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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Enters Second Week: Next Hostage Swap?

A fragile truce in Gaza has entered its second week, following the release of four Israeli hostages and approximately 200 Palestinian prisoners, marking the second swap under the ceasefire agreement. However, a dispute over the release of a civilian woman hostage, Arbel Yehud, has delayed the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, which remains under Israeli military control. While the truce has facilitated the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the situation remains critical, with ongoing concerns about the remaining 87 hostages still held by Hamas. Protests in Tel Aviv continue as families of hostages demand their loved ones' safe return. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, over 1,210 people have died in Israel, while Gaza has suffered at least 47,283 fatalities, predominantly civilians, as reported by local health officials. The future of the truce and its multi-phase negotiations appears uncertain amid rising tensions. sources

Published:
Jan 26 2025, 10 am

Putin Thanks Trump and Modi in Ukraine Briefing

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine during a press briefing, expressing gratitude to US President Donald Trump and other global leaders, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their focus on the conflict. Putin acknowledged the efforts of leaders from China, Brazil, and South Africa, emphasizing their commitment to halting hostilities and preventing further casualties. Modi, who has previously stated that "India is not neutral" but rather supports peace, reiterated the importance of dialogue over war in discussions with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Putin expressed support for the ceasefire, he raised concerns about its implementation. Trump described Putin's comments as "promising" but incomplete. The ceasefire proposal follows intense discussions after Ukraine agreed to the US plan amid rising tensions following the ongoing war, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 12 am

Netanyahu Denounces UN's 'False' Gaza Genocide Claims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently rejected a UN investigation that accused Israel of committing "genocidal acts" in Gaza, labeling the findings as "false and absurd." In a statement, he criticized the UN Human Rights Council as an "anti-Israeli circus," asserting it has become a platform for anti-Semitism and corruption instead of addressing war crimes by Hamas, which he described as the most significant massacre against Jews since the Holocaust. The UN Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate alleged violations in the region, claimed that Israeli forces had intentionally targeted Gaza's main fertility center and obstructed essential medical aid, thereby undermining the reproductive health capacity of Palestinians. The commission's findings suggest that these actions constitute "two categories of genocidal acts" amid Israel's ongoing military operations following the October 7 Hamas attacks. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 12 am

Canada Files WTO Complaint Against US Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

Canada has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the United States' recent imposition of 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, effective from March 12. The tariffs, which apply universally with no exemptions, have sparked concerns as they terminate Canada's previous exemption and increase duties on certain aluminium products. Canada, the largest supplier of steel to the U.S., argues that these measures violate U.S. trade obligations. The WTO confirmed that Canada has initiated consultations with the U.S. to discuss the issue, aiming for a resolution without escalating to litigation. If discussions fail within 60 days, Canada may seek further adjudication. This complaint follows a separate one filed by Canada earlier in March regarding previous tariff actions by President Trump, who has aimed to protect the U.S. steel industry amid increasing competition, particularly from Asia. sources

Published:
Mar 14 2025, 1 am

Judge Orders Rehire of Workers in Trump, Musk Setback

A US judge has mandated that six federal agencies reinstate thousands of probationary employees who were dismissed under former President Donald Trump's initiative to reduce government size. Judge William Alsup criticized the rationale of "poor performance" used for the mass layoffs, labeling it a "sham" intended to circumvent legal obligations. The ruling underscores concerns about the legitimacy of the firings and the adherence to statutory requirements regarding employment practices. This decision could have significant implications for federal workforce policies and the treatment of probationary employees in the future. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 11 pm

Trump: Russia's Rejection of Ukraine Peace Plan 'Very Disappointing'

US President Donald Trump commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent endorsement of a potential 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, describing it as "a very promising statement," albeit incomplete. Speaking at the White House alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump expressed a desire for further discussions with Putin to expedite the ceasefire agreement, warning that a rejection from Russia would be "a very disappointing moment for the world." He noted that negotiations have already touched upon territorial concessions Ukraine might have to make, including discussions surrounding control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which is currently under Russian control. Trump's remarks follow a meeting in Saudi Arabia where Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a ceasefire, a decision influenced by recent pressures from Trump during a confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky in late February. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 11 pm

Trump Predicts Greenland Annexation Will Happen

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in annexing Greenland, citing "international security" concerns amid rising Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic. Speaking at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed optimism about the potential for annexation, suggesting Rutte could play a key role. "We have a lot of our favorite players cruising around the coast and we have to be careful," Trump said, highlighting the geopolitical stakes. His comments follow recent elections in Greenland, where all political parties and most of the island's 57,000 residents support independence, though opinions vary on the timeline. Rutte distanced NATO from the annexation issue but acknowledged the importance of Arctic cooperation among the seven Arctic nations, emphasizing the need to ensure the region remains secure amid increasing military and commercial interests from China and Russia. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 11 pm

Trump Family Considers Investment in Crypto Firm Binance: Report

Discussions have reportedly taken place between representatives of Donald Trump's family and the US arm of cryptocurrency exchange Binance regarding a potential financial investment. The talks are linked to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who has sought a presidential pardon after serving four months for anti-money-laundering violations. Zhao, the largest shareholder of Binance, aims for clemency to facilitate the company's return to the US market, where its market share has significantly declined due to regulatory actions. The Trump family may invest directly or through World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture launched in September. The involvement of Steve Witkoff, a close Trump associate, has been mentioned, although denied by an administration official. This potential deal raises concerns over conflicts of interest as Trump maintains control of his business interests while navigating his presidential duties. Meanwhile, the UAE-based MGX fund has invested $2 billion in Binance, further complicating the landscape. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 9 pm

Trump's Tariffs on India Could Harm US Healthcare System

The impending tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals, scheduled to take effect next month, could significantly impact the US healthcare system, which heavily relies on Indian generic medicines for nearly half of its supply. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's recent visit to the US aimed to negotiate a trade deal to alleviate the potential fallout, as these generics saved the US $219 billion in 2022 alone. Experts warn that the tariffs may render some Indian drugs unviable, leading to shortages and worsening healthcare disparities, particularly for the uninsured. The Indian pharmaceutical sector, including major companies like Sun Pharma and Cipla, is deeply concerned about the viability of their businesses under increased tariffs. As discussions for a potential trade agreement unfold, the stakes are high for both the US healthcare landscape and the Indian economy, with millions of livelihoods hanging in the balance. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 9 pm

Putin Supports 30-Day Ceasefire with Ukraine, Cites Nuances

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that any agreement must address the underlying causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace. Speaking at a news conference after talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged the need for a cessation of hostilities but cautioned against "hasty" agreements that might merely provide a temporary respite for Ukraine. Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow to discuss the ceasefire plan, as Russia continues its military advances, claiming to have captured the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region. Former President Donald Trump expressed optimism about achieving a full ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia's lack of an official response, suggesting it indicates Moscow's reluctance to pursue peace and its intention to prolong the conflict. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 10 pm

France Stands Firm Against Trump's 200% Tariff Threats

France has vowed to resist any U.S. tariffs on champagne, wine, and other alcoholic beverages from the European Union, following threats from President Donald Trump to impose a staggering 200-percent tariff. Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin declared on social media that France would not succumb to "threats" and was "determined to retaliate." Meanwhile, the French wine and spirits exporters' association (FEVS) expressed frustration over being "sacrificed" in the ongoing trade dispute, particularly after the European Commission imposed levies on U.S. whiskey, which they believe has made them a target for U.S. retaliation. FEVS head Nicolas Ozanam criticized the situation, urging the EU Commission to adopt a more realistic approach. Trump, branding the EU's 50-percent tariff on U.S. whiskey as "nasty," demanded its removal or else face significant tariffs on European alcoholic products. sources

Published:
Mar 13 2025, 7 pm

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