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US President Donald Trump said "the ball was now in Beijing's court" to make a tariff deal with Washington.
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."
"There's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger, and China wants what we have, what every country wants, what we have -- the American consumer -- or to put another way, they need our money," the statement added.&nbsp;
This comes as China ordered airlines to halt Boeing jet deliveries in response to the US increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent.
In a post on his Truth Social handle, Trump, on Tuesday (Apr 15), "Our farmers are GREAT, but because of their GREATNESS, they are always put on the Front Line with our adversaries, such as China, whenever there is a Trade negotiation or, in this case, a Trade War. The same thing happened in my First Term. China was brutal to our Farmers, I these Patriots to just hold on, and a great trade deal was made. I rewarded our farmers with a payment of $28 Billion Dollars, all through the China deal. It was a great transaction for the USA, until Crooked Joe Biden came in and didn&rsquo;t enforce it."
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114342518862792060/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

"China largely reneged on the deal (although they behaved during the Trump Administration), only buying a portion of what they agreed to buy. They had ZERO respect for the Crooked Biden Administration, and who can blame them for that? Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will &ldquo;not take possession&rdquo; of fully committed to aircraft. The USA will PROTECT OUR FARMERS!!!," he added.
WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-trade-war-china-to-suspend-aircraft-related-purchases-from-us-firms-report-8966250">US-China trade war: China to suspend aircraft-related purchases from US firms: Report</a>
<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_TARIFF_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1504_ARJUN_TARIFF_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=247&amp;tags=US, China, Trade War, World News, WION" title="US-China trade war: China to suspend aircraft-related purchases from US firms: Report" id="PL_iframe_block-m9joq55m-m7t6atug-hwieja04"></iframe>
<h2>Trump alleges China-Vietnam talks aimed at undermining US interests</h2>
Trump suggested that China's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam was likely a strategy to &ldquo;screw&rdquo; the United States.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t blame China. I don&rsquo;t blame Vietnam. I don&rsquo;t. I see they&rsquo;re meeting today. Is that wonderful? That&rsquo;s a lovely meeting &hellip; like trying to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America?&rdquo; he told reporters in the Oval Office, claiming that Joe Biden had lost &ldquo;trillions of dollars&rdquo; in trade to China.
Trump's comments came while discussing tariffs and potential exemptions for automobiles and auto parts.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t blame President Xi,&rdquo; he said in the Oval Office during a joint news briefing with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. &ldquo;I like him. He likes me. I mean, you know, who knows?&rdquo;
Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Monday, met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and To Lam, the nation&rsquo;s Communist Party general secretary.
He said, &ldquo;We must strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains.&rdquo;&nbsp;

World news: US President Donald Trump suggested that China's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam was likely a strategy to “screw” the United States.

US President Donald Trump said "the ball was now in Beijing's court" to make a tariff deal with Washington. 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." "There's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger, and China wants what we have, what every country wants, what we have -- the American consumer -- or to put another way, they need our money," the statement added. This comes as China ordered airlines to halt Boeing jet deliveries in response to the US increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent. In a post on his Truth Social handle, Trump, on Tuesday (Apr 15), "Our farmers are GREAT, but because of their GREATNESS, they are always put on the Front Line with our adversaries, such as China, whenever there is a Trade negotiation or, in this case, a Trade War. The same thing happened in my First Term. China was brutal to our Farmers, I these Patriots to just hold on, and a great trade deal was made. I rewarded our farmers with a payment of $28 Billion Dollars, all through the China deal. It was a great transaction for the USA, until Crooked Joe Biden came in and didn’t enforce it." "China largely reneged on the deal (although they behaved during the Trump Administration), only buying a portion of what they agreed to buy. They had ZERO respect for the Crooked Biden Administration, and who can blame them for that? Interestingly, they just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will “not take possession” of fully committed to aircraft. The USA will PROTECT OUR FARMERS!!!," he added. WATCH | US-China trade war: China to suspend aircraft-related purchases from US firms: Report Trump alleges China-Vietnam talks aimed at undermining US interests Trump suggested that China's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam was likely a strategy to “screw” the United States. “I don’t blame China. I don’t blame Vietnam. I don’t. I see they’re meeting today. Is that wonderful? That’s a lovely meeting … like trying to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America?” he told reporters in the Oval Office, claiming that Joe Biden had lost “trillions of dollars” in trade to China. Trump's comments came while discussing tariffs and potential exemptions for automobiles and auto parts. “I don’t blame President Xi,” he said in the Oval Office during a joint news briefing with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. “I like him. He likes me. I mean, you know, who knows?” Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Monday, met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and To Lam, the nation’s Communist Party general secretary. He said, “We must strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains.”

Trump says 'ball is in China's court' on Beijing to make tariff deal with him

Canadian scientists have accurately measured the weight of phytoplankton, marine plants that are so tiny that the naked eye cannot see them. They used a sophisticated network of 903 robotic floats to look deep inside the oceans and found that these life-sustaining phytoplankton form 346 million tonnes of organic matter, journalist Jason Deegan reported in his website.
The global biomass of phytoplankton was revealed by the robots being operated under the Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) program. Even though they aren't visible, they make up an astounding amount of matter under the world's oceans. According to the report, 346 million tonnes is roughly the same as the weight of 250 million elephants.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/youth-is-more-worried-about-money-and-work-than-social-media-climate-or-culture-war-poll-8911318" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Youth more worried about money and work than social media, climate or culture war: Poll</a>
The discovery tells how vast marine life is. Deegan reported that a marine biologist described this finding as &ldquo;a silent revolution.
<h2>Phytoplankton, the hidden superheroes of our planet</h2>
Phytoplankton are like hidden superheroes; you can't see them, but they play a crucial role in saving our planet.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/acid-rain-in-the-us-can-return-under-trump-scientist-warns-8898712" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Scientist who discovered acid rain warns it could return under Trump</a>
They lie at the bottom of the oceanic food chain, the most crucial element. These marine plants are responsible for climate regulation as they produce around 50 per cent of the world&rsquo;s oxygen through photosynthesis. They also absorb heat from the environment, capturing massive amounts of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;
This discovery and the use of robotic floats fill a major gap in the prediction and monitoring of the climate. Satellites alone cannot identify what is going on in the depths of the oceans. This is where these robots enter and are capable of offering a better picture of the ocean&rsquo;s carbon cycle.&nbsp;
<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/2403_SUMIT_OCEANS_11PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2403_SUMIT_OCEANS_11PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=215&amp;tags=Climate, Global Warming, World News, WION" title="CO2 and heat absorption by oceans could regulate climate" id="PL_iframe_block-m9jmlmka-w64nqt1j-13rww3l4"></iframe>
Researchers also say that the data collected by the robots can help form better climate models and, in turn, can lead to devising effective strategies to fight global warming.&nbsp;
Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today. Several policies and agreements aim at combatting global warming and controlling the rising temperatures across the world. The use of newer technology, such as the Canadian robotic floats, can help man clearly understand the changes in the environment and work accordingly to cool down the planet.&nbsp;

Canadian scientists have discovered the total weight of a marine organism that lives inside the ocean and is crucial for the world's ecosystem. World | Trending

Canadian scientists have accurately measured the weight of phytoplankton, marine plants that are so tiny that the naked eye cannot see them. They used a sophisticated network of 903 robotic floats to look deep inside the oceans and found that these life-sustaining phytoplankton form 346 million tonnes of organic matter, journalist Jason Deegan reported in his website. The global biomass of phytoplankton was revealed by the robots being operated under the Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) program. Even though they aren't visible, they make up an astounding amount of matter under the world's oceans. According to the report, 346 million tonnes is roughly the same as the weight of 250 million elephants. Also Read: Youth more worried about money and work than social media, climate or culture war: Poll The discovery tells how vast marine life is. Deegan reported that a marine biologist described this finding as “a silent revolution. Phytoplankton, the hidden superheroes of our planet Phytoplankton are like hidden superheroes; you can't see them, but they play a crucial role in saving our planet. Also Read: Scientist who discovered acid rain warns it could return under Trump They lie at the bottom of the oceanic food chain, the most crucial element. These marine plants are responsible for climate regulation as they produce around 50 per cent of the world’s oxygen through photosynthesis. They also absorb heat from the environment, capturing massive amounts of carbon dioxide. This discovery and the use of robotic floats fill a major gap in the prediction and monitoring of the climate. Satellites alone cannot identify what is going on in the depths of the oceans. This is where these robots enter and are capable of offering a better picture of the ocean’s carbon cycle. Researchers also say that the data collected by the robots can help form better climate models and, in turn, can lead to devising effective strategies to fight global warming. Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today. Several policies and agreements aim at combatting global warming and controlling the rising temperatures across the world. The use of newer technology, such as the Canadian robotic floats, can help man clearly understand the changes in the environment and work accordingly to cool down the planet.

Organism equivalent to weight of 250 million elephants hiding inside world's oceans

Wire services including Reuters and Bloomberg News will no longer hold a permanent slot in the small pool of reporters who cover President Donald Trump, the White House said on Tuesday, as it moves to exert greater control over who gets to ask him questions and report on his statements in real time. The decision comes after the Trump administration last week lost a court challenge brought by another wire service, the Associated Press, over its earlier exclusion from the press pool. The pool typically consists of around 10 outlets that follow the president wherever he goes, whether it is a meeting in the Oval Office where he makes statements or answers questions, or trips at home or abroad.
Under the new policy, wire services will lose their customary spot in the pool and will instead be part of a larger rotation with about 30 other newspaper and print outlets. Given their mission to deliver real-time information to other news organizations and readers, wire services tend to cover the president and the White House more closely on a daily basis than most outlets. Other media customers, particularly local news organizations that have no presence in Washington, rely on the wires for up-to-date reporting, video and audio.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europes-biggest-drug-bust-234-arrested-in-coordinated-raids-8967563">Europe's biggest drug bust: 234 arrested in coordinated raids</a>
Financial markets are also dependent on the wire services&rsquo; real-time reports of statements the president makes. "Reuters news coverage reaches billions of people each day, mostly through the thousands of news organizations around the world that subscribe to Reuters services," a Reuters spokesperson said. "It is essential to democracy that the public have access to independent, impartial and accurate news about their government. Any steps by the US government to limit access to the president threatens that principle, both for the public and the world&rsquo;s media."&nbsp;Reuters remains committed to covering the White House in an impartial, accurate and independent way, the spokesperson added.
AP said the administration's actions were a grave disservice to the American people. "We are deeply disappointed that the administration has chosen to restrict the access of all wire services, whose fast and accurate White House coverage informs billions of people every single day, rather than reinstate The Associated Press to the wire pool," spokesperson Lauren Easton said in a statement to Reuters.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-postal-service-says-to-stop-shipping-us-bound-goods-8967401">Hong Kong's postal service says to stop shipping US-bound goods</a>
Bloomberg did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Until the current administration, the three wire services - AP, Bloomberg and Reuters - were all standard members of the pool. But the White House barred AP in February after it refused to refer to the body of water south of the United States as the "Gulf of America" as Trump had ordered it be called. After shutting out the AP, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said her team would determine "who gets to enjoy the very privileged and limited access in spaces such as Air Force One and the Oval Office." Up until then those places had been decided by the White House Correspondents' Association, an organization made up of journalists who cover the White House and the president.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-talks-trump-envoy-demands-iran-must-stop-enrichment-in-apparent-u-turn-8967560">US-Iran talks: Trump envoy demands Iran must stop enrichment in apparent u-turn</a>
Last week, a federal judge in Washington ordered the administration to allow AP journalists to attend events open to similar types of news organizations in the Oval Office and on Air Force One, as well as larger spaces in the White House while its lawsuit moves forward. The judge found Trump's White House retaliated against the AP over its editorial choices, violating protections for free speech under the US Constitution. The White House is appealing the ruling.
According to guidance provided to Reuters by a White House official on Tuesday, Leavitt will have the discretion to determine the members of the pool on a daily basis &ldquo;to ensure that the president&rsquo;s message reaches targeted audiences and that outlets with applicable subject-matter expertise are present as events warrant." The official said outlets will be eligible to be included in the pool "irrespective of the substantive viewpoint expressed by an outlet."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-court-grants-imran-khan-medical-examination-and-call-with-son-8967568">Pakistan court grants Imran Khan medical examination and call with son</a>
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Wire services including Reuters and Bloomberg News will no longer hold a permanent slot in the small pool of reporters who cover President Donald Trump

Wire services including Reuters and Bloomberg News will no longer hold a permanent slot in the small pool of reporters who cover President Donald Trump, the White House said on Tuesday, as it moves to exert greater control over who gets to ask him questions and report on his statements in real time. The decision comes after the Trump administration last week lost a court challenge brought by another wire service, the Associated Press, over its earlier exclusion from the press pool. The pool typically consists of around 10 outlets that follow the president wherever he goes, whether it is a meeting in the Oval Office where he makes statements or answers questions, or trips at home or abroad. Under the new policy, wire services will lose their customary spot in the pool and will instead be part of a larger rotation with about 30 other newspaper and print outlets. Given their mission to deliver real-time information to other news organizations and readers, wire services tend to cover the president and the White House more closely on a daily basis than most outlets. Other media customers, particularly local news organizations that have no presence in Washington, rely on the wires for up-to-date reporting, video and audio. Europe's biggest drug bust: 234 arrested in coordinated raids Financial markets are also dependent on the wire services’ real-time reports of statements the president makes. "Reuters news coverage reaches billions of people each day, mostly through the thousands of news organizations around the world that subscribe to Reuters services," a Reuters spokesperson said. "It is essential to democracy that the public have access to independent, impartial and accurate news about their government. Any steps by the US government to limit access to the president threatens that principle, both for the public and the world’s media." Reuters remains committed to covering the White House in an impartial, accurate and independent way, the spokesperson added. AP said the administration's actions were a grave disservice to the American people. "We are deeply disappointed that the administration has chosen to restrict the access of all wire services, whose fast and accurate White House coverage informs billions of people every single day, rather than reinstate The Associated Press to the wire pool," spokesperson Lauren Easton said in a statement to Reuters. Hong Kong's postal service says to stop shipping US-bound goods Bloomberg did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Until the current administration, the three wire services - AP, Bloomberg and Reuters - were all standard members of the pool. But the White House barred AP in February after it refused to refer to the body of water south of the United States as the "Gulf of America" as Trump had ordered it be called. After shutting out the AP, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said her team would determine "who gets to enjoy the very privileged and limited access in spaces such as Air Force One and the Oval Office." Up until then those places had been decided by the White House Correspondents' Association, an organization made up of journalists who cover the White House and the president. US-Iran talks: Trump envoy demands Iran must stop enrichment in apparent u-turn Last week, a federal judge in Washington ordered the administration to allow AP journalists to attend events open to similar types of news organizations in the Oval Office and on Air Force One, as well as larger spaces in the White House while its lawsuit moves forward. The judge found Trump's White House retaliated against the AP over its editorial choices, violating protections for free speech under the US Constitution. The White House is appealing the ruling. According to guidance provided to Reuters by a White House official on Tuesday, Leavitt will have the discretion to determine the members of the pool on a daily basis “to ensure that the president’s message reaches targeted audiences and that outlets with applicable subject-matter expertise are present as events warrant." The official said outlets will be eligible to be included in the pool "irrespective of the substantive viewpoint expressed by an outlet." Pakistan court grants Imran Khan medical examination and call with son Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Donald Trump's latest media crackdown: White House restricts Reuters, Bloomberg access to president

