Gong News

A powerful explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas in Iran’s Hormozgan province early Saturday morning. Massive Blast Shakes Key Iranian Trade Hub Iranian state media confirmed that at least four people lost their lives, while more than 500 individuals suffered varying degrees of injuries.  The blast sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, visible from miles away, and disrupted vital commercial operations at one of Iran’s largest shipping hubs. Rescue Operations Underway Amidst Extensive Damage Emergency teams, led by the Iranian Red Crescent Society ’s Relief and Rescue Organization, quickly mobilized to control the situation.  Babak Mahmoudi, the organization's head, stated that the death toll might rise as search and rescue operations continue through the mangled wreckage. Hospitals in the Hormozgan province hav...

The escalating US-China trade war continues to send shockwaves through global markets, driving up trade costs and disrupting long-standing economic relationships. US-China Trade War Sparks Global Uncertainty and Shifting Alliance With each country slapping tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods, uncertainty looms over multinational corporations and investment flows.  Major companies like NVIDIA are already feeling the heat: potential losses could reach up to $5.5 billion due to Washington’s tightening restrictions on chip exports, specifically the H20 line, to China. Although a total economic decoupling between the two superpowers is improbable, the sustained friction is catalyzing a global realignment.  For instance, the European Union may find new openings to deepen its economic ties with China, even as it remains wary of issues such as industrial subsidies a...

In a high-stakes diplomatic move, US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for a three-hour conversation to break the deadlock in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.  Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, welcomes US special envoy Steve Witkoff, left, ahead of their meeting in Moscow. [Photo: Kristina Kormilitsyna/Pool/AFP] According to the Kremlin, the meeting brought the two sides' positions “closer,” raising cautious optimism about the possibility of restarting direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv for the first time since the war's early stages in 2022. This marks Witkoff’s third extended meeting with Putin since former US President Donald Trump re-entered the global diplomatic scene with renewed efforts to end the conflict, now well into its fourth year.  Witko...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to track and punish those responsible for the brutal attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. Modi Vows to Hunt Down Terrorists After Kashmir Attack( Source ) The assault occurred in the Pahalgam area , a well-known tourist destination, marking the deadliest civilian attack in the region since 2000.  Speaking during a public address in Bihar, Modi promised justice, declaring that terrorists and their supporters would be pursued “to the ends of the Earth.” India swiftly blamed Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism. In response, New Delhi implemented a series of diplomatic measures: it closed a key border crossing, suspended the Indus water-sharing treaty, expelled Pakistani defence officials, and reduced its diplomatic mission in Islamabad.  Pakistan has denied involvement and stated it will discuss the situation in a national security meeting. Kashmir police named three suspected militants involved in the attack, tw...

India and Pakistan find themselves once again at a diplomatic crossroads after a devastating terror attack rocked the Kashmir region on Tuesday.  Security has been heightened in Kashmir after one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years. ( Image Source ) The Indian government has responded with a series of sweeping punitive actions, including suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty , sealing its Attari-Wagah land border , and expelling Pakistani defense advisors from its capital. The Kashmir attack, which killed 26 civilians and left 17 more injured, has triggered global concern and reignited tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Kashmir Attack That Shook the Region The attack occurred near the tourist town of Pahalgam in the Indian-administered Kashmir area that has seen a significant uptick in domestic tourism over recent years.  Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, marking one of the deadliest civilian-targeted in...

Russia has barred 21 UK lawmakers from entering the country, citing London’s “anti-Russian” stance as the reason behind the move. Image Source  The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the decision, which reflects Moscow’s growing frustration with the UK’s continued criticism and sanctions of Russia’s foreign and military policies. According to the ministry’s statement, the ban is a direct response to what Russia calls the UK’s “confrontational policies,” including its support for Ukraine and calls to seize Russian assets abroad.  Moscow accuses London of fueling hostilities by supplying weapons to Ukraine and spreading what it describes as “ anti-Russian narratives .”  The foreign ministry labeled these efforts as an attempt to isolate Russia internationally and damage its sovereignty. Russia further claimed that “ Russophobia ” remains a central pillar of British foreign policy. The statement condemned recent public remarks by UK officials and lawmakers, accusing them...

