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  • NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe ‘worried’ AI data centres will drive up energy prices

    NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe ‘worried’ AI data centres will drive up energy prices

    A massive pipeline of artificial intelligence data centre projects valued at approximately $100 billion is under consideration in New South Wales, prompting serious concerns from government officials about potential energy price impacts. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe expressed apprehension during a budget estimates hearing that these facilities could significantly drive up electricity costs for households and businesses across the state.

    The government’s Investment Delivery Authority is currently evaluating 26 submissions for new data centre projects that collectively represent unprecedented investment in AI infrastructure. Minister Sharpe acknowledged that increased demand from these energy-intensive facilities could place substantial pressure on wholesale energy prices, potentially adding up to 12% additional demand on the state’s energy sector.

    While recognizing NSW’s attractiveness for technology investment due to its clear renewable energy pathway, Sharpe confirmed the government is simultaneously developing a comprehensive data centre strategy and examining how these facilities might connect to the grid. The complexity of balancing technological advancement with energy affordability has prompted the establishment of a separate parliamentary inquiry—the first of its kind in NSW.

    This cross-party investigation, supported by both the Coalition and the Greens, will examine the multifaceted impacts of data centres on critical infrastructure including water resources, electricity networks, land use, and workforce requirements. Opposition voices have raised alarms about global precedents where data centres have driven up power prices, disrupted housing development, and created community disturbances through noise and heat effects.

    The inquiry represents a critical opportunity for public discussion about managing the AI revolution’s infrastructure demands while protecting public resources and minimizing negative impacts on NSW residents and businesses.

  • Beijing urges US to rescind tariff measures

    Beijing urges US to rescind tariff measures

    In the wake of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, China has formally called upon the United States to revoke all unilateral tariff measures imposed on its trading partners. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that it is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the ruling’s implications and will vigilantly monitor any subsequent ‘alternative measures’ Washington might deploy to sustain high import duties.

    The judicial upheaval occurred on February 20th, 2026, when the Supreme Court struck down a broad swath of tariffs instituted by former President Donald Trump, deeming them an overreach of executive authority. This decision nullified specific tariffs, including those related to fentanyl and so-called ‘reciprocal’ levies on China. Consequently, the composite tariff rate on Chinese goods was poised to drop from 37% to approximately 21.9%, according to analyses by Guosheng Securities.

    However, the trade landscape was swiftly scrambled once more when President Trump responded by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, proclaiming a new 15% ‘global tariff.’ This maneuver effectively pushes the aggregate duty rate on Chinese imports back up to an estimated 28.6%.

    A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the U.S.’s unilateral actions, stating they breach both international trade norms and U.S. domestic law, ultimately serving no nation’s interests. While reaffirming China’s commitment to cooperative and stable global economic relations, the official underscored Beijing’s readiness to enact firm countermeasures should its legitimate interests be infringed.

    Economic analysts highlight that the core leverage in the protracted Sino-U.S. trade negotiations hinges on each nation’s economic resilience and technological prowess. Luo Zhiheng, Chief Economist at Yuekai Securities, emphasized that fortifying China’s economic fundamentals and bolstering its capacity for independent innovation are paramount to navigating external uncertainties and securing long-term strategic initiative.

    Furthermore, experts like Xiong Yuan from Guosheng Securities point to statutory limitations, noting that Section 122 imposes a strict 150-day time limit, making it an unlikely long-term solution and suggesting a future pivot back to more enduring legal mechanisms like Sections 301 and 232.
    Amid these developments, voices from the business community, such as Sean Stein of the U.S.-China Business Council, advocate for a shift in dialogue beyond tariffs and toward fostering effective economic cooperation, enabling companies from both powerhouse economies to thrive in each other’s markets.

  • Father and son killed by mudslide in Peru as floods affect thousands of homes in southern provinces

    Father and son killed by mudslide in Peru as floods affect thousands of homes in southern provinces

    LIMA, Peru — A devastating landslide triggered by torrential rains in southern Peru has claimed the lives of a father and son, highlighting critical urban planning failures as climate extremes batter the region. The tragedy occurred in Arequipa, where authorities confirmed the victims were swept away in a neighborhood constructed directly atop a historic natural waterway.

