Key takeaways: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies to US Congress

TikTok executive seeks to push back on legislators' claims that the Chinese-based app poses a national security threat.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/key-takeaways-from-tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-congressional-hearing

Celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul charged for promoting crypto

Eight celebrities accused of illegally touting tokens in case involving Chinese crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/3/23/celebrities-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-charged-for-prompting-crypto

ICC concerned by Russia’s ‘threats’ over Putin warrant

International court's comments follow ex-Russian president's threat to hit tribunal with hypersonic missiles.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/icc-concerned-by-russian-threats-over-putin-arrest-warrant

Cost of rebuilding Ukraine due to Russian war $411bn: World Bank

World Bank said the figure of $411bn over the next 10 years should be considered a minimum as the war continues.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/cost-of-rebuilding-ukraine-due-to-russian-war-411bn-world-bank

Haitian mayor, accused of persecution, is arrested for visa fraud

Ex-mayor Jean Morose Viliena has also been fined $15.5m in a civil suit for alleged armed violence in Les Irois, Haiti.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/23/haitian-mayor-accused-of-persecution-is-arrested-for-visa-fraud

Immigration fuels record-high population growth in Canada

Canada's population surged by more than 1 million in the past year, the largest spike since post-World War II baby boom.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/22/immigration-fuels-record-high-canada-population-growth

US Fed announces latest interest hike in wake of banking turmoil

The Fed has continued its cycle of rate increases aimed at stemming inflation but indicated pause could be on horizon.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/3/22/us-fed-announces-latest-interest-hike-in-wake-of-banking-turmoil

Uganda’s new anti-homosexuality law bans identification as LGBTQ

Law could be the first to criminalise identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ): Rights Watch

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/22/uganda-passes-tough-antigay-law-bans-identification-as-lgbtq

Putin warns UK over depleted uranium tank shells for Ukraine

UK will send Ukraine armour-piercing shells, containing depleted uranium, for use with its Challenger 2 battle tanks.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/22/putin-warns-uk-over-depleted-uranium-tank-shells-for-ukraine

Biden administration unveils two new national monuments in the US

The monuments, announced at a conservation summit, would protect the areas from development and advance Biden's goals.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/22/biden-administration-unveils-two-new-us-national-monuments

Police raid on Russian human rights group draws condemnation

International human rights experts denounce 'witch hunt' against Nobel Prize-winning group Memorial on Tuesday.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/police-raid-on-russian-human-rights-group-draws-condemnation

Taiwan president announces trip to the Americas, stirring concern

Tsai Ing-wen plans to visit allies in Central America at the end of the month, making two unofficial stops in the US.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/taiwan-president-announces-trip-to-the-americas-stirring-concern

US jury orders former Haiti mayor to pay $15.5m for rights abuses

A US lawsuit accuses the erstwhile mayor of a rural Haitian town of murder, attempted killings and torture.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/us-jury-orders-former-haiti-mayor-to-pay-15-5m-for-rights-abuses

Russia says jet scrambled as US B-52 bombers fly over Baltic Sea

A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 combat plane was sent to intercept two US B-52H strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/russia-says-warplane-scrambled-a-us-bombers-flew-over-baltic-sea

Myanmar’s democratic struggle at stake in Thailand’s election

Myanmar people in Thailand hope a new government in Bangkok will take a tougher line on the coup leaders in Yangon.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/21/myanmars-democratic-struggle-at-stake-in-thailands-election

Hong Kong struggles to win back tourists, ‘World City’ crown

Chinese territory welcomed just 500,000 visitors in January, compared to 6.8 million arrivals in 2019.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/3/20/hong-kong-struggles-to-win-back-tourists-world-city-crown

Putin says ready to discuss China’s Ukraine plan at Xi talks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Moscow days after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russia President Vladimir Putin.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/20/putin-xi-discuss-ukraine-war-and-economic-ties-in-kremlin-talks

China and Cambodia hold first naval drills in Cambodian waters

Exercises underline close relationship between Phnom Penh and Beijing, which has expansive claims in South China Sea.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/20/china-and-cambodia-hold-first-naval-drills-in-cambodian-waters

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 390

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 390th day, we take a look at the main developments.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/20/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-390

Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong downplay effect of Credit Suisse woes

Asian financial authorities say Swiss lender's takeover not likely to affect stability of local banks.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/3/20/singapore-hong-kong-play-down-fallout-of-credit-suisse-turmoil

China’s Xi calls for ‘rational way’ out of Ukraine conflict

On his way to Moscow, China's president is trying to cast Beijing as a peacemaker after more than a year of war.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/20/chinas-xi-calls-for-rational-way-out-of-ukraine-conflict