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Multiple Fatalities After Helicopter Crashes into New York’s Hudson River

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Multiple Fatalities After Helicopter Crashes into New York’s Hudson River

New York, USA — Several people were killed Thursday when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, according to local authorities.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, sending plumes of smoke into the air and debris into the water. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter struggling in midair before plummeting into the river.

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Rescue operations were immediately launched by the NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard, who recovered several victims from the wreckage. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities, but described the crash as a “mass casualty incident.”

Emergency responders on the scene of a deadly helicopter crash near Jersey City on April 10, 2025. Photo : CBS News New York

The helicopter was reportedly a private charter flight. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on site and working to determine the cause of the crash.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised the swift response by emergency services. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he said in a press briefing.

The Hudson River has been the site of several aviation incidents in recent years, including the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009. This latest crash raises fresh questions about air traffic safety over the city’s waterways.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those on board, and to all six individuals who were in the helicopter,” said Mayor Eric Adams.

German industrial giant Siemens confirmed in a statement Friday that executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children were among the victims. According to CBS New York, the children were 4, 5, and 11 years old.

The Fatal Flight

The helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 206, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was operated by New York Helicopters, a tour company, said Deputy Mayor Tiffany Tisch. The flight departed from Lower Manhattan around 3 p.m., Mayor Eric Adams confirmed.

A source close to the investigation revealed that the aircraft was owned by Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company specializing in the sale, leasing, and refurbishment of helicopters.

After takeoff, the helicopter reportedly flew over Governor’s Island, circled near the Statue of Liberty, and traveled north along Manhattan’s West Side. It turned around shortly after passing the George Washington Bridge, then flew south along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, before crashing near Jersey City.

SOURCE : CBS NEWS/EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

U.S. and Russia Conduct Second Prisoner Exchange Under Trump Administration

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U.S. and Russia Conduct Second Prisoner Exchange Under Trump Administration

Abu Dhabi, UAE — In a rare display of cooperation, the United States and Russia carried out a prisoner swap on Thursday — the second since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January — as both nations signal a renewed effort to rebuild strained diplomatic ties.

Russia released U.S.-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, a former ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, who had been imprisoned since early 2024 on treason charges for allegedly donating to a Ukrainian charity. In exchange, the United States released Arthur Petrov, a Russian-German citizen accused of violating U.S. export controls by allegedly shipping sensitive electronics to Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Karelina’s release, stating on social media, “American Ksenia Karelina is on a plane back home to the United States. She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year. President Trump will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans.”

The prisoner exchange reportedly took place in Abu Dhabi, where CIA Director John Ratcliffe and a senior Russian intelligence official were personally present for the handover, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. A CIA spokesperson said the swap underscored “the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with Russia, even amidst significant tensions.”

Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, confirmed that she had departed Abu Dhabi and was en route to the U.S. following her release. The 33-year-old had been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony for contributing roughly $50 to a U.S.-based pro-Ukraine charity — a donation Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged was used to support Ukraine’s military. Karelina denied the charges, and supporters labeled her detention politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Petrov had faced up to 20 years in prison in the U.S. after being arrested in Cyprus in 2023 at Washington’s request. He was accused of exporting restricted microelectronic components to Russia in violation of sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump, accompanied by Marc Fogel, speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

This latest exchange follows a February deal in which U.S. citizen Kalob Wayne Byers, arrested in Moscow for carrying cannabis edibles, was released after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another earlier exchange saw American teacher Marc Fogel swapped for Russian cyber specialist Alexander Vinnik, wanted for cybercrime and money laundering.

The most significant prisoner exchange between the two nations since the Cold War occurred on August 1, 2024, when journalists — including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — and political detainees were traded for alleged Russian spies held in Western countries.

While Moscow has yet to officially confirm Thursday’s swap, the move comes as Washington and Moscow engage in ongoing backchannel talks. A new round of negotiations opened in Istanbul this week, focusing on partially restoring embassy operations that were reduced following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Despite continued disagreements over the war, the Trump and Putin administrations have signaled growing interest in reviving bilateral cooperation. However, several American citizens remain imprisoned in Russia, and U.S. officials continue to accuse Moscow of using them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians detained in the West.

