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Alps Spring Snowstorm Claims 3 Lives, Causes Widespread Damage

Two men, a father and son, tragically lost their lives in northern Italy while en route to assist with rescue efforts amid a severe spring storm that has wreaked havoc across the Alps. The storm, which dumped over a metre of snow in some areas, has resulted in three fatalities in Italy, including a 92-year-old man found in his flooded home. The intense rainfall, which turned to snow at higher altitudes, caused widespread disruption, shutting down roads, halting train services, and leaving thousands without power in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Avalanche risks have surged to maximum levels, prompting authorities to advise residents in affected regions, including Tignes and Sion, to remain indoors. With heavy snowfall occurring in a short time, concerns are mounting about potential flooding as temperatures rise. Local residents describe the situation as unprecedented, with many struggling to navigate the treacherous conditions. sources

Published:
Apr 18 2025, 7 pm

Israel Considers Limited Strike on Iran's Nuclear Sites: Report

Israel has not dismissed the possibility of attacking Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's reluctance to support such action, according to Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the need for any negotiations with Iran to result in the complete dismantling of its nuclear program. As U.S. and Iranian negotiators prepare for a second round of talks in Rome, Israeli sources indicate that Israel has proposed various military options, including limited airstrikes and commando operations. Although these plans would require less U.S. backing than previous proposals, they still necessitate assurances from Washington for Israel’s defense against potential Iranian retaliation. Amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli officials express urgency in countering Iran's nuclear ambitions, while Tehran warns that any attack would provoke a severe response. The Biden administration has previously pushed back against more extensive military plans, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 2 pm

J.K. Rowling Supports Trans Ruling Amid Backlash

UK author J.K. Rowling has ignited controversy following her social media celebration of a Supreme Court ruling that defines women as those identified by "biological sex." The ruling, delivered on April 16, 2025, has significant implications for trans women and has reignited debates surrounding trans rights. Rowling referred to the decision as "TERF VE Day," a term that has drawn backlash from trans rights advocates. In her post, she expressed satisfaction, stating, "I love it when a plan comes together." Critics argue that the ruling undermines the rights of transgender individuals, while supporters view it as a victory for women's rights. Rowling, who has evolved into a prominent figure for gender-critical campaigners, previously faced backlash for her comments on gender identity and has described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault, stating that her views are informed by her experiences. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 2 pm

Elon Musk: Honored to Speak with PM Modi, Visiting India

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close associate of former US President Donald Trump, has announced plans to visit India later this year following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Musk expressed his enthusiasm for the trip on social media, stating, "It was an honour to speak with PM Modi." Their discussions covered various topics, including technology and innovation, which were also highlighted during Modi's visit to Washington earlier this year. The significance of their dialogue is underscored by the ongoing US-China trade tensions, with China seeking to strengthen ties with India. Musk's interests in India include expanding Tesla's presence in the electric car market and launching Starlink internet services. Tesla is already making strides in India, having rented space in Mumbai and exploring additional locations in Delhi, as both nations work towards a beneficial trade agreement that could enhance Tesla's competitive edge in the Indian market. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 2 pm

Trump's Influence on Canada Polls and PM Candidates' Reactions

As Canada gears up for its federal election on April 28, 2025, the candidates' views on U.S. President Donald Trump have become central to the campaign. Interim Prime Minister Mark Carney of the Liberal Party has positioned himself as a protector against Trump, emphasizing the risks he poses to Canada’s sovereignty and economy. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has distanced himself from Trump while advocating for a "Canada First" approach, blaming previous Liberal governments for failing to mitigate U.S. influence in Canadian energy. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has been a staunch critic of Trump, urging the government to disinvite him from the G7 Summit due to his criminal convictions and harmful policies. Meanwhile, Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois has focused on defending Quebec’s cultural identity against Trump's administration. As the election nears, these divergent stances on U.S.-Canada relations are set to shape voter sentiment. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 3 pm

