Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:37pm on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
Prince Harry has taken his case to the Court of Appeal, arguing that his UK security downgrade was "unjustified" and "inferior" compared to other royals. His lawyer, Shaheed Fatima KC, said the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) failed to follow standard procedures or conduct proper risk analysis after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The Home Office opposes the appeal, insisting Harry was treated in a “bespoke manner.” The prince, attending court but not testifying, says he wasn't informed about decisions or risk assessments. A written verdict will follow, with some sensitive details discussed privately. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:21pm on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
China has pledged to "fight to the end" after Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing reverses its own 34% retaliation. China’s commerce ministry called the move “blackmail” and a “mistake on top of a mistake.” Global markets rebounded slightly after steep Monday losses. Trump’s broader tariffs, ranging from 10%–50%, target dozens of countries, prompting EU and Taiwan to propose negotiations. Chinese media slammed Trump’s approach as “naked extortion,” while experts warn of a prolonged economic standoff. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 6% following trade talks. China insists it won’t surrender to US “coercion disguised as policy.” (PC: The Guardian)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:53am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
During a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump described the Gaza Strip as an "important piece of real estate," questioning Israel's decision to "give up" the coastal territory. He proposed that a U.S. peacekeeping force could "control and own" Gaza, suggesting that such an arrangement would be beneficial. Trump highlighted Gaza's potential as "oceanfront property," implying its significant value. These remarks have sparked controversy, with critics arguing that U.S. control over Gaza would violate international law and Palestinian sovereignty. The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Palestinian officials and international observers. (PC: Reuters, UNICEF & All Israel News)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:23am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Grace Davidson, 36, became the first woman in the UK to give birth after receiving a womb transplant from her sister, Amy Purdie. Born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, which meant she lacked a functioning uterus, Grace underwent the transplant in 2023. Following successful IVF treatment, she delivered a healthy baby girl, Amy Isabel, via Caesarean section on February 27, 2025, at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in London. This milestone offers hope to many women facing similar infertility challenges and highlights significant advancements in reproductive medicine. (PC: Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 07:54am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
King Charles and Queen Camilla commenced a four-day state visit to Italy on April 7, 2025, marking Charles's 17th official visit to the country and his first overseas trip this year amid ongoing cancer treatment. The visit coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary. During the trip, Charles will become the first British monarch to address a joint session of the Italian parliament. The royal couple will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A planned meeting with Pope Francis was postponed due to the Pope's recent health issues. They will also visit the Colosseum and travel to Ravenna to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation during World War II. (PC: Hello Magazine)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:08am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
Top executives from Bank of America, Barclays, HSBC, Citi, and JP Morgan held emergency talks after Donald Trump's new tariffs caused sharp global market declines. The call, organized by the Bank Policy Institute, aimed to address escalating financial volatility. UK’s FTSE 100 fell 5%, Germany’s DAX dropped 6.5%, and France’s CAC 40 lost 5.3%. Asian stocks also plunged. Trump defended his policies, saying, “Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” UK PM Sir Keir Starmer urged “cool heads” and called for trade unity, as the UK auto sector faces a 25% US tariff under Trump’s new rules. (PC: Daily Mail)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:23am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
An Israeli airstrike killed over 30 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza on Monday, hitting a charity kitchen providing food to civilians. The attack occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a new potential ceasefire with Hamas. A local journalist was also killed in a separate strike near a hospital. Netanyahu said Israel is committed to securing the release of remaining hostages. Trump added, “We’re looking at another ceasefire.” The previous truce collapsed on March 18, leaving 58 hostages still in Hamas captivity, including 34 presumed dead, according to Israeli military. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:08am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
Tesla CEO and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk privately urged US President Donald Trump to reverse his planned 50% tariffs on Chinese goods, The Washington Post reported. While Musk has publicly criticized the tariff hike, he also directly appealed to Trump, warning of the economic impact. Musk emphasized a "zero-tariff" future during talks with Italy’s Deputy PM Salvini and shared a Milton Friedman video promoting free trade. Despite Musk’s efforts, Trump remains firm on tariffs. Musk also mocked White House adviser Peter Navarro, calling his Harvard economics PhD “a bad thing, not a good thing.” (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:03am on 08 Apr 2025,Tuesday International
Donald Trump announced that the US and Iran will hold direct nuclear talks on April 12 in Oman. Iran’s foreign minister described the meeting as “indirect” but noted it is “as much an opportunity as it is a test.” Trump warned it would be a “very bad day for Iran” if talks fail. The announcement follows Trump’s White House meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who supports diplomatic efforts but insists Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. The 2015 nuclear deal collapsed after Trump withdrew the US in 2016. Tensions have since risen, with Iran enriching uranium beyond agreed limits. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:46pm on 07 Apr 2025,Monday International
US President Donald Trump has warned of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports from Tuesday if Beijing does not withdraw its newly announced 34% retaliatory tariffs. China's move followed Washington's decision to impose 34% levies on all Chinese goods starting April 9. If enforced, some US companies could face up to 104% tax on Chinese imports. The announcement has rattled markets—US indices plunged at opening, and major European markets, including London's FTSE 100, closed over 4% down. Meanwhile, the EU has offered a "zero-for-zero" tariff deal on selected goods to ease growing transatlantic trade tensions. (PC: BBC)