Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Apr 17) urged to &ldquo;put pressure&rdquo; on Russian &ldquo;killers&rdquo; to end the three-year war. Ukrainian leader&rsquo;s remarks come ahead of the Paris visit by his top aide for talks with US and EU officials on the conflict.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers ... to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace,&rdquo; Zelensky said in a Telegram post. This comes after Russia carried out overnight strikes across Ukraine, including a drone attack on Dnipro that killed three and injured more than 30 late Wednesday (Apr 16).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-talks-not-easy-nato-chief-mark-rutte-says-during-meeting-with-zelensky-in-odesa-8965818">US-led peace talks &lsquo;not easy&rsquo;: NATO chief Mark Rutte says during meeting with Zelensky in Odesa</a>
Russia&rsquo;s latest strikes in Ukraine include attacks in the cities of Sumy and Kryvyi Rig that killed dozens, including children. Despite a series of diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire, the fighting has continued.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-vances-relationship-hits-new-low-us-vp-hits-back-after-ukraine-accuses-us-of-siding-with-russia-8965615">'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance&rsquo;s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia</a>
<h2>US, EU Paris talks</h2>
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg arrived in Paris on Thursday (Apr 17) to hold meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron. US envoy Steve Witkoff is also expected to join them.
Top Ukrainian officials are also to meet US and EU delegations in the French capital, said Zelensky's chief of staff, without specifying who they were meeting.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-started-it-biden-blew-it-zelenskys-incompetent-trump-blames-three-people-for-millions-of-deaths-in-ukraine-war-8962151">&lsquo;Putin started it, Biden blew it, Zelensky's incompetent&rsquo;: Trump blames 'three people' for millions of deaths in Ukraine war</a>
The talks will focus on crafting a Ukraine ceasefire, as Washington and Europe seek common ground on ending the war in Ukraine. The latest diplomatic initiative comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire to quickly end the war.
The Ukrainian president has urged Paris talks participants to lean on Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Double whammy for Zelensky: Missiles from Putin &amp; brickbats from Trump
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1504_ARJUN_ZELENSKY_830PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1504_ARJUN_ZELENSKY_830PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=316&amp;tags=Russia, Ukraine, World News, WION" title="Russia-Ukraine war: Double whammy for Zelensky: Missiles from Putin &amp; brickbats from Trump" id="PL_iframe_block-m9l9tpov-juhho64u-9ivcsdmk"></iframe>
Macron has taken the lead in seeking to form a coordinated European response to defending Ukraine.
According to his office, the purpose of the Paris talks was to &ldquo;review progress on peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russian aggression in Ukraine.&rdquo;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Paris on Thursday (Apr 17) to hold meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron. The talks will focus on crafting a Ukraine ceasefire. World

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Apr 17) urged to “put pressure” on Russian “killers” to end the three-year war. Ukrainian leader’s remarks come ahead of the Paris visit by his top aide for talks with US and EU officials on the conflict. “Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers ... to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace,” Zelensky said in a Telegram post. This comes after Russia carried out overnight strikes across Ukraine, including a drone attack on Dnipro that killed three and injured more than 30 late Wednesday (Apr 16). Also read | US-led peace talks ‘not easy’: NATO chief Mark Rutte says during meeting with Zelensky in Odesa Russia’s latest strikes in Ukraine include attacks in the cities of Sumy and Kryvyi Rig that killed dozens, including children. Despite a series of diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire, the fighting has continued. Also read | 'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance’s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia US, EU Paris talks US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg arrived in Paris on Thursday (Apr 17) to hold meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron. US envoy Steve Witkoff is also expected to join them. Top Ukrainian officials are also to meet US and EU delegations in the French capital, said Zelensky's chief of staff, without specifying who they were meeting. Also read | ‘Putin started it, Biden blew it, Zelensky's incompetent’: Trump blames 'three people' for millions of deaths in Ukraine war The talks will focus on crafting a Ukraine ceasefire, as Washington and Europe seek common ground on ending the war in Ukraine. The latest diplomatic initiative comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire to quickly end the war. The Ukrainian president has urged Paris talks participants to lean on Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Double whammy for Zelensky: Missiles from Putin & brickbats from Trump Macron has taken the lead in seeking to form a coordinated European response to defending Ukraine. According to his office, the purpose of the Paris talks was to “review progress on peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russian aggression in Ukraine.”

‘Put pressure on the killers’: Zelensky urges partners ahead of US, EU talks in Paris to end Ukraine war

In the latest in the ongoing trade war saga, China says it is open to talks if the US shows it some respect and resolves Beijing's concerns over US sanctions and Taiwan. The other condition China wants to come to the table for trade talks is a more consistent US position. US President Donald Trump had earlier pressed China to make a tariff offer to calm the escalating trade war.

What will get China to the table on trade talks with US?

There is a new narrative brewing on social media platforms, where Chinese influencers are flooding American users with videos... Urging consumers to bypass Trump's punishing tariffs and purchase goods directly from China, dubbed the "world's factory," Chinese suppliers are retaliating against the US tariffs. They claim that top and popular US firms are rebranding what is made in China and selling at exorbitant prices in America.

Are 80% of US luxury items manufactured in China?

#GRAVITAS |  The trend in abortions is showing a shift in the U.S. According to new data, while the number of abortions increased slightly in 2024 from the year before, It is the state-wise variability of abortion rates that is posing fresh concerns. Wat h this video to find out more.

US: Abortions hold steady in country but statewise numbers vary

Abortions hold steady in country but statewise numbers vary

#GRAVITAS |  Reports suggest the Trump administration is looking to close nearly 30 overseas embassies and consulates globally. The proposal contained in an internal departmental memo recommends closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates. This is In a move aimed at reducing Washington's footprint at the U.S. Diplomatic missions in several countries. Watch this video to find out more.

Trump administration aims to slash US state budget by half

President Donald Trump escalated his war against elite US university with a threat to strip Harvard's tax-exempt status if the country's most famous educational establishment refuses to submit to wide ranging government oversight and changes.

Trump vs ivy league showdown escalates: Trump's campus crackdown & multi-billion funding threats

The US imposed sanctions on Wednesday on Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co. Ltd, a Chinese refinery, for buying Iranian crude oil worth over USD 1 billion as President Donald Trump&rsquo;s administration seeks to ramp up pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement the action would increase pressure on Chinese importers of Iranian oil as Trump seeks to restore his &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign on Iran, which includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero.
The action comes as the Trump administration has relaunched negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme this month, with talks in Oman last weekend and a second round expected in Rome this weekend. A statement from the US State Department said, &ldquo;The United States is today sanctioning Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co, Ltd, a China-based independent &lsquo;teapot&rsquo; refinery, for purchasing more than a billion dollars&rsquo; worth of Iranian crude oil.&rdquo;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-tariff-war-china-accuses-us-of-cyberattacks-issues-arrest-warrants-for-3-nsa-agents-8964606" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA &lsquo;agents&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;The President is committed to driving Iran&rsquo;s illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero. The United States is also imposing sanctions on several companies and vessels involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran&rsquo;s &lsquo;shadow&rsquo; fleet,&rdquo; it added.&nbsp; China does not recognise U.S. sanctions and is the largest importer of Iranian oil. China and Iran have built a trading system that uses mostly Chinese yuan and a network of middlemen, avoiding the dollar and exposure to U.S. regulators. &ldquo;Any refinery, company, or broker that chooses to purchase Iranian oil or facilitate Iran&rsquo;s oil trade places itself at serious risk,&rdquo; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-threatening-china-warns-after-us-slaps-beijing-with-whopping-245-tariffs-donald-trump-trade-war-imports-8968395" rel="noopener" target="_blank">'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-threatening-china-warns-after-us-slaps-beijing-with-whopping-245-tariffs-donald-trump-trade-war-imports-8968395" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a> &ldquo;The United States is committed to disrupting all actors providing support to Iran&rsquo;s oil supply chain, which the regime uses to support its terrorist proxies and partners.&rdquo;
In his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran&rsquo;s uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump also reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions. Since then, Iran has far surpassed that deal&rsquo;s limits on uranium enrichment.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-is-a-joke-trump-slams-ivy-league-for-hiring-birdbrains-and-leftist-dopes-warns-to-cut-federal-funds-donald-trump-us-8968947" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Harvard is a JOKE': Trump slams Ivy League for hiring 'birdbrains' and 'Leftist dopes', warns to cut federal funds</a> Western powers accuse Iran of having a clandestine agenda to develop nuclear weapons capability by enriching uranium to a high level of fissile purity, above what they say is justifiable for a civilian atomic energy programme. Tehran says its nuclear programme is wholly for civilian power purposes.

