Category: World

Canadians head to polls Monday in a crucial election between Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative Pierre Poilievre. Voters express concerns about Trump’s trade war threatening recession, housing affordability, and US-Canada relations. Some prioritize environmental protection and Indigenous rights. Many are considering strategic voting due to heightened stakes in this election, with economic issues and Canada’s response to US policies dominating voter decisions.READ FULL

Russian President Putin announced a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering Russian forces to halt military activities from 6:00pm Moscow time Saturday through Sunday. Putin cited humanitarian reasons for the truce and expressed expectation that Ukraine would reciprocate, while instructing Russian troops to remain ready to respond to any Ukrainian violations or provocations.READ FULL

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged that trade negotiations with the US “won’t be easy” after his envoy Akazawa met with President Trump in Washington. While Trump claimed “big progress,” Japan failed to secure immediate tariff relief despite being a major US investor. The US wants a deal within the 90-day freeze on additional “reciprocal” tariffs, while Japan called the existing tariffs “extremely regrettable.”READ FULL

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned Wednesday that Iran is “not far” from having nuclear weapons capability, saying they have all the necessary components. During his visit to Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi declared uranium enrichment “non-negotiable” despite US demands. This comes ahead of a second round of US-Iran talks in Rome on Saturday, following earlier discussions both sides called “constructive.”READ FULL

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the Immigration Act banning Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The legislation passed parliament on April 15. The President’s Office stated this action reaffirms Maldives’ solidarity with Palestinians and commitment to promoting their rights. Maldives continues advocating for accountability for international law violations and supporting an independent Palestinian state.READ FULL

Immigration authorities arrested Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, while he attended his citizenship interview. The Palestinian-born legal permanent resident is co-founder of a campus Palestinian group. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders confirmed the arrest, while a judge has temporarily blocked deportation. This follows similar detentions of international students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about free speech implications.READ FULL

Harvard University is confronting a $2.2 billion freeze in federal funding after refusing White House demands aimed at addressing campus anti-Semitism. President Alan Garber vowed to resist government requirements to change governance, hiring practices, and admissions procedures. Trump’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced the funding hold, stating elite universities must “commit to meaningful change” to receive taxpayer support.READ FULL

Russian ballistic missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, killing 34 people and injuring 117 in Ukraine’s deadliest attack this year. President Zelenskiy condemned the Palm Sunday strike and demanded international response. The attack occurred amid stalled US-led peace efforts, with Trump’s envoy having recently met Putin. Western leaders denounced the violence, while Russia made no immediate comment. Local officials declared three days of mourning as the war continues with Russia holding nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory.READ FULL

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan executed three men convicted of murder on Friday, bringing the total public executions to nine since they returned to power. Two were shot by victims’ relatives in Qala I Naw, while a third was executed in Zaranj. Afghanistan’s Supreme Court said the cases were “examined very precisely” before ordering the “retaliatory punishment.”READ FULL

A nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic has killed at least 184 people, becoming the nation’s worst disaster in decades. The search for survivors ended Wednesday as rescue workers shifted to recovering bodies. Among the dead were merengue star Rubby Perez and two former MLB players. Between 500-1,000 people were in the Jet Set nightclub when the roof caved in during a performance early Tuesday.READ FULL

U.S. markets rallied sharply Wednesday after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on recently implemented country-specific tariffs (except for China). The Dow jumped 7.9%, S&P 500 rose 9.5%, and Nasdaq soared 12.2%. While most trading partners will temporarily face a reduced 10% tariff rate, China was singled out with a steep 125% tariff due to its “lack of respect” for world markets.READ FULL

Billionaire Elon Musk publicly attacked Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro on X, calling him “truly a moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks” after Navarro claimed Tesla was merely “a car assembler” relying on imported parts. The spat highlights tensions over Trump’s tariff policies, which Musk opposes. Despite the conflict, Trump has previously defended Musk from critics while the White House downplayed the row.READ FULL

