Trump:

I may have something to announce on Ukraine-Russia talks by Tuesday.

Switzerland’s new defence minister will seek closer ties with NATO neighbours.

Switzerland’s new defence minister Martin Pfister said co-operation and joint training exercises with NATO was absolutely necessary.

Switzerland aims to reach 1% of its GDP spent on defence by 2030 up from 0.7% last year.

Source: FT

China's Plan to Boost Weak Consumption

China is implementing a Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption in response to deflationary pressures and low consumer confidence. The plan was introduced after the "two sessions" meeting in Beijing, where policymakers emphasized the importance of stimulating domestic demand.

Markets reacted positively, with Hang Seng up 1.1% and Brent crude rising 1%.

Key measures include:

• Minimum wage hikes
• Tourism & inbound consumption push (visa-free travel, ski resorts)
• Stock & real estate market support
• Childcare & education subsidies

Source: FT

A Syrian General Security officer was killed as Hezbollah militias renewed their targeting of vehicles inside Syrian territory with guided missiles.

U.S. Withdraws From Ukraine War Crimes Investigation Group

The U.S. has quietly informed European officials that the U.S. is withdrawing from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which it joined in 2023.

Source: NYT

The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class attack submarine, conducted training exercises off the Western Australian coast, marking the beginning of an expanded U.S. submarine presence under the AUKUS pact.

By 2027, four Virginia-class submarines will be hosted at HMAS Stirling, Australia’s main submarine base.

Source: Reuters

Saudi Arabia has arrested over 50 individuals for alleged crimes, including prostitution and begging, as part of a new government crackdown on “immoral acts.”

The arrests include 11 women accused of prostitution, marking the first public acknowledgment of such activity in over a decade.

This follows Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s creation of a community security unit targeting moral violations and human trafficking.

Some Saudis see it as a revival of the religious police, joking it’s the same force, just “without long beards.”

Source: FT

404 – Page Not Found: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) removed the webpage honoring Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, a Vietnam War hero and Black Medal of Honor recipient.

Source: The Guardian

Sudanese Army soldiers ambush RSF forces on motorcycles.

Golden Mount Rushmore monument featuring Trump’s head unveiled at Mar-a-Lago.

Interesting: Serbian Police reportedly used Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly referred to as a sonic weapon, during recent protests in Belgrade.

A piercing noise during a moment of silence caused panic and injuries.

Officials, including President Vučić, called the claims a “vile lie.”

Protesters reported hearing loss; opposition vows criminal charges over alleged use of force.

Unlike traditional speakers, LRADs project sound in a narrow, controlled path, typically within a 30-degree cone. This directional capability minimizes unintended noise in surrounding areas.

LRADs can produce sound levels up to 160 dB at one meter, significantly louder than a jet engine or a nearby gunshot.

“Claims peace, prepares for war”: Following Azerbaijan's ITV, state broadcaster AzTV reports that Armenia is actively arming itself, preparing for a revanche against Azerbaijan.

Elon Musk to Donate $100 Million to Trump-Linked Groups

Elon Musk plans to give $100M to Trump-affiliated groups, including MAGA Inc.

Trump recently purchased a Tesla Model S and publicly praised the company.

Musk has been a significant supporter of Trump, contributing over $288 million to help elect Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 election cycle.

Source: NYT

Iranian Foreign Ministry:

We've no plans to disclose the contents of Trump’s letter.

The letter closely aligns with Trump’s public statements and will be addressed after discussions are complete.

Taiwanese artists with Chinese citizenship risk losing Taiwanese nationality, says Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng.

Patty Hou & Ouyang Nana shared pro-China posts on Weibo, endorsing the “One China” principle.

MAC to investigate whether they hold Chinese IDs and revoke citizenship if confirmed.

Source: Taipei Times

86% of French support reintroducing military service.

53% support mandatory service.

59% support a national defense loan.

Source: Ipsos

This is what’s currently airing on Voice of America’s (VoA) satellite channels now.

Israel’s Aid Suspension to Gaza Triggers Humanitarian Crisis

Israel blocked all aid to Gaza in early March, worsening food shortages and medical crises.

The halted aid flow has left 2+ million Gazans facing severe hunger, with community kitchens running out of stock. Aid organizations demand urgent action, warning of worsening conditions.

Food prices soar: Tomatoes +100%, Sugar +500%, Eggs +150% in Gaza City.

Hospitals struggling: Critical shortages of medicines, fuel, and hygiene supplies.

China's 6th-generation fighter J-36 completed its second flight.

J-36 has three turbofan engines, possibly WS-10C or future WS-15 engines for enhanced performance.

NEW: Germany pledges €300 million in new aid for Syria.

EXCLUSIVE: Türkiye and Syria Transform Menagh Air Base into Joint Military Facility

According to sources who spoke to Clash Report, Menagh Air Base in northern Aleppo, which has been undergoing extensive maintenance and upgrades, is being converted into a joint Turkish-Syrian airbase.

The renovation efforts aim to establish the base as a strategic hub for joint military operations and training activities.

The facility is expected to host Turkish aircraft and air defense systems, enhancing operational coordination between the two nations.