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Chinese swimming authorities have initiated an investigation into cyberbullying targeting Quan Hongchan, the 19-year-old diving champion who has won three Olympic gold medals. The General Administration of Sport's swimming management centre announced the probe on Wednesday, stating that it is working with officials in Quan's home province of Guangdong to address the issue.Quan, who won her first gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at just 14 years old and added two more golds at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has faced intense scrutiny and pressure. She has spoken publicly about the toxic online commentary she has faced, particularly regarding her weight and diet.The cyberbullying has been described as 'malicious' and has included false information and abnormal fan culture. Chinese authorities have pledged to crack down on such behavior, which has been termed 'toxic fandom'. Quan's swimming club has also reported the case to police, emphasizing that athletes are a valuable national asset and that such acts of slander and insult are unacceptable.Quan's success has made her a popular figure in China, with her hometown becoming a tourist destination. However, this has also led to intense media scrutiny and pressure to conform to certain standards. The investigation aims to address these issues and ensure a safer online environment for athletes.

Djibouti, a country with a population of less than a million people and no significant natural resources, has become a crucial hub for foreign military bases. The nation's strategic location at the entrance to the Red Sea, a vital maritime chokepoint through which roughly 12 percent of global maritime trade passes daily, has made it an attractive location for global powers.The country's President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has leveraged Djibouti's strategic importance to advance his own aims, welcoming bases from the US, China, France, Japan, and Italy. These countries pay significant fees for the privilege of hosting their bases, with the US paying $65 million annually, France $30 million, China $20 million, and Italy and Japan over $3 million each.The Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a narrow corridor barely 30 kilometers wide, is a critical passage for global trade and communication cables. The region's instability, particularly with the US and Israel at war with Iran, has heightened Djibouti's importance. Federico Donelli, author of 'Power Competition in the Red Sea,' notes that Djibouti sits at the center of many global interests, including trade, shipping, and fiber optic connectivity.Djibouti's base-for-cash model is part of a broader development strategy, including significant infrastructure investment from Chinese firms and a new railway linking landlocked Ethiopia to the coast. However, the country's economic benefits have not trickled down to its citizens, with official unemployment near 40 percent and over one in five people living in extreme poverty.The opposition leader, Daher Ahmed Farah, has criticized Guelleh's rule, stating that the country's strategic position and hosting of military bases have not benefited the Djiboutian people. The US embassy has warned Americans to avoid areas near Camp Lemonnier, citing threats against US interests, while Finance Minister Ilyas Dawaleh has expressed concerns about the Iran war risks pushing Djibouti into deeper economic uncertainty.

