestselling books such as 'How to Be an Antiracist', advocated for a binary view of racism, arguing that individuals are either racist or antiracist. The article suggests that his renown was a product of a particularly divisive time and that his influence is now waning.

The article discusses the life and career of Judy Blume, a trailblazing novelist known for her radical honesty in her writing. A new biography traces her life, from her childhood in New Jersey to her success as a novelist. Blume's work changed literature by tackling taboo subjects and creating relatable characters. The article highlights her impact on the literary world and how her writing continues to be relevant today.

The article discusses Winston Churchill's unconventional diplomatic methods during his time at the White House, highlighting his unorthodox behavior such as nudity, drinking, and smoking. It serves as a case study on how he achieved his goals through untraditional means, as explored in a new history.

The Plot Twist newsletter discusses the art of taking a prizewinning photograph, with insights from Krishna Sheth, the director of photography. The article touches on the techniques and considerations involved in capturing the perfect shot, although the main content is not directly available in the provided text. The newsletter also highlights other cultural topics, such as unusual art trends and notable literary figures.

The article discusses the surge in popularity of marathons, with organizers seeing record demand. It highlights the story of Alana Ranson, who completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors in just over two years, illustrating the growing enthusiasm for long-distance running. The article suggests that more people are taking up running, driven by various factors, and completing prestigious marathons.

The article discusses the issue of 'weasel words,' a phenomenon where language is used to convey a different meaning than what is explicitly stated, often leading to misunderstandings. The author uses the example of British soldiers during the Korean War, where the British brigadier's understatement ('things are a bit sticky') was misinterpreted by their American allies as meaning they were fine, rather than being in a critical situation. The article highlights how this problem is not limited to military communication but is a broader issue in international relations, particularly between countries that share a common language but have different cultural nuances. The author argues that this can lead to significant consequences, as seen in the example given, and suggests that understanding these differences is crucial for effective communication.

The article discusses how the rhetoric of war has changed over time, with modern leaders using jarring clips from Hollywood movies instead of fitting literary allusions. The author compares this to the tone used by leaders during World War II, such as American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, who used a more measured and magnanimous tone in their speeches and writings. The article argues that this change in rhetoric is not for the better, as it can be seen as more aggressive and less thoughtful.

The article discusses the Labubu doll, a creepy baby elf doll that has become a collector's item, with some versions selling for as much as $150,000. The doll's aesthetic is described as having sharpened teeth and being possessed by the devil. The article explores the mania surrounding the doll, with fans buying keychains, large versions, and other merchandise. The author is perplexed by the doll's appeal and the high prices people are willing to pay.

The article 'What to watch this week' from The Economist's Culture section highlights three commendable entertainment pieces and one biopic that is not worth watching. It explores the theme of fame and its dual impact on individuals and causes, bringing both attention and misery. The recommended items delve into the world of conservation, journalism, and the effects of being in the spotlight. The article touches upon various cultural and societal aspects, including the power of fame, the impact of media representation, and the changing dynamics of public perception.

The article discusses the growing demand for drones in Southeast Asia's defence sector, highlighted at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Vendors from around the world, including the UAE and South Africa, are competing for market share as regional militaries increasingly adopt unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various military applications. The demand is driven by the observed effectiveness of drones in ongoing conflicts such as in Ukraine and the Middle East.

India has signed a deal to purchase Russian R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles to counter its arch-rival Pakistan's aerial capabilities, which are increasingly integrated with Chinese weapons. The missiles have an operational range of 300-400 km and can target support aircraft such as surveillance and refuelling planes. Deliveries are expected to begin within 12-18 months. India is also developing its own Astra Mk 2 and Mk 3 missiles, which are expected to be ready around the same time. The acquisition is seen as a 'force multiplier' for India, allowing it to target Pakistani support planes and gain an aerial advantage.

