A team carefully removed a 15-tonne iron foremast from HMS Victory, a historic British warship, as part of a £42 million project to conserve the ship. This is the first time in over 130 years that the ship has been without all its masts, and the restoration work is expected to continue until 2033.
Key Facts
HMS Victory’s 15-tonne wrought iron foremast was lifted off slowly and carefully by a team of about 30 people.
A large 750-tonne crane was used to remove the 23-meter mast without damaging the ship.
Two more masts, the mizzen and bowsprit, will be removed soon for conservation.
The ship’s original wooden masts were replaced in the 1890s with wrought iron ones recycled from the decommissioned HMS Shah.
This is the first time the ship has had no masts since the iron masts were installed over 130 years ago.
The entire conservation, called the Big Repair, began with the main mast’s removal in 2021 and will last until 2033.
The team included shipwrights, riggers, archaeologists, engineers, and conservators working carefully to protect the historic vessel.
HMS Victory and the nearby Historic Dockyard will stay open to visitors throughout the conservation work.
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New Zealand has canceled plans to build a statue in Auckland honoring women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two. The decision came after protests from the Japanese embassy, concerns about community support, and worries about causing divisions in New Zealand’s multicultural society.
Key Facts
The proposed statue was to represent "comfort women," women and girls forced into sexual slavery by Japan in WWII.
More than 200,000 women, mostly Korean, but also from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan, were affected.
The statue was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, a non-government group.
The Japanese embassy warned that the statue could harm diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan.
Auckland Council staff recommended rejecting the statue due to lack of community support in public consultations.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board voted against the statue’s installation in a public garden.
Japan’s Ambassador said Japan acknowledges the issue but prefers diplomatic talks with Korea over public monuments.
Local New Zealand groups supporting the statue said its rejection was a loss for healing and honoring survivors.
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A feminist Arabic comedy series called Smatouha Minni uses humor to critique rising sexist ideas in the Middle East. The show parodies male influencers who promote strict gender roles and mistreatment of women, aiming to open conversations about women’s rights that are often considered taboo.
Key Facts
Smatouha Minni is a feminist TV series filmed in Beirut, Lebanon.
The show’s creator, Amanda Abou Abdallah, says patriarchal attitudes are becoming stronger in the region.
It mocks "red pill" ideology, which claims men are victims of women's dominance and encourages male power over women.
Some male influencers in the region have large followings and promote harmful advice, like avoiding domestic chores or marrying multiple wives.
The series started in 2020 due to a lack of feminist content in Arabic that relates to local cultural realities.
Topics like women's health, harassment, and marriage pressures are usually hidden or avoided in Arab media.
Western feminist ideas don't always fit Arab societies because of their focus on family and community instead of individualism.
The project is supported by Khateera media house and the NGO Womanity, which works to reduce gender inequality through media.
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President Donald Trump and his national security team are reviewing an Iranian proposal that aims to stop joint fighting with Israel, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and delay talks about Iran’s nuclear program until after the conflict ends. While Iran shows openness to diplomacy and regional talks are ongoing, there is tension over shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for global oil and gas supplies.
Key Facts
President Trump met with his national security advisers to discuss Iran’s proposal.
The Iranian plan suggests pausing nuclear negotiations until after the current conflict ends.
President Trump wants to address the nuclear issue at the start of any talks.
Iran refuses to negotiate while the US keeps restrictions on Iranian ports.
A temporary ceasefire began on April 8 after fighting linked to joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister met with Russia’s President Putin, showing close cooperation and openness to diplomacy.
Many countries and the UN have called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz urgently to restore shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies, so its closure risks a global crisis.
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Iran says it needs reliable promises that it will not be attacked again before the Gulf region can be stable. Meanwhile, Israel has continued military strikes in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, and tensions remain high between the US, Iran, and regional countries.
Key Facts
Iran’s UN ambassador said lasting peace in the Gulf requires guarantees against new attacks on Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister blamed the US for causing recent peace talks to fail due to high demands.
President Donald Trump said on Fox News that Iran can call the US if it wants to talk.
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Hezbollah’s use of rockets and drones in Lebanon is a serious threat.
Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in deaths.
Iran proposed stopping its closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends hostilities, postponing nuclear discussions.
