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The leader of the World Trade Organization announced Thursday that the international trading framework has undergone permanent transformation, urging nations to focus on future reforms rather than attempting to restore previous systems.

Speaking at the launch of the 14th WTO ministerial gathering in Yaounde, Cameroon, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed delegates with a stark assessment of current conditions.

“The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back…We must look to the future,” Okonjo-Iweala stated during her opening remarks.

Despite noting that approximately three-quarters of international commerce continues operating under WTO guidelines, with artificial intelligence-related trade showing promising expansion, the director-general highlighted major obstacles confronting the global trading environment. She specifically pointed to ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities and the widespread effects of American tariff policies as sources of considerable instability.

The WTO chief outlined several critical issues plaguing the organization, particularly the complete breakdown of its dispute resolution mechanism and insufficient transparency regarding subsidy reporting requirements.

According to Okonjo-Iweala’s data, only 64 member nations submitted their required subsidy disclosures for 2025, leaving 102 countries in non-compliance.

“Lack of transparency leads to lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness and anti-competitive behaviours,” she explained to the assembled representatives. She further described how this creates a destructive pattern of distrust that prevents member countries from reaching consensus on new regulations and necessary organizational changes.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian authorities have filed criminal espionage charges against investigative reporter Szabolcs Panyi, with officials claiming he conducted intelligence activities in collaboration with a foreign nation, according to a government minister’s announcement Thursday.

Panyi specializes in national security and intelligence coverage and has written numerous pieces exposing Russian influence campaigns within Hungary, including detailed reporting on connections between Moscow and Hungary’s foreign minister.

The journalist has rejected these accusations, while media organizations he contributes to have criticized Hungary’s administration for employing “authoritarian tactics” to undermine the reporter and discredit his investigative work.

Government-affiliated Hungarian media this week broadcast portions of a covertly recorded conversation featuring Panyi discussing verification of a phone number belonging to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The recording was made without the journalist’s consent as part of his investigation into Szijjártó’s communications with Russian officials.

The Washington Post recently published a report, based on information from multiple current and former European security officials, revealing that Szijjártó routinely briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during European Union council meeting intermissions, providing him with “direct reports on what was discussed” along with potential solutions.

While Szijjártó has rejected this reporting, he has confirmed that he does communicate with Lavrov before and after EU foreign minister gatherings regarding meeting agendas and outcomes.

During Thursday’s press briefing, Gergely Gulyás, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff, announced that Hungary’s justice minister had brought espionage charges against Panyi. Gulyás claimed the journalist had “spied against his own country in cooperation with a foreign state,” describing his journalism work as a “cover activity.”

Gulyás further stated it remained “legally debatable” whether the journalist’s actions constituted treason.

Through social media statements and interviews with Hungarian news outlet Telex, Panyi has maintained his innocence and disputed the government’s claims that he provided Szijjártó’s phone number to any foreign government. He did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

Panyi contributes to Hungarian investigative publication Direkt36 and the Warsaw-based Central European investigative platform VSquare. In a Wednesday statement issued before the charges were filed, VSquare declared that Orbán’s administration was “once again resorting to authoritarian tactics to target a journalist whose reporting exposes truths inconvenient to the regime.”

The publication accused Hungary’s government of launching a “smear campaign” against Panyi “to undermine his findings, distract the public, and discredit a reporter who reveals compromising information.”

A 2021 investigation conducted by an international consortium revealed that Panyi had been surveilled using Pegasus, military-grade surveillance software developed by Israeli company NSO Group. This spyware can infiltrate mobile devices to gather personal information and location data while secretly accessing microphones and cameras.

A high-ranking official within Orbán’s party subsequently confirmed that the Hungarian government had acquired and utilized this software, targeting at least 10 attorneys, one opposition political figure, and multiple journalists critical of the administration.

Prime Minister Orbán and his Fidesz party are confronting their most significant electoral challenge in his 16-year tenure. With polling data showing him trailing a center-right challenger by double-digit margins, Orbán has characterized the April 12 election as crucial for Hungary’s survival, claiming that his defeat would result in the country being pulled into Russia’s conflict with neighboring Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign strategy has centered on strong anti-Ukraine rhetoric, with the government recently alleging that Kyiv has deployed intelligence operatives to manipulate the election results.

In a Thursday social media video, Orbán demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “immediately call home his agents,” though he offered no supporting evidence for these accusations.

Hungary’s administration has rejected reports suggesting that Russian intelligence services are working to influence the election in Orbán’s favor.

BRUSSELS — The European Parliament approved legislation Thursday that streamlines the process for establishing migrant detention facilities beyond EU borders, commonly referred to as “return hubs.”

The controversial measure passed by a margin of 389 to 206, with 32 lawmakers abstaining from the vote. The legislation succeeded through an unprecedented coalition between right-wing parties and far-right groups that had been previously excluded from such alliances, while left-leaning and centrist parties opposed the initiative.

Under the new rules, individual EU countries or small groups of nations can independently negotiate agreements to send migrants to these proposed overseas facilities rather than returning them to their countries of origin. These detention centers have yet to be constructed outside the 27-member European Union.

Several European nations have already begun discussions with foreign governments, particularly in Africa, to host these migrant holding facilities. Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark are among the countries pursuing such arrangements.

European far-right political movements have expressed admiration for U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation strategies and have advocated for the EU to implement comparable policies.

In January, both Belgium’s far-right Vlaams Belang party and Germany’s far-right AfD party announced their intention to establish a police unit dedicated to locating and deporting migrants, modeled after similar American operations.

Human rights organizations have criticized these developments, arguing that migrants face brutal treatment and illegal pushbacks at EU borders, while legal safeguards continue to be weakened.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Thursday marked a historic day in Nepal as 275 newly elected parliamentary representatives took their oaths of office, with almost two-thirds representing a political movement that didn’t exist four years ago.

These House of Representatives members, who comprise the influential lower legislative chamber, will serve five-year terms in their newly secured positions.

The historic election — Nepal’s first following last year’s youth-driven uprising — resulted in victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), headed by Balendra Shah, a former rapper who transitioned into politics.

Party members are anticipated to select Shah as their leader later Thursday before officially notifying President Ram Chandra Poudel. Following this notification, the president will formally name Shah as Nepal’s prime minister.

Shah’s swearing-in ceremony is planned for Friday.

The RSP secured 125 direct election victories and an additional 57 seats via proportional representation, totaling 182 positions in the 275-seat House of Representatives. The Nepali Congress party finished as runner-up with 38 seats.

Nepal’s electoral system allows voters to directly choose 165 House representatives, while the remaining 110 positions are distributed through proportional representation, where parties receive seats corresponding to their vote percentages.

Shah, serving as the RSP’s prime ministerial nominee, captured Kathmandu’s mayoral position in 2022. He became a prominent leader during the 2025 uprising that removed former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli from power.

The RSP, established in 2022, garnered overwhelming electoral support, presenting a formidable challenge to Nepal’s two traditionally dominant political forces — the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).

Last year’s demonstrations against government corruption and ineffective leadership began with opposition to social media restrictions before escalating into widespread public resistance. The violent clashes resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators stormed government facilities and security forces responded with gunfire.

European Union officials announced Thursday they have formally accused four major adult entertainment websites of violating digital safety regulations by inadequately preventing minors from viewing explicit material on their platforms.

The charges target Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos following a comprehensive 10-month investigation conducted under the EU’s Digital Services Act, legislation that mandates large internet platforms take stronger action against illegal and harmful online content.

EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen emphasized the urgency of the issue in her official statement: “Children are accessing adult content at increasingly younger ages and these platforms must put in place robust, privacy-preserving and effective measures to keep minors off their services.”

European Commission investigators determined that the companies failed to employ comprehensive and objective methods when evaluating potential risks to children who might access their services. Officials concluded that the platforms prioritized protecting their business reputations over addressing genuine societal dangers posed to young users.

Regulators specifically criticized the websites’ current age verification system, which simply requires users to click a button confirming they are at least 18 years old. The Commission determined that this basic self-declaration method, along with other safeguards like content warnings and blurred preview images, fails to effectively block underage users from accessing explicit material.

The investigation found that Pornhub operates under Cyprus-based Aylo Freesites, while Stripchat functions as a subsidiary of Cyprus company Technius. XNXX belongs to Czech organization NKL Associates, and XVideos is controlled by WebGroup Czech Republic.

