Name: Watch: Thailand PM sprays sanitiser on reporters
Uploaded: 2021-03-10T12:23:29.000+05:30
Duration: T00M38S
Channel: AP
Description: Well, politicians do love to sanitise news, but Thai Prime Minister went a step ahead and sanitised the media. On Tuesday, the famously mercurial Prayuth Chan-ocha sprayed sanitiser on journalists apparently peeved at their que...

Witness the rare exposition of the sacred tooth relic at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, open from noon to 5 p.m. daily until April 27, promoting national unity and recovery.

Kandy Hosts Rare Buddhist Tooth Relic Exposition

Experience a historic event in Kandy, Sri Lanka as the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is displayed after 16 years, highlighting cultural reverence and national unity.

The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is on rare display in Kandy, marking a cultural and religious event while promoting Sri Lanka's unity and economic recovery.

A rare exposition of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha began on Friday in Sri Lanka's central town of Kandy after a gap of 16 years, according to an official statement.
The event will continue for 10 days until April 27, and the relics will be available to the public for viewing from noon till 5 pm local time, said a statement by the office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Ambassadors from 17 nations including India were arranged to travel by train to Kandy to view the exposition, according to the statement.
Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees are expected to venerate the relic, Mahawela Rathanapala, a senior monk in the holy shrine of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, told reporters.
The tooth relic holds special spiritual, historical and cultural significance for the 74 per cent Sinhala Buddhist majority in the island nation of 21 million people.
&ldquo;Thousand have been lining up since two days ago at all three access roads to the temple,&rdquo; Rathanapala said.
According to historical records, the tooth relic which came to Kandy in 1590, came to symbolise Buddhist holiness, becoming Sri Lanka's most treasured possession and the seal of sovereignty.
It is said that no one was ever allowed to view the actual tooth relic. What could be seen behind a gilt railing and a silver table at the Temple of the Tooth is a gold-plated reliquary- the outermost of seven caskets.
For most of its history, the inner sanctum housing the caskets was only accessible to the King and certain powerful Buddhist monks. In the modern day, visitors are allowed to view the reliquary from a distance.
&ldquo;The initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s friendly nations that the country is recovering economically overcoming previous challenges and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka,&rdquo; a statement said.

In the first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years, Bangladesh raised unresolved issues with Pakistan, demanding a public apology for the 1971 atrocities and $4.3 billion compensation from assets.

Bangladesh demands apology and compensation from Pakistan for 1971 atrocities

In the first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years, Bangladesh raised unresolved issues with Pakistan, demanding a public apology for the 1971 atrocities and $4.3 billion compensation from assets.

Bangladesh on Thursday raised "historically unresolved issues" and demanded a public apology from Pakistan over the 1971 atrocities as the two countries held their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years in Dhaka.
Dhaka also asked Islamabad to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time when East Pakistan split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh.
"We have raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan," Bangladesh Foreign Secretary M Jashim Uddin told reporters after the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting with Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch held at state guest house Padma.
Their talks came days ahead of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Dhaka on April 27 and 28.
Jashim Uddin said the issues included "the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, equitable distribution of undivided assets, transfer of foreign aid funds sent for the victims of the 1970 cyclone, and a formal public apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani military in 1971&rdquo;.
"We said this is the right time to settle the historical unsettled issues,&rdquo; he said, adding these issues needed to be resolved to have a &ldquo;solid foundation of our relations" for mutual benefits and interests.
Asked about Pakistan's response to the call, Jashim Uddin said they would like to "remain engaged" with a positive outlook to discuss the unsettled issue in future.
In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office said that both sides had a "constructive and forward-looking engagement in a cordial environment where the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations came under discussion, including political, economic and trade relations".
It added that cooperation in agriculture, environment and education, cultural exchanges and defence relations were also discussed and new avenues of cooperation were explored by the two sides.
Later, Baloch called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain separately.
Yunus emphasised strengthening relations with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials.
"There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward," he told Baloch.
Acknowledging past issues, Baloch said Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to &ldquo;harness the potentials between the two countries." "We kept missing each other for a long time as our relationship was frozen. We have to overcome the barriers,&rdquo; Yunus said as he recalled his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA in September last year and in Cairo on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in December.
Baloch later called on Advisor on Foreign Affairs MD. Touhid Hossain and discussed regional issues, including revival of SAARC and trade and economic relations between the two countries, the Pakistani Foreign office said.
The foreign secretary-level talks come amid a thaw between the two countries after the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
The Yunus-led interim government appears to be playing down the role of Hasina's father Mujibur Rehman in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The Indian Army took over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers as prisoners in that war.
According to the foreign secretary, Dhaka also asked Pakistan to pay the unpaid USD 200 million foreign donations for victims of the then East Pakistan after the 1970s cyclone.
Asked if the money devaluation over the decades was taken into consideration, he said the issue was just tabled during the FOC and the details are expected to come up during the subsequent talks.
Jashim Uddin said Dhaka also underscored the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations with Islamabad.
&ldquo;We stressed the need for enhanced market access for Bangladeshi products in Pakistan, simplifying trade procedures, removing tariff barriers, and boosting Pakistani investment in Bangladesh,&rdquo; he said.
The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock through the transfer of technology, improved breeds, and experience-sharing to boost productivity.
The two sides hoped that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan would be launched soon.
Jasim Uddin said Dhaka reiterated the importance of regional cooperation under the SAARC framework and called for its revitalization to ensure stability, connectivity, and development in South Asia.
When asked if Dhaka was leaning towards Pakistan as it was being said Bangladesh was tilted towards New Delhi in the past, Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh intended to build relations with Pakistan based on &ldquo;mutual respect&rdquo; and &ldquo;mutual benefit&rdquo; and not an issue of tilting towards a particular country.
"We believe comprehensive discussions held today on bilateral, regional, and global issues will help move our cooperation forward and contribute to resolving priority concerns through mutual goodwill and consensus,&rdquo; he said.

