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Global News Roundup: Gaza Border Reopens, Musk Restricts Starlink, US-India Trade Deal, EU Open to UK Customs Union, and China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles
Several significant global developments unfolded recently, impacting international relations, trade, technology, and safety regulations.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a crucial point of passage, reopened after being largely closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces captured the Gazan side, according to BBC World. The reopening, initially slated to occur during the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire plan, was delayed until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza last week. Sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza have already arrived in Egypt.
In other news, Elon Musk's efforts to curb Russian use of Starlink satellites in Ukraine have been praised by Ukrainian officials. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's defense minister, hailed Musk as "a true champion of freedom and a true friend of the Ukrainian people," stating that Musk swiftly responded to reports of Russian drones using Starlink connectivity. These drones have been linked to deadly attacks, including one on a passenger train. Musk confirmed on X that steps were taken to stop the unauthorized use of Starlink by Russia, stating, "Looks like the steps we took to stop the unauthorised use of Starlink by Russia have worked."
On the trade front, the United States and India reached a trade agreement, according to former US President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the US would lower tariffs on goods from India to 18% from 25%. India, in turn, will reduce trade barriers to zero and cease purchasing Russian oil. An additional 25% tariff penalty imposed for Delhi's refusal to stop buying oil from Russia will be dropped. The announcement follows India and the European Union's recent landmark trade deal. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he is "delighted" with the deal.
Meanwhile, the European Union signaled a willingness to discuss closer trade ties with the United Kingdom, including a potential customs union. European Commissioner for finance, Valdis Dombrovskis, told the BBC that Brussels would be "openminded" about such discussions. Speaking after meetings with UK ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Dombrovskis also suggested that Britain and the EU could remove "most" food checks between them.
Finally, China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) due to safety concerns. The new regulations, prompted by deadly incidents involving EVs, including fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs where power failures prevented doors from opening, require cars to have a mechanical release both inside and outside the doors. The ban makes China the first country to prohibit the design, which was popularized by Tesla.
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