Author: Anadolu Agency

Global markets came under pressure on Wednesday following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs, as Washington’s protectionist trade policies impact the world economy. Reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% were imposed on products that the US imports from many of its trading partners. The EU received 20%, China 34%, Vietnam 46%, Taiwan 32%, Japan 24%, India 26%, South Korea 25%, Thailand 36%, Switzerland 31%, Indonesia 32%, Malaysia 24%, Cambodia 49%, South Africa 30%, Bangladesh 30%, and Israel 17% in reciprocal tariffs. Some countries, such as Türkiye, the UK, Brazil, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Egypt,…

Palestinian paramedics killed by Israeli army forces in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip had their hands tied with gunshot wounds on their heads, the Civil Defense Agency said on Wednesday. “They were found buried 200 meters from the site of the destroyed Civil Defense and Red Crescent vehicles, and they were wearing their standard orange uniforms typical of relief work,” spokesman Mahmud Basal told a press conference in Gaza City. “Some crew members were found buried with their hands and feet tied, and bullet wounds were visible on their heads and chests, showing that they were executed at close…

At least 12 Sudanese civilians were killed in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) in South Kordofan State, an activist group said on Wednesday. Sudan Doctors Network said on the social media platform X that hundreds of families were also displaced in the assault in the Khor al-Dalib area since Monday. RSF rebels and their allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) used heavy weapons in attacking residential areas in the southern Sudanese state, it added. There was no immediate comment from the RSF on the report. The Sudanese army controls vast swathes of territory in South Kordofan State…

Democratic Judge Susan Crawford beat her Republican opponent, Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, in the US state’s hotly-contested Supreme Court election Tuesday night, according to media reports. Crawford was declared the winner in a close race with 54% of the vote versus 46% for Schimel. She will replace retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who served 30 years in that position, maintaining a 4-3 liberal majority in Wisconsin’s highest court. The victory, which garnered national attention and record-breaking campaign spending for a state judicial race, was crucial for Democrats in their mission to rule on significant issues, including abortion rights and…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein on Tuesday, reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to economic cooperation and regional stability. According to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the meeting underscored Argentina’s role as a key US partner. “Secretary Rubio welcomed Argentina’s ongoing partnership on shared economic priorities and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening our cooperation in key sectors,” the statement read. The leaders also addressed the threats posed by authoritarian regimes in Latin America, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, which they agreed endanger US national security and regional stability. “Both leaders…

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country. “Hungary should deny entry to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or arrest him if he enters the country,” the New York-based rights group said Tuesday as Netanyahu’s office announced a visit to Hungary this week following an invitation from Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. “As an ICC member country,…

Large areas of Queensland, Australia are experiencing the worst flooding in over five decades, raising concerns over significant livestock losses. Floodwaters, covering an area double the size of Victoria, have submerged inland parts of the state. Local broadcaster SBS News said Wednesday that residents have been warned of possible renewed flooding due to the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Dianne, which could bring further rain. Water levels have started to drop in many regions, offering signs that the most severe phase may be over. In the town of Thargomindah, more than 200 people were relocated to higher ground after floodwaters breached…

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari tested positive for COVID-19, according to his doctor Asim Hussain. A statement from his office said the 70-year-old president has been advised to remain in isolation. The statement also said Zardari is well taken care of and his condition is improving. Zardari previously tested positive for the virus in 2022, however reportedly only experienced “mild symptoms,” according to the local daily Dawn citing the president’s son. This is his second term as the president of Pakistan, after his term in 2008-2013.

The British prime minister said Wednesday that jumping into a trade war with the US “cannot be the first response of the United Kingdom,” expressing that his government has been preparing for all eventualities ahead of the confirmation of US tariffs. “A trade war is in nobody’s interests, … we will take a calm, pragmatic approach,” Keir Starmer told lawmakers during the Prime Minister’s Questions session in the House of Commons. He noted that the “constructive talks are progressing” on a wider economic prosperity deal with the US. “That is why we are working with all industries and sectors likely…

Protesters in Japan have urged Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to meet his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Budapest on Wednesday evening, over Gaza genocide. Netanyahu has begun his four-day visit to Hungary, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza. Hungary, an ICC member, is obliged to arrest and hand over anyone subject to a warrant from the court. Hungary’s Premier Orban was among the first to condemn the ICC warrant. Terming it cynical, he had said Netanyahu’s freedom would be guaranteed when he wished to…