In other news

Canada’s 2025 election has sidelined climate as cost-of-living, housing, and the threat of a second Trump presidency dominate. Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, a longtime climate advocate, scrapped the consumer carbon tax and now pitches Canada as a “superpower” in both green and conventional energy, with fast-tracked clean projects and support for carbon capture—but few specifics. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wants to expand oil and gas, scrap the industrial carbon tax, and promote Canadian fossil fuels as cleaner alternatives to coal in Asia, while staying vague on net-zero. Both parties back expedited “energy corridors” and revived interest in eastbound pipelines to reduce dependence on the US market. This fossil-friendly tilt clashes with Canada’s pledge to cut emissions 40–45% by 2030 (down just 8.5% as of 2023), drawing criticism from the Bloc Québécois. With record climate-related insurance losses and heavy US exposure, the next government faces a tough balance between energy security, economics, and climate commitments. Canadians vote 28 April.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele proposed a swap to Venezuela: repatriate 252 Venezuelans deported by the U.S. and held in El Salvador in exchange for the release of an equal number of Venezuelan political prisoners. He says the deportees include violent offenders, while the prisoners are jailed for opposing President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela’s chief prosecutor criticized the plan, questioning due process for the deportees and denying the existence of political prisoners. The deportations, tied by the Trump administration to alleged Tren de Aragua gang members and conducted under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, have drawn legal challenges; the U.S. Supreme Court recently paused another deportation group. Maduro has condemned the U.S. transfers as human rights abuses.

South African politician Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of Jacob Zuma’s MK party, faced condemnation for attending an Easter service in Malawi hosted by fugitive preacher Shepherd Bushiri, who is fighting extradition to South Africa on fraud and rape charges. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called the visit disrespectful to the legal system, warning it could embolden fugitives. The MK party distanced itself, saying Shivambu acted personally and condemning exploitation of vulnerable communities. Shivambu praised Bushiri’s social and economic initiatives. Bushiri and his wife deny wrongdoing and have appealed a court ruling approving their extradition.

A 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion near Nairobi National Park after being taken from a residential compound on a neighboring ranch. Kenya Wildlife Service tracked the animal to the Mbagathi River, where the girl’s remains were found; search teams and traps have been deployed, and security measures increased. While human-wildlife conflict is common in Kenya, fatal attacks are rare. In a separate incident, a 54-year-old man died after an elephant attack in Nyeri county. Conservationists urged improved real-time monitoring, risk assessments, and predator deterrent systems for properties near wildlife areas.

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to block a freeze on $2.2bn in federal funding and threats to its tax-exempt status, arguing the government is unlawfully using funding to control academic decisions. The dispute stems from Harvard’s rejection of administration demands for external audits of curriculum and hiring/admissions data, aimed at curbing diversity initiatives and addressing antisemitism. Harvard says the freeze endangers critical research, including on pediatric cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. The administration has similarly targeted other universities, suspending or threatening large sums at Cornell, Brown, and Columbia. The White House criticized Harvard’s use of taxpayer funds, while Harvard insists it will not compromise its independence; former President Obama expressed support for the university.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators have proposed a new Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan featuring a 5–7-year truce, release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a formal end to the war, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Hamas delegation is heading to Cairo to discuss it. Hamas has indicated willingness to cede Gaza governance to an agreed Palestinian entity, potentially the PA or a new body, though Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects PA involvement and vows to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and hostages are freed. The proposal follows a previously rejected Israeli offer that required Hamas disarmament for a six-week truce. Mediators describe Hamas as showing “unprecedented flexibility,” but Israel has not commented. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s 7 October attack, has left over 1,200 dead in Israel and more than 51,000 in Gaza, according to respective authorities.

Seven people drowned in Australia over the Easter weekend, including a nine-year-old boy trapped between rocks at a New South Wales beach. Most deaths occurred in NSW due to strong ocean swells washing people off rocks; two people remain missing. Authorities report over 150 rescues since Good Friday and attribute the spike to hot weather, the holiday, and hazardous seas. Conditions are expected to improve, but officials urge caution. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences. Royal Life Saving Australia recorded 323 drownings nationally in the year to June 2024, nearly 40% in NSW.

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 bound for Atlanta was evacuated at Orlando International Airport after flames were seen from the right engine while on the tarmac. All 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots evacuated via emergency slides without reported injuries. Airport fire crews responded promptly, and the FAA will investigate. Delta apologized and is working to rebook passengers. The incident follows several high-profile North American aviation events this year.