The FBI arrested Harpreet Singh, a key figure in Punjab terror attacks, in the US. Singh is linked to two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally, using burner phones to evade capture.

FBI arrests Harpreet Singh, linked to Punjab terror attacks

The FBI arrested Harpreet Singh, a key figure in Punjab terror attacks, in the US. Singh is linked to two international terrorist groups and entered the US illegally, using burner phones to evade capture.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Harpreet Singh, a terrorist involved in attacks in Punjab, on Friday in the United States.&nbsp;
The FBI confirmed that Singh, linked to two international terrorist organizations, had entered the US illegally and used burner phones to evade detection.&nbsp;
In a post shared on X, FBI Sacramento stated, "Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the FBI and ERO in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist responsible for terror attacks in Punjab, India, was arrested by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERO</a> in Sacramento. Linked to two international terrorist groups, he entered the U.S. illegally and used burner phones to evade capture. <a href="https://t.co/vObj2xPa8Q">pic.twitter.com/vObj2xPa8Q</a>
&mdash; FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISacramento/status/1913029634473570766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On March 23, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against four operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist group in connection with the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack.&nbsp;
The accused include Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Both Rinda and Passia were key conspirators behind the attack, providing logistical support, funds, weapons, and ammunition to operatives in India to execute the attack.&nbsp;
The grenade assault, which took place in September 2024, was intended to target a retired Punjab Police officer, though the assailants mistakenly believed him to be the current occupant of the house.
The attack was part of a larger strategy to spread fear among law enforcement and the general public, and to further the agenda of BKI. Investigations revealed that Rinda and Passia orchestrated the plot and enlisted local operatives, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were instructed to conduct reconnaissance on the target twice before carrying out the attack.&nbsp;
The NIA chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Chandigarh in case RC15/2024/NIA/DLI, charges all four accused with multiple violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions.
Ongoing investigations are focused on dismantling the BKI network in India, with the NIA continuing efforts to track down additional members.&nbsp;
Earlier, in December of the previous year, Punjab Police had successfully dismantled a terror module linked to BKI, led by Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, arresting five members, including mastermind Abhijot Singh. This group was responsible for a grenade attack on two police establishments in Batala and Gurdaspur.

A student and son of a local deputy opened fire on Florida State University’s campus, killing two and injuring five, sparking renewed debate on gun access and safety in schools.

Two dead as police officer's son opens fire at US university

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A student and son of a local deputy opened fire on Florida State University&rsquo;s campus, killing two and injuring five, sparking renewed debate on gun access and safety in schools.
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A mass shooting allegedly carried out by the son of a local deputy sheriff with her old service weapon left two people dead at a university in Florida, police in the southeastern US state said Thursday.
Five people were hospitalized when the gunman -- identified as Phoenix Ikner -- rampaged through Florida State University, shooting at students, before he was shot and injured by local law enforcement.
The campus was locked down as gunfire erupted, with students ordered to shelter in place as first responders swarmed the site moments after the lunchtime shootings.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil told reporters Ikner, 20, was a student at the university and the son of a an "exceptional" 18-year member of his staff.
"Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.
He added that the suspect was part of Sheriff's Office training programs, meaning "it's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons."
Ikner was taken to hospital after being shot. His condition was not immediately known.
Bystander footage aired by CNN appeared to show a young man walking on a lawn and shooting at people who were trying to get away.
Witnesses spoke of chaos as people began running through the sprawling campus as shots rang out near the student union.
"Everyone just started running out of the student union," a witness named Wayne told local news station WCTV.
"About a minute later, we heard about eight to 10 gunshots."
The eyewitness said he saw one man who appeared to have been shot in the midsection.
"The whole entire thing was just surreal. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Everything was really quiet, than all chaotic."
 - 'Make them take time' -
The two people who died were not students, police said, but refused to give further details.
The university, a public institution with more than 40,000 students, cancelled all classes and told students who did not live on campus to leave.
FSU President Richard McCullough said the university was working to support those affected by the attack.
"This is a tragic day for Florida State University," he said.
"We're absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today."
Student Sam Swartz told the Tallahassee Democrat he had been in the basement of the student union when shooting started.
"Everyone started freaking out," Swartz said, adding he had heard around 10 shots.
A group of eight people huddled in a hallway and barricaded themselves with trash cans and plywood.
"I remember learning to do the best you can to make them take time," Swartz said, adding that mass shooters are "just trying to get as many people" as they can.
Footage on social media showed a stream of young adults walking through corridors with their hands in the air as they evacuated the building.
Mass shootings are common in the United States, where a constitutional right to bear arms trumps demands for stricter rules.
That is despite widespread public support for tighter control on firearms, including restricting the sale of high-capacity clips and limiting the availability of automatic weapons of war.
President Donald Trump called the shooting "a shame, a horrible thing," but insisted that Americans should retain unfettered access to guns.
"I&rsquo;m a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it," he said, referring to the part of the US Constitution gun advocates say protects firearm ownership.
"These things are terrible, but the gun doesn't do the shooting -- the people do."
A tally by the non-profit Gun Violence Archive shows there have been at least 81 mass shootings -- which it defines as four or more people shot -- in the United States so far this year.

