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  • Spain begins Holy Week with processions, palm branches and familiar faces

    Spain begins Holy Week with processions, palm branches and familiar faces

    MÁLAGA, Spain — Celebrated actor Antonio Banderas inaugurated Holy Week celebrations in his hometown of Málaga by participating in the traditional Palm Sunday processions, a cornerstone of Spain’s profound Catholic heritage. The Hollywood star, adorned in a beige penitent’s robe with dark green accents, fulfilled his annual role within the Tears and Favors brotherhood by initiating the movement of the Virgin Mary float following a solemn hymn inside Saint John’s Church.

    Banderas, maintaining this deeply personal tradition for over two decades, expressed profound connection to his cultural roots. “I consistently cherish the traditions of my homeland, our identity, and the distinctive manner we celebrate,” the 65-year-old actor told press representatives. “Holy Week represents for me a period of tears and favors that manifest extraordinarily beautiful experiences.”

    The actor’s brotherhood joined eight others in parading through Málaga’s historic quarter for hours beneath sunny skies, continuing until nightfall. This ceremonial commencement marks Jesus’ triumphant Jerusalem entry preceding crucifixion observances on Good Friday and resurrection celebrations on Easter Sunday.

    While Andalusia’s cities of Seville and Málaga host particularly elaborate processions featuring ornate floats and hundreds of penitents, religious observances occur nationwide. In Cordoba’s mountainous town of Cabra, twelve faithful portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing likeness masks alongside traditional palm branch carriers.

    Throughout the coming week, thousands of participants will accompany antique venerated icons of Jesus and Virgin Mary on massive floats while hundreds of thousands of spectators line streets—singing hymns, offering floral tributes, or maintaining reverent silence during these culturally significant events.

  • Testing begins on the Shandong section of Xiong’an-Shangqiu high-speed railway

    Testing begins on the Shandong section of Xiong’an-Shangqiu high-speed railway

    The Shandong segment of the pivotal Xiong’an-Shangqiu high-speed railway has officially commenced its comprehensive joint commissioning and testing phase, marking a significant milestone in China’s ongoing infrastructure expansion. The testing train’s departure from Liaocheng West Station on Friday initiated a meticulous three-month evaluation process for this crucial segment of the broader Beijing–Hong Kong high-speed rail corridor.

    According to Wang Yongwu, Director of the Science, Technology and Information Department at China Railway Jinan Group, the testing regimen will unfold in two primary phases: progressive speed assessment followed by rigorous signal system validation. Specialized inspection trains and high-speed test vehicles will be deployed to gather critical performance data across multiple parameters including track geometry, overhead contact systems, and train control mechanisms.

    The extensive testing protocol aims to thoroughly evaluate the integrated functionality of traction power supply, catenary systems, communications infrastructure, and advanced monitoring systems designed to detect natural disasters and object intrusions. Through systematic debugging and optimization, engineers will verify that all subsystems collectively meet stringent design specifications and operational safety standards.

    Spanning 269 kilometers through western Shandong province, the newly constructed segment traverses the cities of Liaocheng, Jining, and Heze while incorporating seven strategically positioned stations. Upon operational launch, this transportation artery is projected to substantially enhance regional connectivity and optimize the structural configuration of Shandong’s railway network, facilitating more efficient passenger and freight movement across the region.

  • Three arrested in Paris after attempted bomb attack outside Bank of America

    Three arrested in Paris after attempted bomb attack outside Bank of America

    French counterterrorism authorities have apprehended three individuals in connection with a foiled explosive attack targeting the Paris headquarters of Bank of America. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the city’s prestigious 8th arrondissement, mere blocks from the iconic Champs-Élysées avenue.

    According to detailed reports from AFP, the initial suspect was detained at approximately 03:30 local time (01:30 GMT) after placing a suspicious device containing five liters of flammable liquid alongside an ignition mechanism near the banking facility. A second individual, allegedly documenting the scene with a mobile device, managed to evade capture during the initial response.

    France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez presented a concerning geopolitical dimension to the attempted attack, suggesting potential connections to ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. “In this type of conflict, you have a number of Iranian services that are likely to carry out actions such as these through proxies,” Nuñez stated, while acknowledging that these suspicions remain under formal investigation.

    The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed Sunday that two additional suspects had been taken into custody as part of the comprehensive investigation initiated on March 28, 2026. The primary suspect, identified as a minor, has had their detention period formally extended under French anti-terrorism legislation, which permits initial holding periods of up to 96 hours with possible judicial extensions.

