Name: Drone hits merchant ship linked to Israel in Indian Ocean
Uploaded: 2023-12-23T16:56:47.000+05:30
Duration: T00M23S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Drone hits merchant ship linked to Israel in Indian Ocean

The Baloch Liberation Army has taken 182 hostages following a train attack in Pakistan's Balochistan. The situation remains tense as the government condemns the act.

Militants Seize Hostages in Pakistan Train Ambush

Following a train ambush, the BLA holds 182 hostages in Pakistan's Balochistan. Civilians were released, yet tensions rise as military operations unfold.

The Baloch Liberation Army seized 182 hostages after ambushing a train in southwestern Pakistan. They released civilians while negotiations with the government remain stalled.

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict in southwestern Pakistan, militants have seized 35 hostages after targeting a train, according to local police reports on Tuesday.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant organization, has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they are holding a total of 182 hostages. The group has issued a dire warning, threatening to execute the captives unless security forces withdraw from the area.
The train, carrying nearly 350 passengers, was ambushed within a tunnel, leaving many terrified but reportedly safe, authorities affirmed. The train's driver sustained severe injuries during the assault.
"A relief train is being dispatched to assist approximately 350 passengers, including women and children, who remain unharmed," confirmed Rana Dilawar, a senior police official in the district.
In response to the hostage situation, security forces have initiated a large-scale military operation, deploying helicopters and special forces to the mountainous region.
An explosion was reported near the tunnel, and security personnel are currently engaged in gunfire exchanges with the militants.
The BLA, which advocates for Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, has asserted the killing of 20 soldiers and the downing of a drone &ndash; claims yet to be verified by Pakistani authorities.
The group stated that among the captives are Pakistani army members and other security officials on leave.
In a statement disseminated via email and Telegram, the BLA announced, "Civilian passengers, particularly women, children, the elderly, and Baloch citizens, have been released and provided with a secure route."
The militants declared, "The BLA further warns that if military intervention continues, all hostages will be executed."
The Jaffar Express, the train involved, was en route from Balochistan's provincial capital, Quetta, to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under fire.
Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, strongly criticized the attack, asserting that the government would not negotiate with "beasts who fire on innocent passengers." Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, announced the imposition of emergency measures to manage the crisis, though specifics remain undisclosed.
The BLA represents the largest faction among several ethnic groups that have long contested the government's policies, accusing it of exploiting Balochistan's abundant gas and mineral resources without equitable benefits for the local population.
The conflict has led to recurrent assaults on governmental, military, and Chinese interests in the region.

Trump doubles tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% following Ontario's electricity tariff. He seeks elimination of high dairy tariffs and threatens auto tariffs, escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions with broad economic implications.

Trump Escalates Canadian Tariffs Tension

Trump has announced a substantial increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50% as a response to Ontario's electricity tariff. This move, along with his demands for dairy tariff removal and auto tariff threats, heightens U.S.-Canada trade tensions.

Trump increases tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum to 50% in response to Ontario's electricity tariff. Warns of further tariff hikes on Canadian dairy and auto sectors. Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada intensify with potential economic impacts.

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in trade tensions with Canada, unveiling plans to double tariffs on all Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50%.
This move comes in direct response to the province of Ontario's imposition of a 25% tariff on electricity exports to the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he has directed his commerce secretary to implement an additional 25% tariff on these products, which is set to take effect on Wednesday morning.
Trump's announcement did not stop at steel and aluminum. He demanded that Canada immediately eliminate what he termed the "Anti-American Farmer Tariff" on U.S. dairy products, which currently ranges from 250% to 390%.
"This has long been considered outrageous," he declared, further revealing plans to declare a "National Emergency on Electricity" in the affected region.
Additionally, Trump issued a cautionary note regarding the auto industry, threatening to "substantially increase" tariffs on Canadian cars entering the U.S. by April 2 unless Canada drops other longstanding tariffs he deemed unfair.
These developments mark yet another chapter in the ongoing trade disputes between the two neighboring countries, with potentially wide-reaching implications for both economies.

Collision of a cargo ship and tanker near Hull causes fires and environmental threats, with one crew member missing.