    The catastrophic mudslides have impacted approximately 5,500 households, prompting mass evacuations across the region. Experts emphasize that these residential areas dangerously encroach upon ancient drainage paths that have channeled stormwaters for centuries during peak rainfall periods.

    In response to the escalating crisis, Arequipa authorities have urgently petitioned Peru’s interim president to declare a state of emergency. Regional Governor Dr. Rohel Sánchez Sánchez announced the immediate establishment of multiple emergency shelters throughout Arequipa, with the National Institute of Civil Defense and regional government distributing essential supplies including food and tents to displaced residents.

    Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to the El Niño Costero phenomenon, which has produced weeks of intense rainfall. Official reports indicate warming Pacific waters are expected to slightly intensify this climate pattern through March. This oceanic warming creates elevated evaporation rates, generating extreme precipitation events and significantly increasing river flows throughout vulnerable regions.

  • Why attacking Iran could be riskier than capturing Maduro

    Why attacking Iran could be riskier than capturing Maduro

    Military analysts and regional experts are issuing stark warnings about the profound complexities and potential catastrophic consequences of any U.S. military action against Iran, drawing sharp contrasts with the recent operation in Venezuela. Unlike the swift capture of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, which concluded within hours, confronting Iran would engage a nation with extensive military capabilities and a sophisticated network of regional proxy forces capable of sustaining prolonged resistance.

    Iran possesses one of the most substantial and diverse missile arsenals in the Middle East, including medium-range ballistic missiles with a reach exceeding 1,200 miles. This capability places U.S. bases across the region—from western Turkey to Israel and the Arabian Gulf States—within striking distance. Recent demonstrations of military prowess, such as the testing of a new sea-based air defense missile in the Strait of Hormuz, underscore Tehran’s readiness to respond decisively to any aggression.

    Beyond its conventional forces, Iran’s strategic doctrine relies on its ‘Axis of Resistance’—a network of proxy groups including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. These allied forces could open multiple retaliatory fronts against U.S. interests and allies, potentially escalating a limited strike into a broader regional conflict. Intelligence officials note that Israel’s defense systems, already strained from prolonged engagements, might be overwhelmed by a concentrated Iranian missile barrage.

    The economic implications of such a conflict would be immediate and severe. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy transit through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Any disruption would trigger dramatic spikes in energy prices worldwide, creating economic shockwaves far beyond the conflict zone.

    Political analysts emphasize that Iran’s leadership structure presents another layer of complexity. Unlike Venezuela, where power was concentrated in Maduro, Iran’s theocratic regime is deeply entrenched with multiple power centers and ideological foundations solidified over nearly five decades. This makes any attempt at ‘decapitation’ significantly more challenging than the Venezuela operation.

    As President Trump contemplates military options in an election year, experts caution that there exists no low-cost, clean military solution regarding Iran. The consensus among conflict resolution specialists is that any military engagement would likely result in American casualties and potentially draw the United States into another protracted Middle Eastern conflict with unpredictable outcomes.

  • Kuwait mandates military service for male citizens aged 18

    Kuwait mandates military service for male citizens aged 18

    Kuwait has enacted sweeping legislative reforms making military service compulsory for all male citizens upon reaching 18 years of age. The new mandate, which applies retroactively to individuals born on or after January 1, 2012, represents a significant shift in the nation’s defense policy framework.

    The National Assembly approved substantial amendments to the 2015 National Military Service Law, addressing what officials described as ‘legislative and procedural gaps’ in the original legislation. According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the revisions aim to streamline administrative processes and clarify previously ambiguous provisions.

    Key modifications include a tripled registration window extension from 60 to 180 days, providing young citizens substantially more time to comply with conscription requirements. The updated statute also introduces familial considerations by exempting only sons from mandatory service obligations.

