Kuwait Blames Iran for Attack on Power and Desalination Plants
In Kuwait, an Iranian attack on Friday damaged a power and water desalination plant, officials said. Both sides in the Iran war have ramped up strikes on civilian targets.
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The soft power of flowers: their influence as a diplomatic tool in state visits and peace talks
The blooms adorning the Vatican during Easter and the tulips in the White House gardens come from the Netherlands. But this cultural symbol is also used extensively by other countries in their international relations
Paramilitary forces in Sudan kill at least 10 people in hospital drone attack, medical group says
The Rapid Support Forces killed at least 10 people in a drone attack on a Sudanese hospital, according to a medical group
Iran fires on targets across the Mideast while Israel and US hit Tehran as war nears end of 5th week
Iran has fired on targets across the Middle East, damaging a desalination plant and setting a refinery ablaze in Kuwait
Hong Kong documentary pulled from cinemas 3 years ago to be screened in Italy
An award-winning documentary capturing the lives of six girls over 10 years by Hong Kong director Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting will be screened at a film festival in Italy, three years after it was pulled from local cinemas due to a lack of consent from interviewees. To My Nineteen-year-old Self, which centres on Ying Wa Girls’ School, was one of the four special screenings revealed in the Far East…
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing appointed president after ‘sham’ election
Min Aung Hlaing seized control five years ago and plunged Myanmar into conflict and economic chaos Min Aung Hlaing, the military general who plunged Myanmar into conflict and economic chaos when he took power in the 2021 coup has been appointed president, months after widely condemned sham elections. Min Aung Hlaing, who is wanted by the prosecutor of the international criminal court for crimes…
People of Burkina Faso should forget about democracy, says military ruler
Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in 2022 coup, tells state broadcaster ‘we must tell the truth, democracy isn’t for us’ People in Burkina Faso should forget about democracy as it is “not for us”, the military president, Ibrahim Traoré, told the country’s state broadcaster. Traoré took power in a coup in September 2022 , toppling another junta that had taken power just nine months earlier. He has…
Iran war revives the risk of stagflation 50 years after the last major crisis
European political and economic authorities warn about the danger of entering a phase of low growth and high inflation of up to 6%, if the conflict in the Middle East becomes entrenched
Rats versus pets: Hong Kong dog owners want rodent poison in boxes, not bags
Hong Kong pet owners have called for environmental authorities to place rat poison in boxes instead of hanging them in transparent bags, with one owner saying his dog had to visit the veterinarian three times in recent months after accidentally consuming pellets that spilled from broken bags onto the pavement. In response to queries by the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental…
Hong Kong committed to helping mainland China’s health standards ‘go global’
Hong Kong is committed to helping mainland China’s medical and health standards “go global”, with a local minister hailing the city’s first time hosting a national medical conference as an event of “great significance”. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau also said Hong Kong was striving to meet the mainland’s certification requirements for a local stroke centre, following the accreditation of a…
Hong Kong set for thunderstorms and showers on Saturday, Observatory says
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong is expected to be hit by thunderstorms and showers on Saturday, with the weather to remain unsettled for the rest of the Easter holiday, the local forecaster has warned. The Hong Kong Observatory said on Friday that occasional showers – which would…
Hong Kong customs seizes HK$280,000 worth of dried shark fins from Panama
Hong Kong customs officers have seized about 162kg of suspected dried shark fins from protected species worth about HK$280,000 (US$35,720) from Panama at the airport. The Customs and Excise Department said on Friday that officers inspected an air consignment declared as dried fish maw arriving from the country the day before. Upon inspection, officers found six boxes of suspected scheduled dried…
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Iran War Live Updates: Trump Escalates Threat to Hit Iranian Power Plants After U.S. Rescues Downed Airman
President Trump used an expletive-laden social media post to taunt Iranian leaders, saying that the United States would attack if they did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The New York Times World -
A milestone for Artemis II: Astronauts enter the 'lunar sphere of influence'
The crew’s Orion capsule entered what’s known as the lunar sphere of influence at around 12:41 a.m. ET Monday, crossing into the region of space where the moon’s gravitational pull is stronger than…
NBC News -
'Two weeks will make such a difference': UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave
Northern Ireland becomes first part of UK to bring in legal entitlement for parents affected by miscarriage at any stage of a pregnancy to have paid leave.
