A Vietnamese teacher of English has achieved an overall IELTS score of 9.0 in his 20th IELTS attempt, using ChatGPT to improve his kills.
Nguyen Thanh Tung, 30, achieved the perfect score last month, after improving his writing score by 0.5 points. He already scored perfect marks in listening and reading and 8.5 in speaking.
According to IELTS statistics, only about 1% of test-takers in Vietnam score 8.5 or higher.
Nguyen Thanh Tung in a photo he provided.
Test-takers have up to 60 days to retake a single IELTS skill after their initial test, and Tung used this time to focus on Writing. He studied high-scoring essays from former IELTS examiners to refine his approach, particularly in Task 2, which requires writing argumentative essays.
He noticed that essays scoring 8.5 often featured concise sentences, whereas his writing was too wordy. For example, a recent prompt asked candidates why they hesitate to recycle and how to encourage recycling. Previously, he would write:
"People fear recycling due to high costs. Manufacturers face higher production expenses for recyclable goods, making them more expensive for customers. As a result, consumers prefer cheaper, readily available products over costly, reusable ones."
This time, he streamlined it: "Recycling adds financial strain on consumers, making them less likely to buy recyclable products."
"The sentence became shorter but still conveyed the full idea, cutting down from two or three sentences to one while improving the overall clarity," Tung said.
To improve his writing, Tung also used ChatGPT. He asked the AI chatbot to make his passages more concise without losing meaning. Over time, he learned to break long sentences into shorter, clearer ones.
"It's harder for examiners to follow arguments when sentences are too long and complex," he said.
Beyond refining sentence structure, he also used ChatGPT to test his ideas and spot weak arguments. This helped him strengthen his counterargument skills by presenting him with opposing views before letting him refute them.
For example, after arguing that producing recyclable goods raises costs for businesses, he countered by pointing out that government incentives could help offset these costs through pollution reduction programs.
In Task 1 of the writing section, which involves analyzing charts, Tung developed a structured approach. He summarized key trends in one paragraph using six key factors: largest, smallest, strongest, weakest, most similar, and most different.
"This approach helps me interpret charts quickly without missing key details," he said. To expand on these points, he grouped similar data together to avoid redundancy, ensuring a clear and logical analysis.
While writing was his primary focus, Tung also worked on improving his speaking skills. He admitted that he sometimes spoke too fast or stumbled over words and ideas. To fix this, he used AI to generate natural phrasing and practiced for hours daily until he spoke fluently. He also took mock exams with former IELTS examiners.
His use of AI extended to reading and listening.
In reading, he realized that many questions could be answered by analyzing grammar structures rather than just focusing on vocabulary. To refine this skill, he used ChatGPT to break down complex passages into simpler parts, making them easier to understand.
"English is like Lego - understanding grammar structures and how to use them helps build clearer sentences, not just knowing vocabulary," he said. He added that this method also helps middle school students excel in reading, even with complex topics like archeology and history.
For listening, he practiced dictation using the website Daily Dictation. While transcribing, he also read aloud to improve pronunciation.
"This way, I trained both my listening and pronunciation, killing two birds with one stone," he said.
Nguyen Hoai Thanh, a lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam who studied IELTS with Tung, described him as highly meticulous.
"He's meticulous about scoring criteria, always choosing what words and grammar structure he'd use carefully," Thanh said. "He's also hardworking and regularly shares study tips and materials with others."
Tung believes mastering English takes daily practice and persistence. Now that he's reached his goal in English, he plans to learn Chinese to broaden his language skills.
VietBF@ Sưu tập
A Korean-Canadian tourist has been sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery in Ho Chi Minh City.
Jang Jae Bin, 24, a Canadian citizen born in South Korea, received the sentence from the HCMC People's Court on Wednesday.
Jang, who moved to Canada with his family in 2008, entered Vietnam as a tourist early last year and resided in an apartment in Thu Duc City. Facing financial difficulties, he resorted to robbery.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 17, 2024, Jang targeted Alanna Beth Burke, a Canadian woman walking her dog in District 7. He threatened her with a folding knife, stole her phone, and fled.