    Notably, the amendments expand professional exemptions to include Kuwait Oil Company firefighters, granting them parity with their counterparts in the Kuwait Fire Force. Employed conscripts will maintain their full compensation packages—including salaries, allowances, and bonuses—throughout their service period. Additionally, their military tenure will contribute directly to retirement and seniority calculations.

    The National Military Service Authority retains jurisdiction to assign recruits across four critical security sectors: the Kuwait Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait National Guard, and Kuwait Fire Force. This structural flexibility aims to optimize national security resources while accommodating individual skill sets.

    Government sources indicate these reforms address systemic challenges in transaction processing and legal interpretation that emerged under the previous legislative framework. The changes reflect Kuwait’s strategic response to regional security dynamics while modernizing its national service administration.

  • Writer Feng Jicai explains the Chinese Lunar New Year

    Writer Feng Jicai explains the Chinese Lunar New Year

    While Western observers often perceive Chinese Spring Festival through superficial symbols like red lanterns and fireworks, this ancient tradition represents something far more profound—a continuous cultural river flowing through millennia. At the forefront of interpreting this rich heritage stands Feng Jicai, an octogenarian cultural preservationist whose lifelong work bridges China’s past and present.

    Originally emerging as an accomplished writer and painter from Tianjin’s established financial circles, Feng gradually transformed into China’s preeminent cultural guardian. His evolution from artist to preservationist reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding traditions threatened by modernization’s relentless advance. Through the Feng Jicai Institute of Literature and Arts at Tianjin University, where he serves as professor and doctoral supervisor, he has institutionalized cultural protection while maintaining field research well into his eighties.

    Feng’s vision materialized physically with the 2025 opening of the Tianjin University Feng Jicai Museum, occupying 12,000 square meters across two restored heritage buildings. As mainland China’s first museum named after a living polymath—recognized simultaneously as writer, painter, and cultural protector—it houses extraordinary collections including international treasures: Victor Hugo’s correspondence, Leo Tolstoy’s signed works, and Franz Liszt’s handwritten scores. This institution transcends personal archive status, embodying Feng’s philosophy that literature and folk memory constitute society’s shared historical consciousness.

    Feng’s cultural perspective draws from deep historical roots. His wife’s family established Chung Foo Bank in 1916 during global financial restructuring, while ancestor Sun Jianai (1827–1909) served as Qing dynasty imperial tutor and educational reformer. Sun helped establish Peking University’s predecessor, advocating Sino-Western knowledge integration during Europe’s industrialization and America’s Gilded Age.

    This intellectual legacy informs Feng’s focus on ordinary people’s living traditions rather than elite culture. The Spring Festival represents the apex of these traditions—a 3,000-year-old celebration comparable to Western New Year and Christmas combined. Its rituals evolved through dynastic eras: taking shape during the Han period (contemporaneous with Rome), structuring during Tang-Song eras (parallel to medieval Europe), and crystallizing during Ming-Qing periods (alongside Renaissance and Enlightenment).

    Modern celebrations involve intricate customs: spring couplets bearing auspicious phrases, reunion dinners featuring dumplings (symbolizing unity), chicken (homophone for fortune), and fish (representing surplus). Fireworks drive away misfortune, while red envelopes convey protection and goodwill. For Feng, these traditions represent life’s idealization—where “food, color, and ritual are never merely decorative” but elevate ordinary existence into meaningful experience.

    Feng’s decades-long advocacy achieved a milestone in 2024 when UNESCO inscribed Spring Festival on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. He emphasizes that participation alone conveys core values: family emphasis, elder respect, and harmony pursuit—universal ideals transcending cultural boundaries. Today, global celebrations from London to Sydney form one of humanity’s largest cultural migrations, representing shared aspirations for renewal.

    In an increasingly commercialized world, Feng protects the essential thread connecting culture to lived experience rather than mere display. The Spring Festival’s true power lies not in spectacle but in its timeless reminder to return to family, memory, and hope—a legacy guarded by cultural stewards like Feng Jicai along time’s endless river.

