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Indian Navy, together with associate nations, participates in US-led Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 in Guam

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Guam [US], March 16 (ANI): The Indian Navy together with a number of associate nations is taking part in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare drill being held at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam all through March.

The train has introduced collectively maritime forces from a number of associate nations, together with the United States Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The multinational is being carried out by the nations to strengthen cooperation amongst allied forces and enhance understanding for higher anti-submarine warfare capabilities within the Indo-Pacific area.

According to an official assertion from the Australian Ministry of Defence, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed a P-8A Poseidon plane together with 50 aviators to Guam to participate in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare coaching exercise being held all through March.

The train is being carried out at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and brings collectively forces from a number of associate nations, together with the Indian Navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The multinational drill goals to strengthen cooperation amongst allied maritime forces whereas enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific area, the assertion added,

Over the course of the two-week train, aviators from the lately reformed 12 Squadron of the RAAF will take part in a spread of complicated coaching eventualities. These workouts are designed to check crews’ capacity to detect, observe and reply to each simulated and reside submarine targets in a difficult operational setting.

The coaching will give attention to bettering velocity, precision and coordinated mission execution amongst taking part forces. Organisers say the aggressive format of the train will push aircrews to refine their ways whereas selling higher interoperability between allied navies and air forces working within the area, the Australian MoD stated.

Detachment Commander for Exercise Sea Dragon 26, Squadron Leader Bryce Martin stated the multinational drill presents an vital alternative for the RAAF to reinforce its operational readiness whereas constructing stronger partnerships with regional allies.

‘Exercise Sea Dragon 26 is a superb alternative to sharpen our abilities and strengthen our worldwide partnerships,’ Squadron Leader Martin stated.

‘The expansive overwater coaching space close to Guam permits our aircrews to coach in complicated eventualities and refine coordination with the RAAF and alongside our allies and companions.’

Exercise Sea Dragon is a part of a broader sequence of cooperative defence actions carried out amongst Indo-Pacific companions aimed toward bettering maritime safety and guaranteeing stability within the area’s strategic waterways. Anti-submarine warfare coaching is taken into account notably important as submarine operations play an more and more vital position in fashionable naval technique.

The RAAF’s participation within the train additionally highlights the operational position of its P-8A Poseidon fleet. Australia at the moment operates 13 of the multi-mission maritime plane, that are used for long-range strike, intelligence-gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

The Poseidon plane are geared up with superior sensors and communication programs that permit them to detect and observe submarines and floor vessels over huge maritime areas. The platform types a vital a part of Australia’s maritime defence capabilities and helps the nation’s capacity to conduct safety operations throughout the Indo-Pacific.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the plane and personnel deployed to Guam will work carefully with worldwide counterparts throughout the train, strengthening coordination and operational compatibility amongst taking part forces. (ANI)

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Keio Plaza Hotel Features Traditional Geisha Performances Ahead of Cherry Blossom Season – Japan Industry News

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Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is providing a collection of conventional dance performances by Kagurazaka Geisha in its resort foyer, as a part of an initiative to draw worldwide guests throughout Japan’s cherry blossom season. These occasions happen each Thursday from February 26 by March 26, excluding March 12, with complimentary admission for friends.

The performances, scheduled for March 19 and March 26, spotlight the “Kagurazaka Odori” dance, acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Property by Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. Each session will characteristic reside shamisen music, a three-stringed Japanese instrument, performed by native musicians. The occasion displays Keio Plaza Hotel’s dedication to selling regional tradition and enhancing visitor experiences.

The resort’s initiative comes at a time when Shinjuku is turning into more and more well-liked amongst worldwide vacationers, aligning with a broader technique to place the resort as a cultural hub in Tokyo. Collaborating with the Tokyo Kagurazaka Association, the performances goal to supply a uncommon glimpse into the world of Kagurazaka Geisha, which isn’t usually accessible to most of the people.

Keio Plaza Hotel, operational since 1971, continues its custom of internet hosting Japanese cultural occasions, extending its program to incorporate varied arts and crafts workshops. This method not solely enriches the cultural choices on the resort but additionally helps the realm’s accessibility and enchantment, bolstering native tourism.