The city of Shenzhen has become China's leading robotics powerhouse, with its robotics industry output reaching a record high of US$35.4 billion in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year. Local firms such as X Square Robot have developed advanced robots that can perform practical tasks, such as sorting supermarket stock and cleaning homes. Shenzhen accounted for 43% of China's total output of service robots and a quarter of the national output of industrial robots. The city's sophisticated supply chain and wide range of real-world applications have contributed to its dominance in the robotics landscape.

Hong Kong's initial public offering (IPO) market has raised over HK$140 billion as of April 2026, maintaining its global lead, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. Chan attributed the success to strong demand among high-quality companies and robust market momentum. Meanwhile, the city is pushing to develop its gold trading industry amid growing demand for risk diversification due to rising geopolitical risks and technological changes. However, industry experts warn that Hong Kong may lose its lead to the US due to a pipeline of mega IPOs, including OpenAI and SpaceX.

The Sewoon District in Seoul, South Korea, is facing an uncertain future due to a divisive urban renewal project. Long-time shop owner Ha Sung-ki is concerned that the redevelopment will erase the district's heritage and livelihoods. The area, once a bustling hub of merchants and shoppers, has seen a significant decline in customers due to the redevelopment plans. Conservationists worry that the reshaping of the district will lead to the loss of its unique culture and character.

Ka Ying Rising, the world's highest-rated sprinter, secured its 20th consecutive win by annihilating its rivals in the Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday. The horse, trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, broke its own track record with a time of one minute 07.10 seconds. This victory marked Ka Ying Rising's ninth Group One win, taking its prize money to over HK$150 million. The horse dominated the field, beating Satono Reve by four and a quarter lengths. Ka Ying Rising is now set to take a break until next season, with attention turning to preparing for The Everest at Randwick in October.

The article explores whether Chongqing, a Chinese city known for its mountainous terrain and viral online fame as the '8D city', can leverage its popularity to become an international tourism hub. The city's unique urban landscape has attracted many social media content creators, but the article questions whether this trend can be sustained and replicated elsewhere in China. The author, Llewellyn Cheung, traveled to Chongqing to meet with local content creators and tourism experts to gain insight into the city's tourism industry and its potential for growth.

The article discusses the recent surge in South Koreans traveling to China, driven by China's extension of its visa-free policy for South Korean passport holders and warmer diplomatic relations between the two countries. A new wave of South Korean content creators is visiting Chinese cities, documenting their experiences and transforming the streets into lively backdrops for travel vlogs and lifestyle videos. Official figures show a significant increase in South Korean visitors to China, with 3.16 million visitors in 2025, a 36.9% increase from 2024.

Shenzhen's residential inventory has fallen to a seven-year low, indicating that China's property downturn may be nearing a turning point. The city's housing inventory dropped 17% year on year, with its inventory turnover period falling to 9.5 months. Analysts view the clearance of China's housing inventory as essential for a sustained recovery. HSBC's supply squeeze model suggests that when the inventory turnover period falls to 14 months or below, home prices are likely to stabilize. Michelle Kwok, head of Asia real estate and Hong Kong equity research at HSBC, predicts an L-shaped recovery with 2026 as a key inflection year.

The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), the world's most prestigious mathematics conference, is facing opposition due to the United States hosting the event in Philadelphia in July 2026. Over 2,300 mathematicians from 76 countries have signed a petition to move the conference out of the US, citing the country's foreign policies and visa rules. The petitioners argue that the US government's actions, including the abduction of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, wars in Gaza and against Iran, and its push to acquire Greenland, make it unfit to host the conference. The move is seen as a global effort to boycott the US.

A new study has revealed that massive octopuses, estimated to be up to 62 feet in length, were apex predators during the age of dinosaurs. Researchers analyzed fossilized jaws of ancient octopuses and compared them to modern-day octopuses to estimate their size. The findings suggest that these giant octopuses were formidable predators that likely competed with other top predators for food. The study's results were published in the journal Science and provide new insights into the marine ecosystem during the Cretaceous period.

