Indonesians Sugianto, Leo Dipiyo, and Vicky Septa Eka Saputra were awarded certificates of appreciation by the South Korean government for their bravery during a devastating forest fire in Yeongdeok region, North Gyeongsang Province. The three Indonesians made significant contributions to rescuing South Korean citizens, including Sugianto's warning of impending danger, Dipiyo's rescue of an elderly woman, and Saputra's assistance in evacuating trapped residents by boat. Their actions exemplify humanitarian cooperation and global solidarity, enhancing Indonesia's positive reputation in South Korea and worldwide.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/352305/three-indonesians-awarded-for-bravery-in-south-korean-fireUkraine accuses Russia of violating its peace offer with dozens of strikes on Ukrainian positions, prompting Italy's foreign ministry to urge Russia to take more substantial steps towards peace. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calls for President Trump to respond positively to his demands, making a genuine ceasefire possible.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965526-eu-urges-putin-to-extend-easter-ceasefire-and-take-more-significant-steps-towards-peaceFrench President Emmanuel Macron is set to make his first state visit to the UK, amid efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to rekindle relations with the European Union. This comes as the US, historically a close ally of the UK, has shifted its focus under President Donald Trump's presidency, leaving Britain seeking stronger ties with EU nations like France. Macron and Starmer have led a coalition of willing European countries in discussing security guarantees for Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached with Russia.
https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-invited-to-uk-state-visit-in-may-ahead-of-trump/US President Trump plans to impose tariffs on EU goods if negotiations over digital services tax fail, reopening a rift with allies. The move is in response to France's 2019 digital services tax, which generated €780 million for the French government last year. Britain, hoping to strike a trade deal with the US, may reconsider its own digital levy, currently bringing in £800 million annually. Global corporate tax negotiations have stalled, with the OECD agreement on taxing multinational companies facing challenges. The EU is threatening to impose a tax on digital services if talks fail, while efforts to tax ultra-wealthy individuals are also stalling under President Biden's administration.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/taxes-on-super-rich-and-tech-giants-stall-under-trump/article_70a2aa8a-316d-5838-b640-48973d951cff.htmlTop women diplomats from Asean and EU member nations gathered at De La Salle University-Manila on March 27 for "The Diplomatic Dialogue Series: Women in Diplomacy." The event, launched by Delia Domingo Albert in 2016, brings together women diplomats to discuss their journeys and share insights. This latest edition focused on Asean-EU cooperation, coinciding with International Women's Day celebrations earlier this month.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/21/expats-diplomats/asean-eu-female-ambassadors-share-insights-at-women-in-diplomacy-series-4/2095507The US government plans to significantly reduce its soft power globally, with a proposed executive order aiming to cut funding for various initiatives and eliminate several offices, including those focused on climate change, oceans, human rights, and Afghan women's empowerment. The move comes as part of a broader effort to dismantle decades-old programs and question long-held alliances, such as NATO. Critics argue that this will leave the US vulnerable to other nations like Russia and China, which can fill the void left by reduced American influence.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/trump-eyes-gutting-us-diplomacy-in-africa-cutting-soft-power-draft-plan/article_fa76ea42-eb66-570a-a919-b234dae6e99e.htmlIndia should adopt a balanced approach in its relations with the US, rather than fully aligning with American interests. According to Qian, this would involve engaging with the US on its own terms while strengthening ties with global powers that genuinely support fair and open trade. This strategy is being considered by India as it navigates its economic relationships with major world players.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332493.shtmlSouth Korea and the US are set to hold "two plus two" tariff negotiations in Washington this week, involving their finance and trade ministers. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun will lead the Korean delegation, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the US side. The talks aim to discuss details of the schedule and agenda for the meeting, with a focus on resolving pending issues for mutual benefits.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/south-korea-us-to-hold-22-trade-consultation-of-finance-trade-ministers/The euro is gaining ground as a counterweight to the US dollar due to concerns over President Trump's tariffs, which may push the US economy into recession. Economist Holger Schmieding at Berenberg Bank warns that Trump's trade policy could cause significant damage to the global economy, undermining confidence in American policy and long-term growth prospects.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965508-escape-from-the-dollar-is-this-the-euro-s-finest-hour