European authorities are demanding that all four platforms implement stronger age verification systems that protect user privacy while effectively preventing children from viewing harmful content.

Under Digital Services Act penalties, companies found guilty of violations face potential fines reaching up to 6% of their worldwide annual revenue.

European Union regulators announced Thursday they are launching a formal investigation into Snapchat over allegations the social media platform is not doing enough to safeguard children from predators and block the sale of illegal products.

The investigation falls under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, legislation that mandates major online platforms strengthen their efforts to combat harmful and illegal content or face penalties of up to 6% of their worldwide annual revenue.

EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen criticized the platform’s safety measures in an official statement, saying “From grooming and exposure to illegal products to account settings that undermine minors’ safety, Snapchat appears to have overlooked that the Digital Services Act demands high safety standards for all users.”

The European Commission, which enforces the digital services legislation, expressed concerns that Snapchat lacks adequate protection measures to stop children from being approached by individuals seeking to sexually exploit them or involve them in criminal behavior.

Regulators also determined that the platform’s content monitoring systems fail to effectively block information directing users toward purchasing illegal substances like drugs or age-restricted items including vaping products and alcoholic beverages.

The Commission announced it will assume control of an investigation that Dutch authorities began in September regarding vape sales to minors through the Snapchat platform.

Additional issues flagged by EU officials include the platform’s age verification system, which they deemed inadequate, problematic default privacy settings, and insufficient tools for users to report manipulative design features.

European NATO members and Canada dramatically boosted their military spending by 20% this past year when adjusted for inflation, according to alliance leader Mark Rutte’s yearly assessment released Thursday from Brussels.

In his report, Rutte called on member nations to maintain this upward trajectory, stating: “I expect Allies at the next NATO Summit in Ankara to show they are on a clear and credible path towards the 5% objective.” He emphasized that “a strong transatlantic bond remains essential in an age of global uncertainty.”

The spending surge comes amid continued pressure from President Trump, who has consistently called for NATO partners to dramatically increase their military budgets. The current administration argues that European nations should eventually take the lead role in defending their own continent conventionally.

Trump escalated his criticism of alliance members just last week regarding their response to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, labeling the long-standing American allies “cowards” and declaring on social media that “without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!”

According to Rutte’s assessment, every alliance member achieved or surpassed the original 2% spending target established in 2014 during the previous year, with numerous countries implementing significant budget increases.

Alliance leadership established new financial commitments at last year’s summit, requiring 5% of gross domestic product dedicated to defense and security investments by 2035.

The framework divides spending into two categories: 3.5% of GDP for traditional military needs like personnel and equipment, plus 1.5% for broader security measures including cybersecurity, infrastructure protection for pipelines, and upgrading transportation networks for military use.

According to the report’s calculations, three alliance members – Poland, Lithuania and Latvia – have already surpassed the enhanced 3.5% benchmark last year.

Multiple nations including Spain, Canada and Belgium currently meet the baseline 2% requirement.

Collectively, the 32-nation alliance allocated 2.77% of GDP toward defense in 2025.

American spending represented approximately 60% of total alliance defense expenditures in 2025.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday, where he will seek dismissal of drug trafficking charges more than two months following his dramatic capture by U.S. special forces in Caracas.

The 63-year-old ousted leader and his 69-year-old wife, Cilia Flores, find themselves at the center of a legal battle involving U.S. sanctions that block the Venezuelan government from funding their criminal defense.

Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas to multiple charges, including narcoterrorism conspiracy, and remain detained in a Brooklyn facility while awaiting trial.

The couple’s legal team has petitioned U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein to drop all charges, claiming that their inability to access Venezuelan public funds violates their Sixth Amendment right to counsel of their choice.

Defense attorneys maintain that Maduro and Flores lack personal resources to cover their legal expenses independently.

Barry Pollack, Maduro’s attorney who previously represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, has indicated he may withdraw from the case if Judge Hellerstein refuses to dismiss the charges and Venezuelan government funding remains unavailable. The exact amount of Pollack’s legal fees has not been disclosed, and he declined to comment when contacted.

U.S. military personnel apprehended Maduro and Flores during a January 3 surprise operation at their Caracas home before transporting them to New York to face drug trafficking allegations, according to a detailed Reuters investigation into the covert mission and its international implications.

Thursday’s proceedings are set to commence at 11 a.m. EDT. During their previous January court appearance, the defendants were transported from jail to Manhattan via helicopter.

The defense argues that Venezuelan law and tradition require the government to cover presidential and first lady expenses.

Federal prosecutors counter that since the United States ceased recognizing Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president in 2019, he and Flores should not expect American approval for Venezuelan-funded legal representation. Prosecutors suggest the defendants can receive court-appointed public defenders if private counsel becomes unaffordable.

Maduro confronts four felony counts, including narcoterrorism conspiracy, which targets drug trafficking activities that finance what the United States classifies as terrorism. This rarely-used statute has faced limited courtroom testing, with Reuters court record analysis revealing that two of three trial convictions were later reversed due to witness credibility concerns.

During his initial presidency, Donald Trump intensified sanctions against Venezuela, citing allegations of government corruption and democratic institution destruction. Washington labeled Maduro’s 2018 reelection as fraudulent.

Maduro has rejected these accusations and drug trafficking allegations, characterizing them as manufactured justifications for what he described as American attempts to control the South American OPEC member’s extensive oil resources.

Diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington have shown improvement since former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed interim leadership following Maduro’s capture.

HAVANA – A physician with over two decades of medical experience in Cuba must rise before dawn to cook and sell rice and beans just to make ends meet, as his government salary of roughly $16 monthly cannot cover basic transportation costs.

The island nation’s medical system, previously celebrated as one of the Communist revolution’s greatest accomplishments since 1959, has experienced a dramatic deterioration in recent years due to economic collapse and stringent U.S. economic sanctions.

The situation has worsened significantly following this year’s oil embargo implemented by the United States.

According to Cuba’s Public Health Ministry, nearly 96,000 citizens in the nation of 10 million are awaiting surgical procedures, with 11,000 of those patients being children. Officials project this backlog could reach 160,000 by December. Weekly, more than 300 pediatric surgeries face delays due to insufficient medications, oxygen, anesthesia, and other essential supplies. Additionally, approximately 32,000 expectant mothers may not receive the recommended three ultrasound screenings during pregnancy.

These figures don’t reflect the personal toll on healthcare workers who battle power outages and water shutoffs at home, then arrive at work to confront medication shortages, unsanitary facilities, and the devastating reality of being unable to deliver the quality care they once provided.

The physician, who requested anonymity due to fear of government retaliation, described the overwhelming burden of having to ration patient care, bringing back painful memories from the worst period of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Public healthcare has always been promised here. Free. A world-class system,” the doctor said. “I don’t know how much longer we can endure this. There are fewer and fewer doctors, fewer resources for the patient, but the patients keep coming.”

FINANCIAL STRUGGLES

Although Cuba’s economic problems stem partly from internal issues, American sanctions have further weakened the country’s medical professionals, traditionally known with affection as the “Army of White Coats.”

Healthcare workers in the government-operated system report that their peers are experiencing burnout, emigrating, or abandoning their monthly earnings of 7,000 to 8,000 pesos — equivalent to $14 to $16 at unofficial exchange rates — to pursue work in private enterprises, restaurants, or domestic services.

These wages provide minimal purchasing power. Basic groceries cost 3,000 pesos for 30 eggs, 1,500 pesos for one liter of cooking oil, and 700 pesos for a kilogram of rice.

Reuters spoke with two additional physicians who requested anonymity but shared comparable accounts of desperation. During government-supervised visits, the news agency also interviewed three other doctors, four nursing staff members, and a senior health ministry representative, all of whom described professional hardships, though in somewhat less severe terms.

The anonymous physicians report critical supply shortages, requiring staff to bring cleaning products from their homes or sanitize floors using only water. Disposable gloves, previously washed and reused multiple times, are now completely unavailable. Without proper urine collection bags, medical staff have improvised using water or soft drink bottles, according to one doctor.

This situation has coincided with rising cases of hepatitis and diarrhea, two physicians reported.

While Reuters could not confirm any connection, a senior health ministry official acknowledged increased infection rates due to antibiotic shortages.