Armed groups attacked several locations in Mali's capital, Bamako, and other cities on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a possible coordinated effort. Mali's army reported that 'unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks' and that soldiers were 'engaged in eliminating the attackers.' The attacks were widespread, with gunfire and explosions reported in cities including Kati, Kidal, and Gao. The Azawad separatist movement claimed to have taken control of Kidal and some areas in Gao. The US Embassy issued a security alert, advising citizens to shelter in place. Analysts described the assault as the largest coordinated attack in years, with concerns that al Qaeda-affiliated groups and Tuareg rebels may be coordinating their efforts.

A group of seven tourists, including three children, became trapped on a cliff in Australia's east coast when the tide came in during their morning walk. Rescuers, who were unpaid volunteers, successfully executed a daring three-hour operation to rescue the group using ropes and a specialized device called the Arizona vortex. The rescue was complicated by 16-foot waves and the risk of the group's phones being washed away.

King Charles is set to visit the United States starting Monday, marking America's 250th anniversary. The visit comes at a time when U.S.-U.K. relations are strained due to recent comments made by former President Trump. Despite being a constitutional monarch with no power to decide British government policy, King Charles is expected to use his diplomatic influence to navigate the strained relationship. The visit is also marred by controversy surrounding his brother, Prince Andrew, who is facing demands to testify before Congress about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of committing a war crime after an Israeli drone strike killed journalist Amal Khalil and wounded another journalist, Zeinab Faraj. The strike occurred in southern Lebanon, where Khalil and Faraj were working near the town of Al-Tayri. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they targeted vehicles that posed a threat to their troops, while Lebanon's Union of Journalists alleged that rescuers were prevented from accessing the destroyed building where Khalil was trapped. The incident has sparked international condemnation, with Reporters Without Borders expressing concern over the targeting of journalists. The killing comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has apologized to the Canadian community of Tumbler Ridge for not alerting law enforcement to the ChatGPT account of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old who carried out a mass shooting in February, killing eight people. Altman's letter expressed deep sorrow for not flagging the account, which was banned in June 2025 for violating OpenAI's usage policies. The company had detected potential misuse of ChatGPT by Van Rootselaar but determined it didn't pose an imminent threat. The incident has raised concerns about OpenAI's handling of user threats and reporting to law enforcement, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launching a criminal investigation into the company following a separate campus shooting.

The U.S. military has boarded another vessel linked to Iran in the Indian Ocean, as part of a tit-for-tat series of commercial vessel interdictions between the U.S. and Iran. The operation was carried out after Iran's forces seized two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has continued to enforce global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran. The tensions between the two countries have escalated despite a U.S.-Iran ceasefire extended by President Trump. Iran has called the U.S. Naval blockade a violation of the agreement.

The U.S. military launched a strike on a boat accused of ferrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. The operation was carried out by U.S. Southern Command, which shared a video showing the boat being targeted. The strike is part of a campaign by the Trump administration to disrupt drug trafficking in Latin American waters, which has killed at least 183 people since September. Critics have questioned the legality of the boat strikes, while President Trump has justified them as necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S.

The US Embassy in London has issued a travel alert warning Americans to exercise increased caution when visiting Jewish and American areas in the UK and Europe due to a recent rise in antisemitic threats and attacks. The alert follows a series of incidents, including an arson attack on four ambulances linked to a Jewish charity in London, an attack on a synagogue in London, and an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam. UK authorities are investigating whether 'thugs for hire' backed by Iran are behind the attacks. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has condemned the attacks and pledged to bring forward legislation to tackle malign state actors.

Two trains collided in Denmark near Copenhagen on Thursday, April 23, 2026, leaving five people critically injured and around a dozen others with minor injuries. The collision occurred around 6:30 a.m. near Hillerød, about 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen, on a local rail line used by many residents, employees, and schoolchildren. Officials initially reported four critically injured but later revised the number to five. The cause of the collision is under investigation, with photos showing the front ends of the trains smashed but remaining upright on the tracks. Some injured were flown to the hospital.