The Vatican has designated 167 Catholic victims of Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter Sunday bombings as “heroes of faith,” announced by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at the sixth anniversary commemoration. The coordinated suicide attacks on churches and luxury hotels killed 269 people and sparked years of controversy over alleged government failures and cover-ups. Despite a 2021 trial of 25 suspects with 23,000 charges, progress has been slow. Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena to compensate victims for ignoring intelligence warnings. A 2023 documentary alleging political manipulation intensified public anger. The new government elected in 2024 has reopened investigations, pledging accountability and transparency to deliver justice.

The US Federal Trade Commission has sued Uber, alleging the company used deceptive practices to enroll customers in its Uber One subscription without consent and made cancellations overly difficult, sometimes requiring up to 23 screens and 32 actions. Uber denies the claims, saying cancellations now take about 20 seconds in-app and that it does not charge users without consent. Launched in 2021, Uber One costs $9.99/month or $96/year and offers delivery and ride discounts. This is the FTC’s first major tech lawsuit since President Trump’s second term began; the agency is also pursuing an antitrust case against Meta.

The article highlights ten Japanese innovations that have significantly influenced global culture and daily life. J-pop helped shape the modern idol system and paved the way for K-pop’s rise. Emojis, first created in Japan in 1999, became a universal digital language. Instant noodles, invented by Momofuku Ando, transformed affordable eating worldwide. Karaoke, originating in Japan, reshaped nightlife across countries. Manga evolved into a dominant force in U.S. comics sales and global storytelling. Matcha, rooted in Zen and tea ceremony, surged globally for its flavor and perceived health benefits. Mochi, particularly mochi ice cream popularized in Los Angeles, became a mainstream dessert. Japanese selvage denim redefined premium jeans craftsmanship. Sushi shifted from Edo street food to a global staple through American adoption and adaptation. Finally, wabi-sabi, a Zen-inspired appreciation of imperfection and impermanence, has influenced design, therapy, and lifestyle aesthetics worldwide.

Bill Owens, executive producer of “60 Minutes,” resigned, citing increasing corporate interference that he said undermined the show’s editorial independence. In an emotional staff meeting, Owens said “the company is done with me,” urging colleagues not to quit in protest. His exit follows pressure from President Trump—who sued CBS for $10 billion over a Harris interview and attacked the program publicly—and heightened oversight at CBS/Paramount, including preair reviews by Susan Zirinsky after complaints from Shari Redstone. Paramount is pursuing a sale to Skydance and has explored settling Trump’s lawsuit, a move many CBS journalists oppose. Owens, a CBS veteran since 1988 who took over “60 Minutes” in 2019 and recently revamped “CBS Evening News,” said the show must continue, just not under him. CBS leadership praised Owens and reaffirmed support for the program. Settlement talks with Trump are ongoing.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has dropped investigations into more than 2,000 complaints from probationary federal employees fired en masse early in the Trump administration, telling workers it could not treat the terminations as prohibited personnel practices because they were part of a governmentwide workforce reduction, not individual actions. Legal experts called the rationale baffling, noting the firings were also not treated as a formal reduction in force. The move follows President Trump’s ouster of OSC chief Hampton Dellinger and his replacement, in an acting capacity, with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, who ended the probes. With parallel court and Merit Systems Protection Board challenges stalled—complicated by leadership vacancies and legal fights—fired workers have few remaining avenues to contest their dismissals, leaving many in limbo.

The article argues that Japan has long absorbed foreign ideas, objects, and words but consistently transforms them into something distinctly Japanese. From its hybrid writing system to religion, cuisine, design, and pop culture, imports become integrated through modification and synthesis—Buddhism merged with Shinto, sushi refined from Southeast Asian preservation methods, manga evolving from Disney influences and then influencing Disney back. Japan’s distinctiveness is reinforced by selective openness: it eagerly adopts products and practices while historically limiting immigration, leading to reinterpreted cuisines and customs (e.g., gendered Valentine’s/White Day). While globalization and rising mixed marriages are nudging change, Japan often updates surfaces while preserving core social habits, maintaining a unique cultural identity that both attracts tourists and leaves the nation somewhat isolated in a globalized world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping plan to shrink and reorganize the State Department, eliminating the under secretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights and cutting or folding several bureaus— including democracy/human rights, refugees, counternarcotics, Global Criminal Justice, and Conflict and Stabilization—into a foreign assistance and security structure. The department aims to reduce offices by 18% (734 to 602), cut about 700 positions, and lower U.S.-based staff by 15%, with embassy closures and overseas layoffs expected later. Rubio framed the move as curbing “radical” ideology and bureaucracy, aligning with President Trump’s transactional foreign policy; critics warn it will erode U.S. soft power and human rights advocacy, especially as China expands its diplomatic footprint. Some earlier leaked proposals (like abolishing the Africa bureau) were not included. Democrats demanded congressional oversight, while State Department spokespeople said core values would persist within consolidated offices.

