US launches phase two of Gaza peace plan with new technocratic government
US envoy Steve Witkoff has announced the start of phase two of President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, with a technocratic Palestinian government established in the territory, BBC reported.
Under phase one, Hamas and Israel agreed a ceasefire in October, as well as a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and an aid surge.
Witkoff said phase two would also see the reconstruction and full demilitarisation of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups, according to BBC.
US and UK pulling some personnel from Qatar military base
The US and UK are reducing the number of personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, as US President Donald Trump considers whether to take action against Iran over its crackdown on anti-government protests, BBC reported.
Officials have told CBS, the BBC's US partner, that the partial American withdrawal was a "precautionary measure". The BBC understands some UK military personnel are also being removed.
A Qatari government statement said the measures reportedly being taken by the US were "in response to the current regional tensions".
Denmark warns of 'fundamental disagreement' after White House talks on Greenland
Denmark's foreign minister has said there is a "fundamental disagreement" with the US over Greenland after talks at the White House, BBC reported.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday had been "frank but constructive". But he added that US President Trump was insisting on "conquering" Greenland which was "totally unacceptable".
"We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of [Denmark]," he said, according to BBC.
India curbs 10-minute deliveries
The Indian government has asked quick-commerce platforms to remove the “10-minute delivery” promise over concerns about delivery rider safety, following talks with companies after a nationwide workers’ strike.
Major platforms such as Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto have faced criticism for pressuring gig workers to meet tight deadlines, which workers say leads to unsafe riding, long hours and low pay. Some companies have already removed the claim from branding, though fast deliveries continue in many areas.
Labour unions welcomed the move as a step toward protecting workers, but riders and experts say pressure remains built into the system, with earnings and ratings still linked to speed, and broader issues like wages and social security unresolved.
