China: If US wants war, we are ready

 

File image: photo collage of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, created on November 07, 2024. Photo: AFP

After retaliating against President Donald Trump's rising trade tariffs, China has sent a harsh warning to the United States, stating that it is prepared to fight "any type" of war.

With Washington enacting fresh taxes on all Chinese exports, tensions between the two biggest economies in the world have increased.

Beijing quickly imposed counter-tariffs of 10–15% on US agricultural goods in retaliation, reports UNB citing BBC.

"If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," the Chinese embassy in Washington said firmly on the social media site X.

This speech, which coincides with the annual National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, is one of the most forceful from China since Trump took office.

Increase in military spending

On Wednesday, Premier Li Qiang of China declared that the nation would raise its defense expenditure by 7.2% this year, the same amount as the year before. He warned that "changes unseen in a century were unfolding across the world at a faster pace."

The action is a symptom of Beijing's attempts to reassure its citizens that the Chinese economy is resilient to the effects of a trade war.

In contrast to the US, which Beijing claims is involved in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, officials are eager to portray a picture of stability and peace.

Strategic aspects

China seems to be walking carefully, despite the strong language. Trump's trade policies, which have also impacted US allies like Canada and Mexico, are something Beijing is aware of.

China may be attempting to improve relations with other international partners by avoiding a significant increase in tensions.

Premier Li emphasized China's resolve to opening up its economy and drawing in international investment in his NPC speech.

A turning point in US-China relations

 A foreign ministry statement refuting US charges of fentanyl trafficking was also cited by the Chinese embassy in Washington. A ministry spokeswoman stated, "The fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise US tariffs on Chinese imports."

 We are not frightened by intimidation. Bullying is ineffective against us.  "It is not appropriate to deal with China through coercion, threats, or pressure," he continued. One of the most important geopolitical hotspots is still the increasingly tense US-China relationship.

UK Homes Issued Critical Alert About Washing-Up Liquid Purchases

 

It was recently revealed that British households dispose of millions of plastic bottles of washing up liquid every year and only half are recycled.

According to cleaning experts, both the ingredients in washing-up liquid and the bottle it comes in are harming the environment every time you wash up. Every time you drain your sink, you are releasing fossil fuels and chemicals, potentially putting aquatic life at risk.

Eco-friendly blogger Sustainably Lazy said dish soap has 'surfactants', which are the active ingredient which strips dirt off dishes and keeps it suspended in the water. But, warned: "Mainstream brands use fossil fuel-derived surfactants, many of which end up in rivers and harm aquatic life."

Ethical Superstore backs up the warning. It says: "Most conventional washing up liquids contain sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS. This acts as a surfactant, meaning it reduces the surface tension of the water and creates foam, leading to extra cleaning power. But it’s not without its Issus's doesn’t just dissolve away to nothing when it’s used. After it goes down the plughole it can end up lingering in our waterways, endangering marine life and doing untold damage to the ecosystem."

A study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology revealed the extent to which surfactants can damage marine life, reports the Express.

It said: "The use of surfactants in households and industries is inevitable and so is their discharge into the environment, especially into the water bodies as effluents. Being surface-active agents, their utilisation is mostly seen in soaps, detergents, personal care products, emulsifiers, wetting agents, etc.

"Surfactants are capable of penetrating the cell membrane and thus cause toxicity to living organisms. Accumulation of these compounds has been known to cause significant gill damage and loss of sight in fish."

Trump's Address to Congress: Laying the Groundwork

 

Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that his administration was “just getting started”, boasting in a marathon address to Congress that his efforts to slash the size of the federal workforce, reorient US foreign policy and escalate a risky trade war marked the beginning of the “most thrilling days in the history of our country” as Democratic lawmakers protested with placards that read “lies” and “false”.

“America is back,” Trump declared, opening his primetime speech to a joint session of Congress, the first of his second term and the longest in American history. Republicans broke into a boisterous chant of “USA”.

Throughout the address, which lasted about one hour and 40 minutes, a jocular Trump touted his administration’s “swift and unrelenting action” and praised the work of his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who has led his administration’s efforts to dramatically downsize the federal government through his so-called “department of government efficiency”. “Thank you, Elon,” Trump said, gesturing to Musk, who was seated in the house gallery overlooking the chamber where Democrats waved paddles that read “Musk steals”.

Trump seized the high-profile moment to defend his administration’s action during the first weeks of his return to power, including, according to his tally, nearly 100 executive orders and more than 400 executive actions.