A Royal Australian Air Force bomber shot down by Nazi fighters in 1943 has been discovered 61 meters deep near Antikythera, Greece. Greek diving group AegeanTec located the Baltimore FW282 wreck, which has now been officially identified. The aircraft carried crew from Australia, New Zealand, and Britain, with three members killed during the attack. Only Australian pilot William Horsley survived, becoming a German prisoner. A memorial service is planned for the fallen airmen.READ FULL

Tens of thousands protested against President Trump across major US cities and European capitals on Saturday, the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House. Demonstrators opposed government cuts, trade policies, and civil liberties concerns. Organizers from groups like MoveOn staged “Hands Off” events in over 1,000 cities. Despite his falling approval ratings, Trump remains defiant, stating: “My policies will never change.”READ FULL

Nursing influencer Hailey Okula has died from complications during childbirth, her husband Matthew announced on social media. The ER nurse, known as “Nurse Hailey,” had gained thousands of followers documenting her two-year IVF journey after struggling with infertility. According to KTTV, she went into cardiac arrest minutes after giving birth to her son Crew. Followers expressed shock and shared memories of her kindness and impact on their lives.READ FULL

South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, removing him from office for violating the constitution with his December 3 martial law declaration. Yoon deployed armed soldiers to parliament in an attempt to subvert civilian rule, which judges ruled betrayed public trust. He faces separate criminal charges for insurrection. Fresh presidential elections must be held within 60 days. This marks South Korea’s second presidential impeachment after Park Geun-hye in 2017.READ FULL

Libya’s Criminal Investigation Department rescued 23 kidnapped Bangladeshis during a raid in Misrata, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli. Two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, which followed an investigation into complaints of foreign nationals being tortured for ransom. The rescued individuals were transferred to Al Giran police for legal procedures. The Bangladesh mission expressed gratitude to Libyan law enforcement for their quick response and continues coordinating with local authorities to provide support to the rescued citizens.READ FULL

Democratic Senator Cory Booker set a historic record with a 25-hour, 5-minute continuous speech on the Senate floor, breaking segregationist Strom Thurmond’s 68-year-old record. Booker protested President Trump’s agenda, including cuts to Social Security offices, while fellow Democrats provided support by asking questions. Though physically exhausted, Booker persisted to demonstrate Democratic resistance, drawing significant attention from colleagues and the public.READ FULL

Italy has expanded the use of Albanian asylum centers to include repatriation hubs for migrants with deportation orders, despite legal challenges that have kept the €800 million facilities largely inactive. This aligns with a recent EU proposal for “return hubs” in third countries. Separately, Italy tightened citizenship rules, limiting automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad to only two generations.READ FULL

Columbia University’s interim president Katrina Armstrong has resigned following the university’s concessions to the Trump administration to regain $400 million in canceled federal funding. The government had accused Columbia of inadequately addressing antisemitism during Gaza-related campus protests. Board of Trustees Co-Chair Claire Shipman was immediately appointed acting president. Faculty groups have sued the administration over forced changes to campus protest rules and oversight of the Middle Eastern studies department.READ FULL

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, lasting from 0850 GMT to 1243 GMT. The Moon will cover up to 90% of the Sun’s disc, with northeastern Canada and Greenland getting the best view. Skygazers in Europe, parts of northeastern North America, and northwest Africa can witness the event using proper eye protection. This is the first eclipse of the year and the 17th this century.READ FULL

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 700 people. The quake caused widespread destruction in Myanmar’s Mandalay region, with at least 694 deaths reported there. In Bangkok, about 10 people died, including workers when a 30-storey building collapsed. Myanmar’s junta chief has made a rare appeal for international aid. The US, India, France, and EU have offered assistance.READ FULL

The IMF has agreed on a new $1.3 billion loan program for Pakistan and is reviewing an existing bailout that could unlock an additional $1 billion. The 28-month deal aims to support climate change adaptation and economic recovery. Pakistan narrowly avoided default in 2023 and continues implementing strict financial reforms.READ FULL