World: China does not recognise U.S. sanctions and is the largest importer of Iranian oil. China and Iran have built a trading system that uses mostly Chinese yuan and a network of middlemen, avoiding the dollar and exposure to U.S. regulators.

The US imposed sanctions on Wednesday on Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co. Ltd, a Chinese refinery, for buying Iranian crude oil worth over USD 1 billion as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to ramp up pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement the action would increase pressure on Chinese importers of Iranian oil as Trump seeks to restore his “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, which includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero. The action comes as the Trump administration has relaunched negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme this month, with talks in Oman last weekend and a second round expected in Rome this weekend. A statement from the US State Department said, “The United States is today sanctioning Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co, Ltd, a China-based independent ‘teapot’ refinery, for purchasing more than a billion dollars’ worth of Iranian crude oil.” Also Read | Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA ‘agents’ “The President is committed to driving Iran’s illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero. The United States is also imposing sanctions on several companies and vessels involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran’s ‘shadow’ fleet,” it added. China does not recognise U.S. sanctions and is the largest importer of Iranian oil. China and Iran have built a trading system that uses mostly Chinese yuan and a network of middlemen, avoiding the dollar and exposure to U.S. regulators. “Any refinery, company, or broker that chooses to purchase Iranian oil or facilitate Iran’s oil trade places itself at serious risk,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement. Also read | 'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs “The United States is committed to disrupting all actors providing support to Iran’s oil supply chain, which the regime uses to support its terrorist proxies and partners.” In his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump also reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions. Since then, Iran has far surpassed that deal’s limits on uranium enrichment. Also read: 'Harvard is a JOKE': Trump slams Ivy League for hiring 'birdbrains' and 'Leftist dopes', warns to cut federal funds Western powers accuse Iran of having a clandestine agenda to develop nuclear weapons capability by enriching uranium to a high level of fissile purity, above what they say is justifiable for a civilian atomic energy programme. Tehran says its nuclear programme is wholly for civilian power purposes.

US slaps sanctions on Chinese refinery for buying Iranian crude oil worth over $1bn

China, for the first time in more than a decade, convened an unusual Central Conference on Work Relating to Neighbouring Countries on April 9, raising eyebrows as it comes right after Trump began its tariff war.&nbsp;
As US President Donald Trump singled out China from its "mercy list", imposing higher and higher tariffs, Beijing has been making efforts to stabilise its territory and strengthen ties with the neighbours.&nbsp;
<h2>How tariffs went from 34% to 245%?&nbsp;</h2>
The trade war begins with Trump imposing 34% tariffs on China on its "Liberation Day". Following this, Beijing retaliated and imposed 34% tariffs on the US.&nbsp;
Of course, Trump did not like it, as he slammed China in a Truth Social post, saying, China panicked and they should not have done this. "CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!," the US president said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-ball-is-in-chinas-court-on-beijing-to-make-tariff-deal-with-him-8967865">Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him</a>
The tariff war kept on intensifying as both nations did not back out and kept on imposing higher and higher tariffs. The US then warned China, saying that it will impose a 50% tariff if China doesn't back down.&nbsp;
However, China being brave and unbothered, didn't back down, which led to Trump announcing a whopping 104% tariffs on Beijing. China again retaliated with 84% tariffs on all American goods.&nbsp;
This annoyed Trump, and he imposed 125% tariffs on China while showing compassion to other 75+ nations, which according to him have contacted the US representatives for trade talks. Trump did not stop here, and on Tuesday, the White House announced 245% tariffs on Chinese goods.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-hit-by-tariffs-up-to-245-on-imports-amid-escalating-trade-tensions-8968902">China hit by tariffs up to 245% on imports amid escalating trade tensions</a>
<h2>'Amicable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood'</h2>
Coming to China's new in-making friendship with neighbouring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the neighbourhood conference, pledged to strengthen China's ties with neighbouring nations by "appropriately" managing differences.
He also noted that China&rsquo;s relations with neighbouring countries were at a "critical phase&rdquo; amid global uncertainties.&nbsp;
The ongoing trade war between China and the US has also pushed and made Beijing realise to mend ties with the neighbouring countries, showing it a "sense of urgency".&nbsp;
Despite China's differences with multiple neighbouring countries, including &nbsp;Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam and India, Jinping's statement claimed that ties with neighbouring countries were &ldquo;at their best in modern times&rdquo;, while entering &ldquo;a critical phase of deep linkage between the regional landscape and the world changes&rdquo;.
Jinping also said that China would foster &ldquo;an amicable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood&rdquo;, using high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperative projects.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-trade-war-us-imposes-245-tariffs-on-chinese-imports-8969057">US-China trade war: US imposes 245% tariffs on Chinese imports</a>
<h2>How it flipped for India?</h2>
During the "rough phase" China is going through, it also flipped towards India. Despite the growing issues between the two nations, China shockingly turned all friendly towards India on April 9.&nbsp;
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India said that the two "largest developing" countries should "stand together" to overcome the difficulties brought by the ongoing trade war.&nbsp;
Even after many clashes, now China has emphasised mutual benefits, saying that the China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit.
"Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs, which deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their right to development, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties," Spokesperson Yu Jing said earlier this month.&nbsp;
Even though Trump has been imposing higher tariffs on China, and not letting this war take a pause, he also showed openness to strike a deal with China, saying that "the ball is in China's court."
Yet, it is unclear what the future holds for these two nations as the raging tariff war keeps on getting intense and intense, with neither the US nor China wanting to back down.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-threatening-china-warns-after-us-slaps-beijing-with-whopping-245-tariffs-donald-trump-trade-war-imports-8968395">'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs</a>
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.
&nbsp;

China also flipped towards India. Despite the growing issues between two nations, China turned all friendly towards India on April 9. WORLD, India news, opinion & blogs

China, for the first time in more than a decade, convened an unusual Central Conference on Work Relating to Neighbouring Countries on April 9, raising eyebrows as it comes right after Trump began its tariff war. As US President Donald Trump singled out China from its "mercy list", imposing higher and higher tariffs, Beijing has been making efforts to stabilise its territory and strengthen ties with the neighbours. How tariffs went from 34% to 245%? The trade war begins with Trump imposing 34% tariffs on China on its "Liberation Day". Following this, Beijing retaliated and imposed 34% tariffs on the US. Of course, Trump did not like it, as he slammed China in a Truth Social post, saying, China panicked and they should not have done this. "CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED - THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!," the US president said in a post on Truth Social. Also read: Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him The tariff war kept on intensifying as both nations did not back out and kept on imposing higher and higher tariffs. The US then warned China, saying that it will impose a 50% tariff if China doesn't back down. However, China being brave and unbothered, didn't back down, which led to Trump announcing a whopping 104% tariffs on Beijing. China again retaliated with 84% tariffs on all American goods. This annoyed Trump, and he imposed 125% tariffs on China while showing compassion to other 75+ nations, which according to him have contacted the US representatives for trade talks. Trump did not stop here, and on Tuesday, the White House announced 245% tariffs on Chinese goods. WATCH | China hit by tariffs up to 245% on imports amid escalating trade tensions 'Amicable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood' Coming to China's new in-making friendship with neighbouring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the neighbourhood conference, pledged to strengthen China's ties with neighbouring nations by "appropriately" managing differences. He also noted that China’s relations with neighbouring countries were at a "critical phase” amid global uncertainties. The ongoing trade war between China and the US has also pushed and made Beijing realise to mend ties with the neighbouring countries, showing it a "sense of urgency". Despite China's differences with multiple neighbouring countries, including Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam and India, Jinping's statement claimed that ties with neighbouring countries were “at their best in modern times”, while entering “a critical phase of deep linkage between the regional landscape and the world changes”. Jinping also said that China would foster “an amicable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood”, using high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperative projects. WATCH | US-China trade war: US imposes 245% tariffs on Chinese imports How it flipped for India? During the "rough phase" China is going through, it also flipped towards India. Despite the growing issues between the two nations, China shockingly turned all friendly towards India on April 9. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India said that the two "largest developing" countries should "stand together" to overcome the difficulties brought by the ongoing trade war. Even after many clashes, now China has emphasised mutual benefits, saying that the China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity and mutual benefit. "Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs, which deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their right to development, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties," Spokesperson Yu Jing said earlier this month. Even though Trump has been imposing higher tariffs on China, and not letting this war take a pause, he also showed openness to strike a deal with China, saying that "the ball is in China's court." Yet, it is unclear what the future holds for these two nations as the raging tariff war keeps on getting intense and intense, with neither the US nor China wanting to back down. Also read: 'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Is Trump’s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India

#Gravitas The U.S. is preparing to shrink its military footprint in Syria, potentially paving the way for Turkiye, to potentially step up its influence.