  • ‘We pray for peace’: Indian filmmaker from troubled state who won a Bafta

    ‘We pray for peace’: Indian filmmaker from troubled state who won a Bafta

    Indian cinema has achieved a landmark victory as Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut feature ‘Boong’ secured the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), marking the first Indian production to win in this prestigious category. The Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama triumphed over major international contenders including Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ and the French sci-fi production ‘Arco’.

    The film’s BAFTA success has generated significant attention toward both the artistic achievement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, Devi’s home state in northeastern India. Since May 2023, ethnic conflicts between the Meitei majority and Kuki-Zo communities have resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands of residents, creating a backdrop of tension that contrasts sharply with the film’s message of hope.

    ‘Boong’ follows the journey of a mischievous young boy, Brojendro ‘Boong’ Singh (portrayed by 12-year-old Gugun Kipgen), who embarks on a quest to find his missing father despite rumors of his death. With assistance from his best friend Raju, the child protagonist navigates complex social landscapes while addressing weighty themes including ethnic tensions, migration patterns, and regional militarization.

    During her acceptance speech delivered alongside Paddington Bear, Devi utilized the global platform to advocate for peace and reconciliation in her troubled homeland. ‘We pray that all internally displaced children, including the child actors in our film, regain their joy, innocence, and dreams,’ she stated before emphasizing humanity’s ‘super power of forgiveness’ as an antidote to conflict.

    The production represents a significant collaboration between regional storytelling and mainstream Indian cinema. Excel Entertainment, the Mumbai-based production company co-founded by Bollywood icon Farhan Akhtar, provided crucial support that enabled the film’s successful festival circuit journey through Toronto, Warsaw, and Melbourne.

    Despite limited theatrical distribution in India—a common challenge for independent regional cinema—the film has received widespread critical acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter praised its ability to convey regional history without exoticization, noting how it ‘forces us to remember that characters are humans before they’re Manipuri, Hindu, or Indian.’

    Political leadership across India has celebrated the achievement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it ‘a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur.’ The official social media account of the Manipur government described the film as ‘a tribute to a homeland that remains resilient despite hardship,’ directly referencing Devi’s powerful plea for peace and forgiveness.

  • Ugandan president’s son compares Sudan’s RSF to Hitler following meeting with his father

    Ugandan president’s son compares Sudan’s RSF to Hitler following meeting with his father

    In a remarkable diplomatic breach, Muhoozi Kainerugaba—son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and commander of the nation’s armed forces—launched a scathing social media attack against Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The outburst came just days after Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, met with President Museveni at his Entebbe residence.

    Kainerugaba took to X (formerly Twitter) during Sunday night hours, labeling Hemedti ‘a criminal’ with ‘the blood of thousands of black people on his hands.’ His posts drew explicit parallels between RSF fighters and Nazi war criminals, stating: ‘RSF feels like heroes for killing innocent black people. Very good. I bet Hitler felt like a hero too for gassing Jews in Auschwitz.’

    The general, widely anticipated to succeed his father as Uganda’s leader, declared that the ‘RSF will have to fight the whole of Black Africa before they win in Sudan,’ adding emphatically that ‘that will NEVER happen.’

    In an abrupt thematic shift, Kainerugaba revealed supernatural instructions to erect a statue honoring Yoni Netanyahu—the Israeli commando leader killed during the 1976 Entebbe raid. He claimed: ‘For the last 4 years, My God Jesus Christ has appeared to me in dreams and visions. He told me to build a statue to Yoni Netanyahu in Entebbe.’

    This religious revelation underscores Uganda’s complex relationship with Israel. Despite President Museveni historically referring to Israel as ‘Palestine’ during memorial events, both he and his son maintain strong ties with Israeli leadership. In 2020, Museveni facilitated a landmark meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, initiating normalization talks between the nations.

    The controversy deepens with connections to Israeli businessman Barak Orland, described as an arms dealer and long-time Uganda resident. Orland’s company, Bar Aviation, has been implicated in supplying RSF forces via flights from Ugandan airports. Another Orland venture, security firm Yamasec, employs former Israeli military and intelligence personnel.

