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).
Iran has warned it will shift to a “fully offensive” military posture if efforts to reach a permanent peace deal with the U.S. fail, se...
The economic losses from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia ...
Taiwan is preparing to spend more money on its military than ever before, with ...
At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate to safety and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
The economic losses from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia last week are expected to reach 30 trillion pesos ($9.58 billion), Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella said on Monday.
Taiwan is preparing to spend more money on its military than ever before, with President Lai Ching-te announcing plans for a record defence budget of $31.4 billion for 2027, taking military spending above three per cent of GDP for the first time.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing pressure as his approval ratings fall and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gains support.
Central Asia has become a major focus for Eurasian transport investment, with $71.7 billion committed to 114 projects, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s 2026 Transport Observatory.
The European Union is preparing what foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described as its most far-reaching sanctions package against Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment