New Zealand PM to step down

China and Honduras have formally established diplomatic relations after the central American country severed official ties with Taiwan (01:00). The China Development Forum wraps up in Beijing, with the focus on global economic recovery (08:46). And thousands of Israelis take to the streets after the prime minister sacked his defense minister (16:04).

Tiktok's Chief Executive Officer has testified before a US Congressional committee over allegations of security concerns and Chinese influence. (01:06) The Swiss central bank announced a hefty rate hike as it also declared the country's banking crisis to be over. (10:09) And Chinese scientists have discovered a key gene that helps crops tolerate saltier soil conditions. (22:17)

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates amid the recent turmoil in the banking sector.(00:59) Russia accuses the UK of upping the stakes in Ukraine by supplying Kyiv with depleted uranium shells.(13:50) And more than 300 guests from around the world have gathered in Beijing for a forum on democracy.(23:56)

The Chinese president has concluded his three-day state visit in Russia following the signing of several agreements (01:02). The U.S. treasury secretary says she is prepared to take steps to stop "contagion" in the banking system (11:59). And Thailand's king has dissolved parliament to make way for elections in May (21:50).

The Chinese president has called for a political solution to the Ukraine conflict during a conversation with his Russian counterpart in Moscow (01:02). The French government has survived two confidence votes in parliament amid ongoing anger over pension reforms in the country (14:40). And a UN report calls for greater political will in the fight against climate change (21:02).

The Chinese president says his visit to Russia will be a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace (01:03). UBS has struck a deal to purchase Credit Suisse as part of efforts to curb fears over global financial markets (15:54). And China again leaves its benchmark lending rates unchanged (37:40).

The Chinese president will visit Russia next week. China's foreign ministry describes the visit as a trip of friendship, cooperation and peace.(01:00) The U.S. treasury secretary has made her first comments following the banking crisis in the country.(10:47) And India is moving to prevent wide-scale blackouts like the ones the country experienced last summer.(20:38)

The Chinese president has proposed the Global Civilization Initiative and respect for the diversity of civilizations.(01:00) Concern for the global banking system is spreading in Europe with a major lender taking steps to strengthen liquidity.(07:33) And countries in southern Africa continue to struggle in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy.(14:08)

China's economy has recorded steady growth through the first two months of the year (00:59). Moody's has downgraded the credit outlook for the entire U.S. banking system (11:02). And a former Australian prime minister has criticized his country's nuclear submarine deal with the U.S. and UK (19:37).

The U.S. president is promising to take action to ensure the safety of the country's banking system (01:00). Governments and organizations worldwide are concerned about military cooperation involving the U.S., UK and Australia (09:02). And the city of New York is auctioning off a 300-year-old violin (52:58).