World

China's annual 'Two Sessions' meetings are underway in Beijing, with thousands of delegates, including members of the National People's Congress, in attendance. The gathering coincides with the launch of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030. Premier Li Qiang set a GDP growth target of around 4.5–5% for 2026, marking the lowest official goal since 1991, as the government grapples with a significant economic slowdown.

On Monday, Israel targeted a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, reportedly a branch of the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial institution, as part of an escalation in attacks against organizations linked to the Lebanese group. This move underscores the ongoing regional tensions and Israel's purported efforts to degrade Hezbollah's operational capabilities.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagset announced today, March 10, that American armed forces will conduct the 'most intense day of strikes' against Iran since the beginning of a military campaign aimed at weakening the republic's military capabilities. He stated that this is war, this is conflict, and the goal is to 'bring the enemy to its knees'.

Forbes magazine has released its list of the world's richest people for 2026, with this year's data setting new historical records. The number of billionaires worldwide has reached 3,428, and their combined wealth is estimated at $20.1 trillion. These figures reflect a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating global economic shifts and market dynamics that are driving a redistribution of wealth.

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the European Union's dependence on Russian uranium supplies and identified Uzbekistan as one of the key alternative suppliers. He called for diversifying imports to reduce risks and strengthen the EU's energy security, a move purportedly aimed at enhancing the bloc's sovereignty amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Pakistan has ordered sweeping emergency austerity and fuel conservation measures following disruptions in oil and gas supply caused by the United States-Israel war on Iran and an escalating Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the measures in a televised address, warning that maritime traffic disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway for oil trade—have placed Pakistan's economy under direct threat.

Nuuk, Greenland – Ski lift manager Qulu Heilmann rides a snowmobile quickly alongside the cables, but the lift itself is not operating. He has worked here for 25 years, yet this season never opened due to insufficient snow. Heilmann stated, "I have never seen anything like it. It has never happened before."

European Council President Antonio Costa has asserted that Russia is the only country benefiting from the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. He claimed that soaring global energy prices and the diversion of attention from Moscow's four-year conflict with Ukraine are providing additional leverage to the Kremlin.

The German automotive conglomerate Volkswagen Group announced a sharp decline in earnings for 2025. The company's net profit fell by 44% to €6.9 billion (approximately $8 billion) from €12.4 billion in 2024. This marks the group's worst annual performance since 2016, at the height of the fallout from the "Dieselgate" scandal.

US President Donald Trump has claimed he is “thinking about taking over” the Strait of Hormuz to ensure it remains open, a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. This statement comes amid an ongoing war with Iran, which has led to the strait’s closure and sent oil prices soaring, threatening global economic stability. The Trump administration’s rhetoric highlights the escalating tensions in the region, driven by the US-led military campaign.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed a decree on March 6 ratifying a preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan. The document was published on the Lex.uz portal and aims to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Five players from the Iranian women's national football team have been granted asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup. Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke announced this, as reported by Reuters. The Australian Federal Police removed the athletes from the team's hotel and transported them to a secure location.