Libre News of The World. Monday The 28th of April 2025

Today on Libre News of the World, Canadians prepare to head to the polls amid rising nationalism and U.S. tensions, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party gaining momentum against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre (for more information visit The Washington Post). In Washington, President Trump faces mounting domestic challenges despite international engagements, including attending Pope Francis's funeral and meeting Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy (for more information visit The Washington Post). Meanwhile, Trump demands free passage for U.S. ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, reigniting debates over sovereignty (for more information visit The Wall Street Journal). The International Monetary Fund lowers its Caribbean growth forecast amid regional slowdowns and global pressures (for more information visit Reuters). Brazil’s Central Bank leaves open the possibility of a May interest rate hike in response to persistent inflation and economic uncertainty (for more information visit Bloomberg). In Colombia, a new report from DANE reveals a significant decline in multidimensional poverty since 2010, though challenges remain for marginalized groups (for more information visit El Tiempo). Chile moves to fast-track lithium projects amid booming global demand, partnering with companies like Eramet, Quiborax, and Codelco (for more information visit Reuters). Argentina mourns the passing of Pope Francis with a mass in Plaza de Mayo and tributes from his beloved football club, San Lorenzo (for more information visit La Nación). China eases tax refund thresholds for foreign tourists to boost spending amid economic headwinds (for more information visit South China Morning Post). A magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes New Zealand’s South Island, prompting evacuations and emergency responses (for more information visit The New Zealand Herald). The Bank of Japan faces a policy dilemma amid global tariff uncertainties, with a potential delay in rate hikes (for more information visit Reuters). Lee Jae-myung emerges as the frontrunner in South Korea’s presidential race after President Yoon’s impeachment (for more information visit The Korea Times). Vietnam's largest hot air balloon festival opens in Dong Nai, blending tradition and modern spectacle (for more information visit Vietnam News). Namibia announces free university education starting in 2026 to support youth and promote opportunity (for more information visit The Namibian). Renewed peace efforts between Turkey and the PKK begin after Abdullah Öcalan calls for disarmament (for more information visit Al Jazeera). Saudi Aramco invests heavily in e-fuels to prolong the combustion engine era (for more information visit Financial Times). A deadly explosion at Bandar Abbas port in Iran claims at least 28 lives and injures hundreds, attributed to negligence in container handling (for more information visit Al Jazeera). In Gaza, the death toll continues to rise amid intensified Israeli operations and worsening humanitarian conditions (for more information visit Al Jazeera). France announces a major overhaul of state agencies to cut public spending by €2-3 billion by 2025 (for more information visit Le Monde). Pope Francis is laid to rest in Rome in a ceremony attended by world leaders, fulfilling his wish for a modest burial (for more information visit Vatican News). Spain commits €1.3 billion to boost industrialized social housing construction using EU funds (for more information visit El País). Portugal’s euthanasia law faces new legal hurdles after the Constitutional Court ruled key provisions unconstitutional (for more information visit Público). Birmingham battles a severe rat infestation amid a bin workers' strike now in its seventh week (for more information visit The Guardian). In Ireland, a report warns against the widespread use of pepper spray in overcrowded prisons (for more information visit The Irish Times). Germany plans to boost defense spending with a potential EU borrowing exemption amid escalating security concerns (for more information visit Deutsche Welle). Norway’s political landscape heats up as parliamentary elections approach, with economic policy and national security at the forefront (for more information visit The Local Norway). Iceland accelerates its defense policy review amid growing global security risks (for more information visit Iceland Review). India’s travel ties to Uzbekistan suffer as flight cancellations follow Pakistan’s airspace closure after the Pahalgam attack (for more information visit The Times of India). Russia claims control over the Kursk region with North Korean troop support, although Ukraine disputes the extent of the gains (for more information visit Reuters). Finally, Ukraine rejects a U.S. peace proposal involving the recognition of Crimea under Russian control, insisting on its territorial integrity (for more information visit The Kyiv Independent), and India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack, raising regional tensions (for more information visit The Hindu).