Trending World

Listen as Radio

EU Fines 15 Carmakers $495 Million for Recycling Cartel

The European Commission has imposed fines totaling approximately 458 million euros ($495 million) on 15 major car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Stellantis, and Volkswagen, for participating in a cartel aimed at undermining competition in vehicle recycling. The companies colluded to minimize payments to car dismantlers and reduce consumer incentives for recycling, according to EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera. The cartel was exposed by Mercedes-Benz, which, by cooperating with authorities, avoided a 35-million-euro fine. The European Automobiles Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) facilitated these anti-competitive meetings. All involved parties, which also included Toyota, Suzuki, and Honda, admitted their roles and agreed to settle. Under EU regulations, car owners should dispose of unusable vehicles at no cost, with manufacturers covering expenses. Ribera emphasized that the Commission would not tolerate any cartels that hinder customer awareness of environmentally friendly practices. sources

Published:
Apr 01 2025, 9 pm

Trump's 'Liberation Day' at Mexico-US Border Sparks Future Fears

As dawn broke over the Mexican-US border on President Trump's "Liberation Day," truck driver Raul Hernandez expressed concern over impending tariffs that could devastate jobs in Mexico. Hernandez, transporting Toyota pick-up trucks to California, warned that if manufacturers relocate to the US, many workers in border cities like Tijuana could lose their livelihoods. Fellow driver Omar Zepeda echoed these fears, noting that increased product costs could lead to reduced sales and job losses. The region's economy heavily relies on factories supported by free trade agreements, with many families dependent on these jobs. Local business owners, like burrito seller Charito Moreno, highlighted that tariffs would negatively impact the entire community, as cross-border trade is vital. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans for economic reforms to bolster the economy, while some truckers suggested retaliatory measures against US imports. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 2 am

Trump's Upcoming "Liberation Day" Tariffs: Impact on India?

US President Donald Trump is poised to announce significant new tariffs dubbed "Liberation Day" on Wednesday, a decision that could ignite a global trade war. The announcement is scheduled for 4pm EST in the Rose Garden at the White House, with the tariffs taking effect immediately. Notably, a 25% global tariff on auto imports is set to be implemented on April 3. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that these tariffs could adversely affect Indian exports, potentially increasing taxes from 2.8% to 4.9% for key sectors like agriculture, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Ahead of the announcement, Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, "It's Liberation Day in America!" His administration claims the tariffs aim to equalise US rates with those of other nations and address non-tariff barriers. Global markets remain on edge, with affected countries preparing for possible retaliatory actions while calling for dialogue. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 12 am

Trump Declares Liberation Day Ahead of Tariff Announcement

US President Donald Trump is set to announce significant "Liberation Day" tariffs on Wednesday, a move that could trigger a global trade war. Key trading partners, including the European Union and the UK, are preparing their responses as markets show signs of nervousness. Trump, who plans to reveal the tariffs during a White House ceremony, has hinted at reciprocal tariffs but has kept details vague until the last moment. Critics warn that the tariffs could burden US consumers and businesses, potentially leading to a recession if the trade conflict escalates. Major economies have vowed to retaliate, with the EU promising a swift response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized a careful approach to their response, while Germany cautioned that trade wars negatively impact all involved. Trump's tariffs, aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing, highlight the widening rift between the US and its allies. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 12 am

German Envoy: Time Is Right for India Free Trade

German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann has expressed confidence that Germany's relationship with India will thrive under the new German government, particularly in sectors such as services, defense, and the anticipated free trade agreement with the European Union. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Ackermann highlighted Germany's need for skilled labor, emphasizing the importance of Indian professionals in the German labor market. He noted that German businesses are increasingly interested in diversifying investments in India amid a challenging geopolitical landscape. Despite facing economic challenges at home, including a slowing economy and rising conservative politics, Ackermann affirmed that there would be no shift in Germany's policy towards India. He reiterated the urgency of advancing the EU-India free trade agreement, which both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aim to finalize by the end of 2025, viewing it as a transformative opportunity for business investment in India. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 12 am