A Thai wildlife ranger tragically drowned while attempting to recover a British tourist’s phone in a flooded cave. Paisan Wanphet, 43, entered the  Tham Sao Hin cave  in Kanchanaburi to retrieve the dropped device but was swept away by strong currents. Paisan Wanphet, 43, entered the Tham Sao Hin cave in Kanchanaburi to retrieve the dropped device but was swept away by strong currents. He reportedly suffered leg cramps before vanishing beneath the surface. Over 120 tourists were safely evacuated as emergency crews launched a search. Wanphet’s body was found wedged in rocks 20 feet underwater after hours of rescue efforts. Authorities cited darkness, rainfall, and steep terrain as major challenges during recovery. The Department of National Parks is granting £13,000 to the ranger’s family. In response to the tragedy, Tham Sao Hin and nearby caves were closed amid fears of flash floods due to seasonal rains. Tham Sao Hin, part of Lam Khlong Ngu National Park , is famed for ...

The InsurTech NY Case Competition is a highly competitive event that challenges students to develop cutting-edge solutions for real-world problems in the insurance industry. This year's competition focused on leveraging technology to enhance various aspects of insurance, including fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer experience.  The UConn MSBAPM team faced tough competition from universities across the nation but ultimately prevailed with their groundbreaking approach. The Winning Solution: AI Fraud-Reduction The UConn MSBAPM team developed an AI fraud-reduction solution focused on detecting and preventing fraudulent claims. Their innovative approach incorporated techniques like machine learning and cross-industry data sharing to identify patterns indicative of fraudulent activity. Data Integration: Seamlessly integrates data from various sources Machine Learning: Uses advanced algorithms to predict frau...

China has taken a strategic step to strengthen its energy security by signing a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The escalating US-China trade war has pushed Beijing to seek alternative energy and trade alliances. This move comes in the wake of the United States imposing sweeping new tariffs on trade partners , with China facing import duties of up to 245 percent .  The escalating US-China trade war has pushed Beijing to seek alternative energy and trade alliances. The landmark LNG agreement between China and the UAE not only highlights growing economic ties between the two nations but also reflects a broader shift in global trade dynamics.  With the United States pursuing an aggressive tariff policy under its Liberation Day plan , countries like China are actively diversifying their supply chains and energy sources. China’s decision to boost energy cooperation with the UAE is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact ...

China has returned brand-new Boeing 737 Max jets to the U.S., signaling rising tensions in the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. A 737 Max originally intended for Xiamen Airlines landed back in Seattle on Sunday, followed by a second aircraft on Monday.  The move highlights how deeply tariffs and retaliatory policies are affecting global commerce, especially the aviation sector. The 737 Max, Boeing’s bestselling aircraft, had been undergoing final delivery preparations at the company's center in China.  With the aircraft's market value at around $55 million, the recent spike in tariffs, 145 percent on Chinese goods from the U.S. and 120 percent in retaliation by China, makes delivery financially burdensome for Chinese airlines .  Reports suggest Beijing is now considering aid for local carriers leasing Boeing jets as they struggle with mounting costs. Last week, the Chinese government reportedly asked domestic airlines to halt purchases of U....

Kenya faces a bizarre challenge in its long fight against wildlife trafficking: ant smuggling. Authorities recently arrested four people:  two Belgians, one Kenyan, and one Vietnamese , for attempting to traffic thousands of ants out of the country.  These insects were packed in test tubes, sealed with cotton, and prepared for shipment to Europe and Asia, where collectors pay top dollar. The ants in question are giant African harvesters, native to East Africa. They are large, colorful, and considered exotic in foreign markets.  Each ant can sell for up to $220, making this a surprisingly profitable business. Kenyan officials estimate the total value of the seized ants at around $7,700. So why do people want ants? In Europe and Asia, insect collectors buy them to keep as pets in custom habitats called formicariums. These setups allow people to observe ant colonies grow and interact. The market is niche but growing fast, driving illegal demand for rare species like these....