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to temporarily suspend strikes on critical infrastructure, including oil refineries, pipelines, nuclear power stations, and energy transmission facilities. The 30-day moratorium, starting March 18, was discussed with U.S. officials. Either side can end the agreement if the other breaches the terms.READ FULL

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai was forced to return after a pilot boarded without a passport. The aircraft landed in San Francisco, delaying the journey by nearly six hours. United provided passengers with meal vouchers and compensation, and deployed a new crew to complete the trip.READ FULL

US President Donald Trump appointed his longtime attorney Alina Habba as interim Attorney for the District of New Jersey. A prominent legal figure in Trump’s legal team, Habba has defended him in multiple high-profile cases and serves as Counselor to the President. She expressed her honor and commitment to “end the weaponisation of justice.”READ FULL

The UN and partners have launched a $934.5 million appeal to support 1.48 million Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh throughout 2025. With dwindling resources and the crisis entering its eighth year, the UN warns that funding shortfalls could have dire consequences for this vulnerable population, potentially forcing refugees to undertake dangerous journeys seeking safety. Over half the refugees are women and girls, with a third aged 10-24.READ FULL

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney called early elections for April 28, positioning the vote as a response to threats from US President Donald Trump. Carney cited Trump’s trade actions and sovereignty threats as “the most significant crisis of our lifetimes.” Previously trailing in polls, the Liberal Party has gained ground as Trump’s aggressive rhetoric toward Canada has shifted the election focus to who can best handle US relations. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre promises to focus on economic issues.READ FULL

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are meeting separately with US officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The White House hopes for a resolution by April 20, though expectations differ. Putin rejected a full 30-day pause, instead proposing to halt attacks on energy facilities only. Ukraine seeks a broader ceasefire as drone strikes continue on both sides, with recent civilian casualties reported.READ FULL

Israel conducted multiple waves of airstrikes on Lebanon Saturday after rocket fire from across the border, killing at least eight people, including strikes on the coastal city of Tyre. Hezbollah denied responsibility for the initial rocket attack. The escalation follows Israel’s resumed offensive in Gaza, where airstrikes killed several Palestinians, including Hamas political official Salah al-Bardawil and his wife.READ FULL

Columbia University has agreed to several demands from the Trump administration to potentially regain federal funding that was pulled over allegations of campus antisemitism. The university will reform its disciplinary process, hire security officers with arrest powers, and appoint an official to review Middle East studies departments. The decision has drawn criticism as an unprecedented government intrusion into academic freedom.READ FULL

Russian President Putin has issued a decree requiring Ukrainians without legal status to leave Russia or obtain citizenship by September 10. The order affects residents of occupied regions including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea. Ukraine has condemned Russia’s “passportization” as illegal. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin in Jeddah following recent phone calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy.READ FULL

Turkish authorities detained 37 people for making “provocative posts” following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main rival. Officials identified 261 social media accounts after 18.6 million posts were shared about Imamoglu within 24 hours of his detention. Authorities also seized construction company co-owned by Imamoglu, who was arrested on charges including graft and aiding a terrorist group.READ FULL

US Judge James Boasberg temporarily halted deportations under Trump’s invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act against Venezuelan gang members. Two flights proceeded despite the order, prompting the judge to demand details. Trump called for Boasberg’s impeachment, drawing criticism from Chief Justice John Roberts. Venezuelan officials condemned the deportations while families of migrants struggle to locate their loved ones.READ FULL

Air Canada apologized after some Boeing 737 MAX planes displayed “Palestinian Territories” instead of Israel on in-flight entertainment maps. The airline disabled the faulty maps on 40 aircraft while updates are made. Air Canada and Thales, the entertainment system provider, attributed the issue to a third-party map supplier. They’re working to reprogram the fleet. JetBlue faced a similar issue in 2024, prompting them to change map providers.READ FULL

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed two attacks on a US aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for deadly US strikes that killed 53 people, including women and children. The US conducted “large scale operations” against the Houthis over the weekend, with President Trump warning that “hell will rain down” if attacks on Red Sea shipping continue.READ FULL