Fuel scarcity and resulting electrical outages prevent water pumps from operating, forcing some primary care facilities to suspend operations.

“They don’t officially close. They can’t say that publicly. But they’re not holding consultations because there’s no water,” the second doctor said.

During power failures, before backup generators activate, hospital nurses in neonatal units must manually operate ventilators for infants, a nurse reported to Drop Site news.

ONCOLOGY TREATMENT COMPROMISED

Cuban health authorities acknowledge their system faces significant pressure but maintain that their medical professionals possess the resilience to continue.

“The Army of White Coats will not fail the people of Cuba, despite the difficult circumstances we face today,” Tania Margarita Cruz, the vice minister for public health, told a press conference last week.

However, she acknowledged that the energy crisis has led to reduced patient consultations, fewer hospital admissions, and diminished basic supply availability.

The country currently treats 117,000 cancer patients, with 16,000 requiring radiation treatment, 12,000 needing chemotherapy, and 400 awaiting surgery, Cruz reported.

“How difficult it is for a Cuban family with a cancer patient, especially a child with cancer,” Cruz said. “We don’t have the necessary medications for the world-class protocol that has always been applied in this country.”

Cruz declined to provide mortality statistics related to U.S. sanctions effects, as did other health officials.

She did, however, acknowledge a “decrease in the average and overall survival rates of Cuban patients and Cuban children” with cancer. Cruz also noted that antibiotic shortages can “lead to the patient’s death.”

EMOTIONAL TOLL ON MEDICAL STAFF

When questioned about physician burnout, Cruz referenced a recent salary increase and described a ministry program designed to improve morale through better working conditions, professional development opportunities, and research initiatives.

Last year, the government raised overnight compensation to 100 pesos per hour, totaling $2.40 for a 12-hour shift. Performance bonuses in certain specialties amounted to 20 pesos, or 4 cents hourly.

Despite official optimism, frontline medical workers question their capacity to endure additional hardship.

All three physicians who spoke anonymously to Reuters described themselves as longtime government supporters whose patience has begun to diminish.

“We all fear speaking out,” one of the doctors said, adding that raising objections can derail careers.

“I’ve seen doctors cry,” she said. “With this crisis, they cry. They’ve stopped working, they’ve become depressed. You can see it on their faces.”

BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli officials are signaling plans for a prolonged military occupation of southern Lebanon, drawing comparisons to their devastating campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault, as fighting intensifies between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.

Israeli leadership argues they must establish a controlled buffer zone in the evacuated southern region to protect northern Israeli communities that have endured continuous rocket bombardments since the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization entered the broader conflict. Lebanese residents worry this strategy could result in the indefinite displacement of more than one million civilians, widespread destruction of residential areas, and permanent territorial losses.

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced this week that Israeli forces would establish a “security zone” extending to the Litani River, reaching approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border in certain areas. Katz stated that military units would demolish residential structures allegedly used by militants and prevent civilian returns until northern Israel achieves security.

The operation would replicate Israel’s Gaza strategy, where military forces devastated and evacuated much of the eastern portion of the Palestinian territory, Katz explained on Tuesday. Israeli officials have declared they will maintain their presence in the enclave until Hamas surrenders weapons as part of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement.

“We have ordered an acceleration in the destruction of Lebanese homes in contact-line villages to neutralize threats to Israeli communities, in accordance with the model of Beit Hanoun and Rafah in Gaza,” Katz stated, referencing border communities that suffered near-complete destruction.

Following a 2024 ceasefire that ended Israel’s previous conflict with Hezbollah, Israeli military units slowly retreated from southern Lebanon while maintaining control of five strategic elevated positions along the border.

Returning Lebanese discovered destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and completely demolished villages. Israeli officials claimed they had eliminated Hezbollah military installations that could facilitate an October 7-style assault and continued targeting suspected militant locations almost daily following the truce.

Hezbollah renewed its offensive operations after Israel and the United States initiated conflict with Iran on February 28, claiming Israel had repeatedly broken ceasefire terms. Israeli officials accused Lebanon’s government of failing to fulfill commitments to disarm Hezbollah, despite taking unprecedented measures to criminalize the organization.

During the current hostilities, Israel has conducted intensive aerial bombardments throughout Lebanon, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities — primarily outside border regions — and forcing more than one million people from their homes. Israeli forces have instructed residents to evacuate extensive southern areas, stretching from the border to the Zahrani River, approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) inland.

While Israeli military commanders describe their ground operations as limited, political leadership discusses more expansive objectives.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right cabinet member, declared this week that the current conflict must conclude with “fundamental change.”

“The Litani must be our new border with the state of Lebanon,” Smotrich said.

Israel previously invaded southern Lebanon in 1982 during the nation’s civil conflict. Hezbollah, formed that same year, conducted guerrilla warfare that ultimately forced Israeli withdrawal in 2000.

In the current campaign, Israel has destroyed seven bridges crossing the Litani River, marking the northern boundary of a U.N.-monitored buffer zone created after earlier conflicts. Israeli officials claim Hezbollah utilized these bridges for transporting fighters and weapons, and that their military will oversee remaining crossing points.

Intense combat has erupted in Khiam town, whose capture would isolate the south from Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, another region with significant Hezbollah activity.

Following the bridge bombings, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of attempting to separate the south from the remainder of the country “to establish a buffer zone, entrench the reality of occupation, and pursue Israeli expansion within Lebanese territories.”

United Nations peacekeepers report that bridge destruction and continuing battles have disrupted their missions and endangered personnel safety.

“This is the closest fighting activity we have seen to our positions,” stated Kandice Ardel, spokesperson for the U.N. mission called UNIFIL. “Bullets, fragments, and shrapnel have hit buildings and open areas inside our headquarters.”

Ardel noted that peacekeepers at observation stations have witnessed increasing Israeli troop presence and “engineering assets,” though no new military installations have been constructed yet.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior researcher at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, said Israel has already established “different shades” of control.

“The first line of borders is a no-man zone. This is basically a large parking lot that is facing Israel,” Ali explained. “There is nothing there, no movement, nothing at all.”

Lebanese civilian movement faces restrictions further north. During the previous year’s olive harvest, agricultural workers encountered difficulties reaching their orchards due to frequent Israeli attacks and required escorts from Lebanese military units and UNIFIL peacekeepers, who coordinated with Israel.

Sarit Zehavi, founder and president of the Alma Institute and former Israeli military officer, predicted Israel would likely establish a more comprehensive controlled area extending further north.

Zehavi admitted that Israel was unlikely to eliminate Hezbollah and risked maintaining a permanent presence in southern Lebanon.

“But the other alternative is to take the risk that we will be slaughtered. It’s as simple as that,” she stated.

Lebanon’s government has abandoned longstanding diplomatic restrictions by proposing direct negotiations with Israel. Officials have also implemented measures against Hezbollah since the last conflict, outlawing its operations and claiming to have eliminated hundreds of military installations.

However, neither the United States nor Israel has demonstrated interest in such discussions while focusing on the broader Iranian conflict.

Should negotiations materialize, Israel could demand significant concessions in exchange for relinquishing militarily captured territory — a modernized version of the historical “land for peace” approach.

Israel has occupied portions of Syria following Syrian President Bashar Assad’s removal and is negotiating with Damascus’ new leadership regarding updated security arrangements. In Gaza, Israeli officials have pledged to retain half the territory until the militant Palestinian Hamas organization surrenders its weapons, as both sides accuse each other of violating the October truce.

Lebanese civilians who abandoned their homes remain in uncertainty — with some fearing permanent exile.

Elias Konsol and his neighbors evacuated the Christian border village of Alma al-Shaab with UNIFIL assistance. He reunited with his mother, who wept in his embrace, at a church near Beirut where funeral services honored a resident killed in an Israeli attack.

Konsol insisted there were no weapons or Hezbollah fighters in his village, yet evacuation was still mandatory.

“We no longer know our fate,” he said. “We don’t know if we will see our homes and village again.”

AMSTERDAM — Inside one of the world’s most renowned concert venues, students open laptops and textbooks while live classical music echoes through the ornate hall, creating an unusual but effective study environment.

At Amsterdam’s prestigious Concertgebouw, the luxurious crimson seats that typically hold concert-goers now accommodate college students preparing for finals and working on research papers. Musicians Hyunjin Cho on violin and Efstratia Chaloulakou on cello perform from the stage, but the audience isn’t expected to listen quietly — they’re supposed to study.