    Kainerugaba’s inflammatory tweets align with his history of provocative social media behavior, including past threats to invade Kenya and violent rhetoric against political opponents during Uganda’s elections.

    The RSF-Sudanese Armed Forces conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has created the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. The RSF controls much of western Sudan, including Darfur, where they face genocide allegations against non-Arab communities. While Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar support the official Sudanese military, the RSF enjoys patronage from the United Arab Emirates—a nation increasingly reliant on Ugandan cooperation following its withdrawal from Somali bases.

  • Argentine clubs striking from March 5-8 after AFA chief Tapia faces court summons

    Argentine clubs striking from March 5-8 after AFA chief Tapia faces court summons

    Argentina’s football landscape faces unprecedented disruption as the nation’s professional clubs have unanimously agreed to stage a nationwide strike from March 5-8. This drastic measure comes in response to what the football community perceives as judicial targeting of Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia.

    The labor stoppage, announced Monday following an emergency executive committee meeting, will suspend all first division matches and league games during the four-day period. The decision represents a unified front against legal proceedings initiated by the government’s Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA).

    At the heart of the controversy is Judge Diego Amarante’s summons for Tapia to testify on March 5 regarding allegations of misappropriating social security contributions totaling 19 billion pesos (approximately $13 million) during 2024-2025. The judge has additionally imposed a travel ban on Tapia while summoning four other high-ranking AFA officials for questioning in early March.

    Those named in the investigation include AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino, general secretary Cristian Malaspina, general director Gustavo Lorenzo, and former Racing Club president Víctor Blanco, who held an organizational position during the period under scrutiny.

    In a striking development, Judge Amarante granted Tapia authorization to travel to Colombia and Brazil between February 23-28 for official football duties, despite the ongoing investigation. Tapia is scheduled to attend an event hosted by the Colombian Football Federation in Barranquilla and subsequently participate in a CONMEBOL council meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where he serves as second vice president.

    The AFA has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting in an official statement that ‘the voluntary payment of these tax obligations was made prior to their due date.’ The football governing body maintains that the complaint lacks merit and represents unjustified persecution against its leadership.

    The scheduled strike represents one of the most significant labor actions in Argentine football history, demonstrating the deep solidarity within the sport’s infrastructure amid escalating tensions between football authorities and governmental agencies.

  • French minister moves to block US envoy Kushner from government access

    French minister moves to block US envoy Kushner from government access

    A significant diplomatic rift has emerged between France and the United States following controversial statements made by the American embassy regarding political violence in France. The confrontation centers on Ambassador Charles Kushner, who was appointed to the position last year and is the father of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

    The controversy ignited when the US Embassy in France published social media commentary concerning the fatal assault of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student and far-right nationalist who died on February 14 after being attacked by masked assailants in Lyon. The embassy’s statement suggested that ‘violent left-wing extremism is on the rise’ in France—a characterization that provoked immediate consternation from French officials.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot summoned Ambassador Kushner for urgent discussions on Monday evening. However, the diplomat did not attend the meeting, citing prior commitments, and instead dispatched a deputy from the embassy. This absence triggered a sharp response from the French foreign ministry, which criticized Kushner for an ‘apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission.’

    In an unprecedented move, Minister Barrot formally requested that Ambassador Kushner ‘no longer be allowed direct access’ to French government ministers. The ministry’s statement emphasized France’s rejection of ‘any use of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends.’ Barrot further asserted that France requires ‘no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.’

    Judicial proceedings continue in the Deranque case, with six suspects charged in connection with the fatal assault. Additionally, a parliamentary assistant affiliated with the radical left France Unbowed (LFI) party faces complicity charges. LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a potential presidential contender, has distanced his party from the incident while condemning ‘all forms of violence.’

    The escalating diplomatic tension represents one of the most serious public disputes between the allied nations in recent years, testing the resilience of Franco-American relations during a sensitive political period in both countries.