Dmytro Sherembey, head of Ukraine's largest patient-led HIV organization, credits USAID with saving lives of thousands, including his own. He condemns US President Trump's decision to pause nearly all foreign assistance, risking vital health programs. Trump's unsubstantiated criticism of USAID has global implications, including potential funding cuts, impacting health services worldwide.
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Pakistan's education minister revealed that the Afghan Taliban government did not attend a global summit on girls' education held in Islamabad. Despite the absence of official Afghan representatives, various organisations dedicated to Afghan girls' education participated. The Taliban, since their takeover in 2021, have barred girls above sixth grade from school, impacting 1.4 million girls according to Unesco.
A federal appeals court overturned a previous ruling that had blocked cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which were influenced by Elon Musk's department. The court found Musk acted as an advisor to President Trump, not making the final decisions himself.
Trump Inauguration: World leaders, billionaires, tech giants and family members in attendance
Tulsi Gabbard has been appointed as the Director of National Intelligence in a historic Senate vote, becoming the first Hindu to lead the US intelligence community. ISKCON has praised her for her dedication to Vaishnava values, while her extensive military and political background offers a strong foundation for the role.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Beijing will retaliate against US tariffs, accusing Washington of hostility despite China's cooperation on issues like America's fentanyl crisis. He also criticized President Trump's approach of placing US interests over international cooperation, warning it could destabilize global order and harm international relations.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urges the EU to address Hungary's gas dispute with Ukraine, citing increased energy prices following Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit. Orban emphasizes Hungary's economic burden due to EU sanctions on Russia and signals potential veto against renewing these sanctions unless the gas transit issue is resolved.
USAID's future is uncertain after being placed under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sparking concerns among aid organizations and Democrats. The agency, known for its swift global humanitarian responses, faces potential dissolution amid Republican criticism and budget cuts initiated by Elon Musk's task force.
Former national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is rejoining Netanyahu's coalition after the renewal of strikes on Gaza. Ben-Gvir, who had resigned in January due to disagreements over a ceasefire, is known for his hardline extremist views and previously contributed to the formation of the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history.
Canada signed a $6.5 billion deal to acquire Australia’s advanced Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN) technology to enhance Arctic surveillance. The JORN system will help Canada detect air and maritime threats more efficiently. This move follows pressure from the US to increase defense spending.
US President Donald Trump criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after a call about trade tariffs. Trump accused Trudeau of using the tariff issue to maintain his political position, and blamed Canada's border policies for fentanyl and illegal migrant problems. Trump also discussed recent tariffs and the prospects of a trade war.