Iraq nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate after US opposition to a candidate close to Iran.
The US criticized Iran’s selection to a key role in a nuclear treaty review conference, calling it an insult.
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The UK government will appeal a High Court decision that ruled its ban on the activist group Palestine Action was illegal. The group, which targets companies tied to the Israeli military, was labeled a terrorist organization by the UK, but judges found this action excessive.
Key Facts
The UK banned Palestine Action last summer, labeling it a terrorist group.
The High Court ruled this ban was illegal and called the ban "disproportionate."
The government is appealing the High Court ruling at the Court of Appeal in London.
Thousands of people have protested in support of Palestine Action, with over 2,700 arrested under terror laws.
Supporters include public figures like author Sally Rooney and activist Greta Thunberg.
Palestine Action was founded in 2020 by Huda Ammori and Richard Barnard.
Human rights groups criticize the UK for using terror laws against peaceful protests.
The government has not lifted the ban during the appeals and continues to arrest supporters.
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Ukraine has called in the Israeli ambassador to protest the arrival of grain shipments in Israel that Ukraine says were taken from areas of Ukraine occupied by Russia. The Israeli foreign minister responded by saying complaints should be handled diplomatically and not through social media. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil facilities as part of its effort to reduce Russia’s oil income during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine summoned the Israeli ambassador over shipments of grain taken from Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine arriving in Israel.
Ukrainian officials describe these grain shipments as “stolen goods.”
Israel’s foreign minister criticized Ukraine for public accusations on social media and emphasized handling diplomatic issues privately.
Russia occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
Ukraine is conducting drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and export terminals to cut Russia’s oil revenue.
A recent drone attack caused a large fire and evacuation at the Rosneft-owned Tuapse oil refinery in Russia’s Black Sea region.
Ukraine’s attacks have affected multiple Russian oil facilities, blocking up to 40% of Russian oil export revenue.
The conflict and related sanctions have led to significant shifts in global oil markets.
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Lauren Ashley Mastrosa was found guilty of creating and sharing child abuse material through a novel she wrote. The court sentenced her to 18 months of community corrections instead of jail time.
Key Facts
Mastrosa, 34, wrote a novel called Daddy’s Little Toy under a fake name.
The book depicted an adult woman role-playing as a toddler with an older man in a sexual way.
She was convicted of producing, possessing, and distributing child abuse material in Sydney, Australia.
The judge ruled the book sexually objectified children and described illegal activities.
Mastrosa received an 18-month community corrections order, meaning supervised community service.
Her lawyer said she did not intend to create illegal content, and the book was fiction.
Mastrosa faced health and personal struggles, including cancer and miscarriages.
She lost her job and received threats after the case became public.
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President Donald Trump announced major military actions against Iran in February 2026, followed by a ceasefire and ongoing talks that have yet to produce a peace deal. Senator Marco Rubio rejected Iran’s peace proposal, stressing that the nuclear issue remains central and that the U.S. will not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz or charge tolls on ships passing through.
Key Facts
In February 2026, President Trump launched large U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure.
A two-week ceasefire was announced but extended indefinitely while talks continue.
Early peace talks in Pakistan failed to reach an agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran proposed easing control of the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, delaying nuclear discussions.
Senator Marco Rubio said the nuclear issue is the main reason for the conflict and remains unresolved.
Rubio stated the U.S. will not allow Iran to control or charge fees for using the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international waterway.
U.S. officials believe Iran’s leadership is politically divided, complicating negotiations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran’s oil production is collapsing due to the U.S. blockade, leading to fuel shortages inside Iran.
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Dr. Ittai Gradel, a former academic and antiquities dealer, exposed the theft of about 2,000 artefacts from the British Museum. He pushed the museum to report the thefts, which led to a police investigation and the resignation of the museum's director. Dr. Gradel died of cancer at age 61 before the investigation concluded.
Key Facts
Dr. Ittai Gradel was an academic turned antiquities dealer.
He discovered many artefacts from the British Museum were stolen and sold online, sometimes cheaply on eBay.
Gradel alerted the museum in 2021, but his warnings were initially ignored.
In 2023, the museum confirmed 2,000 items were stolen, missing, or damaged.
The British Museum’s director resigned, admitting the museum did not respond well to early warnings.
