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6.9 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Papua New Guinea Coast

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Papua New Guinea's New Britain Island on Saturday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Occurring at 6:04 am local time (2004 GMT) at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), the quake is expected to generate tsunami waves of one to three meters, as per the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Smaller waves under 0.3 meters may also affect parts of the nearby Solomon Islands. The epicenter was located approximately 194 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Kimbe, the nearest major town. Just 30 minutes later, a smaller 5.3-magnitude quake was recorded in the same region. While earthquakes are frequent in Papua New Guinea, situated on the seismic "Ring of Fire," they rarely cause significant damage in less populated areas but can lead to hazardous landslides. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 4 am

Trump's 10% Tariff Starts; Higher Rates Expected Soon

US President Donald Trump's most extensive tariffs to date came into effect on Saturday, imposing a 10 percent baseline tariff on most imports, excluding goods from Mexico and Canada. This move, aimed at addressing trade deficits, has raised concerns about potential retaliation from trading partners, with China already announcing a reciprocal 34 percent tariff on US products. The tariffs, which could escalate tensions and impact the global economy, also include higher rates for around 60 partners set to take effect on April 9. Notably, Trump's tariffs do not affect certain critical imports like copper and pharmaceuticals, but investigations into these goods may lead to future duties. The EU and Japan have signaled they might respond, with the EU considering taxes on US tech companies. Economists warn these tariffs could hinder growth and increase inflation, reminiscent of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which contributed to a global trade war. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 9 am

Trump Posts Video of Deadly Yemen Strike on Houthis

US President Donald Trump shared a controversial video on his Truth Social platform on Friday, claiming it depicted the deaths of numerous Huthi fighters in a recent American airstrike in Yemen. The black-and-white footage, resembling military drone visuals, shows figures gathered for what Trump described as an imminent attack, accompanied by the comment, "Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis!" American forces have intensified operations in Yemen following Huthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, with the group asserting that US strikes have resulted in significant casualties. The video shows a striking impact, followed by smoke and a crater, although no bodies are visible. In response to the escalating tensions, the US has deployed a second aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, to the region to bolster stability and protect maritime commerce amid ongoing conflicts linked to the situation in Gaza. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 10 am

Obama Acknowledges Presidency Strained His Marriage

Barack Obama has opened up about the challenges he faced in his marriage to Michelle Obama during his presidency, acknowledging a "deep deficit" in their relationship due to his demanding role. Speaking with Steven Tepper, president of Hamilton College, the 63-year-old former president emphasized his efforts to reconnect with his wife, stating, "I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by occasionally doing fun things." The couple, married for 33 years, has previously discussed the strain of his political career, with Michelle revealing in a 2023 interview that there were a decade when she "couldn't stand" her husband, particularly during their children's early years. She also mentioned their experience with marriage counseling to address their issues. Reflecting on their time post-White House, Barack noted that having more time together has significantly improved their relationship. The Obamas, who met in the late 1980s, share two daughters, Sasha and Malia. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 10 am

US Man Uses AI Avatar in Court, But Fails

A New York man has issued an apology after attempting to represent himself at an appeals court hearing using an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar. Jerome Dewald, involved in an employment dispute, submitted a video featuring a digitally created figure to present his arguments. The unusual situation unfolded on March 26 when Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels interrupted the video, questioning whether the avatar was his legal counsel. Upon learning the avatar was generated by Dewald himself, the judges expressed their displeasure, with Justice Manzanet-Daniels stating she felt misled. Dewald, who lacked legal representation, aimed to avoid his own speech difficulties by using the AI. He later admitted that the court's reaction was harsh, saying, "They chewed me up pretty good," and he subsequently penned an apology, clarifying he meant no harm. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 10 am

PM Modi Welcomed with Ceremony on Sri Lanka Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Colombo's Independence Square on Friday as he embarked on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing regional ties and development cooperation. Greeted by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Modi's visit follows his recent trip to Thailand, where he engaged in bilateral talks and participated in the BIMSTEC Summit. Despite rainy weather, six senior Sri Lankan ministers welcomed him at the airport, reflecting the importance of the visit. Modi expressed gratitude on social media, stating he looked forward to the programs in Sri Lanka. His agenda includes inaugurating Indian-funded development projects in Anuradhapura and discussing the joint vision of "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future" with President Dissanayake. Additionally, local cultural leaders commended Modi's global promotion of Yoga, which has gained significant acceptance across Sri Lanka. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 10 am

Trump Admin Sends Wrong Email Urging Ukrainians to Evacuate

Multiple Ukrainians in the United States under a humanitarian program received alarming emails this week, stating their legal status had been revoked and they had seven days to leave the country or face federal enforcement. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later clarified that the emails were sent in error and that the Ukrainian parole program, established following Russia's invasion in 2022, remains active. It remains unclear how many individuals received the erroneous notifications. The distressing messages prompted panic among recipients, including one Ukrainian parolee who expressed feelings of fear and confusion after believing her immigration status was secure. Angela Boelens, president of IA NICE, a non-profit supporting Ukrainian refugees, reported that families are in a state of panic, with some facing particularly vulnerable situations, such as pregnancy. The DHS reassured recipients that their parole terms are unchanged. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 8 am

Indian National Killed in Canada; Suspect Arrested

An Indian national has been fatally stabbed in Rockland, near Ottawa, prompting a response from the Indian Embassy in Canada, which confirmed the incident on Saturday. The embassy stated that one suspect is in custody and they are actively assisting the victim's family. In a message posted on X, the embassy expressed its sorrow over the tragic event and noted close collaboration with local community associations to support the bereaved. Local media indicated that the incident occurred early in the morning, with one individual confirmed dead and another arrested, although it remains unclear if these reports pertain to the same case mentioned by the embassy. The Ontario Provincial Police have advised Rockland residents to anticipate a heightened police presence in the area as investigations continue. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 8 am

Tesla Executive Resigns Amid Elon Musk's DOGE Controversy

David Lau, Tesla Inc.'s vice president of software engineering, has announced his resignation, according to sources familiar with the situation. Lau, who has been with the company for nearly 13 years and has held his current position since 2017, has played a key role in overseeing the software that powers Tesla's vehicles, including infotainment systems and over-the-air updates. His departure comes at a challenging time for the automaker, which is facing consumer backlash, an aging product lineup, and a sluggish electric vehicle market; Tesla recently reported a 13% drop in first-quarter sales, leading analysts to revise their forecasts downward. The reason for Lau's exit remains unclear, as does the impact on the company amid ongoing protests over CEO Elon Musk's political affiliations and actions, including his involvement with the Trump administration. Tesla shares fell 10% on Friday as the broader market declined. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 9 am

TikTok Deal Stalled as China Rejects Offer Over Tariffs

A proposed deal to divest TikTok's U.S. operations has been suspended after China signaled it would not approve the arrangement in light of President Donald Trump's recent tariffs announcement. Sources indicate that the deal, which was nearly finalized, aimed to establish a new U.S.-based company for TikTok, with American investors holding a majority stake and ByteDance retaining less than 20%. The agreement had received backing from existing and new investors, as well as the U.S. government. However, the halt raises questions about the future of TikTok's operations in the U.S. Amidst the developments, neither ByteDance nor the White House have commented, and the Chinese Embassy in Washington has also remained silent on the matter. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 4 am

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