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World News

Fresh news brought to you daily from around the world. Hot news, breaking stories as they happen.

South Korean Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air as Pilots Take Photos During Flight

Two South Korean fighter jets collided during a training mission in 2021 after pilots attempted to take photographs and video of the aircraft while in flight, according to a government investigation. The incident occurred near the central city of Daegu and involved two F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force.

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Both pilots survived the mid-air collision without injury, though the aircraft sustained significant damage. Repair costs were estimated at 880 million won (about $596,000 or £440,500).
Details of the event were outlined in a report released on Wednesday by the Board of Audit and Inspection.
Photo-taking during flight
Investigators found the crash occurred while one of the pilots attempted to photograph the aircraft during what was intended to be his final flight with the unit.
According to the audit report, taking pictures during notable missions had been a common practice among pilots at the time.
The pilot, flying the wingman aircraft, had mentioned his intention to take photos during the mission briefing. As the formation returned to base, he began using his personal mobile phone to capture images while following the lead jet.
After noticing the activity, the pilot of the lead aircraft asked another crew member on board to record video of the wingman aircraft in flight.
Risky manoeuvre before collision
While the filming was taking place, the wingman pilot attempted a sudden manoeuvre to make his aircraft more visible on camera.
He raised the jet’s altitude and rolled the aircraft, bringing the two fighter jets dangerously close together.
The lead aircraft tried to descend quickly to avoid contact, but the jets ultimately collided. The impact damaged the left wing of the lead aircraft and the tail stabiliser of the wingman jet.
Despite the damage, the wingman pilot was able to regain control and safely return the aircraft to base.
Dispute over financial penalty
Following the incident, the air force suspended the wingman pilot. He has since left military service and now works for a commercial airline.
The air force initially sought to recover the full repair cost of 880 million won from him. The pilot appealed the penalty, prompting a formal investigation by the audit authority.
During the inquiry, he acknowledged that his abrupt manoeuvre contributed to the crash but argued the lead pilot had effectively accepted the filming by allowing the video recording to proceed.
The audit board ultimately reduced the financial penalty, ruling that the pilot should pay 88 million won — one-tenth of the amount originally demanded.
Investigators said the military also shared responsibility because it had not clearly regulated the personal use of cameras by pilots during flights.
The board further noted the pilot’s previously strong service record and the fact that he managed to guide the damaged aircraft safely back to base after the collision.
The report did not state whether disciplinary action was taken against the other pilots involved.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks to Overturn Sex Trafficking Conviction

Ghislaine Maxwell, a former associate of financier Jeffrey Epstein, has asked a federal judge in New York to overturn her sex trafficking conviction and release her from prison. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein. Federal prosecutors confirmed that they recently received a new filing from Maxwell, which she prepared herself.

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According to a letter submitted to the court, officials received a FedEx package marked with a shipping date of 16 April 2026 that contained a USB drive holding an amended legal motion and supporting documents.
The filing has not yet appeared on the public court docket, and prosecutors said they have not disclosed the specific arguments contained in the submission.
Latest legal effort
In their letter to the court, prosecutors said Maxwell’s latest request appears to repeat elements of a previous attempt to dismiss her conviction. That earlier motion was rejected by both a federal district court and an appeals court in 2024.
After those rulings, Maxwell sought to bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear her appeal.
With her direct appeals exhausted, Maxwell filed a habeas corpus petition in December 2025, arguing that new evidence had emerged that could affect her case. A federal judge subsequently allowed her to amend that petition in February after the U.S. Justice Department released documents related to Epstein.
The amended filing submitted this month is part of that ongoing effort to challenge her conviction.
Previous arguments rejected
Maxwell has previously argued that her conviction and sentence should be overturned because she did not receive a fair trial. She has also maintained that she should have been protected by a non-prosecution agreement reached by Epstein’s lawyers during his 2008 plea deal with federal prosecutors in Florida.
Courts rejected those claims during earlier appeals.
Her legal team has also argued that the prosecution relied on allegations related to grooming victims that they said did not constitute a criminal offense. Judges reviewing the case dismissed those arguments.
Role in Epstein trafficking scheme
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of assisting Epstein in the sexual exploitation of underage girls. Prosecutors said she played a central role in a scheme to recruit and groom teenage girls to give Epstein massages that often became sexual.
Authorities said some of the victims were as young as 14 years old. Maxwell was sentenced the following year to 20 years in federal prison.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Interview reference to Trump
Maxwell was also interviewed last month by former U.S. deputy attorney general Todd Blanche. According to people familiar with the discussion, Maxwell said she had never witnessed Donald Trump engage in behaviour that raised concerns during the time she knew him.
Details of that interview have not been formally disclosed in court filings.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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Labour MPs Hold Off Ousting Starmer Despite Mounting Pressure

Labour MPs unhappy with the party’s direction are holding off from launching a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as polling numbers fall and expectations grow of heavy losses in upcoming elections. The party faces a difficult electoral test, with forecasts suggesting it could lose control of Wales, shed council seats across England and struggle to make gains in Scotland.

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Starmer has also faced criticism over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States and the dismissal of senior civil servant Olly Robbins after a dispute over security vetting.
With elections looming, some in UK Parliament are asking why a leadership contest is not expected immediately after the anticipated losses on 8 May. While Jonathan Brash has publicly urged Starmer to resign and set a timetable for his departure, few colleagues have echoed that call openly.
No rush for a contest
Several MPs say dissatisfaction with Starmer is widespread but there is little appetite to trigger a leadership race without a clear successor.
One veteran Labour MP described the situation as politically terminal for the prime minister but said the sense that he may not lead the party into the next election had reduced the urgency for an immediate contest.
Others are wary of installing a temporary leader. Some argue that the party must ensure that any leadership contest produces someone capable of leading Labour into a general election, warning that frequent changes at the top would damage public trust.
Across Labour’s ideological factions, there appears to be agreement that there is no obvious successor currently sitting in Parliament.
A centre-left MP said members of the Parliamentary Labour Party believed the situation was “terminal” but felt that neither Wes Streeting nor Angela Rayner offered a clear solution. Some MPs have criticised Streeting’s links to Mandelson, while others question whether Rayner could win a general election.
Attention turns outside Westminster
Amid the lack of consensus in Westminster, some MPs have discussed the possibility of a candidate from outside Parliament. One name frequently mentioned is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester.
Burnham was blocked earlier this year from contesting a by-election in Gorton and Denton, a move some MPs now see as significant. Supporters believe he could unite different wings of the party, though any return to Westminster would require a safe seat to become available and approval from Labour’s ruling body, the Labour Party National Executive Committee.
Others argue that Burnham’s absence from Parliament may have slowed any potential leadership challenge. One MP suggested that if he had already returned to Westminster, momentum for change might have been stronger.
Cabinet manoeuvring and fraying loyalties
Attention has also turned to the cabinet, where some MPs believe senior ministers could ultimately push Starmer to step aside, echoing the internal pressure that led to the fall of Margaret Thatcher in 1990.
Several ministers have publicly distanced themselves from decisions associated with the prime minister, including the Mandelson appointment. Ed Miliband signalled disagreement with the move, while Yvette Cooper and Pat McFadden criticised attempts by Downing Street to explore an ambassadorial role for communications chief Matthew Doyle.
Starmer seeks to rebuild support
Despite the pressure, Starmer has been working to shore up support among backbenchers. He has hosted receptions and meetings with MPs at Chequers and held discussions with various parliamentary groups, including the “Red Wall” MPs representing constituencies vulnerable to the rise of the Reform UK party.
Participants say the meetings have been constructive, with MPs given the opportunity to speak frankly.
Changes within Downing Street have also eased tensions. After the departure of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, some MPs report improved engagement with the prime minister’s office. His political director Amy Richards has been credited with broadening outreach to MPs.
However, discontent remains in parts of the parliamentary party. Some members of Labour’s women MPs group are said to be angry over recent controversies involving Doyle and are pressing for more women to be promoted to senior roles.
For now, despite deep unease and gloomy electoral expectations, Labour MPs appear reluctant to move against their leader without a clear alternative.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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Trump Crypto Venture Sued by Billionaire Investor Over Token Dispute

A cryptocurrency project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump is facing a lawsuit from billionaire investor Justin Sun, who accuses the company of improperly seizing control of his digital tokens and restricting his rights as a holder. Sun, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency sector and founder of the TRON blockchain platform, has filed a complaint in federal court in San Francisco alleging that the firm behind the World Liberty Financial project engaged in what he described as an “illegal scheme” to take control of his holdings.