North Sea Ship Collision Sparks Environmental Fears

A ship collision off East Yorkshire leads to fire and environmental risks with hazardous materials on board, sparking ecological concerns.

A collision off East Yorkshire involving a cargo ship and tanker carrying hazardous materials triggers environmental concerns.

Fires were still raging on Tuesday after a cargo ship laden with toxic materials slammed into a tanker carrying flammable jet fuel in the North Sea, as questions mounted about how the accident happened.
The fires were "still going on", nearly 24 hours after the Solong cargo ship ran into the Stena Immaculate tanker, anchored about 10 miles (16 kilometres) off the northeast port of Hull.
One crew member was also still missing, Grimsby port chief executive Martyn Boyers told AFP.
The government's Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a probe into Monday's accident to determine the next steps and need for a counter-pollution response.
The UK Coastguard halted search operations late on Monday after rescuing 36 crew members from both ships. It was not immediately clear if the search had resumed early on Tuesday.
"One crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for. After an extensive search for the missing crew member sadly they have not been found and the search has ended," said Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander for the HM Coastguard.
Images on Monday showed a huge plume of thick, black smoke and flames rising from the scene off the coast of East Yorkshire, sparking concerns of "multiple toxic hazards".
The Stena Immaculate was on a short-term US military charter with Military Sealift Command, according to Jillian Morris, the spokesperson for the command that operates civilian-crewed ships providing ocean transport for the US Defense Department.
Crowley, the US-based operators of the tanker, said the impact of the crash "ruptured" the ship's tank "containing A1-jet fuel" and triggered a fire, with fuel "reported released".
The Stena Immaculate was carrying around 220,000 barrels of jet fuel.
The Solong was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to the Lloyd's List information service, but it is not known if any of the flammable compound had leaked.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the situation "extremely concerning".
All crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate were confirmed to be alive, a spokeswoman for the tanker's Swedish owner, Stena Bulk, told AFP.
'Toxic hazards' A spokesman for the government's Marine Accident Investigation Branch said: "Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps."
Dutch maritime servicing company Boskalis told the ANP news agency it had been tasked with salvaging the Stena Immaculate and was "fully mobilising".
Four ships with firefighting capacity were on their way to the site, a Boskalis spokesperson said, adding that the tanker would need to be "cooled down" before the fire could be extinguished.
Ivor Vince, founder of ASK Consultants, an environmental risk advisory group, told AFP: "The good news is it's not persistent. It's not like a crude oil spill".
"Most of it will evaporate quite quickly and what doesn't evaporate will be degraded by microorganisms quite quickly," he added.
He warned though, that "it will kill fish and other creatures".
There were growing concerns about the consequences of any spillage into the North Sea for the local environment and protected wildlife.
Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University, said: "We are extremely concerned about the multiple toxic hazards these chemicals could pose to marine life."
The jet fuel entered the water close to a breeding ground for harbour porpoises.
Sodium cyanide is "a highly toxic chemical that could cause serious harm", he explained.
Humber traffic suspended All vessel movements were "suspended" in the Humber estuary that flows into the North Sea, according to Associated British Ports (ABP), which operates in the Ports of Hull and Immingham in the region.
The German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said it was also dispatching a vessel capable of fire fighting and oil recovery.
Grimsby native Paul Lancaster, a former seaman, told AFP: "I don't understand how two ships that big could collide".
"There must have been a massive engineering problem," he said.

Russia's military has reclaimed 12 settlements in the Kursk region. The counteroffensive marks significant progress for Moscow amid ongoing diplomatic talks with Ukraine and US.

Russia Claims Major Territorial Gains

In a renewed push, Russia has reclaimed 12 settlements in the key Kursk region. This marks a substantial territorial gain for Moscow, highlighting strategic shifts amid diplomatic talks.