BBC News (Front page) -
Iran-US war latest: Tehran warns of ‘devastating’ retaliation if Trump follows through on swear-laden threats
US president threatens to hit Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday
The Independent World -
Australia news live: national auction clearance rate hits lowest point since 2022; petrol drops 32 cents over past week after fuel tax cuts
Follow today’s news live Watch American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson win her Stawell Gift heat The Paris Olympic 100m silver medallist started from scratch but powered past the field with ease. Co…
The Guardian World -
Middle East crisis live: Tehran warns Trump over strait of Hormuz threat; Netanyahu suggests Israel helped rescue downed US crew member
Iran’s parliamentary speaker decries US president’s ‘reckless moves’ after expletive-ridden threat; Israeli PM says Trump ‘expressed his appreciation for Israel’s help’ Trump warns Iran to reopen s…
The Guardian World -
Japanese troops make history by joining military drills in Philippines
The GSDF soldiers on Monday became the first "combat-capable" Japanese troops to train in the Southeast Asian country since the end of World War II.
The Japan Times -
Deontay Wilder calls out Joshua after beating Derek Chisora
Wilder came face to face with Joshua as he walked past the Briton after the fight. The two fist-bumped, and the American said, "Let's do it."
The Japan Times -
From digging coal to selling noodles? China’s mining workers face change
As China runs away from the rest of the world in developing renewable energy, its coal mining industry is facing the prospect of major change
ABC News International -
Mystique of Masters' iconic green jacket endures ahead of 2026 tournament
Only the reigning champion is allowed to take his green jacket off the club's property, and then only until he returns to defend it the following year.
The Japan Times -
This Is Not China’s War, but Beijing Started Preparing for It Years Ago
Long concerned about geopolitical crises, China redoubled efforts to secure energy security when President Trump started raising the stakes in his first term.
The New York Times World -
Warning issued after university student loses HK$190,000 in internship scam
English-speaking con artists have targeted university students seeking summer internships, using a bogus 40-minute orientation session to make their dubious job offers appear genuine, Hong Kong pol…
South China Morning Post -
The Greens, Reform and the end of two-party politics? – podcast
In part two of our interview, Kiran Stacey speaks to the political scientist Prof Rob Ford about the voters Labour and the Conservatives are losing to the Greens and Reform, and how May’s elections…
The Guardian Politics -
Sick pay rule changes to benefit up to 9.6m UK workers, TUC says
Union says new entitlements, part of Employment Rights Act 2025, will help lower-income households Up to 9.6 million UK workers are to benefit from the changes to sick pay rules, according to union…
The Guardian World -
‘Not the Cairo we know’: Energy shock from Iran war dims Egypt nights
Officials in Egypt say the decision to order shops to close early for a month was unavoidable, given the country's heavy reliance on imported fuel.
The Japan Times -
At least 15 killed in strikes on Lebanon – as it happened
This blog has now closed. Our live coverage of the US-Israel war on Iran continues here Iranian media has claims that a US aircraft was destroyed while searching for the crew member of a missing US…
The Guardian World -
Artemis II astronauts expected to reach far side of moon on Monday
Nasa team get deeper into space than any humans have ever ventured Astronauts on the historic Artemis II mission are expected to reach the far side of the moon on Monday, venturing deeper into spac…
The Guardian World -
Three Charged With Arson in Attack on U.K. Jewish Charity’s Ambulances
A fourth suspect was arrested after showing up at a hearing for the defendants, the police said. The March attack was widely condemned but has not been declared a terrorist incident.
The New York Times World -
Oil prices choppy after expletive-laden Trump threat to Iran
Brent crude rose above $110 before those gains eased after a report of US-Iran talks over a potential ceasefire.
BBC News (Front page) -
Trump's 'expletive-laden tirade' and US airman's 'got gun' miracle escape
The majority of the papers lead with Donald Trump's latest threat to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
BBC News (Front page) -
Imperial family visits Fukushima to inspect reconstruction efforts
The trip marks the first time since the disaster that the emperor and his family have visited the municipalities where the nuclear accident occurred.
The Japan Times -
Hungary's opposition surfs grassroots wave ahead of key election
First-time activists are fueling an effort to unseat Viktor Orban by building a grassroots movement across rural Hungary.
The Japan Times -
Why are more children in Japan staying away from school?
More than 25% of elementary and junior high students who took part in a survey said bullying was the initial cause for wanting to stop attending school.
The Japan Times -
Chris Murphy on Trump’s Iran threat: ‘A clear war crime’
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday derided President Trump’s latest threats to Iran as “war crimes” if committed. “Trump is calling reporters today to tell them he is going to commit mass war cr…
The Hill -
South Korea president says regrets 'reckless' drones sent to North
Seoul initially denied any official role in the January drone incursion but Lee Jae Myung said a probe had revealed government officials had been involved.
The Japan Times -
Housing authorities expand use of smart technologies to support elderly
Hong Kong’s housing authorities will expand the use of smart technologies, such as door sensors, in-home fall detectors and stair climbers, to enhance safety and convenience for elderly residents a…
South China Morning Post -
Middle East war live: Iran vows 'devastating' response after Trump threatens civilian targets
Iran’s central military command said Monday that any attacks on civilian targets would trigger a “much more devastating” response. The statement followed a warning from US President Donald Trump, w…
France 24 English -
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Five killed and 19 injured after Moscow strikes market with drones, says Kyiv
Russia fired more than 280 drones overnight
The Independent World -
KKR-backed SmartHR said to be mulling Tokyo IPO later this year
The Japanese human resources platform operator is among the country's few unicorns, or unlisted startups that have been valued at more than $1 billion.