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The company has rejected the claims, describing the lawsuit as an attempt by Sun to divert attention from alleged misconduct on his part.
According to the lawsuit, Sun invested $45m (£33m) in the World Liberty Financial project and accumulated a large number of its WLFI tokens. At certain points, he said the value of his holdings exceeded $1bn.
Dispute over token control
Sun claims that company executives froze his tokens and removed his ability to participate in governance decisions tied to the cryptocurrency project. He also alleges the company threatened to permanently eliminate the tokens by “burning” them — a process that removes digital assets from circulation.
In a statement posted on social media announcing the legal action, Sun said the steps were taken without proper justification.

“They wrongfully froze all of my tokens, stripped me of my right to vote on governance proposals, and have threatened to permanently destroy my tokens,” he wrote.
The lawsuit further alleges that early promises made to investors — including that token holders would eventually be able to trade their holdings freely — were misleading. While WLFI tokens later became tradable more broadly, Sun claims he has been prevented from selling any of his.
Company rejects allegations
World Liberty Financial has strongly denied the accusations.
Zach Witkoff, one of the project’s co-founders and the son of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, said the claims were unfounded and that the company had acted to protect itself and its users.
“His claims are entirely meritless, and World Liberty looks forward to getting the case thrown out promptly,” Witkoff said, adding that Sun had engaged in conduct that required the company to intervene.
Eric Trump, who co-founded the project with his father, also dismissed the case. In a social media response, he mocked Sun by referencing the investor’s purchase of a conceptual artwork consisting of a banana taped to a wall.
In 2024, Sun bought the piece — created by artist Maurizio Cattelan — for around $6m and later publicly ate the banana.
Falling token value and investor concerns
The dispute comes amid a steep decline in the price of the WLFI token. Since September, its value has dropped from about 31 cents to just under eight cents.
Sun said he had backed the project partly because of its association with the Trump family and his own long-standing support for cryptocurrency. In July 2025 he also purchased $100m worth of meme coins linked to Donald Trump.
However, the lawsuit accuses some individuals involved with World Liberty Financial, including co-founder Chase Herro, of exploiting the Trump brand for personal gain.
Separately, some investors have raised concerns about the company borrowing against the value of its tokens.
Wider scrutiny of Trump-linked businesses
The case emerges as regulators and politicians continue to scrutinise cryptocurrency projects tied to prominent political figures.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission recently dropped an investigation into Sun related to allegations that influencers were paid to promote his crypto ventures without proper disclosure. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned whether the decision was connected to Sun’s investments in Trump-related crypto projects.
In a separate development, the company behind Trump’s social media platform Truth Social has replaced its chief executive, Devin Nunes, following a significant fall in the firm’s share price.
Kevin McGurn, a media executive who has previously worked at Hulu, Vevo and T-Mobile, has been appointed as interim chief executive. Over the past year, shares in Trump Media & Technology have lost nearly two-thirds of their value as the platform struggles to expand its audience beyond the US president’s supporters.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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UK and France agree £662m pact to tackle small boat crossings

The UK and France have agreed a £662m deal aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats, including deploying additional riot-trained police and advanced surveillance technology along the French coast. Under the three-year agreement, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to sign the deal with French authorities on Thursday.

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The plan includes sending at least 50 officers trained in riot and crowd-control tactics to French beaches where tensions with migrants and people smugglers have sometimes escalated.
Expanded patrols and surveillance
The agreement also commits France to deploying new equipment to track smuggling operations and intercept migrants attempting the journey to Britain. This includes drones worth millions of pounds, two additional helicopters and a new camera monitoring system.
Officials say the measures are designed to identify and disrupt people-smuggling networks while preventing migrants from boarding boats on the northern French coastline.
The deal will significantly increase the number of personnel involved in the operation. Nearly 1,100 law enforcement, intelligence and military officers will be deployed in northern France once the agreement takes effect this summer. That represents an increase of about 42% compared with the previous arrangement.
French authorities will also provide a new vessel and more than 20 additional maritime officers to target so-called “taxi boats”, which collect migrants already waiting in shallow waters before taking them across the Channel.
Funding tied to results
Of the £662m package, £501m will be spent on expanding beach patrols and enforcement operations. A further £160m will be made available if the strategy proves effective in reducing crossings.
For the first time, UK ministers have said about £100m of the funding could be redirected or withdrawn after a year if French authorities fail to significantly reduce the number of people attempting the journey.
Mahmood said the UK-France partnership had already prevented tens of thousands of migrants from setting off towards Britain but argued further action was necessary.
“Our work with the French has stopped tens of thousands of illegal migrants boarding boats headed to Britain,” she said. “But we must do more. This landmark deal will stop illegal migrants making the perilous journey and put people smugglers behind bars.”
Political criticism and rising crossings
Opposition politicians criticised the agreement, arguing the UK government was committing large sums without firm guarantees.
Conservative MP Chris Philp, the party’s shadow home secretary, said the government was handing over “half a billion pounds of our money with no conditions at all”, adding that France should receive funding only if it stops most attempted crossings.
Channel crossings have risen in recent years. A total of 41,472 people arrived in the UK by small boat in 2025.
So far in 2026, more than 6,000 people have reached the UK by this route. On Saturday alone, 602 migrants arrived in Dover on nine boats.
The previous UK-France agreement, signed in 2023, provided £476m to support patrols along the French coast and involved around 700 officers monitoring beaches to disrupt smuggling gangs.
Debate over broader migration policy
Political parties and advocacy groups remain divided over how to address the crossings.
Reform UK figures have argued Britain should withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights to allow stricter migration enforcement. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats say the focus should be on dismantling smuggling networks and establishing large-scale returns agreements with France.
Humanitarian groups warn that policing alone will not stop migrants attempting the dangerous journey. The Refugee Council said the lack of safe legal routes to Britain forces vulnerable people to rely on smugglers and small boats.
Separately, the Labour government signed a “one-in-one-out” arrangement with France in August 2025 allowing the UK to return some migrants who arrived by boat while accepting an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France who had not attempted the crossing.
By February this year, 305 people had been returned to France under the scheme, while 367 had been admitted to the UK.
The government also said nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals have been removed or deported since it took office.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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Lufthansa to Cancel 20,000 Summer Flights as Jet Fuel Costs Soar

German airline Lufthansa has announced plans to cancel 20,000 short-haul flights across Europe during the summer season, citing a sharp rise in jet fuel prices that has rendered many routes financially unsustainable. The carrier said the cuts would primarily affect its European network and are intended to reduce fuel consumption as operating costs surge. Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled since the start of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted energy production and transport routes across the Middle East.

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Other airlines have also taken steps to manage rising costs. Companies including Air France–KLM Group and Delta Air Lines have temporarily trimmed parts of their flight schedules, while some carriers have raised ticket prices to offset higher fuel expenses.
Industry analysts say travellers may face additional cancellations and further increases in airfares if the conflict continues and energy markets remain volatile.
Impact of Gulf supply disruptions
The Middle East plays a critical role in supplying aviation fuel to Europe. Roughly half of the region’s jet fuel imports originate in Gulf states, with most shipments passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping through the narrow waterway has been severely disrupted after Iran moved to effectively block the route following military strikes by the United States and Israel. The situation has slowed the movement of oil products and contributed to rising global fuel costs.
According to Lufthansa, the planned reductions will save about 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel. Much of the decrease will result from shutting down its regional subsidiary, Lufthansa CityLine.
As part of the changes, the airline said it will temporarily suspend flights to several European destinations, including Heringsdorf, Cork, Gdańsk, Ljubljana, Rijeka, Sibiu, Stuttgart, Trondheim, Tivat and Wrocław.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be offered refunds or rebooked onto alternative services operated by other carriers within the Lufthansa Group where available. These include SWISS International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways.
The airline said some of the reductions could become permanent as it conducts a broader review of its European network. Further details about potential schedule changes are expected later in April.
Concerns over fuel availability
The flight cuts come amid wider concerns about jet fuel supplies in Europe. The International Energy Agency warned last week that the region could face shortages within weeks if supply disruptions continue.
However, the UK government and several airlines have said they are not currently experiencing direct interruptions in fuel deliveries.
In response to the volatility, the European Union announced plans to establish a monitoring system to track production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels across the bloc.
Officials say the initiative is intended to identify potential supply risks early and reduce the impact of rising prices or shortages on the aviation sector.
Despite the reduction in European flights, Lufthansa said travellers would still be able to connect to its long-haul services through its wider global network, although operations would be run more efficiently in light of higher fuel costs.
The latest measures follow an announcement last week that Lufthansa would accelerate the shutdown of Lufthansa CityLine, retiring 27 aircraft. The airline cited escalating fuel costs and ongoing labour disputes as factors behind the decision.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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US–Iran Blockade Standoff as Pakistan Pushes for Talks

A fragile ceasefire between the United States, Iran and Israel has continued beyond its expected expiry, but tensions remain high as both sides engage in maritime confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The extension of the truce was announced by Donald Trump in a social media post late on Tuesday. Instead of renewed air or missile strikes, the conflict has shifted to what observers describe as a “war of blockades”, with US and Iranian forces intercepting and seizing commercial vessels passing through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The situation in the narrow shipping corridor remains volatile, raising concerns that even a minor incident could escalate into a wider confrontation.