Performance particulars and promotional photographs can be found on the resort’s particular web site devoted to this cultural showcase.

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Fujitsu and Teikyo University Hospital Launch Medical Collaboration Initiative – Japan Industry News

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Fujitsu Japan Limited and Teikyo University Hospital have launched into a joint proof of idea to reinforce regional medical collaboration, specializing in data evaluation and affected person administration utilizing medical administration techniques and digital well being information.

The initiative, which started on March 16, goals to streamline the admittance of severely ailing sufferers and facilitate their transition again to major care post-discharge. It entails digitalizing affected person workflows from referral acceptance to discharge coordination, using AI-OCR and digital paper to combine data with digital well being information, thereby eliminating duplicate information entry and enhancing operational effectivity.

Additionally, the challenge will assess the Health Care Management Platform, a part of Fujitsu’s Uvance enterprise mannequin, to visualise and analyze developments in affected person referrals and collaboration with medical services. This data-driven method will assist determine services for strengthened collaboration, with visits logged in Salesforce’s Agentforce 360 Platform to research referral efficiency and develop methods addressing facility wants.

Teikyo University Hospital goals to cut back the executive workload of its Medical Collaboration Office by 30% and improve immediate, high-quality medical care, optimizing sources for sufferers. The hospital plans to increase system integration with digital well being information to centrally handle affected person workflows, supporting healthcare professionals’ decision-making and enhancing hospital administration.

Fujitsu Japan intends to make use of insights from the experiment to refine its choices, supporting Teikyo University Hospital’s digital transformation and selling digital hospitals. Under Uvance, Fujitsu will drive workflow transformation via information and AI, contributing to a sustainable healthcare supply system.

Teikyo University Hospital seeks to systematize the mechanism as a mannequin for a data-driven regional healthcare system, selling its enlargement to different establishments and areas. The initiative additionally goals to reinforce the Medical Collaboration Office’s position, making it a hub for regional medical care past its conventional referral and coordination duties.

Japan’s healthcare system faces challenges from a declining birthrate, getting older inhabitants, and rising prices, with complicated medical wants on account of technological developments. Strengthening collaboration between major care physicians and specialists is important for sustainable healthcare, guaranteeing well timed referrals and superior remedy earlier than returning sufferers to major care.

The Japanese authorities helps medical digital transformation and regional collaboration, with evaluations and incentives within the fiscal 12 months 2026 medical price revision. Teikyo University Hospital, a specialised hospital in Itabashi Ward, handles over 30,000 referred sufferers yearly, actively selling regional collaboration via lectures and visits to medical establishments.

The hospital addresses roughly 200 day by day requires referred affected person acceptance, using as much as eight strains concurrently. A big problem has been the time and burden on reception workers coordinating pressing referrals and switch requests, usually requiring physician consultations, resulting in ready occasions for outpatient appointments and hospitalization.

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FWD Group Reports Strong Financial Results in First Year as Hong Kong Listed Company – Japan Industry News

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FWD Group Holdings Limited introduced its first set of full-year monetary outcomes as a Hong Kong listed firm, reporting vital progress in new enterprise gross sales and income for the 12 months ending December 31, 2025.

The firm reported a 25% improve in new enterprise gross sales, reaching $2.446 billion on an annualized premium equal foundation in comparison with 2024. The new enterprise contractual service margin grew by 18% to $1.476 billion.

Operating revenue after tax rose by 5% to $499 million, with contributions from all 4 geographic segments: Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand & Cambodia, Japan, and Emerging Markets. The firm achieved a file web revenue of $166 million underneath IFRS 17 and maintained a optimistic working money stream for the second consecutive 12 months.

FWD Group’s leverage ratio decreased to 21.3%, nearing its goal vary of 15-20%. Comprehensive tangible fairness elevated by 18% to $8.72 billion, and group embedded worth rose by 19% to $6.85 billion. The firm maintained a robust capital place with a 265% solvency ratio.

