Firefighters in South Korea are struggling to control massive wildfires that have claimed 27 lives, forced over 37,000 people to evacuate, and destroyed more than 300 structures. Helicopters continued dropping water over burning forests on Thursday as strong winds and dry conditions fueled the country's worst wildfires on record. Since last Friday, multiple blazes have been raging across southeastern South Korea, prompting the government to deploy thousands of personnel, along with helicopters and specialized equipment. However, gusty winds have hindered containment efforts. While rain is forecast for later Thursday, Korea Forest Service chief Lim Sang-seop warned that the expected precipitation—less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches)—is unlikely to significantly aid firefighting efforts. Among the victims are a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while combating the fires, as well as four firefighters and emergency workers who were trapped by rapidly spreading flames. Authorities have not provided detailed information on the civilian casualties but noted that most were elderly individuals in their 60s or older, some of whom struggled to escape or refused to evacuate. Investigators suspect human error in several fire outbreaks, with some ignited by people burning grass near family tombs or sparks from welding work. Lee Han-kyung, deputy head of South Korea’s disaster response center, highlighted the role of climate change in the worsening wildfire crisis. “The wildfires again reveal the reality of the climate crisis we are experiencing,” he said, according to Yonhap news agency. 18 killed as wildfires devastate South Korea Scientists have warned that global warming is leading to more extreme weather events, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and heat waves, causing massive casualties and financial losses worldwide. As of Thursday, the wildfires have burned approximately 36,010 hectares (88,980 acres) of land—the most extensive damage of its kind in South Korea’s history. The disaster response center reported that 32 people have been injured, 325 buildings destroyed, and more than 37,180 people forced from their homes. Authorities have mobilized over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters to combat the fires. In Cheongsong, one of the affected areas, thick smoke billowed from Juwang Mountain on Thursday morning as helicopters repeatedly doused the flames with water. Later in the day, smoke appeared to have subsided. Near the mountain, workers at a Buddhist temple covered a stone pagoda and other structures with fire-resistant materials, while firefighters drenched the surrounding area to prevent the flames from spreading. The worst-hit areas include Andong city, the counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan. On Wednesday night, authorities ordered the evacuation of two villages in Andong, including Puncheon, home to the UNESCO-listed Hahoe folk village, which dates back to the 14th-15th century. Meanwhile, hikers at the scenic Jiri Mountain were advised to leave as the fire spread closer. South Korean PM Han Duck-soo reinstated as acting president after impeachment overturned The blazes have destroyed homes, factories, and historic sites. At Uiseong’s Gounsa temple complex—originally built in the 7th century—around 20 of its 30 structures were lost, including two state-designated “treasures.” Among them was a 1668-built pavilion overlooking a stream and a 1904 structure from the Joseon dynasty, marking a king’s longevity. The Korea Forest Service has raised its wildfire warning to the highest level, requiring local governments to deploy more emergency personnel, enforce stricter entry restrictions in forests and parks, and advise military units to suspend live-fire drills. Source: With input from agnecy 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports, calling it a “direct attack” on Canada. He warned that the trade war is harming Americans, citing a decline in consumer confidence. Speaking on Wednesday, Carney vowed to protect Canadian workers and businesses, stating, “We will defend our workers. We will defend our companies. We will defend our country.” However, he said he would review the specifics of Trump's executive order before announcing any retaliatory measures. The prime minister, who is currently campaigning for Canada’s April 28 election, will return to Ottawa on Thursday to lead a special Cabinet committee on U.S. relations. To counter the economic impact of the tariffs, Carney previously announced a CA$2 billion ($1.4 billion) “strategic response fund” aimed at safeguarding auto industry jobs. He stressed the importance of the sector, which directly employs 125,000 Canadians and supports nearly 500,000 more in related industries. Trump, who declared the tariffs “permanent,” had earlier granted Mexico and Canada a one-month exemption for U.S. automakers. However, with the new tax hike set to take effect in April, car manufacturers could face increased costs and declining sales. The move is part of Trump’s broader trade war, which has contributed to economic uncertainty. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that U.S. consumer confidence fell for the fourth consecutive month, dropping to its lowest level since January 2021. “His trade war is hurting American consumers and workers, and it will only get worse,” Carney said while campaigning in Windsor, Ontario, near the U.S. border. Trump places 25% tariff on imported autos, expecting to raise $100 billion in tax revenues In addition to auto tariffs, Trump has previously imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and is threatening widespread levies on all Canadian imports and other U.S. trading partners starting April 2. “He wants to break us so America can own us,” Carney said. “But that will never happen because we don’t just look out for ourselves—we look out for each other.” Carney, a former central banker in both Canada and the U.K., made these remarks near the Ambassador Bridge, which carries 25% of all trade between the two nations and plays a crucial role in auto manufacturing. He highlighted that the bridge facilitates CA$140 billion ($98 billion) in goods annually, amounting to CA$400 million ($281 million) per day. “Now those numbers—and the jobs and paychecks that rely on them—are at risk,” Carney said. “The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has changed. We did not change it.