Turkiye takes over Syrian security, American troops pull out

#Gravitas The head of the IAEA, currently in Tehran, said Iran is 'not far' from building a nuclear bomb. Furthermore, Iran's Foreign Minister has drawn a clear red line. Making it clear that Tehran’s uranium enrichment program is off the table when it comes to negotiations.

Tehran gets tough, tells Washington 'you can't stop us'

Some of the bizarre operations of the &nbsp;US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have remained hidden for decades to protect national security. However, after years of keeping it inside the books, it is now open to American citizens, as they learn about Russian alien encounters and mind control experiments by the US agency.&nbsp;
The revealed John F. Kennedy assassination files, which are in tens of thousands of pages, are now out and bring out the CIA's secret missions.&nbsp;
The files have disclosed the agency's role in creating fake porn tapes of world leaders, 'demon dolls' of Osama Bin Laden and even attempting to develop remote control dogs, according to a New York Post.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jfk-files-cia-and-fbi-hid-information-from-kennedy-assassination-inquiries-8871989">JFK Files: CIA and FBI hid information, clashed over 'assassin Oswald', historian says</a>
<h2>'Demon doll' of Osama Bin Laden</h2>
To minimise the influence of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden by frightening them, the CIA made a plan to distribute demonic toys of Laden to children in the Middle East.&nbsp;
The Laden's figurine was supposed to be made with a face that peeled off in the sun to reveal a devil.&nbsp;
Donald Levine, the creator of G.I. Joe, was commissioned to design three prototypes in 2005 as part of the spy agency&rsquo;s plan to smoke out the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks.
After being kept in the sun, the face of one of the prototypes would peel off to reveal a "demon-like visage with red skin, green eyes, and black markings".&nbsp;
&ldquo;The action figure idea was proposed and rejected by the CIA before it got past the prototype stage."
&ldquo;To our knowledge, there were only three individual action figures ever created and these were merely to show what a final product might look like,&rdquo; a CIA spokesperson said in a statement when the plan was revealed in 2014 in declassified documents.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-killed-jfk-a-question-that-divides-republicans-and-democrats-8918813">Who killed JFK? A question that divides Republicans and Democrats</a>
<h2>Fake sex tapes&nbsp;</h2>
From 1945 till the 1970s, the CIA ran covert operations targeting world leaders, who were considered a threat to the US.&nbsp;
Those foreign leaders included Cuba&rsquo;s Fidel Castro, Congo&rsquo;s Patrice Lumumba, Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo and President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam.&nbsp;
For them, lethal viruses, explosive cigars and other spy-thriller-type tactics were used.&nbsp;
Indonesian President Achmed Sukarno accused the US of trying to destroy him for his sympathy towards communism. The agency produced a pornographic film called &ldquo;Happy Days&rdquo; to show Sukarno having sexual encounters with a woman but the person in the film was actually an American &lsquo;performer&rsquo; in a mask.
The CIA's plan was to circulate the film and claimed that it had been secretly made by the KGB during Sukarno's visit to the Soviet Union.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nbc-accused-of-hiding-key-evidence-in-jfk-assassination-probe-8903675">NBC accused of hiding key evidence in JFK assassination probe</a>
<h2>Cold war condoms</h2>
In the 1950s, the CIA co-funded an operation to drop millions of anti-Communist pamphlets from balloons flying over Soviet-controlled Europe.&nbsp;
But later, one CIA agent came up with another plan and suggested to also having packets of extra-large condoms, labelled only &ldquo;small&rdquo; or &ldquo;medium&rdquo;, dropped on Communist nations.
This strategy was to bring down the morale of male citizens, making them feel physically inferior to their well-endowed Western counterparts. However, the plan was never executed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jfk-files-fallout-social-security-numbers-and-other-private-data-leaked-8871689">JFK Files fallout: Social Security numbers leaked. 'There are dangerous nuts out there...'</a>
<h2>Remote-controlled dogs&nbsp;</h2>
The documents also revealed that the CIA created remote-controlled dogs by operating on their brains in a 1963 mind-control experiment.&nbsp;
In 1965, CIA researchers implanted devices into the skulls of six dogs and used remote controls to steer them like drones across fields, according to a New York Post report.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The specific aim of the research program was to examine the feasibility of controlling the behaviour of a dog, in an open field, by means of remotely stimulated electrical stimulation of the brain,&rdquo; the documents reveal.

The files have disclosed CIA's role in creating fake porn tapes of world leaders, 'demon dolls' of Osama Bin Laden and even attempting to develop remote control dogs.

Some of the bizarre operations of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have remained hidden for decades to protect national security. However, after years of keeping it inside the books, it is now open to American citizens, as they learn about Russian alien encounters and mind control experiments by the US agency. The revealed John F. Kennedy assassination files, which are in tens of thousands of pages, are now out and bring out the CIA's secret missions. The files have disclosed the agency's role in creating fake porn tapes of world leaders, 'demon dolls' of Osama Bin Laden and even attempting to develop remote control dogs, according to a New York Post. Also read: JFK Files: CIA and FBI hid information, clashed over 'assassin Oswald', historian says 'Demon doll' of Osama Bin Laden To minimise the influence of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden by frightening them, the CIA made a plan to distribute demonic toys of Laden to children in the Middle East. The Laden's figurine was supposed to be made with a face that peeled off in the sun to reveal a devil. Donald Levine, the creator of G.I. Joe, was commissioned to design three prototypes in 2005 as part of the spy agency’s plan to smoke out the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks. After being kept in the sun, the face of one of the prototypes would peel off to reveal a "demon-like visage with red skin, green eyes, and black markings". “The action figure idea was proposed and rejected by the CIA before it got past the prototype stage." “To our knowledge, there were only three individual action figures ever created and these were merely to show what a final product might look like,” a CIA spokesperson said in a statement when the plan was revealed in 2014 in declassified documents. WATCH | Who killed JFK? A question that divides Republicans and Democrats Fake sex tapes From 1945 till the 1970s, the CIA ran covert operations targeting world leaders, who were considered a threat to the US. Those foreign leaders included Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Congo’s Patrice Lumumba, Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo and President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam. For them, lethal viruses, explosive cigars and other spy-thriller-type tactics were used. Indonesian President Achmed Sukarno accused the US of trying to destroy him for his sympathy towards communism. The agency produced a pornographic film called “Happy Days” to show Sukarno having sexual encounters with a woman but the person in the film was actually an American ‘performer’ in a mask. The CIA's plan was to circulate the film and claimed that it had been secretly made by the KGB during Sukarno's visit to the Soviet Union. WATCH | NBC accused of hiding key evidence in JFK assassination probe Cold war condoms In the 1950s, the CIA co-funded an operation to drop millions of anti-Communist pamphlets from balloons flying over Soviet-controlled Europe. But later, one CIA agent came up with another plan and suggested to also having packets of extra-large condoms, labelled only “small” or “medium”, dropped on Communist nations. This strategy was to bring down the morale of male citizens, making them feel physically inferior to their well-endowed Western counterparts. However, the plan was never executed. Also read: JFK Files fallout: Social Security numbers leaked. 'There are dangerous nuts out there...' Remote-controlled dogs The documents also revealed that the CIA created remote-controlled dogs by operating on their brains in a 1963 mind-control experiment. In 1965, CIA researchers implanted devices into the skulls of six dogs and used remote controls to steer them like drones across fields, according to a New York Post report. “The specific aim of the research program was to examine the feasibility of controlling the behaviour of a dog, in an open field, by means of remotely stimulated electrical stimulation of the brain,” the documents reveal.

'Fake sex tapes, Bin Laden's demon doll, Cold war condoms': CIA's secret missions revealed in JFK files

Pentagon schools in the US and across the globe are suing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Twelve students have picked up the baton to fight the ban on books by Hegseth, whose aim is to remove titles on gender and race from their reading material in the libraries.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit has been lodged on behalf of the students on Tuesday. It argues that the decision attacks the first amendment rights are can cause irrepable harm and may be in a hinderance in the learning process.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-vs-ivy-league-showdown-escalates-harvard-says-federal-demands-violate-academic-freedom-8969747">Trump vs Ivy League showdown escalates: Harvard says federal demands violate academic freedom</a>
The censorship has been applied on all Pentagon schools. In the larger scheme of things, it will be refusing children acess to critical information on biology, abuse, health and hygience among other things.
&ldquo;The quality of children&rsquo;s education, their exposure to ideas and the preparing of citizens in the next generation are all being harmed by this censorship,&rdquo; Emerson Sykes, the ACLU&rsquo;s senior staff attorney and the lead counsel in the case was quoted in the news outlet Guardian.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/should-india-allow-the-streaming-of-netflixs-adolescence-in-indian-schools-like-keir-starmer-has-in-the-uk-8929116">Should India allow the streaming of Netflix&rsquo;s Adolescence in Indian schools, like Keir Starmer has in the UK?</a>
&ldquo;This is not how public schools are supposed to work &ndash; students have a right to learn and to access information that should be above the political fray," he added.
The suit also brought to light that children&rsquo;s yearbook entries have begun to be rid of content related to gender. A circular by the school management read: "Student yearbooks are not to include any visual depictions, written content, or editorial choices that would directly or indirectly support the instruction, advancement, and/or promotion of &lsquo;gender ideology&rsquo; and/or &lsquo;social transition."
And the Pentagon schools students staging protests against this move have been warned that they could face disciplinary action.
&nbsp;

Twelve students have picked up the baton to fight the ban on books by Hegseth, whose aim is to remove titles on gender and race from their reading material in the libraries. World

Pentagon schools in the US and across the globe are suing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Twelve students have picked up the baton to fight the ban on books by Hegseth, whose aim is to remove titles on gender and race from their reading material in the libraries. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit has been lodged on behalf of the students on Tuesday. It argues that the decision attacks the first amendment rights are can cause irrepable harm and may be in a hinderance in the learning process. WATCH | Trump vs Ivy League showdown escalates: Harvard says federal demands violate academic freedom The censorship has been applied on all Pentagon schools. In the larger scheme of things, it will be refusing children acess to critical information on biology, abuse, health and hygience among other things. “The quality of children’s education, their exposure to ideas and the preparing of citizens in the next generation are all being harmed by this censorship,” Emerson Sykes, the ACLU’s senior staff attorney and the lead counsel in the case was quoted in the news outlet Guardian. Also read: Should India allow the streaming of Netflix’s Adolescence in Indian schools, like Keir Starmer has in the UK? “This is not how public schools are supposed to work – students have a right to learn and to access information that should be above the political fray," he added. The suit also brought to light that children’s yearbook entries have begun to be rid of content related to gender. A circular by the school management read: "Student yearbooks are not to include any visual depictions, written content, or editorial choices that would directly or indirectly support the instruction, advancement, and/or promotion of ‘gender ideology’ and/or ‘social transition." And the Pentagon schools students staging protests against this move have been warned that they could face disciplinary action.

Pentagon students sue Pete Hegseth for banning THESE books

We're used to hearing about the menace of performance enhancing drugs in sport but what if the biggest performance boost came not from a lab but from the wind that's a debate swirling around weather doping it's a term gaining traction after string of huge discuss throws in Oklahoma raised eyebrows. Watch in for more details!

'Weather doping' controversy sparks row in Oklahoma

Iran's ally Russia has now said that it is willing to do everything in its power to resolve the US Iran standoff over the nuclear deal. Iranian foreign minister is expected to visit Moscow for talks on Thursday and uh US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff who is leading the nuclear talks in Oman said that Iran must stop its weaponizing program after suggesting that Tehran should not enrich uranium over 3.67% which was in line with the 2015 nuclear accord.

US-Iran nuke talks: Kremlin says ready to do everything to resolve US-Iran standoff

The US Air Force is flexing its defense muscle. America's Air Force chief posted a video on X showing Washington's nuclear triad and its long-ranging war machines. Watch in for more details!

US Air Force shows off nuclear triad | Washington showcases long-range war machines

US military jets take off to strike Houthi positions in Yemen. US Central Command shows the jets launching from USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to strike Houthi positions in Yemen. Yemen's Houthis say seven killed in US strikes west of Sanaa. The strikes targeting a factory in the al-Sawari industrial zone in the Bani Matar region led to "the martyrdom of seven citizens and the injury of 29 others, including one in critical condition," Houthi-controlled media reported. Watch in for more details!

US Houthi war: Truman & Vinson hit Houthis hard | US vows 24/7 strikes on Houthis

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Iran is neither pessimistic nor optimistic about the talks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals, while on one hand he has said that he wants to solve the crisis through diplomacy...on the other hand, he said that if the deal does not go through, then Iran will be bombed. The question being, will Iran 'seal a deal' with U.S.?

US-Iran nuke talks: Iran ready to 'seal a deal' with US? | WION Live Discussion

Amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-puts-over-6000-immigrants-in-death-file-to-push-self-deportation-8950842">immigration crackdown</a>, US President Donald Trump said that he would launch a "self-deportation" programme, offering money and air tickets to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the US.&nbsp;
In an attempt to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave America, Trump during an interview with Fox Noticias, incentivised 'Leave America', by offering them money in return.&nbsp;
"We're going to give them a stipend. We're going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we're going to work with them &mdash; if they're good &mdash; if we want them back in, we're going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can," the US president said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-is-a-joke-trump-slams-ivy-league-for-hiring-birdbrains-and-leftist-dopes-warns-to-cut-federal-funds-donald-trump-us-8968947">'Harvard is a JOKE': Trump slams Ivy League for hiring 'birdbrains' and 'Leftist dopes', warns to cut federal funds</a>
Trump said the plan would also provide a pathway for returning &ldquo;good&rdquo; individuals legally.
This shows Trump's softer stance on illegal immigrants' crackdowns. However, earlier, he had a harder stance on the immigration issue.&nbsp;
<h2>Focus on deporting 'murderers'</h2>
He said that the current focus is on deporting "murderers" and that others in the country without legal status would be encouraged to leave on their own.
However, the details of the proposed plan, including the timelines and implementation, were not specified.&nbsp;
During the interview, a clip was played, showing a Mexican man who entered the US over two decades ago and has children who are American citizens.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-crackdown-on-indian-immigrants-indians-deported-from-us-narrate-ordeal-8730612">US crackdown on Indian immigrants: Indians deported from US narrate ordeal</a>
The man showed support for Trump and said that individuals who commit crimes should be sent back to their home countries.&nbsp;
Trump responded to the clip, saying, "I look at this man. I say, this is a guy that we want to keep," and added, "I'll probably take heat for saying it."&nbsp;
When asked if he would be deported or not, Trump said, "I don't think he's in any danger of it."
Amid Trump's immigration crackdown, the US administration has been pushing immigrants to self-deport themselves and were introduced to the CBP Home app, to make the process easier.&nbsp;
The app allows undocumented immigrants to declare their intent to leave the country voluntarily, which could potentially streamline the self-deportation process.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treat-this-like-a-business-ice-head-wants-deportations-of-immigrants-to-be-like-amazon-prime-but-with-human-beings-8944571">'Treat this like a business': ICE head wants deportations of immigrants to be like 'Amazon Prime, but with human beings'</a>

In an attempt to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave the US, Trump incentivised 'Leave America', by offering them money in return. WORLD

Amid the immigration crackdown, US President Donald Trump said that he would launch a "self-deportation" programme, offering money and air tickets to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the US. In an attempt to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave America, Trump during an interview with Fox Noticias, incentivised 'Leave America', by offering them money in return. "We're going to give them a stipend. We're going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we're going to work with them — if they're good — if we want them back in, we're going to work with them to get them back in as quickly as we can," the US president said. Also read: 'Harvard is a JOKE': Trump slams Ivy League for hiring 'birdbrains' and 'Leftist dopes', warns to cut federal funds Trump said the plan would also provide a pathway for returning “good” individuals legally. This shows Trump's softer stance on illegal immigrants' crackdowns. However, earlier, he had a harder stance on the immigration issue. Focus on deporting 'murderers' He said that the current focus is on deporting "murderers" and that others in the country without legal status would be encouraged to leave on their own. However, the details of the proposed plan, including the timelines and implementation, were not specified. During the interview, a clip was played, showing a Mexican man who entered the US over two decades ago and has children who are American citizens. WATCH | US crackdown on Indian immigrants: Indians deported from US narrate ordeal The man showed support for Trump and said that individuals who commit crimes should be sent back to their home countries. Trump responded to the clip, saying, "I look at this man. I say, this is a guy that we want to keep," and added, "I'll probably take heat for saying it." When asked if he would be deported or not, Trump said, "I don't think he's in any danger of it." Amid Trump's immigration crackdown, the US administration has been pushing immigrants to self-deport themselves and were introduced to the CBP Home app, to make the process easier. The app allows undocumented immigrants to declare their intent to leave the country voluntarily, which could potentially streamline the self-deportation process. Also read: 'Treat this like a business': ICE head wants deportations of immigrants to be like 'Amazon Prime, but with human beings'

'Leave US, get money in return': Trump's offer to immigrants opting to self deport, says focus is on deporting 'murderers'

Kyiv said on Wednesday that it had made &nbsp;&lsquo;significant&rsquo; progress in the long-running and fraught talks with Washington over a minerals deal intended to secure further US support for Ukraine. Kyiv and Washington had planned to sign a deal on extracting Ukraine&rsquo;s strategic minerals, until a clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky temporarily derailed work on the agreement.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-soldiers-fighting-for-russia-against-ukraine-warn-of-death-racism-and-endless-contracts-8954687" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t come, there&rsquo;s nothing good here&rsquo;: Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia warn of death, racism, and endless contracts</a>
&ldquo;Our technical teams have worked very thoroughly together on the agreement, and there is significant progress,&rdquo; Ukraine&rsquo;s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on social media. She said that the Ukrainian side had &ldquo;adjusted several items within the draft agreement&rdquo; and that the two sides would sign a &ldquo;memorandum of intent&rdquo; soon. The Ukrainian parliament would vote on any final accord, she added.
&ldquo;It will create opportunities for investment and development in Ukraine and establish conditions for tangible economic growth for both Ukraine and the United States,&rdquo; Svyrydenko said.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-just-got-here-trump-insists-russia-ukraine-war-not-his-war-slams-zelensky-biden-for-absolutely-horrible-job-8961927" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;I just got here&rsquo;: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War &lsquo;not his war,&rsquo; slams Zelensky, Biden for &lsquo;absolutely horrible job&rsquo;</a>
A senior official with knowledge of the talks earlier said talks were moving forward &ldquo;quite fast&rdquo;.
Trump wants the deal&mdash;designed to give the US royalty payments on profits from Ukrainian mining of resources and rare minerals&mdash;as compensation for the aid given to Ukraine by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-bidens-war-eu-convenes-emergency-talks-after-trump-calls-russian-strike-on-ukraine-a-mistake-8960870" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;This is Biden&rsquo;s war&rsquo;: EU convenes emergency talks after Trump calls Russian strike on Ukraine a &lsquo;mistake&rsquo;</a>
The source told AFP that newer drafts of the accord appeared not to recognise US aid as a debt owed by Ukraine. That assessment echoed an earlier report from Bloomberg News that said Washington had eased a demand that Kyiv pay back aid delivered since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
It reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said in Argentina on Monday that a deal could be signed as early as &ldquo;this week&rdquo;.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-threatening-china-warns-after-us-slaps-beijing-with-whopping-245-tariffs-donald-trump-trade-war-imports-8968395">'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-threatening-china-warns-after-us-slaps-beijing-with-whopping-245-tariffs-donald-trump-trade-war-imports-8968395">&nbsp;</a>

World: Trump wants the deal—designed to give the US royalty payments on profits from Ukrainian mining of resources and rare minerals—as compensation for the aid given to Ukraine by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Kyiv said on Wednesday that it had made ‘significant’ progress in the long-running and fraught talks with Washington over a minerals deal intended to secure further US support for Ukraine. Kyiv and Washington had planned to sign a deal on extracting Ukraine’s strategic minerals, until a clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky temporarily derailed work on the agreement. Also read: ‘Don’t come, there’s nothing good here’: Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia warn of death, racism, and endless contracts “Our technical teams have worked very thoroughly together on the agreement, and there is significant progress,” Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on social media. She said that the Ukrainian side had “adjusted several items within the draft agreement” and that the two sides would sign a “memorandum of intent” soon. The Ukrainian parliament would vote on any final accord, she added. “It will create opportunities for investment and development in Ukraine and establish conditions for tangible economic growth for both Ukraine and the United States,” Svyrydenko said. Also read: ‘I just got here’: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War ‘not his war,’ slams Zelensky, Biden for ‘absolutely horrible job’ A senior official with knowledge of the talks earlier said talks were moving forward “quite fast”. Trump wants the deal—designed to give the US royalty payments on profits from Ukrainian mining of resources and rare minerals—as compensation for the aid given to Ukraine by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Also read: ‘This is Biden’s war’: EU convenes emergency talks after Trump calls Russian strike on Ukraine a ‘mistake’ The source told AFP that newer drafts of the accord appeared not to recognise US aid as a debt owed by Ukraine. That assessment echoed an earlier report from Bloomberg News that said Washington had eased a demand that Kyiv pay back aid delivered since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. It reported that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said in Argentina on Monday that a deal could be signed as early as “this week”. Also read | 'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs

Ukraine signals ‘significant progress’ in minerals talks with US

Trump administration has announced a new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports. The move sharply escalates the trade conflict between the United States and China. The decision comes in response to Beijing’s recent export restrictions and retaliatory tariffs. Watch in for more details!

US-China trade war: US imposes 245% tariffs on Chinese imports

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 16) once again criticised <a href="Harvard%20research%20programs%20get%20&quot;stop%20work%20orders&quot;%20after%20$2.2%20billion%20funding%20freeze" rel="dofollow">Harvard University</a> for hiring "radical left idiots" and "birdbrains", saying that they are capable of teaching "FAILURE to students".&nbsp;
Slamming the Ivy League, Trump said that Harvard has "lost its way" and said that the university hired the most incompetent mayors in the history of US history.
"Everyone knows that Harvard has &ldquo;lost its way.&rdquo; They hired, from New York (Bill D) and Chicago (Lori L), at ridiculously high salaries/fees, two of the WORST and MOST INCOMPETENT mayors in the history of our Country, to &ldquo;teach&rdquo; municipal management and government," the US president said in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-calls-for-removing-harvards-tax-exempt-status-8966769">US President Trump calls for removing Harvard's tax-exempt status</a>
He further stressed that Harvard has been hiring "almost all woke radical left and idiots."&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114347313852363347/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

"These two Radical Left fools left behind two cities that will take years to recover from their incompetence and evil. Harvard has been hiring almost all woke, Radical Left, idiots and &ldquo;birdbrains&rdquo; who are only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called &ldquo;future leaders," Trump added.&nbsp;
He continued to bash the Ivy League, saying that Harvard should not be considered on any list of the World&rsquo;s Great Universities or Colleges.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-harvard-us-president-warns-ivy-league-will-be-taxed-if-it-continues-to-support-terrorist-inspired-sickness-8965712">Trump vs Harvard: US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness'</a>
"Many others, like these Leftist dopes, are teaching at Harvard, and because of that, Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World&rsquo;s Great Universities or Colleges. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds," he stressed.&nbsp;
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-university-widener-library-has-a-strange-link-to-the-titanic-8966557">Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves</a>
He added that Harvard might have to pay tax as a political entity.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Slamming the Ivy League, Trump said that Harvard has "lost its way" and said that the university hired the most incompetent mayors in the history of US history. WORLD

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 16) once again criticised Harvard University for hiring "radical left idiots" and "birdbrains", saying that they are capable of teaching "FAILURE to students". Slamming the Ivy League, Trump said that Harvard has "lost its way" and said that the university hired the most incompetent mayors in the history of US history. "Everyone knows that Harvard has “lost its way.” They hired, from New York (Bill D) and Chicago (Lori L), at ridiculously high salaries/fees, two of the WORST and MOST INCOMPETENT mayors in the history of our Country, to “teach” municipal management and government," the US president said in a Truth Social post. WATCH | US President Trump calls for removing Harvard's tax-exempt status He further stressed that Harvard has been hiring "almost all woke radical left and idiots." "These two Radical Left fools left behind two cities that will take years to recover from their incompetence and evil. Harvard has been hiring almost all woke, Radical Left, idiots and “birdbrains” who are only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called “future leaders," Trump added. He continued to bash the Ivy League, saying that Harvard should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges. Also read: Trump vs Harvard: US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness' "Many others, like these Leftist dopes, are teaching at Harvard, and because of that, Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds," he stressed. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness". Also read: Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves He added that Harvard might have to pay tax as a political entity.

'Harvard is a JOKE': Trump slams Ivy League for hiring 'birdbrains' and 'Leftist dopes', warns to cut federal funds

Global students in the US are reporting a sudden termination of the legal status without committing any deportable offenses. According to reports, this has prompted a wave of inquiries from panicked international students to immigration attorneys. While some students claimed to have received notifications from the universities, others reportedly discovered that their status had been terminated through online databases managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Among the most affected were students from India and China. US colleges are grappling by the speed and scope at which the government carrying out terminations. At least 600 students at over 90 colleges and universities have been affected.

US student visa crisis: International students facing termination of status, says report

China hit by tariffs up to 245% on imports amid escalating trade tensions

Officials at the US Defense Digital Service (DDS), the Pentagon's elite tech unit, are resigning over the next month after clashing with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).&nbsp;
Almost every staffer at the DDS will resign in the coming month, the program&rsquo;s director Jennifer Hay and three other current members of the office said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The best way to put it, I think, is either we die quickly or we die slowly,&rdquo; Hay said, according to a Politico report. She is planning to leave by May 1.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-falsely-lists-6100-migrants-as-dead-in-social-security-death-master-file-8958311">'Devastating, illegal&rsquo;: Elon Musk's DOGE falsely lists 6100 migrants as dead in Social Security &lsquo;death file&rsquo;</a>
The unit, dubbed as the Pentagon's "SWAT team of nerds", was created in 2015, with an aim to modernise defence operations with fast tech fixes and digital tools for the military.&nbsp;
It has also built rapid response tools for the military during the Afghanistan withdrawal, databases to transfer Ukrainian military and humanitarian aid, drone detection technologies and more.
Also, DDS was one of the department's earlier efforts to inject Silicon Valley ethos into its massive bureaucracy.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-tesla-china-orders-frozen-musk-feels-pain-of-trump-tariff-war-why-is-china-big-for-musk-evs-and-lithium-batteries-8950911">Elon Musk's Tesla freezes orders in China: DOGE chief is feeling the pinch of 'boss' Trump's tariff war</a>
Moreover, the resignations by the team will effectively shut down the decade-old program after the end of April.
Along with Hay, eleven other employees are planning to take Trump's deferred resignation package by then. The two remaining staffers are also leaving.
Hay said her staff initially expected to be part of Musk&rsquo;s efforts to automate the Pentagon&rsquo;s operations and adopt AI.
&ldquo;The reason we stuck it out as long as we have is that we thought we were going to be called in,&rdquo; said Hay.
However, instead of this, they were sidelined by DOGE's efforts.&nbsp;
One former senior Pentagon official, on the condition of anonymity, described DOGE&rsquo;s wider incursion into the Defense Department as damaging and unproductive.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-elon-musk-completes-100-days-as-doge-head-us-citizens-review-his-performance-8940888">As Elon Musk completes 100 days as Doge head, US citizens review his performance</a>
&ldquo;They&rsquo;re not really using AI, they&rsquo;re not really driving efficiency. What they&rsquo;re doing is smashing everything,&rdquo; the former official said.
Meanwhile, not just DDS, the US Digital Service, which helped the government modernise its technology and attract tech talent, has now been subsumed by DOGE.&nbsp;
Moreover, a program called 18F, a technology unit within the GSA, was also eliminated by DOGE.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-you-trump-americans-gather-for-hands-off-protest-against-us-president-musk-say-dont-be-doge-bag-8930270">'Shame on you Trump': Americans gather for 'Hands Off' protest against US president, Musk; say 'don't&nbsp;be&nbsp;DOGE&nbsp;BAG'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

Almost every staffer at the DDS will resign in the coming month, the program’s director Jennifer Hay and three other current members of the office said. WORLD

Officials at the US Defense Digital Service (DDS), the Pentagon's elite tech unit, are resigning over the next month after clashing with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Almost every staffer at the DDS will resign in the coming month, the program’s director Jennifer Hay and three other current members of the office said. “The best way to put it, I think, is either we die quickly or we die slowly,” Hay said, according to a Politico report. She is planning to leave by May 1. Also read: 'Devastating, illegal’: Elon Musk's DOGE falsely lists 6100 migrants as dead in Social Security ‘death file’ The unit, dubbed as the Pentagon's "SWAT team of nerds", was created in 2015, with an aim to modernise defence operations with fast tech fixes and digital tools for the military. It has also built rapid response tools for the military during the Afghanistan withdrawal, databases to transfer Ukrainian military and humanitarian aid, drone detection technologies and more. Also, DDS was one of the department's earlier efforts to inject Silicon Valley ethos into its massive bureaucracy. Also read: Elon Musk's Tesla freezes orders in China: DOGE chief is feeling the pinch of 'boss' Trump's tariff war Moreover, the resignations by the team will effectively shut down the decade-old program after the end of April. Along with Hay, eleven other employees are planning to take Trump's deferred resignation package by then. The two remaining staffers are also leaving. Hay said her staff initially expected to be part of Musk’s efforts to automate the Pentagon’s operations and adopt AI. “The reason we stuck it out as long as we have is that we thought we were going to be called in,” said Hay. However, instead of this, they were sidelined by DOGE's efforts. One former senior Pentagon official, on the condition of anonymity, described DOGE’s wider incursion into the Defense Department as damaging and unproductive. WATCH | As Elon Musk completes 100 days as Doge head, US citizens review his performance “They’re not really using AI, they’re not really driving efficiency. What they’re doing is smashing everything,” the former official said. Meanwhile, not just DDS, the US Digital Service, which helped the government modernise its technology and attract tech talent, has now been subsumed by DOGE. Moreover, a program called 18F, a technology unit within the GSA, was also eliminated by DOGE. Also read: 'Shame on you Trump': Americans gather for 'Hands Off' protest against US president, Musk; say 'don't be DOGE BAG' (With inputs from agencies)

'Either we die quickly or slowly': Pentagon's 'SWAT team of nerds' resigns over clashes with Musk's DOGE

The US-China trade war, now raging with 145 per cent US tariffs on Chinese goods and 125 per cent retaliatory tariffs from China as of April 2025, is sending shockwaves through the global economy. This escalating conflict, described as a &ldquo;monumental split&rdquo; by The New York Times, is not just a tussle between two superpowers&mdash;it&rsquo;s a crisis that threatens to reshape trade, prices, and growth worldwide. For India, caught in the crossfire with its massive trade ties to both nations, this war brings both golden opportunities and daunting challenges. As an Indian, I see this as a moment for us to navigate carefully, balancing ambition with caution.
The global economy is reeling from this trade war. The US tariffs, which CNBC reports as effectively 145 per cent on Chinese imports, and China&rsquo;s 125 per cent counter-tariffs, are making goods costlier. From electronics to raw materials, prices are climbing, stoking inflation fears. Reuters notes that consumer inflation expectations in the US have hit a 40-year high, with fears of &ldquo;tarifflation&rdquo; pushing prices up further. Supply chains, heavily dependent on China&mdash;the world&rsquo;s factory&mdash;are in chaos. Shortages and delays are looming, as CNN Business warns, disrupting everything from car manufacturing to smartphone production. Financial markets are jittery too. India Today reports a $180 billion wipeout in Indian stocks in early 2025, reflecting global investor panic. If this continues, economists warn of a possible recession, with the IMF flagging a potential 0.5 per cent hit to global GDP, translating to billions in lost output.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-opens-to-talks-with-us-amid-tariff-war-wants-trump-admin-to-show-respect-8968109">China opens to talks with US amid tariff war, wants Trump admin to show respect</a>
India, with its US$118.40 billion trade with China in FY24 (IBEF), feels the heat acutely. As China&rsquo;s top trading partner, surpassing even the US (Trading Economics), India relies heavily on Chinese imports&mdash;US$117.68 billion worth in 2023 alone. These include critical components for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. With tariffs driving up costs, Indian businesses and consumers could face higher prices. For instance, smartphones and medicines, heavily dependent on Chinese parts, may become pricier, as India Today points out. Rising oil prices, spurred by trade tensions, could further inflate India&rsquo;s import bill, adding to inflation woes. India warns that this could weaken demand for Indian goods, especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and gems, already hit by global slowdowns.
Yet, there&rsquo;s a silver lining. The trade war is pushing companies to rethink their supply chains, and India stands to gain. The Tribune highlights how firms like Apple and Tesla are shifting manufacturing to India, drawn by its large workforce and growing infrastructure. This could boost jobs and foreign investment, aligning with the &ldquo;Make in India&rdquo; vision. Wright Research notes that India&rsquo;s electronics sector, especially telecom equipment like iPhones, has already seen a tenfold rise in US import share since 2017. If India secures trade deals with the US, as CNBC suggests, it could replace Chinese goods in American markets, boosting exports. China&rsquo;s restrictions on US markets may also redirect its exports to India, offering cheaper goods for Indian importers, per Wright Research.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-ball-is-in-chinas-court-on-beijing-to-make-tariff-deal-with-him-8967865">Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him</a>
But seizing these opportunities isn&rsquo;t easy. India&rsquo;s exporters, particularly in metals, are at risk. Wright Research reports a 5.6 per cent plunge in the Nifty Metal Index in just three trading sessions in 2025, a sign of global trade contraction. India Today recalls how past trade wars hurt Indian exporters, and this round could be worse. Infrastructure bottlenecks and red tape, as The New York Times notes, hinder India&rsquo;s ability to fully replace China as a manufacturing hub. Geopolitically, India must tread carefully. The US is a key ally in security and technology, but Indian Express quotes Chinese calls for India to stand against US &ldquo;tariff abuses.&rdquo; Balancing these ties while protecting trade interests is a tightrope walk, as The Tribune emphasizes.
So, what should India do? First, it must fast-track reforms to attract foreign investment. Easing business regulations and improving infrastructure, as CNBC suggests, could make India a magnet for companies fleeing China. Second, boosting domestic manufacturing is crucial to cut reliance on Chinese imports. The &ldquo;Make in India&rdquo; push needs more momentum, with incentives for local production in electronics and pharmaceuticals. Third, India should ramp up diplomatic efforts. The Tribune notes ongoing talks with the US for a trade deal by autumn 2025, aiming for $500 billion in two-way trade by 2030. Exploring deals with other nations, like the EU or Vietnam, could diversify trade and cushion global shocks.
This trade war is a wake-up call for India. The global economy faces turbulent times, with inflation, supply chain woes, and recession risks looming large. India, with its strategic position, can turn this crisis into a chance to shine as a manufacturing and trade hub. But it must act swiftly&mdash;streamlining policies, strengthening industries, and navigating geopolitics with finesse. As Reuters warns, the world is watching a trade war that could redefine economic power. For India, the choice is clear: adapt and thrive, or risk being swept away by the storm.

The global economy is reeling from this trade war. The US tariffs, which CNBC reports as effectively 145 per cent on Chinese imports, and China’s 125 per cent counter-tariffs, are making goods costlier. World | India news

The US-China trade war, now raging with 145 per cent US tariffs on Chinese goods and 125 per cent retaliatory tariffs from China as of April 2025, is sending shockwaves through the global economy. This escalating conflict, described as a “monumental split” by The New York Times, is not just a tussle between two superpowers—it’s a crisis that threatens to reshape trade, prices, and growth worldwide. For India, caught in the crossfire with its massive trade ties to both nations, this war brings both golden opportunities and daunting challenges. As an Indian, I see this as a moment for us to navigate carefully, balancing ambition with caution. The global economy is reeling from this trade war. The US tariffs, which CNBC reports as effectively 145 per cent on Chinese imports, and China’s 125 per cent counter-tariffs, are making goods costlier. From electronics to raw materials, prices are climbing, stoking inflation fears. Reuters notes that consumer inflation expectations in the US have hit a 40-year high, with fears of “tarifflation” pushing prices up further. Supply chains, heavily dependent on China—the world’s factory—are in chaos. Shortages and delays are looming, as CNN Business warns, disrupting everything from car manufacturing to smartphone production. Financial markets are jittery too. India Today reports a $180 billion wipeout in Indian stocks in early 2025, reflecting global investor panic. If this continues, economists warn of a possible recession, with the IMF flagging a potential 0.5 per cent hit to global GDP, translating to billions in lost output. Also read | China opens to talks with US amid tariff war, wants Trump admin to show respect India, with its US$118.40 billion trade with China in FY24 (IBEF), feels the heat acutely. As China’s top trading partner, surpassing even the US (Trading Economics), India relies heavily on Chinese imports—US$117.68 billion worth in 2023 alone. These include critical components for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. With tariffs driving up costs, Indian businesses and consumers could face higher prices. For instance, smartphones and medicines, heavily dependent on Chinese parts, may become pricier, as India Today points out. Rising oil prices, spurred by trade tensions, could further inflate India’s import bill, adding to inflation woes. India warns that this could weaken demand for Indian goods, especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and gems, already hit by global slowdowns. Yet, there’s a silver lining. The trade war is pushing companies to rethink their supply chains, and India stands to gain. The Tribune highlights how firms like Apple and Tesla are shifting manufacturing to India, drawn by its large workforce and growing infrastructure. This could boost jobs and foreign investment, aligning with the “Make in India” vision. Wright Research notes that India’s electronics sector, especially telecom equipment like iPhones, has already seen a tenfold rise in US import share since 2017. If India secures trade deals with the US, as CNBC suggests, it could replace Chinese goods in American markets, boosting exports. China’s restrictions on US markets may also redirect its exports to India, offering cheaper goods for Indian importers, per Wright Research. Also read | Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him But seizing these opportunities isn’t easy. India’s exporters, particularly in metals, are at risk. Wright Research reports a 5.6 per cent plunge in the Nifty Metal Index in just three trading sessions in 2025, a sign of global trade contraction. India Today recalls how past trade wars hurt Indian exporters, and this round could be worse. Infrastructure bottlenecks and red tape, as The New York Times notes, hinder India’s ability to fully replace China as a manufacturing hub. Geopolitically, India must tread carefully. The US is a key ally in security and technology, but Indian Express quotes Chinese calls for India to stand against US “tariff abuses.” Balancing these ties while protecting trade interests is a tightrope walk, as The Tribune emphasizes. So, what should India do? First, it must fast-track reforms to attract foreign investment. Easing business regulations and improving infrastructure, as CNBC suggests, could make India a magnet for companies fleeing China. Second, boosting domestic manufacturing is crucial to cut reliance on Chinese imports. The “Make in India” push needs more momentum, with incentives for local production in electronics and pharmaceuticals. Third, India should ramp up diplomatic efforts. The Tribune notes ongoing talks with the US for a trade deal by autumn 2025, aiming for $500 billion in two-way trade by 2030. Exploring deals with other nations, like the EU or Vietnam, could diversify trade and cushion global shocks. This trade war is a wake-up call for India. The global economy faces turbulent times, with inflation, supply chain woes, and recession risks looming large. India, with its strategic position, can turn this crisis into a chance to shine as a manufacturing and trade hub. But it must act swiftly—streamlining policies, strengthening industries, and navigating geopolitics with finesse. As Reuters warns, the world is watching a trade war that could redefine economic power. For India, the choice is clear: adapt and thrive, or risk being swept away by the storm.

A trade war’s ripple effect: How the US-China tariff clash shakes the world and India

U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting in the White House Situation Room, and that’s on the nuclear deal talks with Iran scheduled to take place on Saturday in Oman.