In December 2025, FWD Group was added to the Hang Seng Composite Index and the Stock Connect program’s eligible securities listing, facilitating southbound buying and selling for Mainland Chinese buyers. The firm was additionally included within the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index in February 2026.

Group CEO Huynh Thanh Phong described 2025 as a standout 12 months, highlighting the profitable execution of a customer-led technique supported by a digitally enabled enterprise mannequin. He famous the achievement of file monetary outcomes and the corporate’s transition to a publicly listed entity following its July 2025 preliminary public providing.

The firm’s efficiency was pushed by natural progress throughout its 10 Asian markets, with notably sturdy leads to the Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR phase. In Japan, FWD started diversifying into the retirement and financial savings sector, launching a yen-denominated single premium variable annuity product.

In Thailand, FWD stays a market chief regardless of challenges from a decrease charge atmosphere and the 2024 exit from underwriting new enterprise within the company care phase. The Emerging Markets phase, comprising 5 Southeast Asian markets, confirmed wonderful progress aligned with demographic, wealth creation, and digital adoption tendencies.

Looking forward to 2026, Huynh Thanh Phong emphasised the corporate’s concentrate on executing its technique in high-growth Asian markets, prioritizing long-term sustainability and profitability.

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Taiwan detects 2 sorties of PLA plane, 7 PLAN vessels round its territory

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Taipei [Taiwan], March 16 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence detected 2 sorties of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels round its territory up till 6 am (native time) on Monday.

Taiwanese forces additionally mentioned that they’ve monitored the scenario and responded.

In a publish on X, the Ministry of Defence wrote, ‘2 sorties of PLA plane and seven PLAN vessels working round Taiwan detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) as we speak. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the scenario and responded.’

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2033347515811283196

Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence detected 26 sorties of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels round its territory up till 6 am (native time).

Taiwanese forces additionally mentioned that sixteen of the twenty-six sorties entered the nation’s northern, central and southwestern half Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwanese forces additionally mentioned that they’ve monitored the scenario and responded.

In a publish on X, the Ministry of Defence wrote, ’26 sorties of PLA plane and seven PLAN vessels working round Taiwan have been detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) as we speak. 16 out of 26 sorties entered Taiwan’s northern, central and southwestern half ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the scenario and responded.’

China’s declare over Taiwan is a posh subject rooted in historic, political, and authorized arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable a part of China, a viewpoint embedded in nationwide coverage and upheld by home legal guidelines and worldwide statements.

Taiwan, nevertheless, maintains a definite id, functioning independently with its personal authorities, navy, and financial system. Taiwan’s standing stays a big level of worldwide debate, testing the ideas of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in worldwide regulation, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China’s declare to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. However, Taiwan remained a peripheral area below restricted Qing management. The key shift got here in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese management, however the sovereignty switch was not formalised. (ANI)

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Brother of Nepalese scholar discovered useless in Chiba lodge says he wouldn’t commit suicide – TokyoReporter

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CHIBA (TR) – The grieving household of a 21-year-old Nepalese scholar discovered useless in a Chiba love lodge final yr is demanding solutions after prosecutors downgraded his Japanese girlfriend’s cost from homicide to aiding suicide, studies TV Asahi (Mar. 9).

On October 5, Chantal Badar was found useless face-down in a pool of blood at a lodge in Funabashi City. He had suffered a deadly stab wound to the chest. His girlfriend, 32-year-old part-time employee Mami Asaka, made the preliminary emergency name, telling paramedics, “He stabbed himself.”

 

Mami Asaka (X)

Assisting suicide

Although Chiba Prefectural Police later arrested Asaka on suspicion of homicide, prosecutors dropped the homicide cost, indicting her as an alternative on costs of aiding suicide, theft and violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law.

During her first trial on the Chiba District Court on February 19, Asaka claimed a tragic suicide pact unfolded as a result of Badar’s dad and mom opposed their relationship.

“We were crying on the bed, and suddenly he sat up and said, ‘If we can’t be together, I’ll die,’ and stabbed his own chest with a knife left on the table,” Asaka testified.