Russia's military has regained control of 12 settlements in the Kursk region during a counteroffensive. Ukraine is reinforcing its presence amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

In a renewed counteroffensive, Russia's military announced on Tuesday its recapture of 12 settlements from Ukraine in the western Kursk region. This development marks a significant territorial shift as Moscow endeavors to reclaim areas seized by Kyiv last year.
Ukraine's hold on the Russian border region, territory acquired since August 2024 and considered crucial for leveraging in peace negotiations, has been diminishing in recent weeks.
The announcement of Russia's territorial gains coincides with ongoing diplomatic discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving the conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its 'North' group of troops liberated the 12 settlements, reclaiming over 100 square kilometers of the Kursk region.
The recaptured areas include the villages of Argonom, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Dmitryukov, Zazulevka, Ivashkovsky, Kolmakov, Kubatkin, Martynovka, Mikhaylovka, Pravda, and Yuzhny. These villages are situated strategically around Sudzha, the primary town still under Ukrainian control.
This Russian advance aligns with a strategic shift highlighted by the cessation of US intelligence and satellite data sharing with Ukraine, a move reportedly intended to push Kyiv towards negotiation.
Despite these reports, Ukraine announced it is reinforcing its military presence in the Kursk region and asserted there is no immediate threat of its forces being encircled.
According to Russian military bloggers, Moscow's forces employed surprise tactics by navigating through underground tunnels and gas pipelines near Sudzha to launch attacks on Ukrainian positions.
Russian state television broadcasted footage showing a soldier maneuvering through a narrow tunnel with a gas mask and air pack, claiming the approach had been effective since "the enemy cannot see us."&nbsp;
This development underscores the ongoing complexity and evolving nature of the conflict, as both sides continue to vie for strategic and territorial advantage.

Neom, Saudi's $500B mega-city, grapples with financial woes and project delays. Sindalah costs balloon, with management changes amid financial scrutiny.

Challenges Loom Over Saudi's Neom Mega-City

Neom project's financial challenges and delays raise concerns. Sindalah's budget issues and management changes highlight deeper project complexities.

Saudi Arabia's Neom project faces financial strain and delays, with costs surging and management changes amid reports of financial misdeeds.

Saudi Arabia recently inaugurated a portion of its highly ambitious $500 billion mega-city, Neom, drawing a star-studded attendance and private yachts to the event aimed at highlighting the kingdom's forward-looking vision. However, significant challenges loom over the project.
A Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that the first phase of Neom, named Sindalah, is significantly delayed and has exceeded its budget. Initially estimated at $1.3 billion, the luxury resort's costs have surged to almost $4 billion.
Conspicuously, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the driving force behind Neom, did not attend the event. This development was swiftly followed by the replacement of Neom's CEO, Nadhmi al-Nasr.
Since its inception in 2017, Neom has absorbed more than $50 billion. Nevertheless, its most daring concepts&mdash;such as a floating business district, a desert ski resort, and a 170-kilometer linear city&mdash;remain unrealized.
The Wall Street Journal also uncovered evidence of extensive financial manipulation within Neom's management structure.
An internal audit pointed to financial mismanagement by executives, in collaboration with the consulting firm McKinsey.

Pakistani ambassador KK Wagan was deported from the US, citing immigration objections. This incident, amid US travel ban discussions, strains Pakistan-US relations.

Pakistani Diplomat Denied US Entry

KK Wagan, Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, was deported from the US due to immigration objections, sparking tensions amid potential US travel bans.

Pakistani diplomat KK Wagan was deported from the US due to immigration objections despite having valid travel documents. The incident, amid possible US travel bans, strains Islamabad-Washington relations.

In a diplomatic setback for Pakistan, a senior diplomat was denied entry into the United States despite possessing a valid visa and the required documentation, according to a report by The News, a prominent Pakistani media outlet.
KK Wagan, serving as Pakistan's ambassador to Turkmenistan, was intercepted by U.S. immigration officials upon his arrival in Los Angeles and subsequently deported.
The report, citing an unnamed source from the Pakistan foreign ministry, indicated that the diplomat faced an "immigration objection."
Mr. Wagan, an experienced diplomat, was visiting Los Angeles for personal reasons.
Although he traveled with a valid U.S. visa and appropriate travel documents, immigration officials raised concerns regarding adherence to diplomatic protocol. Specific concerns were noted about "controversial visa references," though the report, mentioning diplomatic sources, did not provide further details on these issues.
Following the objections, Mr. Wagan was required to return to his point of departure.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials have been informed of the situation, with Mr. Wagan likely to be called to Islamabad to provide an account of the incident.
GeoTV, another Pakistani news outlet, confirmed through foreign office sources that Mr. Wagan was on a private trip to Los Angeles and stated that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway.
The episode represents a significant embarrassment for Islamabad amid circulating reports that then-U.S. President Donald Trump was considering implementing a travel ban on Pakistan, potentially restricting Pakistani nationals' entry into the United States.