The temporary cease‑fire in the US‑Israel‑Iran war has given Iran and China a strategic opening to challenge the US dollar’s supremacy in global finance. Both nations share a common objective: to reduce reliance on the greenback, especially in the oil sector where, according to a 2023 JP Morgan estimate, roughly 80% of transactions are settled in dollars. In a practical step toward this goal, Iran’s de‑facto toll‑booth system in the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint that handles about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments—has started accepting transit fees in Chinese yuan. Lloyd’s List reported that at least two vessels had already paid in yuan by March 25, and China’s Ministry of Commerce later acknowledged the reports on social media. Iran’s embassy in Zimbabwe even called for the introduction of a “petroyuan” to the global oil market, underscoring the political symbolism of the move. While Tehran pledged to guarantee safe passage for two weeks under a US‑brokered cease‑fire, Beijing declined to comment. Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff told Al Jazeera that Iran’s actions serve a dual purpose: they “poke a thumb in the United States’s eye” and provide a practical alternative to dollar‑based sanctions. Rogoff added that Iran’s shift to yuan aligns with China’s broader effort to redenominate trade among BRICS nations. For both countries, the yuan offers a way to sidestep US sanctions and lower transaction costs. Their trade relationship, cemented by a 25‑year strategic partnership signed in 2021, sees China buying over 80% of Iran’s oil—often at discounted rates—while Iran imports Chinese machinery, electronics, chemicals, and industrial components. Data from Kpler and TankerTrackers indicate that, despite the conflict, Iran’s oil exports to China have remained near pre‑war levels, ranging between 12 million and 13.7 million barrels in the first two weeks of hostilities. China’s ambition to elevate the yuan is long‑standing. President Xi Jinping, in a 2024 address, expressed hope that the yuan would become a global reserve currency. Yet significant hurdles remain: the yuan is not freely convertible due to strict capital controls, and the Chinese financial system is perceived as opaque, limiting broader adoption. According to the IMF, the dollar still dominated global foreign‑exchange reserves at 57% last year, far ahead of the euro’s 20% and the yuan’s modest 2%. Cross‑border trade settled in yuan rose to 3.7% in 2024, up from under 1% in 2012, per S&P; Global—an encouraging but limited shift. Natixis chief economist Alicia Garcia‑Herrero cautioned that the Strait of Hormuz experiment adds only “incremental pressure” and that a true “de‑dollarisation” would require Gulf states, which have priced oil in dollars since the 1970s in exchange for US security guarantees. European analyst Hosuk Lee‑Makiyama highlighted that China’s ability to supply Iran with essential goods makes the yuan a viable alternative, a dynamic not possible for Europe or Japan. He described China as the closest the world has seen to a “manufacturing one‑stop shop.” Consultancy founder Dan Steinbock echoed that while the dollar’s supremacy is unlikely to crumble overnight, the gradual increase in yuan usage could “chip away” at US dominance in specific sectors over time. Rogoff concluded that the long‑term impact hinges on the war’s outcome. If Iran and China emerge stronger, many countries may diversify away from the dollar to avoid US‑imposed financial constraints. Conversely, a decisive US victory could reinforce dollar hegemony for the foreseeable future.

Afghanistan has deemed the peace talks with Pakistan, facilitated by China, as 'useful' in addressing the ongoing conflict between the two nations.The talks, which began on April 1 in the western Chinese city of Urumqi, aim to stop the violence that started in February, resulting in hundreds of deaths and significant concern for Beijing due to its proximity to western Chinese regions.The conflict escalated after Pakistan conducted air strikes inside Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul, leading to accusations from Afghanistan of civilian casualties, including children.The situation has drawn international alarm, particularly given the presence of other armed groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS in the region.94,000 people have been displaced overall, with 100,000 individuals in two Afghan districts near the border completely cut off due to the fighting since February.Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry has expressed gratitude to China for hosting the talks and acknowledged the mediation efforts of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Despite the talks, Afghanistan has continued to accuse Pakistan of shelling across its border, killing and wounding civilians, while Pakistan denies these allegations and instead accuses Afghanistan of providing a safe haven to armed groups like the Pakistan Taliban (TTP).

The United States and China have settled into a stable economic situation, with the US able to access Chinese rare earth minerals and maintain substantial tariffs on Chinese goods. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the goal of the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is to maintain this stability.Greer emphasized that the US is not seeking massive confrontation with China, but rather a stable relationship that allows for continued access to critical minerals. The two countries have been discussing issues related to rare earths, including minerals that pass through third countries before reaching the US.The Trump-Xi summit, postponed from March to mid-May due to the US-Israel war on Iran, will also address the formation of a board of trade mechanism to determine sustainable trade between the two countries. Additionally, there have been discussions about a possible board of investment to address discrete issues related to investments.The US is also working on plurilateral agreements to boost alternative supplies of critical minerals, but these need price floor mechanisms to protect production from potential future predatory price cuts by China. Greer noted that the US and China are working to resolve the rare earths issue at the ministerial and staff levels, hoping to avoid bringing it up at the leaders' meeting.

