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Kazakhstan has commenced construction of the $800 million Alatau Iconic Complex, set to transform the area near Almaty by 2029. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the development will feature two striking towers and aims to become a major economic hub. Major excavation begins in May.

PUTIN’S REQUEST
Putin seeks financial support from oligarchs to bolster defence budget as costs of Ukraine war escalate.
This could exacerbate existing economic challenges in Russia.

Iran has rejected the US peace plan, proposing its own five-point resolution. Conditions include halting aggression and ensuring safety against future attacks. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s stance of self-defence unless demands are met.

Israel confirmed the killing of Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri in a precise airstrike in Bandar Abbas. The Israeli Defence Forces targetted Tangsiri for his role in disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to continue operations in Iran.

Donald Trump has branded the UK’s aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, as ‘toys’. He criticised NATO for not assisting the US in the Middle East, stating, “they aren’t the best aircraft carriers by the way”. Further developments are anticipated.

Scientists have for the first time detected cocaine in sharks off the Bahamas, according to a study published in Environmental Pollution. Two sharks tested positive for the drug, potentially linked to human sewage and tourism. Further research is needed to assess behavioural impacts.

What’s going on?
Iran confirmed it rejected the US ceasefire plan, submitting its own proposals. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced this development amid ongoing tensions in the region, stating that the US plan was considered one-sided. Iran continues to assert its stance against external interventions.
However, media coverage varies significantly. The Guardian stated, “Iran rejects US ceasefire plan and submits its own,” focusing on Iran’s active rejection and initiation of alternatives. In contrast, Reuters reported, “US proposal to end war is ‘one-sided’, door to diplomacy still open,” which emphasised the perceived imbalance in the proposal and left room for potential diplomatic dialogues.
Coverage analysed: The Guardian | Reuters

Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old woman from Barcelona, is set to undergo euthanasia today at the Sant Pere de Ribes assisted living facility. After years of suffering from a severe spinal cord injury due to a gang rape, she has chosen to end her life. She plans to say goodbye to her family before the procedure.

SNAPSHOT – Donald Trump says Iran is “begging” for a deal despite Tehran rejecting US demands, as continued strikes and…

IMPACT & SNAPSHOT – Israel says it has killed IRGC navy commander Alireza Tangsiri in an overnight strike, in what…