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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

DOGE Disrupted USAID Firing Notices, Says US Official

Termination notices issued to staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by a team led by billionaire Elon Musk were marred by numerous errors, prompting the need for corrected versions to prevent potential impacts on pensions and pay. According to multiple sources, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rushed the process, leading to inaccuracies in employment details, including lengths of service and salaries. Some employees received multiple incorrect notices, with one worker reporting discrepancies in federal service years. The errors come amid a broader strategy initiated by the Trump administration to cut U.S. foreign aid, which has resulted in significant workforce reductions and disruptions to global humanitarian operations. USAID's human resources team has been recalled from administrative leave to issue accurate notices, as the mistakes could jeopardize employees' severance and retirement benefits. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

India, Thailand Strengthen Strategic Partnership During Modi's Visit

India and Thailand have officially elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok. The discussions, which aimed to enhance cooperation across various sectors, resulted in the signing of several key agreements, including a Joint Declaration establishing the Strategic Partnership and a memorandum of understanding on digital technology collaboration. Additional agreements focused on maritime heritage development, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, and cooperation in tourism, culture, and education, particularly involving India's North-Eastern states. Modi emphasized the complementary nature of India's 'Act East' policy and Thailand's 'Act West' approach, highlighting commitments to renewable energy, digital technology, and security cooperation. He also expressed solidarity with Thailand following a recent earthquake and reaffirmed support for ASEAN unity and a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

Thailand Unveils Ramayan-Inspired Stamp During PM Modi's Visit

Thailand has unveiled a special stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayan mural paintings to honor Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for the BIMSTEC summit, taking place from April 2-4. The mural depicts scenes from the 'Ramakien,' Thailand's national epic, which draws inspiration from the Valmiki Ramayan. During the release, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the Thai government, emphasizing the deep cultural and spiritual ties that bind India and Thailand, rooted in centuries of shared history, including the spread of Buddhism. He noted the ongoing influence of Sanskrit and Pali in Thai language and traditions. Following a productive meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, exchanging several memorandums of understanding across various sectors. PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community in Bangkok, reflecting the enduring cultural connection between the nations. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

'Kidflix' Paedophile Network Exposed: 72,000 Videos, 1.8M Users

A dark web platform known as Kidflix, which offered access to around 72,000 videos of extreme child sexual abuse, has been dismantled following a significant international crackdown. Launched in 2021, the site attracted over 1.8 million users before being shut down on March 11, 2025. In a coordinated effort led by German authorities, dubbed Operation Stream, 79 arrests were made, with more than 1,400 additional suspects identified, including direct perpetrators of abuse. Notably, a 36-year-old man was apprehended for allegedly offering his young son for exploitation. The platform allowed users to stream and download horrific content, with an alarming average of 3.5 new videos uploaded every hour. The operation also resulted in the safeguarding of 39 children from ongoing abuse. Europol stressed the urgent need to address the digital threat of child exploitation, highlighting the real victims behind these heinous crimes. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

Video: Car 'Explodes' in Famous Amsterdam Square

A man set himself and his car ablaze in Amsterdam's Dam Square on Thursday, prompting police to suspect a suicide attempt. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a small red car pull up near the National Monument before a small explosion occurred, resulting in flames engulfing the vehicle. Fortunately, no bystanders were injured, although the driver, a 50-year-old Dutch national, sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital under police arrest. Authorities believe he deliberately ignited the fire and are investigating the incident as potential arson, while keeping all scenarios open, with strong suspicions of suicidal intent. The square was cordoned off as police and explosives officers examined the burnt vehicle. This incident follows a recent stabbing attack in the area, where a Ukrainian man injured five people, which Dutch prosecutors described as having "terrorist" intent. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 9 pm

Russia's Orbital Objects Spark Spy Mission Speculation Online

Russia has launched a mysterious object into Earth's orbit, raising concerns about potential military or experimental space operations. The launch, which took place on February 2 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1V rocket, involved three satellites—Kosmos 2581, 2582, and 2583—whose purpose remains undisclosed. Described as being conducted "in the interests of the Ministry of Defence," the mission has led to speculation regarding the satellites' activities, particularly as they have exhibited unusual behaviour in a near-polar orbit approximately 364 miles above Earth. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell noted that the satellites appeared to be engaging in proximity operations, and a new object linked to the launch was cataloged by the Space Force in March. The incident has sparked interest on social media, with users sharing videos and images of the unidentified object, described as a transparent sphere with lights reminiscent of sci-fi films. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 7 pm

Tesla Sales Drop in Germany Amid Musk's Backlash

Tesla's sales in Germany plummeted in March, with only 2,229 electric vehicles registered, marking a 43 percent decline year-on-year, according to the KBA federal transport authority. This drop occurred despite a 35.5 percent increase in overall electric vehicle registrations across the country, as the market recovers from a slow start to 2024. The decline in Tesla sales is attributed to a combination of factors, including the withdrawal of government subsidies and growing backlash against CEO Elon Musk, particularly after his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. This backlash has manifested in various forms, including vandalism of Tesla vehicles and public protests. In the first quarter of 2024, Tesla registrations fell by 62.2 percent compared to the previous year, contributing to a broader decline in new vehicle registrations in Germany, which dropped by 3.9 percent in March. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 7 pm

Russia Bans Elton John's Foundation for 'Moral Values' Defense

Russia's General Prosecutor has banned the activities of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, labeling it an "undesirable organization" for allegedly promoting views that oppose the country's "traditional spiritual and moral values." The ban affects two branches of the foundation, one in the U.S. and another in the U.K. The prosecutor's office criticized the foundation for participating in a Western-led campaign to undermine Russia's societal norms and accused it of promoting "non-traditional sexual relationships" and Western family models. This move aligns with President Vladimir Putin's narrative of Russia as a defender of traditional values against a perceived decadent West, particularly amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $600 million for various health initiatives and efforts to combat LGBTQ+ stigma globally, but it did not immediately respond to the ban. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 7 pm

Fitch Cuts China's Rating to 'A', Outlook Stable

BEIJING: Fitch Ratings has downgraded China's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating from 'A+' to 'A', citing concerns over the country's deteriorating public finances and rising debt levels amid its economic transition. The agency emphasized that the downgrade reflects expectations of continued financial weakening, although it maintained a stable outlook for the rating. This announcement coincides with the U.S. implementing new tariffs, including a significant 34 percent levy on Chinese goods, which adds to a previous 20 percent tariff imposed last month. These tariffs threaten to undermine China's fragile economic recovery, particularly as the nation grapples with a persistent debt crisis in the property sector and low consumer spending. While Beijing aims for a growth target of around five percent this year, the intensified trade conflict suggests reliance on exports may be increasingly unrealistic, despite record export highs in 2024. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 7 pm

Prince Harry Supports Investigation Into Charity Bullying Claims

Prince Harry expressed hope that Britain's charity regulator would "unveil the truth" following the opening of a compliance case into his charity, Sentebale, amid allegations of "bullying at scale" from its chair, Sophie Chandauka. Co-founded by Harry in 2006 to support young people with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale was established in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. Last week, Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso announced their resignation from the charity due to a dispute with Chandauka, who accused them of bullying, misogyny, and racism. The Charity Commission's investigation will assess whether the charity's trustees have met their legal obligations. Harry welcomed the inquiry, stating it may clarify the circumstances surrounding their resignation and ensure the charity's future governance. The dispute is particularly poignant for Harry, who has previously spoken out against similar treatment faced by his wife, Meghan. sources

Published:
Apr 03 2025, 8 pm

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