The following day, Jang returned to the same area and targeted Wener Zimmer, who was out walking from a park. Jang approached Zimmer, asked to borrow his phone, and when refused, threatened him with the knife, stealing his phone. He was apprehended shortly after by District 7 police patrol officers.
The stolen phones were valued at VND5.4 million (US$216).
Jang confessed to the crimes, citing financial desperation due to unemployment during his travels. He expressed remorse and requested a reduced sentence to facilitate his return to his family.
VietBF@ Sưu tập
A strong spring storm system is set to impact much of the United States, bringing multiple severe weather threats across the country. This powerful system will generate an incredible array of dangerous weather conditions, from severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes to blizzard conditions and critical fire weather.
Key Points:
- Multi-day severe weather outbreak with significant tornado risk
- Blizzard conditions likely in the northern Plains
- Temperature swings of 20-35°F above normal
- Wind gusts potentially reaching 50-70+ mph
- Critical fire danger in the Southwest
- Potential for flash flooding from heavy rainfall
This is a particularly dangerous situation as the storm system will affect millions of Americans. Stay weather-aware and keep updated with your local National Weather Service office for the latest warnings and advisories.
That day, the man waited on the side of the road for the woman to catch a taxi to work. When he saw her arrive, he used scissors to stab her 18 times in succession.
Recently, the brutal and unjust murder of a woman in Thailand has outraged the public. It is worth noting that the perpetrator mistook the victim for her sister, who looked very similar to her.
Information published in The Thaiger said that the attack occurred at around 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, on a road in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand. Police from Phak Hai police station were informed of the incident and when they arrived, they found the 39-year-old woman, Waraporn, seriously injured.
The victim suffered at least 18 stab wounds to her neck and body, with blood pooling on the ground beneath a large tree. Rescue workers rushed Waraporn to hospital but she later died from her injuries. Meanwhile, her 40-year-old sister, Jureeporn, informed police that the killer was her ex-husband, Boonma. Police contacted Boonma's mother, who revealed the route he took to flee the scene.
Police later tracked him down on a rural road in Bang Ban district, Ayutthaya province. Boonma explained that he had been married to Jureeporn before being arrested and detained three years ago. He was released about four months ago and continued to contact Jureeporn in the hope of reuniting with her.
However, Jureeporn rejected his advances, saying that she had a new boyfriend. Boonma often saw pictures of Jureeporn with her new boyfriend on social media. This brought out his jealousy and despair. He then planned to kill his ex-wife, believing that Jureeporn always left home early for work every morning.
He knew that Jureeporn would be waiting for the company welfare vehicle at the scene of the attack, so he waited there for her. Boonma admitted that he stabbed the victim with scissors but did not remember how many times. He truly believed that he had killed Jureeporn because the two sisters looked so much alike but was later told by his mother that the victim was actually his ex-wife's sister.
Boonma faces the maximum sentence under Section 289(4) of the Thai Penal Code for premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death.
Meet the world's oldest female barber: She is 108 but the slender, white-haired Japanese woman has no plans to retire anytime soon.
108-year-old Japanese woman named world's oldest barber
Shitsui Hakoishi, 108, poses for a photo with a Guinness World Records certificate recognizing her as the world's oldest female barber, at her shop in Nakagawa in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, March 5, 2025. Photo by AP
Meet the world's oldest female barber: She is 108 but the slender, white-haired Japanese woman has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Shitsui Hakoishi says the formal recognition by the Guinness World Records this week brought her much joy — other than her satisfied customers, that is.
She was presented with an official certificate from the international franchise on Wednesday. Guinness World Records has a separate category for male barbers but the man who was certified at age 107 in 2018, Anthony Mancinelli of the United States, has died in the meantime, leaving Hakoishi as the only holder of the record.
Her career has spanned nine decades and she says she owes it all to her customers.