Investigators recovered two kitchen knives on the scene, which Asaka admitted to shoplifting two days prior. When requested in courtroom why she stole the 220-yen blades when she had cash for a lodge, she callously defined, “I figured if we were going to die anyway, I wouldn’t have to pay for them.” She added she introduced them as a result of Badar had beforehand talked about “it would be nice to have a knife,” so she “took the hint.”

Brother of Nepalese scholar discovered useless in Chiba lodge says he wouldn’t commit suicide – TokyoReporter
Chantal Badar (X)

Glaring inconsistencies

However, Badar’s older brother, Tejin, claims the police investigation has hit a wall and strongly disputes the suicide narrative, citing evident inconsistencies.

“My brother would not commit suicide,” Tejin said.

Just three days earlier than the deadly incident, through the Nepalese competition of Dashain, Badar informed his household he had initiated a breakup with Asaka, noting that “she was crying a lot.” Before leaving for the lodge on the day of his dying, Badar additionally explicitly assured his brother he can be coming house later that night time.

Furthermore, Tejin highlighted his youthful brother’s optimistic outlook. Badar, who was in style on TikTok and learning at a Japanese language college, was actively getting ready for an admission interview at a enterprise vocational college scheduled for the next week.

Tejin additionally questioned the crime scene particulars supplied by police, together with the presence of empty cans of alcohol within the lodge room, noting his brother not often drank.

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‘Hoppers’ holds onto No. 1 field workplace spot as 'Reminders of Him' overperforms

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Pixar’s “Hoppers” held onto the highest slot on the field workplace, bouncing again with $28.5 million in its second weekend, based on studio estimates Sunday, whereas Colleen Hoover’s “Reminders of Him” added to the writer’s profitable streak on the field workplace.

After its $45.3 million debut, The Walt Disney Co.’s “Hoppers” launch dipped a modest 37% in its follow-up weekend, a promising signal for an animated film hoping to have robust legs by March. The Pixar unique, a few younger girl who transforms into the physique of a beaver to assist defend a pond from improvement, is hoping to maintain attracting audiences with good evaluations (94% recent on Rotten Tomatoes) and robust viewers scores (an “A” CinemaScore).

While lots of Pixar’s sequels have been blockbusters on arrival — like 2024’s “Inside Out 2” ($1.7 billion worldwide) — their originals have not too long ago wanted time to get going. In 2023, “Elemental” launched with a disappointing $29.6 million however went on to gross a hefty $496.4 million globally.

“Hoppers,” which has taken in $164.7 million globally so far, has a protracted option to go to match that, but it surely’s off to a superb begin. It confronted little direct new competitors this weekend. The upcoming Amazon MGM sci-fi journey “Project Hail Mary,” nonetheless, will quickly take up IMAX screens and compete for household moviegoers.

Universal’s “Reminders of Him” debuted in second place this weekend with a better-than-expected $18.3 million. The movie, starring Maika Monroe as a girl trying to rebuild her life after jail, is the third Colleen Hoover adaptation to succeed in the massive display screen, following 2024’s “It Ends With Us” ($351 million worldwide for Sony) and 2025’s “Regretting You” ($91 million for Paramount).

“Reminders of Him,” which price about $25 million to make, acquired poor evaluations (56% recent on Rotten Tomatoes) and notched a not-great “B” CinemaScore with audiences. But the movie, the primary from a screenplay co-written by Hoover, extends the bestselling writer’s recognition with moviegoers.

“ Undertone,” a micro-budget horror film from A24, opened with $9.3 million. The movie, written and directed by Ian Tuason, has been touted as A24’s finest horror movie since Ari Aster’s “Hereditary” (2018), one of many films that helped put the indie studio on the map. With a finances of simply $500,000, “Undertone” makes specific use of sound design in a one-setting story a few paranormal podcaster (Nina Kiri) caring for her dying mom.

After its disappointing debut, Warner Bros. “The Bride!” plummeted in its second weekend, dropping 70% with simply $2.1 million. The Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed riff on “The Bride of Frankenstein” price about $80-90 million to provide, however thus far has grossed simply $11.3 million domestically.

