Wave of arrests and fines are in apparent response to online anger over reforms to social security benefits

Talks about ending the war are really about securing US punishment of the other side

By inserting tiny imperfections into the stones, scientists open up possibilities in computing, encryption and sensors

Valuations may be spectacular and a bust could come — but while there’s exuberance there is no mania or irrationality

Economists and tax collectors might be underestimating its impact

Unfunded projects include construction of new barracks, munitions factories and spending on naval hubs

The people, funds and institutions behind the emirate’s staggering rise to riches

Decision follows scandals at Big Four and comes as AI tools make it easier to circumvent invigilators

‘Justice Mission 2025’ exercises to test US response after largest-ever arms sale to Taipei

Sector increases investment and rewards investors after surge in global military spending following Ukraine war

Ukrainian president says longer-term US security guarantees would be needed to deter Russia

Mega funding rounds create ‘fortress balance sheets’ as investors advise top groups to brace for tougher markets

US president held ‘productive’ call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin ahead of Mar-a-Lago meeting

Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says Europe is main obstacle to peace

Progressive Catholics, including some in Vatican, felt church had allied too closely with Republican party

French film star who inspired debate over the role of women and sex appeal in gender politics

Despite record spending on military, the frontline country has invested little in civilian protection

Fast-track visa processing services revoked

Lebanon is cracking down on traffickers who enjoyed impunity for decades. But the roots of their illicit empires run deep

Demographers warn new births to hit lowest level since records began in 1899 as population crisis deepens

First, tech companies usurped the meaning of ‘friends’ and ‘connection’ — now they are coming for ‘companionship’

Volunteering has declined along with religion — it needs a revival

UK lender is latest major bank to retreat from sector in pivot towards lucrative corporate clients

Rate of increase in output expected to slow despite Berlin’s fiscal push, FT survey finds