"I could come this far only because of my customers," Hakoishi told a televised news conference Wednesday at a gymnasium in her hometown of Nakagawa in the Tochigi prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. "I'm overwhelmed and filled with joy."
Born on Nov. 10, 1916, to a family of farmers in Nakagawa, Hakoishi decided to become a barber at age 14 and moved to Tokyo, where she honed her craft first as an apprentice.
She got her barber's license at 20 and opened a salon together with her husband. They had two children before he was killed in the Japan-China war that broke out in 1937.
Hakoishi lost her salon in the deadly March 10, 1945, U.S. firebombing of Tokyo. Before that, she and her children were evacuated elsewhere in the Tochigi prefecture, according to the Guinness website.
It took her eight more years before she opened a salon again, calling it Rihatsu Hakoishi, in her hometown of Nakagawa. Rihatsu is Japanese for barber.
She says she isn't ready to put away her scissors.
"I am turning 109 this year, so I will keep going until I reach 110," she said and smiled confidently.
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Hanoi is planning to demolish the 6-floor "Shark Maw" mall center to renovate the public space around the Hoan Kiem Lake in the city's central area.
The mall center at No. 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, also known as "Shark Mall" given its shape, was built from 1991 to 1993, facing towards the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square.
To its left is the Hoan Kiem Lake, to its right is Cau Go Street, and behind it are restaurants and coffee shops.
The building spans 300 m2 with six floors, four of them being restaurants and cafes. The Hanoi Transport and Services company, a state firm under the Hanoi People's Committee, is running the location.
Even during weekdays, crowds would gather at the building to enjoy food and beverages, especially at lunches. People often park their vehicles outside the building as there is no basement for parking.
All the floors are either opened or equipped with glass panels, making it possible for people inside to gaze outward.
Bich Hanh, from Hoan Kiem District, said she feels sad to hear that the building would be dismantled. She often brings her friends who visit Hanoi to the place.
"But maybe the demolition would create a better space," she said.
People would come to the building for taking photos and sightseeing. It is often crowded during special occasions, such as music festivals and fireworks shows.
Nguyen Hong Dung, chairman of the Hang Bac Ward People's Committee, said the demolition of the "Shark Maw" would help expand the space at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square.
Besides the "Shark Maw", Hanoi has also requested units to consider making adjustments to certain buildings and houses in the area.
A suspected thief gulped down two pairs of diamond earrings during his arrest on the side of a Florida Panhandle highway last week, detectives say, leaving them with the unenviable task of waiting to “collect” the Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth nearly $770,000.
In the squad car, a state trooper heard the suspect say, "I should have thrown them out the window," and at the Washington County jail he asked staff, "Am I going to be charged with what is in my stomach?" according to the arrest report.
The 32-year-old man from Texas is accused of two felonies for forcibly stealing the earrings from an upscale Orlando shopping center last Wednesday.
An X-ray of his torso shows what the Orlando Police Department believed to be the diamond earrings — a white mass shining brightly against the gray backdrop of his digestive tract.
"These foreign objects are suspected to be the Tiffany & Co earrings taken in the robbery but will need to be collected ... after they are passed," the department's arrest report said.
This image provided by the Orlando Police Department shows an x-ray of what are believed to be two diamond earrings that were stolen from a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in central Florida and were swallowed by the suspect.
This image provided by the Orlando Police Department shows an x-ray of what are believed to be two diamond earrings that were stolen from a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in central Florida and were swallowed by the suspect.
Orlando police spokeswoman Kaylee Bishop said Wednesday she was checking with the lead detective on whether the earrings had been recovered yet. The earrings’ status also wasn’t known to a deputy who answered the phone but wouldn’t give his name in the rural Panhandle county where the suspect was arrested near Chipley, Florida.
Handwriting on an order of commitment document filed Monday said "outside medical," suggesting he was at a medical facility.
During the theft, the man allegedly told Tiffany sales associates he was interested in purchasing diamond earrings and a diamond ring on behalf of an Orlando Magic basketball player. Sales associates escorted the man to a VIP room where he could view the jewelry. A short time later, he jumped out of his chair, grabbed the jewelry and tried to force his way out of the door.