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Tuesday that they are "looking into" the legality of sending US citizens to prisons in El Salvador.&nbsp;
On being asked by a reporter if the White House believes it has the power to deport American citizens to Central America prisons or if it has to change the law to do so, Leavitt said: "It's another question that the president has raised."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-accuses-donald-trump-of-taking-hatchet-to-social-security-in-first-post-presidency-speech-8966579">Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech</a>&nbsp;
"It's a legal question that the president is looking into," Leavitt &nbsp;said, further adding that President Donald Trump "would only consider this, if legal, for Americans who are the most violent, egregious, repeat offenders of crime who nobody in this room wants living in their communities."&nbsp;
During the presser, Leavitt was also asked to explain the legal basis for sending citizens to El Salvador prisons, she said: "We're looking at it."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-trying-to-beat-trumps-tariffs-iphones-worth-2-billion-airlifted-from-india-ahead-of-us-import-duties-8966192">Apple trying to beat Trump&rsquo;s tariffs? iPhones worth $2 billion airlifted from India ahead of US import duties</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Trump would 'love' to do it</h2>
Trump said that he would "love" to deport "homegrown" US citizens who commit violent crimes to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador.&nbsp;
"I call them homegrown criminals," Trump said according to excerpts of an interview with Fox Noticias, a Spanish-language program being broadcast later Tuesday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-postal-service-says-to-stop-shipping-us-bound-goods-8967401">Hong Kong's postal service says to stop shipping US-bound goods</a>
"The ones that grew up and something went wrong and they hit people over the head with a baseball bat and push people into subways," he added.
"We are looking into it and we want to do it. I would love to do it."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/does-us-want-to-dismantle-irans-nuclear-programme-or-cap-uranium-enrichment-read-details-8963178">Does US want to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, or cap uranium enrichment? Read details</a>
The idea was discussed during Trump's Monday meeting at the Oval Office with Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele as he said that he would need more prisons in El Salvador to house the "criminals" the US would send.&nbsp;
"I said homegrowns are next, the homegrowns. You gotta build about five more places," Trump told Bukele at the meeting.&nbsp;
Watch this report:&nbsp;
<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/1604_CITIZENS_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1604_CITIZENS_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=183&amp;tags=trump, bukele, deportation, el salvador" title="Trump suggests jailing US citizen in El Salvador amid uproar " id="PL_iframe_block-m9jmh2k4-vpcebt5s-ddqxa6wh"></iframe>
Bukele made the extraordinary offer to take in prisoners from the United States shortly after Trump's inauguration for a second term.&nbsp;
Trump has already sent more than 250 migrants there, mostly under a centuries-old wartime law that deprives them of due process -- in exchange for a fee of $6 million paid to El Salvador.&nbsp;

World | Bukele made the extraordinary offer to take in prisoners from the United States shortly after Trump's inauguration for a second term

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Tuesday that they are "looking into" the legality of sending US citizens to prisons in El Salvador. On being asked by a reporter if the White House believes it has the power to deport American citizens to Central America prisons or if it has to change the law to do so, Leavitt said: "It's another question that the president has raised." Also read: Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech "It's a legal question that the president is looking into," Leavitt said, further adding that President Donald Trump "would only consider this, if legal, for Americans who are the most violent, egregious, repeat offenders of crime who nobody in this room wants living in their communities." During the presser, Leavitt was also asked to explain the legal basis for sending citizens to El Salvador prisons, she said: "We're looking at it." Also read: Apple trying to beat Trump’s tariffs? iPhones worth $2 billion airlifted from India ahead of US import duties Trump would 'love' to do it Trump said that he would "love" to deport "homegrown" US citizens who commit violent crimes to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. "I call them homegrown criminals," Trump said according to excerpts of an interview with Fox Noticias, a Spanish-language program being broadcast later Tuesday. Also read: Hong Kong's postal service says to stop shipping US-bound goods "The ones that grew up and something went wrong and they hit people over the head with a baseball bat and push people into subways," he added. "We are looking into it and we want to do it. I would love to do it." Also read: Does US want to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, or cap uranium enrichment? Read details The idea was discussed during Trump's Monday meeting at the Oval Office with Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele as he said that he would need more prisons in El Salvador to house the "criminals" the US would send. "I said homegrowns are next, the homegrowns. You gotta build about five more places," Trump told Bukele at the meeting. Watch this report: Bukele made the extraordinary offer to take in prisoners from the United States shortly after Trump's inauguration for a second term. Trump has already sent more than 250 migrants there, mostly under a centuries-old wartime law that deprives them of due process -- in exchange for a fee of $6 million paid to El Salvador.

White House explores legality of sending US citizens to El Salvador jail: Trump says 'would love to...'

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Hong&nbsp;Kong's postal service said Wednesday it will stop shipping goods bound for the United States in response to "bullying" tariff hikes by US President Donald Trump.
Hongkong&nbsp;Post said it will "definitely not collect any... tariffs on behalf of the US and will suspend the acceptance of postal items containing goods destined to the US".
It added that it will stop accepting surface mail of US-bound items with immediate effect and air mail items starting from April 27.
Trump signed an order this month to scrap a duty-free exemption for small parcels from China, a rule that critics say aided the rise of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu.
The "de minimis" exemption allowed goods valued at $800 or under to enter the United States without paying duties or certain taxes.
Beijing and Washington have been locked in a fast-moving, high-stakes game of brinkmanship since the US president began his global tariff assault that has particularly targeted Chinese imports.
US duties on China are now at an eye-watering 145 percent, while Beijing has hit back with a 125 percent toll of its own on US imports.
Hong&nbsp;Kong, a free port with its own trade policies, has not followed China's lead in imposing retaliatory levies.
"The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively," the&nbsp;Hongkong&nbsp;Post said in its Wednesday statement.
"For sending items to the US, the public in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees."
For US-bound surface mail parcels that have not yet been shipped, the service will contact the senders to return the items and refund postage starting April 22.
Postal items containing documents only will not be affected, it added.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
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World | It added that it will stop accepting surface mail of US-bound items with immediate effect and air mail items starting from April 27

Hong Kong's postal service said Wednesday it will stop shipping goods bound for the United States in response to "bullying" tariff hikes by US President Donald Trump. Hongkong Post said it will "definitely not collect any... tariffs on behalf of the US and will suspend the acceptance of postal items containing goods destined to the US". It added that it will stop accepting surface mail of US-bound items with immediate effect and air mail items starting from April 27. Trump signed an order this month to scrap a duty-free exemption for small parcels from China, a rule that critics say aided the rise of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu. The "de minimis" exemption allowed goods valued at $800 or under to enter the United States without paying duties or certain taxes. Beijing and Washington have been locked in a fast-moving, high-stakes game of brinkmanship since the US president began his global tariff assault that has particularly targeted Chinese imports. US duties on China are now at an eye-watering 145 percent, while Beijing has hit back with a 125 percent toll of its own on US imports. Hong Kong, a free port with its own trade policies, has not followed China's lead in imposing retaliatory levies. "The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively," the Hongkong Post said in its Wednesday statement. "For sending items to the US, the public in Hong Kong should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees." For US-bound surface mail parcels that have not yet been shipped, the service will contact the senders to return the items and refund postage starting April 22. Postal items containing documents only will not be affected, it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hong Kong's postal service says to stop shipping US-bound goods

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration in the United States from deporting a 21-year-old undergraduate Indian whose student visa was cancelled. Krish Lal Isserdasani, a student of the University of Wisconsin&ndash;Madison, has been pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer engineering with an F-1 student visa since 2021. F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic programme or English Language Program at a US college or university.
News agency PTI reported that his court documents revealed that Isserdasani is now in the final semester of his senior year, with less than 30 days remaining until an expected graduation on May 10, 2025. On April 4, 2025, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's International Student Services (ISS) office informed Isserdasani by email that his Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) record had been terminated. According to the email, his authorisation to remain in the United States ends on May 2, 2025, before completing his final semester and graduating on May 10.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-indian-students-in-trumps-us-are-facing-deportation-drunk-driving-shoplifting-speeding-8941370" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding'</a>
<h2>Indian student's appeal in court</h2>
As per PTI, Isserdasani acknowledged that he was arrested on November 22, 2024, after he and his friends got into a verbal argument with another group while walking home late at night from a bar. Although Isserdasani was arrested for disorderly conduct, the District Attorney declined to pursue charges after reviewing the case. As a result, Isserdasani never had to appear in court and believed the matter was completely resolved with no possible immigration consequences, adding that aside from this encounter, Isserdasani has had no other interactions with law enforcement.
Read More | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-donald-trump-administration-arrested-pro-palestine-mahmoud-khalil-everything-you-need-to-know-8841604" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why did Trump administration arrest pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil? What we know</a>
The court papers state that Isserdasani received no communication from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the university, or the State Department regarding any revocation of his visa. He was given no warning, no opportunity to explain or defend himself, and no chance to correct any potential misunderstanding before his F-1 student visa record was terminated in SEVIS, as per PTI report.
The court papers also elaborated on the psychological impact of the termination on Isserdasani. The document said that he is so afraid to leave his apartment for fear of being apprehended at any moment.
<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/2903_SUMIT_STUDENT_12PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2903_SUMIT_STUDENT_12PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=181&amp;tags=usa, students, deportation, self deportation, emails" title="US international students wake up to self-deportation emails" id="PL_iframe_block-m9jn0ro1-bxcvk3gp-23pzw8du"></iframe>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-pro-palestine-columbia-activist-arrested-at-us-citizenship-interview-8963146">Columbia pro-Palestine activist arrested after arriving at immigration office for US citizenship interview: Who is he</a>
<h2>'First national victories for international student'</h2>
District Judge William Conley said in an order that Isserdasani's motion for a temporary restraining order is granted. The court will hold a preliminary injunction hearing in the case on April 28.
Madison attorney Shabnam Lotfi said that the order is believed to be one of the first national victories for international student visa holders whose records were terminated. About 1,300 students nationwide have seen their SEVIS records terminated abruptly.&nbsp;The targeting of foreign nationals affiliated with prestigious American universities comes amid the Trump administration's larger immigration crackdown. Recently,&nbsp;Columbia University's Mohsen Mahdawi, Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University's Rumeysa Ozturk were detained and faes deportation. 
Read More | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-student-permanent-us-resident-sues-trump-administration-for-trying-to-deport-her-8887931" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Columbia University student, permanent US resident, sues Trump administration for trying to deport her</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, India News | US federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of an Indian student whose visa was cancelled and he will be deported just 30 days ahead of her graduation

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration in the United States from deporting a 21-year-old undergraduate Indian whose student visa was cancelled. Krish Lal Isserdasani, a student of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer engineering with an F-1 student visa since 2021. F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic programme or English Language Program at a US college or university. News agency PTI reported that his court documents revealed that Isserdasani is now in the final semester of his senior year, with less than 30 days remaining until an expected graduation on May 10, 2025. On April 4, 2025, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's International Student Services (ISS) office informed Isserdasani by email that his Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) record had been terminated. According to the email, his authorisation to remain in the United States ends on May 2, 2025, before completing his final semester and graduating on May 10. Read More | Why Indian students in Trump's US facing deportation: 'Drunk driving, shoplifting, speeding' Indian student's appeal in court As per PTI, Isserdasani acknowledged that he was arrested on November 22, 2024, after he and his friends got into a verbal argument with another group while walking home late at night from a bar. Although Isserdasani was arrested for disorderly conduct, the District Attorney declined to pursue charges after reviewing the case. As a result, Isserdasani never had to appear in court and believed the matter was completely resolved with no possible immigration consequences, adding that aside from this encounter, Isserdasani has had no other interactions with law enforcement. Read More | Why did Trump administration arrest pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil? What we know The court papers state that Isserdasani received no communication from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the university, or the State Department regarding any revocation of his visa. He was given no warning, no opportunity to explain or defend himself, and no chance to correct any potential misunderstanding before his F-1 student visa record was terminated in SEVIS, as per PTI report. The court papers also elaborated on the psychological impact of the termination on Isserdasani. The document said that he is so afraid to leave his apartment for fear of being apprehended at any moment. Read More | Columbia pro-Palestine activist arrested after arriving at immigration office for US citizenship interview: Who is he 'First national victories for international student' District Judge William Conley said in an order that Isserdasani's motion for a temporary restraining order is granted. The court will hold a preliminary injunction hearing in the case on April 28. Madison attorney Shabnam Lotfi said that the order is believed to be one of the first national victories for international student visa holders whose records were terminated. About 1,300 students nationwide have seen their SEVIS records terminated abruptly. The targeting of foreign nationals affiliated with prestigious American universities comes amid the Trump administration's larger immigration crackdown. Recently, Columbia University's Mohsen Mahdawi, Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University's Rumeysa Ozturk were detained and faes deportation. Read More | Columbia University student, permanent US resident, sues Trump administration for trying to deport her (With inputs from agencies)

Deportation of Indian student with less than 30 days for graduation temporarily blocked by US judge

Jesus Christ's body and the Ark of the Covenant are hidden inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, a scientist has claimed. British anthropologist Dr Warner says that the two historical artefacts are placed within the "Cave of the Patriarchs", a secret chamber underneath the pyramid.
Warner says that Christ's tomb and the Ark of the Covenant are kept inside a double-cave sealed off by a huge stone block. This cave is near one particular tunnel called the Southern Passageway. He says that the final stone block of the tunnel is not where the structure ends. Warner claims that his years of surveying have revealed the presence of man-made structures beyond this point.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-detect-huge-city-under-the-giza-pyramids-in-egypt-8880016" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say</a>
He is sure that something else is hidden under the pyramid, and he claims they are the sarcophagus of Jesus Christ and the legendary Ark of the Covenant. The latter is a sacred, gold-plated wooden chest that has been mentioned in Christianity and Judaism and is said to carry the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God.
&nbsp;
<h2>Pictures and videos from 'deepest, remotest' part of the pyramid</h2>
Warner has been carrying out extensive research in the area for 10 years and presented his findings to the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities in 2021. The Director of the Science Office said the discovery is "a scientific revolution...for the benefit of all humanity".
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-did-not-build-worlds-oldest-pyramid-25000-years-ago-but-was-created-by-747654" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Humans DID NOT build world&rsquo;s oldest pyramid 25,000 years ago, but was created by...</a>
He has backed his claims with pictures and videos taken from the "deepest, and most remote part of the original pyramid structure; carved out of the bedrock itself," Daily Star reported him as saying.
<h2>All historical monuments in holy books refer to the Great Pyramid</h2>
He compared the clues from the holy books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam with ancient writings on the clay tablets of Mesopotamia. Warned analysed the information and concluded that places like &ldquo;Mount Sinai&rdquo;, the &ldquo;Mountain of Israel&rdquo;, the &ldquo;Mount of Olives&rdquo;, &ldquo;Mount Zion&rdquo;, and the Quran&rsquo;s &ldquo;Mountain of Light&rdquo;, all referred to the Great Pyramid.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pyramid-or-mountain-perfectly-shaped-structure-in-antarctica-baffles-earthlings-765462" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pyramid or mountain? Perfectly shaped structure in Antarctica baffles Earthlings</a>
He also believes that Jesus delivered his &ldquo;Sermon on the Mount&rdquo; at the pyramid. Warner now wants the final stone at the end of the Southern Passageway to be removed. But his research has hit a hurdle.&nbsp;
After he had submitted his data to the Egyptian officials, he was appointed as a consultant for the Scan Pyramids Mission. This is an international consortium of scientists and engineers from France, Canada, Japan, and Egypt.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-maps-users-see-teleportation-device-near-giza-pyramids-8913680" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Google Maps users think they have spotted a 'teleportation device' near Giza pyramids</a>
Warner says that the team agreed to scan beyond the final block of the Southern passageway on the condition that he shares his data with them.
<h2>Work on scanning through the tunnel has hit a hurdle&nbsp;</h2>
However, the work on muon radiation particles to look beyond the supposed second cave has come to a halt. Warner says the team is not upholding its promise. He has appealed to the Prime Minster of Lebanon to help him and prevent an "international row". He specifically cites Zahi Hawass, Egypt&rsquo;s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, as "an obstacle to progress". &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
Hawass sees himself as "the guardian of the pyramids", and Warner says while the highest authorities in Egypt are excited by his discovery, the old guard is creating problems.
Warner wants the issue to be resolved and believes that his discovery can bring "peace in the Middle East".

