Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed agreements including a USD 1.2 billion deferred payment for oil imports and a USD 41 million water supply project. This deal aims to bolster Pakistan’s economy by ensuring a steady petroleum supply while easing immediate fiscal pressures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi dignitaries witnessed the signing.
China imposed tariffs on US coal, LNG, oil, and vehicles in response to Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating the trade war. Tensions with Canada and Mexico initially eased, but a political crisis erupted in Canada, forcing Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and early elections. Trump’s tariff strategy remains aggressive, with potential economic impacts.
Darren Beattie, former Trump speechwriter, now leads the US state department’s public diplomacy efforts despite being previously fired for attending a White nationalist conference. Known for controversial views, Beattie co-founded Revolver News, which has promoted false January 6 claims. His new role involves overseeing global communication handled by US embassies and consulates.
A teacher at Drakensburg Secondary School in South Africa is under investigation for allegedly cutting off a Hindu student’s religious thread. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha has condemned the act, citing concerns about religious discrimination, while authorities stress the need for schools to align their policies with constitutional protections.
Nato is allegedly considering removing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy amid claims of blocking peace talks and financial misconduct. The SVR suggests Western leaders view Zelenskyy as an obstacle and are exploring ways to discredit him before potential elections next fall. Neither Nato nor Ukrainian officials have commented on the claims.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, visited Saudi Arabia for his first international trip since taking power. He met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss support for Syria’s future and lifting international sanctions. The visit aligns Syria closer with Saudi Arabia, moving away from its previous ally, Iran.
A Chinese man’s proposal went awry when his girlfriend accidentally ate the engagement ring hidden in a cake. The humorous mishap, shared on social media, quickly went viral, with netizens sharing amusing reactions and advising against using food for proposals. The girlfriend later accepted the proposal despite the initial misunderstanding.
Government-run liquor stores in British Columbia are removing US-made alcohol brands from Republican-led states following American tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadian provinces are following suit, promoting domestic products and urging citizens to buy Canadian-made items. The move responds to tariffs imposed by Donald Trump targeting Canadian imports.
A Chinese company, Lixun Diansheng, faced backlash for photographing employees in the restroom and displaying the images publicly as a warning against long breaks. This act, intended to deter misuse of bathroom time, was widely condemned online for violating privacy and human dignity. The company later removed the images, acknowledging they ‘did not look good,’ … Read more