    Minister Nuñez emphasized that similar attacks had been prevented across multiple European nations, specifically mentioning the Netherlands, Britain, and Norway. In response to this security threat, French authorities have heightened vigilance nationwide, with increased security presence at transportation hubs and sensitive locations.

    The investigation, now led by France’s specialized anti-terrorism prosecution office, examines charges of “attempted damage by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist undertaking” and “terrorist criminal conspiracy.” The Paris judicial police and France’s domestic intelligence service (General Directorate for Internal Security) are collaborating extensively on the case. The Iranian embassy in France has not issued any official response to the allegations presented by French authorities.

  • Two Australian states offer free public transport as war pushes up fuel prices

    Two Australian states offer free public transport as war pushes up fuel prices

    In response to skyrocketing fuel prices triggered by Middle East conflicts, two Australian states have announced unprecedented free public transport initiatives. Victoria and Tasmania are implementing temporary fare-free periods to alleviate financial pressure on commuters and reduce road traffic.

    Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed that all train, tram, and bus services will be completely free throughout April. “This immediate measure won’t resolve every challenge, but it provides crucial relief for Victorians during this difficult period,” Allan stated on Saturday. The initiative aims to decrease dependency on private vehicles as petrol prices continue their upward trajectory.

    Simultaneously, Tasmania announced an even more extensive program, eliminating fares on coaches, buses, and ferries from Monday through June’s end. Premier Jeremy Rockliff emphasized that “rising fuel costs significantly impact family budgets, prompting our decisive action to protect Tasmanians.” The island state will additionally waive school bus fees, generating approximately A$20 weekly savings for affected families.

    This policy divergence highlights regional variations in addressing the fuel crisis. New South Wales Transport Minister John Graham indicated his state reserves resources for potential extended disruptions, noting “this situation will likely persist beyond a single month.” Other states including South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia have implemented alternative measures such as expanded senior travel benefits, previously introduced flat fares, or historical fare reductions.

    The national context reveals severe price inflation, with average petrol costs surging from A$2.09 to A$2.38 per litre within one month according to Australian Institute of Petroleum data. Although supply chain issues aren’t cited as primary concerns, international oil market volatility continues driving domestic price increases.

    Globally, Australia joins multiple nations implementing conservation measures following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway handling 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Egypt has mandated early business closures and remote work policies, Ethiopia placed non-essential government staff on leave, and the Philippines declared a national emergency incorporating transport subsidies and reduced government operational days.

  • War in the Middle East: latest developments

    War in the Middle East: latest developments

    The Middle East conflict has entered a new phase of heightened escalation with a series of significant military and diplomatic developments unfolding across the region. Overnight, Israeli forces targeted a key ballistic missile production facility in Tehran operated by Iran’s defense ministry, marking the latest in a series of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure since hostilities began on February 28.

    The conflict has expanded beyond direct Iran-Israel engagements, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels launching missiles and drones toward Israeli targets, drawing condemnation from France for further escalating regional tensions. In response to the widening conflict, Bahrain implemented a maritime curfew from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am local time to enhance coastline security against what it termed ‘blatant Iranian aggression.’

    Diplomatic efforts are underway as foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey initiated talks with Islamabad mediating between the United States and Iran. The multilateral discussion aims to address the evolving regional situation and mutual concerns among Muslim nations.

    Iranian officials have made several significant threats, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accusing the United States of secretly planning ground operations despite public diplomatic efforts. Separately, Iran’s navy chief warned that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier would be targeted if it enters Iranian range.

    The conflict has taken a toll on media personnel, with Qatari news network Al Araby TV reporting its Tehran office building was struck by an Israeli missile, wounding ten people according to the Iranian Red Crescent. The network condemned the attack on a civilian commercial building as a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Lebanon held funerals for three journalists killed by an Israeli strike, drawing criticism from French officials who called potential deliberate targeting of journalists ‘extremely serious.’

    Religious tensions emerged as Israeli police prevented Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, prompting condemnation from Italian and French leaders who cited violations of religious freedom. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated the action was taken out of concern for the cardinal’s safety.

    Additional strikes hit the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, killing five people according to Iranian state media. The Revolutionary Guards claimed retaliatory strikes on aluminum plants in Bahrain and the UAE, describing them as facilities connected to US military and aerospace sectors.

    The human cost continued to mount with the Israeli army announcing the death of a fifth soldier in combat in south Lebanon. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also threatened US universities in the Middle East following claims that US-Israeli strikes destroyed two Iranian universities, prompting the American University of Beirut to move to online instruction.

    Amid the tensions, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint that Iran has largely closed to maritime traffic—carrying approximately 94,000 tonnes of combined cargo toward India’s coast.

  • Israeli police prevent Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at Jerusalem church

    Israeli police prevent Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at Jerusalem church

    JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli authorities barred senior Catholic clergy from entering Christianity’s revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Palm Sunday observances, marking an unprecedented interruption to centuries-old Easter traditions. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land were denied access to the sacred site believed to be Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial place.

    Police authorities cited operational security concerns stemming from ongoing regional hostilities with Iran, which has targeted Jerusalem with missile attacks since February 28. Official communications emphasized safety limitations including inadequate emergency vehicle access through the Old City’s narrow passages and insufficient shelter capacity.

    The Catholic institution condemned the prohibition as “manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate,” noting that restricted Masses had been conducted continuously since conflict initiation. Church representatives had requested permission for a private ceremony limited to religious leaders rather than public congregation.

    Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate, expressed dismay: “This sacred observance holds profound significance for Christians worldwide. We perceive no legitimate justification for this disruptive intervention.”

    Alternative commemorations occurred at St. Savior’s Monastery, which neighbors designated shelter facilities. Cardinal Pizzaballa conducted prayers for peace at the Dominus Flevit Shrine while deliberately avoiding direct reference to the access controversy.

    The incident prompted formal diplomatic protests from Italy, where Premier Giorgia Meloni characterized the prevention as “an offense against every community valuing religious freedom.” Italy’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador for clarification while reaffirming its commitment to protecting worship rights.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding Holy Week, pledging to develop security protocols permitting limited access to Christian holy sites. Security measures currently restrict gatherings to 50 persons near certified shelters across Jerusalem’s religious sites, including the Western Wall.

    Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for Middle Eastern Christians enduring conflict during his St. Peter’s Square address, though the Vatican declined immediate commentary on the Jerusalem incident.

  • Bulgarian researcher: My mission to show a humane China

    Bulgarian researcher: My mission to show a humane China

    For many young observers abroad, China remains an abstract concept—a distant economic phenomenon or geopolitical entity. Yet for Jood Ghazwan Sharaf, a Bulgarian doctoral candidate at Tsinghua University, China has become a living tapestry of human stories and cultural richness. Her academic journey has transformed into a mission to showcase the nation’s profound humanity beyond statistical narratives.

    Sharaf’s connection to Chinese culture originated not in academic halls but through the vibrant world of Chinese television dramas. Encouraged by her grandmother—a computer science researcher—she developed a deep appreciation for wuxia (martial heroes) and xianxia (immortal heroes) genres, captivated by their artistic craftsmanship, narrative depth, and emphasis on familial bonds and female empowerment. This shared cultural consumption with her grandmother evolved into a life-changing academic pursuit.

    In 2022, Sharaf embarked on her PhD studies at Tsinghua University, transitioning from international relations theory to immersive cultural storytelling. Her early challenges were significant: navigating Mandarin-taught courses without prior language proficiency required developing a rigorous bilingual research methodology. She maintained parallel study materials—English literature on China studies alongside original Chinese academic works—while receiving substantial support from professors and peers.

    Her lived experience in China revealed what she identifies as a critical gap in Western scholarship: the tendency to analyze China through external frameworks rather than understanding its unique developmental approach. “Many western theorists try to apply their worldview to China without seeing it as it actually is,” Sharaf observed. She emphasizes China’s distinctive development model operates without imposing itself on other nations, embodying what she describes as “kaifang baorong” (open and inclusive) principles.

    Beyond academia, Sharaf has become an active documentarian of China’s cultural preservation efforts. Her fieldwork has taken her to Hainan province where she recorded Qiong opera performances, Li brocade weaving techniques, and artisans maintaining traditional crafts. This ethnographic work reinforces her conviction that behind geopolitical narratives exist individual stories worthy of recognition. “Everybody has a story. No matter if you’re from a village, from a big city, or from whatever country, that story is important,” she asserts.

    Sharaf’s mission culminates in bridging perceptual gaps between China and global audiences. “Living and studying in China, I have changed from a curious, distant observer to an integrated participant,” she reflects. “In the future, I am willing to continue being a devoted decoder and a warm connector between China and the world.”

  • French sinologist: Speaking Chinese isn’t sufficient – reading is essential

    French sinologist: Speaking Chinese isn’t sufficient – reading is essential

    At the themed forum “Telling Story Well: From Empathetic Communication to Cultural Identity” held on March 28, distinguished French sinologist David Gosset presented a compelling argument for comprehensive Chinese language acquisition. The founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative emphasized that true mastery of Chinese extends far beyond basic conversational abilities.

