China using AI to expand global influence, US officials warn
China is turning to AI to boost its propaganda efforts abroad, a new report reveals. A Chinese firm linked to the state, GoLaxy, has been tracking individuals and gathering data on US lawmakers, while running influence operations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, according to Firstpost.
Though no direct activity has been seen in the US, officials are watching closely, warning that AI could soon be used to sway political debates or elections.
Experts say AI is reshaping propaganda, making it faster, broader, and harder to detect—marking a new chapter in global information warfare, Firstpost reported.
Israeli military opposes Netanyahu’s Gaza expansion plan
Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against expanding operations into remaining parts of Gaza, saying it could trap troops and endanger hostages.
In a tense meeting on Tuesday, military leaders argued that 75 percent of Gaza is already under control and further expansion risks long-term entanglement. They also pushed back against proposals to impose military rule or rebuild settlements, according to Firstpost.
Netanyahu, under pressure to secure a ceasefire and free hostages, criticized the army for failing to rescue captives. Defense Minister Israel Katz later said the military will carry out government decisions despite internal disagreements.
US to ease human rights criticism of El Salvador, Israel and Russia
The Trump administration plans to soften criticism of El Salvador, Israel, and Russia in the upcoming US human rights report, the Washington Post says. Drafts show shorter sections on these countries compared to last year’s report under Biden.
A senior State Department official said the report was streamlined for clarity but gave no further details. The draft claims there were no major human rights abuses in El Salvador in 2024, unlike the previous report that raised serious concerns.
The US is working with El Salvador’s government on migrant deportations and has provided $6m to support a high-security detention center, Washington Post reported.
US brings hate crime charges against suspect in killing of Israeli embassy staffers
Elias Rodriguez, 31, was charged Wednesday with federal hate crimes for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Washington museum in May. The victims, engaged couple Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were targeted because of their Israeli nationality.
Rodriguez told police he acted “for Palestine” and was caught on video firing multiple shots, including after the victims fell. Authorities say he had a history of violent online threats against Israelis. He was arrested after confessing at the scene, according to Reuters.
Rodriguez faces murder charges and potential death penalty, with a court hearing set for Friday.
Trump signals possible tariffs on China over Russian oil imports
US President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that China could face new tariffs similar to those recently imposed on India due to continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump recently added a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing its ongoing energy trade with Russia.
When asked about extending sanctions, he said, “We did it with India. We’re probably doing it with a couple of others. One of them could be China”, Reuters reported.
While China was not mentioned in the official order, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier warned Beijing of potential penalties if it continued buying Russian oil.
Brazil seeks WTO help over new US tariffs
Brazil has formally requested consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to steep new tariffs imposed by the United States.
The 50 percent tariff, announced by President Donald Trump, targets Brazilian exports and came into effect on Wednesday. It is reportedly the highest US tariff imposed this month and follows Brazil’s legal action against former president Jair Bolsonaro, Al Jazeera reported.
Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said the tariffs will affect nearly 36 percent of Brazilian exports to the US—around 4 percent of the country’s total global exports.
A WTO consultation request marks the first step in resolving trade disputes, though outcomes can be slow and uncertain, according to Al Jazeera.
UN extends condolences to Ghana on helicopter crash
The United Nations has extended condolences to Ghana following a tragic military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two senior ministers, Xinhua reported.
UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, described the incident as a national tragedy and a loss to the international community.
Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the victims.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, and investigations into its cause are ongoing, according to Xinhua.
Trump warns of more 'secondary sanctions' on India, says 'you are going to see a lot more'
Just hours after raising tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent, US President Donald Trump warned of potential secondary sanctions on India for continuing oil trade with Russia, Firstpost reported .
When questioned about why India was being targeted while others like China also buy Russian oil, Trump said, “It’s only been eight hours. Let’s see what happens,” hinting at more sanctions to come.
The warning comes amid rising US pressure on countries to reduce economic ties with Russia over the war in Ukraine. Asked whether a future Russia-Ukraine peace deal could reverse the new tariffs, Trump said the decision would come later, according to Firstpost.