The Baloch Liberation Army has hijacked a train in Pakistan, resulting in military casualties and hundreds of hostages. The incident emphasizes long-standing tensions in resource-rich Balochistan.

Baloch Liberation Army Train Hijack in Pakistan

The Baloch Liberation Army has taken over 400 hostages aboard a train in Pakistan, following an attack that killed six military personnel. Security forces are on the scene, with tensions running high.

The Baloch Liberation Army hijacked a train in Pakistan, killing six soldiers and taking hundreds of passengers hostage. Any rescue will be met with violence, warned the BLA. Security forces are responding.

In a bold move, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a group advocating for Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, claimed responsibility for seizing control of a train and taking hundreds of passengers hostage.
The incident resulted in the deaths of six Pakistani military personnel, according to a statement issued by the BLA.
The Jaffar Express, comprising over 400 passengers across nine carriages, was en route from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under attack, as confirmed by railway officials to Reuters.
The BLA, in a statement attributed to spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, threatened to execute the hostages if Pakistani forces attempted a rescue operation.&nbsp;
The assailants reportedly sabotaged the railway tracks to bring the train to a halt before boarding it. "Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response.
To date, six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds of passengers remain in BLA custody. The Baloch Liberation Army takes full responsibility for this operation," said the spokesperson in a statement circulated on social media.
In response, security forces have been dispatched to the scene in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district in Balochistan, according to a railway official.
Balochistan's government has enacted emergency measures, with spokesperson Shahid Rind confirming that all relevant institutions have been mobilized to handle the crisis.
For decades, Balochistan has been a hotbed of insurgency, with separatist militant groups frequently targeting the Pakistani government, army, and Chinese interests to demand a fairer share of the province's abundant mineral resources.
The BLA stands as the largest of these ethnic insurgent groups, contending that Balochistan is exploited for its significant gas and mineral wealth.
Despite being Pakistan's largest province by land area, accounting for nearly 44% of the country's total landmass, Balochistan remains the least populated.
It is strategically important, home to the deep-sea port of Gwadar, which Pakistan touts as significant for both regional and global trade routes. Geographically, Balochistan borders Iran to the west, Afghanistan to the north, and the Arabian Sea to the south, and it is flanked by the Pakistani provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.

Taiwan Spots 11 Chinese Balloons Amid Tensions

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.
The balloons were spotted along with five Chinese aircraft and six warships in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT on Thursday), the ministry said in its daily report.
It was the highest number of balloons recorded, said the ministry, which started regularly releasing the data on balloon sightings since December 2023.
"Based on trajectory analysis, most balloons around the Taiwan Strait are used for meteorological sounding purposes," it said in a statement.
"Large-scale, planned and intensive deployment (of balloons) has caused potential harm to flight safety".
China insists self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.
Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.
The surge in balloons comes after Taiwan recorded 45 Chinese aircraft near the island in a 24-hour period last week, which was the highest number this year.
In the same week, Taipei also condemned China for holding "live-fire" drills off the island's south.
Beijing hit back, accusing Taiwan of "pure hype" over what it called "routine training".
The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific told a defence forum last month that the frequency of China's exercises could be used to cover up a real attack.
In response to those comments, China's defence ministry reiterated that Beijing would not renounce the use of force to achieve unification.
Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier.
While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan -- which Beijing opposes -- Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend it from a Chinese attack.
Despite long-standing strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, there are fears that US President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked.
Speaking at a recent security forum, Taiwan's National Security Council chief Joseph Wu said US support for Taiwan was "very strong".
Wu praised the United States for providing defence equipment to Taiwan, training its soldiers and boosting its international presence.
"I think the Trump administration's support for Taiwan will remain very strong," Wu told the HFX Taipei Forum.
"I think it's very clear that the United States is supporting Taiwan, and with the US support, I think we will be more confident in defending ourselves."

