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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have signed a friendship treaty aimed at deepening ties between their countries. Both leaders are close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.The treaty was signed on Thursday during Lukashenko's two-day trip to Pyongyang. He told Kim that relations between their countries were entering a 'fundamentally new stage', according to the Belarusian state news agency Belta.Lukashenko emphasized the need for independent countries to cooperate closely in today's global transformation, where global powers often ignore and violate international law. Kim expressed opposition to undue pressure on Belarus from the West.The North Korean leader gave Lukashenko a lavish welcome, including a white-horsed cavalry, flag-waving children, and a 21-cannon salute. Both nations have backed Russia's war in Ukraine.Kim has reportedly provided Moscow with ammunition and sent soldiers to help Russia expel Ukrainian forces from its western region of Kursk in 2024. Lukashenko allowed Belarus to be used as a launchpad for Russia's invasion in February 2022 and has agreed to allow Russian tactical nuclear missiles on its territory.The Belarusian leader, in power since 1994, is politically and economically dependent on Putin. North Korea and Belarus conduct a small volume of trade but share long experience of surviving under international sanctions. North Korea has been sanctioned due to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and Belarus over its human rights record and backing for Putin in Ukraine.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – For over a decade, Sanjeet, a business consultant from India, considered Malaysia his home. Having grown comfortable with the country's climate, people, and lifestyle, he had begun planning long-term investments, including property purchases.However, recent government initiatives to reduce Malaysia's reliance on foreign workers have abruptly disrupted these plans for Sanjeet and thousands of other expatriates. Starting June, minimum salary requirements for foreign workers will increase by up to 100%, while their maximum permitted stay will be limited to five or ten years."What was surprising was that this came out of the blue," Sanjeet, who requested to use a pseudonym, told Al Jazeera. "It does leave room for doubt in terms of long-term plans, which include things like buying a house or car here."Malaysia has long been an attractive destination for foreign labor, with approximately 2.1 million documented foreign workers currently in the country. While many take on manual labor at the minimum wage of 1,700 ringgit ($430) monthly, a smaller but significant pool of around 140 highly-paid expatriates contributes substantially to the economy.In 2024, Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution revealed that these high-salaried expatriates injected about 75 billion ringgit ($19 billion) into the domestic economy annually while contributing approximately 100 million ringgit ($25 million) in taxes.The government's latest five-year national strategy, released in 2025, warns that Malaysia's "continuous reliance" on low-skilled foreign workers has hampered technological adoption and created "ripple effects" in the labor market, including wage distortions and slow productivity growth.To address these concerns, authorities aim to reduce the foreign workforce proportion from 14.1% in 2024 to just 5% by 2035. This ambitious target is supported by new minimum salary requirements that will see thresholds increase from 10,000 to 20,000 ringgit ($2,500 to $5,000), 5,000 to 10,000 ringgit ($1,260 to $2,520), and 3,000 to 5,000 ringgit ($760 to $1,260) for different work permit categories.UK native Thomas Mead, a 28-year-old wealth manager who recently purchased property in Kuala Lumpur, expressed shock at the sudden policy changes. "However, the jump from RM10,000 to RM20,000 was quite a shock," he said, noting that some expatriates are already considering relocation options despite their reluctance to leave.The policy changes are also raising concerns among businesses. Douglas Gan, a Singaporean founder of a venture capital fund with Malaysian portfolio companies, warned that the new rules would drive up costs and make it challenging to recruit specialized talent. "If salaries increase to 10,000 ringgit, companies definitely won't bring them here," he said, advocating for a more tailored approach rather than a "blanket solution."Leonardo, an Indonesian professional working in Malaysia's computer games sector, faces downgrading to a lower employment pass category under the new rules, potentially jeopardizing his plans to bring his mother to live in the country. "My mum is alone and living in Indonesia. There was a thought that if I could settle here, I could bring her over," he said.Economic analysts caution that the success of these policies depends on Malaysia's ability to develop its local workforce. "The long-run gain depends less on blocking expats and more on whether Malaysia can actually supply the skills," said Wan Suhaimie, head of economic research at Kenanga Investment Bank. He emphasized that foreign workers on mid-tier employment passes are not extravagant hires but "core managers, engineers and specialists."Anthony Dass, CEO of FSG Advisory, noted that while the measures align with strengthening the local talent pipeline, their effectiveness will depend on complementary reforms in capability building and industry upgrading.As these policies take shape, expatriates like Sanjeet are already considering alternatives. "If Malaysia pursues these policies without a comprehensive rationale, then people like me will look for alternatives such as Vietnam, Thailand and elsewhere, which have favourable policies for expats," he concluded.