“The people elected me to do the job, and I am doing it,” he said, making no mention of the legal challenges that have stalled many of his actions and deepening fears that his trade war will plunge the country into economic turmoil.

Trump also expanded on his “America first” foreign policy vision, just days after a dramatic Oval Office meeting with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spiraled out of control as Trump and JD Vance berated him over a perceived lack of respect. During his remarks, Trump recited from a letter Zelenskyy had shared earlier in the day, indicating that he was ready to return to the negotiating table to end Russia’s three-year war. The US had simultaneously received “strong signals” from Russia that Moscow was “ready for peace”, Trump said. “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”

Elsewhere, Trump envisioned the US expanding. He declared that his administration was in the process of “reclaiming the Panama canal” and repeated his threat to take control of Greenland: “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”

With performative flair, Trump offered a sampling of initiatives he said Musk’s team had identified as wasteful, among them the creation of an Arab Sesame Street, “making mice transgender” and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho, the African country he said “nobody has ever heard of”.

“This is real,” he exclaimed, drawing laughs from half of the chamber. Trump claimed that Musk’s cost-cutting efforts had identified “hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud”. But his estimate vastly overstated the savings Doge says it has generated, a figure which itself is based on accounting that multiple reports have found is riddled with errors and distortions.

Early in the night, as Trump bragged about the size of his electoral college and popular vote victory – “a map that reads almost completely red for Republican” – Democrats heckled and booed, prompting the House speaker, Mike Johnson, to bang his gavel and demand decorum. “You don’t have a mandate,” shouted the Texas representative, Al Green. When the congressman, who last month filed articles of impeachment against Trump, refused to be seated, the speaker ordered him removed from the chamber.

Trump claimed a mandate for “bold and profound change”, though his 1.5 point popular vote was the smallest margin of victory for any successful presidential candidate since Richard Nixon in 1968.

Trump’s address to Congress came just hours after he launched a trade war against three top trading partners that sent financial markets spiraling and raised fresh concerns of inflation. Just after midnight on Tuesday, the US slapped 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and doubled to 20% the levy he imposed on Chinese products last month. Trump vowed a tit-for-tat retaliation – “whatever they tariff us, we tariff them” – and insisted the new levies would grow the economy and create jobs, even as economists warned the polices could harm consumers and make inflation worse.

“Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again,” Trump said, adding a caveat: “There’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re OK with that. It won’t be much.”

New tariffs would take effect on 2 April, Trump said, one day later than he preferred to ensure the announcement wasn’t mistaken for an April Fools joke. However, he conceded that there may be “a little bit of an adjustment period”.

He blamed the soaring price of eggs on his predecessor’s energy policies while pledging his “National ENERGY Emergency” would help usher in a new era of domestic drilling.

In accordance with tradition, Trump’s arrival in the chamber was announced by the sergeant at arms. As he walked to the dais, Trump appeared to revel in the cacophonous applause of congressional Republicans, who have declined to rein in the president even as he threatens their authority as an independent branch of government.

Seated behind the president, Vance and Johnson could barely contain their glee, as they stood to applaud Trump’s every promise, boast and threat.

Past presidents have used the first major speech as an opportunity to reach across party lines and offer areas of common ground. Trump did the opposite. He taunted his political foes, blaming his predecessor for the price of eggs and claiming his victory ushered in a wave of tech investments that wouldn’t have happened if Kamala Harris had won the election. At one point he called Joe Biden the “worst president in American history”, drawing applause from Republicans.

“Why not join us in celebrating so many incredible wins for America,” Trump chided stone-faced Democrats. At least a handful of Democrats walked out of the speech early.

Trump celebrated his clampdown on the US immigration and asylum system and called on the Republican-led Congress to deliver additional federal funding to expand his border crackdown and extend his first-term tax cuts. Some Democrats held signs that said “Save Medicaid” to highlight the social safety net programs that could be at risk under a Republican budget blueprint to deliver Trump’s sprawling agenda.

The president also ticked through many of his controversial actions, from renaming the Gulf of Mexico to making English the country’s official language, and banning trans women from women’s sports. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he declared.

The speech was riddled with falsehoods and misleading claims, including a riff about millions of centenarians aged “110 to 119” receiving social security benefits.

“We have a healthier country than I thought, Bobby,” he quipped, referencing Robert F Kennedy Jr, his recently installed secretary of health and human services, who leads the vaccine-skeptical “Make America healthy again” movement.

