News from March 13, 2025 at 2 PM

The US and Ukraine reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire with Russia on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in their relations. Just a week ago, the US suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a tense meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump at the White House. Despite Trump's often aggressive demeanor, he remains open to further negotiations. On Tuesday, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, causing major US stock indexes to tumble. Ontario Premier Doug Ford subsequently backed down from an energy surcharge, and Trump withdrew his tariff hike. However, the ongoing US-Canada trade dispute has erased trillions in US stock market value. While Ukraine is ready for a time-limited truce, there is no progress on a mineral rights deal sought by the US, and Russia's stance on the ceasefire proposal remains unclear.

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 12 to face charges of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, over his anti-drug campaign. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, stated there were reasonable grounds to believe Duterte committed the crime against humanity as an indirect co-perpetrator during the campaign, which rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands. In a video shared as he was about to land in The Netherlands, Duterte said he was responsible, emphasizing his leadership in law enforcement and military actions. He is the first former Asian head of state to face charges at the ICC.

On December 12, the rescue operation for a train hijacked by terrorists in Pakistan entered its second day, with security forces rescuing 190 passengers and confirming their identities, while 30 terrorists were killed. On the afternoon of December 11, a train carrying about 450 passengers, including some security personnel, was attacked and hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Army in Balochistan. The attackers engaged in fierce gunfire with the soldiers and took hostage women and children. Ten people, including the train driver and several security personnel, have been confirmed dead, with the total number of passenger casualties still to be verified. Pakistan Railways suspended operations on all routes from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan and set up information desks at nearby stations for relatives to inquire about rescued individuals. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning strongly condemned the attack, stating that China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on March 12 that US claims of willingness to negotiate with Iran are a deception of global public opinion. He noted that Iran had been at the negotiating table for years, but US President Donald Trump tore up a completed and signed document. Trump had announced on March 7 that he sent a message to Khamenei calling for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but Iran believes the US is solely guided by its interests. On February 4, Trump signed an executive order to increase pressure on Iran. Both Russia and China have expressed readiness to help resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov supports resuming dialogue on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) endorsed by the UN Security Council.

On March 12, 2025, Greenland's centre-right opposition party won a surprise general election victory, with independence and US President Donald Trump's pledge to acquire the semi-autonomous territory dominating the vote. The Democratic Party, advocating a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, secured around 30% of the vote. Party leader Jens Frederik Nielsen emphasized the need for unity. Greenland, controlled by Denmark for about 300 years, governs its domestic affairs but relies on Copenhagen for foreign and defence policies. Five of the six main parties support independence but differ on the pace. The Democratic Party, considered a moderate on independence, saw a 20% vote increase from 2021. Naleraq, pushing for immediate independence and closer US ties, was set for second place. The current ruling parties, Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut, were heading for third and fourth places, marking a setback for Prime Minister Mute B Egede. About 44,000 Greenlanders voted to elect 31 MPs and the local government. Trump reiterated his acquisition intentions, but Greenland and Denmark's leaders have consistently rejected his demands.

On March 13, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized US influencer Sam Jones for a video showing her taking a wild baby wombat away from its mother, angering conservationists. Immigration officials are reviewing Jones's visa after over 10,500 people signed a petition calling for her deportation. The Wombat Protection Society expressed shock at the mishandling of the joey, noting it could have caused severe harm. Wombats, a protected species in Australia, form strong bonds with their mothers, and any separation can be distressing. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned the video, urging protection for the baby wombat.

On March 13, United Nations experts released a report accusing Israel of systematically destroying Palestinian women's healthcare facilities during the Gaza conflict and using sexual violence as a war strategy, constituting genocidal acts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the report as biased and antisemitic. The report stated that Israeli authorities partially destroyed the reproductive capacity of Palestinians in Gaza, leading to a surge in maternal deaths, amounting to crimes against humanity. It also accused Israeli forces of using forced public stripping and sexual assault against Palestinians following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. Israel denied the accusations, emphasizing that the IDF has clear directives prohibiting such misconduct. In January, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide, and South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the court.

On the early morning of March 13, 2025, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Naples region of Italy, with a focal depth of 3 kilometers. The quake caused building damage, forcing many residents to spend the night on the streets and in their cars. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) stated there was no immediate risk of an eruption from nearby Mount Vesuvius. A woman was rescued with minor injuries in Bagnoli, close to the epicenter. This earthquake was the strongest in the area in 40 years, followed by several aftershocks. Schools were closed for building stability checks, and officials expressed concern over the accelerated rate of ground movement.

Intel Corporation announced on Wednesday the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, aiming to recover from a tumultuous four-year period under Pat Gelsinger. Tan, previously CEO of Cadence Design Systems and a former Intel board member, replaces interim co-CEOs David Zinsner and MJ Holthaus, who took over in December after Gelsinger's ouster. The appointment marks the end of a chaotic chapter for Intel, as investors had pressured the company to cut costs and spin off businesses. Tan emphasized the need to double down in areas of strength and take calculated risks in competitive fields. He becomes Intel's fourth permanent CEO in seven years, following a series of leadership changes. Despite Gelsinger's ambitious plan to transform Intel into a foundry, product revenues continued to decline. Last year, Intel's shares plummeted 60%, while Nvidia's stock soared 171%.

Sweden's Minister for International Development, Benjamin Dousa, announced on Thursday that Sweden will provide more than 1.4 billion Swedish crowns ($137.7 million) to Ukraine for reconstruction, development, and urgent humanitarian needs. This package, the largest civilian aid program in Sweden's history, includes support for reconstructing destroyed infrastructure, mine clearance, and health worker training. Dousa stated at a press conference that supporting Ukraine is a matter of solidarity and Sweden's security. He added that the past few weeks have been challenging, making it clear that global support for Ukraine can no longer be taken for granted.

A new four-lane highway is being constructed through tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon rainforest in Belém, Brazil, for the COP30 climate summit in November. The state government promotes the highway's 'sustainable' credentials, but locals and conservationists are outraged over the environmental impact. The Amazon is vital for global carbon absorption and biodiversity, and many argue this deforestation contradicts the summit's purpose. The road has already destroyed parts of the rainforest, affecting residents' livelihoods. Scientists fear the ecosystem will be fragmented, disrupting wildlife movement. Brazilian President and Environment Minister tout the summit's significance, but local voices remain unheard.

Dollar General reported on Thursday that its fiscal fourth-quarter revenue narrowly exceeded Wall Street estimates, though a store portfolio review impacted its profits. The company plans to close 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores, converting six Popshelf stores into flagship locations in the first quarter. Popshelf stores target higher-income shoppers seeking affordable products. Shares rose 5% in premarket trading. Fourth-quarter earnings per share were 87 cents, below the estimated $1.50; revenue was $10.3 billion, surpassing the $10.26 billion expected. Full-year revenue reached $40.61 billion, up nearly 5% from 2023. Dollar General forecasts 2025 revenue growth of 3.4% to 4.4%, slightly below Wall Street's 4.1% expectation, and earnings per share of $5.10 to $5.80, below the anticipated $5.85. Fourth-quarter net income was $191 million, significantly down year-over-year. The portfolio review affected earnings per share by 81 cents. Same-store sales grew 1.2% year-over-year and are expected to grow 1.2% to 2.2% next fiscal year. The company also announced a same-day delivery test and plans to introduce about 100 new private-brand products in the first quarter.