Walking into Scisters Salon & Apothecary in southern California reveals what's immediately absent: no wall of plastic bottles, no chemical tang, and minimal waste. The salon's shelves feature large refill containers of shampoo and conditioner, houseplants adorn the space, and hair clippings are composted. The only trash can is a small basket mostly collecting clients' personal items, creating an environment that co-owner Melissa Parker notes clients immediately comment on: 'It smells good in here.' That never happens in a conventional salon.Opened 15 years ago by Parker and Easton Bajsec in La Mesa near San Diego, Scisters has evolved into one of the region's most prominent low-waste salons, diverting up to 99% of its refuse from landfills. Their business transformation addresses a significant industry problem: the beauty sector generates substantial waste, with North American salons sending an estimated 63,000lbs of hair to landfills daily, plus hundreds of tons of used foil and leftover hair dyes.The turning point came when Bajsec watched a documentary about the zero-waste movement while Parker developed health problems linked to prolonged exposure to salon chemicals. Studies have found that hairdressers' exposure to harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia and sulfates puts them at higher risk of asthma, skin conditions, reproductive illnesses and cancer. Rather than leave the industry, they transformed their business.They eliminated perms due to formaldehyde exposure and moved away from big-name products despite green marketing claims. When existing alternatives didn't meet their standards for performance, ingredient transparency and waste reduction, they created their own line. Element, launched in 2019, is made in a California lab and sold in refillable glass and aluminum containers, featuring recognizable ingredients like organic aloe, wheat protein and castor oil.The salon's waste reduction strategies extend beyond product packaging. They implemented hair composting, foil recycling, and replaced waxing with sugaring—a compostable hair-removal technique. They switched to LED lighting, installed water-efficient showerheads, and use washable cloths instead of paper towels. Though they still offer hair bleaching (which releases ammonia), they mitigate risks with industrial air filtration and air-purifying plants.Bajsec acknowledges that 100% zero waste is impossible due to regulatory constraints on reusable gloves and plastic pump tops. The salon ships its minimal plastic waste to Green Circle Salons for specialized processing, paying $200 per box. Despite this cost, Parker notes the overall approach has been financially beneficial: 'Overall, it's actually less expensive. We're not outsourcing to other beauty brands. We're mindful about systems.'Their commitment to sustainability proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. When mandatory closures threatened their survival, they pivoted to refill sales, meeting clients in the parking lot. This refill model kept revenue flowing, allowing them to pay full rent while many neighboring tenants struggled. 'Going green has been the greatest thing we've done for our business financially,' Parker says. 'We accidentally created a point of differentiation.'Denise Baden, a professor of sustainable business at the University of Southampton, confirms that eco-friendly practices often reduce costs. 'It's a misunderstanding that to be eco-friendly, you have to spend more money. In fact, usually, it's the reverse,' she notes, adding that hairdressers are uniquely positioned to influence their communities.Now, Parker and Bajsec are helping other salons adopt similar practices through speaking engagements and an online guide. 'We get calls from other salons all the time,' Bajsec says. 'It's not sustainable if we're the only ones doing it.'

US President Donald Trump has extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days to April 6, 2026. The decision comes as talks between the US and Iran are described as 'going very well'.In a social media post, Trump stated: 'As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time.'Trump also mentioned that despite 'erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media,' talks with Iran are ongoing and progressing well. He had previously urged Iranian leaders to negotiate an end to the near-month-long war or face further assassinations of senior officials.The conflict has resulted in significant escalation, with Israel conducting strikes on Iranian targets, including the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, the Revolutionary Guards' naval commander. Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East, including in Tel Aviv, Modi'in, and Jerusalem.Trump has claimed victory in the war, stating, 'In a certain sense, we have already won.' He has also criticized NATO allies and described Iran as producing 'great negotiators' but 'lousy fighters.'The US and Israel have destroyed much of Iran's naval capabilities, but Tehran still possesses smaller boats capable of laying mines and launching anti-ship cruise missiles. These could render the Strait of Hormuz impassable to shipping.Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the US of 'double standards,' citing the US support for Israel's actions in Gaza while condemning Iran's defense in the Strait of Hormuz.The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 1,900 people killed in Iran and nearly 1,100 in Lebanon. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and potential ground invasion.

