US Vice President JD Vance announced that he would accompany his wife, Usha Vance, on her planned visit to Greenland later this week. The Vice President explained in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he didn’t want his wife to have all the fun alone, so he decided to join her on her trip. JD Vance shared that he would visit U.S. military personnel in the Space Force stationed on Greenland’s northwest coast, while also assessing the region’s security situation.

Originally, Usha’s itinerary included visits to historic sites and participation in a traditional dog-sledding race, but the White House made changes to the schedule. The dog-sledding race was canceled and replaced with a meeting with U.S. military officials. JD Vance emphasized the importance of strengthening Greenland’s security, stating, “We want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important for protecting the security of the entire world.”

This visit comes in the context of ongoing tensions involving U.S. interests in Greenland. Former President Donald Trump had previously expressed interest in asserting U.S. control over Greenland, citing national and international security concerns. However, Greenland’s political leadership and the majority of its population strongly oppose the idea of becoming a U.S. territory.

Adding to the diplomatic tension, the Greenland government officially denied claims made by Trump regarding an invitation for the U.S. delegation, including Usha Vance, to visit. The government in Nuuk clarified that no official or private invitation had been extended. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also criticized the visit, stressing that both Greenland and Denmark would resist any undue pressure and stand firm on their sovereignty.

This development comes on the heels of a visit to Nuuk earlier this year by Donald Trump Jr., further fueling concerns about the strained relationship between Greenland and the United States.

British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is set to announce significant spending reductions in her Spring Statement on Wednesday to address the country’s economic challenges. The Labour government, which took power in July after a landslide victory, is grappling with sluggish economic growth and rising borrowing costs. Despite a slight easing in inflation to 2.8% in February, down from 3.0% in January, inflation remains above the Bank of England’s target of 2%, adding pressure on the government’s finances.

While the UK faces some positive signs, such as a reduction in inflation, the broader economic context remains difficult. Global uncertainties, such as the US tariffs and the ongoing war in Ukraine, have worsened the economic outlook, eating into the Labour government’s fiscal cushion of £9.9 billion. As a result, the government is looking to make spending cuts to manage the country’s public finances.

In addition to this, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to increase defense spending, with a £2.2 billion boost announced for next year. This comes as part of broader efforts to secure the country’s future, with Reeves emphasizing the need for active government involvement to navigate the economic challenges.

As part of her fiscal update, Reeves is expected to outline reductions to welfare payments and government departmental budgets, signaling her commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline amidst ongoing global and domestic challenges. The Spring Statement is highly anticipated, with the government needing to strike a delicate balance between managing public finances and responding to growing economic pressures.

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has taken responsibility for a serious security lapse involving a group chat where high-ranking US officials, including President Donald Trump and intelligence chiefs, discussed sensitive military plans. The chat, which included a journalist by mistake, involved planning military strikes in Yemen, with detailed discussions on targets, weapons packages, and timing.

Waltz admitted to building the group chat, calling it “embarrassing” during an interview with Fox News. He did not explain how journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was added to the chat, but he emphasized that Goldberg was not supposed to be there. Despite Waltz’s efforts to clarify, Trump downplayed the issue, calling it a “glitch” with no operational consequences. He suggested that someone working with Waltz at a lower level had Goldberg’s phone number, leading to the mishap.

Goldberg, who was inadvertently added to the Signal chat, reported seeing sensitive information about the military strikes just hours before they took place. Although he did not include the classified details in his report, the situation has raised concerns about national security, especially regarding the use of the Signal app, which experts argue could be vulnerable to interception.

The incident has led to calls for an investigation. Some lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, have criticized the Trump administration for what they describe as a “grossly incompetent” national security strategy. The non-partisan group American Oversight has filed a lawsuit, alleging violations of the Federal Records Act due to the use of automatic message deletion on the app, which may have violated requirements for preserving official records.

The incident also highlighted concerns over the app’s security. The National Security Agency had warned employees about vulnerabilities in Signal just a month before the leak. Meanwhile, the discussion in the chat also raised eyebrows over the officials’ apparent disdain for European reliance on US protection of shipping lanes, which was referred to in the chat as “European freeloading.”

This event has sparked widespread outrage and questions about the security practices of high-level US officials, especially when dealing with sensitive matters on civilian platforms like Signal.

In Turkey, protests have erupted for a seventh consecutive night, following the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption charges. Imamoglu, a prominent political figure and one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rivals, was arrested last Wednesday, sparking widespread unrest. More than 1,400 people, including students, journalists, and lawyers, have been detained during the protests, which have been criticized by rights groups and the United Nations for the use of excessive force by police.

