News from March 20, 2025 at 2 AM

Russian President Putin agreed on Tuesday to暂停 attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities for 30 days, but shortly afterward, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of continuing attacks. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for U.S. assistance in monitoring the ceasefire. Putin spoke with Trump for two and a half hours but did not accept a comprehensive ceasefire proposal, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. The White House stated Putin agreed to a ceasefire, but the Kremlin clarified it was limited to energy facilities. Trump viewed this as a victory, though some believe the U.S. was manipulated by Russian diplomatic tactics. Ukraine supports the ceasefire agreement, but public skepticism remains. Zelensky, visiting Finland, proposed that the U.S. should take the lead in monitoring the ceasefire.

The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it will keep interest rates unchanged, as President Donald Trump's tariff policies weigh on economic growth. Although inflation receded last month, an escalating trade war threatens to hike prices on consumer goods. Brett House, an economics professor at Columbia Business School, said that price increases from tariffs will widely impact the American economy. National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett warned of upcoming uncertainty due to the U.S. tariff agenda. Experts suggest that even with the Fed on the sidelines, consumers facing high prices and borrowing costs may see some relief, as rates for credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans are edging lower.

On March 19, 2025, Turkish authorities detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, just days before he was set to be selected as a presidential candidate. Imamoglu, from the secular Republican People's Party (CHP), is considered one of Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan's strongest political rivals. Prosecutors accused him of corruption and aiding a terrorist group, labeling him a 'criminal organization leader suspect'. The investigation led to the detention of 100 suspects, including other politicians, journalists, and businessmen, with the Istanbul governor's office imposing four days of restrictions in the city. Imamoglu stated online that 'the will of the people cannot be silenced' and vowed in a social media video to 'stand resolute' for the people of Turkey and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide. The arrest is part of a major crackdown on opposition figures nationwide in recent months, with critics condemning the moves as politically motivated, though Erdogan and his party deny the claims, insisting on the independence of Turkey's judiciary. Last year, Imamoglu won a second term as Istanbul's mayor, marking a significant defeat for Erdogan's party in local elections.

The US government has released the final batch of documents on the assassination of President John F Kennedy, a case that still spawns conspiracy theories over 60 years later. This follows an executive order by President Donald Trump mandating the public release of remaining unredacted files. Experts are reviewing the documents, noting the task will take time and they do not expect significant revelations. Previously, US authorities released hundreds of thousands of JFK documents but withheld some for national security reasons. Many Americans believe gunman Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Trump had indicated that 80,000 pages would be unsealed. Of the 1,123 documents released by the National Archives and Records Administration on Tuesday, it was unclear how much new material was included. Some files still had redacted sections, while others were difficult to read due to fading or poor scanning. Experts suggest non-scholars might be baffled. Historian Alice George believes more records may be released, but the passage of time complicates truth-finding.

On March 19, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia, has stopped using an oxygen mask, and his clinical condition is improving. The 88-year-old Argentine pope has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 for treatment of pneumonia in both lungs. Earlier concerns about his life were allayed by recent progress reports. The pope has ceased non-invasive mechanical ventilation and reduced the need for high-flow oxygen therapy, showing progress in motor and respiratory physiotherapy. However, the Vatican cautioned that the suspension of the oxygen mask does not rule out its future use, and his discharge is not imminent. While his pneumonia is not yet eliminated, it is under control. Over the past week, his breathing has improved, and on March 18, he managed without an oxygen mask for the first time. The Vatican stated that the next medical bulletin is expected on March 24. The pope's prolonged hospitalization has raised questions about leadership for religious events leading up to Easter, but no definitive decisions have been made yet.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang downplayed the short-term impact of tariffs on the company in a CNBC interview, emphasizing AI as the foundation for future industries and the company's enthusiasm for building in America. Nvidia is collaborating with TSMC, Foxconn, and Wistron to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. Nvidia's shares have fallen over 20% from their January high, influenced by concerns raised by Chinese AI lab DeepSeek. Huang countered this by stating that DeepSeek's popularized reasoning models require more chips. Due to increased export controls at the end of the Biden administration, Nvidia's business in China has been restricted, halving its revenue share in the country and facing competitive pressures from companies like Huawei.

A day after the presidents of Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced deeper into Congolese territory, reaching the outskirts of Walikale town late on Wednesday, according to residents. Gunfire was reported near the Nyabangi neighborhood. An unnamed army source said the rebels were fighting soldiers and pro-government militias after overrunning an army position in a surprise attack. Walikale, rich in minerals like tin, marks the farthest west M23 has reached this year. The town, with about 15,000 people, is 125 km northwest of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, bringing the rebels within 400 km of Kisangani, Congo's fourth-largest city. Last week, Alphamin Resources suspended operations at its Bisie tin mine, 60 km northwest of Walikale, due to the rebel advance. Neighboring countries and foreign powers have intensified diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict, the worst in eastern Congo since the 1998-2003 war. On Tuesday, Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held their first direct talks in Qatar, issuing a joint statement calling for an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire. The United Nations accuses Rwanda of supporting the Tutsi-led rebels with arms and troops, a claim Rwanda denies, stating its military acts in self-defense. Planned direct talks between Congo and M23 in Angola were canceled after M23 pulled out, citing EU sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials.