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau steps down amid US tariffs and strained Canada-U.S. relations. The Liberal Party seeks a leader to navigate future diplomatic challenges.

Trudeau's Resignation Amid US-Canada Strains

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau steps down amid US tariffs and strained Canada-U.S. relations. The Liberal Party seeks a leader to navigate future diplomatic challenges.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visibly emotional, is preparing to step down as his Liberal Party selects a new leader to navigate the country's rocky relationship with the United States, exacerbated by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Trudeau, who has been in power for almost ten years, delivered an emotional farewell speech on Thursday. He emphasized his commitment to always prioritizing Canadians' interests throughout his tenure and pledged to continue supporting them even after he leaves office.
"Personally, I ensured that every day in this role, I put Canadians first and had their backs," Trudeau asserted. "I'm here to assure you that we remain committed. In these final days of this administration, and beyond, we will not let Canadians down."
Trudeau had announced his resignation in January following growing internal opposition and a decline in popularity. He will serve as interim prime minister until a successor is appointed.
The Liberal Party is expected to announce its new leader on Sunday. This leader will be tasked with guiding the party through the upcoming elections in October and managing the delicate relationship with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Trudeau addressed Trump's tariff threats, urging Canadians to stand united during challenging times. Tensions between the two leaders have been high, with Trump previously alluding to Canada as the "51st state" and calling Trudeau a "Governor."
This speech followed Trump's decision to pause new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, offering temporary relief to consumers and businesses after previous tariff hikes had disrupted financial markets. Both nations had imposed reciprocal 25% tariffs as a prelude to a potential trade war, which is now suspended until April 2.
Trudeau criticized Trump's confrontational tactics, advocating for a mutual prosperity approach, suggesting that "America First" should also consider the success of Canada and Mexico. He argued that true international trade and diplomacy require reciprocal benefits, unlike real estate transactions.

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.

Executions in Latakia Amid Syria's Conflict

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "security forces executed 52 Alawite men in the towns of Al-Shir and Al-Mukhtariya in the Latakia countryside" based on videos it verified, as well as testimonies it received from the victims' relatives.
Fierce clashes broke out on Thursday in Latakia province, the heartland of the Alawite faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which the Assad clan belongs.
The Observatory and activists released footage showing dozens of bodies in civilian clothing piled in a house yard, with blood stains nearby and women wailing.
In another clip, men in military garb appeared to order three people to crawl on the ground behind each other before opening fire on them at close range.
AFP could not independently verify the images.
In addition to the 52 reportedly killed, the Observatory said clashes since Thursday killed 72 people, including 36 security personnel, 32 gunmen loyal to Assad and four civilians.
The deaths brought the Observatory's total death count since Thursday to at least 124.
Since Assad was toppled by Islamist-led rebels on December 8, Syria's new authorities have launched security campaigns seeking to root out "regime remnants", in particular targeting Alawite strongholds in the country's centre and west.

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Drone hits merchant ship linked to Israel in Indian Ocean

&nbsp;The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the attack was by an Uncrewed Aerial System, and authorities are investigating it.

A drone strike reportedly hit an Israel-linked merchant ship in the Indian Ocean but there were no caualties. British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security firm Ambrey said that a merchant vessel was stuck by unmanned aerial vehicle off India's Verval. &nbsp;
The unclaimed attack off the coast of India caused a fire on board.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israeli-strike-kills-76-members-of-gaza-family-1703327658002">Israeli strike kills 76 members of Gaza family</a> &nbsp;

A Kremlin advisor criticized a US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, calling it temporary and inadequate. The proposal aims to halt a three-year conflict.

Kremlin Rebukes US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal

A Kremlin advisor condemned the US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, arguing it offers only a temporary solution without addressing Russia’s legitimate interests.

A top Kremlin aide dismissed a US-proposed US-Ukraine ceasefire as temporary and superficial, stressing unmet Russian interests.