Jesus Christ's body and the Ark of the Covenant are inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, a British scientist claims. But his research has now hit a hurdle. World | Trending

Jesus Christ's body and the Ark of the Covenant are hidden inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, a scientist has claimed. British anthropologist Dr Warner says that the two historical artefacts are placed within the "Cave of the Patriarchs", a secret chamber underneath the pyramid. Warner says that Christ's tomb and the Ark of the Covenant are kept inside a double-cave sealed off by a huge stone block. This cave is near one particular tunnel called the Southern Passageway. He says that the final stone block of the tunnel is not where the structure ends. Warner claims that his years of surveying have revealed the presence of man-made structures beyond this point. Also Read: Scientists detect huge city under Giza pyramids in Egypt. Not possible, experts say He is sure that something else is hidden under the pyramid, and he claims they are the sarcophagus of Jesus Christ and the legendary Ark of the Covenant. The latter is a sacred, gold-plated wooden chest that has been mentioned in Christianity and Judaism and is said to carry the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. Pictures and videos from 'deepest, remotest' part of the pyramid Warner has been carrying out extensive research in the area for 10 years and presented his findings to the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities in 2021. The Director of the Science Office said the discovery is "a scientific revolution...for the benefit of all humanity". Also Read: Humans DID NOT build world’s oldest pyramid 25,000 years ago, but was created by... He has backed his claims with pictures and videos taken from the "deepest, and most remote part of the original pyramid structure; carved out of the bedrock itself," Daily Star reported him as saying. All historical monuments in holy books refer to the Great Pyramid He compared the clues from the holy books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam with ancient writings on the clay tablets of Mesopotamia. Warned analysed the information and concluded that places like “Mount Sinai”, the “Mountain of Israel”, the “Mount of Olives”, “Mount Zion”, and the Quran’s “Mountain of Light”, all referred to the Great Pyramid. Also Read: Pyramid or mountain? Perfectly shaped structure in Antarctica baffles Earthlings He also believes that Jesus delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” at the pyramid. Warner now wants the final stone at the end of the Southern Passageway to be removed. But his research has hit a hurdle. After he had submitted his data to the Egyptian officials, he was appointed as a consultant for the Scan Pyramids Mission. This is an international consortium of scientists and engineers from France, Canada, Japan, and Egypt. Also Read: Google Maps users think they have spotted a 'teleportation device' near Giza pyramids Warner says that the team agreed to scan beyond the final block of the Southern passageway on the condition that he shares his data with them. Work on scanning through the tunnel has hit a hurdle However, the work on muon radiation particles to look beyond the supposed second cave has come to a halt. Warner says the team is not upholding its promise. He has appealed to the Prime Minster of Lebanon to help him and prevent an "international row". He specifically cites Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, as "an obstacle to progress". Hawass sees himself as "the guardian of the pyramids", and Warner says while the highest authorities in Egypt are excited by his discovery, the old guard is creating problems. Warner wants the issue to be resolved and believes that his discovery can bring "peace in the Middle East".

Jesus Christ's body found? Scientist claims it is lying in a secret chamber under Great Pyramid

Katy Perry's maiden flight to space is attracting criticism. The singer was part of the all-female crew that took a trip that William Shatner once called "like a funeral". Perry, Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn hopped onto Blue Shepard and went to space on April 14. The entire thing lasted a few minutes, and people are pointing out the wastefulness of the exercise.
Shatner, who was a part of Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin mission in 2021, at the time said some heart-wrenching words about being in space. He compared it to a "funeral" and a cold place where nothing exists. "My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral," he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katy-perry-space-flight-trolled-singer-faces-criticism-on-tone-deaf-flight-on-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-all-female-crew-see-viral-posts-8964857" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Vapid' Katy Perry trolled for 'tone-deaf' Blue Origin space flight that lasted few seconds</a>
His quote from four years back is not going viral amidst the latest Blue Origin voyage to space.&nbsp;
An X user named silvergelpen posted the quote and questioned why anybody who is not an astronaut would want to go to space after hearing what Shatner said.
Shatner, famous for playing James T. Kirk on Star Trek, said after returning that he thought "being up there would be the next beautiful step to understanding the harmony of the universe."
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katy-perry-blue-origin-space-craft-jeff-bezos-all-women-crew-gayle-king-lauren-sanchez-8961944" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Katy Perry sings 'What a Wonderful World' on board Blue Origin, kisses the ground on her arrival back to Earth</a>
"In the film 'Contact,' when Jodie Foster&rsquo;s character goes to space and looks out into the heavens, she lets out an astonished whisper, 'They should&rsquo;ve sent a poet."
However, what he experienced wasn't beautiful.&nbsp;
<h2>Humanity is destroying what is truly beautiful, Shatner said</h2>
Shatner said he realised that there is nothing beautiful about space. In fact, the real beauty is on Earth, which is slowly being destroyed by human activity. He said, the moment he understood this, he felt even more connected with Earth.
<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/1404_ARJUN_SPACE_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1404_ARJUN_SPACE_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=133&amp;tags=Blue Origin, World News, WION" title="Blue Origin flight: Katy Perry kisses the ground as Blue Origin crew return to land" id="PL_iframe_block-m9jh5zlq-c1jpohnf-np33f6vy"></iframe>
"I discovered that the beauty isn&rsquo;t out there; it&rsquo;s down here, with all of us. Leaving that behind made my connection to our tiny planet even more profound."
<h2>Being in space was like 'grieving'</h2>
Shatner admitted that being in space was a moment of grief for him. "It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered. The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness," he said.
The 94-year-old actor was saddened to see that the life that took 5 billion years to evolve on Earth is slowly dying at the hands of humanity.&nbsp;
"Every day, we are confronted with the knowledge of further destruction of Earth at our hands: the extinction of animal species, of flora and fauna . . . things that took five billion years to evolve, and suddenly we will never see them again because of the interference of mankind," Shatner said.

William Shatner went to space on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin mission in 2021 and realised that space was dead and that the real beauty was on Earth. World Trending

Katy Perry's maiden flight to space is attracting criticism. The singer was part of the all-female crew that took a trip that William Shatner once called "like a funeral". Perry, Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn hopped onto Blue Shepard and went to space on April 14. The entire thing lasted a few minutes, and people are pointing out the wastefulness of the exercise. Shatner, who was a part of Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin mission in 2021, at the time said some heart-wrenching words about being in space. He compared it to a "funeral" and a cold place where nothing exists. "My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral," he said. Also Read: 'Vapid' Katy Perry trolled for 'tone-deaf' Blue Origin space flight that lasted few seconds His quote from four years back is not going viral amidst the latest Blue Origin voyage to space. An X user named silvergelpen posted the quote and questioned why anybody who is not an astronaut would want to go to space after hearing what Shatner said. Shatner, famous for playing James T. Kirk on Star Trek, said after returning that he thought "being up there would be the next beautiful step to understanding the harmony of the universe." Also Read: Katy Perry sings 'What a Wonderful World' on board Blue Origin, kisses the ground on her arrival back to Earth "In the film 'Contact,' when Jodie Foster’s character goes to space and looks out into the heavens, she lets out an astonished whisper, 'They should’ve sent a poet." However, what he experienced wasn't beautiful. Humanity is destroying what is truly beautiful, Shatner said Shatner said he realised that there is nothing beautiful about space. In fact, the real beauty is on Earth, which is slowly being destroyed by human activity. He said, the moment he understood this, he felt even more connected with Earth. "I discovered that the beauty isn’t out there; it’s down here, with all of us. Leaving that behind made my connection to our tiny planet even more profound." Being in space was like 'grieving' Shatner admitted that being in space was a moment of grief for him. "It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered. The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness," he said. The 94-year-old actor was saddened to see that the life that took 5 billion years to evolve on Earth is slowly dying at the hands of humanity. "Every day, we are confronted with the knowledge of further destruction of Earth at our hands: the extinction of animal species, of flora and fauna . . . things that took five billion years to evolve, and suddenly we will never see them again because of the interference of mankind," Shatner said.

Being in space was like a 'funeral': William 'Kirk' Shatner's haunting experience goes viral

Amid normalisation in India, China ties, the Chinese embassy in Delhi has said that it issued 85,000 visas to Indians this year. A statement by the Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong on Social Media said," as of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China."
The ties between the two neighbouring countries have been in positive swing since PM Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping met last year on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia's Kazan. The meeting coincided with both countries reaching an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, leading to disengagement at key friction points in eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok. This was seen as a major step towards de-escalation after over four and half years of military stand off at the border. Since then, the foreign ministers, and defence ministers of the two countries have met. Indian NSA Ajit Doval had travelled to Beijing for Special representative level talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December. In January, the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing.
As part of normalisation, both sides are looking to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restore direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing, and enhance media exchanges, people to people-to-people ties. Focus is also on data sharing on Trans-Border rivers. Data sharing on river flows and hydrological parameters is critical for India to manage flood risks, irrigation, and hydropower projects.
The normalisation comes even as Trump's tariff uncertainties have sent a shockwave in global markets. While Trump has paused reciprocal tariffs, even as he negotiates trade deals with economic giants like India, Japan, he has gone ahead on his policy to tariff Chinese goods. What is now seen essentially as a US China trade war, both sides have imposed significant tariffs on each other, which now exceeds over 100%.
&nbsp;

World | 'The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year, the official said

Amid normalisation in India, China ties, the Chinese embassy in Delhi has said that it issued 85,000 visas to Indians this year. A statement by the Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong on Social Media said," as of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China." The ties between the two neighbouring countries have been in positive swing since PM Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping met last year on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia's Kazan. The meeting coincided with both countries reaching an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, leading to disengagement at key friction points in eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok. This was seen as a major step towards de-escalation after over four and half years of military stand off at the border. Since then, the foreign ministers, and defence ministers of the two countries have met. Indian NSA Ajit Doval had travelled to Beijing for Special representative level talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December. In January, the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing. As part of normalisation, both sides are looking to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restore direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing, and enhance media exchanges, people to people-to-people ties. Focus is also on data sharing on Trans-Border rivers. Data sharing on river flows and hydrological parameters is critical for India to manage flood risks, irrigation, and hydropower projects. The normalisation comes even as Trump's tariff uncertainties have sent a shockwave in global markets. While Trump has paused reciprocal tariffs, even as he negotiates trade deals with economic giants like India, Japan, he has gone ahead on his policy to tariff Chinese goods. What is now seen essentially as a US China trade war, both sides have imposed significant tariffs on each other, which now exceeds over 100%.

China says gave 85,000 visas to Indians this year

China said that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth. US levies imposed on China rose to 145 percent, and Beijng set a retaliatory 125 percent toll on US imports. China's economy grew a forecast-beating 5.4 per cent in the first quarter.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Joe Biden slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk.&nbsp;
Click on the link to read full article
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China claimed on Wednesday that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x348/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2021/02/13/182639-respresentative-image-of-an-earthquake-213764.jpg" alt=" Earthquake Photograph: (Agencies) ">
An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. The tremors were felt in the National Capital Region (NCR) in India and also in Pakistan's Islamabad.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-accuses-donald-trump-of-taking-hatchet-to-social-security-in-first-post-presidency-speech-8966579">Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech&nbsp;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/863x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/16/DJ3Ch8bWtHCtHpsu8Qhz-453265.png" alt=" US President Joe Biden speaks during a conference of the Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) at the Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, on April 15, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) " style="width: 863px;">
Former United States president Joe Biden on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-research-programs-get-stop-work-orders-after-22b-funding-freeze-8966699">Harvard research programs get "stop work orders" after $2.2 billion funding freeze</a>
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Amid cheers for its push-back against US President Donald Trump's demands, Harvard University is facing a dire situation with its research programs on the verge of collapsing. As the $2.2 billion federal funding freeze continues to roll out, these programs are bracing for "stop work orders."
Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow's war strategy, builds the world's largest drone army
<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/1604_DRONE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1604_DRONE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=142&amp;tags=russia, ukraine, war, news, world news, international" title="Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow's war strategy, builds the world's largest drone army " id="PL_iframe_block-m9jfqngx-05eebhpb-mlkwbofm"></iframe>Russia is building a massive drone army as part of its new war strategy, aiming to deploy up to one million drone operators by 2030. As Ukraine also ramps up its drone capabilities, the battlefield is shifting toward unmanned warfare at an unprecedented scale.

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China said that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth. US levies imposed on China rose to 145 percent, and Beijng set a retaliatory 125 percent toll on US imports. China's economy grew a forecast-beating 5.4 per cent in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Joe Biden slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk. Click on the link to read full article China's economy grew 5.4% in first quarter but US tariffs putting 'pressure' on economy, trade China claimed on Wednesday that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth. Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 rocks Afghanistan, tremors felt in Delhi, Islamabad An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. The tremors were felt in the National Capital Region (NCR) in India and also in Pakistan's Islamabad. Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech Former United States president Joe Biden on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk. Harvard research programs get "stop work orders" after $2.2 billion funding freeze Amid cheers for its push-back against US President Donald Trump's demands, Harvard University is facing a dire situation with its research programs on the verge of collapsing. As the $2.2 billion federal funding freeze continues to roll out, these programs are bracing for "stop work orders." Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow's war strategy, builds the world's largest drone army Russia is building a massive drone army as part of its new war strategy, aiming to deploy up to one million drone operators by 2030. As Ukraine also ramps up its drone capabilities, the battlefield is shifting toward unmanned warfare at an unprecedented scale.

Morning news brief: China's economy grew 5.4% in first quarter; Biden slams Trump in first post-presidency speech, and more

China claimed on Wednesday that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth. Amid escalating diplomatic tensions and an unprecedented trade war between Washington and Beijing, US levies imposed on China rose to 145 percent, and Beijing set a retaliatory 125 percent toll on US imports.&nbsp;
"At the moment, the imposition of high tariffs by the US will put certain pressures on our country's foreign trade and economy," Sheng Laiyun, deputy commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, told a press conference. &nbsp;
However, he added that "it will not change the general trend of China's economy continuing to improve in the long run".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-accuses-donald-trump-of-taking-hatchet-to-social-security-in-first-post-presidency-speech-8966579">Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech</a>
<h2>What did the NBS data say?&nbsp;</h2>
The spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Liu Aihua released China's national economic growth for the second quarter, saying that its economy grew a forecast-beating 5.4 per cent in the first quarter. This happened because the exporters rushed to get goods out of factory gates ahead of new US tariffs.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-could-benefit-from-donald-trumps-intensifying-trade-war-with-china-but-only-if-it-takes-the-leap-explained-pm-modi-tariff-8965563">India could 'benefit' from Trump&rsquo;s intensifying trade war with China but only if it takes the leap | EXPLAINED</a>
NBS said that "according to preliminary estimates, the gross domestic product in the first quarter&hellip; (was) up by 5.4 percent year on year at constant prices".&nbsp;
China said that the industrial output also soared 6.5 percent in the first quarter of the year, up from 5.7 percent in the final three months of 2024.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-has-singapore-dissolved-its-parliament-and-called-for-early-election-8966578">Why has Singapore dissolved its parliament and called for early election&nbsp;</a>
Watch this report:&nbsp;
<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/1604_CHINA_930AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1604_CHINA_930AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=151&amp;tags=china, economy, world news, wion" title="China's GDP growth defies expectations, tariff risks loom" id="PL_iframe_block-m9jkdy30-pfumn9zr-ov77rba3"></iframe>
It further mentioned that the retail sales, which is a key factor to analyse consumer demand, climbed 4.6 percent year-on-year.&nbsp;
However, Beijing also warned the global economic environment was becoming more "complex and severe" and that more was needed to boost growth and consumption.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rips-china-for-reneging-on-boeing-deal-slams-biden-vows-to-protect-farmers-8965717">'China was brutal': Trump rips China for &lsquo;reneging&rsquo; on Boeing deal, vows to &lsquo;protect farmers&rsquo;</a>
"The foundation for sustained economic recovery and growth is yet to be consolidated," the NBS said, further adding that there was a need for "more proactive and effective macro policies".&nbsp;
Figures released on Monday showed Beijing's exports soared more than 12 percent on-year in March, which smashing expectations. Several analysts have attributed it to a "front-loading" of orders ahead of Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2.&nbsp;

World | NBS said that 'according to preliminary estimates, the gross domestic product in the first quarter… (was) up by 5.4 percent year on year at constant prices'

China claimed on Wednesday that US tariffs were putting "pressure" on the country's economy and trade, despite Beijing unveiling first quarter growth. Amid escalating diplomatic tensions and an unprecedented trade war between Washington and Beijing, US levies imposed on China rose to 145 percent, and Beijing set a retaliatory 125 percent toll on US imports. "At the moment, the imposition of high tariffs by the US will put certain pressures on our country's foreign trade and economy," Sheng Laiyun, deputy commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, told a press conference. However, he added that "it will not change the general trend of China's economy continuing to improve in the long run". Also read: Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech What did the NBS data say? The spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Liu Aihua released China's national economic growth for the second quarter, saying that its economy grew a forecast-beating 5.4 per cent in the first quarter. This happened because the exporters rushed to get goods out of factory gates ahead of new US tariffs. Also read: India could 'benefit' from Trump’s intensifying trade war with China but only if it takes the leap | EXPLAINED NBS said that "according to preliminary estimates, the gross domestic product in the first quarter… (was) up by 5.4 percent year on year at constant prices". China said that the industrial output also soared 6.5 percent in the first quarter of the year, up from 5.7 percent in the final three months of 2024. Also read: Why has Singapore dissolved its parliament and called for early election Watch this report: It further mentioned that the retail sales, which is a key factor to analyse consumer demand, climbed 4.6 percent year-on-year. However, Beijing also warned the global economic environment was becoming more "complex and severe" and that more was needed to boost growth and consumption. Also read: 'China was brutal': Trump rips China for ‘reneging’ on Boeing deal, vows to ‘protect farmers’ "The foundation for sustained economic recovery and growth is yet to be consolidated," the NBS said, further adding that there was a need for "more proactive and effective macro policies". Figures released on Monday showed Beijing's exports soared more than 12 percent on-year in March, which smashing expectations. Several analysts have attributed it to a "front-loading" of orders ahead of Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2.

China's economy grew 5.4% in first quarter but US tariffs putting 'pressure' on economy, trade

The world's "most expensive airport" sells a piece of banana for nearly $7, that's Rs 582. Istanbul Airport is the unofficial leader when it comes to the price tag of its food and beverages. A Daily Mail report suggests that passengers have to shell out nearly 20 dollars (Rs 1,698) for a beer that sells for $1.70 (Rs 145) in the city.
Passengers at the Istanbul Airport say that the food and drinks have unbelievable price tags. A Big Mac costs $24 (Rs 2,086), a measly-looking piece of lasagna costs $27.78 (Rs 2,376), and a savoury croissant could be anywhere between $16.44 (Rs 1,406) and $19.84 (Rs 1,697).
Leonard Berberi, a writer for the Italian news website L&rsquo;Economia, spotted the overpriced items at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, and could not believe his eyes. He described the lasagna as something that looked like a "piece of brick" with "grated cheese and a pseudo-basil leaf."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-called-police-on-woman-after-their-in-flight-card-machine-malfunctioned-8937374" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ryanair called police on woman after the in-flight card machine malfunctioned and she couldn't pay</a>
As he went around the airport, he noticed that a half-litre bottle of Efes, Turkey&rsquo;s most popular beer, cost nearly 20 dollars (Rs 1,698) at the airport. Just a day back, he had paid $1.70 (Rs 145) for it at Taksim Square. The price hike is a whopping 1,067 per cent.
He noticed that it was the same story at other popular food outlets. Burger King was selling a Whopper for $24.95 (Rs 2,134), while McDonald's was charging $28.69 (Rs 2,453) for a Double Quarter Pounder.
Four pieces of fried chicken wings, a soda and French fries would lighten your pocket by $19.85 (Rs 1,697). A Reddit user claimed that they once paid $7 (Rs 582) for a piece of banana.&nbsp;
<h2>High food prices at Indian airports</h2>
While Turkey airport is becoming notorious for charging too much for food, it is a similar story at several international airports. The prices at most food outlets at airports are highly inflated. A bottle of water at the Delhi International Airport can cost Rs 100 and even more. For a KFC meal, customers usually end up paying 2.5 times the price they would usually pay in the city.
A simple piece of samosa or break pakoda costs Rs 150 and more, while a pint of beer costs upwards of Rs 450.
The reason given for high prices is the operational and maintenance costs.&nbsp;

At this airport, passengers have to shell out nearly 20 dollars (Rs 1,698) for a beer that sells for $1.70 (Rs 145) in the city.  World Trending

The world's "most expensive airport" sells a piece of banana for nearly $7, that's Rs 582. Istanbul Airport is the unofficial leader when it comes to the price tag of its food and beverages. A Daily Mail report suggests that passengers have to shell out nearly 20 dollars (Rs 1,698) for a beer that sells for $1.70 (Rs 145) in the city. Passengers at the Istanbul Airport say that the food and drinks have unbelievable price tags. A Big Mac costs $24 (Rs 2,086), a measly-looking piece of lasagna costs $27.78 (Rs 2,376), and a savoury croissant could be anywhere between $16.44 (Rs 1,406) and $19.84 (Rs 1,697). Leonard Berberi, a writer for the Italian news website L’Economia, spotted the overpriced items at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, and could not believe his eyes. He described the lasagna as something that looked like a "piece of brick" with "grated cheese and a pseudo-basil leaf." Also Read: Ryanair called police on woman after the in-flight card machine malfunctioned and she couldn't pay As he went around the airport, he noticed that a half-litre bottle of Efes, Turkey’s most popular beer, cost nearly 20 dollars (Rs 1,698) at the airport. Just a day back, he had paid $1.70 (Rs 145) for it at Taksim Square. The price hike is a whopping 1,067 per cent. He noticed that it was the same story at other popular food outlets. Burger King was selling a Whopper for $24.95 (Rs 2,134), while McDonald's was charging $28.69 (Rs 2,453) for a Double Quarter Pounder. Four pieces of fried chicken wings, a soda and French fries would lighten your pocket by $19.85 (Rs 1,697). A Reddit user claimed that they once paid $7 (Rs 582) for a piece of banana. High food prices at Indian airports While Turkey airport is becoming notorious for charging too much for food, it is a similar story at several international airports. The prices at most food outlets at airports are highly inflated. A bottle of water at the Delhi International Airport can cost Rs 100 and even more. For a KFC meal, customers usually end up paying 2.5 times the price they would usually pay in the city. A simple piece of samosa or break pakoda costs Rs 150 and more, while a pint of beer costs upwards of Rs 450. The reason given for high prices is the operational and maintenance costs.

$7 (Rs 582) for a banana? $24 (Rs 2,100) for a burger? THIS might be world's most expensive airport

Amid cheers for its push-back against US President Donald Trump's demands, Harvard University is facing a dire situation with its research programs on the verge of collapsing. As the $2.2 billion federal funding freeze continues to roll out, these programs are bracing for "stop work orders."
Harvard confirmed that Dr Sarah Fortune, Chair of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, was one of the first to get a stop work order. Fortune&rsquo;s lab focuses on the diversity of tuberculosis bacteria and how that contributes to differences in the disease, as well as treatment outcomes, according to her biography.
&ldquo;That research was supported by a $60 million NIH contract and involved collaborative work by Harvard and multiple other universities across the U.S.,&rdquo; a Harvard University spokesperson said.
Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/harvard-plans-to-borrow-750-million-from-wall-street-after-trump-funding-threat-8945767" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harvard plans to borrow $750 million from Wall Street after Trump funding threat</a>
Harvard professor and former dean of the Harvard Medical School, Jeffrey Flier while speaking to CBS News said that the federal funding is the major source of the funding for the research carried out by thousands of scientists in these institutions. "If that were to be withdrawn as funds it would be a disaster for the research community," he added.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Governor Maura Healey visited the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester and highlighted that US President Trump&rsquo;s cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding has severe impacts. They have &ldquo;halted lifesaving research for cures and treatments, and rolled out the welcome mat for China and other countries to take over our competitive edge.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9jev7gx-xmrrlmlq-ehsgi3v8">
The scientists at <a href="https://twitter.com/UMassChan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UMassChan</a> are leading groundbreaking research into cancer, ALS, heart disease and more. They should be in the lab &mdash; but Trump's cuts to NIH put their work at risk. My administration will always stand on the side of lifesaving research. We've got your back. <a href="https://t.co/E4uD8swzEm">pic.twitter.com/E4uD8swzEm</a>
&mdash; Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) <a href="https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1912259712130613546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-pro-palestine-columbia-activist-arrested-at-us-citizenship-interview-8963146" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Columbia pro-Palestine activist arrested after arriving at immigration office for US citizenship interview: Who is he</a>
<h2>Trump administration freezes $2.2billion to Harvard</h2>
The United States government on Monday announced its decision to freeze more than $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the college rejected the Donald Trump administration's demands for changes in admission policies as well as audit views of student clubs to curb 'anti-Semitism.'&nbsp;
The White House has also frozen $60 million in contracts to Harvard University.&nbsp;
In a letter to Harvard on Friday, President Trump's administration had called for broad government and leadership reforms at the university as well as derecognisation of some student clubs involved in anti-Semitic activities. The Trump administration also wanted Harvard to implement a comprehensive mask ban with serious and immediate penalties for violation.
<h3>Here are the key demands:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Governance and leadership reforms</li>
<li>Merit-Based Hiring Reform</li>
<li>Merit-Based Admissions Reform</li>
<li>Viewpoint Diversity in Admissions and Hiring</li>
<li>Reforming Programs with Egregious Records of Antisemitism or Other Bias</li>
<li>Discontinuation of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion.)</li>
</ul>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barack-obamas-first-reaction-after-harvard-funds-cut-says-university-has-set-an-example-8963677">Barack Obama's first reaction after Harvard funds cut, says university has 'set an example'</a>
<h2>Harvard refuses the demands of Trump administration</h2>
However, Harvard University refused to accept the deal saying it would not "negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights." Harvard President Alan Garber, in a letter to the Harvard community, said the demands violated the university's rights under the Constitution's First Amendment and &ldquo;exceeds the statutory limits of the government&rsquo;s authority under Title VI,&rdquo; which prohibits discrimination against students based on their race, colour or national origin. Garber also said that while some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the 'intellectual conditions.'
While freezing the grants, the Trump administration said, "Harvard's statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation's most prestigious universities and colleges- that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws."&nbsp;
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-freezes-22bn-to-harvard-after-college-defies-demands-8962646" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump administration freezes $2.2bn to Harvard after college defies demands</a>

World | Amid cheers for its push-back against US President Donald Trump's demands, Harvard University is facing a dire situation with its research programs on the verge of collapsing

Amid cheers for its push-back against US President Donald Trump's demands, Harvard University is facing a dire situation with its research programs on the verge of collapsing. As the $2.2 billion federal funding freeze continues to roll out, these programs are bracing for "stop work orders." Harvard confirmed that Dr Sarah Fortune, Chair of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, was one of the first to get a stop work order. Fortune’s lab focuses on the diversity of tuberculosis bacteria and how that contributes to differences in the disease, as well as treatment outcomes, according to her biography. “That research was supported by a $60 million NIH contract and involved collaborative work by Harvard and multiple other universities across the U.S.,” a Harvard University spokesperson said. Also Watch | Harvard plans to borrow $750 million from Wall Street after Trump funding threat Harvard professor and former dean of the Harvard Medical School, Jeffrey Flier while speaking to CBS News said that the federal funding is the major source of the funding for the research carried out by thousands of scientists in these institutions. "If that were to be withdrawn as funds it would be a disaster for the research community," he added. Meanwhile, Governor Maura Healey visited the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester and highlighted that US President Trump’s cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding has severe impacts. They have “halted lifesaving research for cures and treatments, and rolled out the welcome mat for China and other countries to take over our competitive edge.” The scientists at @UMassChan are leading groundbreaking research into cancer, ALS, heart disease and more. They should be in the lab — but Trump's cuts to NIH put their work at risk. My administration will always stand on the side of lifesaving research. We've got your back. pic.twitter.com/E4uD8swzEm — Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) April 15, 2025 Read More | Columbia pro-Palestine activist arrested after arriving at immigration office for US citizenship interview: Who is he Trump administration freezes $2.2billion to Harvard The United States government on Monday announced its decision to freeze more than $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the college rejected the Donald Trump administration's demands for changes in admission policies as well as audit views of student clubs to curb 'anti-Semitism.' The White House has also frozen $60 million in contracts to Harvard University. In a letter to Harvard on Friday, President Trump's administration had called for broad government and leadership reforms at the university as well as derecognisation of some student clubs involved in anti-Semitic activities. The Trump administration also wanted Harvard to implement a comprehensive mask ban with serious and immediate penalties for violation. Here are the key demands: Governance and leadership reforms Merit-Based Hiring Reform Merit-Based Admissions Reform Viewpoint Diversity in Admissions and Hiring Reforming Programs with Egregious Records of Antisemitism or Other Bias Discontinuation of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion.) Read More | Barack Obama's first reaction after Harvard funds cut, says university has 'set an example' Harvard refuses the demands of Trump administration However, Harvard University refused to accept the deal saying it would not "negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights." Harvard President Alan Garber, in a letter to the Harvard community, said the demands violated the university's rights under the Constitution's First Amendment and “exceeds the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI,” which prohibits discrimination against students based on their race, colour or national origin. Garber also said that while some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the 'intellectual conditions.' While freezing the grants, the Trump administration said, "Harvard's statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation's most prestigious universities and colleges- that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws." Read More | Trump administration freezes $2.2bn to Harvard after college defies demands

Harvard research programs get "stop work orders" after $2.2 billion funding freeze

