Amid escalating conflict in eastern Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi urged young people to enlist against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized key areas, including parts of Goma and South Kivu. A regional summit called for peace talks, but Tshisekedi was absent. Rwanda’s leader, Paul Kagame, threatened South Africa over its involvement after 13 peacekeepers were killed. Analysts warn of a prolonged crisis driven by control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
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China is set to launch the Shenzhou 20 mission to its space station, with astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie embarking on a six-month stay. They will replace the current crew and conduct experiments, perform extravehicular activities, and improve the station. Chen Dong, a veteran astronaut, will lead the mission, while his crewmates will experience their first spaceflight.
Donald Trump's tariff decision shocks global markets. Stephen Miran, CEA chair, is key to this shift. He advocates for tariffs to rebalance trade. Miran believes the US has been carrying too much burden. He argues tariffs can be imposed with minimal disruption and says the US will no longer allow free-riding. This policy is now being tested globally.
Alhurra, a US-funded Arabic news network, will cease broadcasting and lay off staff due to the Trump administration's funding cuts to government-backed media. Launched in 2004 to counter anti-American sentiment, Alhurra struggled against established networks. The move, part of broader budget reductions, has drawn criticism for potentially leaving space for extremist narratives in the Middle East.
President Trump’s second term brings several new appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Pete Hegseth narrowly confirmed as Defence Secretary and Marco Rubio approved as Secretary of State with a 99-0 vote. Other appointments include Pam Bondi as Attorney General and Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.
Tesla is recalling over 46,000 Cybertrucks due to an exterior panel that can detach while driving, posing safety risks. The recall, involving models from 2024 and 2025, aims to fix the adhesive issue that causes the problem. Tesla will notify owners and provide free repairs. The recall is among several recent setbacks for the company.
During Pete Hegseth's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing for his nomination as Secretary of Defence, his controversial Cross tattoo became a focal point. The chest tattoo of Pete Hegseth kicked up a row on social media as many deemed it an extremist tattoo. ​​​The tattoo had also led to his orders being revoked ahead of the 2021 Biden inauguration,
John Ullyot, former Pentagon chief spokesperson, is departing this week, amidst conflicting reports of resignation versus being asked to leave. Ullyot cited disagreement over a 'number two' role after Sean Parnell's appointment and his temporary commitment. His tenure included a controversial directive to remove DEI-promoting images, coinciding with a probe into leaks and the suspension of three senior officials.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after a nine-month space mission, originally planned for a week but extended due to technical issues. President Donald Trump confirmed they would visit the White House after recovering, celebrating their return while applauding their safe homecoming on social media.
President Donald Trump appointed retired Navy captain and former Senate candidate Hung Cao as under secretary of the Navy. Cao, an immigrant from Vietnam and a decorated veteran with a 25-year military career, has significant experience in both combat and Pentagon roles. His focus will be on improving military effectiveness.
Iran and the United States are set to engage in talks in Oman, aiming to revive negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. Despite disagreements over the format, these discussions mark a significant point in the strained relationship between the two nations. This meeting follows a timeline of escalating tensions, including the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and recent regional conflicts.