News from April 6, 2025 at 2 PM

The US began imposing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports on Saturday, with President Donald Trump urging Americans to 'hang tough' amid market turmoil. Hundreds of countries, including the UK and France, are impacted, with China announcing significant retaliatory measures. All three major US stock indexes plunged over 5% on Friday, marking the worst week for the US stock market since 2020. Thousands protested in Washington DC, New York, and other cities against Trump's policies. Trump described the market volatility as 'an economic revolution' that the US will win. His policy changes have disrupted global supply chains. The UK's FTSE 100 fell nearly 5%, and Asian, German, and French markets also declined. Elon Musk suggested a 'zero-tariff situation' between the US and Europe. The Trump administration plans to impose tariffs of up to 50% on 'worst offenders' for trade imbalances on April 9, with the EU facing a 20% levy. China, the hardest hit, retaliated with 34% tariffs on US imports and filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation.

On April 4, a Russian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least 18 people, including nine children, and left dozens wounded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strike hit a residential area, damaging several buildings. Local officials said the missile exploded in the air to maximize casualties. The city later faced a massive drone attack, resulting in at least one death and five injuries. UK and French military chiefs met with Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss plans for foreign peacekeepers, but there has been little sign of a reduction in violence.

On March 26, 2025, Pope Francis made his first public appearance at the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, two weeks after being discharged from the hospital following a five-week treatment for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff had been out of public view since March 23, when he gave a brief greeting before leaving Rome's Gemelli hospital. Entering St. Peter's Square in a wheelchair to greet the crowds, Francis marked his return to public life.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated late on Saturday that Israel has detained two British members of parliament and refused them entry. The detained parliamentarians, Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, were suspected of planning to 'document the activities of security forces and spread anti-Israel hatred.' Yang represents the Earley and Woodley constituency, while Mohamed is the MP for Sheffield Central. Both had flown to Israel from Luton on Saturday. Lammy clarified that he has communicated to the Israeli government that this treatment of British Parliamentarians is unacceptable and has been in contact with both MPs to offer support. He further added that the UK government's focus remains on securing a return to the ceasefire and negotiations to stop the bloodshed, free the hostages, and end the conflict in Gaza.

On April 5, US tech billionaire Elon Musk spoke via video link at a congress of Italy's right-wing League Party in Florence, Italy, expressing his hope for complete freedom of trade between the United States and Europe, effectively creating a zero tariff free trade zone. This came days after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on trading partners. Musk, an adviser to Trump and advocate for reducing wasteful US public spending, also voiced support for greater freedom of movement between Europe and North America. Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, from the League, earlier stated the government's desire for de-escalation with the US following Trump's tariff announcement and warned against retaliatory tariffs. In March, Musk expressed gratitude to Salvini for supporting Italy's choice of his Starlink company for satellite communications.

Congo's government and M23 rebels held their first secret talks in Qatar last week since the rebels launched a rapid offensive in the country's east. The talks, set to continue in Doha next week, offer the best chance for a ceasefire since M23 seized two major cities in eastern Congo. The conflict, which began in January, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands, raising fears of a broader regional war. The first direct talks were planned for April 9 in Doha. A source said last week's talks were positive, leading M23 to withdraw from the strategic town of Walikale. M23 had pledged to withdraw last month but initially failed, accusing the Congolese army of not withdrawing attack drones. The UN and Western governments allege Rwanda has armed and supported M23, a claim Rwanda denies.

In recent weeks, American forces have conducted major raids on Yemen in response to the Houthis' attacks on Red Sea shipping. On April 4, US President Donald Trump posted a video on his social network, purportedly showing dozens of Houthi fighters being killed in an American strike, with the comment “oops.” The footage, resembling drone imagery, depicts people gathered along a road being hit. Houthi officials and media have reported multiple deaths in dozens of strikes this week, blaming the United States. The Houthis have attacked commercial and military shipping, claiming it as a response to Israel's campaign in the Gaza Strip. On April 2, Washington announced the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to promote regional stability.

On April 6 local time, the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon was held in North Korea. This marks the resumption of the event after a six-year hiatus. According to North Korean media, participants included foreign athletes from various countries. Among them were runners from China and Romania. The restart of the marathon signifies North Korea's proactive stance in international sports exchanges. Specific details on the number of participants and race results have not yet been disclosed.

Russell Brand has been charged with rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The charges stem from an investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches in September 2023. Brand denied the allegations in a video posted on X, stating he will defend himself in court. The Metropolitan Police informed Brand he must appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 2. Currently believed to be in the United States, prosecutors may seek his return or extradition. Additionally, a civil case for personal injury and sexual abuse was filed against Brand at the High Court in London by an anonymous woman in February.