What's the 4-nation Quad, where did it come from?

14 Sept 09:49 Key points summarised by AI

The Quad, formally the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic partnership involving the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.
It began as a loose humanitarian initiative after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, was formalized in 2007, and then resurrected in 2017 to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The group aims to deepen economic, diplomatic, and military ties among its members, promoting a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and implicitly serving as a bulwark against Chinese aggression, though it is not a mutual-defense pact like NATO.
Recent summits underscore the Quad's commitment to regional cooperation, even as members navigate diverse national interests, such as India's unique stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.