A police investigation into the thefts has been ongoing for more than three years.
Dr. Gradel received a rare medal from the museum shortly before his death.
He was worried the case might not be resolved while he was alive and had given statements to police.
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Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that Israeli authorities are purposefully cutting off access to clean water in Gaza. The report says this is part of a wider campaign harming the health and survival of Palestinians in the area.
Key Facts
MSF accuses Israel of systematically destroying water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza.
Nearly 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation systems have been damaged or destroyed.
Desalination plants, pipelines, boreholes, and sewage systems are inoperable or unreachable.
MSF documented attacks on its water trucks and boreholes, with Palestinians injured or killed while trying to get water.
MSF provides over 5 million liters of water daily for about 20% of Gaza’s population but faces restrictions from the Israeli military.
About one-third of MSF’s requests for water and sanitation supplies have been denied or ignored.
The lack of water worsens already difficult conditions including overcrowding and a collapsing health system.
MSF warns these actions cause harmful living conditions described as “collective punishment.”
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King Charles will give a rare speech to the US Congress highlighting the strong relationship between the UK and US despite recent disagreements. He will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasize the importance of their shared values, trade, and security ties.
Key Facts
King Charles will address both houses of the US Congress during a four-day state visit.
This is only the second time a British monarch has spoken to a joint session of Congress; the first was Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The speech will note challenges but emphasize how the UK and US have repeatedly come together over 250 years.
President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on the UK and criticized its leaders amid tensions over trade and foreign policy on Iran.
King Charles will highlight the importance of trade and technology cooperation between the two countries.
The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence from the UK.
Charles will briefly mention the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and express friendship from the British people to Americans.
The king will speak on shared democratic values, security cooperation, protecting nature, and promoting peace and understanding.
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President Donald Trump’s security team is reviewing an Iranian peace proposal to stop the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister met with Russian President Putin to discuss possible negotiations, and many countries are calling for the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway where one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through.
Iran proposes that its armed forces control the Strait of Hormuz under a new national law.
Iran blames the United States for the failure of direct peace talks and calls US seizure of Iranian-linked oil tankers “piracy.”
Russia’s President Putin told Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi that Russia will try to stop the war.
Critics say President Trump’s negotiators lack experience with Iran’s nuclear program, which may hinder talks.
Gulf countries seem to support Iran’s peace plan focusing on reopening the Strait before discussing a new nuclear deal.
Dozens of nations, led by Bahrain, urge the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to avoid major global supply disruptions.
President Trump will meet his top security advisers to discuss the Iran conflict and may agree to Iran’s proposal to ease economic pressures by reopening the Strait first.
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A bomb exploded on a highway in southwestern Colombia, killing at least 20 people and injuring 36 others. The attack is blamed on a dissident rebel group linked to the former FARC guerrillas and occurred shortly before national elections.
Key Facts
At least 20 people died in the highway bombing, including 15 women and 5 men.
36 people were injured; 3 remain in intensive care, and 5 injured minors are out of danger.
The explosion happened near a tunnel on the Pan-American Highway in the Cauca region.
A dozen victims were from a village near Cajibio, where people held a vigil for the victims.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro blamed a "narco-terrorist group" led by Nestor Vera, a former FARC member.
The FARC group signed a peace deal with the government in 2016 but some members have dissented.
The attack is one of the deadliest since the 2003 Bogota nightclub bombing by FARC.
It happened about a month before Colombia’s presidential elections, where security is a key issue.
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New Zealand’s military reported seeing a possible illegal transfer of goods between ships near North Korea. This activity may break United Nations sanctions aimed at stopping North Korea from funding its weapons programs.
Key Facts
A New Zealand P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane spotted the exchange in international waters near North Korea.
The event happened among about 35 ships being monitored for possible UN sanctions violations.
New Zealand did not reveal what goods were transferred during the exchange.
North Korea often uses ships to smuggle refined petroleum and export coal, iron ore, and sand to fund nuclear and missile programs.
The UN has had sanctions on North Korea since 2006, expanding them in 2016 and 2017 to include ship-to-ship transfers.
Despite sanctions, North Korea still trades with countries like China and sells weapons to Iran and Russia for oil or money.
New Zealand has participated in a US-led maritime security group monitoring North Korea’s smuggling since 2018.
