US Imposes Tariffs on Indian Goods Over Trade Disputes
7.31.25
The US has imposed a proposed 25% tariff on $7 billion worth of Indian goods, including pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and electronics, amid ongoing trade deal negotiations between the two countries. The move is seen as a pressure tactic to get India to agree to US demands, following favourable trade deals with Japan, the UK, and the European Union. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has defended India's position, saying it seeks to get the best deal for its citizens, while Congress leader Ramesh criticized President Trump's approach, suggesting Prime Minister Modi should stand up to the US president.
The US has sanctioned six Indian companies for allegedly importing Iranian petrochemicals, freezing their assets and blocking dollar-based transactions. The sanctions aim to curb Iran's oil sales, with exports declining to 1.2 million barrels per day due to previous US sanctions. The targeted companies include Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd, Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd, Jupiter Dye Chem Pvt Ltd, Ramniklal S Gosalia & Company, Persistent Petrochem Pvt Ltd, and Kanchan Polymers, which have been accused of importing millions of dollars worth of Iranian products between 2024 and 2025.
Vindman Criticizes Trump on Ukraine Transcript Omissions
7.31.25
US military officer Colonel Vindman criticized the Trump administration's handling of a Ukraine corruption investigation, citing omissions from a transcript. The transcript included an assertion about former Vice President Joe Biden Jr.'s discussions on Ukraine corruption and a mention by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Burisma Holdings, where Biden's son Hunter worked. Colonel Vindman believes that the changes made to the transcript were intentional, with ellipses suggesting omitted words or phrases.
The Philippines welcomed a new group of 62 Filipino JET participants, including Assistant Language Teachers and Coordinators for International Relations, to Japan. The event was attended by distinguished guests such as Ched Chairman Shirley Agrupis, J.CLAIR Singapore Executive Director Takano Kazuki, and representatives from the DMW and DFA. Returnee Eliezer Evangelista delivered an inspiring message, while Nathaniel Capinpin shared excitement about the 39th batch of JETs. Ambassador Endo praised the Filipino JETs' journeys as testaments to growing cultural exchanges between Japan and the Philippines.
Canada has announced it will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state at the UN General Assembly meeting in September if fighting in Gaza stops. The move comes after France and Britain also pledged to do so, citing dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made the announcement, saying Canada condemns Israel's restrictions on aid to Gaza. The US and Israel rejected the statement, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a
Canada has become the latest country to recognize the State of Palestine, following in the footsteps of several other countries including Turkey and Sweden. The move comes after years of diplomatic efforts by Palestinian leaders to gain international recognition for their statehood. Canada's decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing quest for Palestinian statehood, with implications for the Middle East peace process.
Canada's Carney Threatens Palestinian Recognition at UN
7.31.25
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's counterpart in the UK, Rishi Sunak, has not been mentioned. However, Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is not present in this article.
Canada's Finance Minister Chrystia Carney stated that Canada would formally recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September if certain conditions are met. These conditions include democratic elections for the Palestinian Authority in 2026 without Hamas participation and governance reforms. Israel's ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, rejected Ottawa's stance as part of a "distorted campaign of international pressure". UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would also move to recognize Palestine unless Israel takes substantive steps to end the crisis in Gaza and revive the two-state solution framework.
Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine by September 2025, as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This move aligns with international pressure to support Palestinian statehood amid the Gaza crisis. Canada's recognition is tied to conditions including democratic reforms and the demilitarization of a future Palestinian state. The announcement follows similar commitments from France and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding diplomatic weight to global pressure on Israel amidst a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Emperor Naruhito Apologizes to Micronesia for Past Rule
7.31.25
Japan and Micronesia have strengthened their ties under Emperor Naruhito's visit to the Pacific island nation in April 2022. The Japanese emperor's trip aimed to promote bilateral relations and commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender at the end of WWII, which led to Micronesia's annexation by Japan. During his visit, Emperor Naruhito expressed regret for Japan's past actions, including its colonial rule in Micronesia, and pledged support for the country's development. The visit marked a significant step towards healing historical wounds and fostering cooperation between the two nations.