“This is a step forward,” said a senior U.S. official involved in the talks, “but we remain vigilant and committed to bringing every American unjustly detained abroad back home.”

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Turkey and Israel Engage in Talks to Prevent Unintended Clashes in Syria

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Turkey and Israel Engage in Talks to Prevent Unintended Clashes in Syria

Istanbul, Turkey — Turkey and Israel have initiated technical-level discussions to prevent unintended military clashes in Syria, Turkish officials confirmed Thursday, marking a rare moment of dialogue between the two nations amid heightened regional tensions.

The first round of talks took place Wednesday in Azerbaijan, where defense representatives from both countries discussed the creation of a de-escalation mechanism aimed at avoiding “undesirable incidents” involving their forces operating in Syrian territory.

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“A mechanism to avoid conflict is being developed,” a Turkish Defense Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, in line with ministry policy. “Work will continue to establish a conflict-free zone and communication framework.”

Tensions have been mounting in Syria since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad late last year, with Turkey and Israel pursuing divergent strategic interests in the country’s post-conflict landscape. Ankara has thrown its support behind Syria’s new Islamist-led government—formed by former rebels it supported during the 13-year civil war—while Israel has expressed deep concern over the rise of what it perceives as a hostile regime on its northern border.

Israel has established a buffer zone inside Syria as a security measure and reportedly carried out airstrikes on a Syrian airbase that Turkey is believed to be eyeing for joint operations with the new Syrian government. Turkish officials said discussions are underway to possibly use the base for Turkish-Syrian counterterrorism training missions targeting Islamic State remnants.

“These activities are conducted in accordance with international law and are not intended to target third parties,” the Turkish official said.

Israel, however, remains wary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned earlier this week that any Turkish military base inside Syria would pose a “danger to Israel,” reinforcing concerns in Tel Aviv over growing Turkish influence in the region.

Despite these tensions, Turkey insists it has no interest in stoking conflict. “Turkey has no intention of engaging in hostilities in Syria — not with Israel or with any other regional actor,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Wednesday. “However, we cannot stand by if developments in Syria threaten our national security.”

Bilateral ties between Israel and Turkey, once close allies, have been strained for years and have further deteriorated over the war in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations there, drawing harsh responses from Israeli officials.

Amid these diplomatic strains, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump this week in addressing the perceived threat posed by Turkey. Instead, Trump praised Erdoğan’s leadership in Syria, proposed himself as a mediator between Ankara and Tel Aviv, and urged Netanyahu to be “reasonable” in dealing with Turkey.

As regional power dynamics shift rapidly in post-Assad Syria, the talks between Israel and Turkey represent a cautious step toward avoiding direct confrontation — even as the broader relationship remains fraught.

SOURCE : AP NEWS/TIMES OF ISRAEL |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Beijing Says Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Volunteered to Join Russian Forces

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Beijing Says Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Volunteered to Join Russian Forces

Beijing, China — The Chinese government has denied any official involvement in the presence of its citizens on the Ukrainian battlefield after two Chinese nationals were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region.

According to Chinese officials and testimony from one of the captured individuals, the men joined the Russian military voluntarily and were not part of any formal deployment by the Chinese state.

RELATED NEWS : Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Tuesday that two Chinese nationals had been taken prisoner in combat. On Wednesday, he cited Ukrainian intelligence reports estimating that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently serving with Russian forces in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy claimed that many of these individuals may have been recruited through social media campaigns, including videos posted on TikTok and other Chinese platforms. He also suggested the possibility of covert recruitment methods employed by Moscow, though he stopped short of accusing the Chinese government of direct involvement.

“I believe the Chinese authorities are aware of this type of recruitment,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s official position of neutrality in the conflict and denied any state-sanctioned participation by Chinese citizens in the war.

“China’s stance on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and well-recognized by the international community,” Lin said during a press briefing. He confirmed that Beijing is in contact with Kyiv to verify the reported capture of Chinese nationals and stressed that the Chinese government advises its citizens to avoid war zones and not engage in any military activities abroad.

Fighting for Citizenship

One of the captured Chinese men told Ukrainian authorities that he paid an intermediary in China 30,000 rubles (approximately $350) to join the Russian army. His stated goal was to obtain Russian citizenship and pursue a military career.