This innovative concept emerged during the coronavirus outbreak when Entree, the concert hall’s youth organization, launched the sessions to help students concentrate better while exposing them to classical compositions. The program has gained tremendous popularity since its inception.

During one recent gathering, performers played works including Johann Pachelbel’s famous Canon in D, pieces by Handel and Schubert, and even soundtrack selections from Studio Ghibli animated movies. The music resonated throughout the historic space, whose walls display golden nameplates honoring legendary composers like Ravel, Mahler, Wagner, and Mozart.

Twenty-one-year-old Kyra Mulder found the atmosphere beneficial while working on assignments for her occupational therapy program at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. “It’s actually very calming and helping in concentrating on the work that we have to do, which is something that surprises me because normally I don’t really listen to classical music,” Mulder explained. “So that’s a new experience for me.”

Throughout the performance, additional students entered carrying coffee cups alongside their electronic devices and textbooks, settling into seats with their materials balanced on their knees. Posted signs display the venue’s complimentary wireless internet password, and admission costs only 2.50 euros, equivalent to about $2.85.

Simon Reinink, the Concertgebouw’s general director, views these sessions as part of broader efforts to attract younger patrons. “It’s one of the many ways to welcome younger audiences to the Concertgebouw,” Reinink stated. “And it’s such an inspiring place to study with great music in this wonderful, beautiful environment.”

Reinink hopes participants will not only benefit academically but also develop an appreciation for classical music that brings them back as regular audience members. “It is one of ways to more or less seduce younger audiences to discover the Concertgebouw and hopefully they will be enthusiastic and … they will come back,” he explained.

Dr. Bas Bloem, a neurologist at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, notes that background music affects people differently regarding concentration. “So it’s not a one size fits all. And I don’t think it’s been well researched, but I think the reason why music in the background can be so soothing almost, is that it creates a state of flow,” Bloem told The Associated Press.

“And I think music in the background can help you to reach a state of flow. And everybody knows when you reach a state of flow, you can go on endlessly and be enormously productive,” he added.

Medical student Thijmen Broekman discovered that combining the musical backdrop with studying in an unfamiliar location enhanced both his learning experience and musical enjoyment simultaneously. He reported no difficulty balancing listening and studying. “It’s a really quiet environment and nice, quiet music,” Broekman noted. “So that helps me to concentrate.”

ISTANBUL – A maritime drone attacked an oil tanker departing from Russia early Thursday morning, triggering an explosion in Black Sea waters close to Turkey’s Bosphorus strait, according to Turkey’s transportation minister.

Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed to Kanal 24 that the early morning incident represents another in a series of recent attacks on Western-sanctioned ships traveling to and from Russian harbors.

The minister reported that all 27 crew members remained unharmed, with Turkish coastguard units responding to assist the vessel Altura, positioned approximately 18 nautical miles from the Bosphorus – a crucial shipping corridor connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara and Mediterranean seas.

According to Uraloglu, the assault occurred just beyond Turkish territorial boundaries and appeared designed to cripple the engine compartment of the Sierra Leone-registered ship transporting Russian crude oil.

Maritime tracking systems and Refinitiv AIS information indicated the tanker had departed Russia’s Novorossiysk port carrying roughly 1 million barrels of crude oil, operating near maximum capacity.

Both the European Union and Britain have imposed sanctions on the vessel. The Black Sea borders Russia and Ukraine, nations engaged in conflict for over four years, along with additional neighboring countries.

Turkey’s defense ministry announced Thursday its close surveillance of Black Sea drone-related dangers, citing their widespread deployment in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Officials noted concerns about unmanned aircraft losing navigation or power and drifting toward Turkish shores.

“We are talking to our counterparts and conveying necessary warnings to maintain navigational safety in the Black Sea,” the ministry stated during its weekly briefing, without directly referencing Thursday’s drone incident. They added that Turkish naval forces were conducting area patrols to protect vessels and civilians from harm.

Maritime insurance costs increased late last year following Ukrainian naval drone strikes against Russia-bound tankers in the Black Sea, prompting Moscow to issue retaliation threats and leading NATO member Turkey to call for restraint.

Ankara has previously cautioned both Kyiv and Moscow against conducting such operations near Turkish waters during earlier Black Sea tensions, which resulted in drone strikes on Russian and Turkish ships and damage to Ukrainian ports.

Neither Moscow nor Kyiv provided immediate responses Thursday.

Refinitiv records show the attacked vessel’s registered owner is China-based Sea Grace Shipping Ltd, while Turkey-based Pergamon Denizcilik serves as the ship’s manager.

Reuters was unable to immediately reach Pergamon for comment.

Television broadcaster NTV initially reported an explosion on the ship’s bridge with water flooding the engine compartment, before crew members requested help from Turkish authorities.

Defense officials are contemplating whether to reroute military equipment initially designated for Ukraine to support escalating Middle East operations, according to a Washington Post report published Thursday that cited three sources with knowledge of the discussions.

Among the military hardware under consideration for redirection are air defense interceptor missiles acquired through a NATO purchasing program established in 2023, which allows alliance member nations to procure American weapons systems for delivery to Kyiv, according to the report.

This deliberation occurs amid expanding U.S. military activities throughout the region. On Wednesday, Admiral Brad Cooper, who oversees Central Command operations in the Middle East, revealed that American forces had struck more than 10,000 targets within Iranian territory and were successfully working to curtail Iran’s capacity to extend its influence beyond its national boundaries.

When contacted by the newspaper, a Pentagon representative stated that the Defense Department would “ensure that U.S. forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win.”

Officials from the Pentagon, State Department, and NATO have not yet provided responses to Reuters’ inquiries seeking additional information.

LONDON — Two suspects arrested in connection with an arson fire that destroyed ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in London have been freed on bail while authorities continue their investigation into what they believe was an antisemitic hate crime.

The Metropolitan Police Service announced Thursday that the British nationals, ages 45 and 47, were taken into custody Wednesday on charges of arson with intent to endanger life. Both men have been released under strict bail conditions and will remain under close police supervision.

While police called Wednesday’s arrests a significant development in the case, they noted that surveillance video shows three individuals were involved in the attack.

“We continue to work to try and identify all of those involved in this appalling attack and the investigation team is working around the clock to do this,” said Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Investigators are examining a claim of responsibility from a group that may have connections to Iran, though officials have not classified the incident as a terrorist attack.

The fire occurred early Monday morning in Golders Green, a London district home to a significant Jewish community, and completely destroyed four ambulances operated by Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer emergency medical service that serves local residents. The blaze caused oxygen tanks inside the vehicles to explode, shattering windows in a nearby apartment building.

A court in Taipei handed down a 17-year prison sentence Thursday to Ko Wen-je, the city’s former mayor and a recent presidential contender, following his conviction on corruption charges and improper handling of political donations, according to Taiwan’s official Central News Agency.

The 66-year-old politician faced demands from prosecutors for more than 28 years behind bars. Authorities alleged Ko took bribes totaling T$17.1 million (approximately $535,563) connected to a significant real estate project within the city. Additionally, prosecutors claimed he illegally diverted tens of millions in campaign contributions for personal use.

Ko served as Taipei’s mayor for eight years, from 2014 through 2022, before launching an unsuccessful presidential bid that resulted in a third-place finish in 2024’s election. Law enforcement took him into custody in 2024, though he secured bail release in September. Throughout the legal proceedings, Ko has maintained his innocence and argued that investigators are targeting him for political reasons.

The Taiwan People’s Party, which Ko established, saw its current leader Huang Kuo-chang respond to the court decision through a Facebook statement. Writing from the courthouse where he stood beside Ko, Huang declared: “At this moment, we must pull ourselves together even more, because this road ahead is still very, very long. As long as Ko does not give up, we will not give up.”

Beyond the prison term, Ko faces a six-year suspension of his civil rights, preventing him from seeking elected office during that period. However, the Central News Agency noted he retains the right to challenge the verdict through an appeal.

While the TPP holds just eight parliamentary seats, the party typically aligns with the Kuomintang, Taiwan’s primary opposition group. Their combined strength exceeds that of the governing Democratic Progressive Party in the legislature.

This opposition coalition has leveraged their numerical advantage to block government initiatives while advancing their own policy priorities.