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Pakistan’s Diplomatic Effort
Meanwhile, Islamabad has been waiting for delegations from both countries to arrive for talks aimed at de-escalating the crisis.
Authorities had prepared the city for high-level negotiations earlier this week. Parts of the capital were secured and a hotel earmarked for the discussions remained on standby for the arrival of negotiators.
However, the expected delegations have yet to appear, and the sense of anticipation that had surrounded the preparations has faded in recent days.
Speculation that US officials were preparing to travel to Pakistan — including reports that journalists in Washington had been told to prepare for departure — has subsided. Earlier in the week, large Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft were seen landing at a nearby airbase, prompting further speculation about diplomatic activity.
Despite the uncertainty, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, has said the government remains committed to facilitating dialogue. Writing on social media, he said Pakistan would continue its efforts to help secure a negotiated settlement between the two sides.
Uncertain Signals from Washington
President Trump has indicated that a breakthrough could still come soon, telling at least one journalist that an agreement might be reached within days.
However, Tehran has dismissed suggestions that it is delaying negotiations to formulate a unified position.
Iranian officials have instead accused Washington of failing to honour commitments and criticised what they described as inconsistent messages from the White House.
Analysts say the US president’s public statements — which have alternated between threats of severe retaliation and offers of diplomacy — have added to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
Iran has also complained that it has twice entered talks with the United States in the past year only to face subsequent military attacks by Israel and US forces.
Questions Over Iran’s Leadership
The ceasefire announcement itself hinted at further complications. In his message, President Trump described Iran’s leadership as “seriously fractured”.
The comment has fuelled debate among analysts about the current structure of power within Tehran following losses among senior figures during the conflict.
If divisions within Iran’s leadership have deepened, diplomats warn that reaching a negotiated settlement could become significantly more complicated.
For now, Pakistan’s planned talks remain in limbo while tensions at sea continue to test the fragile ceasefire.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 April 2026
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Japan Expands Arms Export Policy Amid Shifting Security Landscape

Japan has relaxed long-standing limits on its arms exports, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to a broader group of partner nations in a move that signals a significant evolution in its post-war defence posture.

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The policy change, announced on Tuesday, removes previous restrictions that confined exports largely to non-combat equipment. Under the revised rules, Japan will be permitted to transfer lethal military hardware to countries with which it maintains defence agreements.
Government officials say the move is intended to strengthen Japan’s security partnerships and contribute to regional stability at a time of growing geopolitical tensions.
Expanded defence exports
For decades, Japanese arms exports were tightly restricted, reflecting the country’s pacifist principles established after the Second World War. Previously, exports were limited to five categories of equipment: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
Under the new framework, those limits will be lifted. Japan will now be able to export lethal weapons to 17 partner nations that have defence cooperation arrangements with Tokyo, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
A prohibition on arms sales to countries involved in active conflicts will remain in place. However, the rule does not apply to nations that have formal defence agreements with Japan. Officials have also indicated that exceptions may be considered in what they described as “special circumstances”.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the policy reflected a changing global security environment. Writing on social media, she said no single country could safeguard its peace and security alone amid increasingly complex threats.
She stressed, however, that the policy shift did not represent a departure from Japan’s broader commitment to peace. According to Takaichi, the government would proceed cautiously when deciding whether arms transfers should be approved.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the policy was aimed at protecting Japan’s security while supporting stability across the region.
Regional reactions
China expressed strong concern about the decision, describing it as a step towards militarisation.
Beijing’s foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring the development and would oppose what it characterised as a reckless shift in Japan’s defence policy.
The announcement coincided with ongoing military exercises involving the United States and the Philippines. Japan’s Self-Defence Forces are participating in the annual drills as combatants for the first time rather than observers.
The exercises are taking place in parts of the Philippines close to disputed waters and islands claimed by China, including areas near Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to bring the self-governed island under its control.
South Korea also responded cautiously, saying Japan’s defence policy should ideally continue to reflect the principles of its pacifist constitution while supporting peace and stability in the region.
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo remain shaped in part by Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean peninsula between 1910 and the end of the Second World War, a period marked by forced labour and the sexual exploitation of Korean women.
Gradual shift from pacifism
Japan’s pacifist stance was embedded in its 1947 constitution, which renounces war as a means of settling international disputes and states that the country will not maintain military forces with war potential.
While pacifism has long been central to Japan’s national identity, successive governments have gradually eased some restrictions on defence policy.
In 2014, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe relaxed a blanket ban on arms exports, allowing Japan to collaborate with allies on weapons development and opening limited opportunities for defence sales.
Further reforms in 2023 under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida allowed exports of completed lethal weapons for the first time since the war.
Takaichi has also voiced support for revising the constitution’s pacifist provisions, particularly Article 9, which formally renounces war.
Supporters argue that Japan must adapt to a more challenging security environment shaped by the presence of China, Russia and North Korea. Critics, however, warn that expanding military capabilities could increase the risk of Japan becoming involved in future conflicts.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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NATO Fighters Intercept Russian Bombers and Jets Over Baltic Sea

NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled on Monday to intercept Russian military planes flying over the Baltic Sea, as alliance members monitored a formation of bombers and fighter jets operating near NATO airspace.

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The operation involved several NATO and partner nations responding to a Russian flight that included long-range strategic bombers and escort fighters. The interception took place as part of NATO’s routine air-policing mission in northern Europe.
Multinational response from NATO and partners
French Rafale fighter jets stationed in Lithuania were among the aircraft dispatched to monitor the Russian formation. The aircraft were deployed from Šiauliai Air Base, where France is currently participating in NATO’s rotating air-policing mission designed to protect the airspace of Baltic states.
The French fighters were equipped with air-to-air missiles and joined aircraft from Sweden, Finland, Poland, Denmark and Romania in tracking the Russian aircraft.
According to the French detachment involved in the mission, the Russian group consisted of two Tu-22M3 supersonic strategic bombers accompanied by around 10 fighter aircraft. The escort included both Su-30 and Su-35 jets, which rotated duties protecting the bombers during the flight.
The allied aircraft monitored and visually identified the Russian planes while maintaining distance, a standard procedure during such encounters.
Russia says flight was scheduled
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the operation was a planned training flight conducted over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry said the mission lasted more than four hours.
“At certain stages of the route, the long-range bombers were accompanied by fighters of foreign states,” the ministry said.
It added that Russian long-range aviation regularly carries out flights over international waters in regions including the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Baltic Sea and Black Sea.
The ministry said all flights are conducted in accordance with international rules governing the use of airspace.
NATO monitoring flights near alliance territory
NATO aircraft frequently intercept Russian military flights near the alliance’s borders, particularly in the Baltic region. The alliance says Russian aircraft often operate without activating their transponders, communicating with civilian air-traffic controllers or filing flight plans.
Such measures can pose potential risks for civilian aviation, prompting NATO to dispatch fighters to identify and monitor the aircraft.
The Baltic air-policing mission was established in 2004 after Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia joined NATO. Because the three countries lack their own fighter aircraft capable of carrying out air-defence missions, allied nations take turns deploying jets to patrol their airspace.
Many Russian flights observed by NATO aircraft travel between mainland Russia and the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic coast.
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO reported intercepting Russian aircraft roughly 300 times a year, most often over northern European waters.
Activity continues in Baltic region
Lithuania’s defence ministry said NATO aircraft were scrambled four times between April 13 and April 19 to intercept Russian aircraft that were not following standard flight procedures.
Officials said some of the aircraft involved were flying without flight plans and had switched off their transponders.
Monday’s interception was the latest example of continued military activity in the Baltic Sea region, where NATO and Russia frequently track each other’s aircraft operating in international airspace.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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Zelensky Criticises US Envoys for Visiting Moscow but Not Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised senior US envoys for travelling repeatedly to Moscow while failing to visit Kyiv, describing the imbalance as “disrespectful”.

