Foreign
Security Forces Kill Eight Maoist Rebels in Eastern India.
On Monday, commandos killed at least eight Maoist rebels in a gunfight that erupted in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand, eastern India. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to quell the decades-long Maoist insurgency.
Senior police officer Surendra Kumar Jha confirmed the casualties, noting the recovery of automatic weapons and explosives from the deceased rebels. This event follows a government crackdown that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 400 Maoist fighters in the past year.
India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, has previously stated the government’s intention to dismantle the insurgency by early 2026. The Maoists, who claim to fight for marginalized groups, have been demanding land, jobs, and resource allocation for local residents. Their presence, once significant across eastern and southern India, has been met with a substantial troop deployment in the region known as the “Red Corridor.” Despite these efforts, the conflict continues to claim lives on both sides.
Ford Motor Company has announced a pause in the shipment of select vehicle models, including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco SUV, and Lincoln Navigator, from the United States to China. This decision stems from escalating trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs imposed on US-manufactured vehicles, reportedly reaching rates as high as 150%.
The company acknowledged the detrimental impact of the current trade environment in a recent statement. Despite the suspension of vehicle exports, Ford will continue supplying US-built engines and transmissions to the Chinese market. The Lincoln Nautilus, produced within China, remains unaffected by the halt, although it is still subject to existing tariffs.
The “on-again, off-again” trade policies are placing considerable strain on automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Industry analysts predict significant cost increases for automakers due to the tariffs, potentially totaling $108 billion by the end of 2025. Ford is reportedly contemplating price increases on new vehicles to offset the financial burden imposed by these ongoing trade challenges. While largely producing its vehicles domestically, the company may still need to adjust pricing to preserve profitability in the face of escalating tariff costs.
The Kremlin announced Monday that President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis. In a message addressed to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, President Putin acknowledged the late Pope’s significant role in fostering dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Furthermore, he recognized Pope Francis’ contribution to constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See. The Russian leader conveyed his “sincere condolences” and offered words of “sympathy and support” to the Catholic clergy during this period of mourning. The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, citing pneumonia as the cause of death for the first Latin American pontiff.
The Vatican announced this morning the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. His death occurred at his residence within the Vatican.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, marking a significant moment as the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. News of his passing follows a recent recovery from a severe case of double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the Pope’s death on the Vatican’s television channel, stating, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
During his tenure, Pope Francis faced both praise and criticism. Conservative factions within the Church accused him of undermining established traditions, while progressive voices argued he should have pursued more substantial reforms within the Church’s established framework.
Ford Halts Vehicle Shipments to China Amidst Trade Tensions.
Atiku Abubakar Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis.
Kremlin Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis.
Queen Phinadon Honored at the Cultural Exhibition and Award Ceremony 202
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World Set for Theatrical Release
