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Trump threatens tariffs on goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba

White House cites Cuba’s ties to hostile powers as order ratchets up Trump’s pressure to topple its government

Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday laying the groundwork to slap tariffs on goods from countries that provide oil to Cuba, the White House said.

The order, which ratchets up Trump’s pressure to topple the communist government, declares a national emergency and establishes a process for the US secretaries of state and commerce to assess tariffs against countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to the island nation. The White House has yet to specify tariff rates for violating its new policy of blocking Cuba from buying oil.

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Original Source: Guardian

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Since President Trump made threats about Greenland, the continent’s leaders have debated the rapid deterioration of U.S. ties in policy papers and at dinner. The European Union, which includes 27 member states, has long been a key partner for the United States, but recent actions by the Trump administration have strained their relationship. The most notable example is the threat to withdraw U.S. forces from Germany, which sparked a heated debate among European leaders about the future of their defense cooperation with the United States.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the bloc’s defense capabilities and reduce its dependence on the United States. In a speech last year, Borrell emphasized the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own security and to develop its own defense capabilities. He also called for greater cooperation among European countries to address global challenges, such as climate change and pandemics.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has also taken steps to reduce the bloc’s dependence on the United States. In a recent report, the Commission outlined a strategy for the bloc to become more self-sufficient in areas such as defense, energy, and technology. The report highlighted the need for Europe to invest in research and development, as well as to promote greater cooperation among its member states.

The move by Europe to reduce its dependence on the United States is not just about politics; it’s also about economics. The Trump administration’s trade policies have led to a decline in U.S. exports to Europe, which has had a significant impact on the global economy. European leaders are looking for ways to diversify their trade relationships and to reduce their reliance on the United States.

In addition to its economic interests, Europe is also driven by a sense of security and stability. The continent has experienced several major conflicts in the past, including World War II and the Yugoslav Wars. European leaders are concerned that the Trump administration’s actions could lead to a more unstable world, which would have significant consequences for their countries.

The European Union’s efforts to reduce its dependence on the United States are not without challenges. The bloc faces significant budget constraints, which limit its ability to invest in defense and other areas. Additionally, there are concerns about the feasibility of developing a more independent European defense policy, given the historical ties between the United States and Europe.

Despite these challenges, European leaders are committed to reducing their dependence on the United States. They recognize that a more independent Europe is not only good for their countries but also for the global community. The European Union’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and promote greater cooperation among its member states are an important step towards a more secure and stable world.

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Disclaimer: This content is AI-generated for informational purposes.

Original Source: NY Times

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As Washington unsettles its partners, Beijing is reaping diplomatic gains, without backing down on human rights, trade or security. The rapprochement between China and its neighbors has been unfolding in the shadows, as the US continues to prioritize its own interests and undermine its alliances.

In recent months, China has strengthened its ties with Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam and Indonesia, by engaging in high-level diplomatic visits, economic cooperation, and joint military exercises. These efforts have been reciprocated by the US, which has been increasingly at odds with its traditional allies over issues such as trade, climate change, and national security.

While the US has been busy criticizing China’s human rights record and military expansion, Beijing has skillfully exploited these divisions to win over the hearts and minds of its neighbors. Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a series of high-profile visits to Southeast Asia, including a trip to Vietnam in November, where he pledged billions of dollars in investment and trade deals.

In stark contrast, the US has been scaling back its military presence in the region, with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and the Philippines. This has created a power vacuum that China has eagerly filled, with the deployment of its own military assets and the expansion of its economic influence.

The net result is a diplomatic landscape that is increasingly favorable to China, as its neighbors grow increasingly wary of US involvement in the region. While the US remains the dominant military power in the Asia-Pacific, its ability to shape the outcome of regional events is gradually being eroded by China’s diplomatic and economic gains.

As the US continues to grapple with its own internal divisions and external challenges, China is poised to emerge as the leading power in the region, on its own terms and on its own schedule. This is a prospect that should be deeply concerning to Washington, as it risks losing its grip on the Asia-Pacific and ceding ground to a rising rival.

In the end, the US will have to decide whether to change its approach and engage with China on its own terms, or risk being left behind as Beijing continues to build its influence in the region. The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction will be severe.

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Disclaimer: This content is AI-generated for informational purposes.

Original Source: NY Times

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Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry has died aged 71, according to the PPP’s media office.

The statement said that he passed away in Islamabad after a prolonged illness. It said that the funeral prayers would be offered tomorrow in his native village of Chichiyan, Mirpur at 3 pm.

The statement said that Chaudhry was elected the AJK prime minister in 1996 and the president in 2021. He was also elected nine times as a member of the AJK Assembly from Mirpur.

His death comes days before Kashmir Solidarity Day, which the nation observed on Feb 5 to reaffirm unwavering support for the relentless struggle of the Kashmiri people.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over Chaudhry’s passing and prayed that he receive “forgiveness and a high place in heaven”, a statement from the Presidency said.