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Speaking in an interview with a Ukrainian media outlet, Zelensky said it was inappropriate that US officials had met Russian leaders several times without making a comparable visit to Ukraine.
“It’s disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv,” Zelensky said. “It’s just disrespectful.”
US envoys’ meetings in Moscow
The criticism was directed at Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner.
The two travelled to the Russian capital late last year during negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and returned again in January.
Witkoff, a former real estate executive, has visited Moscow eight times and has held multiple meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, neither Witkoff nor Kushner has visited Kyiv in an official capacity.
Zelensky said he understood there could be logistical challenges but suggested alternative arrangements could have been made if necessary.
“I understand we have complex logistics,” he said. “If they don’t want to, we can meet in other countries.”
Focus shifts to Middle East conflict
Earlier in April, Zelensky had said the two US envoys were planning a trip to Ukraine, but the visit never took place as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran escalated.
Witkoff and Kushner are now part of a US negotiating delegation travelling to Pakistan for talks related to a ceasefire with Iran.
Zelensky acknowledged that Washington’s diplomatic focus had shifted towards the Middle East, but stressed the importance of maintaining cooperation with the United States.
“For us it is important to continue cooperating with the Americans,” he said.
Stalled peace negotiations
Efforts to end the war in Ukraine gathered momentum in autumn 2025 when reports emerged that US and Russian officials had been developing a framework for a possible settlement.
Ukraine later pushed to participate in the talks, leading to several meetings between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington.
By mid-February, both sides said they had reached tentative understandings on some military issues, including the position of the front line and arrangements for monitoring a ceasefire.
Major political questions remain unresolved.
Kyiv has demanded that Russia return Ukrainian children it says were forcibly deported after the invasion began. Moscow has also insisted on political changes in Ukraine’s leadership as part of any agreement.
The status of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region remains the central sticking point. Russia has demanded sovereignty over territory it occupies, a condition Kyiv has rejected.
War continues along long front line
The conflict began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has now lasted more than four years.
Russian forces control large parts of eastern Ukraine, and fighting continues along a long front line stretching from Luhansk in the northeast to Kherson in the south.
Cities across Ukraine remain frequent targets of drone and missile strikes. Ukrainian officials say Russia launched more than 700 drones and missiles in a series of attacks one night last week, killing at least 18 people.
Ukraine has meanwhile expanded long-range drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, targeting ports, energy depots and industrial sites deep inside Russian territory.
According to Reuters calculations, these strikes temporarily disabled around 20% of Russia’s oil export capacity earlier in April.
At the same time, the global energy disruptions linked to the conflict with Iran have boosted Russian oil revenues, even as the country’s broader economy faces continuing strain.
EU loan decision linked to pipeline repairs
The war has also complicated European energy supply.
Although many European Union countries have reduced reliance on Russian oil, Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia have continued imports through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukrainian territory.
The pipeline was shut earlier this year after Ukraine said a Russian strike had damaged the infrastructure in January.
Orbán subsequently blocked approval of a €90bn EU loan package intended to support Ukraine.
Zelensky said on Tuesday that the pipeline had now been repaired, raising the possibility that Hungary could lift its veto and allow EU member states to approve the financial assistance.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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War with US and Israel Drives Mass Job Losses Across Iran

Millions of people in Iran have lost their jobs following the country’s conflict with the United States and Israel, according to government officials, as the war’s economic impact spreads across multiple sectors.

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Deputy Minister for Work and Social Security Gholamhossein Mohammadi said about two million workers had been made redundant since hostilities began. The layoffs have become a widely discussed issue among Iranians online, where officials and employers often describe the cuts as efforts to “balance the workforce”.
Job losses have not been limited to facilities directly damaged by air strikes. Businesses across manufacturing, retail, trade and the digital economy have also been affected as supply chains break down and consumer spending falls.
Economic ripple effects
Air strikes on key industrial facilities have contributed to the disruption. In late March and early April, US and Israeli attacks targeted major petrochemical plants in Asaluyeh and Mahshahr, along with the country’s largest steel producers, Mobarakeh Steel and Khuzestan Steel.
Tens of thousands of workers lost jobs directly at those sites, but the impact has spread far wider. Many companies supplying raw materials or services to those industries have also cut staff.
Iran’s car manufacturing sector, which is estimated to directly or indirectly employ about one million people, has reported layoffs across its supply chain.
Businesses are also struggling with disrupted imports. A manufacturing executive in the central province of Qom said production had halted due to shortages of raw materials.
“We hoped that when the war stopped, things would return to normal,” the executive said. “But foreign suppliers are worried their ships may not be allowed to enter Iranian waters.”
Some factories have been forced to suspend operations as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz complicate shipping and logistics.
Falling demand and social media accounts
Reduced consumer spending has added further pressure on businesses. Many households have cut back on non-essential purchases, weakening demand in sectors such as tourism, restaurants and retail outside basic groceries.
Iranians have pointed to visible signs of the slowdown in social media posts. Some users have described unusually quiet roads and faster commutes in Tehran, suggesting fewer people are travelling to work.
Reports have also emerged of companies making large-scale layoffs. One social media user said a textile firm employing their relative had dismissed 600 of its 650 staff after losing access to imported raw materials.
Some employers have said they may rehire workers once conditions improve, while others have placed staff on unpaid leave.
Internet blackout and digital sector hit
The government’s decision to impose a nationwide internet blackout during the conflict has further damaged economic activity, particularly in the technology sector.
Officials say the shutdown was introduced for security reasons to prevent surveillance, espionage and cyberattacks. Iran previously imposed a similar blackout during a crackdown on protests earlier in the year.
Before the conflict, Information and Communication Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi estimated that each day without internet access cost the economy at least 50 trillion rials, roughly $35 million.
With the shutdown lasting 52 days so far, the total economic impact from the disruption alone is estimated to exceed $1.8bn.
Women have been particularly affected. Official data shows only one in nine working-age women in Iran were employed before the war, and many relied on platforms such as Instagram to sell goods and communicate with customers.
Even news organisations have cut staff. The Iran Labour News Agency recently dismissed its journalists and asked them to continue working as freelancers.
Inflation pressures rising
The government has announced a loan programme intended to support small businesses, offering about 440 million rials per employee. The loans must be repaid within six months and carry interest rates ranging from 18% to 35%, depending on the number of redundancies made.
The surge in unemployment comes as inflation in Iran has already surpassed 50% as of March 2026.
Economists warn that if fighting resumes or sanctions remain in place, economic conditions could deteriorate further, with rising prices and job losses placing increasing strain on households across the country.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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Seven Arrested Over Suspected Plot to Target Jewish Community Site in London

British counterterrorism officers have arrested seven people as part of an investigation into a suspected plan to carry out an arson attack on a venue linked to the Jewish community in London, authorities said.