According to Ukrainian military sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda, the prisoner said he had traveled to Russia as a tourist before enlisting and claimed that some of his fellow Chinese fighters had criminal backgrounds in their home country.

He also revealed that the group received military training in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, communicating with Russian commanders using gestures and mobile phone translation apps due to the lack of interpreters.

International Response

The U.S. has reacted with concern to the reports of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press conference that China has become a “major enabler” of Russia’s war effort, supplying nearly 80% of the dual-use goods that support Russia’s military operations.

Zelenskyy said the two captured men were part of a group of six Chinese nationals encountered by Ukrainian troops in Donetsk. He warned that this precedent is “deeply concerning,” especially in the context of growing international involvement in the conflict. He referenced North Korea’s reported deployment of over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces.

Zelenskyy urged the U.S. and European allies to take action to prevent further escalation and to address the potential participation of Chinese nationals in Russia’s aggression.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Diplomat Times
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Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine on Wednesday expanded on its explosive claim that a significant number of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war, saying it has gathered detailed intelligence on more than 150 alleged mercenaries recruited by Moscow through social media.

In response, Chinese officials dismissed the allegations as “totally unfounded.”

RELATED NEWS : Russia says it awaits US information before accepting ceasefire with Ukraine

The accusation and subsequent denial come amid heightened diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire in the war, now entering its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals had been captured while fighting with Russian troops on Ukrainian soil — the first time Kyiv has made such a claim. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to exchange the two prisoners of war for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia.

While stopping short of accusing Beijing of directly authorizing the deployment, Zelenskyy claimed Chinese officials are aware of Moscow’s efforts to recruit Chinese fighters. He also said Ukrainian intelligence has identified 155 Chinese citizens allegedly serving in Russian ranks, complete with names and passport details.

Cars burn following a Russian attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Photo : Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP

“We believe there are many more,” Zelenskyy told reporters, presenting documents listing names, travel dates, and other personal information. The Associated Press has not independently verified the materials.

China has been one of Russia’s key diplomatic partners since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. While there is no public evidence that Beijing has sent troops or weapons, Western officials accuse China of supplying microelectronics, machinery, and other dual-use goods that support Russia’s war industry. China has also provided an economic lifeline through expanded trade in energy and consumer products.

U.S. officials have expressed concern. At a State Department briefing Tuesday, spokesperson Tammy Bruce called reports of Chinese fighters in Ukraine “disturbing,” adding, “China is a major enabler of Russia in this war,” and noting that Beijing provides “nearly 80% of the dual-use items Russia requires to sustain its military operations.”

President Donald Trump, who is seeking to deliver on his campaign promise to end the war, has yet to comment publicly on the Chinese mercenary claims. However, his envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, urged caution.

“I’m not convinced yet that these individuals are anything more than mercenaries or volunteers,” Kellogg said during a panel at Georgetown University. “There’s an axiom in the military — the first report is always wrong. Let’s see how this plays out.”

Kellogg also noted that Ukraine itself has received support from international volunteers, including Americans. “This is not the same scale as North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to support Russia,” he added.

The European Union echoed U.S. concerns. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called China “the key enabler of Russia’s war.”

Meanwhile, fighting on the ground shows no sign of slowing. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 55 Shahed and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight. In Donetsk, a “massive drone attack” on the eastern city of Kramatorsk left an 11-year-old girl, her mother, and grandmother injured, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses downed 158 Ukrainian drones across 11 regions overnight. While it reported no casualties, several airports temporarily suspended flights, and some drones reached as far as the Orenburg region — nearly 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) east of the Ukrainian border.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India’s Strategic Clout Wanes in Bangladesh but Strengthens in Sri Lanka

Jagdishor Panday
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India’s Strategic Clout Wanes in Bangladesh but Strengthens in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, India — India is witnessing a notable shift in its neighborhood diplomacy as it loses influence over Bangladesh, once its closest ally, while simultaneously rekindling and strengthening ties with Sri Lanka. The changing political landscape in South Asia reflects New Delhi’s evolving strategic posture amid emerging challenges and new opportunities.