Russia and China have exercised their veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to block a resolution aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The draft resolution, proposed by Bahrain, garnered support from 11 of the 15 UNSC members, with two abstaining.The vetoes by Russia and China were based on their assertion that the measure was biased against Iran. The resolution sought to encourage affected states to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure the safety and security of navigation across the strait.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass, has effectively been blockaded after Iran threatened to attack vessels in response to the conflict with the United States and Israel. This blockade has led to soaring fuel prices worldwide and prompted some countries, particularly in Asia, to impose consumption restrictions and ration supplies.The US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, condemned the vetoes, calling them a 'new low'. He argued that Iran's actions were preventing medical aid and supplies from reaching humanitarian crisis zones in the Congo, Sudan, and Gaza.France expressed regret over the vetoes, stating that the aim was to promote 'strictly defensive measures' to ensure security in the strait without escalating tensions. Russia and China, however, argued that the resolution was biased against Iran and proposed an alternative resolution on the Middle East situation, including maritime security.Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, praised the Russian and Chinese moves, saying they prevented the Security Council from being used to 'legitimize aggression'.

The September 2026 Launch Window Apple is reportedly on track to debut its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, aligning with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the device aims to hit the market simultaneously with or shortly after the standard non-foldable models. Despite recent concerns from Nikkei Asia regarding potential delays due to engineering hurdles, the latest report suggests the timeline remains aggressive. Launch Window: Targeting September 2026 alongside iPhone 18 Pro series. Supply Constraints: Initial production volumes may be limited due to the device's complexity. Status: While six months out, the timing is not yet finalized. Engineering Breakthroughs: Durability and Display A critical factor driving this launch is Apple's reported resolution of key technical challenges that have plagued competitors. The new foldable device is said to feature significant improvements in screen quality and overall durability. Furthermore, Apple has reportedly addressed the "crease" issue, making it less visible when the device is unfolded, a common pain point for users of current foldable models. Market Implications: Entering the Foldable Wars The introduction of a foldable iPhone marks a pivotal shift in Apple's hardware strategy. For years, the company has observed the foldable market dominated by Samsung and emerging Chinese manufacturers. By entering this space, Apple aims to leverage its ecosystem lock-in and manufacturing scale to redefine the premium foldable experience. Future Outlook: Supply Chain and Adoption Analysts predict that while the September launch is the goal, supply chain bottlenecks could restrict availability. However, if Apple can deliver on its promises of a durable, high-quality foldable device, it could accelerate the mainstream adoption of foldable technology, forcing competitors to innovate further.

Karim Baksh of Dasht, a remote Balochistan village, once relied on a diesel‑powered pump to irrigate his watermelon fields. After the 2022 Russia‑Ukraine war drove diesel prices sky‑high, he could no longer afford the fuel, forcing him to cut back his cultivated area. In 2023 he took a gamble: borrowing 300,000 Pakistani rupees (≈ $1,075) from relatives and installing a modest row of solar panels. Three years later, the panels run his pump without diesel, letting him water his crops even as global oil markets tumble amid the US‑Israel war on Iran and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of world oil and gas normally flows. Baksh’s experience reflects a broader national shift. Pakistan imports about 80% of its oil via the Hormuz chokepoint and sources 99% of its LNG from Qatar and the UAE. A Council on Foreign Relations report warns that a prolonged closure could trigger severe power shortages, factory shutdowns, and transport disruptions. Yet a quiet solar revolution is building resilience. Since 2018, rooftop solar installations have saved Pakistan over $12 billion in fuel imports, and at current prices the sector is projected to save another $6.3 billion this year alone. According to the independent think‑tank EMBER, solar’s share of the national energy mix surged from 2.9% in 2020 to 32.3% in 2025. This growth is not the result of a single government plan but of millions of individual decisions—farmers swapping diesel pumps, businesses installing panels, and households seeking reliable electricity. In urban centres such as Lahore and Karachi, solar rooftops are commonplace. Homeowners typically recoup installation costs within a few years, enjoy free electricity thereafter, and can even sell surplus power back to the grid through net‑metering. By 2025, 25% of Pakistani households use solar in some form, up from 15% in 2023, with over 280,000 consumers now participating in net‑metering schemes. However, the benefits are uneven. The upfront cost of a 3 kW system—about 450,000 rupees ($1,610)—and larger commercial setups costing up to 2.2 million rupees ($7,874) remain out of reach for many low‑income families. Analysts warn that non‑solar users, largely poorer households, are subsidising the grid usage of solar owners. Net‑metering has already shifted an estimated 159 billion rupees (≈ $570 million) of costs onto other consumers, raising concerns about a two‑tier energy system. The rapid expansion is powered largely by imports from China, which controls roughly 80% of the global solar supply chain. Chinese lithium‑ion batteries, now 20% cheaper than in 2024, enable storage for nighttime use, further reducing reliance on the national grid. Solar panel prices have plummeted: from 100‑120 rupees per watt in the early 2010s to about 30 rupees per watt today. This price collapse, combined with electricity shortages and rising tariffs after the 2022 oil price spike, made solar an attractive alternative for those able to invest. Government policy has been mixed. A 2015 net‑metering scheme encouraged adoption by offering roughly 25 rupees ($0.090) per kilowatt‑hour for exported power and by reducing import taxes on panels. More recently, concerns over the financial strain on the power sector led to a cut in the buy‑back rate to about 10 rupees ($0.036) per kilowatt‑hour. For Baksh, the policy shifts matter little. His solar‑powered pump guarantees water for his watermelons regardless of diesel price swings or geopolitical turmoil. He plans to expand his solar array, increase production, and ship his harvest to larger markets in Quetta and Karachi. In a region where temperatures can soar to 51 °C (124 °F), the sun has become a reliable ally—ensuring that, for farmers like Baksh, “the water keeps flowing no matter what.”