In a statement released Friday, a key aide to the Kremlin criticized the proposed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it would merely serve as a temporary reprieve for Ukrainian forces.
Yuri Ushakov, speaking to state media following a phone conversation with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, dismissed the initiative as inadequate.
According to Ushakov, the ceasefire would only function as a "temporary breather for the Ukrainian military."
He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to provide a more detailed response to the proposal on Thursday.
Ushakov emphasized Russia's pursuit of a "long-term peaceful solution" that accommodates its "legitimate interests."
He noted that any measures perceived as superficial peace efforts were unnecessary under the current circumstances.
The remarks came in response to US negotiators' visit to Russia on Thursday, where they presented a plan advocating for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
The proposal is part of Washington's efforts to secure an "unconditional" halt to the three-year conflict, which continues to strain international relations.

The UN accuses Israel of genocidal actions in Gaza, targeting healthcare services. This report highlights serious human rights violations needing global attention.

UN Alleges Genocidal Acts by Israel in Gaza

The UN accuses Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza by targeting reproductive healthcare facilities, prompting international concern over potential war crimes.

The UN accuses Israel of genocidal actions in Gaza, focusing on healthcare facility destruction and systematic reproductive capacity reduction.

A United Nations investigation concluded Thursday that Israel carried out "genocidal" acts in Gaza through the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities.
The UN Commission of Inquiry said Israel had "intentionally attacked and destroyed" the Palestinian territory's main fertility centre, and had simultaneously imposed a siege and blocked aid including medication for ensuring safe pregnancies, deliveries and neonatal care.
"Israel categorically rejects the unfounded allegations," its mission in Geneva said in a statement.
The commission found that Israeli authorities "have destroyed in part the reproductive capacity of Palestinians in Gaza as a group through the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare", it said in a statement.
It said this amounted to "two categories of genocidal acts" during Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched after the attacks by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The United Nations' genocide convention defines that crime as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.
Of its five categories, the inquiry said the two implicating Israel were "deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction" and "imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group".
"These violations have not only caused severe immediate physical and mental harm and suffering to women and girls, but irreversible long-term effects on the mental health and reproductive and fertility prospects of Palestinians as a group," the commission's chair Navi Pillay said in a statement.
The three-person Independent International Commission of Inquiry was established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Pillay, a former UN rights chief, served as a judge on the International Criminal Court and presided over the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Israel accused the commission of advancing a "predetermined and biased political agenda... in a shameless attempt to incriminate the Israel Defence Forces".
Destruction of IVF clinic The report said maternity hospitals and wards had been systematically destroyed in Gaza, along with the Al-Basma IVF Centre, the territory's main in-vitro fertility clinic.
It said Al-Basma was shelled in December 2023, reportedly destroying around 4,000 embryos at a clinic that served 2,000 to 3,000 patients a month.
The commission found that the Israeli Security Forces intentionally attacked and destroyed the clinic, including all the reproductive material stored for the future conception of Palestinians.
The commission found no credible evidence that the building was used for military purposes.
It concluded that the destruction "was a measure intended to prevent births among Palestinians in Gaza, which is a genocidal act".
Furthermore, the report said the wider harm to pregnant, lactating and new mothers in Gaza was on an "unprecedented scale", with an irreversible impact on the reproductive prospects of Gazans.
Such underlying acts "amount to crimes against humanity" and deliberately trying to destroy the Palestinians as a group, the commission concluded.
'Extermination' The report came after the commission conducted public hearings in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, hearing from victims and witnesses of sexual violence.
It concluded that Israel had targeted civilian women and girls directly, "acts that constitute the crime against humanity of murder and the war crime of wilful killing".
Women and girls have also died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth due to the conditions imposed by the Israeli authorities impacting access to reproductive health care, "acts that amount to the crime against humanity of extermination", it added.
The commission added that forced public stripping and nudity, sexual harassment including threats of rape, as well as sexual assault, comprise part of the Israeli Security Forces' "standard operating procedures" toward Palestinians.

US VP JD Vance's visit to India coincides with significant tariff tensions between the US and India. As Trump criticizes India's tariffs, Vance's visit might play a role in negotiations.

JD Vance Visits India Amid US-India Tariff Tensions

Vice President JD Vance's planned visit to India comes amid escalating US-India tariff tensions. This visit, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, aims to address these trade challenges.