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After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government in August 2024, India’s relationship with Bangladesh entered a turbulent phase. The new interim government in Dhaka, led by Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has adopted a noticeably colder stance toward New Delhi. Tensions between the two neighbors have been exacerbated by the contentious issue of Hasina’s extradition.

Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India following a massive student-led movement that ousted her from power, remains a highly polarizing figure in Bangladeshi politics. Dhaka has accused her of committing crimes against humanity, genocide, corruption, and mass murder—allegations that the new administration insists she must answer in court. During a sideline meeting at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok earlier this month, Yunus formally requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extradite Hasina. However, the talks ended without resolution.

According to Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, the extradition request was made but remained unsettled. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about the safety and status of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, signaling mutual distrust. The failed talks were further shadowed by Yunus’s recent diplomatic overtures to Beijing, including a high-profile visit to China prior to the BIMSTEC meeting, a move that clearly irked New Delhi.

In contrast, India appears to be enjoying a diplomatic resurgence in Colombo. After years of strained ties during the final phase of the Rajapaksa dynasty—largely due to Sri Lanka’s increasing closeness with China—relations have begun to warm under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a 56-year-old leftist leader elected in September 2024.

Despite early speculation that his communist ideology would draw him closer to Beijing, Dissanayake has charted a pragmatic foreign policy path that includes strengthening relations with India. His administration has responded positively to New Delhi’s outreach, and the results are already visible.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a guard of honor presented to him by the Sri Lankan Army during an official welcome ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Photo : AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Colombo from April 4–6, immediately after the BIMSTEC Summit, marked a significant moment in India-Sri Lanka ties. The visit, widely praised for its symbolism and substance, resulted in several bilateral agreements and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s central role in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. President Dissanayake’s office emphasized that Modi’s visit underscored the strategic importance of Colombo in regional affairs.

Among the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. The agreement includes high-level military exchanges, joint training exercises, capacity-building initiatives, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, naval port visits, and exploratory cooperation in the defense industry. Modi described the pact as “rooted in shared security interests and mutual trust,” reinforcing India’s long-standing concerns about Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, particularly after the 99-year lease of Hambantota Port to China under the Rajapaksas.

India had previously supported Sri Lanka during its economic meltdown in 2022 with emergency credit lines and humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize the crisis-ridden island nation. That goodwill now appears to be paying off.

While India maintains historical and emotional ties with Bangladesh—having played a key role in its liberation in 1971—its relationship with Dhaka is now at a crossroads. The reversal of political fortunes in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marks a striking reshaping of South Asia’s strategic map.

As India recalibrates its neighborhood strategy, the shift in dynamics—losing grip on Dhaka while regaining Colombo—is emblematic of the complex and often unpredictable nature of regional diplomacy. Whether this realignment proves sustainable or temporary will depend on how leaders in New Delhi, Dhaka, and Colombo navigate the turbulent waters ahead.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Djibouti Forum Urges Optimism and Stronger Cooperation in Face of Global Policy Challenges

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Djibouti Forum Urges Optimism and Stronger Cooperation in Face of Global Policy Challenges

Djibouti City, Djibouti – As global economic headwinds and policy-driven turbulence took center stage at the second edition of the Djibouti Forum, leaders from across the world struck a hopeful tone, calling for deeper cooperation and bolder investment in Africa’s future.

Gathering over 150 global participants from 51 countries—including institutional investors managing a combined $2.6 trillion in assets—the Forum served as a platform to reimagine Africa’s economic trajectory through innovation, diversification, and strategic partnerships.

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Despite acknowledging the challenges, Djibouti’s Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed expressed confidence in the country’s vision to expand beyond its world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.

“Renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, and financial services are at the heart of Djibouti’s next chapter,” he declared, emphasizing the country’s commitment to economic and political stability. “Our currency has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1949, offering investors a rare degree of predictability.”

Attendees at the Opening Ceremony of the Djibouti Forum 2025 on April 7th, 2025, held in Djibouti City. Photo : ICP via Handout DT

A major theme throughout the forum was the call for greater domestic resource mobilization. Speakers emphasized empowering African pension funds and sovereign wealth funds to play a more active role in co-investing and absorbing risk in transformative projects.