In April 2025, the Federal Reserve maintains the  federal reserve interest at 4.25%–4.50%, reflecting economic resilience and inflation moderation rather than aggressive monetary easing.  Are Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cuts Coming Soon? Officials are still emphasizing that although rate cuts are a possibility this year, that depends on clearer evidence that inflation is moving consistently toward the 2 percent target. Market participants have significantly cooled expectations for early or frequent cuts. Inflation Is Still the Deciding Factor Previous hopes for a rapid disinflation process were dashed by the January and February CPI data , which confirmed inflation at or above 3%, underpinned by stubborn shelter rents, wages, and price pressures in services.  Goods inflation has slowed, but overall price pressures have proven more stubborn, raising questions about any imminent shift. Core inflation is also running hot, keeping policymakers on alert. FedCLR: Fewer, Later Cur...

The Zelensky China accusation signals a possible shift in the war and global diplomacy. This is the first time Ukraine has officially named China as a military supporter of Russia. Until now, Beijing has maintained a neutral stance while expanding trade with Moscow. On April 17, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of supporting Russia’s war effort.  At a Kyiv briefing, he revealed that Ukraine’s Security Service had intelligence linking China to the supply of gunpowder, artillery, and even weapon production on Russian soil. What’s Behind the Zelensky China Accusation Zelensky said Ukraine had obtained intelligence showing Chinese involvement in weapons-related production inside Russia. He added that more specific details would be released soon.  This follows a long period where China was suspected of supplying dual-use goods—technology and components that, while civilian in name, support Russian military operations. China had previ...

President Donald Trump’s administration is accelerating efforts to secure strategic trade agreements globally.  According to top economic adviser Kevin Hassett, negotiations with more than 10 international partners are in advanced stages.  The deals aim to strengthen U.S. industry competitiveness and national security while realigning supply chains away from China and other adversarial economies. Hassett stated that the White House is poised to announce multiple agreements in quick succession.  These developments reflect a broader push to reassert U.S. control over critical economic levers, particularly in high-tech sectors and automotive manufacturing.  Trump is personally involved in final decisions, ensuring each deal meets stringent economic and security benchmarks. U.S.-UK Trade Deal Sees Momentum Amid Tariff Moves U.S. Senator J.D. Vance confirmed significant progress toward a bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom.  Speaking to UnH...

Katy Perry is set to soar into space Monday aboard a Blue Origin rocket, becoming the most famous participant in an all-female crew.  Katy Perry to Join All-Female Rocket Launch into Space She’ll join five others, including Lauren Sanchez , Jeff Bezos ’ fiancée, on a 10-minute sub-orbital flight from Texas. The mission, flying above 100 km past the Karman line , marks Blue Origin’s 11th crewed trip and the first all-women spaceflight since 1963. Passengers will briefly experience zero gravity. Perry joins TV host Gayle King , producer Kerianne Flynn , ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe , and activist Amanda Nguyen . Perry said her daughter Daisy inspired her to go, hoping to show her there are no limits. Blue Origin, facing competition from Virgin Galactic and SpaceX , uses these celebrity flights to maintain public interest in space tourism. The company plans to eventually offer full orbital trips.

President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to the Iran Nuclear Program , urging the country to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons or risk facing US military action. Speaking alongside El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Trump highlighted the significant threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions. He stressed that:  " Iran is "fairly close" to developing a nuclear weapon and that military strikes remain an option if negotiations fail". This warning follows a recent meeting in Oman between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials.  Despite both parties describing the discussions as "constructive," Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s commitment to ending its nuclear program. He made it clear that the US would not tolerate any further progress on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that Iran must abandon the notion of developing atomic weapons entirely. A second round of talks is scheduled for April...

Russia has condemned U.S. threats of military strikes on Iran, calling them illegal and dangerous. Moscow warns that attacking Iran, particularly its nuclear sites, could trigger a catastrophic global crisis.  Russia Condemns U.S. Threats Against Iran, Warns of Global Crisis It urges diplomatic solutions while defending Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, rejecting Western claims that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Tensions are rising as the U.S. escalates pressure on Iran, deploying more warplanes and threatening airstrikes.  Washington accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its program is for civilian energy. Economic sanctions and military threats have fueled fears of a larger conflict in the Middle East. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced military intervention as unacceptable.  Maria Zakharova ( Image source ) She warned that bombing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would have irreversible global consequences....