Former Ohio Senator Nina Turner criticized Elon Musk's involvement in the impending government shutdown debate, calling him an oligarch. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, co-chiefs of the Department of Government Efficiency, opposed spending bills, leading to a Congressional stalemate. Turner's comments sparked backlash from MAGA supporters and a debate about Musk's political influence.
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Hamas has agreed to release three more Israeli hostages on Saturday, following mediation by Egypt and Qatar, ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza. The group had threatened delays, accusing Israel of violating truce terms. Egypt and Qatar resolved the dispute, maintaining their role as key mediators in the conflict.
Harvey Weinstein requested Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber to expedite his upcoming sex assault trial due to his deteriorating health. The judge rescheduled the trial to begin on April 15. Weinstein, who remains incarcerated, highlighted his medical issues, including cancer and diabetes, stressing the hardships of his detainment at Rikers Island.
An Australian state lawmaker, formerly known as Ben Dawkins, has changed his name to "Aussie Trump" as a protest against the ruling Labor Party in Western Australia. Expelled from Labor in 2023, he refers to this move as a stand against perceived corruption and tyranny, echoing slogans like "Drill Baby Drill" used by Donald Trump.
A US federal judge criticized the Trump administration's expedited deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The judge issued a restraining order, noting that unlike WWII Nazi cases, the deported individuals had no chance to challenge their removal, prompting legal and ethical concerns.
Bangladesh and China signed one economic and technical cooperation agreement and eight MoUs related to cultural heritage, media, sports, and health sectors during Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' visit to Beijing. Yunus met Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed enhancing bilateral trade and investment, including cooperation on the Teesta River project and Mongla port modernization.
Ethnic Baloch insurgents hijacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, resulting in at least 20 soldiers' deaths and taking 182 hostages. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, warning against any rescue attempt. Women, children, and elderly civilians were released, while communication remains disrupted in the affected area.
Joshua Riibe, a college senior, has returned home after being questioned in the Dominican Republic about the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, who is believed to have drowned. Authorities cleared Riibe of any wrongdoing, and Konanki's parents have accepted her tragic fate.
The European Union and France have announced a €500 million incentive package to attract researchers, capitalizing on funding cuts and clashes between the Trump administration and US universities. President Macron and Commission President von der Leyen urged global researchers to join them in Europe. The initiative aims to fund research projects and support universities in recruiting foreign scientists.
Two judges were assassinated in a planned shooting at Tehran's Supreme Court, with the gunman subsequently killing himself. Judges Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh, who handled cases related to national security, were targeted. Iranian authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the motive behind this rare attack on judiciary figures.
​Though the Commonwealth comprises historically British colonies, the grouping aims to work for democracy, human rights, on cultural and economic ties. The most four countries that joined the Common wealth -- Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo and Gabon -- do not have any association with the Crown. The United States has never been a part of the Commonwealth.