Cole Anthony scored 26 points off the bench as the Orlando Magic booked their place in the first round of the NBA playoffs with a 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
In the opening game of the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament, Orlando's superior production from the bench proved decisive as the Magic clinched the seventh seed.
<h2>Orlando progress</h2>
Orlando will now play the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs, with game one of their best-of-seven series set for Sunday.
Atlanta, meanwhile, will face the winner of Wednesday's play-in clash between Chicago and Miami on Friday to determine the last remaining Eastern Conference playoff berth.
On Tuesday's evidence, Orlando will head into their meeting with defending champions Boston brimming with confidence after a disciplined performance at both ends of the court.
Anthony and team-mate Anthony Black combined for 42 points, including seven three-pointers to give Orlando the victory.
Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. led the scoring from the Magic starters with 19 points while Paolo Banchero added 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/cricket-la-2028-games-ioc-reveals-venue-for-crickets-olympics-return-8966048" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">LA 2028 Games: IOC reveals venue for cricket&rsquo;s Olympics return</a>
Franz Wagner finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.
Hawks star Trae Young led the Atlanta scoring with 28 points before being ejected late in the fourth quarter.
After a back-and-forth start to the first quarter in which the lead changed hands six times, Orlando seized control of the contest with an 18-4 run that propelled the Magic into a 32-17 lead heading into the second quarter.
Although Atlanta closed the gap to three points in the third period, a 41-21 Orlando fourth quarter margin closed out a convincing win for the home side.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Sports: Cole Anthony scored 26 points off the bench as the Orlando Magic booked their place in the first round of NBA playoffs with a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Cole Anthony scored 26 points off the bench as the Orlando Magic booked their place in the first round of the NBA playoffs with a 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. In the opening game of the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament, Orlando's superior production from the bench proved decisive as the Magic clinched the seventh seed. Orlando progress Orlando will now play the second-seeded Boston Celtics in the opening round of the playoffs, with game one of their best-of-seven series set for Sunday. Atlanta, meanwhile, will face the winner of Wednesday's play-in clash between Chicago and Miami on Friday to determine the last remaining Eastern Conference playoff berth. On Tuesday's evidence, Orlando will head into their meeting with defending champions Boston brimming with confidence after a disciplined performance at both ends of the court. Anthony and team-mate Anthony Black combined for 42 points, including seven three-pointers to give Orlando the victory. Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. led the scoring from the Magic starters with 19 points while Paolo Banchero added 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. ALSO READ | LA 2028 Games: IOC reveals venue for cricket’s Olympics return Franz Wagner finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Hawks star Trae Young led the Atlanta scoring with 28 points before being ejected late in the fourth quarter. After a back-and-forth start to the first quarter in which the lead changed hands six times, Orlando seized control of the contest with an 18-4 run that propelled the Magic into a 32-17 lead heading into the second quarter. Although Atlanta closed the gap to three points in the third period, a 41-21 Orlando fourth quarter margin closed out a convincing win for the home side. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Anthony, Black help Orlando Magic book place in first round of NBA playoffs with win over Atlanta Hawks

Paris Saint-Germain survived a second half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and reach the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday.
The French champions were cruising towards the last four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 first leg lead.
Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back for the English side before half-time and two goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa transformed the tie early in the second period.
PSG were thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping Unai Emery's men at bay and preventing another famous collapse in the Champions League knockout stages.
"At the end, we got them suffering like we did," said Emery.
"To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa."
Villa boss Emery was in charge of PSG when Luis Enrique's Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit with a dramatic 6-1 win in 2017.
Luis Enrique again emerged victorious over his compatriot but this time was the one who watched his team almost blow a seemingly unassailable lead.
"I have to say that match for us is something that allows us to grow up and try to compete even better," said Luis Enrique. &nbsp;
"On the whole two matches we deserved to win and we are very happy because it's the second year in a row in the semi-finals."
Villa had not experienced a European night like this since 1983 and there was an embarrassing moment for the hosts before a ball was kicked as the Europa League anthem was played instead of the famous pre-match hymn of the Champions League.
Luis Enrique's surprise decision to start Bradley Barcola ahead of Desire Doue was justified just 11 minutes in when he sprinted down the left and Emiliano Martinez spilled his cross into the path of Hakimi, who fired home the opener.
Another blistering break from the visitors cut Villa open as Ousmane Dembele squared for left-back Mendes to stroke in his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second of the tie.
<h2>Royals in raptures</h2>
Villa's refusal to give up the fight was rewarded when Tielemans' deflected effort pulled a goal back before half-time.
Villa fanatic Prince William and his son George were among the home support that were in raptures as what seemed an impossible fightback came closer to reality.
McGinn's deflected effort flew into the top corner to restore parity on the night at 2-2.
Emery's decision to start with Marcus Rashford up front ahead of top scorer Ollie Watkins was a controversial one before kick-off.
Rashford has been reborn since a January loan move from Manchester United.
The England international was denied a goal by a stunning save from Donnarumma.
But from the resulting corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, skipped past Vitinha and cut the ball back for Konsa to slot in at the near post.
A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes were suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time.
Donnarumma produced more brilliant saves to deny Tielemans and then Marco Asensio against his parent club.
Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen's goalbound effort in stoppage time to deny Villa at the death.
But they have surpassed expectations in their first experience of the elite level of European football for over four decades.
For PSG, their quest to win the competition for the first time goes on and they have rarely had a better opportunity to end that wait.
Arsenal are their likely semi-final opponents as the Gunners take a 3-0 quarter-final, first leg advantage away to holders Real Madrid on Wednesday.
On the other half of the draw Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash.
But PSG are arguably the continent's form side and with the Ligue 1 title long since sewn up, can focus entirely on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31.
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<h2>Barcelona hold off Borussia Dortmund challenge</h2>
Barcelona were through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with Serhou Guirassy hitting a hat-trick.
Holding a 4-0 lead after a dominant performance in Catalonia, the visitors were made to sweat as Dortmund and Guirassy nearly pulled off a stunning turnaround.&nbsp;
Guirassy put Dortmund in front with a Panenka from the spot with 11 minutes gone and headed them two goals clear early in the second half.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World News, Sports: PSG were cruising towards the last four when full-backs Hakimi and Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 first leg lead.

Paris Saint-Germain survived a second half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and reach the Champions League semi-finals despite a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday. The French champions were cruising towards the last four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 first leg lead. Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back for the English side before half-time and two goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa transformed the tie early in the second period. PSG were thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping Unai Emery's men at bay and preventing another famous collapse in the Champions League knockout stages. "At the end, we got them suffering like we did," said Emery. "To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa." Villa boss Emery was in charge of PSG when Luis Enrique's Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit with a dramatic 6-1 win in 2017. Luis Enrique again emerged victorious over his compatriot but this time was the one who watched his team almost blow a seemingly unassailable lead. "I have to say that match for us is something that allows us to grow up and try to compete even better," said Luis Enrique. "On the whole two matches we deserved to win and we are very happy because it's the second year in a row in the semi-finals." Villa had not experienced a European night like this since 1983 and there was an embarrassing moment for the hosts before a ball was kicked as the Europa League anthem was played instead of the famous pre-match hymn of the Champions League. Luis Enrique's surprise decision to start Bradley Barcola ahead of Desire Doue was justified just 11 minutes in when he sprinted down the left and Emiliano Martinez spilled his cross into the path of Hakimi, who fired home the opener. Another blistering break from the visitors cut Villa open as Ousmane Dembele squared for left-back Mendes to stroke in his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second of the tie. Royals in raptures Villa's refusal to give up the fight was rewarded when Tielemans' deflected effort pulled a goal back before half-time. Villa fanatic Prince William and his son George were among the home support that were in raptures as what seemed an impossible fightback came closer to reality. McGinn's deflected effort flew into the top corner to restore parity on the night at 2-2. Emery's decision to start with Marcus Rashford up front ahead of top scorer Ollie Watkins was a controversial one before kick-off. Rashford has been reborn since a January loan move from Manchester United. The England international was denied a goal by a stunning save from Donnarumma. But from the resulting corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, skipped past Vitinha and cut the ball back for Konsa to slot in at the near post. A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes were suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time. Donnarumma produced more brilliant saves to deny Tielemans and then Marco Asensio against his parent club. Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen's goalbound effort in stoppage time to deny Villa at the death. But they have surpassed expectations in their first experience of the elite level of European football for over four decades. For PSG, their quest to win the competition for the first time goes on and they have rarely had a better opportunity to end that wait. Arsenal are their likely semi-final opponents as the Gunners take a 3-0 quarter-final, first leg advantage away to holders Real Madrid on Wednesday. On the other half of the draw Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash. But PSG are arguably the continent's form side and with the Ligue 1 title long since sewn up, can focus entirely on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31. ALSO READ | LA 2028 Games: IOC reveals venue for cricket’s Olympics return Barcelona hold off Borussia Dortmund challenge Barcelona were through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with Serhou Guirassy hitting a hat-trick. Holding a 4-0 lead after a dominant performance in Catalonia, the visitors were made to sweat as Dortmund and Guirassy nearly pulled off a stunning turnaround. Guirassy put Dortmund in front with a Panenka from the spot with 11 minutes gone and headed them two goals clear early in the second half. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Champions League: PSG survive Aston Villa scare to reach semis, Barcelona hold Borussia Dortmund for aggregate win

Singaporean Prime Minister on Tuesday (Apr 16) announced that Parliament has been dissolved by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at his advice. This was followed by an announcement by the election commission that national elections would take place on May 3.&nbsp;
While the election will be the first electoral test for PM Wong, the sudden announcement of the polls has posed a lot of questions. Analysts say that the move comes amid worries about the cost of living and fears of a recession after reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. They also say that Wong wants to fight the elections, highlighting the global trade turmoil and not the bread-and-butter issues.&nbsp;
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<h2>US tariffs and Singapore elections</h2>
Singapore, a small and open economy whose trade is about three times its gross domestic product, adjusted its GDP growth forecast for 2025 downwards on Monday to between 0 and 2 per cent from 1 to 3 per cent, citing the impact of US &nbsp;tariffs. Singapore, which currently imposes zero tariffs on US imports, is still subject to the baseline 10 per cent rate.
"We are witnessing profound changes in the world. It is becoming more uncertain, unsettled and even unstable. The global conditions that enabled Singapore's success over the past decades may no longer hold," Wong said on social media.
"That is why I have called this General Election. At this critical juncture, Singaporeans should decide on the team to lead our nation and to chart our way forward together," his post added.
<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_SINGAPORE_8PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1504_ARJUN_SINGAPORE_8PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=104&amp;tags=singapore, elections, world news" title="Singapore announces general election on May 3, dissolves parliament" id="PL_iframe_block-m9je7mc1-bbx2rvjz-ehmetvpm"></iframe>
<h2>Issues faced by Singaporeans&nbsp;</h2>
In the past few years, Singapore has been rocked by a series of high-profile scandals, raising frustration among voters already wearied by exorbitant living costs. High costs of living remain one of the top issues for voters as it has become one of the most expensive cities to live in. Overcrowding due to large-scale immigration is another problem faced by Singaporeans. Economic difficulties became worse after the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and the ruling party - the People's Action Party (PAP) - turned to offering cash handouts and social welfare programs to help people cope with their financial woes. Additionally, the ruling party is also facing allegations of restrictions on free speech, media censorship and the use of oppressive laws against dissent. This election will be a litmus test for Wong.
However, Wong seemed to be dismissing the internal problems. In a Facebook post earlier this week, he said, "The biggest contest we face isn't between political parties, it's Singapore vs the world...Our mission... is clear: to keep our nation a shining beacon of stability, progress and hope."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-slaps-toll-worker-7-times-in-4-seconds-video-goes-viral-8966532">Watch | Woman slaps toll worker 7 times in 4 seconds, video goes viral</a>
<h2>On the political front</h2>
The next election has to be called before the legal deadline in November Notably, Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence in August. The first step towards calling for a early general election came in January when the Wong-led government announced that a committee tasked with setting electoral boundaries has been formed. Analysts told 'This Week In Asia' that the move to create the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) paved the way for an early election.
Wong took over from long-time premier Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the People's Action Party (PAP) in May 2024. Lee's departure marked the end of a political dynasty founded by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore&rsquo;s first prime minister, credited with transforming Singapore into one of the world&rsquo;s wealthiest nations.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-university-widener-library-has-a-strange-link-to-the-titanic-8966557">Harvard library with a link to the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves</a>
The PAP has won every election in Singapore since its independence in 1965. However, the ruling party's popularity has dimmed in recent elections as the opposition gained more ground in parliament, winning an unprecedented six seats in 2011 and 2015, and 10 in 2020.
Wong has been in election mode since February and delivered what analysts called "a full-blown election budget" with goodies for all Singaporeans ahead of the polls. He has also launched a "Forward Singapore" plan that aims to give Singaporeans a say in how to develop a more balanced, vibrant and inclusive agenda for the next generation, as per report.
The upcoming election will have four more seats compared to the last vote in 2020, with 97 lawmakers elected from 15 single-member electoral divisions and 18 divisions with 4 or 5 members each. Nomination day is on April 23.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/controversial-statements-by-indian-courts-on-sexual-abuse-cases-women-say-sensitisation-necessary-8964602">Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Singapore has dissolved its parliament and is set to go to the polls on May 3, announced Singaporean Prime Minister  Lawrence Wong. What's behind the sudden move

Singaporean Prime Minister on Tuesday (Apr 16) announced that Parliament has been dissolved by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at his advice. This was followed by an announcement by the election commission that national elections would take place on May 3. While the election will be the first electoral test for PM Wong, the sudden announcement of the polls has posed a lot of questions. Analysts say that the move comes amid worries about the cost of living and fears of a recession after reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. They also say that Wong wants to fight the elections, highlighting the global trade turmoil and not the bread-and-butter issues. Read More | Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 rocks Afghanistan, tremors felt in Delhi, Islamabad US tariffs and Singapore elections Singapore, a small and open economy whose trade is about three times its gross domestic product, adjusted its GDP growth forecast for 2025 downwards on Monday to between 0 and 2 per cent from 1 to 3 per cent, citing the impact of US tariffs. Singapore, which currently imposes zero tariffs on US imports, is still subject to the baseline 10 per cent rate. "We are witnessing profound changes in the world. It is becoming more uncertain, unsettled and even unstable. The global conditions that enabled Singapore's success over the past decades may no longer hold," Wong said on social media. "That is why I have called this General Election. At this critical juncture, Singaporeans should decide on the team to lead our nation and to chart our way forward together," his post added. Issues faced by Singaporeans In the past few years, Singapore has been rocked by a series of high-profile scandals, raising frustration among voters already wearied by exorbitant living costs. High costs of living remain one of the top issues for voters as it has become one of the most expensive cities to live in. Overcrowding due to large-scale immigration is another problem faced by Singaporeans. Economic difficulties became worse after the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and the ruling party - the People's Action Party (PAP) - turned to offering cash handouts and social welfare programs to help people cope with their financial woes. Additionally, the ruling party is also facing allegations of restrictions on free speech, media censorship and the use of oppressive laws against dissent. This election will be a litmus test for Wong. However, Wong seemed to be dismissing the internal problems. In a Facebook post earlier this week, he said, "The biggest contest we face isn't between political parties, it's Singapore vs the world...Our mission... is clear: to keep our nation a shining beacon of stability, progress and hope." Watch | Woman slaps toll worker 7 times in 4 seconds, video goes viral On the political front The next election has to be called before the legal deadline in November Notably, Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence in August. The first step towards calling for a early general election came in January when the Wong-led government announced that a committee tasked with setting electoral boundaries has been formed. Analysts told 'This Week In Asia' that the move to create the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) paved the way for an early election. Wong took over from long-time premier Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the People's Action Party (PAP) in May 2024. Lee's departure marked the end of a political dynasty founded by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, credited with transforming Singapore into one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Read More | Harvard library with a link to the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves The PAP has won every election in Singapore since its independence in 1965. However, the ruling party's popularity has dimmed in recent elections as the opposition gained more ground in parliament, winning an unprecedented six seats in 2011 and 2015, and 10 in 2020. Wong has been in election mode since February and delivered what analysts called "a full-blown election budget" with goodies for all Singaporeans ahead of the polls. He has also launched a "Forward Singapore" plan that aims to give Singaporeans a say in how to develop a more balanced, vibrant and inclusive agenda for the next generation, as per report. The upcoming election will have four more seats compared to the last vote in 2020, with 97 lawmakers elected from 15 single-member electoral divisions and 18 divisions with 4 or 5 members each. Nomination day is on April 23. Read More | Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary' (With inputs from agencies)

Why has Singapore dissolved its parliament and called for early election

Former United States president Joe Biden on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk.&nbsp;
"Fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage, and so much destruction - it's kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon," Biden told a conference of disability advocates in Chicago.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/earthquake-of-magnitude-59-rocks-afghanistan-tremors-felt-in-delhi-ncr-8966482">Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 rocks Afghanistan, tremors felt in Delhi NCR</a>
"They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security administration, pushing 7,000 employees out the door," said the former president said as he referred to the national agency which pays out retirement and disability benefits.&nbsp;
The 82-year-old Democrat spoke for around a half-hour but avoided any mention of Trump by name. He picked the topic of Social Security with the aim of ramping up pressure on Trump over his rampaging government overhaul efforts.&nbsp;
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The former president highlighted staff reductions at the agency that Trump and his billionaire aide Elon Musk have pushed as part of their "Department of Government Efficiency". Biden said that the Social Security "website is crashing" and hindering retirees from getting their benefits.
The programme, which more than 65 million Americans rely on, is colloquially known in Washington as the "third rail of politics" for its sensitivity to voters.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/controversial-statements-by-indian-courts-on-sexual-abuse-cases-women-say-sensitisation-necessary-8964602" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary'</a>
Biden said that many Americans "literally count on social security to buy food, just to get by" and "many of these beneficiaries, it's their only income. If it were cut or taken away, it would be devastating, devastating for millions of people."
&ldquo;In the 90 years since Franklin Roosevelt created the social security system, people have always gotten their social security checks. They've gotten them during wartime, during recessions, during a pandemic. No matter what, they got them. But now for the first time ever, that might change. It&rsquo;d be a calamity for millions of families.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-has-no-locus-standi-to-comment-on-waqf-act-should-look-at-own-abysmal-record-8965888" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record</a> 
Watch: US President Trump calls for removing Harvard's tax-exempt status
<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/1604_TRUMP_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1604_TRUMP_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=143&amp;tags=usa, trump, harvard university" title="US President Trump calls for removing Harvard's tax-exempt status" id="PL_iframe_block-m9jk6fme-6t8vm517-me17fsw4"></iframe>
<h2>Biden's health update&nbsp;</h2>
During his address, Biden displayed the signs of ageing, a reason that forced him to abandon his re-election campaign last year. He even stumbled over some sentences as he read from a teleprompter, and when he couldn't complete a sentence, he cut himself off with a phrase, "anyways."&nbsp;
Trump took a jibe at Biden as he posted a short video on social media of one of the rambling anecdotes, without comment.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-names-sonia-rahul-gandhi-in-national-herald-case-chargesheet-8965659" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ED names Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case chargesheet; Congress cries vendetta</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World | Biden said that many Americans literally count on social security to buy food, just to get by and 'many of these beneficiaries, it's their only income

Former United States president Joe Biden on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump in his first major speech since leaving the White House, calling out his successor's frenetic government overhaul. Biden claimed that the "hatchet" effort put Americans' retirement benefits at risk. "Fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage, and so much destruction - it's kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon," Biden told a conference of disability advocates in Chicago. Also read: Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 rocks Afghanistan, tremors felt in Delhi NCR "They've taken a hatchet to the Social Security administration, pushing 7,000 employees out the door," said the former president said as he referred to the national agency which pays out retirement and disability benefits. The 82-year-old Democrat spoke for around a half-hour but avoided any mention of Trump by name. He picked the topic of Social Security with the aim of ramping up pressure on Trump over his rampaging government overhaul efforts. Also read: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announces committee on state autonomy The former president highlighted staff reductions at the agency that Trump and his billionaire aide Elon Musk have pushed as part of their "Department of Government Efficiency". Biden said that the Social Security "website is crashing" and hindering retirees from getting their benefits. The programme, which more than 65 million Americans rely on, is colloquially known in Washington as the "third rail of politics" for its sensitivity to voters. Also read: Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary' Biden said that many Americans "literally count on social security to buy food, just to get by" and "many of these beneficiaries, it's their only income. If it were cut or taken away, it would be devastating, devastating for millions of people." “In the 90 years since Franklin Roosevelt created the social security system, people have always gotten their social security checks. They've gotten them during wartime, during recessions, during a pandemic. No matter what, they got them. But now for the first time ever, that might change. It’d be a calamity for millions of families.” Also read: India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record Watch: US President Trump calls for removing Harvard's tax-exempt status Biden's health update During his address, Biden displayed the signs of ageing, a reason that forced him to abandon his re-election campaign last year. He even stumbled over some sentences as he read from a teleprompter, and when he couldn't complete a sentence, he cut himself off with a phrase, "anyways." Trump took a jibe at Biden as he posted a short video on social media of one of the rambling anecdotes, without comment. Also read: ED names Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case chargesheet; Congress cries vendetta

Biden accuses Trump of taking 'hatchet' to social security in first post-presidency speech

Harvard University is at the centre of a storm linked to Donald Trump. After the centuries-old school refused to implement the policies demanded by the US president, his administration froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and threatened to remove the school&rsquo;s tax-exempt status.&nbsp;
As the battle between the two bodies rages on, you might be interested in knowing some little-known facts about Harvard. The university, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was established in 1636 and is the oldest educational institution in the country.&nbsp;
Do you know Harvard has a strange link to the Titanic, the iconic ship that sank on its maiden voyage?
Harvard is built on 5,457 acres of land, which is the same as 4,000 football fields. It also has the most famous university libraries, and their collection is the oldest in the country. There are 79 libraries at Harvard, with the Widener Memorial Library being the largest and most famous.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Harvard University facts" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/16/8z4hrnb37veMxAsPd4jL.png" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Harvard is built on 5,457 acres of land, that is the same as 4,000 football fields. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
You can find over 3.5 million works in over 100 languages at the Widener Library. The bookshelves run a whopping 92 kilometres across ten levels. The collection is so huge that there are 10 levels in the building. Four of them were built underground afterwards since there was nowhere else it could expand.
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" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness'</a>
This library is named after a man who died in the Titanic tragedy. The collection at Widener belongs to Harry Widener, who was on the ill-fated boat that went down in the Atlantic in 1912. The British luxury passenger liner was en route to New York City from Southampton, England, after setting sail on April 10. Nearly 1,500 people died in the sinking after the ship hit an iceberg on April 14.
<h2>Widener died in the Titanic tragedy</h2>
Widener was on the ship and among those who lost their lives. He studied at Harvard and graduated in 1907. He loved books and was a bibliophile. Widener was a member of the Grolier Club, &nbsp;a private club and society of bibliophiles in New York City.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/titanic-may-have-sunk-after-just-six-seconds-of-impact-and-damage-no-bigger-than-a4-paper-reveals-new-research-8942702" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Titanic had damage no bigger than A4 paper</a>
He had a large collection of books, one that book collector and dealer George Sidney Hellman said would have "eventually become one of the greatest collec&shy;tions of books in modern times."
Widener was on the Titanic with his parents. His mother and her maid survived the sinking, while his father, his valet and Widener died. In 1915, his mother donated the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library to Harvard.&nbsp;
The library has 10 levels, and four of them were built underground since there was no other way to expand it. One of the students once joked that they would require a compass to navigate it.

Do you know Harvard has a strange link to the Titanic, the iconic ship that sank on its maiden voyage? One of its libraries has the collection... World Trending

Harvard University is at the centre of a storm linked to Donald Trump. After the centuries-old school refused to implement the policies demanded by the US president, his administration froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and threatened to remove the school’s tax-exempt status. As the battle between the two bodies rages on, you might be interested in knowing some little-known facts about Harvard. The university, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was established in 1636 and is the oldest educational institution in the country. Do you know Harvard has a strange link to the Titanic, the iconic ship that sank on its maiden voyage? Harvard is built on 5,457 acres of land, which is the same as 4,000 football fields. It also has the most famous university libraries, and their collection is the oldest in the country. There are 79 libraries at Harvard, with the Widener Memorial Library being the largest and most famous. Harvard is built on 5,457 acres of land, that is the same as 4,000 football fields. Photograph: (AFP) You can find over 3.5 million works in over 100 languages at the Widener Library. The bookshelves run a whopping 92 kilometres across ten levels. The collection is so huge that there are 10 levels in the building. Four of them were built underground afterwards since there was nowhere else it could expand. Also Read: US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness' This library is named after a man who died in the Titanic tragedy. The collection at Widener belongs to Harry Widener, who was on the ill-fated boat that went down in the Atlantic in 1912. The British luxury passenger liner was en route to New York City from Southampton, England, after setting sail on April 10. Nearly 1,500 people died in the sinking after the ship hit an iceberg on April 14. Widener died in the Titanic tragedy Widener was on the ship and among those who lost their lives. He studied at Harvard and graduated in 1907. He loved books and was a bibliophile. Widener was a member of the Grolier Club, a private club and society of bibliophiles in New York City. Also Read: Titanic had damage no bigger than A4 paper He had a large collection of books, one that book collector and dealer George Sidney Hellman said would have "eventually become one of the greatest collections of books in modern times." Widener was on the Titanic with his parents. His mother and her maid survived the sinking, while his father, his valet and Widener died. In 1915, his mother donated the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library to Harvard. The library has 10 levels, and four of them were built underground since there was no other way to expand it. One of the students once joked that they would require a compass to navigate it.

Harvard library donated by man who died on the Titanic has 92 kilometres of bookshelves

Escalating clashes in South Sudan have killed almost 200 people and displaced an estimated 125,000 more since March, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
Tensions have increased over attacks in the northeastern Upper Nile State between forces allied to President Salva Kiir and his rival the first vice president, threatening a fragile power-sharing agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
Political instability has also plagued the young nation, which only declared independence in 2011, with international observers urging restraint following the detention of Vice President Riek Machar last month.
Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch said the armed forces had dropped improvised incendiary weapons and killed nearly 60 people over a month-long period in Upper Nile State.
"Since March 2025, armed clashes and aerial bombardments have killed more than 180 people, injured over 250 others, and displaced an estimated 125,000 people," the United Nations said in a statement.
The rise is a steep increase on the UN's last warning in March, when it said at least 50,000 people had been displaced since February.
"This latest surge in violence must stop," Anita Kiki Gbeho, an official with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan said in the statement.
"This violence comes at a time when humanitarian funding is dwindling and urgent needs are rising -- not only in Upper Nile but across South Sudan," she added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-war-over-100-feared-dead-in-el-fasher-as-rsf-attacks-famine-hit-camps-including-children-and-aid-workers-8956041">Sudan war: Over 100 feared dead in El-Fasher as RSF attacks famine-hit camps, including children and aid workers</a>
The UN said the violence had claimed the lives of four humanitarian workers, with six health facilities forced to close.
Such closures come as the country -- desperately poor despite its oil wealth -- also grapples with a cholera outbreak, which the UN said "has already claimed 919 lives and infected nearly 49,000 people in South Sudan".
UNICEF labelled it the worst outbreak in the nation's short history last month, noting that between September and March half the cases were children under 15 years old.
The fighting threatens a 2018 peace deal between Kiir and Machar, who fought a five-year civil war that killed some 400,000 people.
Kiir's allies have accused Machar's forces of fomenting unrest in Nasir County in league with the White Army, a loose band of armed youths from the vice president's Nuer ethnic community.
The tensions began to rise earlier this year when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants overran a military encampment in Nasir.
An attempted rescue by the United Nations led to the deaths of a UN crew member and senior South Sudanese general, among others.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tensions have increased over attacks in the northeastern Upper Nile State between forces allied to President Salva Kiir and his rival the first vice president, threatening a fragile power-sharing agreement that ended a five-year civil war. World

Escalating clashes in South Sudan have killed almost 200 people and displaced an estimated 125,000 more since March, the United Nations said on Tuesday. Tensions have increased over attacks in the northeastern Upper Nile State between forces allied to President Salva Kiir and his rival the first vice president, threatening a fragile power-sharing agreement that ended a five-year civil war. Political instability has also plagued the young nation, which only declared independence in 2011, with international observers urging restraint following the detention of Vice President Riek Machar last month. Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch said the armed forces had dropped improvised incendiary weapons and killed nearly 60 people over a month-long period in Upper Nile State. "Since March 2025, armed clashes and aerial bombardments have killed more than 180 people, injured over 250 others, and displaced an estimated 125,000 people," the United Nations said in a statement. The rise is a steep increase on the UN's last warning in March, when it said at least 50,000 people had been displaced since February. "This latest surge in violence must stop," Anita Kiki Gbeho, an official with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan said in the statement. "This violence comes at a time when humanitarian funding is dwindling and urgent needs are rising -- not only in Upper Nile but across South Sudan," she added. Also read | Sudan war: Over 100 feared dead in El-Fasher as RSF attacks famine-hit camps, including children and aid workers The UN said the violence had claimed the lives of four humanitarian workers, with six health facilities forced to close. Such closures come as the country -- desperately poor despite its oil wealth -- also grapples with a cholera outbreak, which the UN said "has already claimed 919 lives and infected nearly 49,000 people in South Sudan". UNICEF labelled it the worst outbreak in the nation's short history last month, noting that between September and March half the cases were children under 15 years old. The fighting threatens a 2018 peace deal between Kiir and Machar, who fought a five-year civil war that killed some 400,000 people. Kiir's allies have accused Machar's forces of fomenting unrest in Nasir County in league with the White Army, a loose band of armed youths from the vice president's Nuer ethnic community. The tensions began to rise earlier this year when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants overran a military encampment in Nasir. An attempted rescue by the United Nations led to the deaths of a UN crew member and senior South Sudanese general, among others. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sudan clashes: Nearly 200 killed, 125,000 displaced since March: UN

A man had to shell out &euro;4,500 (nearly $5,100) for a bizarre reason&mdash;hugging the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz&mdash;after he was fined by a court, even as he tried to reason that he was just following the lead of other people in giving an affectionate farewell to the leader.
The Frankfurt District Court on Tuesday issued a &euro;4,500 (nearly $5,100) fine to the man, who was drug-addled when he mistakenly slipped into the security convoy of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and hugged the politician on an airport runway, said a DW report. The 50-year-old, who was handed the penalty for driving under the influence of narcotics and trespassing, said he had been partying for two days and had only joined the convoy by mistake. The man said he had repeatedly consumed cocaine and hadn&rsquo;t slept when he was driving on a public highway. He claimed to have joined the chancellor&rsquo;s convoy by mistake before entering the grounds of Frankfurt Airport as part of the motorcade. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-tariff-war-china-accuses-us-of-cyberattacks-issues-arrest-warrants-for-3-nsa-agents-8964606">Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA &lsquo;agents&rsquo;</a> When the convoy stopped, he left his car and approached Scholz as he was about to board the plane. He then shook the politician&rsquo;s hand and embraced him before being detained by police. He also explained through his lawyer that he had only been following the lead of other people in giving the chancellor such an affectionate farewell. In the courtroom, he also expressed remorse and promised to improve his behaviour, while claiming to have landed in the situation by mistake and said it was a bittersweet experience. The defendant was found only partially responsible for the crime. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-violence-families-recall-murshidabad-horror-say-we-have-become-refugees-in-our-own-land-8965406">Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, &lsquo;We have become refugees in our own land&rsquo;</a> The May 2023 incident happened as Scholz was returning to Berlin after a 25th anniversary celebration for the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank. Scholz&rsquo;s spokesperson Wolfgang B&uuml;chner had told reporters then that the German leader &ldquo;didn&rsquo;t feel threatened at any point&rdquo;. However, the curious case did spark a debate about the chancellor&rsquo;s safety. Scholz&rsquo;s time as chancellor is getting over soon. The Bundestag, Germany&rsquo;s lower house of parliament, is set to meet on May 6 to elect Friedrich Merz as the country&rsquo;s next leader, if the parties in his proposed government approve a coalition deal reached last week.
Also Read |&nbsp;<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" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance&rsquo;s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia</a>
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Trending | World: When the convoy stopped, the man left his car and approached Scholz as he was about to board the plane. He then shook the politician’s hand and embraced him.

A man had to shell out €4,500 (nearly $5,100) for a bizarre reason—hugging the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz—after he was fined by a court, even as he tried to reason that he was just following the lead of other people in giving an affectionate farewell to the leader. The Frankfurt District Court on Tuesday issued a €4,500 (nearly $5,100) fine to the man, who was drug-addled when he mistakenly slipped into the security convoy of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and hugged the politician on an airport runway, said a DW report. The 50-year-old, who was handed the penalty for driving under the influence of narcotics and trespassing, said he had been partying for two days and had only joined the convoy by mistake. The man said he had repeatedly consumed cocaine and hadn’t slept when he was driving on a public highway. He claimed to have joined the chancellor’s convoy by mistake before entering the grounds of Frankfurt Airport as part of the motorcade. Also Read | Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA ‘agents’ When the convoy stopped, he left his car and approached Scholz as he was about to board the plane. He then shook the politician’s hand and embraced him before being detained by police. He also explained through his lawyer that he had only been following the lead of other people in giving the chancellor such an affectionate farewell. In the courtroom, he also expressed remorse and promised to improve his behaviour, while claiming to have landed in the situation by mistake and said it was a bittersweet experience. The defendant was found only partially responsible for the crime. Also Read | Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, ‘We have become refugees in our own land’ The May 2023 incident happened as Scholz was returning to Berlin after a 25th anniversary celebration for the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank. Scholz’s spokesperson Wolfgang Büchner had told reporters then that the German leader “didn’t feel threatened at any point”. However, the curious case did spark a debate about the chancellor’s safety. Scholz’s time as chancellor is getting over soon. The Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, is set to meet on May 6 to elect Friedrich Merz as the country’s next leader, if the parties in his proposed government approve a coalition deal reached last week. Also Read | 'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance’s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia

A hug for $5,100? Man fined for embracing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz – Here’s why

Nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones were shipped to the United States from Apple's main India suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, in March to bypass President Donald Trump's impending tariffs, customs data shows.
A Reuters report highlighted that the smartphone maker stepped up production and chartered cargo flights to ferry 600 tons of iPhones to the United States to ensure sufficient inventory as Trump&rsquo;s tariffs threaten to push up costs.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ongoing-tariff-war-china-accuses-us-of-cyberattacks-issues-arrest-warrants-for-3-nsa-agents-8964606">Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA &lsquo;agents&rsquo;</a>
The US imposed 26 per cent levies on imports from India this month. Although Trump has paused most duties for several nations, he has imposed over 100 per cent tariffs on China.
Reportedly, Foxconn exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, its highest ever for a single month and equal to devices shipped in January and February combined, according to commercially available customs data, reported Reuters.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-waives-off-trump-tariffs-on-these-chinese-products-8962784">Trump waives off tariffs on THESE 'Chinese' products</a>
The shipment included Apple iPhone 13, 14, 16 and 16e models, making the company&rsquo;s total shipments from India to the US this year $5.3 billion.
In March, exports from Tata Electronics stood at $612 million, about 63 per cent higher than in February. It included iPhone 15 and 16 models.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-trump-effect-in-action-nvidia-to-manufacture-ai-chips-in-us-as-trump-plans-to-announce-semiconductor-tariffs-8962326">&lsquo;The Trump Effect in action&rsquo;: Nvidia to manufacture AI chips in US as Trump plans to announce &lsquo;semiconductor tariffs&rsquo;</a>
According to the customs data, all Foxconn shipments in March were sent by air from the Chennai Air Cargo terminal. They landed at various locations in the US, including Los Angeles and New York, with Chicago receiving the majority.
After imposing sweeping tariffs on China, Trump granted exclusions on smartphones and some other electronics imports. However, he said that those exemptions will not last long.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutus-at-the-g7-trump-blocks-allies-plan-to-condemn-russia-over-deadly-sumy-strike-8965863">Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies&rsquo; plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike</a>
To speed up the shipments from India, Apple lobbied airport authorities at Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Chennai airport to cut the time needed to clear customs to six hours from 30 hours.
The shipments were sent using at least six cargo jets to &ldquo;beat the tariffs&rdquo; imposed by Trump, the report said, citing sources.

The US imposed 26 per cent levies on imports from India this month. Although Trump has paused most duties for several nations, he has imposed over 100 per cent tariffs on China. SCIENCE & TECH | World

Nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones were shipped to the United States from Apple's main India suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, in March to bypass President Donald Trump's impending tariffs, customs data shows. A Reuters report highlighted that the smartphone maker stepped up production and chartered cargo flights to ferry 600 tons of iPhones to the United States to ensure sufficient inventory as Trump’s tariffs threaten to push up costs. Also read | Amid ongoing tariff war, China accuses US of cyberattacks, issues arrest warrants for 3 NSA ‘agents’ The US imposed 26 per cent levies on imports from India this month. Although Trump has paused most duties for several nations, he has imposed over 100 per cent tariffs on China. Reportedly, Foxconn exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, its highest ever for a single month and equal to devices shipped in January and February combined, according to commercially available customs data, reported Reuters. Also read | Trump waives off tariffs on THESE 'Chinese' products The shipment included Apple iPhone 13, 14, 16 and 16e models, making the company’s total shipments from India to the US this year $5.3 billion. In March, exports from Tata Electronics stood at $612 million, about 63 per cent higher than in February. It included iPhone 15 and 16 models. Also read | ‘The Trump Effect in action’: Nvidia to manufacture AI chips in US as Trump plans to announce ‘semiconductor tariffs’ According to the customs data, all Foxconn shipments in March were sent by air from the Chennai Air Cargo terminal. They landed at various locations in the US, including Los Angeles and New York, with Chicago receiving the majority. After imposing sweeping tariffs on China, Trump granted exclusions on smartphones and some other electronics imports. However, he said that those exemptions will not last long. Also read | Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies’ plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike To speed up the shipments from India, Apple lobbied airport authorities at Tamil Nadu’s Chennai airport to cut the time needed to clear customs to six hours from 30 hours. The shipments were sent using at least six cargo jets to “beat the tariffs” imposed by Trump, the report said, citing sources.

Apple trying to beat Trump’s tariffs? iPhones worth $2 billion airlifted from India ahead of US import duties

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza.&nbsp;
Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment.&nbsp;
"We announce that we have lost contact with the group holding soldier Edan Alexander following a direct strike on their location. We are still trying to reach them at this moment," Obeida said on Telegram Channel.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-showing-israeli-american-hostage-alive-captive-slams-israeli-govt-for-failing-to-secure-his-release-8955838">Hamas releases video showing Israeli-American hostage alive; captive slams Israeli govt for failing to secure his release</a>
&ldquo;It seems that the occupation army is deliberately trying to kill him and hence relieve themselves from the pressure caused by the dual-citizen prisoners in order to continue its genocide against our people,&rdquo; Abu Obeida added. &nbsp;
The Brigades released a video on Saturday, showing Alexander alive, in which he criticised the Israeli government for failing to secure his release.&nbsp;
In the video, Alexander was speaking, while making frequent hand gestures as he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrike-targets-gazas-only-functioning-hospital-hamas-command-center-in-deir-al-balah-8957759">Israeli airstrike targets Gaza&rsquo;s only functioning hospital, Hamas command center in Deir al-Balah</a>
<h2>'Will suffer blow after blow'</h2>
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Hamas that it will continue to suffer "blow after blow".&nbsp;
Netanyahu further insisted the Palestinian militant group to release the Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
"They are striking the enemy and Hamas will continue to suffer blow after blow. We insist that they release our hostages, and we insist on achieving all of our war objectives," Netanyahu told troops in Gaza, according to a statement from his office.
Israeli-American hostage Alexander was serving as a soldier in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was abducted by the Hamas group during the October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;
He was born in Israel and grew up in the US, and later, returned to Israel after high school to join the army.&nbsp;
Till date, Hamas has published two propaganda videos of Alexander, the latest on Saturday.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-offers-45-day-gaza-truce-demands-hostage-release-disarmament-8964318">Israel-Hamas war: Israel offers 45-day Gaza truce, demands hostage release, disarmament</a>
The Israeli army said that they have not carried out strikes in areas where it suspects hostages may be held by Hamas.&nbsp;
Military officials have repeatedly noted that every strike on Gaza and the ground operations are carefully planned out in order not to endanger Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-publishes-video-of-israeli-american-hostage-pleading-for-trumps-help-in-securing-release-780558">Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment. "We announce that we have lost contact with the group holding soldier Edan Alexander following a direct strike on their location. We are still trying to reach them at this moment," Obeida said on Telegram Channel. Also read: Hamas releases video showing Israeli-American hostage alive; captive slams Israeli govt for failing to secure his release “It seems that the occupation army is deliberately trying to kill him and hence relieve themselves from the pressure caused by the dual-citizen prisoners in order to continue its genocide against our people,” Abu Obeida added. The Brigades released a video on Saturday, showing Alexander alive, in which he criticised the Israeli government for failing to secure his release. In the video, Alexander was speaking, while making frequent hand gestures as he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Also read: Israeli airstrike targets Gaza’s only functioning hospital, Hamas command center in Deir al-Balah 'Will suffer blow after blow' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Hamas that it will continue to suffer "blow after blow". Netanyahu further insisted the Palestinian militant group to release the Israeli hostages. "They are striking the enemy and Hamas will continue to suffer blow after blow. We insist that they release our hostages, and we insist on achieving all of our war objectives," Netanyahu told troops in Gaza, according to a statement from his office. Israeli-American hostage Alexander was serving as a soldier in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was abducted by the Hamas group during the October 7 attack on Israel. He was born in Israel and grew up in the US, and later, returned to Israel after high school to join the army. Till date, Hamas has published two propaganda videos of Alexander, the latest on Saturday. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israel offers 45-day Gaza truce, demands hostage release, disarmament The Israeli army said that they have not carried out strikes in areas where it suspects hostages may be held by Hamas. Military officials have repeatedly noted that every strike on Gaza and the ground operations are carefully planned out in order not to endanger Israeli hostages. Also read: Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike

The US Justice Department has arrested a lipstick-wearing man in connection with two suspected arson incidents in New Mexico, one happened in February in the Tesla Albuquerque showroom and another in March at the office of the Republican Party.&nbsp;
40-year-old Jamison Wagner is facing federal charges for these two separate attacks, according to a release from the Department of Justice.&nbsp;
Wagner was detained over the weekend, over charges of malicious damage or destruction of property by explosives or fire.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/protestor-says-send-musk-to-mars-tesla-ceo-says-im-trying-8960872">Protestor says 'SEND MUSK TO MARS,' Tesla CEO says 'I'm trying'</a>
&ldquo;I can now report that on Saturday morning, our @FBIAlbuquerque team and the @ATFPhoenix arrested an individual who we believe to be responsible for the February arson attack on a New Mexico Tesla facility,&rdquo; FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X on Monday.
&ldquo;The evidence in this case stemmed from our ongoing investigation of the March arson attack on the New Mexico Republican Party HQ. Evidence recovered at the scene strongly suggests that this weekend, our brave agents prevented further planned arson attacks.&rdquo;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-memes-on-obese-americans-in-factories-hint-at-downfall-of-tesla-apple-8953329">Chinese AI video shows Americans toiling and gorging on fast food; hints at downfall of Tesla, Apple and others</a>
<h2>Who is Jamison Wagner?</h2>
Wagner, a resident of Albuquerque, was charged following a search at his home where the authorities found evidence linking him to the attacks.&nbsp;
He works at SolAero Technologies as an electrical engineer, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The authorities found a stencil reading "ICE = KKK" which matched graffiti left at the RPNM office following the fire, materials for making incendiary devices, and a jar with a green gingham-style lid which was similar to other jars found at the crime scenes.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutus-at-the-g7-trump-blocks-allies-plan-to-condemn-russia-over-deadly-sumy-strike-8965863">Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies&rsquo; plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike</a>
However, as of now, Wagner has not been charged with domestic terrorism, however, if convicted, the charges may result him in spending 20 years in prison.&nbsp;
"Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.
"We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everyone-hates-elon-group-smashes-tesla-car-in-london-protest-pics-here-8950296">'Everyone Hates Elon' group smashes Tesla car in London protest; pics here</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

40-year-old Jamison Wagner is facing federal charges for these two separate attacks, according to a release from the Department of Justice. WORLD

The US Justice Department has arrested a lipstick-wearing man in connection with two suspected arson incidents in New Mexico, one happened in February in the Tesla Albuquerque showroom and another in March at the office of the Republican Party. 40-year-old Jamison Wagner is facing federal charges for these two separate attacks, according to a release from the Department of Justice. Wagner was detained over the weekend, over charges of malicious damage or destruction of property by explosives or fire. Also read: Protestor says 'SEND MUSK TO MARS,' Tesla CEO says 'I'm trying' “I can now report that on Saturday morning, our @FBIAlbuquerque team and the @ATFPhoenix arrested an individual who we believe to be responsible for the February arson attack on a New Mexico Tesla facility,” FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X on Monday. “The evidence in this case stemmed from our ongoing investigation of the March arson attack on the New Mexico Republican Party HQ. Evidence recovered at the scene strongly suggests that this weekend, our brave agents prevented further planned arson attacks.” WATCH | Chinese AI video shows Americans toiling and gorging on fast food; hints at downfall of Tesla, Apple and others Who is Jamison Wagner? Wagner, a resident of Albuquerque, was charged following a search at his home where the authorities found evidence linking him to the attacks. He works at SolAero Technologies as an electrical engineer, according to his LinkedIn profile. The authorities found a stencil reading "ICE = KKK" which matched graffiti left at the RPNM office following the fire, materials for making incendiary devices, and a jar with a green gingham-style lid which was similar to other jars found at the crime scenes. Also read: Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies’ plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike However, as of now, Wagner has not been charged with domestic terrorism, however, if convicted, the charges may result him in spending 20 years in prison. "Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. "We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences." Also read: 'Everyone Hates Elon' group smashes Tesla car in London protest; pics here (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Jamison Wagner, lipstick-wearing man arrested for arson attack on New Mexico GOP Office, firebombing Tesla showroom