Oscar weekend is usually sluggish in theaters, with the business’s consideration largely centered on Sunday’s Academy Awards. But the trio of average successes in “Hoppers,” “Reminders of Him” and “Undertone” lifted moviegoing forward of Hollywood’s largest evening. Year-to-date ticket gross sales are up 15.2% from the identical level final 12 months, based on Comscore.

With closing home figures being launched Monday, this checklist elements within the estimated ticket gross sales for Friday by Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, based on Comscore:

  1. “Hoppers,” $28.5 million.

  2. “Reminders of Him,” $18.3 million.

  3. “Undertone,” $9.3 million.

  4. “Scream 7,” $8.4 million.

  5. “Goat,” $4.7 million.

  6. “The Bride!” $2.1 million.

  7. “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” $1.7 million.

  8. “Wuthering Heights,” $1.7 million.

  9. “TMNT II,” $1.5 million.

  10. “Crime 101,” $1.1 million.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials is probably not printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Iran warns towards wider conflict as Trump asks allies to escort ships

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Tehran additionally despatched a stern message to its Arab neighbours, telling them that the Islamic republic has what its overseas minister known as “ample evidence” that US bases on their territories had been getting used to launch assaults.

“This war will end when we are certain that it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi instructed Arabic-language news platform Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

“We experienced this last year: Israel attacked, then the United States,” he stated, recalling Israel’s 14-day air conflict in June final yr, which briefly drew in US forces for an evening of strikes on Iranian nuclear websites.

Energy costs have soared internationally since Iran responded to the brand new US-Israeli marketing campaign by threatening delivery crusing although the Strait of Hormuz, which often sees passage of 20 p.c of world oil and fuel exports to the worldwide market.

Trump responded on Saturday by urging “China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others” to ship ships to escort tankers, whereas the US army will proceed to pound drone, boat and missile launch websites in Iranian territory north of the strait.

But the nations he listed have given solely guarded responses, and Araghchi, in a name with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, warned them to “refrain from any action that could lead to escalation and expansion of the conflict”.

The UK ministry of defence was non-committal, saying “we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region”.

Britain’s minister for vitality safety, Ed Miliband, instructed the BBC the “plan now has to be to de-escalate the conflict… We are talking to our allies. There are different ways in which we can make maritime shipping possible.”

South Korea stated it was monitoring Trump’s remarks on social media, whereas the coverage chief of Japan’s ruling occasion, Takayuki Kobayashi, stated the bar for sending Japanese navy ships to the area below current legal guidelines was “extremely high”.

Global oil costs have surged by 40 p.c as Iran has choked off the important sea passage and attacked vitality and delivery business targets in its Gulf neighbours. The strikes had been in retaliation for the US and Israeli air marketing campaign that killed its supreme chief, triggering a conflict throughout the Middle East.

As world markets reel, Trump has doubled down, telling NBC News in a weekend interview that he thought Tehran was eager to come back to the desk however that the US battle on to pressure higher phrases.

He stated he would possibly, once more, bomb targets on Iran’s oil hub, Kharg Island, “just for fun”.

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump instructed NBC News.

Iran’s new supreme chief, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has — in a written assertion — vowed to maintain Hormuz closed.

But Trump dismissed this and steered his foe won’t even be in management, saying: “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody has been able to show him.”

Tehran cafes reopen

Despite the hardline discuss from all sides, residents of Tehran had been capable of go about their work week in probably the most regular ambiance for the reason that begin of the conflict on February 28.

Traffic was busier than final week and a few cafes and eating places had reopened.

One resident whizzed down the road on an electrical hoverboard, and greater than a 3rd of stalls within the Tajrish bazaar, a preferred purchasing hub within the north of the capital, had reopened, 5 days earlier than Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Some customers queued at ATMs to withdraw money. Online operations at Bank Melli, one of many nation’s largest, had been paralysed in current days.

Players drop asylum bids

The captain of the Iranian ladies’s soccer crew, which performed within the Asian Cup in Australia, has withdrawn her bid for asylum, state media stated Sunday.