The Mexico City Council passed a bill banning violent bullfighting with 61 votes in favor and 1 against on the 18th. The new bill retains the cultural tradition of bullfighting but imposes strict restrictions on bullfighters' equipment and animal protection measures, sparking intense confrontations between supporters and opponents. The bill prohibits bullfighters from using lethal weapons, requires protective devices on bulls' horns, and limits the time bulls are in the arena, set to take effect in 210 days. Mayor Clara Brugada stated the move aims to make the capital a 'model city respecting animal rights.' On the day the bill passed, scenes of stark opposition emerged outside the council building. Mexico's bullfighting culture dates back centuries, generating about $400 million annually, but has long been criticized for animal cruelty. In 2022, Mexico City's largest bullring closed due to a court ban, which was overturned in 2023.

In response to the burgeoning social welfare expenditure, the UK government has decided to reform the welfare system, reducing subsidies for the disabled and long-term sick while encouraging employment. On March 18th, Minister for Employment and Pensions Kandall announced the reform plan in the House of Commons, stating that the current system is failing those who need help and hindering national development. The reform is expected to save £5 billion by 2030. The plan includes tightening the eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), setting a 'permanent, above-inflation' allowance for Universal Credit, and abolishing the work capability assessment in 2028, replacing it with an assessment of independent living ability to determine benefits. Kandall noted that one in ten working-age individuals in the UK are claiming sickness or disability benefits, nearly one million young people are not in education, employment, or training, and the number of PIP applicants is set to double by 2030. The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasized the necessity of the reform, assuring that those most in need will continue to receive adequate support. Data from the Office for Budget Responsibility shows that UK welfare spending reached £296.3 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year, nearly 11% of GDP.

Once labeled the world's ugliest animal for its soft, lumpy appearance, the blobfish made a surprising comeback by being crowned Fish of the Year by New Zealand's Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust this week, garnering nearly 1,300 out of over 5,500 votes. The annual competition aims to raise awareness for New Zealand's freshwater and marine life. The blobfish gained mainstream notoriety in 2013 as the mascot for the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. This gelatinous fish, which lives on the sea bed and grows to about 30cm in length, is primarily found off the coast of Australia at depths of 600-1,200m. In its natural deep-sea habitat, the blobfish resembles a regular fish, but deforms into its characteristic mushy shape when brought to the surface. The orange roughy came in second place, but a passionate campaign by local radio hosts Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn of More FM helped secure the blobfish's victory.

A new online map has highlighted locations of Tesla dealerships and Superchargers across the United States, along with purported addresses and phone numbers of Trump administration's DOGE team members. The map spread online this week as police investigated a series of vandalism incidents against Tesla sites nationwide. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled these attacks as 'domestic terrorism' and several perpetrators have been charged. A violent attack occurred at a Tesla location in Las Vegas, prompting President Donald Trump to call the incidents 'domestic terrorism' and blame left-wing individuals. Similar incidents were reported in Fresno, California, and San Diego. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who plays a key role in the Trump administration, faces criticism, and Tesla's stock has plummeted by about 50% since mid-December.

On March 19, the US Armed Forces conducted strikes on a suspected location of a Houthi leader in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, as reported by Al Arabiya. The channel did not confirm whether the target was eliminated. The US military also targeted Houthi weapons depots in the area. Earlier, Houthi-run Al Masirah reported that US airstrikes hit an under-construction event hall, causing a fire and damaging nearby structures, injuring seven women and two children. The US also struck a cattle farm in the Al Jawf governorate in northwestern Yemen, targeting Houthi rocket launchers. Since March 15, the US has been conducting massive strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen, ordered by Trump, to defend American interests and restore freedom of navigation. In response, the Houthi militia attacked the USS Harry S. Truman in the northern Red Sea three times using missiles and drones. Latest data from the Houthi health ministry indicates that US strikes have killed 53 people and wounded at least 98.

Six migrants died and 40 are missing after a shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa late on Tuesday. The Italian coast guard has rescued 10 people and resumed the search for survivors early on Wednesday. Survivors reported that many of the 56 migrants fell into the water due to bad weather after departing from Tunisia in a dinghy. Italy's main news agency ANSA and other media reported the incident, but the Italian coast guard has not yet confirmed the reports to Reuters.

On September 20, 2024, European Union regulators initiated antitrust investigations against Google and Apple. The European Commission found Google's parent company, Alphabet, in violation of the Digital Markets Act, accusing its Search and Google Play products of self-preferencing. The EU also demanded that Apple implement interoperability in its iOS system. Both Google and Apple opposed the measures, claiming they would harm consumers and businesses. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the EU, citing 'overseas extortion' of American tech giants.

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