Mark Carney, prime minister-designate, has expressed willingness to renegotiate a trade deal with Donald Trump, provided Canadian sovereignty is respected. His remarks came as Canada imposed C$29.8 billion (£16 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on US imports after Trump enacted 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium. Trump has justified the move as a national security measure, aiming to bolster domestic industries. However, Carney condemned the tariffs as ‘unjustified’, warning of economic instability. Canada, the largest foreign supplier of these metals to the USA, is heavily impacted. Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs include steel, aluminium, and other goods, with more measures set to take effect. The Bank of Canada has cut interest rates to 2.75% to cushion the economic fallout. Meanwhile, the EU has taken strong retaliatory measures against Trump’s tariffs coming into effect: see
Bangladesh: priorities for interim leader
13 Mar 2025
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, admits he was ‘dazzled’ when unexpectedly asked to take charge after Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year. Yunus, who returned to lead the country following a student-led uprising, prioritises restoring order and fixing the economy, which he describes as ‘devastated’. He plans to hold elections between December 2025 and March 2026, contingent on necessary reforms. Meanwhile, Hasina remains in exile in India, wanted in Bangladesh for alleged crimes against humanity. Amid ongoing unrest, critics accuse Yunus’s government of failing to ensure security for her Awami League members, some of whose homes have been vandalised. The interim government faces additional challenges after the Trump administration cut US foreign aid (last year it received $450 million). There are concerns about Bangladesh’s economic and political future: the nation, once hailed for its progress, is now struggling to regain stability under its new leadership.
Cuba has released 553 prisoners, according to an agreement made in January with Joe Biden’s administration. The deal, mediated by the Vatican, was in return for being removed from the US terrorism blacklist. However, Donald Trump has reversed the decision, reinstating sanctions and temporarily halting the process. The USA had asked for ‘political prisoners’ to be released, but Cuban authorities classified the individuals as having committed diverse crimes. Around 200 of those released had been detained because they took part in the huge anti-government protests in July 2021, though officials claim they were convicted for other reasons. The protests, the largest since the 1959 revolution, stemmed from economic struggles, food shortages, and dissatisfaction with government policies. The release follows pressure from the USA, EU, Catholic Church, and human rights groups to free those jailed.
A medical milestone has been achieved: the first patient implanted with a durable artificial heart has been discharged from hospital. BiVACOR, a titanium mechanical blood pump, was successfully implanted in a man suffering from severe heart failure. Performed at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the six-hour surgery marked a breakthrough in cardiac care. Designed to function indefinitely, BiVACOR operates using magnets to eliminate mechanical wear. Queensland-born inventor Daniel Timms spent years developing the device, inspired by childhood experiences working with his father, who later died of heart failure. The patient, previously too weak to walk, lived with the device for over 100 days before receiving a human heart transplant. Doctors anticipate BiVACOR could eventually replace the need for human donors. With more implants planned, this innovation offers new hope to those awaiting transplants.
Tyler Blevins, known as 'Ninja’, is one of the world’s most influential video-game streamers, with millions of followers across Twitch and YouTube. Recently, he made a bold faith statement during a livestream, declaring, 'Jesus is King’. This isn’t the first time Blevins has spoken about his beliefs. In 2019, he shared how doctors pressured his mother to abort him due to health concerns, but she refused, choosing life for him and his brothers. He calls her a 'saint' for that decision. During his recent faith discussion, Ninja encouraged respectful conversations about religion, urging people to listen rather than argue. He emphasised that faith should stem from a personal relationship with God, not fear. Blevins also highlighted the power of prayer, sharing how daily prayer has positively transformed his life. His core message is simple: love and respect everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, has publicly declared his Christian faith after decades of scepticism. In a blog post, he shared his testimony, revealing his journey from doubt to embracing the truth of the Gospel. Sanger’s scepticism began in childhood, leading him to question all religions. Though he engaged in internal dialogues with a 'supremely wise being’, he never considered it true prayer. However, marriage and fatherhood challenged his worldview, making him reconsider self-interest and secular ideologies. His disillusionment with aggressive atheism prompted deeper reflection. In 2020, he began reading the Bible extensively, gradually realising its reliability. Though there wasn’t a single conversion moment, he eventually prayed a sinner’s prayer, acknowledging God’s truth. He now affirms that Scripture withstands scrutiny, contrary to his earlier assumptions. His transformation has softened him, bringing significant change to his life. His testimony stands as a powerful reminder that truth, when sought with an open heart, leads to Christ.
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce billions of pounds in spending cuts - possibly including welfare - during her spring statement on 26 March. Facing economic challenges and her self-imposed fiscal rules, Reeves cannot borrow for day-to-day spending, leaving cuts as one of her only options. The Treasury is submitting proposals to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) ahead of its economic forecast. Reports suggest that a four-point plan of planning reform, Whitehall cuts, regulation cuts, and welfare cuts will be central to Reeves' strategy. Her fiscal policies require maintaining a £10 billion buffer, yet sluggish growth and rising borrowing costs are forcing difficult decisions. The Government is also bracing for economic impacts from global trade challenges, including Donald Trump’s trade policies. The government faces tough choices between tax hikes or further cuts: the outcome of its decisions will significantly impact public services and financial stability in the coming years.
Social media ban for under-16s?
06 Mar 2025
England’s chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, will examine whether under-16s should be banned from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Ministers are commissioning his advice amid growing concerns over the impact of excessive smartphone use on young people’s mental health. The average British 12- to 15-year-old spends around 35 hours a week on a smartphone, raising alarms about sleep, well-being, and educational outcomes. Campaigners argue that tech companies prioritise profits over child safety, while some MPs claim the Government is moving too slowly on protections. A proposed bill sought to raise the digital age of consent to 16, making it harder for social media sites to collect children’s data. However, the Government is expected to take a softer approach, commissioning a review rather than implementing an outright ban. With Australia having already passed a ban on under-16s using social media, pressure is mounting for the UK to act. Ministers remain cautious, balancing child safety with concerns about stifling tech growth.