Imamoglu, who claims the charges against him are politically motivated, has garnered significant support from opposition groups. The protests have been a call for solidarity with Imamoglu and to demand his release. President Erdogan has urged for patience, describing the protests as attempts to create chaos. He warned protesters that their actions would lead to a “dead end.”

On Tuesday, thousands of students in Istanbul took part in marches, chanting “government, resign!” and waving flags, though they were heavily monitored by riot police. Despite the authorities’ efforts to maintain order by banning protests and closing some roads, protests have continued across the country.

Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has announced that Tuesday’s rally in Istanbul will be the last of their nightly vigils. However, they are planning a mass rally on Saturday, demanding early elections and transparent trials for those arrested. The protests are seen by many as a reflection of broader political discontent in Turkey, not just about Imamoglu’s arrest but about the state of democracy and governance in the country.

Meanwhile, journalists covering the protests, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgül, have been arrested. Akgül’s detention has drawn international condemnation, including from AFP, which called for his release, emphasizing that he was merely doing his job as a journalist.

Imamoglu’s arrest is also seen as part of a larger political struggle as Erdogan’s rule nears its expiration in 2028. If convicted of any charges, Imamoglu could be barred from running for president, though his candidacy remains intact unless convicted. Erdogan, who has been in power for 22 years, may seek an early election or attempt to change the constitution to extend his rule.

The situation continues to develop, with the protests showing no signs of abating and drawing attention to the political and judicial challenges facing Turkey.

Russia and Ukraine have reached agreements with the United States on a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, following three days of peace talks in Saudi Arabia. The deals aim to reopen critical trade routes, with all parties committed to working toward a “durable and lasting peace.” Additionally, the agreements include a ban on attacking each other’s energy infrastructure, which had been previously discussed.

However, Russia has made it clear that the naval ceasefire will only take effect once certain sanctions against its food and fertilizer trade are lifted. These sanctions include the reconnection of Russian banks to the SWIFT payment system, lifting restrictions on servicing ships under the Russian flag, and easing restrictions on the supply of agricultural machinery and goods essential for food production.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the ceasefire deal as a step in the right direction but expressed caution, stating it was too early to determine if the agreement would hold. He emphasized that Ukraine had shown a commitment to peace, countering previous claims from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had accused him of blocking a peace deal. Zelensky also criticized the lifting of sanctions as a “weakening of positions” and said Ukraine would push for further sanctions and more military support if Russia failed to uphold the agreement.

In response to the sanctions issue, the Kremlin insisted that the Black Sea ceasefire would not begin until its demands were met, though the White House did indicate that the U.S. would help restore Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural exports.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov suggested that third countries could oversee parts of the deal, but warned that any movement of Russian warships beyond the eastern Black Sea would be considered a violation of the agreement and a threat to Ukraine’s national security.

The talks come in the wake of the collapse of the “Black Sea grain deal” in July 2023, which had allowed safe passage of commercial ships to and from Ukraine despite Russia’s invasion. Both countries are major grain exporters, and the initial deal helped facilitate the movement of crucial food products, including grain and sunflower oil, through the Black Sea. Since Russia withdrew from the deal, global grain prices have surged.

Additionally, both sides have agreed to work on measures to implement a ban on attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid have led to widespread blackouts and disrupted essential services, particularly during the harsh winter months. Despite the ceasefire talks, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements.

As the peace negotiations progress, it remains unclear whether these efforts will lead to a lasting resolution or if they are merely temporary steps in a longer, more complex path toward peace.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected claims that white people are being persecuted in his country, describing such assertions as a “completely false narrative.” His comments, made in his weekly message to the nation on Monday, come in response to accusations from prominent figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk, and some white minority groups. These critics have alleged that the South African government is enabling violence against the white Afrikaner population, particularly through farm attacks and land reform policies.

Musk, in particular, has been vocal in his criticism, frequently accusing South Africa’s Black-led government of being anti-white. He repeated such claims last weekend in a post on social media, stating that some political figures in the country are “actively promoting white genocide.”

In his address, Ramaphosa urged South Africans not to allow foreign narratives to sow division or turn people against one another. He emphasized that the claim of targeted persecution of white people in South Africa was unfounded and encouraged the public to challenge this false narrative.

While Ramaphosa did not specifically mention Trump or Musk by name, his comments were clearly aimed at rebutting the claims they and others have made about racial discrimination against the white minority. Ramaphosa’s statement sought to emphasize unity and reject divisive rhetoric, particularly in light of the ongoing debates over land reform and historical injustices in South Africa.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has announced his resignation as a patron of Sentebale, the Lesotho-based charity he co-founded, following a breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s board of trustees and its chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, stepped down alongside the charity’s trustees after a dispute over governance issues, which led Dr. Chandauka to sue the charity when asked to resign.

