Taiwan: Rescue efforts continue after 700 injured in earthquake

Rescue efforts are under way in Taiwan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island's eastern coast, killing at least nine and injuring more than 800.

Some 127 people are trapped in collapsed tunnels and on mountainous roads along the rugged coastline.

The epicentre was 18km (11 miles) south of Hualien city, but strong tremors were felt all the way in the capital Taipei, more than 100km away.

This is the strongest quake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.

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Republicans Worry They Could Lose the House—Before the Election

When Republicans gained control of the House in November 2022, many in Washington wondered how they would be able to govern effectively with one of the slimmest majorities in history. Some Democrats even speculated if they might be able to take back the House before the term ended.

Sixteen months later, as the Republican majority has shrunk even further, House Speaker Mike Johnson is admitting that possibility. He told Fox News on Monday that there is a slim chance he could lose the speakership to Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries in the next few weeks amid a wave of early retirements. "That's a risk,” Johnson said of Democrats taking control of the House.

Already three Republican lawmakers have resigned from their posts mid-term—Reps. Kevin McCarthy, Bill Johnson, and Ken Buck. A fourth Republican, Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, is expected to step down in mid-April, bringing the party’s former nine-seat majority down to just 217-213 as Republicans lost a fifth seat after George Santos was expelled from the House.

The spate of early departures means that Republicans can soon only afford to lose one single vote when all lawmakers are present and voting, since 216 votes would constitute a majority. The shrinking Republican majority has raised concerns among some in the party about the potential for an unprecedented shift in power mid-Congress. “It's very feasible that Democrats will be running the House before the election,” says Brian Darling, a GOP strategist and former counsel to Sen. Rand Paul. “It's time for Republicans to have a team meeting and say, ‘okay, guys, this majority is falling apart and if you keep acting like this, we're not going to have a majority.’”

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EU and US officials seek trade and tech alignments that might survive a Trump return

EU and US officials are convening to solidify trade and tech partnerships, with a focus on enduring any policy changes from a potential Trump presidency. They’re discussing agreements on 6G, AI, and reducing China’s tech dominance, but no major deal on critical minerals is expected. An electronic invoicing agreement is anticipated to facilitate trade, alongside talks on investment screening and labor issues. Despite the absence of a significant deal to entice Trump, the emphasis remains on the robust EU-US alliance and maintaining cooperation momentum post-elections.

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Laura Kuenssberg: West facing 'authoritarian' alliance, says Nato chief

An "alliance of authoritarian powers" is working more closely together against Western democracies, the head of Nato has warned.

Jens Stoltenberg told the BBC that Russia, Iran, China and North Korea are increasingly aligned.

He also said he was confident allies of the Nato military alliance would agree a long-term funding deal for Ukraine by July.

But he suggested Ukraine might have to decide on some "kind of compromises".

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US-China relationship on 'more stable footing' Yellen says

Chinese Premier Li Qiang hosted the US Treasury in Beijing, and both agreed to cooperate despite their differences.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently met in Beijing, signaling cautious confidence that relations between the world's two largest economies are improving. Despite their differences, both sides agreed to cooperate. Yellen emphasized the importance of difficult conversations, which she believes has put the bilateral relationship on "a more stable footing" over the past year. While challenges remain, constructive progress has been made. During her visit, Yellen discussed issues such as technology, trade, and human rights. China's overproduction of clean energy products was a contentious topic, with Xinhua cautioning against protectionist policies. The meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November contributed to warmer bilateral ties, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China soon.

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Commercial property: Japan gains upper hand in attracting foreign investment as China’s uncertain outlook deters capital

Japan's commercial real estate market is gaining an upper hand in attracting foreign investment, while China faces an uncertain outlook that deters capital. Despite the end of Japan's ultra-loose monetary policy, foreign investors remain keen on acquiring assets in Tokyo and other large metropolises. Hotels, multifamily buildings, and logistics facilities continue to be attractive destinations for capital. In contrast, China's support measures and loose monetary stance have failed to revitalize foreign investment demand for commercial property. The shift from China to Japan is evident, with foreign investment narrowing the gap between the two countries. Japan's strong fundamentals, transparent economy, and relatively stable market position contribute to its appeal for investors. Meanwhile, China's commercial real estate market experiences repricing and limited leasing demand, leading to a cautious approach from foreign investors .

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Ukraine war: UN body urges restraint after Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant hit

A new drone attack on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power plant has raised the risk of a "major nuclear accident", the UN's atomic watchdog has warned.

Russia said Ukraine was behind the attack, which it said injured three people. Ukraine has denied involvement.

The giant Russian-held nuclear plant, with six reactors, is on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned against such attacks.

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Here are some of the stories we're covering from around the world:

Xi Meets With Russia’s Foreign Minister, Reaffirming Ties

China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, and Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, met in Beijing on Tuesday, in a session seen as laying the groundwork for an expected visit to China by President Vladimir Putin of Russia and pushing back against mounting pressure from the United States and its allies.

In Landmark Climate Ruling, European Court Faults Switzerland

Europe’s top human rights court said on Tuesday that the Swiss government had violated its citizens’ human rights by not doing enough to stop climate change, a landmark ruling that experts said could bolster activists hoping to use human rights law to hold governments to account.

‘He’s Always Been Hungry for This’: Meet Ireland’s Youngest Ever Leader

After a swift political rise, Simon Harris, 37, was confirmed as Ireland’s premier. But his time as head of the government could be short.