Ko built a devoted following among Taiwan’s younger voters by championing concerns like housing affordability challenges. Several of these supporters gathered outside the central Taipei courthouse, demonstrating their belief in his innocence.

A diplomatic meeting between Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded Thursday with the signing of a friendship and cooperation agreement in North Korea’s capital city.

During his two-day official visit to Pyongyang, Lukashenko described the newly signed document as “fundamental” and declared that bilateral relations between the nations are “entering a new stage,” his press office reported.

“Yes, we didn’t have close cooperation, largely due to our own fault. But I am sincerely pleased to note that cooperation has now significantly intensified,” Lukashenko stated.

The Belarusian leader further emphasized the importance of international partnerships, saying: “In today’s reality of a global transformation, when the global powers openly ignore and violate international law, independent countries need to cooperate more closely, consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens.”

According to Lukashenko’s press office, Kim voiced “solidarity and full support” for Belarus while condemning “unlawful pressure on Belarus from the West.”

The meeting strengthens ties between two nations already aligned with Russia. Belarus maintains a strong alliance with Moscow, with Lukashenko permitting Russian forces to launch their February 2022 Ukraine invasion from Belarusian soil and later agreeing to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Similarly, Kim has strengthened North Korea’s relationship with Moscow, deploying thousands of soldiers and substantial military equipment to assist Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian conflict while positioning North Korea as part of an anti-Western coalition.

The two leaders previously met in Beijing during September 2025.

Ukrainian officials reported Thursday that an overnight drone assault by Russian forces struck port infrastructure along the Danube River in the southern Odesa region, injuring one person and causing widespread power outages.

Oleh Kiper, the regional governor, announced through Telegram that the nighttime strike inflicted damage on energy systems and industrial facilities throughout the area.

According to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, the assault targeted one of the Danube River ports, causing destruction to storage facilities, docks, and office buildings. The agency also confirmed damage at locations operated by independent port companies, though operations at the facility continue despite the attack.

Izmail’s mayor described the assault on Ukraine’s largest Danube port city as another “massive” drone bombardment. The strategic location sits directly across the waterway from Romania, a NATO alliance member.

District authorities in Izmail reported that approximately 17,000 residents lost electrical service following the strike. The attack also disrupted water services in the neighboring community of Vylkove.

Ukraine’s military aviation command stated that Russian forces deployed 153 drones nationwide, with Ukrainian defenses successfully destroying or disabling 130 of the unmanned aircraft.

Romania’s defense department confirmed that debris from a drone intercepted by Ukrainian air defense systems landed within Romanian borders.

Throughout the ongoing four-year conflict, Russian military forces have consistently targeted Ukraine’s maritime shipping channels, attacking port facilities essential to international commerce and the nation’s wartime economic stability.

The frequency of these strikes has escalated recently, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stating Monday that Odesa port infrastructure has endured more attacks in the past month than throughout the entire preceding year.

Australia’s national airline Qantas Airways announced Thursday it will expand service to European destinations as travelers increasingly seek alternative routes due to ongoing Middle East conflicts that have shuttered major aviation hubs.

The airline will boost its Rome and Paris schedules to accommodate rising demand for European travel, following the disruption of key Middle Eastern connection points including Dubai and Doha due to regional warfare.

To support the expansion, Qantas will reassign Boeing 787 aircraft currently serving American destinations and shift some A330 planes from domestic Australian routes to international service. The carrier joins other airlines like Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific in enhancing European service amid the travel disruption.

Flight costs between Asia and Europe have skyrocketed this month as travelers seek to avoid Middle Eastern airspace affected by the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, forcing airlines to close crucial Gulf region hubs.

Specific service changes include upgrading Perth-Rome flights from four weekly round trips to daily service. Paris flights will expand from three to five weekly round trips, with the route shifting from Perth to Sydney as the origin point and connecting through Singapore instead, accommodating an extra 60 travelers per flight.

Additionally, Perth-Singapore service will grow from daily flights to 10 weekly departures.

Passengers affected by the scheduling modifications will receive contact from the airline offering alternative flights within 24 hours of their original departure time or full refunds, according to the company’s announcement.

“The group continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East and its impact on fuel security, the price of fuel, and demand for travel, and will make further adjustments as required,” Qantas stated.

Pakistani officials successfully persuaded the United States to convince Israel to remove two high-ranking Iranian leaders from its assassination target list, according to a knowledgeable Pakistani source who spoke with Reuters on Thursday.

The source disclosed that Israel had obtained location information for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and was planning their elimination. However, Pakistan intervened through diplomatic channels in Washington.

“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off,” the source explained.

Neither Pakistan’s military nor its foreign ministry provided immediate responses when contacted for official comment.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke this story, reporting that these senior Iranian officials had been temporarily struck from Israel’s elimination list as potential peace discussions are being considered. According to the Journal’s sources within the U.S. government, the removal period spans four to five days, though their reporting did not reference Pakistan’s involvement.

Currently, Pakistan is serving as a key mediator alongside Egypt and Turkey, working to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington to bring an end to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Pakistan has maintained open communication lines with both the United States and Iran during a period when most other nations have severed such diplomatic channels. The country is also being considered as a potential location for peace negotiations should they materialize.

Iranian leadership is currently examining a comprehensive 15-point peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, which was delivered through Pakistani diplomatic channels. According to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan, the proposal demands that Iran eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, cease uranium enrichment activities, restrict its ballistic missile development, and discontinue financial support to regional proxy groups.

While Trump has publicly stated that Iran is eager to negotiate an agreement, Foreign Minister Araqchi has indicated that Tehran is studying the American proposal but currently has no plans to engage in talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

BEIJING, China (AP) — A specially selected collection of photographs captures the standout moments from China Fashion Week, as chosen by Associated Press photo editors.

The image gallery presents the most notable fashion presentations and designs featured during the Beijing-based fashion event.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Tensions between Tehran and Washington intensified Thursday as diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire appeared to crumble, with Iran solidifying its stranglehold on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz while the United States readied ground combat forces for potential deployment to the Islamic Republic.

Shipping analysts report that Iran has effectively established what they call a “de facto ‘toll booth’ regime,” requiring certain vessels to pay fees in Chinese yuan to navigate through the waterway that typically handles 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments during peacetime.

As tensions mount, a naval strike force led by the amphibious assault vessel USS Tripoli is approaching the Middle East carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, while military officials have ordered at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne to deploy to the area.

The military buildup doesn’t necessarily indicate that President Donald Trump intends to use military action to force Iran to reopen the strait and cease its attacks on Gulf Arab nations.

Trump had previously assembled substantial forces in the Caribbean before U.S. military operations led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January. Current military analysts suggest American focus may center on potentially capturing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal or other strategic locations near the strait.

Admiral Brad Cooper, who oversees U.S. military operations in the region, reported that American forces have struck over 10,000 targets since the conflict began on February 28, when Israel and the United States initiated hostilities, eliminating 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels and more than two-thirds of the nation’s missile, drone and naval manufacturing capabilities.

“We’re not done yet,” Cooper stated in a video message from his position as head of U.S. Central Command. “We are on a path to completely eliminate Iran’s wider military apparatus.”

Through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, Iran has been preventing ships supporting American and Israeli military efforts from passing while allowing limited traffic under what Lloyd’s List Intelligence characterizes as a “de facto ‘toll booth’ regime” in their latest assessment.

According to the maritime intelligence company, vessels must submit cargo manifests, crew information and destination details to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for sanctions review, cargo verification that currently favors oil shipments above other goods, and what officials term “geopolitical vetting.”

“While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan,” Lloyd’s List reported, referencing China’s official currency.

Iranian officials have not publicly detailed their ship passage procedures, though a Foreign Ministry spokesperson seemed to confirm that Tehran was collecting payments from certain vessels during a recent interview.

Iran’s control of the strait combined with ongoing strikes against regional energy facilities has caused oil prices to surge dramatically, raising fears of a worldwide energy shortage. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at $104 early Thursday, representing a more than 40% increase since hostilities began.

“To make it crystal clear, this war is a catastrophe for world’s economies,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters in Canberra following discussions with his Australian counterpart in the capital.

Through Pakistani intermediaries, Washington has presented Iran with a 15-point ceasefire proposal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a Wednesday evening fundraising event in Washington, Trump maintained that Iran remains interested in reaching an agreement.

