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Defence Minister: Sweden will buy air defense systems for 8,7 billion crowns
The country's defense minister announced that Sweden will buy anti-drone and air defence systems worth $8.7 billion Swedish crowns from BAE Systems, Saab, and other companies. Sweden, along with most European countries is rushing to strengthen its defences in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Military spending will reach 2.8% of GDP in 2026 and rise to 3.5% by 2030. Defense Minister Pal Jonson stated that the added capability will help expand Sweden's air defenses which at present are primarily focused on protecting military units. He said: "With this technology, we'll be able to better protect critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, rail hubs, and nuclear power plants, or population centers." The package includes an anti-drone called Gute II. This is a radar and cannon system that can either be mounted on the vehicle or on the ground. Jonson?added that these systems were tested in Ukraine on the battlefield and proved to be very effective against drones such as the Shahed models used by Russia?and Iran. In a separate announcement, Saab said that its part of the package was 2.6 billion crowns. This money would be used to purchase an anti-drone system designed to detect and neutralise small to medium drones flying at low altitudes. Jonson stated that the total package would also include ammunition and vehicles such as infantry mobility vehicles made by the?Finnish defence company Sisu. The first deliveries will be made in 2027 or 2028. Reporting by Johan Ahlander, Editing by Niklas pollard and Thomas Derpinghaus.
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Taiwan strengthens Pratas Islands' defences in response to China's increased pressure
The minister of Taiwan's Coastguard announced on Thursday that Taiwan will bolster its defenses around the Pratas, as China intensifies its activities aroudn the islands at the?top end of South -China Sea. Some security experts believe that the Pratas, which are located roughly between Hong Kong and southern Taiwan, are vulnerable to Chinese attacks due to their 400 km (250 mile) distance from mainland Taiwan. Taiwan's coastguard, not its military, is responsible for the protection of Pratas atoll, which is also Taiwanese National Park. China claims Taiwan and the Pratas as its own territory. Kuan Bi-ling is the head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council. She said that China was expanding its maritime areas where it carries out "grey zone harassing" – non-combat activities designed to pressure Taiwan, such as coastguards patrols. She said that since last year the number of Chinese government boats, including the coastguards, have increased around Pratas. Previously, activity was concentrated in the vicinity of 'Taiwan and the Kinmen Islands, which are close to the Chinese coastline. Strengthening Capabilities Kuan, who uses the same name for Pratas in both Taiwan and China, said: "From a strategic and political perspective, we found that capturing Dongsha could have a significant strategic importance for them." She told the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club that Taiwan had renovated its wharf and would regularly send vessels there with greater operational capability. Kuan, without giving any details, said that "Dongsha" is a highly important and excellent site for developing an island defense system. The China Taiwan Affairs Office didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Taiwan reported in?January that a Chinese reconnaissance drone flew briefly over the Pratas. The Taiwanese defence ministry described this as a provocative and irresponsible move. Kuan claimed that China's campaign of pressure "let down people on both sides" of the Taiwan Strait, as it drains resources away from other things such as saving mariners who are in trouble. Taiwan's coastguard ships, such as its Anping-class corvettes, based on Tuo Chiang-class battleships, would be called into action in times of war. They have the space to mount anti-ship missiles. Kuan said that China also gives Taiwan the opportunity to learn. She said, "We are therefore accelerating our efforts in order to improve our capabilities and accelerate the transition from peacetime to wartime readiness."
