DAILY NEWS Stream – April 17, 2025

World Expo 2025 opens in Osaka [Japan] with 160 countries and regions showcasing their technological and cultural achievements. Japan’s Prime Minister Ishibu hopes the event will restore “a sense of unity in the world once again” (France 24)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visits Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus [Syria] to discuss border security and refugees, renewing ties after years of tension under ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad (Al Jazeera)

President Trump says the US will protect Somalia from the Houthis and other military groups, stating it’s “time for the terrorists to hide” (Sky News Australia)

President Trump says His 145% tariffs on China are “in case of war,” so the US can make its own medicine and vital supplies without relying on China or others (Sky News Australia)

Chinese sellers on Amazon are facing significant challenges due to President Trump’s tariffs that are forcing many to raise their prices (TOÀN CẢNH 24H)

President Trump orders an investigation into US imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, possibly leading to tariffs on these items (Sky News Australia)

Washington DC [US]: President Trump meets with El Salvador’s President Bukele, praises his crackdown on criminal gangs, and thanks him for accepting US-deported criminals into Salvadoran prisons (Sky News Australia)

US President Trump’s team proposes major cuts to funding for the UN, NATO, and other international groups, reinforcing His “America First” policy (AP)

President Trump stations US troops near the Mexico border to help arrest illegal migrants (Thanh Niên)

US computer chipmaker Nvidia pledges US$500 billion over four years to produce AI [artificial intelligence] servers in the US, marking the latest tech firm to support President Trump’s push for local manufacturing (Al Jazeera)

PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] praises President Trump’s administration for planning to phase out cruel animal tests, replacing them with materials that mimic human organs to modernize government research (Fox News)

President Trump’s physical exam reveals He’s in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to serve, according to His physician Captain Sean Barbabella (Fox News)

Subway tunnel construction site collapses in Gyeonggi Province [South Korea], trapping two workers and forcing over 2,300 people to evacuate due to fears of more collapses (Báo Thanh Niên; Korea JoongAng Daily)

Pakistan welcomes thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims for the annual Vaisakhi spring harvest festival (Al Jazeera)

Study finds a healthy vegan diet lowers risk of death by 17-24% for people with diabetes and obesity, helping them live longer (MedicalNewsToday)

South Korea is hit by unusually cold temperatures more than 5ºC below average, bringing strong winds, rain, and hail (The Korea Herald)

India: Thunderstorms kill over 50 in the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, with more than a dozen people struck dead by lightning (WION)

Heavy rain causes landslides in Lào Cai [Vietnam], disrupting traffic and business (VnExpress)

Giant methane crater suddenly forms in Siberia [Russia]’s Arctic tundra, likely caused by an explosion from the potent greenhouse gas (Daily Galaxy)

HCM CT [Vietnam]’s Buddhist Sangha is organizing a vegetarian buffet at Vietnam National Pagoda on Sunday, April 20, 2025, featuring 80 plant-based dishes and drinks (Thanh Niên)

Reassuring quote of the day: “There is nothing unpremeditated, nothing neglected by God. His unsleeping Eye beholds all things.” – The Venerable Saint Basil the Great (vegetarian)