WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand were battered by fierce, hot winds on Wednesday that fanned wildfires and pushed up spring temperatures, with temperatures soaring into the 40s in parts of Sydney.

(Brussels) The European Union is considering classifying ethanol, the main active ingredient in alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as a dangerous substance that increases the risk of cancer. If implemented, this move would effectively ban many hand sanitizers and cleaning agents commonly used in hospitals.

(Seoul) The number of young people in South Korea who are neither employed nor receiving education or training has reached an all-time high in recent years, causing the national economy to suffer losses of hundreds of billions of dollars.

Washington is stepping up efforts to ensure the continued implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas that it will be destroyed by the US if it does not continue to abide by the ceasefire, and Vice President Cyril Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday to solidify the fragile agreement.

(Washington/Moscow) US President Trump hinted last Thursday after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that a high-level meeting between the US and Russia would be held this week to discuss another Trump-Putin summit. However, sources revealed that Trump's hopes of meeting with Putin may be dashed.

(Washington Comprehensive News) US President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Albanese signed an agreement to cooperate on critical minerals to counter China's export controls.

(Washington Comprehensive News) US President Trump spent 250 million US dollars (about 320 million Singapore dollars) to build a luxurious banquet hall in the White House. The construction team began to demolish part of the East Wing of the White House on Monday.

(London Comprehensive News) Britain's armed forces will be given new powers to shoot down unidentified drones flying over military bases in response to the growing threat from Russia.