Global Shifts: Political Talks, Military Pauses, and International Tensions

A roundup of current world news highlights Germany's coalition talks, U.S. military aid pause to Ukraine, and geopolitical tensions involving countries like Syria and Israel. Also covered are security risks involving fired U.S. officials, Mexico's lawsuit against U.S. gun companies, and international reactions to Trump's tariffs and Pope Francis's health.

Germany's conservatives and the SPD are in coalition talks, eyeing significant borrowing for military and infrastructure. Election winner Friedrich Merz seeks to form a coalition with the SPD by Easter, with possibilities of off-budget borrowing programmes being pushed through parliament.

The suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine by President Trump is causing geopolitical ripples. While it does not immediately compromise Ukraine's defenses, Trump's actions mark a shift toward improved ties with Russia, prompting Ukraine to work on maintaining U.S. relations.

U.S. government security protocols are under scrutiny after mass layoffs left top-cleared workers uninformed. Fired employees, many privy to sensitive information, pose potential security risks due to Musk's Department of Government Efficiency's oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)