Dr. Chandauka has reported the charity to the UK Charity Commission, alleging “abuse of power” and “harassment” within the organization. She stated that her actions were aimed at protecting the integrity of Sentebale. The Charity Commission has acknowledged concerns about the charity’s governance and is investigating the situation.

Sentebale was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso with the aim of addressing the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people in Lesotho and Botswana. In a joint statement, the princes expressed deep regret over their decision to step down, highlighting the untenable situation created by the breakdown in relations between the chair and the trustees. They also expressed their solidarity with the board, which had been forced to resign due to the legal and financial burden of Dr. Chandauka’s legal action.

Former trustees, including Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, stated that they were left with no choice but to resign for the charity’s best interest. They emphasized that their decision was heartbreaking but necessary to prevent further damage to the organization.

Dr. Chandauka defended her actions, describing her work at Sentebale as rooted in fairness and equitable treatment. She accused some individuals of mistreating others while playing the victim and using the press to discredit those who challenged their behavior. She also alleged issues of poor governance, bullying, harassment, and misogyny within the charity.

The charity itself has confirmed a restructuring of its board, aiming to bring in new experts to support its transformation agenda. The organization also outlined plans to shift from focusing solely on HIV and AIDS to addressing broader youth health, wealth, and climate resilience issues in Southern Africa. The Charity Commission continues to assess the situation and determine the appropriate regulatory steps.

At least 18 people have died and 19 others have been injured as wildfires continue to devastate South Korea’s south-east region. Acting president Han Duck-soo has called the situation “unprecedented,” with the fires becoming the deadliest in the country’s history. Many of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, and more than 23,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.

The wildfires, which began in Sancheong county on Friday, quickly spread to Uiseong county and beyond, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The fires have advanced to neighboring counties such as Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. In Uiseong, the blaze is reportedly spreading at an “unimaginable” scale and speed, according to forest disaster expert Lee Byung-doo.

One of the most significant losses was the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong, which was completely destroyed. The temple, a Buddhist national treasure dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, had many cultural relics removed and transported to safety.

In Andong, evacuees sheltering in an elementary school were told to leave quickly as the fire was spread by gusty winds. Local residents, such as 79-year-old Kwon So-han, described how the fire, driven by strong winds, rapidly engulfed homes.

A firefighting helicopter also crashed in Uiseong county, though authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Thousands of firefighters and around 5,000 military personnel have been mobilized, along with helicopters from the US military stationed in Korea, in an effort to contain the fires.

This wildfire crisis is South Korea’s most severe to date, with 17,000 hectares of forest already destroyed, making it the third-largest wildfire in terms of area. The country has seen a significant increase in wildfires this year, with 244 reported, over twice the number for the same period last year. The government is working to strengthen enforcement against illegal burning and individual carelessness, two major causes of wildfires.

Acting president Han stated that all available personnel and equipment have been deployed to fight the fires, but strong winds continue to make firefighting efforts challenging. The region is experiencing drier-than-usual conditions, with little rainfall expected in the coming days, leaving officials hoping for rain to help control the flames.

After three days of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, some progress has been made on a potential ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, though key differences still remain.

Two separate agreements were reached: one between the US and Russia, and another between the US and Ukraine. Despite some discrepancies, both sides largely agreed on principles to “ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.” Additionally, there was a mutual commitment to ban strikes on energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed some dissatisfaction that there was no explicit ban on attacks on civilian infrastructure, but he was otherwise positive about the outcome. He confirmed Ukraine’s intention to implement the ceasefire measures concerning the Black Sea and energy strikes immediately. Zelensky also highlighted the US’s continued support for Ukraine’s priorities, such as the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

However, complications arose with a third document issued by the Kremlin. This document added conditions to the original agreement that were not part of the US-Russia discussions. The Kremlin’s version stipulates that the Black Sea ceasefire will only take effect if sanctions on Russian banks, insurers, companies, ports, and ships are lifted to allow the country to export more agricultural and fertilizer goods. This demand is seen by Russia as an opportunity to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which it withdrew from in 2023, but it also introduces a potential delay in the ceasefire due to the complexities of sanction adjustments. Moreover, certain changes, like reintroducing Russia to the SWIFT financial system, would require approval from the European Union.

The Kremlin also added that the 30-day pause on energy strikes would be retroactively applied from March 18 and could be suspended if either side violates the agreement. This added a layer of fragility to the deal, as there are no guarantees that both sides will abide by it.