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The arrests were made within the past 48 hours during what police described as a proactive inquiry into an alleged conspiracy to commit arson. Investigators believe the intended target was associated with the Jewish community, although the exact building or location has not yet been identified, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police said the operation forms part of a wider investigation into a series of suspected arson incidents across the capital.
Arrests Across England
Officers carried out arrests in several locations, including the towns of Harpenden and Stevenage, as well as areas near Birmingham and the west London district of Ealing.
The investigation follows a suspected arson attack on 23 March in the north London area of Golders Green. In that incident, several ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency response group were set alight outside a synagogue.
Since that attack, police say eight people have been formally charged with offences linked to arson. A further 13 individuals remain either in custody or released on bail while inquiries continue.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, said authorities were determined to respond firmly to the incidents.
“Our message is clear, we will not tolerate this intimidation of our communities, and will pursue those responsible,” Evans said.
Investigators are also examining whether some suspects may have been hired to carry out the attacks.
“One of our key lines of inquiry is whether criminal proxies – that is to say people being paid money to carry out a crime – are being used to commit any of these arsons,” Evans added.
Teenager Charged in Separate Incident
In a separate development, police announced that a 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with another suspected arson incident at a synagogue in the Kenton area of northwest London.
The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, is accused of arson not endangering life. Authorities said the fire caused minor damage to the building but no injuries were reported. The suspect is a British national.
Concerns Over Rising Attacks
The arrests come amid growing concern within the Jewish community about a series of recent incidents involving places of worship and community buildings.
On Sunday, Ephraim Mirvis warned that what he described as a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” against Jewish communities in the UK appeared to be escalating.
Mirvis pointed to several recent incidents, including the fire at the Kenton synagogue. He also referenced an attack last week targeting a synagogue in the north London area of Finchley, as well as an attempted attack on another building in Hendon.
Describing the Kenton incident as a “cowardly arson attack”, Mirvis urged authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish institutions and those who use them.
Police say investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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Oil Slicks Spread in Gulf After Attacks on Iranian Ships and Facilities

Satellite imagery is revealing several oil spills in the Persian Gulf following attacks on vessels and energy facilities during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising concerns among experts about potential environmental damage across the region.

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Images captured from space show oil slicks spreading in several locations in the Gulf, a waterway known for its rich marine biodiversity and its importance to communities that depend on coastal resources. Environmental specialists say the contamination could threaten wildlife and livelihoods along the shoreline.
Spill near Strait of Hormuz
One satellite image taken on 7 April shows an oil slick extending more than five miles in the Strait of Hormuz, close to Iran’s Qeshm Island.
According to Greenpeace Germany, the spill is linked to the Iranian vessel Shahid Bagheri, which was struck by US forces on 28 February. The damage caused oil to leak into surrounding waters, Greenpeace spokesperson Nina Noelle told CNN.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for energy exports, and incidents in the area can have both environmental and economic consequences.
Damage at Lavan Island
Separate satellite images show oil spreading into waters around Lavan Island after what Iranian state media described as a strike by hostile forces on an oil installation near the island’s coastline on 7 April.
Video circulating on social media and later verified by CNN shows a large fire breaking out at an Iranian refinery on the island.


Oil around Iran’s Lavan Island as seen from satellite images taken April 10. Sentinel-2/European Space Agency

Wim Zwijnenburg, a project leader at the Dutch peace organisation PAX who monitors environmental impacts of conflict in the region, said the attack on Lavan constituted a major environmental emergency.
He said at least five locations on the island were damaged, resulting in oil leaking into the surrounding sea.
The spill is also reaching nearby Shidvar Island, he added. The small coral island, located roughly one mile east of Lavan, is a protected site that supports a range of wildlife including turtles and seabirds.
Additional spills reported near Kuwait
Satellite imagery has also shown oil slicks off the coast of Kuwait on 6 April.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted fuel and petrochemical facilities in several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, in retaliation for an earlier attack on a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran.
Environmental specialists warn that oil contamination in the Gulf could affect coastal populations, particularly fishing communities that rely on marine resources for income and food.
Risks to marine life and water supplies
Experts say oil spills can harm marine ecosystems in several ways, including by poisoning or trapping animals such as turtles, dolphins and whales.
Oil contamination can also damage habitats such as mangroves and disrupt the broader marine food chain.
Another concern is the potential impact on desalination plants that supply drinking water across the Gulf. Nearly 100 million people in the region depend on desalinated seawater, and oil pollution could interfere with filtration systems.
While the full scale of environmental damage remains unclear, analysts say the risk could increase if further attacks target ships in the region.
Data from Greenpeace Germany indicates that around 75 large oil tankers are currently in the Gulf, together carrying nearly 19 billion litres of crude oil.
Cleaning up spills in the area could also prove difficult. Greenpeace says oil contamination in mangrove and coastal habitats is particularly challenging to remove because of difficult terrain, restricted access and complex ecosystems.
Those efforts may become even harder if fighting in the region continues, limiting the ability of response teams to reach affected areas.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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UK Parliament Approves Lifetime Smoking Ban for Those Born After 2008

The UK Parliament has approved legislation that will permanently bar anyone born after 1 January 2009 from purchasing cigarettes, marking a major step in the government’s effort to reduce smoking rates.

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The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now passed both the House of Commons and the House of Lords with an agreed final version. The measure aims to create what ministers describe as a “smoke-free generation” by ensuring that children currently aged 17 or younger will never be legally able to buy tobacco products.
Once the legislation receives royal assent, the government will gain expanded authority to regulate tobacco, vaping and other nicotine products, including rules covering flavours, packaging and marketing.
Officials say the law forms part of a broader strategy to tackle the health impact of smoking, which remains one of the UK’s leading causes of preventable death, illness and disability.
Plans for a “smoke-free generation”
Under the legislation, the legal age for purchasing tobacco will effectively rise each year. As a result, individuals born after the start of 2009 will never be able to buy cigarettes or other tobacco products legally.
The government says the approach is designed to stop younger generations from taking up smoking in the first place rather than relying solely on encouraging people to quit later.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone for public health.
“Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain,” he said.
Health minister Baroness Merron told peers that the measures represent one of the most important public health steps taken in decades.
“It is, in fact, the biggest public health intervention in a generation and I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives,” she said during debates in the House of Lords.
New rules on vaping
The bill also expands restrictions on vaping in places where children may be present. Vaping will be banned inside cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals.
However, the government said vaping will remain permitted outside hospitals to support people attempting to stop smoking.
The legislation does not extend restrictions to outdoor hospitality areas such as pub gardens. Beaches and private outdoor spaces are also excluded from the new rules.
Smoking and vaping inside private homes will remain legal.
Industry and public health responses
Some critics have raised concerns about the impact on retailers and the tobacco industry. Conservative peer Lord Naseby said the legislation would affect many businesses connected to the sector.
“It does upset a great many people in that industry, including retailers,” he told the Lords, adding that more focus should be placed on educating people about the risks of smoking.
Baroness Merron responded that the government had worked closely with retailers while developing the legislation and would continue to do so as the new rules are implemented.
Public health organisations have broadly welcomed the measure. Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said the bill had the potential to significantly improve the nation’s health.
She said the law provided an opportunity to strengthen public health protections further and urged the government to expand support services to help existing smokers quit.
Sleet also called for a levy on tobacco companies to fund smoking cessation programmes across the UK, arguing that the industry should help cover the costs of reducing smoking-related harm.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire as Naval Blockade Continues

The United States has extended its ceasefire with Iran, according to Donald Trump, who said military action would be delayed to allow more time for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

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The US president announced on Tuesday that the truce would be prolonged beyond its original expiry, while American forces remain prepared for potential military operations. The ceasefire had been scheduled to end on Wednesday.
In a message posted on social media, Trump said he had instructed the military to maintain the naval blockade of Iranian ports but to refrain from launching the planned attack for now.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able,” he wrote. “The Ceasefire will be extended until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”
US officials said the extension followed a request from mediators in Pakistan, which has been attempting to facilitate talks between Washington and Tehran.
Tehran Yet to Respond
Authorities in Iran did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the government’s position would be communicated later.
The development came only hours after Trump had suggested he was reluctant to prolong the ceasefire, warning that Tehran had limited time to present a proposal.
Despite the extension, tensions remain high. Iranian leaders have criticised the US naval blockade, arguing it undermines the ceasefire and threatens diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the blockade as an act of war earlier on Tuesday.
Writing on the social media platform X, Araghchi said restricting access to Iranian ports violated the terms of the truce.
“Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying,” he said.
Uncertainty Over Planned Talks
The blockade has also cast doubt on negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad. Diplomats had planned to hold talks on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital, but Iranian officials have signalled that their participation may be reconsidered if the maritime restrictions remain in place.
Washington has maintained that the blockade will continue while discussions are underway, describing it as a pressure tactic designed to push Tehran toward a settlement.
Trump suggested internal disagreements among Iranian leaders may be slowing progress toward a unified negotiating position.
Pressure and Diplomacy
Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected US threats and criticised the blockade, portraying it as an attempt to coerce the country during negotiations.
It remains unclear whether the extension of the ceasefire will be enough to persuade Tehran to attend the planned talks in Islamabad.
For now, the US military remains on standby while diplomatic efforts continue, with mediators hoping the additional time could produce a proposal capable of ending the confrontation.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 April 2026
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UK Blocks Entry of US Anti-Islam Activist Ahead of London Rally

A US-based activist known for anti-Islam rhetoric has been barred from entering the United Kingdom after the government ruled her presence would not serve the public interest.