One of the sales associates was injured trying to block him but managed to knock the diamond ring, valued at $587,000, out of his hands.
Detectives obtained the license plate of the suspect’s car through shopping mall security footage and believe he was driving back to Texas. State troopers tracked the car from tag readers on the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 10 until he was pulled over for driving without rear lights in Washington County, almost 340 miles (550 kilometers) away, the Orlando police report said.
The suspect was charged with first-degree felony grand theft and robbery with a mask, a third-degree felony. Court records showed no attorney for him, and he was listed as being in police custody in Orange County Florida, which is home to Orlando, as of Wednesday morning.
VietBF@ Sưu tập
Bangkok Airways announced on Wednesday that it will suspend flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son for more than a month due to poor visibility caused by air pollution.
The airline stated that flights to the northwestern province would be halted as smog is expected to make landing conditions unsafe. Mae Hong Son airport authorities previously announced on Facebook that flights would be suspended from March 15 to April 20.
This marks the second consecutive year that Bangkok Airways has faced disruptions due to extreme smog levels in the region. Northern Thailand, especially Mae Hong Son, experiences severe air pollution between December and April as farmers burn crop stubble to prepare for the next planting season.
In response to worsening air quality, the Thai government banned crop burning in early 2025, imposing fines and legal action on violators. However, the effectiveness of the ban remains uncertain.
According to IQ Air, the air quality index in Mae Hong Son is currently 7.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safety levels, highlighting the severity of the pollution crisis.
The number of foreign residents in South Korea reached a historic milestone in 2024, exceeding 5% of the total population, with the majority coming from China and Vietnam.
According to data released by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice, the number of foreign nationals residing in the country—both short- and long-term—surpassed 2.65 million by the end of 2024. This accounted for 5.17% of South Korea’s total population, marking a significant rise from the previous record of 4.89% in 2023.
Over the past decade, South Korea has seen a steady increase in its foreign resident population, growing from 1.9 million in 2015 to 2.52 million in 2019. Although the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily caused a decline, the numbers rebounded in 2022 and have continued to rise since. The 2024 figure represents an increase of 126,127 compared to the previous peak recorded in 2019.
Foreign Resident Demographics
Among the total foreign residents, 2.04 million (77%) were long-term residents who had officially registered their stay, while 608,766 were short-term visitors. The Ministry of Justice defines short-term residents as those staying for 90 days or less without registering, while long-term residents are those who register to stay for at least 91 days.
In terms of nationality, the largest group of foreign residents came from:
China: 958,959 individuals
Vietnam: 305,936
Thailand: 188,770
United States: 170,251
Uzbekistan: 94,893
A significant portion of the foreign population is composed of young adults, with those in their 20s and 30s making up nearly half of all foreign residents. Meanwhile, 15.9% are in their 40s, 12.9% are aged 60 and above, and 12.6% fall within the 50s age group.
Rise in International Students
South Korea has also seen a steady increase in the number of international students over the past five years. The total number of foreign students grew from 153,361 in 2020 to 263,775 by the end of 2024, representing a 16.5% increase from the 226,507 students recorded in 2023.
Of these students:
178,519 were enrolled in degree programs
85,256 were in the country for short-term studies, including Korean language programs
Decline in Undocumented Residents
While the overall foreign population in South Korea has grown, the number of undocumented residents has decreased. By the end of 2024, there were 397,522 undocumented foreign residents, reflecting a 6.2% year-on-year decline.
The increase in foreign residents, particularly young workers and students, highlights South Korea’s growing appeal as a destination for work and education, as well as its evolving role as a multicultural society.
Eating yogurt in the evening can provide multiple health benefits, particularly for digestion and nutrient absorption, as the digestive system slows down during this time. Dr. Dao Tran Tien, a specialist in the Digestive Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, highlights that a standard 100-gram serving of yogurt contains approximately 61 kcal, 3.5 grams of protein, 4.7 grams of carbohydrates, and 3.3 grams of fat. This fermented dairy product is packed with essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin (B2), phosphorus, magnesium, and probiotics.