US VP JD Vance plans an India visit amid tariff disputes. This follows Trump's tariff criticisms, which led to stock market unrest. Vance's visit aims to address trade tensions.

US Vice President JD Vance is poised to visit India later this month, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, as reported by Politico, citing three sources familiar with the plans.
This marks Vance's second international trip since taking office and Usha Vance's inaugural visit to her ancestral homeland as Second Lady. The Vice President previously embarked on his first foreign visit to France and Germany last month.
The visit occurs amid escalating tensions between India and the US over tariff disputes.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump criticized India's tariff policies, declaring it "next to impossible to sell anything to India" due to "high tariffs." In response, he announced reciprocal tariffs, effective April 2, aiming to match the tariff rates imposed by foreign countries on US exports.
The 78-year-old Republican's tariff announcements have created unrest in stock markets. Subsequently, Trump claimed that India agreed to reduce tariffs on US imports. "India charges us massive tariffs. Massive.
You can't even sell anything in India... They have agreed, by the way, they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done," he stated at the White House. However, Indian officials have refuted this, asserting no such commitments were made, and negotiations are ongoing.
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the issue while discussing the tariffs imposed by various nations, emphasizing India's tariffs on US alcohol and agricultural products.
"American cheese and butter face nearly a 300 per cent tariff in Canada. In India, there is a 150 per cent tariff on American alcohol. Do you think that's helping Kentucky bourbon be exported into India? I don't think so. There's also a 100 per cent tariff on agricultural products from India," she commented.
In an earlier engagement, Vice President Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after assuming office, on the sidelines of the AI Summit in Paris last month.
During this meeting, PM Modi presented an eco-friendly wooden alphabet set to Vance's daughter, Mirabel Rose Vance, and participated in the celebration of Vance's son Vivek's birthday.
Expressing his delight, PM Modi shared on X, "Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!"
Vice President Vance reciprocated the sentiments, appreciating PM Modi's hospitality and kindness, noting that his children enjoyed the gifts and expressing gratitude for the meaningful conversation.

Trump's administration challenges high global tariffs, focusing on India and Canada. Seeking fair trade terms, temporary tariff delays with Mexico demonstrate ongoing economic tensions.

Trump Criticizes Global Tariffs: Trade Push

Highlighting high tariffs from India, Canada, and Japan, Trump seeks fair trade. Temporary delays with Mexico signal persistent global trade negotiations and economic tensions.

The Trump administration pushes for fair trade, criticizing high tariffs from India, Canada, and Japan. Temporary tariff delays with Mexico ensue, highlighting ongoing global trade tensions.

In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the tariffs imposed by several nations on U.S. goods, particularly highlighting India's tariffs on American alcohol and agricultural products.
She stated that President Donald Trump is committed to reciprocity in trade, emphasizing the need for fair and balanced international trade practices.
Leavitt accused Canada of exploiting the United States, citing "egregious" tariff rates that have allegedly disadvantaged American workers for decades.
When questioned about the timeline for President Trump to speak with Canada's Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney, Leavitt said, "The president is again responding to the fact that Canada has been ripping off the United States of America and hardworking Americans for decades."
She presented data illustrating high tariff rates imposed by countries like Canada, India, and Japan, which adversely affect American exports.
Leavitt noted an almost 300 percent tariff on American cheese and butter in Canada, a 150 percent tariff on American alcohol in India, and a 100 percent tariff on agricultural products. She also pointed out Japan&rsquo;s 700 percent tariff on rice.
President Trump, known for his focus on "America First" policies, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with how the United States has been treated in international trade. On Sunday, Trump suggested possible future increases in tariffs against Mexico and Canada, according to Fox News.
He argued that global trade practices have long disadvantaged the U.S., saying, "For years, globalists have been ripping off the United States...what we're going to do is get it back."
Meanwhile, Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, citing border control concerns, particularly addressing the issue of fentanyl entering the U.S.
In a move indicating shifting dynamics, Trump announced a temporary delay on certain tariffs against Mexico and Canada, following productive discussions with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, he criticized Canada for being a "high tariff nation."
Additionally, President Trump has criticized India's trade practices, asserting it is "next to impossible to sell anything to India" due to high tariffs.
Nevertheless, he claims India has agreed to significantly reduce its tariffs, stating, "India charges us massive tariffs...they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done."
As the Trump administration continues to negotiate better trade terms, the global community watches closely to see how these policies will unfold and impact international economic relations.

