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Asian stock markets faced a severe downturn on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei index plummeting over 7% amid fears stemming from US President Donald Trump's escalating tariffs. Trump defended his trade policies, insisting that market adjustments would be temporary and claiming many countries were eager to negotiate. The fallout from his recent tariff announcements has already wiped nearly $6 trillion off global stock market values, leading to significant declines across various Asian indices, including a staggering 9.28% drop in Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index. Futures for US markets indicated further losses, with S&P 500 futures down 4.31%. The ongoing turmoil has raised recession fears, prompting speculation of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Analysts warn that sustained trade policies could tip the global economy into recession, with rising tariffs likely to pressure profit margins as earnings season approaches. Concerns of a "Black Monday"-style crash loom large as market volatility continues. 
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Apr 07 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe armed wing of Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has lost contact with militants holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander in the Gaza Strip, following an Israeli army attack on their location. Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military branch, did not disclose Alexander's whereabouts, but warned families of hostages that their loved ones could return in "black coffins." Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey, has been held since October 7, 2023. U.S. officials, including President Trump's special envoy, have prioritized his release, and discussions have previously taken place regarding a potential ceasefire that could facilitate the release of Alexander and other hostages. Meanwhile, Israel's military continues its offensive in Gaza, insisting it will not cease until all remaining hostages are freed and the region is demilitarized. Hamas, however, maintains that hostages will only be released as part of a broader peace deal.
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Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent address at Charotar University in Gujarat, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan for its duplicity regarding the Taliban, stating that the country has become ensnared in its own creation of terrorism. He noted that Pakistan's "double game" faltered following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, leading to the resurgence of the very terrorism it had fostered. Jaishankar highlighted the 2008 Mumbai terror attack as a pivotal moment that irrevocably soured Indo-Pak relations, emphasizing that Indian society's strong response to such aggression was not fully grasped by the government at the time. He remarked on India's significant growth since 2014 under the current administration, contrasting it with Pakistan's stagnation in its "bad habits." Following the extradition of Mumbai attack plotter Tahawwur Rana from the U.S., Jaishankar acknowledged the strengthened counter-terrorism partnership between India and the U.S., marking a critical step towards justice for the victims.
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Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Chinese Embassy in India has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens from January 1 to April 9, 2025, highlighting efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong encouraged more Indians to visit China, promoting its vibrant culture and safety. Recent visa relaxations include direct application submissions without prior appointments, biometric exemptions for short visits, reduced fees, and expedited processing, facilitating easier travel for both business and leisure. In the context of ongoing economic tensions, embassy spokesperson Yu Jing underscored the importance of India-China trade relations, advocating for cooperation against unilateralism and protectionism. Despite existing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control, this surge in visa issuance is seen as a soft power gesture aimed at fostering goodwill and rebuilding trust. The renewed commitment also supports cultural and educational exchanges, particularly benefiting Indian students pursuing studies in China.
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Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inColumbia University is engaged in "good faith" negotiations with the Trump administration to restore federal funding, following Harvard's rejection of demands to audit its faculty and student "viewpoint diversity." Columbia's interim president, Claire Shipman, emphasized the institution's commitment to academic freedom and stated that some government demands, including changes to governance, are non-negotiable. The Trump administration has threatened funding cuts to universities over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests, which it claims have spurred antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the administration's demands as unconstitutional and detrimental to academic integrity, while also noting the importance of federal funding for research. The administration has since frozen contracts worth over $2 billion to Harvard. Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard's stance, urging other institutions to follow suit. The situation unfolds amid ongoing legal challenges facing the Trump administration regarding its immigration policies and federal funding practices.
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Apr 16 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a case that has ignited debate in Ireland, a woman from County Meath, Catherine Byrne, 56, continued to collect her deceased mother’s pension for three years, claiming it was a way to honor her memory. Authorities discovered the ongoing payments, which had not been reported to the Department of Social Welfare following her mother’s death. During proceedings at the Dundalk Circuit Court, Byrne admitted to withdrawing the funds but argued they were used solely for flowers for her mother’s grave, not for personal gain. Despite her emotional justification, the court deemed her actions serious welfare fraud, sentencing her to 240 hours of community service and requiring her to repay the misappropriated funds in weekly instalments of €12,000. The total amount taken remains undisclosed, but officials are pursuing full recovery, prompting concerns about weaknesses in death registration systems and the oversight of public welfare payments.
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Apr 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inApple's primary suppliers in India, Foxconn and Tata, achieved a record $2 billion in iPhone shipments to the United States in March, as the tech giant sought to circumvent impending tariffs from the Trump administration. With concerns over potential cost increases due to tariffs, Apple ramped up production in India and chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones, including models 13, 14, 15, and 16, to the U.S. Customs data revealed that Foxconn alone exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, doubling its shipments from January and February combined. Tata Electronics also reported a significant increase, exporting $612 million in March. To expedite the process, Apple successfully lobbied for reduced customs clearance times at Chennai airport, cutting it from 30 hours to just six. Although Trump later granted some tariff exemptions, he indicated they might not last long.
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Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn Washington, President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks, determined to curb Tehran's advancing nuclear program. Despite Iran's initial reluctance to negotiate, the country has engaged in discussions, albeit asserting its right to reject any final proposal. To bolster his stance, Trump has positioned the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier near the Persian Gulf, joining the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been conducting airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Trump has warned of precision airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations fail, while Iran maintains it could quickly pursue nuclear weapons with its enriched uranium. Talks held in Oman were described as "positive" by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, though Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged caution, emphasizing the need to navigate the negotiations carefully amidst a backdrop of heightened military readiness from the U.S.
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Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump has intensified his controversial proposal to deport "homegrown" US citizens who commit violent crimes to a notorious prison in El Salvador, following discussions with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. In an interview, Trump referred to these individuals as "homegrown criminals," suggesting that they should face incarceration in El Salvador's mega-prison. He revealed that he has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore the feasibility of this plan, which Bukele initially offered shortly after Trump's second inauguration for a fee of $6 million. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump's administration, particularly regarding the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a mistakenly deported migrant whose return has been mandated by the US Supreme Court. Despite claims from Trump officials that Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, he has not been convicted of any crime.
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Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has rebuffed Pakistan's criticism of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that Pakistan lacks the authority to comment on India's internal matters and should instead address its own poor record on minority rights. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the Act, which aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, is not about religion but about ensuring that land is used for the benefit of the community rather than a select few. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the legislation, stating it would protect the rights of poor Muslims and tribal communities by preventing misuse of Waqf properties. However, the opposition accused the ruling BJP of undermining the Constitution and marginalizing minorities, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi symbolically tearing a copy of the Bill during the debate. The Act has sparked violent protests in West Bengal, resulting in at least three fatalities.
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Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHarvey Weinstein's retrial on rape and sexual assault charges commenced in New York on Tuesday, reigniting the voices of survivors from the "#MeToo" movement. After his 2020 conviction was overturned by an appeals court last year due to improper handling of witness testimonies, Weinstein faces renewed scrutiny for the alleged sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. Judge Curtis Farber anticipates the trial will last five to six weeks, with both Haleyi and Mann expected to testify again. Weinstein, who is currently serving a 16-year sentence for separate charges in California, maintains his innocence, claiming all interactions were consensual. His attorney, Arthur Aidala, expressed hope for a fair trial, noting a shift in public sentiment since Weinstein's initial downfall. The trial's outcome remains crucial for the ongoing fight for accountability in cases of sexual violence.
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Apr 15 2025, 10 pm
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