Tuvalu Launches First ATM Amid Climate Change Challenges

In a significant step towards financial modernization amid the looming threats of climate change, Tuvalu, a remote Pacific island nation, has launched its first ATMs at the National Bank of Tuvalu in Funafuti. This initiative, which aims to enhance banking access for its 12,000 residents, comes after years of reliance on cash transactions, often leading to long queues on payday. The rollout, initiated in 2021 and costing over A$3 million, was described by bank general manager Siose Penitala Teo as a historic transition for the nation. Alongside this advancement, Tuvalu is also creating a digital replica of the country to preserve its culture and legal rights as rising sea levels threaten its existence. This dual approach reflects the government's determination to safeguard both its financial future and its cultural heritage in the face of environmental challenges. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 12 pm

Florida Students Used Chewing Gum to Survive Shooting

A mass shooting at Florida State University on Thursday left two people dead and five injured, prompting harrowing accounts from students who experienced the chaos. In a desperate attempt to shield themselves, students used chewing gum to affix paper over classroom windows after their teacher sought to block the shooter’s view. Jeffrey LaFray recounted the terrifying moments when gunfire erupted nearby, revealing how he and classmates improvised with gum to secure the paper. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Madison Askins described her survival tactic after being shot in the buttocks; she pretended to be dead, hoping to evade further harm as the gunman reloaded and urged others to flee. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly used a weapon belonging to her stepmother, a former deputy sheriff, and is currently hospitalized after being shot by police during the incident. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 1 pm

Trump's Harvard 'Demand' Letter Sent by Mistake, Report Says

A senior official from the Trump administration informed Harvard University that a contentious letter, dated April 11 and attributed to the White House's antisemitism task force, was sent without proper authorization. The letter included intrusive demands regarding the university's hiring, admissions, and curriculum, prompting Harvard to publicly announce its intention to contest the administration's stance on April 14. Shortly thereafter, an official clarified that the letter was issued in error, describing it as "unauthorized." The correspondence, sent by Sean Keveney, acting general counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services, was genuine but mistakenly dispatched, with some in the White House believing it was only for internal distribution. This miscommunication arose during a period when Harvard was engaged in constructive talks with the task force, leading to a significant rift between the prestigious institution and the Trump administration, as reported by The New York Times. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 1 pm

5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan, Felt in Delhi-NCR, J&K

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday at 12:17 PM IST, with its epicentre located at a depth of 130 km, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Tremors were felt across northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region, although no immediate reports of damage or injuries have emerged. This quake follows a 5.6 magnitude tremor earlier in the week, which was initially reported as 6.4 by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The Kishtwar region of Jammu & Kashmir also experienced a minor 2.4 magnitude quake on Wednesday morning. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) emphasizes Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters, exacerbated by years of conflict and underdevelopment, which hinder the country’s ability to respond to such crises effectively. The region's seismic activity is attributed to its location along major fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 1 pm

India Condemns Bangladesh for Hindu Leader's Murder, Urges Minority Protection

India has issued a stern diplomatic rebuke to Bangladesh following the kidnapping and murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu minority leader. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident, accusing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of failing to protect its minority communities. In a statement, India expressed distress over Roy's abduction and brutal killing, highlighting a pattern of systemic persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh. Roy, 58, was abducted from his home in Dinajpur and later found dead after being assaulted. Local reports indicate that he was kidnapped by four men on motorcycles shortly after receiving a phone call from them. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with Yunus as ineffective, citing recent parliamentary data that reported 76 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh in the past two months, resulting in 23 deaths, and ongoing violence against other religious minorities. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 1 pm

Ford Stops Sports Car Exports to China Amid Tariff Dispute

Ford has announced adjustments to its exports to China, citing the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which has significantly impacted its operations. The automaker confirmed it has halted shipments of several models, including the Michigan-made F-150 Raptor, Mustang, and Bronco, as well as the Kentucky-built Lincoln Navigator, although it did not specify the exact models affected. In 2024, Ford's exports from the US to China plummeted to approximately 5,500 vehicles, a stark decline from around 240,000 over the past decade. This decline coincides with heightened tariffs imposed by both nations, with the US maintaining a 145 percent duty on Chinese goods and China retaliating with a 125 percent tariff on US exports, including cars. Despite these challenges, Ford reported selling 442,000 vehicles in China in 2024, capturing 1.6 percent of the market and generating around $900 million in operating profits from its joint ventures in the country. sources

Published:
Apr 19 2025, 11 am

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