As Israeli settlers intensify violent attacks against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, often while Israeli forces stand by, a notable shift is occurring in US political circles. Even staunch supporters of Israel within the Democratic party are now publicly denouncing the escalating violence.In recent days, dozens of settlers have engaged in apparently coordinated attacks, torching homes and vehicles while targeting Palestinian civilians. Since the beginning of the month, Israeli settlers and police have killed at least 10 Palestinian civilians in the occupied territory, including two young brothers and their parents who were returning from a Ramadan shopping trip.Among the voices breaking ranks is Ritchie Torres, a New York Democratic representative and one of Israel's most ardent supporters in Congress. In a statement this week, he declared that "the crisis of extremist settler violence in the West Bank must be confronted, and the perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." He called for "zero tolerance for violent extremism, no matter what form it takes."Another pro-Israel Democrat, Daniel Goldman of New York, condemned the violence as an "outrage" and urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring to vote proposed legislation seeking to impose sanctions against those "undermining prospects for a two-state solution by committing illegal violent acts." He also criticized the Trump administration for rescinding sanctions against violent settlers that had been issued under the Biden administration.Several other Aipac-backed politicians have joined the condemnation, including Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, who called on the Israeli government to "stop being complicit," and Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton, who labeled the attacks "acts of terrorism." Ohio Democratic Congresswoman Shontel Brown accused Trump of "green-lighting settler violence," while Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen stated that "violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank is a national security threat to Israel and must be treated as such."The political shift comes as US public support for Israel has plummeted. An NBC News poll found that two-thirds of Democrats now say their sympathies lie with Palestinians over Israelis—a dramatic reversal with significant implications for upcoming elections. Meanwhile, 68% of Republicans continue to express stronger support for Israel.A Guardian analysis revealed that Israel has not prosecuted any of its citizens for killing Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank since the start of the decade. The UN has warned that the Israeli government has accelerated illegal settlement expansion, forcibly displacing approximately 36,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the past year.Political analysts suggest these pro-Israel Democrats are "trapped between the money they've relied on to make their campaigns work and the voters they actually need to win," with condemnation of settler violence offering a way to express discontent without challenging the Israeli state itself.

The UK government has unveiled a new policy to prioritise British suppliers for public contracts in key sectors deemed vital to national security. Shipbuilding, steel, AI, and energy infrastructure will be the primary areas where British suppliers will be given preference. Under the new guidance, departments will be required to use British steel or justify sourcing it from overseas. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster national security and economic resilience, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions highlighted by the war in the Gulf. A Public Interest Test will also be introduced, obliging departments to assess whether outsourced service contracts over £1m could be delivered more effectively in-house. This test is expected to cover more than 95% of central government contracts by value. Chris Ward, a Cabinet Office minister, emphasised that these reforms aim to support British jobs, protect national security, and grow the economy. The policies are part of the National Security Strategy, which seeks to align national security with economic growth and build the resilience of British supply chains. While the UK is still subject to international obligations such as the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) – World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, national security exemptions are being utilised to implement these new rules. Larger departments spending over £100m annually will need to publish an “insourcing” strategy, outlining plans to bring services back in-house where they offer better value. The government will also prioritise community impact in buying decisions, encouraging firms to demonstrate how their bids will create local jobs and apprenticeships. Additionally, a new suite of AI tools has been developed to streamline the commercial process, making it simpler, faster, and fairer for small businesses and charities to bid for work.