The article discusses the upcoming local elections in Gaza, which experts warn could allow Hamas to maintain its influence in the region. The elections, happening for the first time in 22 years, are contested by four parties, with concerns that one party, Deir al-Balah Unites Us, is affiliated with Hamas. Experts, including Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, caution that holding elections under current circumstances could lead to Hamas victories, similar to the 2006 elections that resulted in a standoff and civil war. They argue that Hamas is unlikely to disarm as required by the ceasefire agreement, and that its political and military wings are not separate entities. The article highlights the challenges in distinguishing between terrorist affiliates and civilians in Gaza, and the concerns that the elections could undermine the transition process planned for Gaza.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has taken two container ships, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, seized in the Strait of Hormuz, toward the port of Bandar Abbas. The ships were allegedly operating without proper authorization and had tampered with navigation systems. The seizure comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with the US enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and seizing an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The situation is volatile, with the US warning of a 6-month timeline to clear Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a major Chinese oil refinery, Hengli Petrochemical, and dozens of ships tied to Iran's 'shadow fleet' for purchasing and transporting Iranian oil. This move is part of the Trump administration's 'Economic Fury' campaign to limit Iran's ability to sell oil abroad and curtail its nuclear ambitions. The sanctions target a network of shipping companies and tankers responsible for transporting billions of dollars' worth of petroleum products to foreign markets, which the Treasury Department identifies as the financial lifeline for Iran's 'unstable regime'.

The article discusses the growing trend of 'coolcation', where travellers seek cooler destinations to escape rising temperatures due to climate change. Searches for coolcation destinations have increased significantly, with popular locations including Iceland, Norway, and Yunnan. The trend is expected to continue as global temperatures rise.

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 Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore has been involved in various activities and announcements, including blocking six websites for potential use in hostile information campaigns, promoting Home Team officers, and warning of risks posed by the Middle East conflict. Other news includes new laws to manage incidents on RTS Link trains and the banning of a Malaysian who engaged in political activism in Singapore.

The Straits Times article discusses Primary 1 registration in Singapore, highlighting various issues and concerns surrounding the process. Recent cases of parents lying about their addresses to enroll their children in certain schools have resulted in jail sentences. The article also touches on the review of the P1 registration system to improve social mixing in primary schools. Other topics include the role of alumni affiliation in bringing diversity to schools and the pressure on parents to get their children into 'good' schools. The article aggregates various news stories and forum discussions related to Primary 1 registration.

The New York Jets finished the 2026 NFL Draft without acquiring a franchise quarterback, but made several impressive picks that should help Geno Smith and ease the transition for a future quarterback. The Jets' draft class was graded pick-by-pick, with the overall class receiving an A grade. The team's first-round picks, David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr., were all given high grades, with Cooper receiving an A+. The Jets also made notable picks in D'Angelo Ponds, Darrell Jackson Jr., Cade Klubnik, Anez Cooper, and VJ Payne.

University of Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock was selected as 'Mr. Irrelevant' by the Denver Broncos with the 257th and final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Murdock expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he was trying to keep an open mind despite doubts about being drafted. The Broncos also selected Utah tight end Dallen Bentley one spot ahead of Murdock, making them the only team to hold the final two draft picks since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Broncos coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton praised Murdock's tackling abilities and potential as a special teamer. Murdock is one of just 16 draft picks from non-Power Four conference schools, and he plans to make the most of his opportunity with the Broncos.

The US and China are engaged in a new space race to land humans on the moon, with both countries planning to establish inhabited lunar bases and search for rare resources. While NASA has experience from its Apollo program, it faces challenges due to limited funding and potential delays caused by changes in government. China's space program, on the other hand, has been steadily progressing with a one-party system allowing for long-term planning. The competition is expected to be a marathon rather than a sprint, with the country that maintains a consistent presence on the moon likely to gain an advantage in defining the rules for lunar exploration.