Health Benefits of Eating Yogurt at Night
1. Enhancing Calcium Absorption
Yogurt is rich in calcium and vitamin D, making it an excellent food choice for strengthening bones. Dr. Tien explains that consuming yogurt in the evening allows the body to maximize calcium absorption, promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Supporting Gut Health and Microbiome Balance
A well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and overall health. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, along with probiotics that stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This helps regulate digestion, minimize intestinal inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption. A balanced gut microbiome can also prevent digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and colitis.
3. Alleviating Indigestion and Bloating
For individuals who are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products often leads to bloating, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. However, since yogurt undergoes a fermentation process that partially breaks down lactose, it becomes easier to digest. Probiotics in yogurt further aid digestion by reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining and easing bloating, particularly when consumed at night.
4. Preventing Constipation
The body’s digestive activity naturally slows down in the evening, which can contribute to bloating and constipation, especially in individuals with a low fiber intake. Probiotics in yogurt promote intestinal motility and stimulate bowel movements, helping to prevent constipation. Dr. Tien notes that people who regularly consume yogurt at night experience fewer digestive issues compared to those who don’t.
Best Practices for Eating Yogurt in the Evening
Dr. Tien advises consuming yogurt after a meal rather than on an empty stomach, as the latter can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers. For optimal nutritional benefits, yogurt can be paired with fruits, oats, seeds, or nuts to enhance metabolism and gut health.
Additionally, it’s best to opt for unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt, as high sugar content can contribute to obesity and negatively impact the gut microbiome. Dr. Tien also cautions against eating yogurt immediately after dinner, as it may cause bloating and discomfort, disrupting sleep. The ideal time to enjoy yogurt is about one to two hours after dinner, allowing the stomach to digest most of the food beforehand.
By incorporating yogurt into an evening routine in a mindful way, individuals can optimize their digestive health and overall well-being.
Japanese authorities have arrested three teenagers for allegedly exploiting AI technology to commit cyber fraud, using ChatGPT to create fake mobile phone contracts and illegally access carrier networks. The suspects, aged 14, 15, and 16, reportedly developed an AI-powered program to forge contracts and hack into the Rakuten Mobile network, according to local media sources including the Yomiuri Shimbun.
The two high school students and one middle schooler are accused of purchasing stolen personal data—such as credit card details, IDs, and passwords—on the dark web. They then used this data, along with their AI-generated tools, to set up fraudulent accounts, enabling unauthorized access to the mobile carrier’s network.
A police spokesperson confirmed to AFP that two of the teens were taken into custody on Tuesday on charges of violating Japan's Unauthorized Access Prohibition Act and committing computer fraud.
Reports suggest that the trio successfully sold at least 2,500 fraudulent contracts, generating approximately JPY 7.5 million (around USD 50,000) in cryptocurrency. Investigators also revealed that the teens had acquired more than 3.3 billion sets of ID credentials and passwords through an anonymous seller on Telegram, an encrypted messaging platform known for its use in cybercrime circles.
Rakuten Mobile’s parent company, Rakuten, issued a public advisory urging customers to remain vigilant against unfamiliar contracts. In a statement, the company acknowledged the fraudulent activity, confirming that illicitly obtained IDs and passwords had been used to create unauthorized accounts.
Rakuten assured customers that it had fully cooperated with police investigations, suspended the fraudulent contracts, and reset affected passwords to prevent further unauthorized access. The company also emphasized that no internal data leaks had been detected within its systems.
This case highlights growing concerns over AI-assisted cybercrime, as authorities and companies struggle to keep pace with criminals using advanced technology to orchestrate sophisticated fraud schemes.
In a recent post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed details about his executive order on digital assets issued in January, stating that it would establish a national reserve of various cryptocurrencies. The reserve is set to include bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), XRP, solana (SOL), and cardano (ADA)—the first time specific assets have been publicly named as part of the plan.