Marcelo Bielsa, the charismatic and intense manager of Uruguay, returns to England for a friendly match against the host team on Friday. This visit comes four years after he left Leeds United, where he had a hugely successful stint, earning promotion to the Premier League and restoring the fanbase's faith in football. Bielsa's managerial style, known for its radicalism and emphasis on playing the right way, has been both admired and criticized. His teams are known for their high-intensity performances, but also for the physical and mental toll it takes on players. His departure from Leeds United was marked by a boom-bust pattern, where his teams initially perform well but eventually suffer from fatigue and decreased results. During his time at Leeds United, Bielsa was praised for his commitment to social responsibility, having players pick up litter to instill a sense of community and responsibility. His approach to football extends beyond the pitch, emphasizing the role of the sport in society. Uruguay's recent performances have been inconsistent, with a 5-1 friendly defeat to the USA in November 2023 being a significant low point. Luis Suárez, a key player, publicly criticized Bielsa, accusing him of isolating players and creating a culture of fear. Suárez's retirement from international football and subsequent comments have added to the uncertainty surrounding Bielsa's tenure. The upcoming friendly against England provides an opportunity for Bielsa to address these concerns and work towards restoring confidence in his team. Getting key players back in form, such as Darwin Núñez, who has not scored an international goal in 11 games, will be crucial. Bielsa's third World Cup may be his last chance to make a significant impact on the global tournament, and he will be looking to make a strong impression.

The App Store Connect Transformation Apple has announced a significant update to its App Store Connect service, introducing over 100 new metrics and tools designed to help developers better understand and optimize their apps' performance across Apple's platforms. This overhaul comes at a critical time as the tech industry debates the future of app stores in the age of artificial intelligence. Expanded Metrics and Data Insights The updated App Store Connect now provides developers with comprehensive metrics across key areas including monetization, subscription data, and in-app purchase performance. Unlike third-party services that offer estimated data, Apple's metrics are based directly on the company's own data, providing more accurate insights into app performance. Among the new features are subscription reports that can be exported via an API, enabling developers to analyze their apps' performance offline or integrate Apple's data into their own systems. Developers can now gain deeper understanding of their users by analyzing behavior around download dates, sources, offer start dates, and other key engagement metrics. Competitive Analysis and Benchmarking Apple has introduced peer group benchmarks that allow developers to compare their performance against competitors in critical areas like download-to-paid conversions and proceeds per download. This feature provides valuable context for developers to assess their market position and identify opportunities for improvement. Apple emphasizes that it uses aggregated cohort data and differential privacy techniques to protect both user privacy and individual developer performance data, ensuring that insights can be gained without compromising sensitive information. Enhanced Data Filtering and Analytics Guide Developers can now apply up to seven filters simultaneously when viewing metrics in App Store Connect, allowing for more granular analysis of their app data. This enhanced filtering capability enables deeper dives into specific aspects of app performance. To support developers in making data-driven decisions, Apple has published a new App Store Analytics Guide in the Help section of App Store Connect. This comprehensive resource aims to help developers better understand the App Store's tools and features and develop effective strategies for app success. Strategic Timing Amid AI Evolution The timing of this App Store Connect overhaul is particularly noteworthy, as the industry witnesses rapid advancements in AI capabilities. There's growing speculation that AI agents could eventually replace traditional app stores, with some industry leaders suggesting that smartphone apps may become obsolete as AI-powered web services become more prevalent. Apple appears to be strategically positioning itself to strengthen its lucrative App Store ecosystem rather than allowing it to be disrupted by emerging technologies. The company is reportedly planning to announce an AI-powered Siri at its upcoming developer conference in June, which will be capable of completing tasks within apps, potentially bridging the gap between traditional apps and AI-powered services.

US President Donald Trump has asserted that negotiations to end the war on Iran are ongoing, claiming Tehran is eager to make a deal. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated the US is talking to 'the right people' about a potential agreement, mentioning a 'very big present' related to 'oil and gas' allegedly gifted by Tehran. Trump's claims come as fighting continues, with Iran launching attacks on Israel and a strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, had previously dismissed Trump's claims as 'fake news.' Media reports suggest Washington has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, which includes ending Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 61% of Americans disapprove of the attacks on Iran, while 35% approve. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged receiving messages from 'friendly countries' indicating a US request for negotiations. Negar Mortazavi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, stated Iran would seek to end the war on its 'own terms,' including establishing deterrence and economic gains. Despite Trump's diplomatic efforts, Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said Israel's war plan remains 'unchanged,' aiming to 'deepen the damage and remove existential threats.' The US is reportedly preparing to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East, fueling fears of a longer conflict.