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Parents desperate to keep their children away from social media ahead of Greek ban
Georgia Efstathiou, a Greek mother, has done everything she can to break the grip social media has over her son. She has had heart-to-heart conversations with him; he has been given internet-free days; and his phone has been confiscated. As she struggles to resist the lure of her son's screen, with its videos and messages, arguments flare up. Efstathiou could finally get the help she so desperately needs. The Greek government will likely announce in the next few days a ban on social media for children younger than 15. They'll join the ranks of other nations that are trying to protect young children against addiction and online abuse. We've reached our limits... We parents need help," said Efstathiou,?43, holding her son's mobile phone in her living room in Athens. We've reached the limit... We need help as parents," said Efstathiou (?43), holding her son's phone in her Athens living room. Efstathiou's not alone. A February poll conducted by ALCO showed that?80% of respondents approved of the ban. The government of Prime Minister KyriakosMitsotakis has already banned mobile phones from schools and established parental control platforms in order to limit teenagers' screen-time. The government declined to comment on whether or not the ban will be implemented, as well as when. Sources said that a formal announcement was pending. Mitsotakis said to a Greek Australian newspaper last month that Greece would move "in the same direction as Australia", where social networking companies were told to ban users under 16 in December or face fines. Worries of addiction and bullying are everywhere. As in other countries, Greece is facing a reckoning over social media platforms such as Meta's Instagram or TikTok, and online gaming platforms. George Kormas, the manager of the Greek Safer Internet Centre, in Athens said that between 2024-2025, the number of calls to the helpline, which provides support to children who have been victims to cyberbullying, more than doubled. Blackmailing minors, misinformation and hate speech are also complaints. According to data from the Helpline, 75% children in Greece who use social media are primary school age. He said, "This is undoubtedly worrying to us because they can't handle social media and protect themselves." Athanasios theocharis is the head of the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions. He said that 48% of teens have felt the negative effects of social media. He said that the ban could provide "a significant level of protection". KIDS CAN NOT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA Parents who spoke expressed their fear that they have lost control over what their children are doing online, or were worried that the kids would find a way to circumvent the ban. Some people prefer that the government does not intervene at all. Dimitris said, "I would prefer to limit mobile phone usage within the family." "Where that is not possible, a complete ban may be the only option." Catherine, his 14-year old daughter, says that most teenagers of her age haven't known a life without social media. She told her father, "It's the way we have learned ever since we were children," before playing basketball near the Acropolis. "I'm able to control it, but I tend to get carried away." (Reporting and editing by Edward McAllister, Lincoln Feast and Louisa Gouliamaki from Athens. Additional reporting by Deborah Kyvrikosaios in Athens.
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Ukraine grain exports to ports rose 9% in March according to a state-owned company
The weather was a factor in the increase of grain deliveries from Ukraine to Black Sea ports for export. Ukraine is one of the world's largest grain producers and exporters. More than 90% of Ukraine's grain exports are shipped by rail to Black Sea port. Ukraine's export revenues are largely derived from agricultural exports. Ukrzaliznytsia reported in a report?that?2.74 metric tons?of grain was delivered to ports during March. It added that grain deliveries to ports increased by 5.7% in the first quarter 2026, to 7.7 millions tons compared to the same period of 2025. Last month, the company reported that Ukraine's grain shipments to ports increased by 5.5% year-on-year in February to 2.3 metric tons. As of April 1, data from Ukraine's economy ministry revealed that the country had exported 26.1 millions tons?of different grains? so far in the 2025/26 season July to June. As of April 1, data from Ukraine's?economy ministry showed that the country exported 26.1 million tons?of various grains?so far in?the 2025/26 July to June season.
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Air France-KLM offers to buy a minority stake in Portugal’s TAP airline
The franco-dutch airline group, 'Air France-KLM' announced a non-binding bid to purchase a minority stake of TAP Air Portugal as the Portuguese Government moves forward with its plans to privatise their 'flag carrier. Air France-KLM was the first of three European airline groups that bid on a stake in TAP as Lisbon looks to sell as much as 49.9%. British Airways' owner IAG, and Germany's Lufthansa also expressed interest in participating in the privatisation of the airline. "Our aim is to'strengthen operations in Lisbon and 'develop connectivity in other cities throughout the country, including Porto. Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said that he was looking forward to the next steps in the privatization process. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Milla Nissi Prussak, and Gianluca Nostro)
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Kazmunaygaz says new mooring unit for CPC delivered, IFX reports
Interfax reported that Kazakhstan's state-owned energy company, Kazmunaygaz, has delivered a "new single point mooring" (SPM) for the consortium terminal of the Caspian Pipeline in the Black Sea. For offshore tanker loading, three SPMs are used. These floating buoys are located approximately 5 km (3 miles) from the Yuzhnaya Ozereevka CPC Terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Two are usually active with one acting as a backup. SPM-2 is still offline after sustaining?significant damage in an attack that occurred late November. CPC will replace mooring. CPC is responsible for about 80% Kazakhstan's oil imports. Its 'operations' have been interrupted at different points during the 'war in Ukraine, by Ukrainian attacks on?pumping station in Russia and drone strikes near its loading terminal near Novorossiysk along Russian Black Sea coast. The terminal is responsible for 80% of Kazakhstan's crude oil exports and 1.5% of the global oil supply. (Reporting and writing by Ksenia orlova, Maxim Rodionov, Editing by Emelia sithole-Matarise).