Donald Trump and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni express optimism over a potential US-EU trade agreement, showcasing conservative solidarity and addressing global issues including tariffs, NATO, and Ukraine.

Trump and Italy's Meloni talk up EU tariff deal hopes

Donald Trump and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni express optimism over a potential US-EU trade agreement, showcasing conservative solidarity and addressing global issues including tariffs, NATO, and Ukraine.

Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni hit an optimistic note about a possible US-EU tariffs deal Thursday as the far-right Italian prime minister mounted a charm offensive at the White House.
Casting herself as the only European who can de-escalate Trump's trade war, Meloni highlighted their conservative common ground and said she wanted to "make the West great again."
"There will be a trade deal, 100 percent," Trump said during her visit. Meloni said she was "sure" they could reach a deal.
The two leaders struck a warm tone during a working lunch and a meeting in the Oval Office, with Trump hailing the 48-year-old Italian premier as "fantastic."
Meloni is the first leader from Europe to visit the Republican since he slapped 20 percent tariffs on EU exports, which he has since suspended for 90 days.
The Italian leader said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit Rome in the "near future" and that he might also meet European leaders there.
"Even if we have some problems between the two shores of the Atlantic, it is the time that we try to sit down and find solutions," she said.
Meloni highlighted their shared views on immigration and "woke" ideology and added: "The goal for me is to make the West great again, and I think we can do it together."
 - 'Get smart' -
But while Trump expressed confidence about an eventual deal with the 27-nation bloc he accuses of trying to "screw" the United States, he said he was in "no rush."
"Everybody wants to make a deal -- and if they don't want to make a deal, we'll make the deal for them," Trump added.
Trump also returned to his administration's familiar criticisms of Europe, saying it needed to "get smart" on immigration and boost defense spending on NATO.
The US leader said separately that superpower rival China had "reached out" about a possible deal to end the bitter trade war between the world's biggest economies.
Trump has slapped eye-watering 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods after it retaliated to his worldwide "Liberation Day" tariffs announcement on April 2.
"I think we're going to make a very good deal with China," he added.
Russia's war in Ukraine meanwhile remained a touchy subject between the US and Italian leaders.
Meloni has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022, most recently calling Moscow's Palm Sunday attack on the city of Sumy "horrible and vile."
Trump however has stunned allies with a pivot toward Moscow and repeated attacks on Zelensky, whom he berated in an Oval Office meeting in February.
The US leader said with Meloni beside him that "I don't hold Zelensky responsible but I'm not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started," adding that he was "not a big fan" of the Ukrainian.
 - Uncertainty -
Meloni had earlier acknowledged the uncertainty weighing on her trip as Europe reels from repeated blows from a country that has been the continent's defender for decades.
"I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending," Meloni said Tuesday.
Italian newspapers reported that one of the goals of Meloni's visit was to pave the way for a meeting between Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Meloni's decision to personally intercede with Trump has caused some disquiet among EU allies, who are concerned that her visit could undermine bloc unity.
"If we start having bilateral discussions, obviously it will break the current dynamic," France's Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned last week.
A European Commission spokeswoman said that while the EU alone could negotiate trade agreements, Meloni's "outreach is very welcome" and was coordinated with Brussels.
Following Thursday's meeting with Trump, Meloni will fly back to Rome on Friday in time to host US Vice President JD Vance, with whom she has a meeting planned.
Trump's threatened tariffs could have a major impact on Italy, the world's fourth-largest exporter, which sends around 10 percent of its exports to the United States.

Meghna Alam, ex-beauty queen, faces extortion claims involving a Saudi diplomat in Bangladesh. Amidst media scrutiny, Alam denies wrongdoing, detained under controversial law.

Beauty Queen Accused in Diplomat Extortion

Meghna Alam, a former beauty queen, detained in Bangladesh over claims of extorting a Saudi diplomat. Charges spark media and rights group backlash. Alam denies claims, citing marriage proposal.

Meghna Alam, a former beauty queen, faces allegations of extortion against a Saudi diplomat. Detained under the Special Powers Act, she claims innocence. The case sparks media and human rights scrutiny.

Bangladesh police on Thursday said that a former beauty queen has been detained for setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka in an attempt to extort USD 5 million, an allegation rejected by the woman who claimed that the diplomat wanted to marry her.
"Meghna Alam, her close associate Dewan Samir and two to three others were involved in luring foreign ambassadors into love affairs with beautiful girls," police said in a petition filed before a Dhaka court seeking her to be shown arrested in an extortion case in the interest of fair investigation.
Police, however, did not name the Saudi diplomat or any other envoy but said she was detained for "disrupting state security" and "prejudicing the country's financial interests".
The 30-year-old model and former "Miss Earth", Alam, who runs a charity as well, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act that allows police to detain a suspect for several months.
Her arrest, however, sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Law Adviser of the interim government, Asif Nazrul, said that due process was not followed when police took her into custody on April 9.
"We call on the authorities to either charge Meghna with an internationally recognizable crime or release her," Amnesty International last week said in a statement.
Police spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the court granted the petition ordering her to be sent to prison. She was accused of a primary charge of alleged extortion attempt through blackmail.
The Bengali language newspaper Prothom Alo and other media outlets reported that Alam told the court that she was contacted by the diplomat, who had asked her to commence a relationship.
Public prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi told reporters that Alam claimed in the court that the Saudi diplomat had proposed they be locked in nuptial cord and frequently called and messaged her while she never initiated the contact.
Some two million Bangladeshi expatriate workers, the highest in a single country, work in Saudi Arabia - a major source of the South Asian nation's remittance earnings. Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus does not want to jeopardise diplomatic ties.
Alam appeared without legal counsel during the court hearing on Thursday and defended herself on her own, urging her arrest to be nullified.
Her father, Badrul Alam, earlier told reporters that the ambassador wanted to marry her, but she refused the proposal as he already had a wife and children.
The Saudi embassy in Dhaka did not make any comment, but media reports suggested the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal was unfolded in public.

General Asim Munir emphasizes the two-nation theory and vows to combat terrorism in Balochistan, highlighting sacrifices made for Pakistan and urging the diaspora to maintain ties.

Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir rakes up the two-nation theory 

General Asim Munir stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan. He also noted the distinct identities of Pakistan and India.

General Munir highlights two-nation theory, emphasizing historical legacy and vows to combat terrorism in Balochistan. He assures overseas Pakistanis of the army&rsquo;s dedication.

Islamabad, April 16 &mdash; Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Wednesday raked up the two-nation theory, stating that Pakistan and India are fundamentally different nations.
Speaking at the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad, Munir urged citizens to pass on the history of Pakistan&rsquo;s creation to future generations.
&ldquo;Our forefathers believed we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life,&rdquo; Munir said.
&ldquo;Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That&rsquo;s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation.&rdquo;
The army chief emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan and preserving the national identity among overseas Pakistani communities.
&ldquo;Our forefathers have sacrificed immensely, and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country, and we know how to defend it,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Please don&rsquo;t forget the story of Pakistan and don&rsquo;t forget to narrate the story of Pakistan to your next generation, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir spews hate against &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindus?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Hindus&lt;/a&gt; and propagates the &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwoNationTheory?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#TwoNationTheory&lt;/a&gt;, which failed in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence from Pakistan. He asserts that children must be taught such &amp;quot;falsehoods&amp;quot; since it&amp;#39;s easier to brainwash youth. Shameful! &lt;a href="https://t.co/vaVZhEK4v8"&gt;pic.twitter.com/vaVZhEK4v8&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/1912498421174280536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 16, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also vowed to crack down on terrorists in Balochistan, stating that "even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan," reported ANI, citing local media.
Munir emphasised the army's determination to tackle terrorism and praised overseas Pakistanis for their dedication and commitment to the nation.
"We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon ...you think, these 1500 terrorists belonging to BLA, BLF and BRA, etc, can take away Balochistan from us&hellip;" Munir asked, according to ANI.
&ldquo;Do Pakistan's enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?...even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan.&rdquo;

Tokyo stocks rose as optimism over Japan-US trade talks countered concerns over US tariffs, while Jerome Powell warned tariffs could create inflation-unemployment trade-offs.

Asian markets boosted by 'Big Progress' in Japan tariff talks

Tokyo stocks rose as optimism over Japan-US trade talks countered concerns over US tariffs, while Jerome Powell warned tariffs could create inflation-unemployment trade-offs.

Tokyo led stocks higher Thursday as optimism over Japan-US trade talks offset Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell's warning that Donald Trump's tariffs could force officials to choose between fighting inflation or unemployment.
Investors are keeping a nervous eye on Washington for the next three months as governments scramble to cut deals to avert crippling tariffs unveiled by the US president on his April 2 "Liberation Day" but delayed for 90 days.
With Japanese companies the biggest investors into the United States, Tokyo&acute;s negotiations are of particular interest to markets -- with some describing it as the canary in the mine -- and traders took heart from early signs.
Trump posted on social media that there had been "Big Progress!" and Tokyo's envoy Ryosei Akazawa said "I understand that the US wants to make a deal within the 90 days. For our part, we want to do it as soon as possible".
And while Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned the talks "won't be easy", he said the president had "expressed his desire to give the negotiations... the highest priority".
Hopes that Trump's blistering tariffs can be pared back have helped temper some of the disquiet on markets after a rout at the start of the month fuelled by talk of a global recession and an upending of historic trading norms.
Some have said there were rumblings that the target of his most painful measures could be open to dialogue, with Bloomberg reporting China wants to see some measures beforehand, including reining in some cabinet members' anti-Beijing comments.
Shares in Tokyo rose along with Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Seoul and Wellington, though Taipei edged down.
However, uncertainty continues to prevail on trading floors after a selloff on Wall Street -- and gold hitting a fresh record above $3,350 -- sparked by Powell's warning over the impact of the tariffs.
He said that while the Fed's employment and inflation goals were largely in balance at this point, policymakers could find themselves in the "challenging scenario" depending on how things evolve.
"Tariffs are highly likely to generate at least a temporary rise in inflation," he told the Economic Club of Chicago, adding that the inflationary effects "could also be more persistent."
He added: "You'll probably see continued volatility."
Chris Weston at Pepperstone said: "Powell has again frustrated some, who perhaps optimistically felt he might change the messaging from his recent communique and to open the door to cuts in the June (policy) meeting, a factor that is priced at 80 percent by interest rate swaps traders."
Oil prices extended gains after Washington on Wednesday sanctioned a second China-based "teapot" refinery for purchasing Iranian crude as it continues its "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.
The State Department said the measures against Shandong Shengxing Chemical were part of the US president's campaign to "drive Iran's illicit oil exports" to zero.