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King Charles III will speak to the US Congress to highlight the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. His address aims to promote unity despite recent tensions between the British government and President Donald Trump, covering topics like NATO, the Middle East, and Ukraine.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on a four-day state visit to the United States.
Charles will deliver only the second speech ever by a British monarch before the US Congress; the first was by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The speech will focus on shared challenges and the strong alliance between the UK and US.
The visit occurs during political tensions over the US-Israeli conflict on Iran and trade issues such as tariffs and digital taxes.
President Trump has a good personal relationship with King Charles but has disagreed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Charles and Camilla met President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on the first day of the visit.
The visit will include events in New York City to remember those lost in the 9/11 attacks and a conservation meeting in Virginia.
There have been calls for Charles to meet victims of Jeffrey Epstein, but no indication such a meeting will happen.
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Islamic militant groups linked to al-Qaida launched recent attacks in Mali, causing major violence and weakening the military government led by Assimi Goïta. Although the militants may not fully take over the country, they have gained control of key areas and are pushing the government toward negotiation.
Key Facts
In 2021, soldier Assimi Goïta led a coup and seized power in Mali.
Last summer, al-Qaida-affiliated militants attacked military bases and towns in Mali and Burkina Faso.
The militant coalition includes Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists.
JNIM and allies used ambushes, car bombs, drones, and other weapons in coordinated attacks.
Mali’s defense minister and head of military intelligence were killed in recent attacks.
Militants captured the northern town of Kidal after government forces fled or surrendered.
The Sahel region, including Mali, suffers from poverty, instability, and many armed conflicts.
Government failures and harsh military tactics have allowed militants to gain support by providing some protection and enforcing strict Islamic rules.
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Lebanon’s environment minister accuses Israel of causing widespread environmental damage during its military actions from 2023 to 2024. A report shows large-scale harm to forests, farmland, water, and air, leading to serious public health, food security, and economic problems in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
The report covers damage from Israeli military attacks between October 2023 and December 2024.
About 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) of forest were damaged, including pine and broadleaf trees.
Agricultural assets worth $118 million were destroyed, including crops, livestock areas, and fisheries.
Lost agricultural production due to damaged land is valued at $586 million.
Over 2,000 hectares (5,320 acres) of orchards were destroyed, including olive groves, citrus trees, and banana farms.
Soil contamination was found, with high levels of phosphorus in southern Lebanon and Bekaa valley.
The report notes widespread air pollution caused by the attacks, including toxic chemicals and smoke.
The total estimated cost of environmental damage and recovery is around $25 billion.
Lebanon’s environment minister called for international help to address the damage and aid recovery.
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The assisted dying bill for terminally ill adults in England and Wales was blocked in the House of Lords, ending its chance to become law. This follows a similar rejection of assisted dying legislation by Scotland’s parliament. Supporters of the bill expressed disappointment, while some critics raised concerns about the bill’s design and protections for vulnerable people.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill was voted down in the House of Lords after many amendments.
Scotland’s parliament also rejected a similar assisted dying proposal in March.
Assisted dying is legal in countries like Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and most of Australia.
Campaigners said the blocking of the bill was frustrating since it had already passed in the House of Commons.
Opponents felt the bill was poorly made and did not protect vulnerable groups enough.
Both supporters and opponents expressed unhappiness with the outcome.
The bill aimed to allow terminally ill adults to legally end their own lives under certain conditions.
The debate touched on ethical questions about suffering and rights for terminally ill people.
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Oil prices rose despite Iran offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if nuclear talks with the U.S. are postponed. The strait, important for global fuel transport, has seen fewer ships due to Iran’s blockade, causing concerns over oil supply.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price rose over 1 percent, reaching $109.42 per barrel.
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying nuclear negotiations with the U.S.
The U.S. has not publicly responded to Iran’s offer.
The blockade has reduced ship traffic in the strait from an average of 129 vessels per day to just 8 on one recent day.
Iran’s actions have lowered global oil production by about 14.5 million barrels per day.
Shipping experts say it could take months to restore normal energy flows due to damage, backlogs, and mines in the water.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for moving oil and natural gas worldwide.
The conflict and blockade started after the U.S. and Israel began military actions against Iran in late February.
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