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Protests Erupt as Myanmar Junta Chief Attends Bangkok Summit

Protesters in Bangkok condemned Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, as a "murderer" during a regional summit on Friday, just a week after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed over 3,000 people in Myanmar. The quake left millions affected and many survivors in desperate need of food and shelter, particularly in Sagaing, where around 80% of buildings were damaged. Despite international aid efforts, reports indicate little assistance from the military government, which has faced accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses. Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2021, attended the summit amid criticism from Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government and the Justice for Myanmar campaign group, who argued that his presence legitimizes the junta. As the crisis continues, the military has also conducted air strikes against rebel groups, raising concerns about ongoing violence amid calls for temporary ceasefires to facilitate aid. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 9 am

Trump Tariffs Create Opportunities for China

In a bold move to reshape global trade, President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs aimed at benefiting American workers, inadvertently positioning China, the US's main adversary, as a potential beneficiary. In response, China imposed reciprocal tariffs and announced export controls on rare earth elements critical for technology. Unlike his previous term, Trump’s tariffs target not only China but also US allies, prompting concerns about Beijing's growing influence. Experts suggest that China may leverage this situation to strengthen ties with countries like Japan and South Korea, traditionally aligned with the US. While the tariffs could inflict significant economic pain on China, critics argue that they signal a shift away from integrating China into the global economy. Analysts note that both Trump and Biden view China as the primary rival, yet Trump's approach reflects a perception of Xi Jinping as a peer rather than a villain, focusing on the optics of power rather than economic rationale. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 1 am

Trump Dismisses NSA Director Timothy Haugh, Report Says

US President Donald Trump has dismissed General Timothy Haugh as director of the National Security Agency (NSA) in a significant national security shake-up that also saw the firing of over a dozen staff at the White House National Security Council (NSC). Haugh, who also led US Cyber Command, was removed alongside his deputy, Wendy Noble, while at least ten others, including senior directors from the International Organization Directorate, were let go. The firings followed a meeting between Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer, who reportedly presented a list of officials deemed disloyal. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have condemned the dismissals as a threat to national security, citing Haugh's integrity and commitment to lawful governance. The White House declined to comment, while Trump has expressed a desire to surround himself with loyalists, continuing a trend of replacing nonpartisan officials since his second term began. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 11 pm

Hamas Calls Israeli Gaza Offensive "Highly Dangerous" for Hostages

Hamas has warned that Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza poses a "highly dangerous" threat to the hostages it holds, with half of the surviving captives located in areas designated for evacuation by the Israeli army. Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, stated that the group has opted not to transfer these hostages due to the escalating risks to their safety. The situation highlights the precarious circumstances surrounding the captives amid the conflict, as Israeli forces continue their operations in the region. Hamas's announcement underscores the complexities of the ongoing crisis and the potential implications for the hostages' well-being as military actions intensify. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 12 am

UN: Myanmar Military Launched Attacks Post-Earthquake

Myanmar's military has reportedly intensified its attacks following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives, with at least 16 strikes occurring since a temporary truce was announced this week. The UN highlighted that despite calls for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian relief, the junta has conducted more than 60 attacks, including airstrikes in quake-affected regions. James Rodehaver, head of the UN rights office's Myanmar team, confirmed the ongoing military actions, noting that reports of hostilities have increased since the ceasefire began on April 2. UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the need for immediate and unrestricted access for rescue workers to those in need and called for a complete cessation of military operations. He expressed hope that the earthquake could serve as a catalyst for an inclusive political solution in Myanmar, which has been embroiled in conflict since the military coup in 2021. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 12 am

Trump Tariff Sparks Stock Market's Worst Day Since Covid

The "America First" trade strategy is facing significant challenges as global market turmoil leads to a sharp decline in US stocks and the dollar. The S&P 500 has lost about $2 trillion, dropping nearly 5%, while the Russell 2000 has plummeted 20% from its 2021 peak, raising concerns that President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies could hinder economic growth. The dollar fell 1.5%, prompting debates about its status as a safe haven, as the euro, yen, and Swiss franc gained ground. With fears of a recession growing, investors are increasingly turning to fixed-income markets, pushing Treasury yields below 4%. Economists warn that the tariffs may lead to higher prices and slower growth, with some forecasting a GDP contraction. Amidst this uncertainty, legendary investor Bill Gross cautioned against trying to "catch a falling knife" in the stock market, while Wall Street braces for a pivotal jobs report and Federal Reserve commentary. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 12 am