Dr. Slim Feriani, CEO of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti (FSD), highlighted the fund’s openness to international partnerships. “The FSD will invest alongside you. We’re putting skin in the game and plan to double our assets under management within five years. But we can’t do this alone,” he said.

With more than 50 high-profile speakers, discussions spanned key sectors including energy, connectivity, financial services, technology, tourism, and logistics. Key sessions also explored privatization opportunities and models for effective public-private partnerships.

Dr. Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey & Company Africa, shared a message of long-term optimism. “Africa is home to 345 companies valued over $1 billion, with total revenues near $1 trillion. The opportunities are real.”

Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister of Benin, drew attention to the rise of philanthropic capital in Africa. “Philanthropy is now a vital player in blended finance, helping de-risk investments and reduce financing costs,” he noted.

Former World Bank Vice President Dr. Samuel Maimbo praised the FSD for pioneering a new model of sovereign collaboration. “The era of aid and debt must give way to one of hope and prosperity. This forum is a powerful start.”

Hosted by the FSD, the Djibouti Forum has quickly established itself as a leading platform for driving investment dialogue across the continent. Under the leadership of Dr. Feriani, a former Tunisian Minister with deep roots in international finance, Djibouti is positioning itself as a hub of opportunity, resilience, and forward-thinking economic strategy.

As the event concluded, one message rang clear: amidst uncertainty, optimism and unity remain Africa’s greatest competitive edge.

SOURCE : ICP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Leaves 113 Dead, Over 150 Injured

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Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Leaves 113 Dead, Over 150 Injured

Santo Domingo, DR – In the wake of a tragic accident at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic has united in an extraordinary display of resilience and compassion. As the nation mourns the loss of 113 lives and supports more than 150 injured, efforts continue tirelessly to search for survivors and assist families affected by the collapse.

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The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday during a live performance by beloved merengue artist Rubby Pérez. Emergency response teams, coordinated by the Emergency Operations Center (COE), swiftly mobilized more than 400 rescuers, including specialized canine units, firefighters, defense forces, and medical professionals. As of Tuesday afternoon, 145 people had already been rescued from the rubble.

President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning (April 8–10), with the Dominican flag flying at half-mast in tribute to those who lost their lives. Government officials, rescue workers, and citizens have come together in an outpouring of support. Blood donations, volunteer aid, and emotional solidarity have flooded the capital as families wait for updates and comfort one another.

People cry and hug each other near the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Photo : Reuters

Rescue operations continue around the clock under powerful floodlights, with cranes and heavy equipment clearing debris and creating access points. The search will persist as long as there is hope of finding survivors, according to COE Director Juan Manuel Méndez.

International messages of sympathy and support have arrived from El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, and others, highlighting the region’s unity in difficult times. Among those lost are notable public figures, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.

Despite the heavy toll, the Dominican Republic stands strong, with communities rallying around those affected. This shared grief has brought out the best in many—bravery, compassion, and an unwavering determination to help one another through the darkest moments.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

White House Confirms 104% Tariffs on Chinese Imports Will Take Effect Wednesday

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White House Confirms 104% Tariffs on Chinese Imports Will Take Effect Wednesday

New York/Hong Kong — In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, President Donald Trump will impose sweeping 104% tariffs on all Chinese imports beginning Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Tuesday. The move builds on pre-existing tariffs and comes during heightened strain between Washington and Beijing.

Originally, China was bracing for a 34% tariff hike as part of Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs policy. However, after Beijing reaffirmed its plans to impose matching 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods by noon Tuesday, Trump responded by slapping an additional 50% levy on Chinese imports—raising the total to a staggering 104%.

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China’s Commerce Ministry reacted strongly, condemning the additional duties as “a mistake upon a mistake,” and vowed to escalate its own retaliation against American exports.

The announcement rattled financial markets. U.S. stocks, which had opened higher on Tuesday, reversed course following Leavitt’s remarks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 320 points, or 0.84%. The S&P 500 dropped 1.57%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite tumbled 2.15%.

“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake,” Leavitt told reporters. “President Trump has a spine of steel, and he will not break.”

