Global Trends
Trump adviser hopes Canada fentanyl dispute will be solved by end of March
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett expressed optimism about resolving a dispute with Canada over fentanyl smuggling into the U.S. by the end of March. He indicated that the resolution could impact tariffs planned by President Trump, although confusion remains over the details and progress mentioned.
New York governor declares state of emergency for wind-driven brush fire on Long Island
Fast-moving brush fires fueled by high winds burned through a large area of Long Island, New York, causing significant smoke and prompting evacuations. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency. Despite the containment of some fires, the wind continued to spread the blaze, threatening homes and prompting highway closures.
Top US health agency makes $25,000 buyout offer to most of its employees
Most of the 80,000 federal workers in the Health and Human Services Department have been offered up to $25,000 to leave their jobs as part of President Donald Trump's cost-cutting measures. They have until Friday to respond. This move comes amid efforts to reduce the department's workforce and budget.
Chinese investors may've found a way to do biz with Musk without drawing Trump's ire
Wealthy Chinese investors are discreetly investing millions in Elon Musk's private enterprises like SpaceX, xAI, and Neuralink via special-purpose vehicles to bypass U.S. scrutiny. This investment is driven by profit rather than technology transfer or influence, despite Musk's established ties with Chinese officials.
Europe wakes up to critical medicine dependency on China, looks for ways to prevent possible crisis scenarios
A coalition of health ministers in the EU is pushing for reduced dependency on Asia, primarily China, for essential medicines. They urge the European Commission to incorporate the Critical Medicine Act into a broader security strategy, increasing domestic manufacturing and centralizing stockpiles to mitigate risks.
Musk and DOGE try to slash government by cutting out those who answer to voters
President Donald Trump's administration aims to make significant government cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. However, the move has faced criticism and legal challenges, prompting Trump to limit Musk's role to making recommendations. Republican senators reminded Musk to seek Congressional approval for any spending cuts, emphasizing checks and balances.
Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy is a driving force on the world stage
Donald Trump's approach to diplomacy mirrors his business style, emphasizing leverage and financial gains. His decisions, such as prioritizing Saudi Arabia for its economic investment and adopting a transactional stance with Ukraine while easing tensions with Russia, signify a shift from traditional US foreign policy. Trump's actions with Canada and Mexico further underscore his focus on economic advantage.
They were forced to scam others worldwide. Now thousands are held in detention on the Myanmar border
Thousands of former forced laborers, rescued from scam operations in Myanmar, are now trapped in overcrowded detention centers without sufficient medical care or food. Despite a multinational rescue effort, many remain in dire conditions waiting for repatriation, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and lack of broader action against the criminal networks.
Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr, Health and Human Services Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and noted anti-vaccine advocate, to lead the US Health Department. Despite his achievements in environmental law, Kennedy's controversial stances on vaccines and conspiracy theories have drawn criticism. His appointment was confirmed by a 52-48 Senate vote, with no Democratic support.
Who is Elon Musk, Trump's pick to lead Department of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, a tech billionaire and entrepreneur, has been in the spotlight for his ventures in Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter (now X). He is now leading Trump's new advisory body, DOGE, focusing on reducing federal spending. Endorsing Trump for 2024, Musk’s political involvement and personal life, including fathering 14 children, have attracted significant attention.
Must Watch
'Entire Ukraine front line would collapse if I…': Elon Musk’s bold statement on Russia-Ukraine war
Elon Musk refutes allegations of supporting Russia, asserting his challenge to Putin and highlighting Starlink's role in Ukraine's military. He suggests sanctioning Ukraine's wealthiest to end the war. Musk faces criticism for seemingly overlooking Putin's aggression, but he calls the war futile and advocates for an immediate ceasefire.
Musk calls on US to quit NATO, stop paying for defence of Europe
Elon Musk expressed support for the U.S. exiting NATO, arguing it doesn't make sense for America to finance Europe's defense. His comments, made on social media, align with a suggestion from conservative commentators. This comes amid growing debates on NATO’s future, with Trump also pushing for NATO members to contribute more to defense costs.
Greenland's Inuits rediscover their national pride
With her colourful Inuit earrings and tattoos on prominent display, Ujammiugaq Engell, like many Greenlanders, flaunts her rediscovered cultural identity, which US President Donald Trump's expansionist ambitions have only spurred further. "I think it plays very much into the way that we are starting to understand our own importance and our own national identity," said Engell.
US tariff imposition to hit pharma segment; auto sector likely to face minimal impact
Enhanced US tariffs on Indian pharma imports could raise production costs, making shipments less competitive. With the US being a major market, Indian drug manufacturers may face financial strain, potentially leading to industry consolidation or closures. Auto sector impact is expected to be minimal due to limited US exports.
China learned from Trump's first trade war, changed tactics when tariffs came again
President Donald Trump imposed tariffs that prompted Canada and Mexico to seek solutions via phone calls. China, however, seeks negotiations on equal footing while preparing for increased US tariffs. Beijing retaliated by taxing key US farm imports and suspending lumber imports, demonstrating resistance to Trump’s pressure.
Greenland's road to independence, explained
Independence has been the focus of campaigning ahead of Greenland's legislative elections Tuesday, a prospect foreseen by the Danish constitution with legislation already in place outlining how to make it happen. "The general understanding is that it would be possible to give away part of the country, or for Greenland to become independent, without a constitutional amendment and without changing the Danish constitution," Frederik Waage, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark, told AFP. Greenland's 2009 self-rule law, "establishes basically a road map for independence", he said.