Trump calls Harvard a "joke" and pushes for the revocation of its tax-exempt status after the university rejects political oversight on admissions and hiring.

Donald Trump says 'joke' Harvard should be stripped of funds

Trump calls Harvard a "joke" and pushes for the revocation of its tax-exempt status after the university rejects political oversight on admissions and hiring.

US President Donald Trump called Harvard a "joke" Wednesday and said it should lose its government research contracts after the top university refused demands that it accept outside political supervision.
Trump's administration had also formally asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke the famed seat of learning's tax-exempt status, US media reported, a day after the president first made the threat.
"Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
"Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds."
Trump is furious at the storied university -- which has produced 162 Nobel prize winners -- for rejecting his demand to submit to government supervision on admissions, hiring and political slant.
Other institutions, including Columbia University, have bowed to less far-ranging demands from the Trump administration, which claims that the educational elite is too left-wing.
Harvard flatly rejected the pressure, with its president, Alan Garber, saying that the university refuses to "negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights."
 - Tax exemption -
Trump this week ordered the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, a global research powerhouse.
He also said on Tuesday that Harvard "should lose its Tax Exempt Status" as a nonprofit educational institution if it did not back down.
CNN and the Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the IRS tax bureau was now making plans to do so following a request from Trump.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told AFP by email that "any forthcoming actions by the IRS will be conducted independently of the President."
He added that "investigations into any institution's violations of its tax status were initiated prior to" Trump's post on Truth Social.
The Republican's war against the intellectual elite is echoed in similar, unprecedented pressure campaigns against top law firms and big media groups, including the Associated Press.
Demonstrating the broadening resonance of the row, Golden State Warriors basketball coach Steve Kerr spoke out in support of Harvard after his team defeated the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kerr, sporting a Harvard T-shirt, called the demands on the university the "dumbest thing I've ever heard" and citing his support for "academic freedom."
 - Government seeks control -
The payments frozen to Harvard are for government contracts with its leading research programs, mostly in the medical fields where the school's laboratories are critical players in the development of new medicines and treatments.
Trump and his White House team have publicly justified their campaign against universities as a reaction to what they say is uncontrolled anti-Semitism and a need to reverse diversity programs aimed at encouraging minorities.
The anti-Semitism allegations are based on controversy over protests against Israel's war in Gaza that swept across US college campuses last year.
Columbia University in New York -- an epicenter of the protests -- stood down last month and agreed to oversight of its Middle Eastern studies department after being threatened with a loss of $400 million in federal funds.
The claims about diversity tap into long-standing conservative complaints that US university campuses are too liberal, shutting out right-wing voices and giving preference to Black and other minority groups over whites.
In the case of Harvard, the White House is seeking unprecedented levels of government control over the inner workings of the country's oldest and wealthiest university -- and one of the most respected educational and research institutions in the world.
In a letter sent to Harvard, the administration's demands included:
- ending admissions that take into account the student's race or national origins
- preventing admission of foreign students "hostile to the American values and institutions"
- ending staff hiring based on race, religion, sex or national origin
- reducing the power of students in campus governance
- auditing students and staff for "viewpoint diversity"
- reforming entire programs for "egregious records of anti-Semitism or other bias"
- cracking down on campus protests

The two pilots remained unhurt as they managed to eject themselves, the official said. However, local media said the duo was shifted to an army hospital nearby.

Technical Fault Causes Mirage Crash In Pakistan

The two pilots remained unhurt as they managed to eject themselves, the official said. However, local media said the duo was shifted to an army hospital nearby.