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The decision by the Home Office prevents Valentina Gomez from travelling to the UK, where she had planned to speak at a demonstration in London next month.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood determined that Gomez’s entry “would not be conducive to the public good,” according to the department.
Planned appearance at London rally
Gomez had announced she intended to attend the Unite the Kingdom rally in London on 16 May, an event organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
She said on social media last week that she would address supporters at the gathering.
Following the Home Office decision, Gomez responded online by challenging the ban. In a video posted on the social media platform X, she suggested she would attempt to reach Britain by crossing the Channel in a small boat and dared the authorities to stop her.
“They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH,” she wrote, adding: “See you on May 16th.”
Controversial rhetoric and past actions
Gomez has previously run for political office in the US states of Missouri and Texas on a platform strongly critical of Islam.
During earlier campaigning, she released a social media video in which she burned a copy of the Quran. At a previous Unite the Kingdom march in London in September, she delivered remarks that described Muslims in derogatory terms and accused Islam of being used to undermine Christian nations.
Born in Colombia, Gomez had said she planned to return to Britain specifically to speak at the upcoming rally.
Before the government’s intervention, she indicated that she had received approval to travel to the UK. Posting on Instagram, she wrote “VISA APPROVED” alongside a message suggesting her entry had been cleared.
Pressure from Muslim organisations
The prospect of Gomez entering the country prompted criticism from community groups.
The Muslim Council of Britain wrote to the Home Secretary expressing concern that the activist might be allowed to appear publicly in the UK.
In a letter published on 17 April, the organisation argued that allowing Gomez to speak at a rally would risk legitimising views it described as discriminatory and could signal inconsistent application of the Home Office’s standards for entry.
Following the government’s decision, the council welcomed the move, saying it should set a precedent for dealing with individuals who promote misinformation or hostility.
Government powers to refuse entry
British authorities have previously used immigration powers to block public figures from entering the country when officials believe their presence could inflame tensions.
Earlier in April, the government refused permission for rapper Kanye West to travel to the UK to perform at Wireless Festival, citing concerns over past antisemitic remarks.
The Home Office has not provided further details about the specific factors considered in Gomez’s case but said the decision was taken in line with the government’s duty to protect public safety and social cohesion.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Starmer Admits Error Over Mandelson Appointment but Rejects Calls to Quit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged making a “wrong judgment” in appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, amid mounting political pressure linked to Mandelson’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Starmer said he would not have approved the appointment had he known Mandelson had failed security vetting. However, he rejected calls from opposition parties for his resignation.
The prime minister said officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had not informed him about the failed checks before Mandelson was given the diplomatic post.
Admission of “wrong judgment”
Starmer told MPs that the decision ultimately rested with him and that he regretted making the appointment.
“At the heart of this, there is also a judgment I made that was wrong,” he said. “I should not have appointed Peter Mandelson.”
He added that, had he been aware of the security concerns, he would have stopped the process. Starmer also apologised to victims of Epstein, saying his decision had failed them.
Mandelson was dismissed in September, nine months after taking up the role, when further details emerged about his relationship with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Opposition criticism
Opposition MPs reacted sceptically to Starmer’s explanation. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party (UK), questioned how the prime minister could have overlooked the vetting issue.
“It doesn’t appear that he asked any questions at all,” she said in parliament, suggesting Starmer had avoided looking too closely at potential problems with the appointment.
The controversy intensified after the prime minister dismissed senior civil servant Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office within hours of the revelations last week. Allies of Robbins argue that the official would not have been permitted to disclose sensitive vetting information to the prime minister.
Robbins is due to appear before the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to give his account of events.
Pressure inside and outside government
Critics say the episode has highlighted questions about Starmer’s judgment. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats (UK), described the appointment as “a catastrophic error of judgment” and said the prime minister should accept responsibility.
Within government, however, senior ministers defended Starmer. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said that if Starmer had known Mandelson failed the security checks “he would never, ever have appointed him ambassador.”
Nevertheless, some MPs within Starmer’s own Labour Party (UK) have expressed unease, particularly as the party faces poor polling numbers ahead of local and regional elections scheduled for 7 May.
Wider investigation
Questions surrounding Mandelson have also been fuelled by documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year. Emails suggested Mandelson had shared sensitive government information with Epstein in 2009 following the global financial crisis.
British police later opened a criminal investigation and arrested Mandelson in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged. Authorities have said he is not accused of any sexual offences.
Starmer told MPs he has ordered a review into any security implications arising from Mandelson’s access to confidential information while serving as ambassador.
Despite his apology, the prime minister insisted he had not misled parliament about the appointment process, saying he believed procedures had been followed at the time.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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UK Government Plans Legal Ban on Smartphones in Schools in England

The UK government says it will introduce legislation requiring schools in England to restrict the use of smartphones, aiming to formalise policies that many schools already enforce.

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Education minister Jacqui Smith told the House of Lords on Monday that ministers will table an amendment to the proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to establish a “clear legal requirement” for schools regarding mobile phone use.
The Department for Education said the change would give legal backing to existing practices, noting that many schools already limit or ban phones during the school day.
Government guidance earlier issued by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged schools to adopt phone-free policies throughout the day. Under the new plan, that guidance would become statutory, meaning schools would be required to take it into account when setting their rules.
Amendment expected to clarify school responsibilities
Details of the amendment have not yet been published, but ministers say it is intended to strengthen enforcement of school policies rather than impose a strict nationwide ban written directly into law.
Officials argue this differs from proposals previously promoted by the opposition Conservative Party, which advocated an outright legal prohibition.
However, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the government’s decision.
Writing on social media platform X, Trott said the move would benefit teachers, parents and pupils, adding that she believed it would help improve behaviour and academic performance in classrooms.
Smith told peers that the government had removed a previously suggested option known as “not seen, not heard” — where phones must remain switched off and stored in bags — from official guidance. She added ministers were open to considering whether stricter measures should be introduced.
Some schools already require students to place phones in lockers or use magnetically sealed pouches during the day.
Schools call for funding support
The proposal comes amid broader debate about the impact of smartphones and social media on children.
The government says most schools in England already prohibit mobile phones and that the new amendment would reinforce existing efforts.
A Department for Education spokesperson said the policy would be monitored during inspections by Ofsted from April onward.
Officials also described the wider bill as one of the most significant child safeguarding reforms in decades.
The legislation has been moving between the House of Commons and the House of Lords after peers previously approved a Conservative amendment calling for a ban in February.
Meanwhile, Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the legal change might not significantly alter current practice because many schools already enforce their own restrictions.
He said additional funding would help schools manage phone storage securely, suggesting measures such as lockers or locked pouches.
Di’Iasio also called for stronger regulation of social media platforms and smartphone use outside school hours, where he said many of the related problems occur.
Different rules across the UK
Education policy is devolved across the United Kingdom, meaning approaches to mobile phones in schools vary between regions.
The Scottish Government issued guidance in 2024 allowing headteachers to implement phone bans.
In Wales, headteachers already have the authority to restrict or ban devices within their schools.
Meanwhile, a pilot programme testing phone-free policies in nine schools in Northern Ireland has recently concluded, with findings expected to be published in June.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Radev’s Party Wins Parliamentary Majority in Bulgaria, Raising EU Policy Questions

Former Bulgarian president Rumen Radev’s political movement has secured an outright parliamentary majority, potentially ending years of unstable coalition governments while prompting debate about the country’s future direction within the European Union.