Martin Ho arrived at Tottenham in July, inheriting a side that had slumped to 11th place the previous season. Within months the club has risen to fifth in the Women's Super League, just three points shy of matching their record 32‑point tally from 2021‑22. With three league games remaining, Spurs are set to face Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter‑final, while a recent League Cup exit saw them lose 2‑1 to Manchester United. Ho, who began coaching at 17 after an unfulfilled stint at Everton’s academy, describes the campaign as a success so far, noting the progress from a “rudderless” squad to a more cohesive unit. He acknowledges the boldness of such a claim before the season ends, especially after consecutive 5‑2 defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal, but stresses that the club’s trajectory is positive. Only two new signings – Norway forward Cathinka Tandberg and Japan defender Toko Koga – joined the roster in the summer, a deliberate move by Ho to assess the existing squad first. "I needed to see the players with my own eyes and apply my coaching methodology," he explained. Ho’s approach draws on his experience as an assistant at Manchester United under Casey Stoney and Marc Skinner, and his earlier head‑coach role at Norwegian side SK Brann. He spent time learning the club’s culture, fanbase and values before implementing changes. Key to the transformation was a psychological reset. Ho told his players that the team must look forward and abandon the disappointment of the previous season. "We asked them to play bravely, press higher and accept that mistakes are part of growth," he said. The 5‑1 loss to Manchester City early in the season became a catalyst. Ho observed that the squad’s response demonstrated a shift in mentality, prompting him to reinforce belief and challenge the players to improve. Consistency has been elusive – three wins from eight league matches – but the side has shown signs of potential, and January brought additional reinforcements. Looking ahead, Ho warns against over‑inflated expectations. "If we promise Champions League football now and fail, it harms everyone," he cautioned, noting that European competition would be premature for a club still building its foundation. He emphasizes the need for steady, sustainable progress rather than a flash‑in‑the‑pan surge. "We must evolve the squad, staff, processes and investment together," Ho said. With a limited pool of elite talent, attracting and retaining players remains a challenge. Ho stresses creating an authentic environment that offers clear development pathways, saying, "When players see their value and a clear route forward, they stay and improve." Born in Liverpool to a Chinese father and English mother, Ho credits his upbringing for his holistic coaching philosophy. He often remarks that coaches are like thieves, constantly borrowing ideas from one another, and strives to adapt those influences into a style that reflects his own vision for Tottenham Women.