The 15 guests who joined Melania Trump, the first lady, to watch the address included the widow and daughter of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, as well as Marc Fogel, the American teacher Trump helped free from a Russian prison last month. Other guests were intended to highlight the administration’s policies, including family members of Americans killed by men in the US without legal status, and anti-trans advocates.

There were poignant moments. Trump paused his remarks to sign an executive order renaming a wildlife refuge near Houston for an animal-loving 12-year-old girl who prosecutors say was killed by two Venezuelan men in the country illegally. Turning to another guest, 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, Trump directed his Secret Service director to make him an honorary US Secret Service agent.

The House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, had encouraged his members to attend the address in order to demonstrate a “strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber”. Many did attend, bringing fired federal workers and Americans who rely on social safety net programs threatened by Republicans’ budget proposal.

Trump Claims Zelensky Open to Russia Talks, US Minerals Deal

 

US President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate with Russia and discuss a potential minerals deal with the United States. 

Trump shared this information during an address to Congress, revealing he had received a significant letter from Zelensky.

The letter reportedly stated that Ukraine is ready to begin negotiations with Russia as soon as possible in an effort to achieve lasting peace. This announcement comes just days after tensions between the White House and Ukraine.

South Korea, Japan stress security ties and importance of US

 

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya attend a joint press conference following their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul on January 13, 2025. Photo: AFP

Japan and South Korea's foreign ministers met in Seoul on Monday to discuss strengthening their relations, amid increasing regional security challenges and major political upheaval in South Korea.

 Takeshi Iwaya visited Seoul as the country grapples with the impeachment and potential detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who briefly imposed martial law early in December, triggering a political crisis and quite possibly the end of this tenure.

The visit also came amid concerns about North Korea's missile testing, its deepening security ties with Russia, and China's attempts to assert its maritime claims in the South and East China Seas.

"The security situation in this region is becoming very severe, and in that strategic environment, the importance of Japan-ROK [Republic of Korea] relations has not changed, and in fact has become increasingly important," Iwaya said at a joint press conference with Cho Tae-yul.

Trilateral work with US also in focus, a week before Trump inauguration

South Korea's Cho drew particular attention in his comments to North Korea's missile testing and deepening military ties with Russia.

The last North Korean missile test coincided with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Seoul last week.

Cho said that he and Iwaya had agreed on "the necessity of continued close coordination among Korea, Japan and the United States to counter the North Korean nuclear threat." 

The three nations have bolstered security cooperation in recent years, including sharing information on North Korean missile launches.

However, with Donald Trump's inauguration as US president next week, South Korean President Yoon's impeachment, and the recent change of government in Japan, none of the leaders who established a three-way security pact at Camp David in 2023 look set to remain in power.

Trump has appeared to question the US' existing security relationships with allies in Asia, as in much of the world. 

Bilateral drive to improve ties to continue ‘under any circumstances’

South Korea's Cho said the push for improved bilateral ties, after decades of tension following Japan's colonial rule, would continue "under any circumstances," with diplomacy to "remain consistent." 

Impeached President Yoon had been pushing to improve ties with Japan and cooperation with the US — but he would now only return to his position if the Constitutional Court rules, in an ongoing case, that he was not legitimately impeached by parliament.

Japan's Iwaya also seemed to indicate a desire for continued bilateral reconciliation on Monday. Before the press conference with Cho, he visited the Seoul National Cemetery honoring Korean veterans, including those who died seeking independence from Japanese colonial rule which ended in 1945.

The visiting foreign minister is scheduled to meet interim President Choi Sang-mok, who is standing in for Yoon pending possible early presidential elections if his impeachment stands, on Tuesday.

The Onyx as Heritage (Timeless & Powerful Gemstone)

 

Onyx: A Timeless and Powerful Gemstone

Onyx is a captivating variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz known for its deep, rich color and distinctive banding patterns. This semi-precious stone has been treasured for thousands of years, not only for its striking appearance but also for its symbolic and metaphysical properties. Onyx has been used in jewelry, sculptures, and architecture, making it a versatile and historically significant gemstone.

Formation and Composition

Onyx forms in the cavities of lava, where silica-rich solutions gradually deposit layers of microcrystalline quartz. It is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the same mineral that makes up quartz, but its structure gives it a smooth and waxy luster when polished.