Amanda Hess recounts discovering during pregnancy that her son likely had Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS), a rare overgrowth disorder, and how that diagnosis pushed her into the internet’s conflicting worlds of medical information, communities, and voyeurism. Despite warnings not to Google, she turned online for answers absent from traditional pregnancy resources, encountering both vital guidance and dehumanizing images and comments. After her son’s birth confirmed BWS and introduced complex care needs, Hess reflects on how digital tools mediate modern parenting—offering support, lifesaving protocols, and solidarity, while also tempting oversharing, exploitation, and blurred parent–child boundaries. The essay wrestles with privacy, identity, and representation in an era where raising a child—especially one with a disability—is inseparable from platforms that can both connect and harm.

A federal jury again ruled against Sarah Palin in her defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, concluding after two hours of deliberations that the paper was not liable over a 2017 editorial that incorrectly linked her PAC’s map to the 2011 Tucson shooting. The Times quickly corrected and apologized for the error, and former opinion editor James Bennet testified it was an honest mistake. The verdict, following a 2022 trial and a retrial ordered by an appeals court, underscores the high “actual malice” standard public figures must meet under New York Times v. Sullivan. Legal experts said the rapid correction and lack of financial damages weakened Palin’s case, though the outcome may further fuel efforts to challenge the Sullivan precedent. Palin has not said whether she will appeal. The Times called the decision a reaffirmation that publishers aren’t liable for honest mistakes.

Tesla’s quarterly profit fell 71% to $409 million amid weakening sales, intensifying competition from Chinese EV makers, lack of new models, and reputational backlash tied to Elon Musk’s prominent role in the Trump administration. Musk said he will reduce his time in Washington to “a day or two per week,” but continues to juggle multiple companies. Tesla missed expectations, relying heavily on $595 million in regulatory credit sales and $400 million in interest income; it offered no 2025 guidance, citing policy and trade uncertainty. Shares rose ~5% after earnings despite steep year-to-date declines. Tesla acknowledged “changing political sentiment” is hurting demand, while market share slides to rivals. Production retooling for a refreshed Model Y and weak Cybertruck sales (with steep discounts) pressured results. Tesla reiterated plans to start producing a lower-cost vehicle by late June, but provided few details and timelines are in doubt. Musk continues to push an AI-driven autonomous “Cybercab” vision, though Tesla trails competitors like Waymo and faces regulatory and technological hurdles. Tariffs may still impact costs despite Tesla’s U.S. manufacturing footprint.

A federal judge in Maryland sharply rebuked the Trump administration for defying court orders in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongly deported to El Salvador. Judge Paula Xinis accused the Justice Department of willful, bad-faith stonewalling, rejecting its broad privilege claims and its assertion that courts cannot order the U.S. to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release—an instruction already issued by multiple courts, including the Supreme Court. She ordered the government to provide detailed answers and documents by a deadline or risk losing privilege claims, and allowed depositions of officials to proceed. Xinis also demanded evidence for the administration’s claims that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 member and criticized attempts to block inquiries into his placement in El Salvador’s CECOT facility and related U.S.-El Salvador arrangements. The dispute underscores escalating clashes between the administration and the judiciary in immigration and executive power cases.

The article explores how pronatalist ideas—encouraging higher birthrates—are gaining traction in the Trump White House, with Elon Musk seen as an ideological ally despite not being directly tied to specific policy talks. Aides are considering incentives like a $5,000 “baby bonus,” fertility education, and expanded access to IVF; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to prioritize funding for areas with higher birth and marriage rates. While Musk’s prominence and VP JD Vance’s rhetoric energize pronatalists, some conservatives are uneasy with Musk’s IVF use and unconventional family life. The piece also notes Musk’s workspace near senior West Wing staff and contrasts his stance with Pope Francis’s legacy, highlighting Musk’s recent public signals toward ties with India.