Hamas on Tuesday (Apr 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs slammed Pakistan's comments on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India.
US President Donald Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness".&nbsp;
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-lost-contact-with-group-holding-israeli-american-hostage-after-strike-on-gaza-was-it-israels-fault-8965813">'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/15/N3ytrWs2yaqzqzczU50m.png" alt=" A sign outside a Jewish community centre in Edan Alexander's home town of Tenafly, New Jersey Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-has-no-locus-standi-to-comment-on-waqf-act-should-look-at-own-abysmal-record-8965888">India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/10/eWekunFyopW8tK3HfvDR.png" alt=" The Indian Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent for its enactment. Photograph: (ANI) ">
India&rsquo;s Ministry of External Affairs has taken a strong objection to comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India and termed them baseless and motivated while pointing out Islamabad&rsquo;s own abysmal record on protecting the rights of minorities.
<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>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/15/qruEPjbqJiDA1vY2H7YW.png" alt=" US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' Photograph: (Reuters/Wion web team) ">
US President Donald Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness".&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutus-at-the-g7-trump-blocks-allies-plan-to-condemn-russia-over-deadly-sumy-strike-8965863">Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies&rsquo; plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/12/1gXXhhaNasXlLLqsyYso.png" alt=" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (Reuters) ">
The United States has reportedly stopped a planned G7 statement condemning Russia&rsquo;s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Bloomberg reported on 15 April, citing unnamed sources. The move was made to avoid disrupting peace talks between Moscow and Washington.
<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>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/15/A5JSN3PY3a86zE0KoZtR.jpg" alt=" NATO chief Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Photograph: (X/@ZelenskyyUa) ">
NATO chief Mark Rutte said that talks on ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, led by US President Donald Trump, were &ldquo;not easy&rdquo;. He also condemned Russia&rsquo;s &ldquo;terrible pattern&rdquo; of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-violence-families-recall-murshidabad-horror-say-we-have-become-refugees-in-our-own-land-8965406">Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, &lsquo;We have become refugees in our own land&rsquo;</a>
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The outbreak of violence in West Bengal&rsquo;s Murshidabad, which borders Bangladesh, saw several shops, homes, and vehicles being torched after protests against the Waqf law turned violent and resulted in three deaths. A large number of locals fled when violence broke out in the Muslim-majority district on April 11.
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India, which is currently facing a whooping 26% tariff from the US, has been pushing hard in recent years to become a manufacturing alternative to China. However now, it seems like it can have that opportunity.&nbsp;
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The National Testing Agency (NTA), which has already been under scrutiny in recent years, is once again facing fresh allegations of grave errors in the questions of JEE Main 2025 exam, India&rsquo;s one of the most crucial engineering entrance tests.
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Punjab Kings suffered a batting collapse after a fiery powerplay spell by Harshit Rana helped defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders bowl out Punjab Kings (PBKS) for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs at Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 15) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Discover the top global stories making headlines today, offering you a comprehensive snapshot of the world's most significant events right at your fingertips. India News

Hamas on Tuesday (Apr 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. India’s Ministry of External Affairs slammed Pakistan's comments on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India. US President Donald Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness". Click on the headlines for more 'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza. India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record India’s Ministry of External Affairs has taken a strong objection to comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India and termed them baseless and motivated while pointing out Islamabad’s own abysmal record on protecting the rights of minorities. Trump vs Harvard: US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness' US President Donald Trump warned Harvard University that it might lose its "Tax Exempt Status" if it continues to push political and terrorist-inspired "sickness". Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies’ plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike The United States has reportedly stopped a planned G7 statement condemning Russia’s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Bloomberg reported on 15 April, citing unnamed sources. The move was made to avoid disrupting peace talks between Moscow and Washington. US-led peace talks ‘not easy’: NATO chief Mark Rutte says during meeting with Zelensky in Odesa NATO chief Mark Rutte said that talks on ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, led by US President Donald Trump, were “not easy”. He also condemned Russia’s “terrible pattern” of attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Bengal violence: Families recall Murshidabad horror, say, ‘We have become refugees in our own land’ The outbreak of violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, which borders Bangladesh, saw several shops, homes, and vehicles being torched after protests against the Waqf law turned violent and resulted in three deaths. A large number of locals fled when violence broke out in the Muslim-majority district on April 11. India could 'benefit' from Trump’s intensifying trade war with China but only if it takes the leap | EXPLAINED India, which is currently facing a whooping 26% tariff from the US, has been pushing hard in recent years to become a manufacturing alternative to China. However now, it seems like it can have that opportunity. ‘Tragedy of errors’: NTA under scrutiny once again over claims of serious errors in JEE Main exam The National Testing Agency (NTA), which has already been under scrutiny in recent years, is once again facing fresh allegations of grave errors in the questions of JEE Main 2025 exam, India’s one of the most crucial engineering entrance tests. Harvey Weinstein New York retrial for sex crimes to begin Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein faces a retrial starting Tuesday, on rape and sex assault charges for which a previous verdict was overturned, forcing survivors who helped fire up the "MeToo" movement to testify against him once again. IPL 2025: KKR bowlers on the mark as Punjab Kings bundled out for 111 Punjab Kings suffered a batting collapse after a fiery powerplay spell by Harshit Rana helped defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders bowl out Punjab Kings (PBKS) for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs at Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 15) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Top 10 world news: Hamas lost contact with group holding Israeli-US hostage; India slams Pak’s remark on Waqf Act, and more

Singaporeans vote on May 3 in an election that will test Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's leadership, as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs.
This will be the first electoral battle for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) under Wong since he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew, last year after decades of leadership by the Lees.
Parliament was dissolved Tuesday, clearing the way for the vote.
Singapore has long been dominated by the PAP, which is expected to remain in power, but opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity.
And the upcoming elections come at a precarious time.
The global trading system that supported tiny, trade-reliant Singapore's rapid ascent to prosperity is under severe strain since US President Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Singapore, one of the world's biggest transhipment hubs, finds itself exposed after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries, disrupting global supply chains and sparking fears of a full-blown trade war with China.
On Monday, Singapore's trade ministry downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2025 to between zero and 2.0 percent from 1.0-3.0 percent.
In a stark warning to parliament last week, Premier Wong declared that the "era of rules-based globalisation and free trade is over".
"We risk being squeezed out, marginalised, and left behind," he said.
Wong, 52, is seeking a firm mandate to steer the country through choppy waters.
It will "strengthen his hand and that of his government in putting in place policies and measures to protect the economy and to negotiate with other countries", said Eugene Tan, associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-crypto-hubs-hong-kong-singapore-lead-young-traders-drive-indias-crypto-boom-8758879">Asian crypto hubs: Hong Kong, Singapore lead, young traders drive India's crypto boom</a>
<h2><hl2>'Toughest battle'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
PAP is one of the world's longest-running political parties having been in power since 1959.
But the party's dominance is increasingly being challenged by a more vocal electorate, especially among younger voters who appear open to alternative political voices.
The upcoming elections "may well be the toughest electoral battle for the ruling party", said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with Solaris Strategies Singapore, citing the "unpredictability of ground sentiments and the emergence of a better quality opposition".
Tan of SMU said "millennial and Gen-Z voters are much more receptive... to a credible opposition in parliament".
In 2020, the opposition Workers' Party (WP) made historic gains, winning 10 of the 93 seats at stake -- a significant jump from its previously held four seats.
It is hoping to build on that momentum and is expected to field candidates like Harvard-trained senior counsel Harpreet Singh, 59.
In an interview on the local podcast "Yah Lah BUT", Singh said Singapore could be a "much better and strong country with a more balanced politics".
"We need to have a reset where we treat our critics, people with different ideas, people from outside the system, with more respect and not suspicion."
<h2><hl2>'More political diversity'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
A total of 97 seats are up for grabs in this election -- four more than in 2020 -- following a redrawing of electoral boundaries that some opposition parties have criticised as gerrymandering.
The majority of the seats will come from a bloc voting system that opposition parties say favours the PAP.
"Depending on how the opposition performs, there is a possibility of an emergence of a one-and-a-half party system -- where the ruling party retains dominance but faces a more substantial check from a strengthened opposition," said Izzuddin.
But he added that fragmentation threatens the opposition votes as smaller parties compete for influence in overlapping areas.
It remains unclear how the economic uncertainty will shape voter behaviour.
While Izzuddin suggested the climate could trigger a "flight-to-safety" move that benefits incumbents, Tan pointed to the 2020 election held amid the global pandemic which saw the opposition gain ground.
Ultimately, the outcome lies on how much Singaporeans wish to have more alternative views in parliament, but still keep the PAP in power.
"The challenge is whether PM Wong can convince Singaporeans that the tariffs war is a significant threat, and that giving the ruling party a secure victory will ultimately benefit Singaporeans -- notwithstanding the desire for more political diversity," said Tan.
The opposition is banking on the growing sentiment, with WP rising star Singh saying that "the best governments are not the ones that have dominant control and are not challenged".
"The best governments are the ones that are pushed to be better," he said. "That's where Singapore needs to go."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Singapore has long been dominated by the PAP, but opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity.

Singaporeans vote on May 3 in an election that will test Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's leadership, as the wealthy city-state faces a turbulent global economy upended by US tariffs. This will be the first electoral battle for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) under Wong since he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, the son of founding premier Lee Kuan Yew, last year after decades of leadership by the Lees. Parliament was dissolved Tuesday, clearing the way for the vote. Singapore has long been dominated by the PAP, which is expected to remain in power, but opposition gains are closely watched as a referendum on the government's popularity. And the upcoming elections come at a precarious time. The global trading system that supported tiny, trade-reliant Singapore's rapid ascent to prosperity is under severe strain since US President Donald Trump's return to the White House. Singapore, one of the world's biggest transhipment hubs, finds itself exposed after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries, disrupting global supply chains and sparking fears of a full-blown trade war with China. On Monday, Singapore's trade ministry downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2025 to between zero and 2.0 percent from 1.0-3.0 percent. In a stark warning to parliament last week, Premier Wong declared that the "era of rules-based globalisation and free trade is over". "We risk being squeezed out, marginalised, and left behind," he said. Wong, 52, is seeking a firm mandate to steer the country through choppy waters. It will "strengthen his hand and that of his government in putting in place policies and measures to protect the economy and to negotiate with other countries", said Eugene Tan, associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University. Also read: Asian crypto hubs: Hong Kong, Singapore lead, young traders drive India's crypto boom 'Toughest battle' PAP is one of the world's longest-running political parties having been in power since 1959. But the party's dominance is increasingly being challenged by a more vocal electorate, especially among younger voters who appear open to alternative political voices. The upcoming elections "may well be the toughest electoral battle for the ruling party", said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with Solaris Strategies Singapore, citing the "unpredictability of ground sentiments and the emergence of a better quality opposition". Tan of SMU said "millennial and Gen-Z voters are much more receptive... to a credible opposition in parliament". In 2020, the opposition Workers' Party (WP) made historic gains, winning 10 of the 93 seats at stake -- a significant jump from its previously held four seats. It is hoping to build on that momentum and is expected to field candidates like Harvard-trained senior counsel Harpreet Singh, 59. In an interview on the local podcast "Yah Lah BUT", Singh said Singapore could be a "much better and strong country with a more balanced politics". "We need to have a reset where we treat our critics, people with different ideas, people from outside the system, with more respect and not suspicion." 'More political diversity' A total of 97 seats are up for grabs in this election -- four more than in 2020 -- following a redrawing of electoral boundaries that some opposition parties have criticised as gerrymandering. The majority of the seats will come from a bloc voting system that opposition parties say favours the PAP. "Depending on how the opposition performs, there is a possibility of an emergence of a one-and-a-half party system -- where the ruling party retains dominance but faces a more substantial check from a strengthened opposition," said Izzuddin. But he added that fragmentation threatens the opposition votes as smaller parties compete for influence in overlapping areas. It remains unclear how the economic uncertainty will shape voter behaviour. While Izzuddin suggested the climate could trigger a "flight-to-safety" move that benefits incumbents, Tan pointed to the 2020 election held amid the global pandemic which saw the opposition gain ground. Ultimately, the outcome lies on how much Singaporeans wish to have more alternative views in parliament, but still keep the PAP in power. "The challenge is whether PM Wong can convince Singaporeans that the tariffs war is a significant threat, and that giving the ruling party a secure victory will ultimately benefit Singaporeans -- notwithstanding the desire for more political diversity," said Tan. The opposition is banking on the growing sentiment, with WP rising star Singh saying that "the best governments are not the ones that have dominant control and are not challenged". "The best governments are the ones that are pushed to be better," he said. "That's where Singapore needs to go." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Singapore to hold 'tough' general election on May 3, dissolves parliament

The United States has reportedly stopped a planned G7 statement condemning Russia&rsquo;s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Bloomberg reported on 15 April, citing unnamed sources. The move was made to avoid disrupting peace talks between Moscow and Washington.
Russia&rsquo;s attack on Sumy took place on Palm Sunday, 13 April, leaving 35 people dead and 119 injured. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the city since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rips-china-for-reneging-on-boeing-deal-slams-biden-vows-to-protect-farmers-8965717" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'China was brutal': Trump rips China for &lsquo;reneging&rsquo; on Boeing deal, vows to &lsquo;protect farmers&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Canada says statement blocked without US support</h2>
Canada, which currently holds the G7 presidency, is said to have informed the group that a joint statement could not go forward without American backing. The proposed text would have described the attack as proof that Russia remains intent on continuing the war.
<h2>Trump calls strike &ldquo;terrible,&rdquo; but suggests it was a mistake</h2>
While several European leaders have called the strike a war crime, US President Donald Trump gave a more muted response. He called the attack &ldquo;terrible&rdquo; but suggested it might have happened by &ldquo;mistake,&rdquo; without offering further explanation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-putin-wants-now-trump-envoy-witkoff-says-peace-deal-hinges-on-5-territories-and-ukraine-may-have-to-give-them-up-8964993" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">What does Putin want now? Trump envoy Witkoff says peace deal hinges on '5 territories' and Ukraine may have&nbsp;to&nbsp;give&nbsp;them&nbsp;up</a>
<h2>Rubio offers condolences but no push on Moscow</h2>
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed sympathy for the victims, calling it a &ldquo;horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy,&rdquo; but did not call for stronger action against Moscow.
This isn&rsquo;t the first time the US has held back from G7 unity over the Ukraine war. The Trump administration has previously opposed a joint statement marking the third anniversary of Russia&rsquo;s full-scale invasion. It also rejected a plan to track Russia&rsquo;s shadow fleet of oil tankers evading sanctions.
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has shifted American policy on the conflict, reopening direct communication with the Kremlin and putting pressure on Kyiv by pausing military aid.
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>
Trump has promised to secure a quick ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has been slow. Moscow has refused a 30-day truce backed by the US and Ukraine and laid out conditions that Kyiv might not agree to, leaving both nations at a stalemate.

World: Russia’s attack on Sumy took place on Palm Sunday, 13 April, leaving 35 people dead and 119 injured. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the city since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The United States has reportedly stopped a planned G7 statement condemning Russia’s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Bloomberg reported on 15 April, citing unnamed sources. The move was made to avoid disrupting peace talks between Moscow and Washington. Russia’s attack on Sumy took place on Palm Sunday, 13 April, leaving 35 people dead and 119 injured. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the city since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Also read: 'China was brutal': Trump rips China for ‘reneging’ on Boeing deal, vows to ‘protect farmers’ Canada says statement blocked without US support Canada, which currently holds the G7 presidency, is said to have informed the group that a joint statement could not go forward without American backing. The proposed text would have described the attack as proof that Russia remains intent on continuing the war. Trump calls strike “terrible,” but suggests it was a mistake While several European leaders have called the strike a war crime, US President Donald Trump gave a more muted response. He called the attack “terrible” but suggested it might have happened by “mistake,” without offering further explanation. Also read: What does Putin want now? Trump envoy Witkoff says peace deal hinges on '5 territories' and Ukraine may have to give them up Rubio offers condolences but no push on Moscow US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed sympathy for the victims, calling it a “horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy,” but did not call for stronger action against Moscow. This isn’t the first time the US has held back from G7 unity over the Ukraine war. The Trump administration has previously opposed a joint statement marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. It also rejected a plan to track Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers evading sanctions. Since returning to office in January, President Trump has shifted American policy on the conflict, reopening direct communication with the Kremlin and putting pressure on Kyiv by pausing military aid. Also read: 'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance’s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia Trump has promised to secure a quick ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has been slow. Moscow has refused a 30-day truce backed by the US and Ukraine and laid out conditions that Kyiv might not agree to, leaving both nations at a stalemate.

Brutus at the G7? Trump blocks allies’ plan to condemn Russia over deadly Sumy strike

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