The US enacts 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, sparking trade tensions with key partners like Canada and impacting markets.

US Steel & Aluminum Tariffs Escalate Trade War

The US enacts 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, impacting global trade dynamics and causing market volatility.

The US enacts 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, affecting markets and key trading partners like Canada.

The United States broadened its slate of tariffs Wednesday as sweeping levies on steel and aluminum imports took effect "with no exceptions or exemptions" as promised by the White House -- despite countries' efforts to avert them.
President Donald Trump's 25 percent duties on both metals will likely add to the cost of producing anything from home appliances to automobiles and cans used for drinks, threatening to raise consumer prices down the road.
"It wouldn't surprise me to see the tariffs pretty quickly show up in prices," Cato Institute research fellow Clark Packard told AFP.
He added that auto manufacturing and construction -- spanning both residential and commercial buildings -- are among the biggest users of steel in the country.
Trump has imposed steep tariffs on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico and China since returning to office, allowing only a partial rollback for his country's neighbors while vowing fresh levies from April 2.
The latest duties will again impact Canada heavily, with the country supplying some 50 percent of US aluminum imports and 20 percent of its steel imports, according to a recent note by EY chief economist Gregory Daco.
Besides Canada, Brazil and Mexico are also key US suppliers of steel, while the United Arab Emirates and South Korea are among providers of aluminum.
Wednesday's levies stack atop earlier ones. This means some Canada and Mexico steel and aluminum products likely face a 50 percent tariff rate unless they are compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Uncertainty over Trump's trade plans and worries that they could tip the world's biggest economy into a recession have roiled financial markets, with Wall Street indexes tumbling for a second straight day on Tuesday.
But Trump has played down fears over his handling of the economy, saying Tuesday he does not see a downturn coming while dismissing losses on Wall Street.
'Bumpy' transition Trump's trade decisions have come with volatility, with the president threatening to double the tariff rate on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent less than a day before the levies were due to kick in.
Canada's Ontario province had decided to impose an electricity surcharge on three American states in retaliation to earlier US levies, prompting Trump's furious response.
Washington and Ottawa swapped angry tariff warnings throughout the day as trade tensions surged, and Trump doubled down on provocative plans to annex his country's northern neighbor.
But Ontario halted the surcharge after talks with Washington.
White House spokesman Kush Desai said Trump "used the leverage of the American economy" in order to "deliver a win for the American people."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet in Washington Thursday "to discuss a renewed USMCA ahead of the April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline," according to a US-Canada joint statement.
Asked about Trump's oscillation on tariffs, White House senior counselor Peter Navarro told reporters that the process was "a negotiation."
"It is a transition," he added. "It's going to be at times, perhaps a little bumpy."
Massive uncertainty Even before the latest tariffs took effect, manufacturers have scrambled to find cost-effective domestic suppliers.
The mere threat of protectionism, Packard said, has allowed US steel and aluminum firms to raise their prices.
"It's creating massive amounts of uncertainty," he added.
Some US manufacturers using American steel consider the tariffs a positive development as these have boosted their business.
But others warn that tariffs merely add to the cost of imports while allowing US-made goods to become equally expensive.
Daco of EY also noted that the new steel and aluminum levies go further than measures Trump imposed in 2018 -- covering a range of finished products atop of raw steel and aluminum.
There is also a higher rate on aluminum imports this time and with duties layering onto existing restrictions this is "likely to make foreign sourcing more expensive across multiple industries."
The lack of exemptions Wednesday also comes despite US partners like Australia and Japan visiting Washington in recent days to push for exclusions.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday the tariffs were "entirely unjustified" but that his country would not retaliate.
It is unclear if Trump will, as he did in his first administration, eventually grant relief to some countries and cut deals with others.
Looking ahead, Trump has vowed separate reciprocal levies as soon as April 2 to remedy trade practices Washington deems unfair, raising the potential for more products and trading partners to be specifically targeted.

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