“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump stated, adding: “They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contradicted Trump’s assessment during a state television interview, declaring that his government has not participated in peace discussions “and we do not plan on any negotiations.”

Araghchi acknowledged that the United States had attempted to communicate with Iran through third-party nations, “but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.”

Press TV, Iran’s English-language state broadcaster, reported that Tehran has developed its own five-point peace plan, demanding an end to assassinations of Iranian officials, guarantees against future attacks on Iran, war reparations, cessation of all hostilities and international recognition of Iran’s “exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iranian activists reported significant morning airstrikes near Isfahan, a city located approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) south of Tehran. The pro-reform publication Ham Mihan published online reports about attacks in the region.

Isfahan houses a major Iranian air base and various military installations, including one of the nuclear facilities targeted by U.S. forces during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June.

The semi-official Fars news agency, which maintains close ties to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, characterized the attacks as hitting “two residential areas” without providing additional details.

Israeli officials later confirmed they had conducted a series of strikes against Iranian infrastructure.

Early Thursday morning sirens blared across portions of Tel Aviv and central Israeli cities. The absence of advance warning, typically provided before Iranian missile attacks, suggested the incoming fire originated from Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced it had intercepted numerous drones over its oil-rich Eastern Province, while the United Arab Emirates activated air defenses against incoming attacks, and Bahrain reported extinguishing fires in a neighborhood near Bahrain International Airport.

Since the conflict’s start, Iran’s Health Ministry reports more than 1,500 deaths within its borders. Israeli casualties include 20 civilians and two soldiers killed in Lebanon. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have died, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states.

Lebanese authorities report nearly 1,100 fatalities in their country. In Iraq, where Iranian-backed militant groups have joined the fighting, 80 security force members have been killed.

Australia’s resources minister revealed Thursday that France is among several nations expressing strong interest in backing the country’s critical minerals industry, as international partners rush to secure alternative supply sources beyond China’s dominance.

Speaking during the Minerals Week summit in Canberra, Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King told Reuters that multiple countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities are seeking investment opportunities following Australia’s landmark agreement with the United States last October.

“Since the framework agreement with the U.S., that work has taken on new urgency from some other partners as they make sure they also have access to critical minerals,” King explained during the interview.

“France is more and more keen,” she added.

Australia has spent four years developing its critical minerals sector, focusing on rare earth elements and other materials crucial for future technologies including electronics and defense systems. The nation aims to provide countries with alternatives to China, which currently dominates global production.

Beyond the $8.5 billion investment pipeline established with the United States, Australia has signed cooperation agreements covering the critical minerals sector with Japan, South Korea, India, France, Germany, and Britain.

While France has participated at policy and financing levels through organizations like export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export, it has not yet committed to the large-scale project funding seen from the U.S. and Japan. The French trade commission in Sydney did not respond to requests for comment.

Australia is actively pursuing additional billions in investment for 49 mining operations and 29 processing facilities. The expanding critical minerals sector is projected to generate A$18 billion ($12.52 billion) in export revenue during the financial year beginning July 1.

Earlier this month, Australia joined the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance to support its expansion goals. On Tuesday, the country finalized a free trade agreement with the European Union following eight years of negotiations, potentially streamlining EU access to Australian critical minerals.

“Many other countries just aren’t used to getting involved in mining and mining-style financing, but they’re going to have to, if they want to…have that secure supply,” King noted.

The minister emphasized that Australia’s commitment to the sector requires long-term thinking, having already provided A$28 billion in financial backing since the current government took office in May 2022.

“If you want to compare timelines, it took (China) 40 years,” she said. “We would like to do it quicker. But we do need to think of it as a long-term proposition.”

King pointed out that Australia previously supported its massive iron ore and liquefied natural gas industries during their early development, suggesting critical minerals may present even greater challenges.

Australia is establishing an A$1.2 billion strategic reserve concentrating on antimony, gallium, and rare earths for partner nations, expected to become operational later this year. The reserve will likely include price floor mechanisms while ensuring Australia benefits from potential price increases.

“When there is an upside, the government should be able to get some of that benefit, but also exit this part of the arrangement,” she explained.

The United States is simultaneously developing Project Vault, a $12 billion minerals stockpile program.

“And we see our reserve as being able to be the catalyst to feed into Project Vault,” King said, noting that specific details remain under discussion.

BEIJING – Chinese authorities have unveiled a comprehensive long-term care insurance program designed to support families struggling with the challenges of an aging population and strengthen the nation’s social support structure.

The initiative, announced by China’s state council on Wednesday, commits to delivering services and financial assistance for essential nursing and medical care to individuals experiencing long-term disabilities of six months or longer.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, this program represents a crucial element of China’s social security framework and is essential for “actively addressing population aging.”

The announcement follows approximately three weeks after China’s National People’s Congress, during which officials indicated they would enhance supportive measures for elderly citizens, encompassing pension funding, health services, and care provisions.

Projections indicate that by 2035, China’s population over age 60 will reach 400 million individuals – approximately equivalent to the combined populations of the United States and Italy – resulting in hundreds of millions departing the workforce while pension systems face existing financial pressures.

Demographic experts are issuing warnings about continued population decreases in China, which experienced its fourth straight year of decline in 2025 as birth rates hit historic lows.

The long-term insurance structure establishes a three-year goal to create “a unified system covering the entire population.”

This development builds upon pilot initiatives that commenced in 2016.

Officials emphasized that for individuals with disabilities, this program meets essential needs and significantly enhances quality of life.

“Bathing, haircuts, eating, dressing changes — these are no longer distant hopes for those confined to a sickbed, but rather bedside, accessible, attentive care,” stated Wang Wenjun, deputy head of the National Healthcare Security Administration during Thursday’s press conference.

Financial support will derive from employer contributions, individual payments, and government funding, totaling approximately 0.3% in contribution rates.

Wang explained that both rural and urban residents will access the same funding source and receive identical benefits.

China continues to confront significant disparities in care and services between rural and urban regions, with authorities promising to “markedly narrow” the healthcare gap between these areas by 2035.

DHAKA, Bangladesh — At least 18 people lost their lives when a passenger bus carrying approximately 50 individuals crashed into a major river in Bangladesh’s central region while attempting to board a ferry, officials reported Thursday.

The tragic incident took place Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle fell into the River Padma in Rajbari district, located roughly 52 miles from Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka, according to fire official Dewan Sohel Rana.

The vehicle was transporting passengers from Kushtia, a southwestern district, to the capital as people made their way back to work following the conclusion of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday celebration.

According to Rana, numerous passengers managed to escape by swimming to shore following the crash, while others became trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency crews deployed a rescue boat late Wednesday evening to retrieve the submerged bus, and recovery teams continued working through the night to locate victims, discovering 18 bodies by Thursday morning, Rana reported.

Weather conditions including strong river currents and rainfall hampered rescue efforts during the overnight operation, he explained.

Officials have not confirmed whether additional passengers remain unaccounted for.

The Fire Service and Civil Defense Department confirmed that the casualties included ten women and two children among the 18 fatalities.

Global focus on Middle Eastern conflicts has shifted attention away from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as the European war enters its fifth year and Moscow launches a renewed spring military campaign.

Recent days have witnessed intense escalation between the warring nations. On Tuesday, Russian forces unleashed nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles against Ukraine in one of the conflict’s most devastating bombardments. Ukraine responded the next day by deploying approximately 400 drones in its largest overnight strike against Russian territories and Crimea.

Ukraine remains Europe’s primary foreign policy concern, driven by worries that Moscow harbors broader territorial ambitions. However, the Trump administration has suspended discussions with Russian and Ukrainian representatives as the Iran conflict demands attention. Officials have cautioned they may abandon involvement in the Ukrainian conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.

Just weeks earlier, Russia’s economy showed signs of strain from international sanctions. Now Moscow benefits from billions in revenue thanks to a temporary U.S. oil sanctions waiver. This measure, implemented this month, aims to release stranded Russian oil shipments and address supply shortages created by Middle Eastern hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the American decision as “not the right decision” because it will further enable Russia’s military campaign.

Washington has relocated American Patriot air-defense systems from Europe to the Middle East as resources shift toward the Iranian conflict. Zelenskyy cautioned that Kyiv will “definitely” experience shortages of Patriot systems due to the Middle Eastern war.