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that the tariffs would disrupt the auto industry on both sides of the border, leading to simultaneous plant closures. “President Trump calls it Liberation Day. I call it Termination Day for American workers,” Ford said. “I know Trump likes to say, ‘You’re fired!’—I just didn’t think he meant U.S. auto workers when he said it.” Trump has escalated tensions with Canada, even suggesting it should become the 51st U.S. state—a stance that has angered many Canadians. At a campaign rally in Kitchener, Ontario, crowds repeatedly booed when Trump's name was mentioned. Despite taking office on March 14, Carney has yet to speak with Trump, an unusual delay in communication between the two nations’ leaders. “It would be appropriate for the president and me to have a conversation given these recent developments. I expect that will happen soon,” Carney said. Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also criticized the tariffs, warning they would harm both American and Canadian workers. Vermont businesses feel impact of Trump's tariffs on Canada “The message to President Trump should be clear: knock it off,” Poilievre said. “He’s changed his mind before. He’s imposed tariffs, then removed them. It wouldn’t be surprising if he does it again.” Source: With input from agency 

The United States has preliminarily approved Qatar’s request to purchase eight MQ-9B Predator armed drones, a deal valued at nearly $2 billion. The State Department’s approval, announced early Thursday, follows Doha’s prolonged efforts to secure the drones under the Biden administration, which had not authorized the sale despite Qatar’s role as a key intermediary between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan, Iran’s leadership, and Hamas in Gaza. However, this immediate approval under President Donald Trump signals a shift in U.S. relations with Qatar, particularly considering his prior support for a four-nation boycott of Doha during his first term. "This proposed sale will advance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the defense capabilities of a key partner that plays a vital role in political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated. Qatar's government has yet to comment on the decision. The Gulf nation ranks as the second-largest buyer of U.S. military equipment after Saudi Arabia, having spent over $26 billion on F-15 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, missile defense systems, and other hardware. The deal now requires congressional approval, as U.S. lawmakers typically review such transactions and have the authority to block them. White House: Iran set to deliver armed drones to Russia Under the proposed agreement, Qatar would acquire eight drones equipped with hundreds of bombs and missiles, along with satellite-operated control systems. Manufactured by General Atomics, the MQ-9 Reaper drones cost approximately $30 million each. They can operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet (12,100 meters) and remain airborne for over 30 hours. The U.S. military and CIA have extensively used these drones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen. A swarm of small drones may help artificial reefs attract sea life Notably, Qatar’s approval comes as the United Arab Emirates has been awaiting clearance since 2020 for a $23 billion arms deal that includes up to 18 MQ-9 drones and advanced F-35 fighter jets. Trump's administration had close ties with the UAE, which established diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020. Source: With input from agnecy 

FBI Director Kash Patel was not part of a Signal chat in which other Trump administration national security officials discussed detailed attack plans, but that didn't spare him from being questioned by lawmakers this week about whether the nation's premier law enforcement agency would investigate. Patel made no such commitments during the course of two days of Senate and House hearings. Instead, he testified that he had not personally reviewed the text messages that were inadvertently shared with the editor-in-chief for The Atlantic who was mistakenly included on an unclassified Signal chat. That Patel would be grilled on what the FBI might do was hardly surprising. Even as President Donald Trump insisted "it's not really an FBI thing,” the reality is that the FBI and Justice Department for decades have been responsible for enforcing Espionage Act statutes governing the mishandling — whether intentional or negligent — of national defense information like the kind shared on Signal, a publicly available app that provides encrypted communications but is not approved for classified information. The Justice Department has broad discretion to open an investigation, though it remains unclear whether Attorney General Pam Bondi, who introduced Trump at a Justice Department event this month, would authorize such an inquiry. Trump administration officials insist that the details shared were not classified, though the Espionage Act technically criminalizes the mishandling of any information deemed to be closely held national defense information even if not classified. Multiple high-profile figures have found themselves under investigation in recent years over their handling of government secrets, but the differences in the underlying facts and the outcomes make it impossible to prognosticate what might happen in this instance or whether any accountability can be expected. There's also precedent for public officials either to avoid criminal charges or be spared meaningful punishment. The Atlantic publishes US Defense Secy Hegseth’s full Signal chat on Houthi strike plans “In terms of prior investigations, there were set-out standards that the department always looked at and tried to follow when making determinations about which types of disclosures they were going to pursue,” said former Justice Department prosecutor Michael Zweiback, who has handled classified information investigations.