The Japan Times -
China built the world’s drone industry. Now it’s locking down the skies.
New regulations are tightening rules for recreational and civilian operators, with penalties for unauthorized flying of drones to include possible jail time.
The Japan Times -
Why tanka poetry is clicking with a new generation
A centuries-old poetic form is being reshaped through everyday experiences, online exchange and a new generation of writers.
The Japan Times -
Stacey Abrams on Trump’s mail-in voting order: ‘Patently illegal’
Former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams (D) on Saturday slammed President Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting as unconstitutional and illegal. “It is patently illegal, and it is entirely in t…
The Hill -
Japan’s much-needed intel debate could cost Takaichi political points
While the Liberal Democratic Party will not likely face major obstacles in the intelligence debate, it still could weigh down Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration.
The Japan Times -
Hungary's Viktor Orban: Global ‘illiberal role-model’
The shrewd prime minister has constantly tweaked his country's political system to rule for 16 straight years as a dominant, albeit divisive figure.
The Japan Times -
American woman missing after husband reports she fell overboard during Bahamas trip
An American woman was swept out to sea after she fell overboard during an evening dinghy trip with her husband off the Bahamas on Saturday, police said
NBC News -
Artemis II astronauts prepare for historic Moon flyby
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will journey around the Moon, marking a major milestone in the Artemis II mission. The historic flyby promises not only breathtaking views…
France 24 English -
Trump invokes religious rhetoric in praise of Iran rescue, drawing criticism
U.S. President Donald Trump's blending of religious references with threats of military action drew criticism that it blurred the line between faith and policy.
The Japan Times -
Trump warns Iran to reopen strait of Hormuz by Tuesday or face ‘hell’
President shifts deadline again for attacking power plants and bridges in expletive-ridden social media post Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump issued an expletive-laden warning on Sund…
The Guardian World -
UCLA storms past South Carolina to claim its 1st NCAA women's basketball title
UCLA secured the first NCAA women's basketball national championship in school history — a goal that was set after losing in the first Final Four last season.
NPR News -
Australian Human Rights Commission investigates racial discrimination complaint against NSW government
Investigation comes after South Asian Muslim and caste-oppressed Hindu community representatives lodged formal complaint Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Australian …
The Guardian World -
Kyoto Gov. Nishiwaki wins third term
Takatoshi Nishiwaki, an independent, was backed by the Liberal Democratic Party, among others.
The Japan Times -
A music festival booked Kanye West, now known as Ye, and lost major sponsors
The rapper Ye was announced as the headliner for the Wireless Festival in London. He's gained notoriety over the years for his antisemitic comments and activities glorifying Nazis.
NPR News -
Savannah Guthrie opens up about ‘disappointment with God’ in heartbreaking Easter message as search for mom continues
Nancy Guthrie was last seen more than two months ago at her home near Tucson, Arizona
The Independent World -
Obama, Newsom congratulate UCLA for winning first NCAA women’s basketball championship
The women’s basketball program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) captured its first NCAA title on Sunday, receiving praise from former President Obama and California Gov. Gavin Ne…
The Hill -
Israel renews Lebanon strikes and forces Syria border crossing closed
Israel has launched airstrikes across Lebanon since March 2, when armed group Hezbollah entered the Middle East war on the side of its backer, Iran.
The Japan Times -
Nigeria troops rescue Easter worshippers after deadly church attack
Nigeria’s military said Sunday it rescued 31 worshippers abducted during Easter services in northwestern Kaduna state, after troops engaged gunmen in a firefight, though at least five people were k…
France 24 English -
How one factory in China learned to live with Trump, tariffs and turmoil
A Chinese electronics supplier ended 2025 more convinced than ever of China's manufacturing strengths.
The Japan Times -
A Harrowing Race Against Time to Find a Downed U.S. Airman in Iran
For the Iranians, the Air Force colonel whose fighter jet had been shot down was possible leverage. For the U.S. military, finding him was a moral imperative.
The New York Times US -
Here’s What Happened in the War in the Middle East on Sunday
President Trump taunted Iran on social media, while strikes continued in Iran, Israel, Lebanon and some Gulf states.
The New York Times World -
How a US clampdown affected mainland Chinese, Hong Kong student visa numbers
A US clampdown on visas for mainland Chinese and Hong Kong students last May led to year-on-year declines of 42 per cent and 35 per cent in the number of permits granted, but a consultant has said …
South China Morning Post