Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 9th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. 7th ADA University Policy Forum kicks off in Baku
Today, Baku hosts the 7th ADA University Policy Forum titled "Facing the New World Order", jointly organized by ADA University and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). The high-level forum brings together over 80 international experts and think tank representatives from 44 countries to discuss pressing global challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
2. Asian markets tumble as new US tariffs take effect
Asian stock markets fell sharply on Wednesday following the implementation of a new set of U.S. tariffs, including a staggering 104% levy on Chinese imports. The tariffs, which came into effect just after midnight Eastern Time, have further deepened uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
Investors around the globe have reacted strongly, with market volatility reflecting fears that these measures could spark a prolonged trade war and potentially trigger a global economic slowdown. In the United States, the S&P 500 shed 1.6% on Tuesday, erasing an earlier 4.1% gain and settling nearly 19% below its February record high. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq composite fell by 2.1%, raising concerns about the U.S. entering bear market territory if the downward trend continues.
3. US to 'take back' Panama Canal from Chinese influence, visiting Pentagon chief says
The United States will "take back" the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday during a visit to the Central American nation.
After talks with Panama's government, Hegseth vowed to deepen security cooperation with Panamanian security forces and said China would not be allowed to "weaponize" the canal by using Chinese firms' commercial relationships for espionage.
"Together, we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence," Hegseth said, speaking at a pier renovated with U.S. assistance in Panama City.
4. Mexico reports first human death from H5N1 bird flu
Mexico has reported its first human death from H5N1 avian influenza, a three-year-old girl from the northern state of Coahuila, according to the state's health minister.
Coahuila Health Minister Eliud Aguirre confirmed that the child passed away early Tuesday morning due to multiple organ failure caused by the infection. "We are monitoring all individuals who had close contact with the patient and conducting tests to determine if they are infected. So far, no one has tested positive," Aguirre added.
5. U.S.-Russia delegations to meet in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations
American and Russian diplomats will meet again in Istanbul on April 10 to focus exclusively on stabilising embassy operations between the two countries, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce made clear that the talks will not address political or security matters, stressing that “Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda.”
“These talks are solely focused on our embassy operations,” Bruce told reporters. “They are not about normalising the broader relationship, which remains tied to peace in Ukraine.”
The discussions will take place at the Russian consulate in Istanbul, according to diplomatic sources.
6.Uzbek President Mirziyoyev advances ties with Arab states during 150th IPU Assembly
During the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held productive discussions with the heads of parliaments from several Arab nations.
The high-level meeting saw the participation of leaders, including the Chairman of the Arab Parliament and the speakers of the parliaments of Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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The U.S. has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth an estimated $2.1 billion, but Kyiv could face years of delays before receiving the weapons it urgently needs to defend against intensifying Russian attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
A hacking group linked to North Korea is widely believed to be behind the theft of $6.3 billion from cryptocurrency giant Binance, a cyberattack that experts describe as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record.
Gen Z protests swept 34 German cities on Saturday (31 October) over education, living costs and military service proposals. Violence erupted in Frankfurt, where shops were looted and police reported Molotov cocktail attacks.
Iran designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations on Sunday, (1 November), and classified the country's foreign intelligence agency, MI6, as a hostile group, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Thousands protested in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Saturday (31 October), demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over perceived corruption allegations and dissatisfaction with the government over a lack of jobs and poor education standards.
Russia has agreed to work with Ghana on developing a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant following talks at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said on Saturday.
Foreign ministers from the U.S., Japan, Australia and India raised concerns over export restrictions and economic coercion at a Quad meeting in Atlanta, U.S., on Saturday, 31 October 2026, according to their joint statement.
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