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Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating!
May this joyous occasion fill your hearts with love, your homes with laughter, and your lives with endless blessings. 🌙✨

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Microsoft to invest $2.9 billion in Japan AI push

Microsoft announced a $2.9 billion investment over the next two years in Japan to bolster the country's push into artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen its cyber defenses against threats from China and Russia. This investment includes providing advanced computing resources, such as powerful graphics processing units crucial for running AI applications. Microsoft also pledged to train three million Japanese workers in AI skills over the next three years and opened its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in Tokyo focused on AI and robotics. The company aims to build a robust AI economy in Japan. Additionally, Microsoft plans to collaborate with Japan's government to enhance the country's cybersecurity in response to growing hacking and ransomware activity worldwide. Japan is also expanding its semiconductor industry, with Taiwanese chip giant TSMC opening a new $8.6-billion chip factory in southern Japan and planning a second facility. The investment aligns with Japan's goal of becoming a major player in AI and reviving its microchip market dominance from the 1980s.

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UK oil firm aims to dig deep in search of biggest North Sea oil find in decades

UK energy company EnQuest plans to start drilling for oil in the North Sea, aiming for the highest yield in two decades. Despite warnings from scientists and the United Nations about climate change, EnQuest was awarded a license to drill. The Equinor Rosebank North Sea oil field received approval to drill for an expected 350 million barrels of oil. EnQuest's subsidiaries, Heather, Bressay, and Bentley, are expected to produce between 500 and 600 million barrels of oil in total. While the world transitions to net zero, the UK government argues that oil and gas remain essential for energy needs. Tax benefits incentivize investment in oil and gas extraction, and EnQuest aims to use extracted gas to power the nearby Kraken field, reducing emissions.

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Biden sets first ever limit to dangerous 'forever chemicals'

President Biden has set the first-ever limit on dangerous "forever chemicals" found in nearly half of America's drinking water. The strict limits require utilities to reduce these toxic PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to the lowest measurable levels. This move is a significant breakthrough, aiming to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent illnesses, including cancers. PFAS chemicals, which persist in the environment, have been linked to health issues such as kidney and testicular cancer. The new rule sets strict limits on two common PFAS types, PFOA and PFOS, at 4 parts per trillion. Water providers will also need to test for these chemicals and inform the public when levels are too high. While health advocates praise this action, water utilities express concerns about costs and implementation.

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Israel-Gaza war: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says three sons killed in air strike

Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh has confirmed that three of his sons and four of his grandchildren were killed in an air strike in Gaza.

Hamas-linked media said the car his sons were travelling in was hit in Al-Shati camp near Gaza City.

Haniyeh said that the incident would not change Hamas's demands in talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire deal.

Israel's military said the sons were members of Hamas's military wing.

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Truong My Lan: Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death for $44bn fraud

It was the most spectacular trial ever held in Vietnam, befitting one of the greatest bank frauds the world has ever seen.

Behind the stately yellow portico of the colonial-era courthouse in Ho Chi Minh City, a 67-year-old Vietnamese property developer was sentenced to death on Thursday for looting one of the country's largest banks over a period of 11 years.

It's a rare verdict - she is one of very few women in Vietnam to be sentenced to death for a white collar crime.

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Netanyahu meets top officials as fears of Iran attack on Israel grow

Israel's prime minister is to meet top officials to prepare for a possible attack by Iran, local media say.

Tensions are high over the possibility that Tehran will retaliate for an air strike that killed senior Iranian commanders nearly two weeks ago.

Several countries have now warned their citizens about travelling in both countries.

US officials have told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that a major attack on Israel could happen imminently.

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US airlines ask Biden
administration not to approve
additional flights to China

US airlines have urged the Biden administration to halt the approval of additional flights to China, citing anti-competitive policies that disadvantage American carriers and their 315,000 employees. They argue that China's strict pandemic-era market access limits and operational rules, along with unequal access to the Chinese aviation market, are detrimental to US interests. The industry group Airlines for America, representing major US airlines and aviation unions, warns that unchecked growth of Chinese carriers could further harm US workers and businesses. This comes as the US recently increased the number of weekly flights allowed for Chinese airlines, despite US carriers facing added costs and time due to avoiding Russian airspace since the Ukraine invasion.

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U.S. moves forces in the Middle East to prepare for an imminent Iranian strike on Israel: Pentagon sends aircraft carrier that can intercept missiles to the Red Sea in a warning to Tehran.

In response to the potential threat of an Iranian strike on Israel, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East by deploying the USS Dwight Eisenhower to the Red Sea. This move aims to deter Tehran and safeguard American personnel. The threat is deemed credible by the White House, though not imminent, and the U.S. remains in close contact with Israel regarding defense. The action follows an April 1 attack in Damascus, which Iran attributes to Israel, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian officers. U.S. officials have expressed frustration over not being forewarned by Israel about the strike, which could have allowed the Pentagon to better prepare for any retaliation.

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⚡BREAKING

IRAN HAS LAUNCHED KAMIKAZE UAVS ON ISRAEL, ISRAELI AND AMERICA

⚡BREAKING
The moment a drone was launched towards Israel as part of the Iranian attack.

⚡BREAKING

Fourth wave of drones have been launched from Iraq now spotted over the city of Karbala⚡