Cyprus said Wednesday it plans to subsidize construction of private desalination plants at hotels to ensure the tourism-reliant island nation has enough fresh water too see it through busy summer seasons when the demands of millions of visitors put a severe strain on dwindling reserves. Water levels across the country's 108 dams are at alarmingly low following the second driest winter in a decade, and the national water supply network is struggling to cope due to demand and leaks. Maria Panayiotou, the country’s agriculture and environment minister, said the government will provide 3 million euros ($3.24 million) of funding over the next two years to help hotels build their own desalination plants. In addition, measures will be introduced to make it easier and faster for key sectors such as agriculture and tourism to build small scale desalination plants. Cyprus will spend a further 8 million euros on fixing pipe infrastructure to reduce water leaks and losses which are estimated as high as 40%, according to Panayiotou. The government measures build on Cyprus’ growing reliance on desalinated water. Four additional mobile desalination plants are scheduled to become operational in October, producing 30,000 cubic meters (1 million cubic feet) of drinkable water daily. China harnesses AI to develop climate-resilient 'Super Crops,' reshaping global agriculture Cyprus already has four permanent desalination plants in operation, each producing 235,000 cubic meters (8.3 million cubic feet) of fresh water daily. A fifth plant is out of action due to a fire. Panayiotou said last December that more desalination plants are needed to increase daily fresh water production fourfold over the next decade. Cyprus continues to rely on an extensive dam network with a total capacity of 330 million cubic meters. Cyprus has more dams relative to its population than any other country in Europe, according to the minister. The dams are currently at 24.6% of capacity, compared with 47.2% in 2024, official figures show. Tourism accounts for 13.5% of Cyprus’ gross domestic product. Tourist arrivals last year exceeded 4 million, setting a new record.

The Atlantic on Wednesday released the entire Signal chat among senior national security officials, showing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop — before the men and women flying those attacks against Yemen’s Houthis this month on behalf of the United States were airborne. The disclosure follows two intense days during which leaders of President Donald Trump’s intelligence and defense agencies have struggled to explain how details — that current and former US officials have said would have been classified — wound up on an unclassified Signal chat that included Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said no classified information was posted to the Signal chat. US intelligence officials to appear at House hearing Sen Roger Wicker, R-Miss, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he and Rhode Island Sen Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat, plan to send a letter to the Trump administration requesting an inspector general investigation into the use of Signal. They seek a classified briefing with a top administration official “who can speak to the facts” of the episode. Top military official was not included in the chat The chat was also notable for who it excluded: the only military attendee of the principals committee, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Adm Christopher Grady is currently serving in that position in an acting capacity because Trump fired former chairman Gen CQ Brown Jr in February. National security adviser Mike Waltz was authorized to decide whether to include the Joint Chiefs chairman in the principals committee discussion, “based on the policy relevance of attendees to the issues being considered, the need for secrecy on sensitive matters, staffing needs, and other considerations,” the White House said in a Jan. 20 memo. The Pentagon said it would not comment on the issue, and it was not immediately clear why Grady, currently serving as the president’s top military adviser, would not be included in a discussion on military strikes. Hegseth has refused to say whether he posted classified information onto Signal. He is traveling in the Indo-Pacific and to date has only scoffed at questions, saying he did not reveal “war plans.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that it was up to Hegseth to determine whether the information he was posting was classified or not. Egypt offers new ceasefire proposal amid Israeli strikes killing scores Very specific texts were revealed What was revealed was jaw-dropping in its specificity and includes the type of information that is kept to a very close hold to protect the operational security of a military strike. But Hegseth’s spokesman, Sean Parnell, said in a statement Wednesday that “there were no classified materials or war plans shared. The Secretary was merely updating the group on a plan that was underway.” The Pentagon and White House have tried to deflect criticism by attacking Goldberg and The Atlantic. The magazine and Goldberg, however, repeatedly reached out to the White House before and after publication to gain additional context on the Signal chat and ensure that publishing the full texts would not cause harm. In a response, Goldberg reported Wednesday, Leavitt described some of the information as sensitive and said the White House would prefer it not be published.