An air force aircraft crashed in the Punjab province of Pakistan, a government official said here on Wednesday.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) training aircraft Mirage V ROSE crashed in the fields of Ratta Tibba in the suburbs of Vehari district, some 350 kms southwest of Lahore, on Tuesday.
The two pilots remained unhurt as they managed to eject themselves, the official said. However, local media said the duo was shifted to an army hospital nearby.
&ldquo;The aircraft took off from Thingi airport near Vehari city on a routine training flight but soon after it crashed near an oil depot. However, there was neither any casualty nor any damage to any building,&rdquo; the official said.
Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud explosion followed by a plume of smoke in the field. Rescue 1122, military and police personnel and rescuers reached the spot.
Dawn reported that both pilots suffered minor injuries and they were shifted to hospital in an army helicopter. &ldquo;The PAF aircraft was on a training flight but crashed due to some technical fault,&rdquo; it said.
The Mirage V ROSE is an upgraded version of the French Mirage 5, a combat aircraft in service with the Pakistan Air Force since the 1970s. The Retrofit of Strike Element (ROSE) programme enhanced its avionics and radar, improving its precision and combat capabilities. It remains a key part of the PAF&rsquo;s fleet despite its age.&nbsp;

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Well, politicians do love to sanitise news, but Thai Prime Minister went a step ahead and sanitised the media. On Tuesday, the famously mercurial Prayuth Chan-ocha sprayed sanitiser on journalists apparently peeved at their questions. 
Riled by a question about a possible cabinet reshuffle, he told the reporters to mind their own business then grabbed a container of alcohol mist, and doused the front row journalists, before sauntering off.
In the past he has spoken to a media scrum while fondling the ear of one of the reporters and flung banana peel at camera operators.
After an event in 2018 he declined to speak to the media and instead set-up a life-size cut-out of himself.
"Ask this guy," he said, and walked away.

Watch: Thailand PM sprays sanitiser on reporters

The famously mercurial Thai PM&nbsp;Prayuth Chan-ocha sprayed sanitiser on journalists apparently peeved at their questions

Well, politicians do love to sanitise news, but Thai Prime Minister went a step ahead and sanitised the media. On Tuesday, the famously mercurial Prayuth Chan-ocha sprayed sanitiser on journalists apparently peeved at their questions.&nbsp;Riled by a question about a possible cabinet reshuffle, he told the reporters to mind their own business then grabbed a container of alcohol mist, and doused the front row journalists, before sauntering off. See it to believe it.
((Breathe: spraying))

Well, politicians do love to sanitise news, but Thai Prime Minister went a step ahead and sanitised the media. On Tuesday, the famously mercurial Prayuth Chan-ocha sprayed sanitiser on journalists apparently peeved at their questions. 
Riled by a question about a possible cabinet reshuffle, he told the reporters to mind their own business then grabbed a container of alcohol mist, and doused the front row journalists, before sauntering off.
In the past he has spoken to a media scrum while fondling the ear of one of the reporters and flung banana peel at camera operators.
After an event in 2018 he declined to speak to the media and instead set-up a life-size cut-out of himself.
"Ask this guy," he said, and walked away.

China cautions against trade deals favoring the US during the ongoing trade war, emphasizing potential global economic impact.

China Warning on US Trade Deals Amid Intensified Tariff War

Amid escalating trade war tensions, China warns nations about trade deals favoring the US, citing risks to global economic stability.

China urges nations to avoid trade deals with the US at its expense amid escalating tensions, as both impose tariffs.

Beijing is cautioning other nations against forging expanded trade agreements with the United States that could undermine Chinese interests, as tensions escalate in the ongoing tariff war between the world's two largest economies. China's latest warnings follow reports that the Trump administration intends to pressure countries seeking tariff negotiations with the US to reduce trade with China.
While US President Donald Trump has imposed a general 10 percent tariff on global imports, China faces much steeper tariffs, with levies as high as 145 percent on several of its products. In retaliation, China has implemented duties of up to 125 percent on US goods.
The Trump administration claims several countries are currently negotiating lower tariffs with the United States. However, China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry made a firm statement on Monday, expressing strong opposition to any economic deals that other nations might make with Washington at China&rsquo;s expense.
"Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected," a spokesperson from China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry declared. "To seek one&rsquo;s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others' is to seek the skin of a tiger," the ministry warned, indicating that such an approach is destined to fail and cause widespread harm.
"China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests," the spokesperson emphasized. "If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures."
Beijing also criticized Washington for "abusing" tariffs on all trading partners under the guise of "equivalence," while compelling countries into "reciprocal tariffs" negotiations.
China remains steadfast in defending its rights and interests and is eager to build solidarity with global partners, according to the ministry.
**The US-China Trade War Escalates**
President Trump&rsquo;s aggressive tariff strategy has resulted in both Washington and Beijing imposing significant duties on each other's imports, exacerbating a standoff that has raised fears of a global economic downturn and caused market upheaval.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration plans to pressure nations seeking tariff reductions or exemptions to limit their trade with China, including the potential imposition of monetary penalties.
Despite the tensions, Trump has stated that the United States is engaged in tariff discussions with China and expressed optimism about reaching a favorable agreement to resolve the trade conflict.
"We're in talks with China... they have reached out several times," Trump remarked to reporters at the Oval Office. "I think we're going to make a very good deal with China."
While China has pledged to fight the trade war to the end, it has not confirmed any negotiations with the US, although it has advocated for dialogue.
Beijing has vehemently criticized the US for what it terms "unilateralism and protectionism" and warned against a regression to an international order dominated by the "law of the jungle."
"In a world where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will ultimately become victims," Beijing stated on Monday.

After announcing Pope Francis's death, the Vatican initiates rituals marking the transition to a new papacy, including public viewing, mourning, and a conclave. Cardinal Farrell directs preparations, while the College of Cardinals handles Church operations.

