Trump Slams India and Russia with Tariffs
US President Donald Trump sparked controversy with a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1, citing India’s high tariffs and trade with Russia. In a fiery Truth Social post, he called both nations’ economies “dead” and dismissed their ties, saying, “They can take their dead economies down together.” Trump also warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to “watch his words” after Medvedev criticized US ultimatums. India’s commerce ministry vowed to protect its farmers and businesses, emphasizing ongoing trade talks. The move follows Trump’s deal with Pakistan to develop oil reserves, escalating tensions with India. India’s reliance on Russian oil and arms, especially amid the Ukraine war, drew Trump’s ire. This tariff hike could strain US-India ties and shift manufacturing to other Asian nations.
Kamchatka Quake Triggers Pacific Tsunami Alerts
A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, one of the strongest ever recorded, unleashing tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Waves up to 4 metres hit Russia’s Kuril Islands, while Japan’s Hokkaido saw 1.3-metre surges. Evacuations swept Japan, Chile, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand, with nearly two million people fleeing to higher ground. In Japan, memories of the 2011 tsunami fuelled urgency, though no nuclear plant issues were reported. Chile upgraded its tsunami alert to the highest level, and Ecuador braced for 3-metre waves. Kamchatka’s governor reported damaged buildings, including a kindergarten, but no injuries. Social media buzzed with videos of violent shaking. Tsunami warnings have eased, but aftershocks remain a concern, keeping the Pacific Rim on edge.
Japanese Manga Prediction Stirs Tsunami Talk
A 1999 manga by Ryo Tatsuki, dubbed the “Japanese Baba Vanga,” predicted a tsunami stronger than 2011’s disaster, and it’s back in the spotlight. After Wednesday’s 8.8-magnitude Kamchatka quake sent waves to Japan and Russia, social media linked it to Tatsuki’s vision of a seabed crack between Japan and the Philippines. Though her July 5 prediction didn’t fully materialize, the recent quake revived chatter, with posts like, “Not the exact date, but you have to respect Ryo Tatsuki.” Her manga eerily foresaw events like Princess Diana’s death and COVID-19. Experts, including Tokyo University’s Sekiya Naoya, dismiss these claims as unscientific, urging caution. Still, the evacuations and 1.3-metre waves in Japan fueled speculation, blending mysticism with real-world fears.
Malegaon Blast Case Verdict Shocks India
After 17 years, a Mumbai court acquitted seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The September 29 attack in Nashik’s Muslim-majority area killed six and injured over 100. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) prosecuted seven alleged Hindu extremists, a first for India. The court ruled the prosecution proved the blast but failed to link it to a motorcycle allegedly used, citing a wiped chassis number and no proof of Thakur’s ownership. The crime scene’s contamination also weakened the case. Victims’ families received compensation—£2,000 for the deceased, £500 for the injured. The verdict, announced April 19, 2025, has sparked debate over justice and communal tensions.
NASA and ISRO Launch Game-Changing Satellite
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite launched Wednesday from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marking a historic US-India space collaboration. NISAR, equipped with dual radar systems, will scan Earth’s land and ice every 12 days, detecting changes as small as fractions of an inch. This could revolutionize how we predict earthquakes, landslides, and natural disasters. NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radars work together to monitor forests, crops, and glaciers, even through clouds. The mission, born from a 2014 agreement, aims to improve disaster response and study Earth’s subtle movements. “We’re two nations with one mission,” said NASA’s Karen St. Germain. Data will be publicly available, promising insights into climate and geology. This news roundup highlights a leap for science and global cooperation.
US Navy F-35 Jet Crashes in California
A US Navy F-35C Lightning II jet crashed near Lemoore Air Station in California after an emergency landing attempt. The pilot ejected safely, and no other personnel were harmed, according to a Navy statement. Police and fire crews rushed to the scene, but details remain sparse. The F-35C, built by Lockheed Martin, is the world’s only fifth-generation carrier-based fighter, boasting advanced stealth and multi-mission capabilities. The crash raises questions about the jet’s reliability, though no official cause has been released. Lockheed Martin didn’t respond to inquiries. The incident, reported Wednesday, adds to scrutiny of the costly F-35 program. For now, the focus is on the pilot’s safety and investigating what went wrong in this high-stakes military mishap.
