China began live-fire drills in the Gulf of Tonkin after Vietnam established a new territorial baseline. The drills, running through Thursday, follow ongoing maritime disputes between China and Vietnam, particularly in the South China Sea. China has grown increasingly aggressive, clashing with Vietnam, the Philippines, and other nations over territorial claims. Recent tensions include confrontations with Philippine forces and concerns from Australia and New Zealand over sudden Chinese naval exercises.
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British Hindu groups have condemned a police report alleging their extremists are allying with far-right factions over a shared antipathy towards Muslims. The groups insist the claims are baseless and misrepresent the community, elevating concerns about safety and marginalization.
The two parties hoping to form Germany's next government are planning to plough hundreds of billions of euros into defence and infrastructure when in power, the Bild newspaper reported Sunday. Both sides' negotiators looked at economist reports evaluating the needs of the German army at 400 billion euros and that of the country's infrastructure at half a trillion euros, Bild added.
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is overwhelmed by the volume of supporter photos he receives in Brooklyn jail. Despite pleading not guilty, Mangione has amassed significant backing, raising over $615,000 for his legal defense. His legal team appreciates the public's support ahead of his ongoing trial for the high-profile murder.
The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit for European visitors, priced at £10, rising to £16 from April 9. The ETA aims to enhance security and expedite entry procedures with background checks and faster border crossings. Valid for two years, the system initially applies to approximately 30 countries, excluding Ireland.
The US and Philippine air forces conducted a joint patrol and air-intercept drills over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, marking their first under President Trump’s new term. Two US B-1 bombers and three Philippine FA-50 jets participated, enhancing coordination and combat readiness. Tensions remain high after Chinese jets fired flares at a Philippine aircraft last year. The US reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines against attacks in the South China Sea.
Greece’s defense minister Nikos Dendias urged the EU to ease strict defense spending limits, calling them "schizophrenic" amid growing security concerns. He emphasized that military self-sufficiency requires greater financial flexibility, aligning with Nato commitments. Greece and Cyprus, along with 19 other EU states, support expanded access to European Investment Bank funds for defense. Key decisions on EU military strengthening will be ratified at an upcoming summit.
Over 100 North Korean soldiers have reportedly died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine since December, with nearly 1,000 injured. Deployed to the Kursk region, these troops, often used as frontline assault units, are struggling against Ukrainian drone warfare and unfamiliar terrain. Rumors suggest further North Korean deployments are possible, with Russia potentially offering military technology in return.
In Clatskanie, Oregon, a shooting incident on Saturday afternoon resulted in two deaths and three injuries. Among the deceased was the suspected shooter. One critically injured victim was airlifted to the hospital. Authorities confirmed no ongoing threat and stated all individuals involved knew each other. The Columbia county major crimes team and Oregon State Police are investigating the case.
Former President Trump proposed reassigning nearly 90,000 IRS agents to the southern border or terminating their positions. This follows his administration's hiring freeze across federal departments, excluding national security, public safety, and military services. His plans also include significant trade modifications and tariffs on foreign countries to increase American revenue.
US President Donald Trump announced an upcoming deal with Ukraine to access its valuable rare earth minerals. Trump's directive aims to boost US production of critical minerals. However, last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the deal due to inadequate security guarantees, leading to strained US-Ukraine relations amid ongoing conflict with Russia.