Pope Francis under fire for again using homophobic slur in closed-door meeting

Yashar Shohret, a young Uyghur rapper and singer-songwriter, has been imprisoned in China for composing lyrics deemed to "promote extremism." Arrested in August 2023 and sentenced to three years in prison in June 2024, he is currently serving his term at Wusu Prison in Xinjiang. Shohret's songs, including "Wake Up," were seen as threatening to the Chinese Communist Party due to their emphasis on Uyghur language and cultural identity, leading to his harsh punishment. Full...

Vice President JD Vance arrived in Greenland with a group including his wife and national security adviser to tour a military base, amid Trump administration's push to take over the territory. The visit, met with protests and opposition, was originally planned to include cultural activities but was scaled back due to backlash. Trump's interest in Greenland's resources and strategic location has sparked controversy, with Greenlanders expressing dissatisfaction with Vance's presence and the administration's intentions. Full...

The U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Annual Threat Assessment report warns of intensifying strategic threats, particularly from China and Russia, who are enhancing their military capabilities and deepening cooperation. China's nuclear force has significantly expanded, posing a threat to U.S. security, while its space capabilities are surpassing Russia's, with the potential to challenge U.S. dominance. The report emphasizes the need for effective deterrence to counter China's ambitions and highlights the growing vulnerability of the...

China deployed two long-range H-6 bombers around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, asserting sovereignty over the disputed atoll, as shown in satellite images obtained by Reuters. The deployment, not publicly announced, coincided with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines, which also claims the shoal. The US reaffirmed its commitment to its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines amid tensions in the region caused by China's actions. Full Article

Global seaborne trade is showing signs of weakness as bunker sales and prices decline, with VLSFO prices dropping 20% year-on-year. Singapore and Fujairah report a 9% decrease in VLSFO sales in February, reflecting a slowdown in trade as seen in declining ship visits and tonnage. Clarksons Research projects a 1.2% growth in seaborne trade for 2025, down from the 2.1% growth in 2024. Full Article

Global adspend growth forecasts have been lowered by $19.8 billion due to market volatility, with the ad market now expected to grow by 6.7% in 2025 according to WARC. Sectors like automotive and retail are expected to decline in adspend, while online platforms like Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are predicted to control 50% of the market by 2029. Despite economic pressures, social media adspend is projected to grow by 12.1% this year, with TikTok leading...