A Chinese fighter jet flew extremely close to a Philippine coast guard plane on a surveillance flight over Scarborough, putting the lives of journalists on board at risk. The incident occurred after repeated warnings from authorities to stop dangerous maneuvers and adhere to anti-collision regulations. The Australian Embassy in Manila expressed concern over the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, where a Philippine Coast Guard commodore warned that China's actions are a
The distribution of AI economic benefits is expected to be skewed towards developed countries, with only 3% going to Latin America and 6% to developed Asia excluding China, leaving the combined populations of Africa, Oceania, and other Asian markets with a mere 8%. This has sparked debate on issues such as the dominance of Western AI development, the potential for open-source technologies to bridge the digital divide, and concerns over national security risks. The G7's promoted AI principles are also criticized for being based on assumptions about the Global North, neglecting the involvement of the Global South in AI development.
Angela Merkel and Donald Trump led a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with other European leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer. The meeting aimed to discuss an unconditional ceasefire for Ukraine, with Merkel promising a new package of sanctions and financial support. Zelensky will join the meeting from Berlin before it begins.
Mexico has sent over 26 suspected cartel members to the US on Tuesday, amid pressure from President Donald Trump to dismantle powerful drug organisations. The extradition is the second of its kind this year, following a similar transfer in February. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's decision allows her to appease Trump while avoiding unilateral military action. Among those extradited are key figures from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, two dominant organised crime groups in Mexico.
The Taliban's new rule in Afghanistan has led to a significant erosion of women's rights, with the morality police enforcing strict restrictions on female travel and access to healthcare. In Kandahar Province, women are required to be accompanied by a male guardian or "mahram" when traveling or working at health clinics. This has resulted in increased maternal mortality rates due to preventable pregnancy complications, exacerbated by severe shortages of qualified birth attendants and an under-resourced healthcare system. The Taliban's ban on university education for women and closure of private schools offering midwifery and nursing courses have further worsened the situation, leaving Afghan women and girls facing "devastating" consequences, including shorter and less healthy lives.
US President Donald Trump accepted a bilateral meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the Alaska summit, but not a trilateral meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy. The US proposal aimed to gain a better understanding of how to end the war in Ukraine. Despite Russia's advances, Ukraine recently retaken two villages in the Sumy region. European leaders expressed concerns that Trump may reward Putin for his efforts to seize Ukrainian territory. Russian officials cite Ukraine's alleged discrimination against Russian speakers and NATO expansion as the
The US government has issued a travel advisory for Mexico, urging citizens to exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Travelers are advised to avoid traveling alone in remote areas and not drive between Mexican border cities and the interior of Mexico. Certain states, including Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Morelos, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, are at Level 4, where travel is not recommended due to a high risk of violence and possible kidnapping by terrorist groups and cartels.
US diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to both India and Pakistan, stating that Washington's ties with the two nations remain unchanged despite recent tensions. Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, and top US leaders participated in a counter-terrorism dialogue in Islamabad, where they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats. The US-Pakistan relationship remains unchanged, while India sharply reacted to remarks made by Pakistani General Musharraf, criticizing Pakistan's nuclear policies and accusing the country of being hand-in-glove with terrorist groups.
The US State Department's 2024 report on Paraguay highlights serious human rights concerns, including freedom of expression, press harassment, and restrictions on civil society. Credible allegations of torture, arbitrary detentions, and censorship have been reported, with the government targeting NGOs and media through parliamentary committees. Pro-government politicians have threatened journalists with legal action for investigating corruption. High-level officials, police, and military personnel enjoy impunity, while low- and mid-level officials face punishment for abuses. The report notes systemic problems and increasing pressure on the press and civil society, citing issues such as prolonged pretrial detention, corruption, and a shortage of judges.