Pope Francis' Passing: Church Rituals Explained

The Vatican confirms Pope Francis's death, sparking time-honored rituals for transitioning to a new papacy. Cardinal Farrell oversees preparations, including the destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and a nine-day mourning period, with an upcoming conclave for election.

The Vatican confirms Pope Francis's death, initiating traditional rituals for papal transition. Cardinal Farrell leads preparations for public viewing, mourning, and funeral, while the College of Cardinals manages operations until a new pope is elected.

Following the announced passing of Pope Francis by the Vatican on Monday, a series of time-honored traditions mark the transition from one papacy to the next in the Roman Catholic Church.
First, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, will officially confirm the Pope's death. He is responsible for sealing the Pope's private apartment and organizing the funeral preparations.
A critical task for the camerlengo and his three assistants is deciding when the late Pope's coffin will be displayed for public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica. They will also ensure that the Pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and lead seal are destroyed to prevent misuse. In line with custom, no autopsy will be conducted.
The Church will observe nine days of mourning, with the funeral's date to be set by the cardinals, typically occurring four to six days post-mortem. Unlike many former popes, Pope Francis expressed his wish not to be interred in St. Peter's Basilica's crypt, but rather in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, and requested a simple wooden casket for his burial.
During this period, the College of Cardinals manages the Church's daily operations, though with restricted authority, leading to a temporary slowdown in central administration.
The conclave to elect a new pope will commence in the Sistine Chapel, occurring between 15 to 20 days after the Pope's death, with the precise start date determined by the cardinals. Participating in the secretive ballot are all cardinals under the age of 80, necessitating a two-thirds plus one vote majority to elect the new pope. The election process may involve multiple rounds over several days. Upon election, the new pope is asked to confirm his acceptance and declare his chosen papal name.
The successful election is communicated to the world through the burning of ballots with chemicals that produce white smoke from the chapel's chimney. Black smoke, meanwhile, signifies an inconclusive vote.
Next, the dean of the College of Cardinals will announce "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, introducing the new pope, who will offer his blessing to the gathered crowd in the square.

Pope Francis has died at 88. Remembered for his humility and reforms, he led the Catholic Church with compassion. Tributes flow globally as the Vatican and believers mourn his passing. His legacy of inclusivity and justice will endure.

Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Confirms

The Vatican announces the death of Pope Francis at 88. Known for progressive reforms and his compassionate leadership, his passing marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and its followers. Tributes honor his lasting influence.

Pope Francis has passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reform within the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists, died on Monday aged 88.
The Argentine pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover and leaving the facility on March 23.
His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
"This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church."
His death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor.
In the meantime, the day-to-day running of the tiny Vatican City state will be handled by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal, currently Dublin-born Kevin Farrell.
 - 'Humble pastor' -
Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit to lead the world's almost 1.4 billion Catholics and the first from the Americas.
He took over after Benedict XVI became the first pontiff since the Middle Ages to step down -- and cut a sharply different figure from the German theologian.
A football-loving former archbishop of Buenos Aires who was often happiest among his flock, Francis sought to forge a more open and compassionate church.
He strongly defended social justice, the rights of migrants and the environment, while also pushing through governance reforms and tackling the scourge of clerical sex abuse of children.
But critics accused him of creating doctrinal confusion and failing to defend traditional Catholic beliefs on key issues such as abortion and divorce.
Francis's desire to chart a different path was evident right to the end, with his decision to be buried not in St Peter's Basilica but in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.
He will become the first pope in more than 100 years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.
Francis also rejected the tradition of popes having three coffins, instead choosing to buried in just one, made of wood and zinc, to reflect his role as a humble pastor.
 - Health issues -
Francis had left open the possibility of stepping down if he felt unable to do his job, following the example of Benedict, who quit citing his ailing health.
But he insisted for years that time had not yet come, and maintained a busy schedule, right up to hosting the prime minister of Slovakia shortly before his hospital admission.
Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, was visibly breathless in the days before going to the Gemelli, delegating aides to read his homilies at public audiences.
Questions will now be asked whether the pontiff, known for being stubborn and refusing to take rest, should have been admitted to hospital earlier.
Even after he was released from hospital and ordered to rest for two months, Francis did not wait long before making public appearances.
He had been hospitalised with a respiratory infection in March 2023. That same year he also underwent surgery for a hernia, and in 2021 he had colon surgery.
He suffered knee pain that required him to use a wheelchair, and had fallen twice in recent months.
Yet he never took a day off and made frequent trips abroad, including a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour only last September.
Huge crowds gathered wherever he went, a testament to his popularity and human touch, which saw him finish his Sunday Angelus prayer each week urging followers to pray for him and to have a good lunch.
 - Who am I to judge? -
When Francis took over, the Catholic Church was mired in infighting and beset by a global scandal over clerical sex abuse of children and decades of cover-ups.
He promised an end to impunity and changed Vatican law to help tackle abuse, though victims said he could have gone further.
More widely, he initiated a major shake-up of the Vatican's powerful governing body, including improving financial responsibility and allowing lay Catholics to lead Vatican offices.
Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the poor and vulnerable and emphasised love over doctrine.
"If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?" he said at the start of his papacy.
However, his detractors accused him of failing to uphold established Church doctrine, and his final months were marked by increasingly outspoken attacks by senior cardinals.
Tensions with conservative Catholics marked the Synod congress that met at the Vatican at the end of 2023, part of a years-long global consultation on the future of the church -- that Francis now leaves unfinished.