The characteristic banding of onyx results from alternating layers of chalcedony in different colors. While black onyx is the most famous variety, it can also appear in shades of white, brown, red, green, and blue. The layers form due to the rhythmic precipitation of silica, often influenced by variations in mineral impurities.

Types and Variations

Onyx comes in various colors and patterns, often confused with other banded stones like agate. However, agate features curved bands, whereas onyx has parallel layers. Some well-known varieties include:

• Black Onyx – The most famous type, often dyed to enhance its deep black hue.
• Sardonyx – Features red or brown bands alternating with white or black layers, valued since ancient times.
• White Onyx – A translucent white variety often used in decorative carvings.
• Green Onyx – Sometimes naturally occurring but often enhanced or dyed.

Due to its composition, onyx is relatively durable, with a Mohs hardness of around 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for carving and jewelry.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Onyx has held deep cultural and symbolic meanings throughout history. It was widely used in ancient civilizations, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman societies, where it was carved into amulets, cameos, and seals.

Ancient Uses

• Egyptians – Used onyx for protective amulets and inlay work in royal jewelry.
• Greeks and Romans – Frequently used onyx in signet rings, cameos, and decorative pieces. The Romans believed it could protect warriors in battle.
• Chinese and Indian Cultures – Valued onyx for its supposed ability to ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

Onyx was also a popular choice for intaglio carvings, where designs were engraved into the stone, creating intricate and detailed artwork.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Properties

Onyx is believed to hold powerful metaphysical properties, making it a favorite in spiritual and healing practices. Some of its attributed benefits include:

• Protection and Grounding – Thought to absorb negative energy, shielding the wearer from harm.
• Strength and Resilience – Associated with endurance, willpower, and the ability to overcome challenges.
• Emotional Stability – Said to promote inner peace, balance emotions, and dispel fear and anxiety.
• Focus and Discipline – Used by those seeking mental clarity, concentration, and self-control.

Crystal healers often recommend onyx for meditation and spiritual work, believing it enhances personal power and determination.

Modern Uses and Applications

Today, onyx is widely used in jewelry, architecture, and home décor. Some of its common applications include:

Jewelry and Fashion

Onyx is a popular gemstone in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It is often cut into cabochons or faceted stones to highlight its deep color and polished finish. Black onyx, in particular, is a staple in men’s jewelry, frequently set in silver or gold.

Architecture and Interior Design

Onyx slabs are used in countertops, flooring, and decorative wall panels due to their striking appearance. Translucent varieties of onyx can be backlit, creating a stunning visual effect in luxury interiors.

Carvings and Decorative Items

Onyx has been carved into figurines, bowls, and chess sets, showcasing its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Skilled artisans create intricate sculptures, taking advantage of the stone’s smooth texture.

Care and Maintenance

Since onyx has a relatively soft structure compared to other gemstones, it requires proper care to maintain its beauty:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding acidic or abrasive cleaners.
• Protect from Scratches – Store separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent damage.
• Limit Exposure to Water – Prolonged moisture can weaken the stone, so avoid soaking it in water.

Regular cleaning and careful handling will help preserve the brilliance and durability of onyx jewelry and decorative pieces.

Onyx in the Marketplace

Natural black onyx is relatively rare, and much of the commercially available onyx is dyed or treated to enhance its color. Buyers should be aware of synthetic or color-enhanced onyx, which may look similar but lacks the same natural formation process.

When purchasing onyx, reputable dealers and gemstone certifications can help ensure authenticity. Prices vary depending on quality, size, and craftsmanship, with high-quality specimens commanding higher values. We have got one which photo is showed on the screen. It is going to the International Auction Market in Qatar. Its net weight:3.75gm, Color: Green, Age: approximate 300 years, Cost: 5,00000 US Dollar (On Spot Price/negotiable), Contact Email: sklenin18@gmail.com

Conclusion

Onyx remains one of the most elegant and timeless gemstones, valued for its beauty, strength, and deep cultural significance. Whether worn as jewelry, used in artistic carvings, or incorporated into luxurious interiors, onyx continues to captivate with its bold, sophisticated appeal. Beyond its aesthetic charm, its association with protection, resilience, and focus makes it a meaningful stone for many. With proper care, onyx can be enjoyed for generations, embodying both tradition and modern elegance.

FedEx cargo plane makes emergency landing after bird strike, engine fire

 

A FedEx cargo plane made an emergency landing at a busy New Jersey airport on Saturday after a bird strike caused an engine fire that could be seen in the morning sky.