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Final results released on Monday showed the Progressive Bulgaria party winning 44.6% of the vote in Sunday’s election. The result is projected to give the party 131 of the 240 seats in the national assembly.
The outcome marks the first time since 1997 that a single political force has achieved a parliamentary majority in Bulgaria.
First clear mandate after years of political deadlock
The vote follows a prolonged period of political instability. Bulgaria has held eight elections since 2021, when widespread anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of the government led by long-serving pro-European prime minister Boyko Borissov.
Radev’s party finished far ahead of its main rivals. Borissov’s conservative GERB party received 13.4% of the vote, while the pro-European We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) alliance secured 12.6%.
Speaking after the result became clear, Radev said the vote reflected public frustration with entrenched corruption and established political groups.
“This is a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear, and finally, if you will, a victory of morality,” he said.
Balancing relations with the EU and Russia
Although Radev has affirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to its European path, he has been critical of several European Union policies. He previously called for a referendum on the country’s decision to adopt the euro, though the proposal did not proceed.
In a message posted online, European Council president António Costa congratulated Radev and said he looked forward to cooperation on “a prosperous, autonomous and secure Europe”.
Radev has also repeatedly argued for restoring more pragmatic relations with Moscow and resuming the flow of Russian energy supplies to Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia welcomed remarks from European leaders, including Radev, supporting dialogue.
The 62-year-old former fighter pilot stepped down from the largely ceremonial presidency in January to run in the election on an anti-corruption platform. During his campaign he criticised a defence agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine and opposed sending Bulgarian weapons to Kyiv.
However, he has pledged not to block future EU decisions and has consistently rejected accusations that he is aligned with the Kremlin.
Reform prospects and political reactions
Radev’s parliamentary majority does not reach the 160-seat threshold required to pass major constitutional changes, including a comprehensive overhaul of Bulgaria’s judicial system.
Analysts say cooperation with the PP-DB coalition could make such reforms possible, as the alliance has identified judicial reform as a central priority.
Some observers remain cautious about the prospects for meaningful change. Dimitar Keranov of the German Marshall Fund’s European resilience programme said the country’s political system still faces deep structural problems.
“The corrupt system remains,” he said, warning that political stability alone does not guarantee reform.
Mixed reactions among voters
Voter turnout exceeded 50%, significantly higher than in recent elections.
Some voters welcomed the result as an opportunity for political renewal. Martin Todorov, who returned to Bulgaria after more than a decade in the United Kingdom, said he hoped the new government would bring change.
Others expressed concern about the country’s direction. Yana Kuzoff, an actor in Sofia, said she feared the outcome could move Bulgaria closer to Russia.
“Our parents fought many years ago to live a normal modern life like Europeans,” she said.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Kash Patel Files $250M Defamation Lawsuit Against 'The Atlantic'

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article that alleged he alarmed colleagues with heavy drinking and unexplained absences from work.

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The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., accusing the magazine and its journalist of publishing false claims that damaged Patel’s reputation and undermined his ability to lead the bureau.
The Atlantic rejected the accusations, calling the case “meritless” and saying it would defend its reporting.
Allegations at the center of the dispute
The complaint challenges several assertions contained in Fitzpatrick’s article about Patel’s conduct while serving as FBI director.
According to the lawsuit, the article falsely portrayed Patel as a habitual drinker whose behaviour raised concerns among colleagues and posed potential risks to national security. The suit says the report suggested Patel was frequently unreachable during emergencies, had violated Justice Department ethics rules and behaved erratically in ways that compromised his leadership.
Patel’s lawyers argue that the article depicted him as unfit for office and vulnerable to foreign influence, claims they say are entirely untrue.
The lawsuit also states that the story alleged incidents in which breaching equipment had to be used to open locked rooms where Patel was inside, and that alcohol influenced his public statements about criminal investigations.
Attorneys for Patel say these descriptions were part of a narrative portraying the FBI director as irresponsible and unreliable.
Claims of “actual malice”
Because Patel is a public official, the lawsuit must meet the legal standard of “actual malice,” a requirement in US defamation law that demands proof the publication either knew its claims were false or showed reckless disregard for the truth.
Patel’s legal team argues that The Atlantic ignored information that contradicted the article’s central claims. The complaint says reporters failed to take basic steps that could have refuted the allegations and demonstrated what it describes as editorial hostility toward Patel.
The lawsuit also says the magazine contacted the FBI for comment shortly before publication, giving less than two hours to respond and declining a request for additional time.
Magazine defends its reporting
In response, The Atlantic said it stands by the article and intends to contest the lawsuit.
A spokesperson for the publication said the reporting was thorough and based on extensive interviews. Fitzpatrick wrote that she spoke with more than two dozen people, including current and former FBI officials, intelligence and law-enforcement personnel, hospitality workers, political figures and former advisers.
The sources were granted anonymity because they were discussing sensitive matters and private conversations, the article said. According to Fitzpatrick’s reporting, many of them described Patel’s leadership as problematic and his behaviour as potentially creating a national-security vulnerability.
Before the story was published, Patel warned he would take legal action. He was quoted in the article telling the publication: “I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook.”
After publication, Patel repeated the threat on social media, saying he believed meeting the legal standard for defamation would be straightforward.
Legal experts weigh the hurdles
Defamation cases against news organisations are often dismissed before reaching the evidence-gathering phase, known as discovery.
Adam Steinbaugh, a First Amendment lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, suggested on social media that the complaint faces significant challenges in proving actual malice.
If the case were to proceed beyond early motions, however, both sides could be required to exchange evidence and give sworn testimony.
Veteran media lawyer Lee Levine said that process would allow attorneys for both Patel and The Atlantic to question witnesses and examine evidence related to the disputed claims.
Fitzpatrick has defended her work publicly, stating in a television interview that she stands by every word of the reporting and that the publication has strong legal representation.
CNN said it has not independently verified the incidents described in The Atlantic’s article.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Trump Approval Rating Falls to Lowest Point of Second Term, Poll Shows

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level of his second term, according to a new NBC News survey, as public concern about the economy grows.

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The poll found that 37% of respondents approve of Trump’s overall performance in office. That figure has declined steadily in recent months, falling from 39% in early February and 42% in early December.
The results reflect a broader downward trend in the president’s approval ratings throughout his second term.
Gradual Decline Since 2025
Earlier NBC News polling showed higher levels of support for Trump in 2025. In both April and June of that year, 45% of respondents said they approved of his performance. By late August 2025, that number had slipped slightly to 43%.
The latest survey suggests that support has continued to erode since then.
Much of the drop has come from a decline in the number of people who say they “strongly approve” of the president’s job performance. Only 20% of respondents now say they strongly approve, compared with 26% a year earlier.
The proportion who say they “somewhat approve” has also edged down, from 19% last April to 17% in the most recent survey.
Rising Disapproval
At the same time, strong opposition to the president has increased.
Half of all respondents — 50% — now say they strongly disapprove of Trump’s performance. That figure is up from 42% in April last year.
Another 13% say they somewhat disapprove of the president, unchanged from the April 2025 survey.
Taken together, the findings suggest that negative views of Trump have grown more intense over the past year.
Economic Concerns Weigh on Ratings
The poll was conducted during a period of volatility in financial markets, with the stock market falling to its lowest level of the year while survey responses were being collected.
Markets later rebounded toward record highs amid uncertainty surrounding energy prices and the ongoing war with Iran.
The survey indicates that economic concerns may be affecting public perceptions of the president’s performance.
In earlier polls conducted in April, June and August 2025, around 40% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living.
In the latest survey, however, approval of his management of economic issues dropped sharply to 32%. Only 13% of respondents said they strongly approve of his handling of those issues.
Among the roughly two-thirds of respondents who expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s management of the economy, 52% said they strongly disapprove.
Poll Methodology
The NBC News Decision Desk poll was conducted by SurveyMonkey between March 30 and April 13.
It surveyed 32,433 adults across the United States and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Israel Opens Criminal Probe After Soldier Filmed Striking Jesus Statue in Lebanon

The Israeli military has launched a criminal investigation after a soldier was photographed striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, an incident that has drawn condemnation from Israeli leaders and foreign officials.