    Gosset, an authoritative voice in Sino-European cultural studies, articulated that linguistic proficiency must encompass reading comprehension and writing capabilities to achieve meaningful cultural engagement. He stressed that superficial language skills remain insufficient for grasping China’s philosophical depth and historical consciousness.

    “The Chinese language serves as the vessel for millennia of cultural accumulation,” Gosset explained during his address. “To truly understand China’s contemporary reality, one must access the classical texts and literary traditions that have shaped its civilizational trajectory.”

    The sinologist’s perspective challenges prevailing language education models that prioritize verbal communication over literary acquisition. His analysis suggests that cultural identity formation through language requires engagement with written historical narratives and philosophical concepts embedded in Chinese characters.

    This approach aligns with China’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts, emphasizing deeper mutual understanding rather than superficial cultural exchange. Gosset’s methodology advocates for linguistic study as gateway to comprehensive cross-cultural comprehension, particularly relevant as global interest in Chinese studies continues to grow.

  • Chinese capital circling Trump’s school voucher gold rush

    Chinese capital circling Trump’s school voucher gold rush

    In a controversial move that sent shockwaves through educational circles, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis abruptly expelled four private schools from the state’s voucher program in September 2023. The state’s justification cited “direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party” as an “imminent threat” to student safety, though no specific evidence was provided.

    The targeted institutions were operated by Spring Education Group, one of America’s largest private school networks with over 200 campuses across 19 states. The company’s connection to Hong Kong-based Primavera Capital Group—through parent company Primavera Holdings Limited—triggered the political firestorm. Spring Education maintains prestigious brands including Stratford School and BASIS Independent Schools, all of which deny any political affiliations.

    This incident ignited a broader conservative campaign against Chinese influence in American education. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton escalated concerns in February 2024 by warning the Defense Department about Tutor.com, another Primavera-owned company providing services to military families. Cotton alleged the arrangement could expose sensitive data to Chinese authorities.

    Right-wing media and advocacy groups amplified these concerns throughout 2024-2025, with the New York Post claiming Chinese “infiltration” of classrooms and Texas Scorecard warning about Primavera’s operations in their state. Despite these allegations, Spring Education Group continues receiving public funds in multiple states, including North Carolina where two schools collected over $150,000 in voucher money during 2024-2025.

    The controversy deepened with revelations about Primavera founder Fred Hu’s background. Documents show Hu served multiple terms in China’s political advisory body, the CPPCC, while also maintaining his role as a Goldman Sachs veteran and IMF advisor. Primavera’s investments in surveillance technology companies—including SenseTime (blacklisted by the U.S. for monitoring Uyghurs) and Palantir—further fueled concerns.

    Paradoxically, many conservative states are embracing a new federal voucher program created by the Trump administration that could potentially channel more public funds to these same companies. The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), set to launch in 2027, offers tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations with minimal oversight.

    Education advocates warn this creates a regulatory end-run that could benefit private equity firms like Primavera while undermining public education. Jessica Levin of the Education Law Center notes the program aims to “expand vouchers nationwide, including into states that have repeatedly rejected voucher programs.”

    The complex situation illustrates the tension between school choice expansion and national security concerns, with billions in public education funding hanging in the balance.

  • Caf general secretary resigns amid Afcon final fallout

    Caf general secretary resigns amid Afcon final fallout

    African football governance faces a period of significant instability following the sudden resignation of Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba. The departure comes during one of the most contentious periods in recent African football history, marked by two major controversies: the stripping of Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and the last-minute postponement of the women’s tournament.

    Mosengo-Omba announced his retirement in an official statement on Sunday, though his exit coincides with mounting institutional challenges. The 66-year-old official, who had remained in his position past CAF’s mandatory retirement age of 63, stated: ‘Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving the CAF more prosperous than ever.’

    The resignation follows internal turbulence, including staff complaints about workplace environment that prompted an investigation, though Mosengo-Omba was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. The Swiss-Congolese administrator had served as CAF’s general secretary since March 2021, operating as deputy to president Patrice Motsepe.

    CAF’s current crisis centers on the controversial Afcon final decision that saw Senegal’s victory overturned. During the championship match against hosts Morocco, Senegalese players left the field in protest when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score at 0-0. After a 17-minute delay, Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal scored an extra-time winner.

    Following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Association, CAF’s appeals body ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and stripping Senegal of the title. The decision now awaits final arbitration from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as Senegal challenges the ruling.

    Samson Adamu, CAF’s competitions director, will assume the role of acting general secretary during this transitional period. The organization faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in its governance structures amid these competing controversies.