More than an hour after his initial post, Trump followed up, emphasizing that bitcoin and ether would be the "heart of the Reserve," underscoring their central role in the initiative.
Following Trump's announcement, the cryptocurrency market experienced a surge in value. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, jumped over 11% to $94,164 on Sunday afternoon, while ether rose about 13% to $2,516. The overall crypto market added over $300 billion in value, reflecting a roughly 10% increase, according to data from CoinGecko.
XRP, one of the digital assets mentioned, is the token associated with Ripple Labs. The company has been actively involved in U.S. politics, backing a super PAC aimed at influencing congressional elections in favor of cryptocurrency-friendly policies, as reported by Reuters.
Market experts view this move as a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to cryptocurrency. Federico Brokate, head of U.S. business at 21Shares, a digital assets investment management firm, described it as a turning point. He noted that the policy could accelerate institutional adoption of crypto, provide greater regulatory clarity, and reinforce U.S. leadership in the digital asset sector.
However, some analysts expressed surprise at the inclusion of cryptocurrencies beyond bitcoin. James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, pointed out that unlike bitcoin, many of these assets function more like technology investments. He suggested that the decision signals a broader pro-crypto stance by the Trump administration, potentially prioritizing American-led crypto innovations over traditional financial considerations.
Trump's support for the crypto industry has been evident throughout his 2024 election campaign, earning him backing from major players in the sector. Since returning to the White House, he has taken swift action to support crypto-friendly policies, including hosting the first-ever White House Crypto Summit scheduled for Friday. Additionally, his family has entered the crypto space by launching their own digital tokens.
This approach marks a stark contrast to the regulatory environment under former President Joe Biden, whose administration cracked down on the crypto industry to combat fraud and money laundering. Under Biden, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aggressively pursued lawsuits against crypto firms. However, Trump's SEC has since withdrawn several investigations and dismissed a lawsuit against Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange.
Despite Trump's favorable policies, the crypto market has faced downward pressure in recent weeks. Many digital currencies have erased nearly all of the gains made after Trump's election victory initially fueled excitement among investors. Analysts believe that for the market to regain momentum, key drivers such as interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve or a clear regulatory framework from the Trump administration will be necessary.
A recent Reuters report highlighted that Geoff Kendrick, an analyst at Standard Chartered, has projected that bitcoin could reach $500,000 before the end of Trump's term, far surpassing its previous all-time high of $109,071. Meanwhile, regulatory filings in the U.S. indicate that institutional interest in crypto remains strong, with hedge funds leading as dominant buyers, followed by banks and sovereign wealth funds.
Quarterly reports also showed that asset managers significantly increased their holdings in U.S.-based spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during the fourth quarter of 2024.
Legal experts remain divided on whether congressional approval will be required to establish the national crypto reserve. Some argue that the U.S. Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), traditionally used for managing foreign currency reserves, could be leveraged for the initiative without requiring legislative approval.
Trump's team had also been exploring the possibility of building the reserve using cryptocurrencies seized in law enforcement actions, a strategy that could provide an initial supply of digital assets for the stockpile.
As the administration moves forward with its ambitious crypto strategy, all eyes are on how regulatory policies will unfold and whether the digital asset reserve will materialize as envisioned.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration would implement a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada starting Tuesday, a move that has fueled concerns of a looming trade war within North America. The decision sent shockwaves through financial markets, leading to sharp declines in U.S. stocks while also causing a drop in the value of the Mexican peso and the Canadian dollar.
Speaking at the White House, Trump defended the tariffs as a necessary measure to encourage automakers and other manufacturers to shift production to the United States. He stated that if companies were to establish their plants domestically, they would not be subject to the tariffs. Trump also indicated that there was no longer room for negotiations aimed at avoiding the trade barriers, particularly in relation to Mexico’s efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
In addition to the tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Trump announced that reciprocal duties would take effect on April 2 against countries that impose tariffs on American products. He also reiterated his intention to raise tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, arguing that Beijing has failed to take meaningful steps to curb the illicit drug trade, particularly shipments of fentanyl to the U.S.
