
China has implemented restrictions on seven European entities in the defense sector, citing their involvement in alleged arms sales or "collusion" with Taiwan. The measures, effective immediately, are intended to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations like non-proliferation, according to the commerce ministry. The curbs prohibit exports of "dual-use items" to the named entities, which include Belgian guns manufacturer FN Herstal, German defense electronics firm Hensoldt, and the Czech Republic's national aerospace research and development center, VZLU Aerospace. The ministry stated that any ongoing related activities must cease, though applications for export could be submitted in truly necessary special circumstances. An unnamed commerce ministry spokesperson clarified that the measures target only a small number of EU entities involved in military-related activities, specifically those that participated in arms sales to Taiwan or engaged in collusion with Taiwan, assuring that "law-abiding and trustworthy EU entities have absolutely no cause for concern." Beijing has increased export controls in recent years, including against 20 Japanese entities in February due to political tensions over Taiwan, and last year's curbs on rare earth exports, which caused global supply concerns. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China warned earlier this month that Beijing’s stringent export controls pose a "long-term business risk".
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The Football Association's disciplinary panel has affirmed the three-match suspension for Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez following his red card for pulling the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a Premier League match. The independent regulatory commission rejected Manchester United’s appeal against both the red card and the punishment. Martínez was dismissed for violent conduct after the VAR advised the referee to review the incident. The panel stated that hair pulling "ought not to be tolerated" in football and should be discouraged through consistent punishment. While acknowledging varying levels of risk in different forms of violent conduct, the panel stressed that hair pulling must be taken seriously. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick had criticized the decision, arguing Martínez's actions were not violent conduct and that he was "off balance and grappling." However, the disciplinary panel disagreed, noting Calvert-Lewin's reaction and confirmation that his hair had been pulled. The commission found no "obvious error" in the referee's decision. Martínez has already served part of his suspension and will miss upcoming matches against Brentford and Liverpool. The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel also supported the referee’s decision. Hair-pulling, though not explicitly listed in the Laws of the Game, is considered violent conduct as it is not a legitimate challenge for the ball. A similar incident earlier in the season involv

Education stakeholders, government representatives, and development partners convened in Abuja for the Let There Be Teachers Conference 2026, advocating for sustained investment in teachers' welfare, motivation, and professional development to achieve meaningful education reform. The conference, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, aimed to move beyond symbolic recognition to structural reforms that prioritize the teaching profession. Oluwaseyi Anifowose, the conference convener, highlighted the initiative's focus on restoring dignity to teaching and addressing the daily realities of teachers across Nigeria. He announced a movement to mobilize at least 200,000 teachers nationwide, with 5,000 in every state and 20,000 in the Federal Capital Territory, to take responsibility for their classrooms and the future. This mobilization will culminate in teachers taking the National Teachers’ Professional Pledge in October 2026, repositioning them as active drivers of educational transformation. Sola Adeola, the Executive Director, emphasized the program's goal to amplify teachers' voices and address long-standing structural challenges, stating that education cannot rise above the quality, visibility, and dignity of its teachers. Rhoda Odigboh, the Project Director, added that the initiative aims to strengthen teacher agency and ensure educators are included in national education reform conversations. Uchenna Uba, Director of the College of Education, Federal Ministry of Edu

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated two pupils, Yusuf Abdurrahman Oreoluwa and Yusuf Maryam from Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, for their performance at a spelling bee competition in Harare, Zimbabwe. The pupils, representing Nigeria, secured a silver medal at the event. Their achievement has qualified them to represent Nigeria at a global competition in China. Governor AbdulRazaq praised them as ambassadors for the state and linked their success to his administration's investment in education. He also extended congratulations to their parents and Ar-Raheem College. The competition tests students' English vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.
Must ReadFormer Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. The 67-year-old disclosed his condition in a personal statement, noting he has been receiving treatment and support since the diagnosis. Hughton stated, "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. I am currently focused on managing his health with the help of medical professionals." He did not provide further details on the illness's stage but expressed gratitude for the care received. Hughton, who recently managed Ghana's national team, chose to go public to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage early testing among men. Prostate cancer is a common cancer affecting men globally, and health experts emphasize that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Hughton has also managed English clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Norwich City.