German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock urges Europe to increase pressure on the US to maintain support for NATO allies and ensure a fair peace for Ukraine. Baerbock emphasizes that any settlement without Ukraine's consent would fail, while a US-Ukraine deal involving rare earth minerals is in the works, despite tensions between Trump and Zelensky.
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The commission investigating the 2009 BDR massacre in Bangladesh may send a team to India to question former PM Sheikh Hasina, after consultations and if legally viable, citing the need for concrete evidence to support claims of foreign and local involvement in the killings.
In a significant departure, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews have openly criticized the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. Thirty-six members expressed their concern over the loss of life and accused the government of encouraging violence against Palestinians. They mourned the Palestinian lives lost since the collapse of the truce on March 18.
The White House's sharing of a Ghibli-style image of convicted fentanyl trafficker Virginia Basora-Gonzalez ignited online debate. Basora-Gonzalez, arrested in March by ICE, was criticized and defended by different users, highlighting mixed sentiments towards the arrest and social media portrayal.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has endorsed the Arab League's counter-proposal to US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan. The proposal supports nearly 2 million Palestinians remaining in Gaza under an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes over governance, contrasting with Trump's vision of expulsion and redevelopment.
Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to discuss technical aspects of the second phase of a ceasefire with Hamas, following prime minister Netanyahu's talks in Washington. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, involves hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. So far, 18 hostages have been freed, with further negotiations set to determine the fate of the remaining captives. Netanyahu will convene Israel’s security cabinet to finalize the country's stance on the next phase.
Three Texas teenagers armed with kitchen knives and a brick allegedly attacked their mother after she turned off the Wi-Fi. The incident, which occurred at their Houston home, also resulted in their grandmother being knocked down while trying to protect her. The mother and grandmother sustained no serious injuries. The teens have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
China reports a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases this winter, sparking regional concern. Improved testing capabilities have highlighted the pathogen as a key cause of respiratory illnesses. HMPV symptoms are generally mild but can lead to severe cases in high-risk groups. Unlike Covid-19, HMPV isn't new, but vigilant monitoring continues.
Asian markets and US stock futures experience significant drops after President Trump announces increased tariffs on global imports, aiming to boost US manufacturing. Market indices in Tokyo, South Korea, and Australia close lower, while US futures signal further declines. Analysts warn of potential negative economic impacts amidst already volatile markets.
Vice President Kamala Harris continued a tradition by signing her ceremonial desk drawer at the White House, expressing pride in her team's dedication to public service. She highlighted the significance of their work and promised ongoing efforts, with staff cheering "MVP!" as the event concluded.
Two deadly incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas involved vehicles rented through the peer-to-peer carsharing app Turo. Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented truck through Bourbon Street, killing 15, while a Cybertruck exploded outside Trump Hotel, killing the driver. Turo is cooperating with authorities in investigations. Both incidents raise safety concerns about such platforms.