Officials explain latest plan to boost consumption

Chinese officials have outlined a new plan to stimulate consumer spending.

They said China remains the world's second-largest consumer market and the largest online retail market.

However, officials noted consumer confidence is still recovering and there is room for improvement in the shopping environment.

Authorities said they will strengthen policy support and implement measures to create sustained growth in consumer spending to better meet the needs of the people.

Global GDP growth projected to slow down to 3.1 percent in 2025

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has projected global GDP to moderate from 3.2 percent in 2024 to 3.1 percent this year and three percent in 2026.

The OECD attributed the downward adjustment to higher trade barriers in several G20 economies and increased geopolitical and policy uncertainty weighing on investment and household spending.

In its previous Economic Outlook from December, the OECD projected global GDP growth at 3.3 percent this year and next.

Trump and Putin expected to speak on Tuesday

U.S. President Donald Trump says he will speak to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, as he pushes to end the Ukraine crisis.

On the ground, Russia says its forces shot down over 100 Ukrainian drones within 24 hours.

It also says it launched attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a military airport and drone storage warehouses.

Meanwhile, Ukraine says it has repelled attacks from Russia in several locations.

Canada, Portugal reconsider buying F-35 combat jets

Some NATO countries are having second thoughts about buying America's F-35 combat planes due to concerns about the Trump administration.

The Canadian Defense Ministry says it's reviewing whether buying this type of fighter jets is the best investment for Canada.

Portugal says it is re-examining the necessity of the plane.

59 dead in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

At least 59 people have died after a nightclub fire in North Macedonia.

The fire has also left over 150 others injured.

Pyrotechnics used by a band performing at the club on Sunday sparked the blaze.

Authorities say the club was operating illegally and it was packed well beyond capacity.

North Macedonia has declared seven days of mourning after the tragedy.

Iran says deputy foreign minister to meet IAEA chief

Iran says Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi will meet UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi at the agency's headquarters in Vienna on Monday.

The announcement comes just days after the Iranian official held talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts in Beijing.

Houthi group claims two attacks on U.S. ships in 24 hours

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier group twice in 24 hours.

The attacks followed three deadly strikes by U.S. forces over the weekend.

The U.S. strikes on Saturday marked the first large military operation in the Middle East since Donald Trump returned to the White House.

At least 15 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes

Health officials in Gaza say the latest Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 Palestinians.

This comes as negotiators are trying to shore up a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israel says a delegation is in Egypt to discuss a Gaza hostage deal with senior Egyptian officials.

Earlier at the talks in Doha, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff presented a new outline to extend the truce by weeks in exchange for the release of more hostages by Hamas.

Stranded NASA astronauts to return home aboard Dragon spacecraft

NASA says two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station since June will return to Earth on Tuesday.

Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will board SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.

They have been stuck in space due to technical problems on Boeing's Starliner which took them to the ISS.

Their fellow Crew-9 astronauts are also preparing to leave the ISS following the arrival of Crew-10 at the orbital laboratory.