News from April 8, 2025 at 2 PM

US President Donald Trump defended sweeping tariffs on imports, calling them necessary 'medicine'. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed the measures would make the US 'wealthy like never before'. His top officials insisted the tariffs, announced last week, would be implemented as planned, downplaying recession fears. Asian stock markets plunged on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 falling 7.8% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropping over 12%. US stock indexes fell more than 5% on Friday, marking the worst week since 2020. Saudi Arabia's stock exchange closed nearly 7% lower, its biggest daily loss since the pandemic. JP Morgan predicted a 60% chance of a US and global recession. Trump's officials minimized recent stock market falls, describing them as an 'adjustment process'. Higher tariffs on about 60 countries are set to take effect on April 9. Indonesia and Taiwan said they would not impose retaliatory tariffs, while Vietnam requested a delay. China announced a 34% tariff on US imports starting April 10. UK and Canadian leaders agreed that an all-out trade war is not in anyone's interest. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Trump for trade talks. Large anti-Trump protests were held across the US over the weekend.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated hockey player Alexander Ovechkin on breaking the record for the most goals scored in the NHL regular season. Putin noted that this achievement was not only a personal success for Ovechkin but also a significant celebration for fans in Russia and abroad. On Saturday night, Ovechkin scored two goals against Chicago, reaching 894 goals to tie the record held by Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky. On Sunday, the 39-year-old Russian added another goal against the New York Islanders, bringing his total to 895 and becoming the sole record holder in the NHL.

Officials report that torrential rains and floods in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have killed at least 33 people. President Félix Tshisekedi vowed on Monday not to abandon the victims and convened a government crisis meeting. Residents are desperately trying to escape the floodwaters by wading, swimming, or using homemade canoes. Kinshasa, home to 17 million people, sits on the Congo River, which recently reached its highest level in six decades. Many homes in western Kinshasa were swept away, with about half of the city's 26 districts affected. The mayor says search and rescue teams have been deployed, with the outskirts and poorest neighborhoods worst hit. The floods have also caused water shortages across much of Kinshasa, and major roads, including the one to the international airport and the motorway to the main port of Matadi, are impassable. Further heavy rains are expected in the coming weeks in Kinshasa and the eastern city of Goma.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have released new photographs to mark their 20th wedding anniversary, taken during their state visit to Italy. The images were captured in the gardens of the British ambassador's residence in Rome. Ambassador Lord Llewellyn highlighted the historic significance of the visit, aimed at reinforcing UK ties with European allies post-Brexit. The visit, originally planned to include the Vatican, was adjusted due to Pope Francis's health. The King will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and address Italy's parliament. The trip underscores UK-Italy military and economic links amid post-Brexit diplomacy. Despite recent health issues, the King has resumed his duties.

On April 4, 2025, during Microsoft's 50th anniversary event, two software engineers were fired for protesting the company's use of artificial intelligence products by the Israeli military. Ibtihal Aboussad, based in Canada, was terminated for 'just cause, wilful misconduct,' while Vaniya Agrawal, who had planned to resign on April 11, was also dismissed early. Both employees publicly criticized Microsoft at the event, accusing the company of facilitating regional conflicts. Microsoft responded that it provides various channels for feedback but that the protests caused business disruptions.