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Uganda's budget forecasts for 2026/27 will increase by 16% annually
The finance ministry announced that Uganda will spend $84.3 trillion (22.65 billion dollars) during the fiscal year 2026/27, which runs from July to June. This is an increase of 16% compared to the?72.4 trillion ($22.65) shillings spent in the previous fiscal year. The new estimate is 7.8% higher than the previous estimate for 2026/27 and will prioritize projects in the transportation sector, the Finance Ministry said?on X on late Wednesday night after Henry Musasizi presented the proposed budget for parliamentary?scrutiny? and approval. The Ministry did not provide a reason as to why the funding was increased, but said that the top projects in this period were the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR), the planned 95-kilometre Expressway linking the capital with Jinja City in the East and the extension of power into industrial parks. The expressway, estimated at $1 billion, is part of the Northern Corridor, an East African transport corridor connecting Kenya's coastline to a vast hinterland, including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Uganda is developing a 272 km (169 mile) rail line, worth 2.7 billion euros ($3.1 billion), that will connect with Kenya's SGR. This will help lower the cost of shipping a country's products via the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa.
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Malaysia Airlines reports higher earnings by 2025, but Middle East conflict clouds the outlook
Malaysia Aviation Group (the 'operator of Malaysia Airlines) reported higher profits in 2025, but warned on Thursday that the market volatility caused by the conflict in Middle East could affect its performance this year. The Iran War, which has lasted for a month, has caused a global aviation shake-up. A sharp rise in jet fuel prices prompted airlines to raise fares and reduce?capacity. MAG, which is owned by Malaysian sovereign fund Khazanah Nasional reported a 'net profit after tax and interest of 137 million ringgit (US$34.08million) for 2025 compared to a '54 million ringgit ayear earlier. The revenue of the company?in 2025 will increase by?6%, to 14.5 billion Ringgit. MAG President and Group Chief Executive Officer Nasaruddin Bakar said that geopolitical uncertainty continues to affect supply chains and cost structures. However, travel demand remains strong, especially from India and China, as well as on routes to Australia and New Zealand. He said, "Fuel is so volatile. But we're prepared and will make sure our products and assets are ready to fly." Nasaruddin stated that MAG's low-cost airline Firefly was actively reviewing and adjusting fares. He added?that it is estimated that the company will see a financial effect of 50 million ringgit for every dollar increase in oil _prices. Malaysia Airlines suspends all flights from Doha to April 15
Walsh must repair IndiGo's reputation before driving global expansion
Willie Walsh's appointment as IndiGo CEO is expected to boost the Indian carrier's global expansion, but first the former British Airways chief must repair the airline’s damaged reputation.
Walsh's Tuesday appointment as India's largest airline, which controls about 65% domestic flights, stunned the industry. This was after months of negative media and regulatory pressure following the cancellation of thousands of flights by the airline in December because of inadequate planning of pilot rest and duty regulations.
IndiGo has entrusted the head of the International Air Transport Association to lead the airline after the worst crisis it has experienced in two decades.
Walsh, who will take over in August, must address the operational mismanagement that led to regulatory warnings.
Rajan Mehra said that repairing IndiGo's image won't be done overnight. "Given how they failed in December," he added. "But he's an experienced hand. He should be able?to do it."
Walsh, 64 years old, described the airline industry as "a fight for survival". In his first role as CEO at Ireland's Aer Lingus, Walsh was known for clashing with unions while cutting costs.
Joshua Ng of Alton Aviation Consultancy, a director, stated that he had overseen the transition from a short- and medium haul airline to a long-haul carrier. This experience will be very valuable for IndiGo.
Analysts have said that IndiGo's decision to appoint Walsh shows its commitment to global expansion and strategic alliances.
IndiGo's shares rose 6% on the day following the announcement. It had gained 11% in the previous year, but lost 22% so far this year.
Walsh, who is also the CEO of BA's parent company International Airlines Group, will end his IATA tenure on July 31, and IndiGo anticipates that he will assume his new position by August 3. Email requests for comment were not answered by either IndiGo or Walsh.
PAKISTAN AEROSCAPE BAN
Walsh's job will include navigating the fallout from the animosity between India and Pakistan, as well as Israel's and the U.S. war against Iran.
Pakistan barred Indian airlines from its airspace last year after India fired missiles at what ?it called terrorists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian airlines have been forced to divert flights to western destinations due to the ban, which has increased flight times and costs.
The war in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to soar, complicating international expansion.
In a client note, Jefferies analysts said that Walsh's "leadership of a multibrand airline group" could improve IndiGo's position in terms of partnerships, negotiations and policy engagement, as IndiGo builds a larger international footprint.
IndiGo, under the previous CEO Pieter Elbers cemented its domestic leadership and expanded into other regions in Europe, placing orders for 60 Airbus Widebody aircraft as well as many long-range single aisle?jets.
Kapil Kaul is the CEO of aviation consultancy CAPA India. He said that as IndiGo expands its international reach, it will need a new product and operational model. It may also require more senior executives to work under Walsh.
IndiGo now flies to over 40 international destinations (up from 25 in 2022), and has about 440 aircraft. The airline expects to have its first Airbus A350 by 2028, one year later than originally planned.
(source: Reuters)