That made her the fifth member of the delegation to vary her thoughts, leaving simply two searching for sanctuary.

The captain, Zahra Ghanbari, was on her manner again to Iran through Malaysia, the IRNA news company stated.

Rights teams have repeatedly accused Iranian authorities of pressuring athletes overseas by threatening family members or with the seizure of property in the event that they defect or make statements towards the Islamic republic.

More than 1,200 individuals have been killed by US and Israeli strikes, in keeping with Iranian well being ministry figures that would not be independently verified.

The UN refugee company says as much as 3.2 million individuals have been displaced in Iran.

The Pentagon says greater than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by US and Israeli forces.

burs-dc/rmb

Originally printed on France24

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Kimi Antonelli, 19, wins Chinese Grand Prix for first F1 victory

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(Photo credit score: REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki)

Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian, received his first Formula 1 race Sunday, driving to victory within the Chinese Grand Prix.

Antonelli completed forward of Mercedes teammate George Russell by 5.515 seconds, whereas Lewis Hamilton positioned third for his first podium with Ferrari.

The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suffered catastrophic electrical failures previous to the race, and each automobiles have been carried out and out earlier than the inexperienced flag dropped.

At the end, the day belonged to Antonelli, who grew to become the second-youngest winner of a Grand Prix race. Max Verstappen is the youngest, having received the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on the age of 18.

‘Thank you a lot to my group as a result of they’ve helped me to realize this dream,’ Antonelli mentioned by way of tears after the race.

Russell maintains the general championship lead by 4 factors over Antonelli by energy of his runner-up end. Russell received the season-opening Australian Grand Prix with Antonelli second.

Hamilton’s podium end capped a spirited back-and-forth battle with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. The pair exchanged positions a number of occasions earlier than Hamilton prevailed for third. Leclerc completed fourth.

At the beginning, Antonelli, who had received the pole in document vogue, gave up the lead because the Ferraris took command early. But Antonelli reclaimed the lead on Lap 2 and by no means regarded again.

Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff tried to place Antonelli’s accomplishment in perspective, telling Sky Sports, ‘It’s not often that I’m overwhelmed however that’s such a second. I believe it is [the first victory] perhaps come sooner than I believed as a result of final yr we mentioned that it is going to be a tough yr with many ups and downs, and errors.

‘Then bang, second race [this season], he is managed it from the entrance, pushed very effectively immediately. So he is most likely a bit of bit higher than the trajectory that I believed.’

Rounding out the highest 10 have been Haas driver Oliver Bearman in fifth, adopted by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz of Williams and one other Alpine driver, Franco Colapinto, in tenth.

Formula 1 will subsequent race on the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29.

The two occasions scheduled to observe — the Bahrain Grand Prix (April 12) and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 19) — have been canceled on account of struggle within the Middle East. F1 will take a break till the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

-Field Level Media

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Trump Warns Of More Strikes On Iran As War Enters Third Week

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US President Donald Trump stated that though a lot of Iran’s strategic Kharg Island was destroyed in a US air strike, he could order additional assaults because the US-Israeli warfare with Iran entered its third week amid recent violence throughout the Middle East.

Trump instructed NBC News on March 14 that the strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island — which lies a few dozen kilometers off the Iranian mainland — including “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”

Following the preliminary strike, Trump stated US forces had “totally obliterated” Iranian navy targets on the island however left oil infrastructure untouched. He warned these amenities may be focused if Iran disrupts delivery by means of the Strait of Hormuz.

SEE ALSO:

Ariel Cohen: Iran’s Energy Pressure Campaign ‘Ultimately Unsustainable’

Iranian officers claimed crude exports have been flowing uninterrupted from the Kharg Island terminal after what Trump described as “one of the most powerful bombing raids” in Middle East historical past.

The strike on Kharg Island marked a significant improvement within the battle, which started on February 28 after large-scale US-Israeli strikes on Iranian navy and nuclear amenities.

Kharg Island is Iran’s foremost oil export outlet, serving because the terminal for about 90 p.c of its oil exports. It lies about 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast within the Persian Gulf.