Asian Markets Slide as Trump Triples Tariffs on Low-Cost Chinese Imports

Asian markets mirrored Wall Street’s sharp declines on Wednesday, as investors reacted to the latest escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped roughly 3% at the open, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also sank 3%. South Korea’s KOSPI and Australia’s ASX 200 both slipped around 1%.

Adding to market jitters, President Donald Trump signed an executive order late Tuesday tripling tariffs on Chinese goods valued under $800—a major shift from the long-standing “de minimis” exemption that had previously allowed such shipments to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Originally set to face a 30% tariff starting May 2, those low-cost goods will now be hit with a 90% tariff under the revised order. The move is expected to significantly affect American consumers who shop on platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, potentially driving up prices on a wide range of products.

The latest measures build on Trump’s earlier actions. In February, he imposed a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, citing the country’s alleged role in facilitating illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the United States. That rate was doubled last month—and now, with Tuesday’s announcement, the tariffs have reached unprecedented levels.

Last year, China was the U.S.’s second-largest source of imports, sending $439 billion worth of goods across the Pacific. The U.S. exported $144 billion in goods to China. As tit-for-tat tariffs continue to escalate, economists warn that both economies may suffer—particularly U.S. industries that rely on Chinese components, with potential job losses on the horizon.

At the end of Trump’s first term, the average U.S. tariff on Chinese goods stood at 19.3%, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The Biden administration largely maintained those tariffs and added more, pushing the average to 20.8%. Trump’s latest actions push that average dramatically higher, signaling a new phase in the economic standoff.

SOURCE : CNN/REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

American YouTuber Arrested in India After Leaving Diet Coke Can for Reclusive Island Tribe

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American YouTuber Arrested in India After Leaving Diet Coke Can for Reclusive Island Tribe

Port Blair, India — Indian authorities have arrested a 24-year-old American YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, for illegally venturing onto the highly restricted North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal in an attempt to make contact with one of the world’s most isolated and uncontacted tribes.

Polyakov, who hails from Scottsdale, Arizona, was taken into custody on March 31, two days after setting foot on the protected island, which is home to the Sentinelese — a reclusive Indigenous group known for aggressively defending their isolation. The tribe is believed to have lived without outside contact for thousands of years and is protected under Indian law.

According to Indian police, Polyakov landed on North Sentinel Island at around 10 a.m. on March 29. Armed with a GoPro camera, binoculars, and a backpack containing a can of Diet Coke and a coconut, he reportedly attempted to document his encounter and offer gifts to the tribe. GoPro footage later reviewed by police showed Polyakov scanning the beach from his boat before stepping ashore, leaving the items as an offering, and collecting sand samples from the shoreline.

Fortunately for Polyakov, no tribe members were seen during his brief and unauthorized visit — a fact that may have spared him from the tribe’s historically hostile response to outsiders. The Sentinelese are known to attack anyone who approaches or lands on their island, often with spears and arrows.

FILE – Clouds hang over the North Sentinel Island, in India’s southeastern Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nov. 14, 2005. File Photo : AP/Gautam Singh

India strictly prohibits any approach within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of North Sentinel Island to protect both the tribe and potential intruders from harm. The law is enforced under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, and violations carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a monetary fine.

Authorities said Polyakov had previously attempted to reach the island twice before. In one earlier incident, he used an inflatable kayak in October last year but was stopped by hotel staff. This most recent trip, however, was allegedly more calculated, involving detailed research into sea conditions, tides, and points of access from nearby Khurmadera Beach.

His activities were discovered after local fishermen reported seeing him returning from the island. He was arrested in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a remote Indian territory located over 800 miles (1,200 kilometers) east of the mainland.

A local court has remanded Polyakov to 14 days in judicial custody. He is due to appear in court again on April 17. The U.S. Embassy has been informed of the case, Indian officials confirmed.

Experts warn that such contact attempts not only endanger visitors but also pose a serious health threat to the Sentinelese, who have no immunity to common infectious diseases.

The incident draws renewed attention to the challenges of enforcing protected zones and the growing trend of content creators pushing boundaries for online fame.

Police have reiterated that the laws protecting tribal communities are in place for a reason — and they will be strictly enforced.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube 

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