US Vice President JD Vance announced he will join his wife on a trip to Greenland this Friday, hinting in a video posted on Tuesday that global security is at stake. “We’re going to check out how things are going there,” Vance stated in the video. “Speaking for President Trump, we want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important for the security of the entire world.” Usha Vance to visit Greenland amid Trump's US takeover talks President Donald Trump caused tension in Europe when he suggested the U.S. should have control over Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark rich in minerals. Greenland’s strategic value lies in its position as a gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic, with both China and Russia seeking access to its waters and natural resources. The vice president’s decision to visit a U.S. military base in Greenland avoids the diplomatic issue of sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. However, Vance has also been critical of long-time European allies for depending on U.S. military support, antagonising partners in ways that have raised concerns about America’s reliability. Before the vice president’s announcement, discontent had been growing in Greenland and Denmark. The Greenland government posted on Facebook Monday evening that it had “not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the situation “unacceptable pressure” during an interview on Tuesday. The office of second lady Usha Vance confirmed Sunday that she would travel to Greenland on Thursday and return on Saturday. Usha and one of their children had planned to explore Greenland’s historic sites and learn about its culture, but her husband’s involvement has shifted the focus of the trip to national security. Vance explained that he didn’t want his wife to “have all that fun by herself,” adding that he would visit a Space Force outpost on Greenland’s northwest coast. He noted that other countries have also posed threats to Greenland, the U.S., and Canada. Initially, Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was listed as part of the U.S. delegation to Greenland, but his name was removed after it was revealed that he had mistakenly added a journalist to a secure messaging app conversation about a military strike in Yemen. JD Vance's family moved to undisclosed location amid backlash Vance stated that leaders in Denmark and North America had “ignored” Greenland for “far too long.” Instead of attending the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut, which Usha Vance had planned to visit, the trip will now focus on a visit to Pituffik Space Base. However, Dwayne Ryan Menezes, founder of the Polar Research & Policy Initiative, warned that the Trump administration’s “intimidation” of Greenland could backfire. He argued that if Trump recognized Greenland’s strategic significance, he would understand that alienating allies undermines U.S. long-term interests. Despite growing objections from Greenland and Denmark, Vance is allowed to visit the space base under a 1951 agreement between the U.S. and Denmark regarding the defense of Greenland. Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, pointed out that the controversy stems from the timing of the visit, especially since Greenland currently lacks a functioning government. During his first term, Trump proposed purchasing Greenland, which Denmark, a NATO ally, rejected, as did the people of Greenland. Trump’s return to the White House has been marked by his desire for territorial expansion, including efforts to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and to regain control of the Panama Canal. He has also suggested that U.S. interests could take over the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel and turn it into a luxury.

Aid organisations in Sudan reported on Tuesday that at least 54 people were killed in a military airstrike on a local market in the country’s western region. The attack on Monday targeted the village of Tora, causing a large fire, as stated by Adam Rejal, a spokesperson for the General Coordination, a local organisation assisting displaced people in Darfur. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesman for the Sudanese military, denied targeting civilians, describing the allegations as “incorrect” and claiming they are often made when the military exercises its constitutional and legal right to address hostile threats. South Sudan teetering on the edge of renewed civil war, UN envoy says The airstrike severely damaged much of the weekly market in Tora, which lies 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. Support Darfur Victims, a local group aiding those affected by the Darfur conflict, released graphic video footage that appeared to show burnt structures and charred bodies on the ground. More than half of the deceased were women, according to a casualty list provided by Rejal. The list also showed that at least 23 people were injured and seven went missing. Rejal described the strike as “a crime against humanity and a clear violation of all international and humanitarian laws and conventions.” El-Fasher is under the control of the Sudanese military, despite daily attacks from the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The strike on Monday is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in the ongoing war, which began in April 2023 when tensions between the military and the RSF escalated into full-scale conflict across Sudan. The war has devastated the capital and other urban areas, claiming over 28,000 lives, displacing millions, and forcing some families to resort to eating grass to survive as famine spreads throughout the country. Some estimates suggest a much higher death toll. Sudan’s military retakes govt headquarters The conflict has been marked by atrocities such as mass rape and ethnically motivated killings, which are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in the western region of Darfur, according to the United Nations and international human rights groups. The Sudanese military has made gradual advances against the RSF in recent months, including regaining control of most key strategic and government buildings in the capital, Khartoum, in March, including the Republican Palace, which housed the pre-war government.