China unveiled an action plan to boost use of the yuan and its Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) in global trade, aiming to cut reliance on the dollar amid escalating US trade tensions. Jointly issued by Shanghai authorities, the central bank, and regulators, the plan leverages Shanghai’s financial hub status to expand CIPS coverage, promote yuan settlement—especially with Global South partners—support Chinese firms’ overseas expansion, and advance the Belt and Road Initiative. The push seeks to mitigate risks from possible US restrictions on China’s access to the dollar-based financial system.

Chinese engineers from AVIC Chengdu, the team behind the rumored sixth‑generation “J-36” stealth fighter, are developing a carrier-landing assistance system for a naval variant. Published research in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica describes a computer-controlled approach that shares control with the pilot to achieve highly precise landings on moving carriers, even in extreme weather. The tri-engine, tailless flying‑wing design—spotted in flight over Chengdu in December—aims to combine advanced stealth, a blended fuselage, and long-range strike capability. The team acknowledges carrier landings for such flying‑wing sixth‑gen jets pose exceptionally high risk, and the system is in early development to mitigate those challenges as China expands its carrier fleet.

A Georgetown University Emerging Technology Observatory report finds Chinese universities dominate global chip research. From 2018–2023, nine of the top 10 producers of English-language papers on chip design and fabrication were Chinese institutions, and eight of the top 10 for highly cited work were also from China. The only non-Chinese entities in the top ranks were France’s CNRS and the National University of Singapore. No U.S. institutions appeared in the top 10 for total publications or highly cited articles, despite the U.S. being the second-largest overall producer. The surge suggests China is shaping foundational research that could drive next‑generation semiconductor advances amid ongoing U.S. export controls.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will invest US$100 million to renovate its 61-year-old flagship hotel in Central, Hong Kong, over the next 18 months, including upgraded lobby and cake shop and adding serviced apartments. The project will run in parallel with a US$100 million refurbishment of the group’s Bangkok property. CEO Laurent Kleitman said the move underscores confidence in Hong Kong as a premier tourism and business hub despite global economic tensions, citing the city’s robust lineup of mega-events and the hotel’s role in its cultural vibrancy.

MTR Corp has proposed its first Airport Express fare rise in eight years, averaging 9.4%, to cover rising costs and asset renewal. Under the plan, Octopus single-journey adult fares would increase to HK$120 from Hong Kong station (from HK$110), HK$105 from Kowloon (up HK$5), and HK$73 from Tsing Yi (from HK$65). Non-Octopus single tickets from Hong Kong station would rise to HK$130 (up HK$15). The proposal has been submitted to Hong Kong’s Legislative Council.

Chinese and French researchers created a high-resolution map of the claustrum in crab-eating macaques, detailing single-cell gene expression and whole-brain connectivity. Published in Cell, the work reveals how distinct claustrum cell types connect with cortical and subcortical regions, offering insights into roles in memory integration, abstract thinking, sleep, depression, behavioral control, and consciousness. The study also finds major structural and cellular differences between macaque and rodent claustrums, suggesting evolutionary clues about the neural basis of consciousness.

Puan Noor Aishah, widow of Singapore’s first president Yusof Ishak, died at 91 at Singapore General Hospital. The Prime Minister’s Office praised her as a steadfast support to Yusof during his 1959–1970 tenure, a crucial nation-building period. She was widely respected for her grace, humility, and extensive charitable work, especially for women, children, and the underprivileged. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute, expressing condolences and highlighting her enduring legacy of service.

Brazil’s supreme court unanimously accepted criminal charges against six additional allies of former president Jair Bolsonaro for their alleged roles in a coup plot to keep him in power after the 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The accused—Filipe Martins, Gen Mario Fernandes (ret.), Silvinei Vasques, Col Marcelo Câmara, and federal police officers Fernando Oliveira and Marilia Alencar—are described as the “managerial” group that coordinated actions such as mobilizing police support, monitoring authorities, and drafting a document to justify a state of emergency. This follows earlier approvals of charges against Bolsonaro and seven close allies. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, claims political persecution, and faces a potential multi-decade sentence if convicted on combined charges, with a trial expected in the coming months.

A record 7.3 million Canadians voted early over four days, a 25% increase from 2021, signaling heightened interest ahead of the 28 April election. High debate viewership and concerns over Donald Trump’s trade threats appear to be energizing voters. Polls show Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals leading with about 43.1% support, while Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives trail at 38.4% and have recently inched up. The race is shaping into a two-party contest, with smaller parties like the NDP and Bloc Québécois losing ground.

In Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, civilians traumatized by intensified fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army are seeking free mental health consultations at the Saint Vincent de Paul neuropsychiatric hospital. Since March 24, hundreds have queued daily, reporting insomnia, anxiety, depression, panic, and grief stemming from killings, displacement, and economic collapse after M23’s rapid capture of major cities. The clinic screens patients, offers psychiatric and psychological care, and has diagnosed widespread stress-related conditions, though tests and treatments still carry costs. The conflict—rooted in post-1994 genocide dynamics and complicated by alleged Rwandan backing of M23—has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Political tensions have escalated further with the government suspending former president Joseph Kabila’s party over accusations of supporting M23, which the party denies.

New Zealand First, a populist party in the governing coalition, has introduced a member’s bill to legally define “woman” and “man” by biological sex, which would exclude trans people from legal recognition under those terms. The bill faces long odds: it must be drawn from a ballot and win a parliamentary majority, and it was not introduced by the government. Deputy PM Winston Peters argues it provides legal certainty and reflects “biological reality,” while opposition leader Chris Hipkins calls it populist and a distraction from economic and health issues. The move follows a UK Supreme Court ruling limiting the definition of “woman” to biological females under equality law, amid broader international debates over transgender rights.

Japan has imported South Korean rice for the first time since 1999 amid a severe domestic shortage and soaring prices, with Japan-grown rice more than doubling in price year-on-year. Initial imports were small (2 tonnes) with 20 more tonnes planned, and South Korea’s exports to Japan are set to hit their highest since 1990. Consumers, historically wary of foreign rice, are increasingly accepting imports from South Korea and the US due to cost. Government attempts to curb prices by releasing 210,000 tonnes from reserves have had little impact due to logistics bottlenecks, with only 0.3% reaching retailers. The crisis stems from record heat damaging crops, depleted stockpiles, tourism-driven demand, panic buying, and distribution issues.

After two unnamed actors died in Owerri, Imo State, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president Emeka Rollas called for mass prayers, stronger unionisation, and stricter regulation of Nollywood productions. Drawing parallels to the 2024 boat accident that killed actor Junior Pope and three crew members, Rollas suggested a troubling pattern of “mass death” and urged that actors join the guild and that content creators be licensed. Police confirmed two deaths and two hospitalisations linked to a director’s house party; the director and others were arrested as investigations continue. Rollas criticized unsafe, unregulated filming environments and announced a prayer program in response.

CATL unveiled new EV batteries, claiming its second-generation Shenxing LFP pack can add 520 km (323 miles) of range in five minutes—surpassing BYD’s recent 400 km/5-minute claim and outpacing Western rivals like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz. The Shenxing is billed as the first LFP battery with 800 km range and a 12C peak charge rate, with strong performance even at -10°C. CATL also introduced “Naxtra” sodium‑ion batteries, touted as the first for mass production, aiming to reduce lithium reliance, cut maintenance costs, and operate from -40°C to +70°C. A truck-focused Naxtra variant promises over eight years of service life with lower lifecycle costs. CATL shares rose about 1% on the news.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance said trade talks have made “significant” progress toward a bilateral agreement during Vance’s personal visit to India. They also reported advances in cooperation on energy, defense, and strategic technologies, and emphasized dialogue on regional and global issues. The announcement comes amid U.S. concerns over reciprocity in trade with India and recent temporary suspension of new U.S. tariffs. USTR Jamieson Greer said a roadmap for reciprocal trade negotiations has been agreed, while both sides aim to expand bilateral trade toward a $500 billion goal by 2030.

Nomura will buy Macquarie’s U.S. and European public asset management businesses for $1.8 billion in cash, aiming to close by end-2025 pending regulatory approvals. The deal boosts Nomura’s investment management assets under management to about $770 billion from $590 billion. Macquarie will keep its Australian public investments business. The firms will also collaborate: Nomura will distribute Macquarie products to U.S. wealth clients and provide seed capital for alternative funds. Nomura expects minimal financial impact and no deal-specific financing; both companies operate independently until closing. Nomura shares slipped slightly, while Macquarie’s rose modestly.

Roche will invest $50 billion in the U.S. over five years to expand R&D and manufacturing, creating over 12,000 jobs (1,000 at Roche and the rest in supporting manufacturing). The push, which includes new and expanded sites in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California, adds an AI-focused R&D hub in Massachusetts and a 900,000-square-foot facility for next-generation weight-loss drugs. The move aims to increase U.S. exports of Roche medicines amid threats from President Trump to end pharma’s tariff exemption. It follows similar U.S. expansion plans by Novartis and continued U.S. commitments from AstraZeneca. CEO Thomas Schinecker framed the plan as reinforcing Roche’s long-standing U.S. presence and future growth.