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The image, which circulated widely on social media, appears to show an Israeli soldier hitting the head of a fallen statue of the crucified Jesus with a sledgehammer. The statue stands in the village of Debl, a Christian community in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border.
Israeli military officials confirmed the photograph was genuine and said the soldier involved had been identified. The individual has not been publicly named.
Investigation and official response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had begun a criminal investigation into the incident. Military officials also said they were working with residents of the village to restore the statue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, saying he was “stunned and saddened” when he learned about it. He said the soldier responsible would face “harsh disciplinary action”.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, also criticised the incident, describing it as a “shameful and disgraceful” act. Writing on social media, he said he expected strict measures to be taken against whoever carried out the damage and apologised to Christians who felt offended by the episode.
A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the soldier had been identified but declined to disclose further details.
International criticism
The incident triggered anger in Lebanon and abroad, including among Christian communities in the United States and Europe.
The Italian government strongly criticised the act. Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, described the incident as “unacceptable and unjustifiable”.
Religious authorities also voiced concern. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia warned that acts targeting religious symbols reflected a broader cultural problem, saying intolerance and extremism could arise when respect for culture and belief erodes.
Tensions between the Vatican, Italy and the Israeli government have already been strained in recent weeks following disagreements over the broader regional conflict.
Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Israeli authorities after police prevented Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Meloni said that incident represented an affront to believers and religious freedom.
Damage to religious sites
The episode involving the Jesus statue comes amid wider accusations that religious and historical sites in southern Lebanon have been damaged during Israel’s military operations in the area.
Residents of the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil recently reported the destruction of the Grand Mosque of Bint Jbeil, a building with historical roots dating back to the Roman era.
Local groups have also reported damage to the shrine of Saint Peter in the city of Chamaa, a site regarded as sacred by both Shia Muslims and Christians.
Under the Geneva Conventions, intentionally targeting or destroying religious sites and places of worship is considered a violation of international humanitarian law.
Israel has also released footage showing large-scale demolitions of buildings in towns along the Israel–Lebanon border, with the military saying it plans to continue destroying structures in the area.
Conflict in southern Lebanon
Lebanon became directly involved in the wider regional conflict in early March when the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in support of Tehran.
Israel responded with extensive air strikes across Lebanon and a ground incursion into the south. Although a ceasefire between the two countries began last week, Israeli troops have remained deployed in parts of southern Lebanon.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Trump Signals Iran Ceasefire Unlikely to Be Extended Without Deal

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the current ceasefire with Iran is unlikely to be prolonged beyond Wednesday evening unless a broader agreement is reached.

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Speaking in a phone interview with Bloomberg on Monday, Trump said he was “highly unlikely” to extend the truce if negotiations fail to produce a deal before the deadline. The ceasefire, announced on 7 April, is set to expire on Wednesday evening Washington time.
The truce was declared after Trump warned he could authorise strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and cautioned that a conflict could lead to the destruction of “a whole civilization” in Iran.
Talks planned in Pakistan
The remarks come as US officials prepare for a second round of diplomatic talks with Iran scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Sunday that Vice-President JD Vance would head the American delegation. He is expected to be joined by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a senior adviser.
The White House has not yet confirmed when Vance will depart Washington for the talks. The meeting in Islamabad follows earlier discussions aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Trump rejects pressure claims
Trump said he was not facing pressure to secure a quick agreement with Iran and insisted he would not rush negotiations.
Writing on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the president said he was under “no pressure whatsoever,” adding that the United States had ample time to resolve longstanding tensions with Tehran.
He also argued that previous administrations had failed to address the issue effectively over the past decades. During the Bloomberg interview, Trump reiterated that he would not be “rushed into making a bad deal” with Iran.
The president has repeatedly demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear programme as part of any settlement.
Strait of Hormuz blockade continues
Trump also confirmed that a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until an agreement is signed.
The blockade began on 13 April. US Central Command (Centcom) said on Sunday that American naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to bypass the restrictions after what it described as multiple warnings.
Centcom added that since the start of the blockade, US forces had ordered 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.
Iran has criticised the move. Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, told reporters on Monday that the interception of the cargo vessel violated the ceasefire. He also said Tehran currently has “no plans” for another round of negotiations with Washington.
Despite the tensions, Trump signalled that the US was prepared to maintain pressure in the waterway, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas.
“If I have to,” he told Bloomberg, referring to enforcement of the blockade, “I’ll take five other ships today.”
The ceasefire deadline and the upcoming talks in Pakistan now appear central to determining whether the fragile pause in hostilities will hold or whether tensions between the United States and Iran will escalate again.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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Strong Offshore Earthquake Prompts Tsunami Warnings in Northeastern Japan

A powerful earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting evacuations along parts of the Pacific shoreline.
Quake hits Sanriku coast
The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.5, occurred off the Sanriku coast at a relatively shallow depth of around 10 kilometres. Shallow quakes are typically more likely to cause stronger ground shaking at the surface.
Tremors were felt across a wide area, including parts of northern Honshu and Hokkaido. Authorities moved quickly to assess the situation as emergency protocols were activated.
Tsunami alerts and evacuations
Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for coastal regions. Initial waves of around 80 centimetres were recorded in some locations, with officials warning that larger waves of up to three metres could follow.
Residents in vulnerable coastal zones were ordered to evacuate to higher ground. Local authorities urged people to stay away from the shoreline and river mouths, where tsunami surges can travel inland.
Transport services were also affected. Some bullet train operations were suspended as a precaution while safety checks were carried out.
Early reports show limited damage
Initial reports did not indicate major damage or confirmed casualties. Officials cautioned that assessments were ongoing and that the situation could change as more information becomes available.
There were no immediate reports of issues at nuclear facilities in the affected region, a key concern in the aftermath of strong earthquakes in Japan.
Ongoing risks and response
The government established an emergency response task force to coordinate actions and monitor developments. Authorities warned that aftershocks are likely in the coming days and could pose additional risks.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, and its infrastructure is designed to withstand seismic activity. Even so, officials continue to stress caution following significant offshore quakes due to the potential for tsunamis and secondary hazards.
Residents have been advised to follow official guidance, remain alert for updates, and avoid returning to coastal areas until warnings are lifted.
Situation still developing
While early indications suggest the impact may be limited, the situation remains fluid. Authorities continue to monitor sea levels and seismic activity closely, with further updates expected as assessments continue.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source20 April 2026
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HiPP Baby Food Pulled From Austrian Stores After Rat Poison Found

Austrian police have urged the public to remain alert after a jar of HiPP baby food was discovered to contain rat poison, prompting a nationwide recall of the brand’s jarred purées sold through Spar supermarkets.

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Authorities in the eastern Austrian region of Burgenland said the contaminated jar of carrot and potato purée was reported by a customer. The customer’s baby had not eaten the product, police said.
Investigators believe the jar had been deliberately tampered with after leaving the factory.
Possible additional contaminated jars
Police warned that at least one more poisoned jar could still be in circulation. Officials have issued guidance to help consumers identify products that may have been interfered with.
According to authorities, signs of tampering may include damaged or opened lids, a missing safety seal, an unusual or spoiled smell, or a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom of the glass jar.
The warning was issued following information from German investigators. Authorities said tampered HiPP baby food jars have also been seized in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Police have not confirmed whether the incident is linked to an attempted extortion scheme.
Company says products left factory in “perfect condition”
HiPP, a German-based baby food manufacturer, said it had recalled all its jarred purées sold through Spar supermarkets in Austria after authorities detected the contamination.
The company said the recall was precautionary and stressed that the problem was not related to the manufacturing process.
“The recall is not due to a product or quality defect on our part,” the company said in a statement on its website. It added that the jars had left the factory “in perfect condition”.
HiPP said authorities investigating the case had confirmed that several seized jars contained rat poison and described the incident as a criminal act currently under investigation.
Retailers remove products as precaution
Spar has removed HiPP baby food jars from sale in Austria and also taken the products off shelves in other countries as a precaution.
Retailers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia have likewise withdrawn the brand’s baby food jars from sale while investigations continue.
Customers who purchased HiPP jars at Eurospar, Interspar and Maximarkt stores in Austria have been advised not to consume the products and to return them to shops for a refund.
Austria has more than 1,500 Spar stores.
Authorities emphasised that baby food sold in other retail chains in the country has not been affected by the recall. HiPP baby formula products are also not involved.
Health advice for parents
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety has urged parents to seek medical advice if their child consumed the affected food and shows symptoms such as bleeding, unusual weakness or paleness.
The discovery comes only months after other baby food safety concerns prompted global recalls.
Earlier this year, Nestlé and Danone withdrew certain batches of infant formula in more than 60 countries after contamination with the toxin cereulide was detected.
The toxin can cause nausea and vomiting and is not destroyed by cooking or when preparing baby milk.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency said at least 36 infants in Britain had suffered food poisoning linked to contaminated baby formula, though none of the cases were considered life-threatening.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026
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