The overall agreement marks a fragile step toward de-escalation, but it remains far from a comprehensive ceasefire. While it represents a potential reduction in hostilities, the real test will be how these measures are implemented and whether both sides can uphold them. The broader question is whether this will lead to a longer-term peace or if both sides will continue pursuing their objectives on the battlefield while using the ceasefire for strategic gains.

The outcome will depend on how both parties navigate the complex dynamics of mutual distrust, economic pressures, and military strategy in the coming days.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a new partnership with Ambar Energia, a Brazilian energy company, to establish power plants in the state. This initiative aims to address Ogun’s growing energy demands, particularly to support the state’s numerous industries and improve food security for its residents. Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of Ogun’s industrial sector and the need for adequate electricity to meet the demands of factories operating in the state.

As the industrial hub of Nigeria, Ogun consumes a significant portion of the country’s power, with both Ogun and Lagos states accounting for about 40% of the 6,000 megawatts generated nationally. With Nigeria’s energy demand expected to reach 45,000 megawatts by 2030, the governor sees great potential for collaboration with Ambar Energia. Ogun plans to build power plants in its three zones to ensure reliable energy supply, with a focus on creating “captive” power plants that are directly controlled by local authorities.

Governor Abiodun also highlighted Ogun’s rich natural resources, including gold, lithium, and limestone, which could be better exploited with adequate energy. He mentioned that the state is the largest producer of cement, cassava, poultry, and eggs in Nigeria, underscoring the need for reliable power to unlock these industries’ full potential. Additionally, the governor discussed the construction of Africa’s largest garment-producing company, set to be built at the Gateway International Airport, which will require 300 megawatts of electricity.

Ambar Energia, which has 27 plants and a production capacity of 4.3 gigawatts of electricity, is seen as a key partner in meeting Ogun’s energy needs. The governor’s approach also includes working closely with the private sector to foster a favorable business environment for investment.

Furthermore, Governor Abiodun received another delegation from Brazilian companies JBJ, JBS, and SEARRA Group, discussing large-scale farming investments. Ogun’s vast arable land, integrated transport network, and significant farming community of over 200,000 registered farmers make it an attractive destination for agriculture-based investments.

The Brazilian delegation expressed enthusiasm for working with Ogun and indicated interest in assisting Nigeria in addressing its food security needs. With a proactive and business-friendly approach, Governor Abiodun aims to position Ogun as a prime investment hub in Nigeria, tapping into its industrial, agricultural, and energy potential.

Palestinian Oscar winner Hamdan Ballal, co-director of No Other Land, was reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Monday. Activists say that settlers surrounded his house in the village of Susya, where they physically assaulted him. Afterward, he was detained by Israeli soldiers while being transported in an ambulance, though the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied that any Palestinian had been detained from an ambulance. Ballal was later released.

The incident, which occurred around 18:00, also involved five Jewish American activists who had come to document the event and were attacked by the settlers as well. Settlers allegedly smashed car windows and physically assaulted the activists. The IDF responded by detaining three Palestinians, including Ballal, on suspicion of throwing stones at security forces. The IDF also confirmed that an Israeli settler was injured during the confrontation. The violence is part of a broader pattern of escalated settler aggression in the West Bank, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023.

The BBC investigation has uncovered alarming details about the illegal export and processing of waste tyres from the UK to India. While UK businesses charge a recycling fee to drivers, the investigation reveals that much of the waste is sold on the black market in India, where it ends up in makeshift pyrolysis plants, some of which are illegal.

In India, these tyres are subjected to extreme conditions in small, unregulated furnaces that extract materials like carbon black, steel, and oil through a process called pyrolysis, which takes place at temperatures of around 500°C. The process is highly dangerous and produces toxic fumes, including hazardous chemicals, which pose significant health risks to workers and nearby residents. Villagers living near these plants have reported persistent health issues such as respiratory problems and eye irritation. In one instance, an explosion in a plant that was processing European tyres killed four people, highlighting the extreme dangers posed by these unregulated facilities.

While the UK government claims to regulate the export of tyres, the investigation shows that many tyres are sent to India under the guise of being recycled at legitimate facilities. In reality, they often end up in these unsafe, makeshift plants. The waste tyre industry in the UK is aware of this situation, with many businesses opting for the more profitable, but illegal, route of exporting tyres to unregulated plants, where the legal recycling process is bypassed in favor of hazardous pyrolysis. The BBC’s investigation reveals that the UK is one of the worst offenders in exporting waste tyres for such illegal practices.

Despite the government’s regulations and the threat of fines and imprisonment, it is clear that enforcement is insufficient, allowing these dangerous practices to continue. The environmental and public health consequences of this illegal trade are significant, and the situation raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current oversight and enforcement measures.