Pope Francis has passed away at 88, initiating the Vatican's interregnum. The Catholic Church faces a profound transition as cardinals convene for the papal conclave to elect a new pope, with the world watching for the symbolic smoke signal.

Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican's New Chapter

Pope Francis's death marks the beginning of the Vatican's interregnum. The Catholic Church commences this transitional phase as cardinals prepare to elect a new pope. Watch for the iconic smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis, 88, has died, marking the start of the Vatican's interregnum. Tradition and ritual guide the Church as Cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect a new pope, concluding with the announcement from St. Peter&rsquo;s.

In a somber moment for the global Catholic community, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. After battling numerous age-related health issues and spending over a month in the hospital, his passing marks the end of an era while ushering the Vatican into an interregnum phase. During this period, the intricate process of selecting a new pope begins, leaving the highest position within the Catholic Church temporarily vacant.
Procedures following the Pope&rsquo;s passing
Upon a pope's death, the Vatican enters the interregnum, the interval between papacies. Traditionally, this process begins with the camerlengo, the Vatican's administrator responsible for property and revenues, confirming the pope's passing. This involves calling out the pope&rsquo;s baptismal name three times. The historical ritual of tapping the pope's forehead with a small silver hammer, however, was discontinued after 1963.
The Vatican then communicates the solemn news to the world via its official channels.
Next, the papal apartment is ceremonially sealed by the camerlengo&mdash;a practice originally intended to prevent looting. The camerlengo also oversees the symbolic destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and the pope&rsquo;s official seal, signifying the end of his papal authority.
According to the constitution *Universi Dominici Gregis*, which outlines the papal transition procedure, the pope's funeral must take place within 4 to 6 days of his death. Traditionally, the pope is laid to rest at St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica, unless he has indicated a different final resting place. A prescribed nine-day mourning period follows the funeral.
Selection of a new Pope**
The papal conclave, tasked with electing the new pope, commences approximately 15 to 20 days after the pope&rsquo;s death. Cardinals under the age of 80 convene at the Vatican to undertake this secretive and sacred responsibility. Inside the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, they are isolated from the outside world, devoid of media or phone contact.
The cardinals engage in several voting rounds, each followed by the burning of ballots. The world watches for the symbolic smoke from the chapel chimney: black indicating deliberation continues, and white heralding the successful election of a new pope.
Proclaiming the new Pope
Upon election, the chosen candidate is formally asked to accept the papal mantle. If he consents, he selects a new papal name, often inspired by saints. Then, from the balcony of St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica, the Senior Cardinal Deacon announces, "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"). Shortly thereafter, the newly elected pope steps forward to greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter&rsquo;s Square, bestowing his first blessings as the leader of the Catholic Church.

A Columbia University study warns that climate change increases arsenic in rice, boosting cancer and health risks in Asia by 2050.

Climate Change Raises Arsenic in Rice and Cancer Risks

Study links climate change to higher arsenic levels in rice, posing increased cancer and health risks in Asian populations by 2050.

A new study in The Lancet warns that climate change may increase arsenic levels in rice, elevating cancer risks in Asia by 2050.

Climate change could be resulting in higher levels of arsenic in rice, potentially increasing lifetime cancer and health risks for people in Asian countries by 2050, according to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.
Researchers from Columbia University, US, explained that an increase in temperatures above 2 degrees Celsius and rising levels of carbon dioxide could be causing changes in soil chemistry, favouring arsenic, which gets more easily absorbed into a rice grain.
Contaminated soil and irrigated water while growing rice are known to increase inorganic arsenic in rice.
An increased exposure to arsenic is known to heighten the risk of cancers of the lung, bladder and skin, among others. Rice can also absorb additional arsenic from water used for cooking.
"Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer health effects," author Lewis Ziska, associate professor of environmental health sciences, Columbia University, said.
"As rice is a dietary staple in many parts of the world, these changes could lead to a substantial rise in the global burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other arsenic-related health issues," Ziska said.
Studies have revealed rice consumption to be a major health threat to people in South and Southeast Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam, where rice is the staple food.
The combined effects of rising CO2 and temperatures on arsenic accumulation in rice have not been studied in detail until now, the team said.
In this study, the researchers measured the effects of rising temperatures and carbon dioxide on 28 rice strains over 10 years in the field. Using models, inorganic arsenic doses and health risks for seven Asian countries -- Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam -- were estimated.
"We found that temperature and CO2 act synergistically to increase arsenic concentrations in rice, compounding dietary arsenic exposures for rice consumers and leading to projected cancer cases in the tens of millions among populations of Asian countries in 2050," according to the study.
Projected average cases of bladder and lung cancer in 2050 were found to increase in proportion with exposure to arsenic, with the highest risk projections (44 per cent) seen for rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels.
China was projected to see 1.34 crore cases of cancer attributable to arsenic in rice in 2050 -- the highest among the seven countries studied.
"Emerging evidence also suggests that arsenic exposure may be linked to diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental issues, and immune system effects," Ziska said.
The authors suggested measures to reduce arsenic exposure, including breeding plants to minimise arsenic uptake and improved soil management in rice paddies, along with public health initiatives.

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