6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, No Casualties Reported

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale struck Japan's Kyushu region on Wednesday at 7:34 PM IST, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor was recorded at a depth of 30 kilometers and occurred at coordinates 31.09 N latitude and 131.47 E longitude. In a social media update, the NCS confirmed the details of the earthquake, stating, "EQ of M: 6.0, On: 02/04/2025 19:34:00 IST, Lat: 31.09 N, Long: 131.47 E, Depth: 30 Km, Location: Kyushu, Japan." Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, although further information is still pending. As the situation develops, authorities are closely monitoring the aftermath of the quake. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 pm

Sam Altman Posts Ghibli-Style AI Portrait of Son

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently captivated social media with a Ghibli-inspired image of himself cradling his sleeping son, posted on X. This comes as OpenAI's latest image-generation feature, powered by GPT-4o, experiences overwhelming demand, straining the company's servers. Altman had earlier urged users of ChatGPT to "slow down" amid the surge of dreamy, Ghibli-style portraits flooding social media. Earlier this year, Altman and his partner, software engineer Oliver Mulherin, welcomed their first child, who was born prematurely and spent time in the NICU. In a heartfelt announcement, Altman expressed his joy, stating, "I have never felt such love." The couple, who reportedly married in late 2023 or early 2024, has kept their private life largely under wraps, with few public appearances since their wedding photos went viral in January. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 pm

Trump Claims Musk Will Soon Resign from DOGE: Report

US President Donald Trump has reportedly informed his Cabinet that Elon Musk will soon step down from his role as a special government employee, where he has been leading efforts to reduce government funding and dismantle certain agencies. According to Politico, this decision follows discussions between Trump and Musk in recent days, with Musk expected to return to focus on his business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX. The report, citing three sources close to Trump, has not been confirmed by representatives from the White House or Musk's task force. This development marks a significant shift in Musk's involvement with the government, raising questions about the future of the initiatives he has been overseeing. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 pm

UK Finance Minister Won't Rush on Trump Tariffs

UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has emphasized that the government will not hastily respond to impending tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump, set to be revealed later today as part of his "Liberation Day" initiative. Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Reeves highlighted the importance of securing a favorable post-Brexit trade deal with the United States, stating, "The prize on offer is a good economic agreement between us and the United States; we won't do anything to put that in jeopardy." Her comments reflect the UK government's cautious approach as it navigates the complexities of international trade relations following Brexit. The situation underscores the delicate balance the UK seeks to maintain in its economic dealings with the US amid potential tariff challenges. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 10 pm

Childhood Air Pollution May Impact Brain Development: Study

Children exposed to elevated levels of air pollution during early and mid-childhood may experience weakened connections between crucial brain regions, potentially impairing cognitive and emotional functions, according to a study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). Published in *Environment International*, the research analyzed data from 3,626 children, revealing that increased exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) correlates with reduced functional connectivity in key brain networks. This disruption, particularly between the amygdala and cortical networks responsible for attention and movement coordination, may persist into adolescence, affecting emotional processing and cognitive abilities. The study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the long-term implications of air pollution on brain development, as noted by ICREA researcher Monica Guxens. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 8 pm

Russian Woman Jailed for Encouraging Soldier to Rape Ukrainians

A Russian woman, Olga Bykovskaya, has been sentenced to five years in prison after urging her husband, a soldier, to commit sexual violence against Ukrainian women during the ongoing conflict, as reported by _Pravda_. The Shevchenkivskyi District Court in Kyiv convicted her in absentia for violating the laws and customs of war, highlighting the severe human rights abuses occurring in the region. The case gained prominence following the release of an intercepted conversation in April 2022, where Bykovskaya encouraged her husband to rape Ukrainian women, advising him to use protection. Following the incident, she was placed on an international wanted list, and Ukrainian authorities completed their investigation, leading to an indictment in December 2022. This case underscores the broader atrocities and war crimes associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has resulted in extensive suffering and destruction. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 7 pm

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!