Iran escalates attacks in the Middle East, tensions rise and fears of an oil crisis
Iran attacked two oil tankers in Iraqi waters, escalating the war in the Middle East and raising fears of a surge in oil prices.
The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has claimed thousands of lives and shaken global energy markets. Meanwhile, Donald Trump declared that the US had won the war, but warned that operations could continue.
Israel bombs Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon as conflict with Hezbollah escalates
Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones into northern Israel, escalating the 10-day conflict.
The attacks were carried out in coordination with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, who said more than 50 Israeli targets were hit, including military bases.
Israeli bombings in Lebanon have caused hundreds of casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands of families, while fears of a wider war in the region are growing.
China's parliament expected to pass 'ethnic unity' law
China's parliament is expected to pass a new "ethnic unity" law that will reduce the use of minority languages ??in schools.
The law requires that instruction be conducted primarily in Mandarin, giving it priority over languages ??such as Tibetan, Uyghur and Mongolian.
The policy is linked to President Xi Jinping's strategy to further integrate ethnic minorities into China's majority Han culture.
Mass AI surveillance in Africa threatens citizens' privacy and freedoms
A report warns that the widespread use of artificial intelligence surveillance systems in several African countries is violating the privacy and freedoms of citizens.
Some 11 African governments have spent more than $2 billion on tracking technologies built by Chinese companies, including smart cameras and facial recognition.
Experts warn that these systems could be used to monitor activists, journalists and political opponents, limiting freedom of expression and protest.
