NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia may be preparing to deploy nuclear weapons in outer space, potentially targeting satellites. This move would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which bans weapons of mass destruction in space. Though not aimed at Earth, such weapons could destroy satellites crucial for navigation, communication, and environmental monitoring. Rutte emphasised that space is becoming more competitive and dangerous, urging NATO allies to bolster satellite protection and intelligence-sharing. Russia’s outdated space capabilities may be driving its interest in weaponising orbit, raising serious global security concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions.
IRAN SEEKS DEAL, TRUMP WARNS
As nuclear talks between Iran and the US resume in Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hopes for a “fair and honourable” agreement. This comes as US President Donald Trump issued a two-month deadline, demanding Tehran reduce or eliminate its nuclear program. Trump reiterated that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon” and hinted at military strikes if talks fail. While Iran insists on equal-footing negotiations, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized dismantling Iran’s nuclear capability as a red line. These discussions follow years of tension since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions in 2018.
TRUMP EXEMPTS TECH
US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced that smartphones, computers, and several electronic components are exempt from the newly imposed global reciprocal tariffs. The exemption, revealed via US Customs and Border Protection, also applies to the steep 145% tariffs targeting Chinese imports. Items like semiconductors, memory cards, and solar cells are included in the list. This move notably benefits American tech companies, especially Apple, which relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing. The exemption covers products that entered the US or were removed from warehouses from April 5 onward, potentially easing fears of cost surges in consumer electronics and global supply disruptions.
BEIJING WINDS DISRUPT FLIGHTS
Beijing and northern China were hit by record-breaking winds reaching up to 93 mph (150 kph), causing major travel disruptions. By Saturday morning, 838 flights had been cancelled at the capital’s two main airports. Train services, including airport express lines, were suspended. The Chinese capital also saw parks closed, trees reinforced, and nearly 300 uprooted. Authorities issued an orange wind alert—Beijing’s highest in a decade—and urged 22 million residents to remain indoors. The winds, linked to a cold vortex over Mongolia, are expected to persist through the weekend. No injuries have been reported, but damage to property and vehicles occurred.
RFK JR. CLAIMS DEEP STATE
The U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred controversy during his first FDA appearance by claiming the “Deep State is real” and accusing the agency of being influenced by corporate interests. In an unscripted 40-minute speech, Kennedy criticized FDA staff and said powerful entities suppress critical research. He described the FDA as a “sock puppet” of industry and questioned rising chronic diseases. His anecdotal remarks about never seeing autism in youth also reignited backlash over past vaccine-related conspiracy theories. The comments follow his endorsement of mass federal layoffs, raising concern among staff and drawing sharp public criticism.
