News
Trump threatens extreme secondary sanctions on countries dealing with Russia if Putin doesn’t do ceasefire deal
President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind a sweeping bipartisan bill that could impose 500% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil if Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t do a ceasefire deal with Ukraine.
Israel eliminates all tariffs on US products ahead of Trump's Liberation Day plan
Israel has removed all remaining tariffs on products imported from the United States, according to a joint statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Finance Ministry, and Economy and Industry Ministry.
US deploys six B-2 bombers to Indian Ocean ahead of Iran standoff
Newly analysed satellite images show the deployment of at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Myanmar junta fires at Chinese Red Cross convoy during earthquake aid mission
Myanmar's military junta attempted to stop a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying aid for earthquake recovery by firing warning shots, a spokesperson said on April 2.
Thailand’s economy faces quake losses, US tariff risks
Thailand’s economic outlook for 2025 is under pressure from earthquake-related losses and the threat of US tariff hikes, with potential financial damage estimated at $820mn and GDP growth at risk of a 1% decline.
MOL AGM approves massive dividend payout, equating to 9% dividend yield
Hungary’s MOL has announced plans for a HUF220.4bn (€560mn) dividend payout for 2025, as the oil and gas giant seeks to maintain shareholder returns despite earnings cooling from their 2022 peak.
Bangkok suspends use of four government buildings after earthquake damage
Thai authorities have ordered the temporary closure of four government buildings in Bangkok due to structural damage caused by last week’s powerful earthquake.
MEPs confront Hungary over Ukraine policy and growing US trade tension
The European Parliament has called for urgent measures to boost the EU's economic competitiveness and defence capabilities as lawmakers seek to bolster the bloc's resilience against escalating trade tensions with the US and wider global challenges.
New magnitude 5.0 earthquake recorded in Myanmar as death toll approaches 3,000
The tremors were felt across neighbouring countries, including Thailand, China, and Vietnam, and caused widespread destruction. Authorities in Myanmar said the death toll has surpassed 2,700, with thousands more injured and hundreds still missing.
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Japan’s gradual recovery strengthens the case for May rate hike
Japan’s economy is showing signs of a steady recovery, supported by resilient industrial production, retail sales, and a tight labour market.
Beneath the bluster, US Senator holds meeting with Chinese VP in Beijing
Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines, “carrying President Trump’s America First agenda”, held a meeting in the Great Hall of People with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in late March.
Chinese firm wins project management deal for Iraq oilfield
Chinese company HQC has secured a contract to provide project management services for Iraq's West Qurna 1 oilfield
Turkish prosecutors investigate calls for “Imamoglu” boycotts of companies in “Erdogan circles”
Jailed rival to president has urged millions to join the rejection of targeted firms "with discipline and self-devotion".
Turkish opposition leader hits out at UK’s Starmer and British Labour Party over thin support for jailed Imamoglu
Lack of backing from Western countries added burden for those aiming to keep up the momentum of protest.
Russian cult leader nabbed in Argentine human-trafficking swoop
Argentine authorities have dismantled a notorious Russian cult, arresting 15 individuals in a joint operation across two airports that has exposed a sinister network of alleged human exploitation.
Tehran-Baku ties in focus as Iranian presidential envoy visits ahead of high-level state visit
Iranian official Mehdi Sanaei has held talks with Azerbaijan's top leadership, including President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, ahead of a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in April, IntelliNews has learned.
Separatist Bosnian Serb leader Dodik meets with Putin to seek support
Dodik met with allies in Serbia, Israel and now Russia after Bosnian authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.
Critical response to Zourabichvili’s 'platform of resistance' signals rifts within Georgia's pro-Western opposition
Georgia's fifth president announced the creation of a “platform of resistance” during a mass demonstration in Tbilisi, but some pro-Western opposition politicians declined to participate.
Beijing blocks BlackRock's Panama port deal amid US-China tensions
The proposed sale of two key Panamanian ports by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to a consortium led by BlackRock has hit a roadblock, as China exerts pressure to halt the deal.
Mexican authorities seize record fuel shipment in “Anti-Huachicol” operation
A recent confiscation of millions of litres of illicit fuel in Mexico has sparked discussions about the country's ongoing battle against fuel smuggling, widely known as "huachicol."