According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. manufactures 60 to 65 missiles monthly, totaling approximately 700 to 800 annually. “And on the first day in the Middle East war, 803 missiles were used,” he noted.

Seeking strategic advantage, Ukraine has proposed sharing its combat-proven technology to help Gulf nations counter Iranian drones. In exchange, Ukraine seeks advanced air-defense missiles that Gulf countries possess and that Kyiv requires to intercept Russian strikes. Zelenskyy has also offered Ukrainian drone defense systems to the United States.

Financial support remains critically needed. A pledged 90-billion-euro ($104-billion) European Union loan to support Ukraine’s military and war-damaged economy over two years faces delays due to Hungarian opposition.

Following a relatively quiet winter along battle lines, Russia prepares for summer combat as terrain conditions improve.

Russian troops have entered early stages of a spring campaign, attacking Ukraine’s eastern defensive network of cities, according to Elina Beketova from the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington think tank.

“Over the past weeks, the Russians have intensified pressure on the battlefield and in the air,” she explained to The Associated Press. In Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, the nation’s industrial center long desired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, conditions are “critical,” though Ukrainian forces report maintaining their positions.

“Russia is trying, on the tactical level, some new approaches” using mechanized infantry and armored units in its campaign, noted Robert Murrett, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral serving as deputy director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law.

Intense combat continues along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line extending through eastern and southern Ukraine, reported Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s military forces, this week.

Moscow’s troops have achieved only modest territorial advances in rural areas. Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula seized in 2014.

Russian military analysts anticipate renewed Moscow efforts to establish positions in southern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. This would prepare for potential advances toward regional capitals serving as vital industrial centers.

Russia’s strategy involves encircling and isolating cities while reducing them to ruins through bombardment.

After devastating Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure during one of the harshest winters in recent years, Russian drone and missile attacks on civilian areas persist without interruption.

The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reports more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths from the war.

Ukraine has developed extended-range drones and missiles to strike rear-area targets supporting Moscow’s war effort. These attacks have targeted oil refineries, chemical facilities, ammunition storage sites, and military supply centers up to 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) from Ukraine.

Washington’s diplomatic initiatives remain suspended while the White House is “totally distracted by Iran,” Murrett observed.

Extended U.S.-facilitated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv delegations have failed to resolve fundamental issues, including territorial control and preventing future Russian aggression.

Russia has declined Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal. European officials have accused Putin of delaying peace talks while his military attempts to capture additional Ukrainian territory.

The Kremlin maintains its “maximalist demands” for any agreement, and only “overwhelming” Western military and financial backing for Ukraine would compel Putin to retreat, Murrett stated.

NEW YORK — Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court Thursday, attempting to dismiss his drug trafficking charges based on disputes over who will pay his attorney fees.

Maduro’s defense attorney argues that the United States is infringing on the former leader’s constitutional protections by preventing Venezuelan government money from covering his legal expenses.

This marks the first court appearance for Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, since their January arraignment where he challenged their seizure by American military personnel and stated: “I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.” Flores has entered a not guilty plea as well.

The couple continues to be held at a Brooklyn detention facility, with neither requesting bail. Judge Alvin Hellerstein has not yet scheduled a trial date, though one may be announced during the hearing.

The 63-year-old Maduro and 69-year-old Flores still maintain backing in Venezuela, where murals and signs throughout Caracas call for their release. However, while Maduro’s political party maintains control, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has gradually removed his influence from the government.

Rodríguez has dismissed key officials including Maduro’s loyal defense secretary and top prosecutor, restructured government departments, named new diplomatic representatives, and dismantled elements of the socialist ideology that has controlled Venezuela for over twenty years.

She has also transformed state broadcasting, which had featured Maduro’s lengthy nightly programs. Rodríguez prefers brief appearances without the musical performances her predecessor frequently enjoyed.

Venezuela has renewed diplomatic ties with the United States, which severed relations with Maduro’s administration in 2019 and backed the opposition-led National Assembly leader as the nation’s rightful president. Washington has relaxed economic penalties on Venezuela’s vital petroleum sector and sent a diplomatic representative to Caracas.

However, these developments may not help Maduro and Flores avoid paying their own legal costs.

According to a court document filed last month, Maduro’s attorney Barry Pollack stated that the Treasury Department’s sanctions office reversed its decision regarding Venezuela funding his legal representation.

The office initially granted approval on January 9, Pollack explained, but withdrew it without justification less than three hours afterward.

In a sworn statement submitted to the court, Maduro maintained that he is “entitled to have the government of Venezuela pay for my legal defense.”

Federal prosecutors countered that the government had permitted Maduro and Flores to use personal assets for legal fees but would not allow payments from a sanctioned government account.

Maduro stated in his filing that he cannot afford his legal representation. To receive a court-appointed attorney funded by taxpayers, he must demonstrate financial inability to pay.

Maduro and Flores were captured January 3 during a nighttime operation at their Caracas residence.

A 25-page criminal indictment alleges he and co-conspirators collaborated with drug trafficking organizations and military personnel to enable the transport of thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States.

The couple faces accusations of ordering abductions, assaults, and murders of individuals who owed drug proceeds or threatened their trafficking network. This included executing a drug kingpin in Caracas, according to the charges. A conviction could result in life imprisonment.

Following Maduro’s removal, daily conditions for most Venezuelans remain unchanged.

Numerous government workers earn approximately $160 monthly, while private sector employees average around $237. The previous year saw inflation reach 475%, based on Venezuela’s central bank data, making food and basic necessities unaffordable for many citizens.

BEIJING, March 26 – Zhao Leji, who serves as China’s highest-ranking legislative official and holds the third most powerful position in the Communist Party, delivered remarks Thursday at the Boao Forum, a major international conference often called Asia’s equivalent to the Davos meetings held in Switzerland.

The summit also featured Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as a speaker, while South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok delivered his remarks through video after canceling his in-person attendance due to ongoing conflict in Iran.

During his address, Zhao highlighted growing global tensions without singling out any specific nations. “Geopolitical conflicts and regional wars keep emerging. Unilateralism and power politics are posing greater threats,” he stated.

The Chinese official called on nations worldwide to work through their disagreements using “political settlement” and “peaceful means,” though he avoided referencing any particular disputes or conflicts.

Turning to economic matters, Zhao outlined China’s plans to boost domestic consumer spending while maintaining the country’s role in supporting worldwide economic growth. He emphasized that China remains committed to keeping its economy – the world’s second largest – accessible to international businesses.

Zhao also reinforced a commitment made earlier this week by Premier Li Qiang at the China Development Forum, promising that foreign companies operating in China will receive “national treatment” – meaning they’ll be treated the same as domestic firms.

President Donald Trump claims Iranian leadership is eager to negotiate an end to almost four weeks of warfare, while Tehran’s top diplomat maintains his nation is only examining a U.S. ceasefire proposal without engaging in actual negotiations.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi clarified during a Wednesday state television appearance that while various communications have passed through third-party nations, Iran has not entered into formal discussions with the United States.

“Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi explained. “It is simply an exchange of messages through our friends.”

Speaking at a Washington event later Wednesday, Trump countered that Iranian officials “are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they will be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

The president has not revealed which Iranian representatives the U.S. might be communicating with, as thousands of high-ranking officials have perished across the Middle East since the conflict began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel, American bases, and Gulf nations.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in an Israeli attack on the first day of hostilities and was succeeded by his son Mojtaba, who has been injured in subsequent strikes and has not appeared publicly since taking power.

The warfare’s consequences have created unprecedented global disruption, triggering what experts call the most severe energy crisis in recorded history.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows, has sparked fuel shortages worldwide. Industries from aviation to retail and automotive are facing mounting costs, declining demand, and broken supply chains, prompting some nations to consider emergency measures similar to those implemented during the COVID pandemic.

Agricultural producers cannot obtain adequate diesel fuel for equipment, and the World Food Programme projects tens of millions more people could experience severe hunger if hostilities extend into June.

According to three Israeli cabinet sources, a 15-point American ceasefire proposal delivered through Pakistan demands Iran eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, cease enrichment activities, restrict its ballistic missile programs, and end financial support for regional partners.

The White House refused to reveal details of its offer while warning of escalated military action.

“If they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced to reporters.

