Author: Rachel Maddow

Tariff Cuts and Promises of U.S. Purchases President Donald Trump said Monday that tariffs on Indian goods would drop from 25% to 18% after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly agreed to reduce reliance on Russian oil. Trump also announced that India would begin eliminating import taxes on U.S. products and commit to buying $500 billion in American goods. Trump framed the deal as a way to help end the war in Ukraine, claiming it would cut off funding for Russia’s invasion. Modi responded on X, calling the tariff reduction “delightful” and praising Trump’s leadership, though he did not confirm…

President Donald Trump said the United States has begun discussions with Cuban leaders, even as his administration ramps up economic pressure by restricting key oil supplies and targeting countries that support Havana. Speaking to reporters Saturday night on his flight to Florida, Trump offered few specifics but confirmed, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.” Oil Restrictions as a Negotiation Tactic Trump indicated that recent moves to cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico are meant to push Cuba toward negotiations. The administration has signaled that these measures are designed to force the communist-run island to the bargaining table, following…

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the organisation could run out of money by July unless member countries pay their overdue contributions. Chronic budget shortfalls are forcing the UN into hiring freezes and spending cuts, threatening its ability to operate effectively. Mounting Unpaid Contributions Guterres highlighted that the UN is facing serious financial strain because some nations are not paying their mandatory contributions in full or on time. By the end of 2025, unpaid dues reached around $1.6 billion—more than double the total from the previous year—even though over 150 member states had met their…

Panama’s top court has invalidated a concession allowing Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison to operate ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, following allegations of irregularities in a 25-year contract extension approved in 2021. The decision has prompted a strong reaction from Hong Kong officials and raised broader geopolitical concerns. Hong Kong Condemns Court Decision On Friday, Hong Kong’s government expressed “firm rejection” of the ruling, warning that it could harm legitimate business interests and undermine confidence in international trade. Officials criticized what they described as the use of coercive or unreasonable tactics by foreign governments, stressing that Hong Kong…

Postal Loopholes Aid Sanctions Evasion A German investigation has revealed that Russia is bypassing EU sanctions by sending prohibited goods through a logistics hub near Berlin and exploiting the lighter controls applied to international mail. Test shipments fitted with GPS trackers moved through the Berlin Brandenburg Airport facility undetected before being forwarded through Poland and Belarus to Moscow, according to Bild. The operation reportedly uses shipping labels from Uzbekistan’s state postal service, despite Germany not authorising the service to operate locally. Because international mail is processed quickly and in bulk, it faces far less scrutiny than regular commercial exports. The…

Economic Growth Holds Steady The US Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to keep its key interest rate at about 3.6%, pausing after three cuts last year. Officials noted that the job market has stabilized and economic growth is now considered “solid,” an upgrade from last month’s “modest” assessment. With hiring holding strong and no signs of economic slowdown, the Fed sees little urgency to lower rates further right now. Inflation and Policy Divisions While most Fed officials expect to ease borrowing costs later this year, they want to see inflation move closer to the 2% target first. November’s preferred inflation…

Lawmakers Push for Fusion as a Strategic Energy Source MEPs from the European People’s Party are urging the EU to treat nuclear fusion as more than just a research project. On Tuesday, they issued a declaration calling on the European Commission to create a clear and predictable regulatory framework that would attract private investment and help the EU become a leader in this emerging energy technology. Speaking at a public hearing in the European Parliament, lawmakers stressed that fusion has reached a tipping point. “European industrial capability and private investments are converging toward deployment. What is now required is clear…

Eight Countries Secure SAFE Funding The European Commission has approved defence investment plans from eight EU nations under the new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, part of the wider Readiness 2030 strategy. Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Finland will collectively access €74 billion in loans, with Poland alone receiving €43.7 billion. This is the second round of approvals, following €38 billion granted to Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, and Romania earlier in January. SAFE is a key element of Europe’s plan to channel up to €800 billion into defence by 2030, amid intelligence warnings…

The World Bank Group has officially opened its first office in Doha, marking a significant step in its partnership with Qatar and reinforcing the country’s growing influence in global development and finance. The office aims to strengthen cooperation on development projects, private-sector investment, and support for fragile economies across the region. The Doha office is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Speaking at the inauguration, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga highlighted the deepening partnership, noting that Qatar can play a key role in fostering regional growth while encouraging private…

Tripartite negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are ongoing in Abu Dhabi, aiming to chart a path toward ending Russia’s nearly four-year full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the discussions will focus heavily on the future of the Donbas region, a central point of the conflict. Progress Amid Uncertainty The talks, which began Friday and are set to continue into Saturday, were described by the White House as productive. The UAE’s foreign ministry framed them as part of broader efforts “to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” Zelenskyy noted the importance of these meetings,…