Economists and business leaders have warned that these tariffs, which apply to over $900 billion in annual imports from Canada and Mexico, could disrupt the deeply interconnected North American economy. The policy is expected to have significant consequences for various industries, particularly the automotive sector, which relies heavily on cross-border supply chains.
The Trump administration confirmed that the tariffs would officially take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. Under the new policy, Mexico and Canada will both face a 25% tariff on their exports to the U.S., while Canadian energy exports will be subject to a 10% duty.
Officials in Mexico have yet to issue a response to the decision. However, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made it clear that Ottawa was prepared to retaliate. Expressing frustration over what she described as the “unpredictability and chaos” coming from the White House, she assured reporters that Canada would take necessary measures to address the situation.
The stock market reacted negatively to the tariff announcement, with major indices experiencing significant losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged by 649.67 points (1.48%), while the S&P 500 fell 104.78 points (1.76%) and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 497.09 points (2.64%). Shares of automakers also suffered, with General Motors—known for its truck production in Mexico—declining by 4%, while Ford saw a 1.7% drop.
Trade and economic analysts have warned that the tariffs could lead to price increases for consumers in a matter of days. Gustavo Flores-Macias, a public policy professor at Cornell University, noted that these costs would likely be passed down to consumers, further straining household budgets. As businesses and governments brace for the economic fallout, the impact of Trump's latest trade policy decision remains uncertain.
Donald Trump’s recent decision to halt U.S. military aid to Ukraine has intensified tensions between Washington and Kyiv, highlighting a growing rift in their wartime alliance. The move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into peace negotiations with Russia, as the U.S. president has made ending the war a top priority.
Trump's frustration with Zelensky became evident after a tense and unproductive Oval Office meeting, which further strained relations. Following the encounter, Trump criticized Zelensky’s recent remarks suggesting that the end of Russia’s invasion was still a distant prospect. This statement appeared to anger Trump, who believes that Ukraine is unwilling to pursue a peace settlement as long as it has U.S. and European support. Trump has also signaled skepticism about continued military assistance, stating that aid should contribute to a resolution rather than prolong the conflict.
The fallout from the meeting has placed Zelensky under mounting pressure, not only from Trump himself but also from key figures within his administration and political allies. Some prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Lindsey Graham, have suggested that if Zelensky is unwilling to adapt to Trump’s expectations, Ukraine may need a new leader who is more open to negotiations. Graham went as far as implying that Zelensky should either resign or significantly alter his stance to remain in good standing with the U.S.
Another major consequence of the diplomatic breakdown was the abrupt cancellation of a crucial minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The deal, which was originally set to be signed during Zelensky’s visit to Washington, would have provided the U.S. with access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. In turn, Ukraine would have used the agreement to help offset the substantial financial and military aid it has received from the U.S. since the start of the war. However, after the disastrous Oval Office meeting, White House officials called off the signing and asked Zelensky’s delegation to leave, dealing a further blow to U.S.-Ukraine relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely observing the widening cracks in Western unity with great interest. Experts suggest that Putin sees little incentive to negotiate at this stage, as the growing divisions between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine could work to Russia’s advantage. With Trump’s administration now reviewing its support for Kyiv and key European leaders scrambling to reassess their defense strategies, Ukraine faces increased uncertainty about its future military backing.
Japan is battling its largest wildfire in over 30 years, with thousands evacuated as the blaze continues to spread. Around 2,000 people fled their homes in northern Japan’s Ofunato, while more than 1,200 took shelter elsewhere.
Officials say the fire, which began four days ago, has already burned over 1,800 hectares. Military helicopters have been deployed to combat the flames, but thick smoke continues to rise.
At least one person has died, over 80 buildings have been damaged, and nearly 1,700 firefighters from across the country are working to contain the disaster.