It added that President Zardari also expressed his sympathy to Chaudhry’s family, deeming his national and political services “invaluable”.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani expressed grief over the death of the AJK president, saying Chaudhry was an “administrator, dignified and principled politician”.

“Chaudhry had a significant role in promoting the issue of Kashmir at the international level, and his services would be remembered always,” he said, adding his political struggle was a “beacon of the way for the upcoming generations”.

Gillani also extended condolences to the bereaved family.

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Original Source: Dawn

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The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken a significant step towards modernizing police procedures in the province of Sindh by ordering the discontinuation of archaic expressions commonly used in official communications.

The court held that terms such as Bakhidmat Janaab SHO have no legal status and reflect a colonial mindset, where citizens approach authorities as a matter of mercy rather than as a right.

As per the court’s ruling, the term Bakhidmat Janaab SHO incorrectly implies that the citizen is at the service of the station house officer, whereas in fact, the SHO is at the service of the citizen.

The court further observed that the use of such terminology undermines the dignity of the citizen, which is inviolable under Article 14 of the Constitution, and weakens the concept of equal protection under the law.

Authored by Justice Salahuddin Panwhar, the court noted the use of expressions such as Bakhidmat Janaab SHO, as well as Faryaadi and Muddai, in police proceedings and ordered that police practices be brought in line with Articles 4, 9, 10-A, and 14 of the Constitution.

The court stated that the use of the terms Faryaadi or Muddai in police proceedings should be discontinued and appropriate and legally accurate alternatives should be used, including Itlaah Deendhar or Shikayat Kandhar in Sindhi, and Itlaah Dahinda in Urdu.

Justice Panwhar observed that police officers are public servants entrusted with constitutional and statutory duties and that they are bound to protect life, liberty, and the security of person, values at the core of Article 9 of the Constitution.

“Police officers are required to serve the citizens as they are remunerated from public funds. Citizens approach the police as a matter of right, not as a charity grace or indulgence. Any institutional practice that reverses this relationship erodes public confidence in the rule of law and weakens constitutional governance,” the verdict read.

The SC noted that the continued use of Faryaadi reflected an outdated and unconstitutional mindset, in which public authorities were seen as rulers rather than servants of the people — a notion explicitly rejected by the Constitution.

It continued that expressions such as Faryaadi and formulaic salutations like Bakhidmat Janaab SHO were remnants of a colonial and pre-constitutional paradigm.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026

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Original Source: Dawn

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KARACHI: The 10-gram and one-tola gold (24kt) on Friday recorded the highest ever single day drop of Rs30,435 and Rs35,500 to Rs 460,701 and Rs537,362, respectively.

The 10-gram and one-tola silver (24kt) also fell to Rs9,489 and Rs11,069, showing a drop of Rs949 and Rs1,106.

As per rates announced by All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), world gold rates recorded a massive single day record fall in world price to $5,150 per ounce, down by a record $355 per ounce.

APSGJA President Mr Skikarpuri said "this is the biggest ever plunge in my entire career in the gold trade spanning over over five decades. In 1974, the per tola gold rate was Rs240."

He recalled that the world gold rate had fallen slowly to $245 per ounce from $852 in the entire 1980 period but it cannot match the abrupt single day drop of $355 per ounce on Friday.

Spot gold and silver record worst single-day drop of 8.9pc and 21.92pc to $4915.17 and $90.66 an ounce

"The gold price is still unaffordable for many jewellery buyers despite falling by Rs35500 per tola," he said, adding that jewellery buyers’ footfall at the shops is still very low. However, investors had definitely suffered owing to steep drop in prices.

According to Reuters, gold fell and was poised for its biggest daily loss since 1983, as the dollar strengthened after US President Donald Trump announced his choice for Fed chair, while silver was heading for its worst day on record.

Spot gold dropped 8.9pc to $4,915.17 per ounce at 12:30 p.m. ET (1730 GMT), after retreating to an intraday low of $4,898.89 earlier. US gold futures for February delivery slipped 7.7pc to $4,940.70.

The selloff, described by analysts as profit-taking, also pressured other precious metals.

The triggers behind the sell-off could be a combination of factors, ranging from the Fed Chair announcement to broader macro flows, said Suki Cooper, global head, commodities research at Standard Chartered Bank.

Whether we look at the dollar or expectations for real yields, a combination of these drivers has helped trigger profit-taking, she added.

Trump named former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh as his choice to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair in May, placing a frequent critic of the central bank in a key leadership role. Gold hit a record peak of $5,594.82 on Thursday and remains on track for a nearly 12pc rise this month.

The US dollar index gained 0.7pc, rebounding from a four-year low earlier this week and making greenback-priced gold more expensive for overseas buyers.

Meanwhile, Joe Cavatoni, Senior Market Strategist, Americas, and Head of Public Policy, US, World Gold Council said, "in an environment shaped by policy uncertainty, rising debt burdens and geopolitical risk, gold is increasingly being viewed as a strategic portfolio allocation rather than a short-term trade." Gold premiums in India hit decade-highs on investment demand, while China saw gains on jewellery and investment interest.