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully withstood a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday, following a two-day debate during which her opponents alleged that she had mismanaged the country and allowed her father, a former prime minister, to exert control over her administration. Opposition lawmakers claimed that she was excessively influenced by her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, a widely popular yet highly controversial political figure, was ousted in a 2006 military coup, went into exile, and recently returned to Thailand. China's Xi and Thailand's leader vow to crack down on scam networks that plague Southeast Asia Paetongtarn’s critics argued that her administration had improperly prioritised her family’s personal and financial interests, particularly those of her father. They also accused her of tax evasion and of failing to address persistent national issues such as the sluggish economy, air pollution, crime, and corruption. She secured 319 votes in her favour, while 161 voted against her and seven abstained in the first no-confidence vote she has faced since taking office last year. Her predecessor, another Pheu Thai prime minister, was removed by the Constitutional Court for committing a serious ethical violation. Following the vote, Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to all parties for their participation in the process. “Every vote, whether in support or opposition, serves as motivation for me and the Cabinet to continue working with dedication for the people,” she wrote on social media. Bangladesh and Thailand Chief Justices meet to discuss potential judicial collaboration Paetongtarn leads the Pheu Thai Party, the latest in a series of populist parties linked to Thaksin. For nearly two decades, Thaksin has been central to Thailand’s deep political divides, with his support base among the predominantly poor, rural population clashing with royalists, the military, and their urban allies, who accuse him of endangering their status and that of the revered monarchy.

Wildfires have been devastating southern South Korea, claiming 18 lives, destroying over 200 structures, and forcing 27,000 people to evacuate, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Driven by strong winds, these wildfires rank among the worst the country has ever faced. Officials also reported that a helicopter crashed while attempting to contain the fires in Uiseong, one of the most severely affected areas. The Korea Forest Service stated that rescue operations were in progress, and it was believed that only the pilot was on board. 39 dead as tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms devastate US The government’s emergency response centre noted that the fires have burned through 43,330 acres, injuring 19 people and consuming an ancient Buddhist temple, houses, factories, and vehicles. In a televised address, South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo stated that the ongoing wildfires, which began last Friday, were inflicting more damage than many previous incidents. “The damage is escalating rapidly,” Han remarked. “We may be facing wildfire destruction on an unprecedented scale, so we must focus all our efforts on extinguishing the fires this week.” Han pointed out that strong overnight winds had hampered firefighting efforts, with around 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and other personnel engaged in the battle against the flames. They were supported by approximately 130 helicopters. A small amount of rainfall—5 to 10 millimetres—was expected on Thursday. Observers consider these wildfires the third-largest in South Korea’s history in terms of land burned. On Tuesday, officials in several southeastern cities and towns ordered evacuations as dry winds continued to fuel multiple blazes. The largest fires were reported in Andong, the neighbouring counties of Uiseong and Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan, according to the Interior Ministry. Earlier that day, officials had announced that the largest fires in these areas had mostly been extinguished. However, strong winds and dry conditions led to the blazes reigniting. Overnight firefighting efforts were partially halted as the winds intensified. In Uiseong, the fire destroyed nearly half of the more than 30 structures at Gounsa, a temple believed to have been originally built in the 7th century. Among the damaged buildings were two state-designated “treasures” – a pavilion-like structure built over a stream in 1668 and a Joseon Dynasty structure from 1904, erected to commemorate a king’s longevity. Another state-designated treasure, an 8th-century stone Buddha statue, was relocated to safety, as confirmed by government and Buddhist officials. The Justice Ministry reported that 500 inmates were transferred from a detention centre in Cheongsong, another town in the south, as a precaution. However, no damage to the facility was reported. On Tuesday, the Korea Forest Service raised its wildfire warning to the highest “serious” level nationwide. This measure required local authorities to deploy additional emergency personnel, tighten entry restrictions to forests and parks, and advise military units to suspend live-fire exercises. Powerful March storm sparks wildfires, causes fatalities, raises Tornado concerns Among the 18 casualties were four firefighters and government workers who lost their lives in Sancheong on Saturday after being trapped by fast-moving flames driven by strong winds, officials said. Authorities suspect that human negligence was responsible for several of the fires, possibly due to the use of fire for clearing overgrown grass at family tombs or sparks from welding activities.