Wildfires in Japan have declined since their peak in the 1970s, but they still occur frequently, particularly from February to April when dry conditions and strong winds increase the risk. In 2023 alone, Japan recorded around 1,300 wildfires.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire to mend ties with Donald Trump and work under his leadership to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. This came after Trump’s unexpected decision to freeze U.S. military aid to Kyiv, straining relations between the two countries.
Zelensky acknowledged that his recent meeting with Trump in Washington had not gone as planned and called for a “truce” in the sea and sky as a first step toward ending the war with Russia. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to sign a key minerals deal with the U.S.
Trump’s move to halt aid raised fears in Kyiv and across Europe that the U.S. was shifting its stance in favor of Russia. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, suggesting it could push Ukraine toward peace talks. Meanwhile, European leaders scrambled to reinforce their support for Ukraine, with the EU proposing an $840 billion defense plan and Germany considering fast-tracking a three-billion-euro aid package.
Ordinary Ukrainians reacted with shock, with some calling Trump’s decision a betrayal. Poland and France noted that U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine had already been disrupted.
Despite the setback, Zelensky signaled Ukraine’s readiness to grant the U.S. priority access to its natural resources. Meanwhile, Britain and France explored the possibility of a one-month ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, potentially backed by troops on the ground. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the idea, leading to a backlash from European officials.
South Korea’s Air Force reported that a KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight bombs outside the designated training area during an exercise, causing civilian injuries. The incident happened in Pocheon, near the North Korean border.
The military expressed regret over the accident, which resulted in property damage and displaced residents. Four people were seriously injured, while three suffered minor injuries. A church and two houses were also damaged.
The Air Force launched an investigation and promised compensation. The mishap occurred during a joint live-fire exercise with the Army, and South Korea was also conducting drills with the U.S. at the time.
Local residents described a massive explosion that shook buildings and shattered windows. A senior center about a kilometer away also felt the blast, causing panic among the elderly.
The incident comes ahead of the annual South Korea-U.S. "Freedom Shield" military exercises. The two Koreas remain in a technical state of war, with the U.S. maintaining a strong military presence in South Korea.
This is not the first such accident; in 2022, a South Korean ballistic missile misfired and crashed on a military golf course without causing injuries.
For decades, Mexico’s industrial border regions flourished thanks to trade with the neighboring U.S. However, newly imposed tariffs are now threatening thousands of factories and jobs.
Mexico has long attracted companies due to lower labor costs, tax incentives, and the North American free trade pact. But former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexican goods have cast uncertainty over the trade deal, which was renegotiated during his first term.
These tariffs will impact manufacturers across industries, from medical supplies to semiconductors, said Jose Luis Contreras, head of the Mesa de Otay Industrial Association in Tijuana. Many products, like auto parts, cross the border multiple times during production, making the tariffs especially disruptive.
Tijuana, home to around 400 factories, sees about a million cargo crossings per year. Contreras suggested that Mexico should rethink its trade strategy, potentially strengthening domestic production under the USMCA agreement and exploring new markets while offering tax incentives. He emphasized the urgency, as 80,000 factory jobs near Tijuana alone are at risk.
The tariffs have also slowed Mexico’s efforts to attract U.S. companies relocating from Asia, a process known as "nearshoring." In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned that Mexico may look for other trading partners if necessary and has vowed to impose retaliatory tariffs. Sheinbaum has also advocated for replacing Chinese imports with locally made goods to address U.S. concerns about China using Mexico as a gateway into the American market.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that Mexico had even suggested mirroring Washington’s tariffs on China. Meanwhile, Mexican business leaders in Nuevo Leon blamed China for the trade tensions, arguing that North America should strengthen regional cooperation instead of imposing trade barriers.
With over 80% of Mexico’s exports going to the U.S., analysts warn the tariffs could push the country into recession. Sheinbaum accused Trump of violating the USMCA, noting that Mexico’s role in U.S. trade growth was a result of longstanding cooperation. Contreras, however, believes Mexico’s skilled workforce will remain a key advantage, even if competitiveness takes a hit.
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