Israeli defense officials expressed doubt Iran would accept the proposed conditions and worry U.S. negotiators might offer concessions. Israel seeks to maintain its ability to launch preemptive attacks under any future agreement, according to a second source.

Iran has communicated through intermediaries that any ceasefire arrangement must include Lebanon, six regional sources familiar with Tehran’s stance reported.

Market optimism about potential conflict resolution that had lifted global stocks earlier this week diminished Thursday, with oil prices climbing again.

“Optimism regarding a ceasefire has faded,” noted Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute.

Military operations continued across the Gulf region as Israeli forces announced completion of extensive infrastructure strikes throughout Iran on Thursday, following additional attacks Wednesday.

Admiral Brad Cooper, Central Command chief overseeing U.S. Middle East operations, reported American forces have struck more than 10,000 Iranian targets and are successfully limiting Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.

Cooper stated in a Wednesday video briefing that 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels have been destroyed and drone and missile launch capabilities have dropped over 90%. Combined U.S.-Israeli operations have damaged or destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval manufacturing facilities and shipyards, Cooper added.

Pentagon officials are preparing to deploy thousands of airborne troops to the Gulf region, providing Trump additional options for potential ground operations, sources told Reuters. This would supplement two Marine contingents already en route, with the first amphibious assault unit expected to arrive by month’s end.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the “world is staring down the barrel of a wider war” in the region.

“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder – and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he declared at U.N. headquarters in New York.

KATHMANDU – An investigative commission in Nepal has called for criminal prosecution of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, citing his failure to prevent deadly violence during anti-corruption demonstrations last September.

The commission found Oli negligent for allowing security forces to continue firing on demonstrators for hours, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 young protesters on the opening day of anti-government demonstrations that ultimately toppled the administration in the Himalayan nation.

According to the commission’s findings released Wednesday evening, the two-day period of civil unrest resulted in 76 fatalities and left 2,522 people injured. Government officials had previously reported a death toll of 77.

The 970-page investigation report, written in Nepali, stated: “As the executive head … Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad.”

The commission also determined that Oli’s interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and the police commissioner at the time, Chandra Kuber Khapung, should face criminal charges for their roles in the deadly response to the protests.

JAKARTA – A top Indonesian military intelligence commander has resigned in connection with a brutal acid attack that left a prominent human rights advocate with severe burns across his face and body, military officials confirmed Thursday.

Andrie Yunus, who serves as deputy coordinator for KontraS, a human rights organization dedicated to missing persons and violence victims, sustained acid burns covering 20 percent of his face and body when attackers on motorcycles doused him with the corrosive substance on March 12.

The assault has generated widespread outrage both domestically and internationally. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the incident as a “cowardly act of violence.”

Military spokesman Aulia Dwi Nasrullah told Reuters that Yudi Abrimantyo, who headed the military’s intelligence division, completed a “handing over of position” as he takes responsibility for the attack.

The Indonesian armed forces had previously detained four military personnel from the intelligence division in connection with the assault. According to Aulia, those found guilty could face consequences ranging from internal discipline to dishonorable dismissal from service.

Yudi, who was not among the four arrested officers, could not be reached by Reuters for his response.

The attack has heightened worries about Indonesia’s democratic institutions deteriorating. Under President Prabowo Subianto, a former military general, the armed forces have substantially expanded their involvement in civilian affairs and commercial enterprises in what ranks as the world’s third-largest democracy.

During a recent media roundtable, Prabowo characterized the assault on Andrie as “terrorism” and promised a comprehensive investigation with full accountability.

Hundreds of Indonesian civil rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have described the attack as attempted murder. The activist had recently completed recording a podcast discussing military expansion just before the incident occurred.

In response to the intelligence chief’s resignation, KontraS called on Prabowo to establish an independent investigative body for the case, demanding it be processed through civilian rather than military courts – a position also supported by Human Rights Watch earlier this week.

“What happened to Andrie Yunus is a serious crime that occurred in a civilian space, outside of the context of the military work as well as state defence operations,” KontraS and other civil society groups said in a joint statement.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Thursday that his government has received written assurance from Washington that a major weapons deal remains on schedule, despite rising tensions between the United States and China ahead of their leaders’ planned meeting.

The weapons package, valued at approximately $14 billion and featuring sophisticated interceptor missiles, awaits final approval from President Trump and could move forward following his scheduled visit to China, according to sources familiar with the discussions reported by Reuters earlier this month.

Trump’s Beijing trip, initially planned for early April, has been delayed until May 14-15 due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

The island nation, which Beijing considers part of its territory, will likely feature prominently in discussions between the two leaders. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Trump during a phone conversation to handle weapons sales to the democratically-led island with caution.

When questioned by lawmakers about whether the upcoming Trump-Xi summit might affect American arms sales, Koo revealed that his government had already obtained written confirmation of Washington’s commitment to authorize the pending transaction.

“We have also been in close communication with the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency regarding its willingness to provide this to us, including guidance concerning the items, the amount, and the transaction,” Koo stated, declining to provide additional specifics.

According to Koo, the weapons package continues to undergo standard internal review processes within the United States, and Taiwan has not been informed of any postponements.

The State Department, which typically addresses inquiries regarding Taiwan policy, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Beijing has consistently urged Washington to halt military sales to Taipei. The most recent transaction in December totaled $11 billion, marking the largest arms deal in Taiwan’s history.

Despite the absence of official diplomatic relations, the United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and defense supplier, with legal obligations to ensure the island can maintain its security.

In recent years, Taiwan has encountered increased military pressure from China, including large-scale military exercises near its borders.

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France – Top diplomats from the world’s major Western nations are convening in France this week as global tensions mount over conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, coupled with growing anxiety about shifting American foreign policy directions.

The two-day diplomatic summit is taking place at a renovated 12th-century abbey located approximately 25 miles southwest of Paris, bringing together representatives from the G7 nations – the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan – along with European Union officials.

This alliance, which originally formed as a group of six nations in the nearby town of Rambouillet five decades ago, has historically tackled major economic and international challenges through unified approaches.

However, that unity has become strained following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025.

AMERICA’S ROLE QUESTIONED

International partners and rivals have spent recent months adapting to sudden changes in American policy positions, spanning from trade tariffs to Ukraine strategy, and extending to Middle East operations that European officials describe as lacking defined goals or clear exit plans.

On Wednesday, France’s top military leader expressed frustration with Washington’s inconsistent approach, stating it was affecting allied nations’ security and interests.

Thomas Gomart, who leads the Paris-based French Institute of International Relations, offered this assessment: “The U.S. attitude is an element of destabilisation of the international system for all players, not only for members of the G7, but also for China, (and) for many, many countries in the world.”

Highlighting the departure from traditional cooperation, organizers have scrapped plans for a comprehensive joint statement to prevent public disagreements.

SEEKING ANSWERS ON IRAN STRATEGY

Allied nations are particularly eager to hear from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to participate in Friday’s sessions.

Diplomatic sources indicate that partner countries want detailed explanations regarding American and Israeli military actions targeting Iran, and whether any viable diplomatic pathways remain to resolve the crisis.

Discussions will also address the Strait of Hormuz situation, where Iranian actions have effectively blocked shipping lanes that handle roughly 20 percent of worldwide oil transport.

Additional participants include ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia – all economically significant nations whose cooperation is crucial for addressing global security, energy, and diplomatic challenges.

UKRAINE CONCERNS PERSIST

Peace negotiations regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have reached an impasse, with European leaders worried that the United States – currently spearheading diplomatic efforts while pursuing improved relations with Moscow – might pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms before America’s November midterm elections.

European representatives plan to emphasize to Rubio that such an outcome would be unacceptable, instead advocating for strengthened sanctions against Russia and immediate preparations to help Ukraine survive another wartime winter.

These preparations should encompass protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has faced repeated Russian attacks, along with sustained military assistance for Kyiv, officials stated.

An Italian diplomatic source explained: “We will reiterate firm support for Kyiv and for U.S. mediation efforts, stressing the need to maintain strong pressure on Moscow through sanctions.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister will participate in the discussions.

The gathering also supports French objectives leading up to its hosting of the G7 leaders’ summit in the Alps next June, focusing on addressing global inequalities and challenges facing international cooperation. Paris has been working to involve China more directly in these conversations.

Officials identify one potential area of agreement during France’s leadership: establishing a G7 task force dedicated to combating international drug trafficking.