SEE ALSO:

Is The US Considering Seizing Iran’s Kharg Island?

The warfare has additionally severely disrupted delivery by means of the Strait of Hormuz, the slender waterway that usually carries about one-fifth of world oil provides and has been largely closed to industrial visitors because the battle started.

On March 15, the battle has continued to be felt throughout the area, with explosions reported in Tehran and new missile and drone assaults concentrating on a number of US allies within the Persian Gulf.

Trump ‘Surprised’ But Not Ready For Deal

Trump instructed NBC he was “surprised” Tehran retaliated by attacking different Middle East international locations after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

He additionally stated Iran appeared taken with negotiating an finish to the battle however that “the terms arent good enough yet.”

Trump stated any settlement must embody a dedication by Tehran to desert its nuclear ambitions.

Trump additionally downplayed considerations about rising gas costs.

“I think they’ll go lower than they were before,” he stated, predicting gasoline costs would fall as soon as the warfare ends.

Iran has vowed to maintain the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned oil costs might attain $200 a barrel, about double the present, already elevated, costs.

Map: The Strait Of Hormuz

After beforehand suggesting the US Navy may escort ships by means of the strait, Trump appeared to melt that stance.

“I dont want to tell you anything about that,” he stated, although he added “it’s possible.”

In a social media submit earlier, Trump stated: “The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help A LOT!”

South Korea stated on March 15 it was “closely monitoring” Trump’s name for allied international locations to ship warships to assist preserve the waterway open, whereas Japan signaled warning about deploying naval forces to the area.

France is searching for to assemble a coalition to safe delivery by means of the Strait of Hormuz as soon as the safety state of affairs stabilizes, whereas Britain is discussing choices with allies to make sure the security of maritime visitors, officers stated.

However, not one of the international locations talked about by Trump has indicated it is able to deploy naval forces whereas combating continues.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated he spoke together with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, and instructed him that international locations ought to chorus from actions that might escalate the battle, including that Iran would reply to any assault on its vitality amenities.

Strikes Inside Iran

Early on March 15, a number of explosions have been reported throughout Tehran, with some residents saying they noticed drones or fighter jets flying overhead. Power outages have been additionally reported in some areas.

According to posts on social media, explosions have been reported in a number of different areas as nicely, together with Isfahan, Sanandaj, and Kish Island.

SEE ALSO:

Iranian Woman Describes Life In Wartime Tehran

Video footage and native media studies recommended {that a} US-Israeli strike broken the Iranian Space Research Centre (ISRC) in west Tehran, the nation’s major facility for satellite tv for pc analysis and intelligence mapping. RFE/RL couldn’t independently confirm these studies.

Earlier, the Fars news company, which is near Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, stated not less than 15 individuals have been killed when a missile hit a manufacturing unit within the central metropolis of Isfahan on March 14. The US and Israeli militaries didn’t instantly remark.

Fars additionally reported that 20 individuals have been arrested on accusations of sending details about navy, police, and safety websites to Israel.

Regional Attacks

Meanwhile, the worldwide ship-refueling hub of Fujairah within the United Arab Emirates resumed oil-loading operations on March 15 after some exercise had been suspended the day past when particles from an intercepted drone sparked a hearth close to vitality amenities.

Elsewhere within the area, a number of Persian Gulf states reported recent missile and drone assaults.

SEE ALSO:

Fears Of Iranian Refugee Influx Grow In Central Asia As War Intensifies

Saudi Arabia stated it intercepted six ballistic missiles over Al-Kharj Province late on March 14, whereas Kuwait reported drone strikes that broken radar programs at its worldwide airport and compelled a brief closure of its airspace.

Qatar’s Defense Ministry stated 4 ballistic missiles and a number of other drones concentrating on the nation have been intercepted, whereas authorities within the UAE stated air defenses shot down a drone over Fujairah.

The battle has additionally intensified alongside Israel’s northern entrance.

Overnight Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed not less than 4 individuals, Lebanese authorities and state media stated on March 15, as Israel stated it was persevering with its marketing campaign in opposition to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group alongside its broader warfare with Iran.

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