US Secretary of State Rubio to meet Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week

Russia's Medvedev says Ukraine's forces in Kursk are almost surrounded

US orders its non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan

Secret Service shoots armed man near White House overnight, agency says

China hits back at Canada with fresh agriculture tariffs

China has imposed tariffs on $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural products in response to Canada’s previous import duties. The new tariffs, effective March 20, target key exports like rapeseed oil, pork, and aquatic products.

Security cooperation and regional developments discussed in Amman today

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji participates in a meeting with delegates from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq to discuss security cooperation and regional developments in Amman, Jordan, on March 9, 2025.

Israel to send team for Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar

Massive disruption of Visa, Mastercard services in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with the Saudi Crown Prince

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, ahead of further talks with U.S. officials later in the week on peace efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Antarctica’s ozone hole is healing and is expected to disappear entirely in the near future

A new MIT study confirms that the ozone hole over Antarctica is healing, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, with full recovery possible in the next decade.

Mass for the Jubilee of volunteers in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican

Rome hosts the fifth major Jubilee event this weekend, with 25,000 pilgrims and volunteers from 100+ countries gathering for a pilgrimage, cultural dialogues, and a Mass led by Cardinal Michael Czerny in St. Peter’s Square.

In Serbia, female students marked International Women's Day by leading protests against corruption

On International Women's Day, female students in Serbia took the lead in ongoing protests against corruption, with thousands joining a separate student-led rally to challenge the populist government, amid growing public discontent following a deadly incident linked to government negligence.

XPeng to mass-produce flying cars by 2026

XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.

US charges 12 Chinese nationals with hacking

US prosecutors have charged 12 Chinese nationals for hacking US companies and institutions, causing millions in damages. The charges involve a hacker-for-hire network linked to surveillance and transnational repression.

Construction of the paddock for the 2025 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has officially begun

Preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix have begun, with the paddock reconstruction underway on Neftchilar Avenue, Baku. The race will take place from September 19-21, offering another thrilling event for the city.

Scientists reveal the structure of a crucial enzyme that could block the energy supply to cancer cells

Scientists have unveiled the structure of uMtCK, a key enzyme cancer cells use for energy, offering new insights for targeted therapies to slow tumor growth.

Pope had another calm night in hospital and is resting, Vatican reports

Pope Francis, recovering from double pneumonia, spent another "tranquil" night in hospital, with his condition remaining stable, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.

London Eye, iconic observation wheel, celebrates 25 years

The London Eye marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, celebrating 85 million visitors and becoming an iconic part of London's skyline. Since its 2000 debut, the observation wheel has symbolized the city’s spirit and has been central to its New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Smoke billows from Taiwan's Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant

Taiwan’s Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County released large plumes of black smoke around 11:30 am local time, prompting a swift response from local fire authorities. The cause of the smoke remains unclear, and the situation is under investigation

'Issue settled forever': Kyrgyzstan exchanges conflict areas on border with Tajikistan

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have agreed to exchange disputed border areas, addressing long-standing conflicts, according to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. The agreement, signed on February 21, aims to resolve territorial issues permanently, with both countries’ interests taken into account.

Putin names Alexander Darchiyev as Russia's new ambassador to the United States

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Darchiyev as the new ambassador to the U.S., following U.S. approval. Darchiyev, a seasoned diplomat, will manage the complex Russia-U.S. relations.

2 pilots dead as wreckage of missing Philippine fighter jet found

A Philippine Air Force F-50 fighter jet, missing during a tactical night mission in Bukidnon, has been found wrecked at Mount Kalatungan. Tragically, both pilots aboard the aircraft lost their lives. The crash occurred while ground troops were engaged in clashes with members of the New People's Army

China Places 15 U.S. Companies on Export Control List

China has added 15 U.S. companies to its export control list, citing national security concerns, amid ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.

Israel could resume fighting within 10 days if no agreement is reached

Negotiations for the continued release of hostages held in Gaza have stalled, with no progress reported in talks between Israel and Hamas. Sources indicate that if a deal is not reached within the next week, Israel may resume military actions in Gaza, potentially escalating the ongoing conflict.