Tesla missed Q1 2025 estimates, with adjusted EPS of $0.27 vs. $0.39 expected and revenue of $19.34B vs. $21.11B. Total revenue fell 9% year over year; automotive revenue dropped 20% to $14B, pressured by factory retooling for a refreshed Model Y, lower average selling prices, and incentives. Net income fell 71% to $409M; operating income declined 66%, with a 2.1% operating margin, partly due to higher AI-related expenses. Automotive profits relied on $595M in regulatory credits. Energy generation and storage revenue jumped 67% to $2.73B. Tesla cited tariff and trade-policy uncertainty as headwinds and withheld 2025 guidance until Q2. Shares are down 41% year to date but rose after-hours on comments about the Fed. Tesla confirmed a June pilot launch of its robotaxi service in Austin and a pilot humanoid robot production line in Fremont this year.

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the freezing of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts, arguing the government is using funding as leverage to force sweeping policy changes that threaten academic freedom and constitutional rights. The administration demanded Harvard eliminate DEI programs, enforce protest mask bans, adopt merit-based admissions and hiring reforms, and curb perceived activist influence, citing failures to combat antisemitism. After Harvard refused, the White House escalated by targeting its tax-exempt status and ability to host international students; NIH also moved to pull funding from universities with DEI programs, jeopardizing nearly $500 million of Harvard’s annual research support. Harvard warns the cuts will harm research, financial aid, jobs, and American leadership in innovation, with impacts on medical and national security research. The dispute, mirrored at other universities like Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern, could take years and potentially reach the Supreme Court, setting a major precedent for federal oversight of higher education.

Gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least 26 people and injuring about a dozen in one of the region’s deadliest civilian attacks in years. The assault occurred in the remote Baisaran Valley and largely targeted travelers, including a Nepali national and a person of Indian origin working in the Middle East. Survivors described close-range shootings; a little-known militant group, The Resistance Front, claimed responsibility, citing opposition to “outsiders,” though authorities are investigating. Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, condemned the attack and launched security operations, while international leaders expressed solidarity. The incident underscores persistent militancy in the disputed region despite increased Indian control since 2019 and comes amid peak tourist season and recent attacks on pilgrim routes. Pakistan denied any involvement after Indian figures accused it of fueling terrorism.

Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan, previously sentenced to life in a $17.7 billion money laundering case, had that term reduced to 30 years on appeal. Separately, she still faces a death sentence from an earlier case involving embezzling $12.5 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank and broader fraud totaling $27 billion; she could avoid execution by returning three-quarters of the embezzled funds (about $9 billion). The appeal court cited partial repayments and potential asset liquidation in reducing the later life term. Lan, deemed the mastermind who effectively controlled over 90% of SCB, has expressed remorse and aims to compensate victims. Her husband’s sentence was cut from two years to one after he repaid $1.2 million.

The U.S. and Iran will hold a third round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, after a four-hour meeting in Rome produced “very good progress,” according to a U.S. official. Reports indicate limited direct contact between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Oman mediating. Araghchi called the atmosphere “relatively positive” but cautioned against premature optimism, signaling Iran views the 2015 JCPOA as insufficient and that expert-level talks will begin soon to work out details. Analysts warn any deal must go beyond the JCPOA given Iran’s advanced enrichment capability and ballistic missiles, stressing urgency and the need to dismantle both enriched uranium stocks and manufacturing capacity.

The Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales has begun an eight-month deployment, Operation Highmast, leading Carrier Strike Group 25 through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific, with exercises alongside 40 countries. The mission involves around 4,500 personnel at peak, including UK forces and partners from 12 nations such as Norway, Canada, and Spain. Assets include up to 24 RAF F-35B jets, multiple helicopter types, and drones. The deployment aims to demonstrate UK naval and air power, support key trade routes, strengthen alliances, and reinforce NATO and the rules-based international order. Officials describe it as a complex operation with security and economic benefits.

Turkey’s conservative Black Sea heartland, long a bastion for President Erdoğan, is showing cracks as younger residents grow disillusioned over limited opportunities, economic strain, and curtailed freedoms. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu ignited large protests nationwide, with youth participation especially strong—even in Erdoğan’s home region. While many conservative young people still see no viable alternative and value Erdoğan’s strongman image, a shared desire to leave stagnant provincial cities and frustration over job prospects and social pressures signal rising skepticism that could gradually erode his support base.