Among other precious metals, spot silver was down 21.92pc at $90.66 an ounce after dropping as low as $89.93. Prices were on track for their biggest daily drop on record, based on LSEG data available through 1982.

The white metal hit a record high of $121.64 on Thursday and has surged more than 23pc this month.

Spot platinum lost 18pc to $2,155.73 an ounce and palladium plunged 13.7pc to $1,741.36.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026

Original Source: Dawn

For more updates, visit: YourWebsite.com

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has ordered an inquiry after the Karachi Constructors Association (KCA) levelled serious allegations of large-scale corruption against officials of the civic body’s engineering department, claiming that billions of rupees in development funds had been misappropriated through fraudulent practices.

The inquiry was announced by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who took notice of the concerns raised by the contractors’ body and directed the municipal administration to conduct a comprehensive and impartial examination of the tendering, bidding and procurement processes within the KMC.

A couple of days ago, the KCA, which represents contractors working with civic bodies and government organisations, accused senior engineering officials of manipulating tenders, procuring substandard materials and awarding contracts to favoured contractors without competitive bidding.

The association also alleged that contractors were subjected to excessive commission demands and blackmailing, making it difficult for them to execute development schemes in a transparent and timely manner.

Asks municipal commissioner to submit report within three days on tendering, bidding, procurement processes

Responding to the allegations, the KMC on Friday issued a statement announcing that Mayor Wahab had taken “serious notice” of the complaints and ordered a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the matter.

According to the statement, the mayor has directed Municipal Commissioner of KMC, Sumera Hussain, to conduct a detailed examination of all aspects of the tendering, bidding and procurement processes under question.

“The inquiry will assess whether established rules, regulations and standard operating procedures were duly followed and determine if any irregularities or lapses occurred at any stage,” the press statement said, adding that the municipal commissioner had been asked to submit a detailed report within three days.

The mayor reiterated that transparency, accountability and fair governance remained top priorities of the metropolitan administration.

He assured contractors, stakeholders and the public that any individual found responsible for misconduct or violations of rules would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law, without discrimination.

At the same time, the statement noted that if the allegations were found to be baseless, the facts would be placed on record to protect the credibility of the institution and its officials.

Meanwhile, KCA chairman S.M. Naeem Kazmi welcomed the move, but cautioned that the inquiry should be conducted in its true spirit and not merely as a formality.

“We want to make it clear that growing corruption has made it impossible for us to compete. We welcome the mayor’s decision, but he must ensure that the inquiry produces the desired results,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026

Original Source: Dawn

For more updates, visit: YourWebsite.com

Elena Rybakina took revenge over world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win a nail-biting Australian Open final on Saturday and clinch her second Grand Slam title.

The big-serving Kazakh fifth seed held her nerve to pull through 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in 2hrs 18mins.

It was payback after the Belarusian Sabalenka won the 2023 final between two of the hardest hitters in women’s tennis.

The ice-cool Rybakina, 26, who was born in Moscow, adds her Melbourne triumph to her Wimbledon win in 2022.

“Hard to find the words now,” said Rybakina, and then addressed her beaten opponent to add: “I know it is tough, but I hope we play many more finals together.”

Turning to some Kazakh fans in the crowd, she said: “Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot.”

This was more disappointment in a major final for Sabalenka, who won the US Open last year for the second time but lost the French Open and Melbourne title deciders.

She was into her fourth Australian Open final in a row and had been imperious until now, with tears in her eyes at the end.

“Let’s hope maybe next year will be a better year for me,” Sabalenka said ruefully.

Rybakina fights back

With the roof on because of drizzle in Melbourne, Rybakina immediately broke serve and then comfortably held for 2-0.

Rybakina faced two break points at 4-3, but found her range with her serve to send down an ace and dig herself out of trouble, leaving Sabalenka visibly frustrated.

Rybakina looked in the zone and wrapped up the set in 37 minutes on her first set point when Sabalenka fired long.

Incredibly, it was the first set Sabalenka had dropped in 2026.

The second game of the second set was tense, Rybakina saving three break points in a 10-minute arm-wrestle.

They went with serve and the seventh game was another tussle, Sabalenka holding for 4-3 after the best rally of a cagey affair.

The tension ratcheted up and the top seed quickly forged three set points at 5-4 on the Kazakh’s serve, ruthlessly levelling the match at the first chance to force a deciding set.

Sabalenka was now in the ascendancy and smacked a scorching backhand to break for a 2-0 lead, then holding for 3-0.

Rybakina, who also had not dropped a set in reaching the final, looked unusually rattled.

She reset to hold, then wrestled back the break, allowing herself the merest of smiles.

At 3-3 the title threatened to swing either way.

But a surging Rybakina won a crucial game to take a 4-3 lead.

She then served out the set and the match in style, wrapping up the win in 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Original Source: Dawn

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