ByteDance: "Key Matters" Unresolved in US Deal Negotiations

TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has indicated that significant issues remain unresolved in negotiations concerning the app's operations in the United States. This statement comes shortly after President Donald Trump extended a looming deadline for a potential sale or ban of TikTok by 75 days, citing substantial progress in discussions. The extension aims to provide additional time for both parties to reach an agreement that would allow TikTok to continue its business in the U.S. without facing a ban. ByteDance's acknowledgment of "key matters" to be addressed highlights the complexities involved in finalizing a deal that meets regulatory and national security concerns. As negotiations continue, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with stakeholders closely monitoring the developments. sources

Published:
Apr 05 2025, 12 am

US Deploys B-2 Bombers and Carriers to Indo-Pacific

The United States has executed its largest-ever deployment of B-2 stealth bombers in the Indian Ocean, with satellite images revealing at least six stationed at the Diego Garcia military base, part of a broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pentagon plans to increase its aircraft carrier fleet from one to three, with the USS Carl Vinson heading to the Middle East and the USS Nimitz moving towards the South China Sea. This significant military escalation comes amid rising tensions with Iran and its proxies, particularly the Yemen-based Houthis, who have been targeting U.S. vessels. President Trump has indicated a willingness to use force to deter threats from Iran, which has exceeded nuclear deal limits. The deployment also serves as a strategic warning to China and Russia, signaling the U.S. commitment to regional security and readiness to defend its interests. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 10 pm

Trumpworld: A Week of Speeches, Tariffs, and Visas

In a whirlwind week for Donald Trump, the president unveiled new global tariffs in the White House garden, featuring an unusual list of countries including the Heard and McDonald Islands, sparking viral memes portraying penguins in political contexts. Trump also introduced a controversial "gold card," a $5 million residency permit aimed at attracting investors, which he claimed could help reduce the national deficit. Meanwhile, Senator Cory Booker made headlines by delivering a record-breaking 25-hour speech in protest of Trump, emphasizing the moral stakes involved. In other news, Elon Musk, who has been a prominent figure in Trump's administration, is reportedly stepping back to focus on his ventures at Tesla and SpaceX following a failed campaign to influence a Wisconsin Supreme Court vote. Additionally, Trump voiced his support for Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader recently convicted of embezzlement, urging her release ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 11 pm

PM Presents Buddha Statue and Silk Shawl to Thailand Royals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a brass statue of the Sarnath Buddha in Dhyan Mudra to Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and a brocade silk shawl to Queen Suthida during a meeting at Dusit Palace in Bangkok on Friday. The statue, a symbol of Buddhist spirituality and Indian craftsmanship, showcases intricate detailing inspired by the Gupta and Pala art traditions. The shawl, crafted from fine silk, features vibrant motifs representing village life and nature, reflecting India's rich weaving heritage. Modi and the Thai royal couple discussed their nations' shared cultural heritage and the positive impact of last year's exchange of Lord Buddha relics on people-to-people ties. Earlier, Modi participated in the BIMSTEC Summit, where he welcomed the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 and the Maritime Transport Agreement, reaffirming India's commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 8 pm

PM Modi Visits Sri Lanka to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, focusing on energy, trade, connectivity, digitalisation, and defence. His arrival follows participation in the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. Modi is scheduled to engage in extensive discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday, with expectations of announcing around ten collaborative outcomes, particularly in defence and energy security. This visit comes as Sri Lanka is recovering from a significant economic crisis, during which India provided financial assistance of $4.5 billion. Modi emphasized the importance of reviewing progress on the joint vision of "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," established during the Sri Lankan president's recent visit to New Delhi. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 9 pm

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