The plane landed at Newark Liberty International Airport during the emergency, said Lenis Valens, a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. There were no reported injuries, and fire on the cargo plane was contained to the engine, Valens said.

The emergency landing caused air traffic to be briefly halted as a precaution, and operations resumed shortly after, Valen said. The emergency landing happened just after 8 am.

A spokesperson for FedEx said the plane was headed for Indianapolis.

"Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders, said the spokesperson, Austin Kemker.

The emergency landing comes at a time of heightened awareness of flight problems.

In the past month, there have been four major aviation disasters in North America. They include the February 6 crash of a commuter plane in Alaska that killed all 10 people on board and the January 26 midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight at National Airport that killed all 67 aboard the two aircraft.

Google deleting inactive accounts: All you need to know to save your data

 

From December 1, Google is set to initiate the deletion of "inactive" accounts, defined as those that have not been accessed for at least two years.

This move encompasses a broad spectrum of Google services, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, Photos, and YouTube, placing emails, videos, photos, documents, and other content within inactive accounts at risk of deletion.

Why the deletion?

Google cited security concerns as the primary motive for deleting inactive accounts.

Abandoned accounts are deemed more vulnerable to malicious threats, including spam, phishing scams, and account hijacking.

"If an account hasn't been used for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be compromised. This is because forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, haven't had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," the policy update read.

How to retain your account

To safeguard your account from deletion, it is imperative to sign in before the impending deadline on Friday.

According to Google, an account is considered active and exempt from deletion if a user has logged in recently. Notifications have been sent to users through both the account email address and the recovery email in the preceding months.

The deletion process will unfold in phases, commencing with accounts created but never utilized. Exceptions to automatic deletion include accounts established through work, school, or other organizations, as the policy solely applies to personal accounts.

Preserving account data

Users wanting to retain content from a specific product that has not been used recently must take an additional step.

Google warns that it reserves the right to delete data in a product if a user remains inactive for at least two years in that specific service.

For those who wish to save their content but have no use for the inactive account, data backup is recommended.

The Google Takeout page facilitates the download and export of data, enabling users to individually download folders, documents, and media.

Trump, Zelensky row in Oval Office after dispute on compromise with Russia

 

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine`s President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on February 28, 2025. Photo: AFP

US President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky openly argued in the White House on Friday as they clashed on the need for compromising with what the Ukrainian president called Russia’s “killer” leader.Trump berated Zelensky as they sat in the Oval Office, telling him to be more “thankful” and saying, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel.”

And he told the Ukrainian president that he either “make a deal” with Russia “or we’re out.”

US Vice President JD Vance, sitting nearby, also attacked Zelensky, calling him “disrespectful.”

Zelensky appeared to try to speak but was cut off.

The extraordinary outburst came after Trump said Ukraine will have to make “compromises” in a truce with Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor three years ago.

“You can’t do any deals without compromises. So certainly he’s going to have to make some compromises, but hopefully they won’t be as big as some people think,” Trump said.

But showing Trump pictures of war atrocities and referring to President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said there should be “no compromises with a killer on our territory.”

“Crazy Russians,” he said, deported Ukrainian children and committed war crimes during their three-year invasion of his country.

Trump lashed out at Zelensky, who he said was “not acting at all thankful” and not “nice.”

“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” Trump said. “You’re gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country -- this country.”

The dramatic public breakdown in the long-tense relationship between Zelensky and Trump came after their meeting -- in front of a large group of journalists -- appeared to get off to a friendlier start.

Zelensky had said, “I think President Trump is on our side.”

He said that he would be speaking to the US president about the “crucial” need for a so-called US security “backstop” to any European deployments of peacekeepers monitoring an eventual truce.

“This is crucial, this is what we want to speak about, this is very important,” he said.

Trump has alarmed Kyiv and European allies with his abrupt U-turn in US policy, ending what had been full-throated support for Ukraine’s attempt to defeat the Russian invasion and casting himself as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky.

Trump said in the Oval Office that he had “spoken on numerous occasions” to Putin -- more than has been publicly reported beyond the lengthy call between the two leaders earlier this February.

Trump had told Zelensky that a truce is “fairly close.”

He also said that a deal he was set to sign with Zelensky allowing US exploitation of Ukraine’s natural resources would be “very fair.”

The resources deal is intended to give the United States access to rare-earth and other critical minerals as part of an overall plan to help Ukraine recover after a truce.

Zelensky told Trump that he should visit his embattled nation. “You have to come and to look.”