Us-Iran nuke talks: US President Trump holds Situation Room meeting on Iran, officials say

Amid Trump's intensifying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economy-grew-54-in-first-quarter-but-us-tariffs-putting-pressure-on-economy-trade-8966732">trade war</a>, China is now facing tariffs up to 245% on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions, according to a White House statement.&nbsp;
This comes after China instructed its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing jets, in response to US President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs.&nbsp;
However, now, as it sums up, China now faces up to 245% tariffs on imports to the US as the two nations keep on imposing retaliatory tariffs, with no mood to negotiate.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Trump has paused tariffs on more than 75 nations, which he claims, has contacted him and the US representatives for negotiations.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-gdp-growth-defies-expectations-tariff-risks-loom-8967252">China's GDP growth defies expectations, tariff risks loom</a>
<h2>China responds&nbsp;</h2>
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to an inquiry about the 245% tariff report, saying "You can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures".&nbsp;
China further warned that it was "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the US and reiterated calls for dialogue.&nbsp;
"If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit," Lin Jian said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-opens-to-talks-with-us-amid-tariff-war-wants-trump-admin-to-show-respect-8968109">China opens to talks with US amid tariff war, wants Trump admin to show respect</a>
After China pulled out of the Boeing agreement to take delivery of aircraft it committed to, Trump took to Truth Social, saying, "Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will &lsquo;not take possession&rsquo; of fully committed to aircraft.&rdquo; He also criticised the Biden administration, saying, &ldquo;They had ZERO respect for the Crooked Biden Administration, and who can blame them for that?&rdquo;
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump is open to making a trade deal with China, but Beijing should make the first move.&nbsp;
"The ball is in China's court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don't have to make a deal with them," Leavitt told a press briefing. "China wants what we have ... the American consumer, or to put another way, they need our money," Leavitt said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-ball-is-in-chinas-court-on-beijing-to-make-tariff-deal-with-him-8967865">Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him</a>

World: This comes after China instructed its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing jets, in response to US President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs.

Amid Trump's intensifying trade war, China is now facing tariffs up to 245% on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions, according to a White House statement. This comes after China instructed its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing jets, in response to US President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs. However, now, as it sums up, China now faces up to 245% tariffs on imports to the US as the two nations keep on imposing retaliatory tariffs, with no mood to negotiate. Meanwhile, Trump has paused tariffs on more than 75 nations, which he claims, has contacted him and the US representatives for negotiations. WATCH | China's GDP growth defies expectations, tariff risks loom China responds China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to an inquiry about the 245% tariff report, saying "You can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures". China further warned that it was "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the US and reiterated calls for dialogue. "If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit," Lin Jian said. Also read: China opens to talks with US amid tariff war, wants Trump admin to show respect After China pulled out of the Boeing agreement to take delivery of aircraft it committed to, Trump took to Truth Social, saying, "Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will ‘not take possession’ of fully committed to aircraft.” He also criticised the Biden administration, saying, “They had ZERO respect for the Crooked Biden Administration, and who can blame them for that?” On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump is open to making a trade deal with China, but Beijing should make the first move. "The ball is in China's court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don't have to make a deal with them," Leavitt told a press briefing. "China wants what we have ... the American consumer, or to put another way, they need our money," Leavitt said. Also read: Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him

'Stop threatening': China warns after US slaps Beijing with whopping 245% tariffs

China has reportedly said that it will be open to talks with the United States (US) but wants the US&nbsp;administration to show more respect amid disparaging remarks by members of its cabinet. This comes even as US President Donald Trump's administration announced a sweeping new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports, sharply escalating the trade conflict between the United States and China.&nbsp;
Other conditions include a more consistent US position and a willingness to address China&rsquo;s concerns around American sanctions and Taiwan, as per a report in Bloomberg.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/open-to-a-deal-trump-optimistic-about-striking-a-deal-with-china-amid-tariff-row-8952798">'Open to a deal': Trump 'optimistic' about striking a deal with China amid tariff row</a>
Earlier on Friday (Apr 11), US President Donald Trump said that he is now "optimistic" about striking a deal with China. Furthur, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement that she said Trump had dictated: "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them." Meanwhile, China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told the head of the World Trade Organization that US tariffs will "inflict serious harm" on poor nations.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-gave-85000-visas-to-indians-this-year-8966876">China says gave 85,000 visas to Indians this year</a>
<h2>China-US tariff war&nbsp;</h2>
China had a pre-existing 67 per cent tariff on US goods, while the US charged 10 per cent. However, on 'Liberation Day', US President Donald Trump announced &lsquo;reciprocal tariffs&rsquo; and imposed 104 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods. China hit back with 84 per cent tariffs as a retaliatory measure in place of 34 per cent that it had already announced. On April 9, Trump paused tariffs for all countries for 90 days but increased China's tariff to 145%.&nbsp; In retaliation, China slapped fresh tariffs of 125 per cent on April 11 and said that it would "ignore" further tariff hikes by Trump.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-back-with-125-per-cent-tariff-at-us-says-will-ignore-further-retaliation-from-trump-admin-8950598">China hits back with 125 per cent tariff at US, says will ignore further retaliation from Trump admin</a>
Previously, in February, the US announced 10 per cent tariffs on China. Beijing retaliated with a 15 per cent tariff on US coal and liquefied natural gas products, and a 10 per cent tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-displacement cars.
The US then raised tariffs by another 10 per cent, bringing levies against Chinese imports to 20 per cent. China retaliated by imposing a 15 per cent tariff on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and a 10 per cent tariff on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-wto-head-us-tariffs-will-inflict-serious-harm-on-developing-countries-8955884">China to WTO head: 'US tariffs will inflict serious harm on developing countries'</a>

World | China said that it will be open to talks with the US but wants the US administration to show more respect amid disparaging remarks by members of its cabinet.

China has reportedly said that it will be open to talks with the United States (US) but wants the US administration to show more respect amid disparaging remarks by members of its cabinet. This comes even as US President Donald Trump's administration announced a sweeping new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports, sharply escalating the trade conflict between the United States and China. Other conditions include a more consistent US position and a willingness to address China’s concerns around American sanctions and Taiwan, as per a report in Bloomberg. Read More | 'Open to a deal': Trump 'optimistic' about striking a deal with China amid tariff row Earlier on Friday (Apr 11), US President Donald Trump said that he is now "optimistic" about striking a deal with China. Furthur, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement that she said Trump had dictated: "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them." Meanwhile, China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told the head of the World Trade Organization that US tariffs will "inflict serious harm" on poor nations. Read More | China says gave 85,000 visas to Indians this year China-US tariff war China had a pre-existing 67 per cent tariff on US goods, while the US charged 10 per cent. However, on 'Liberation Day', US President Donald Trump announced ‘reciprocal tariffs’ and imposed 104 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods. China hit back with 84 per cent tariffs as a retaliatory measure in place of 34 per cent that it had already announced. On April 9, Trump paused tariffs for all countries for 90 days but increased China's tariff to 145%. In retaliation, China slapped fresh tariffs of 125 per cent on April 11 and said that it would "ignore" further tariff hikes by Trump. Read More | China hits back with 125 per cent tariff at US, says will ignore further retaliation from Trump admin Previously, in February, the US announced 10 per cent tariffs on China. Beijing retaliated with a 15 per cent tariff on US coal and liquefied natural gas products, and a 10 per cent tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-displacement cars. The US then raised tariffs by another 10 per cent, bringing levies against Chinese imports to 20 per cent. China retaliated by imposing a 15 per cent tariff on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and a 10 per cent tariff on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Read More | China to WTO head: 'US tariffs will inflict serious harm on developing countries'

China open to talks with US amid tariff war, wants Trump admin to show respect

President Donald Trump has called for revoking Harvard University's tax-exempt status, escalating a high-profile clash between the White House and the Ivy League institution. Harvard has rejected federal demands, resulting in a major funding loss reportedly worth billions.

Harvard University sees $2.2bn funding freeze after defying Trump |

Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, has called for the complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear program, marking a significant shift from earlier remarks suggesting low-level enrichment could continue. Witkoff emphasized that any future agreement must be a "Trump deal." With a second round of US-Iran talks scheduled for next weekend, tensions are rising.

US-Iran talks: Trump envoy demands Iran must stop enrichment in apparent u-turn

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1