Canada Seeks 'True Partnership' with US Ahead of Trade Pact Review, Says PM Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday called for a renewed economic partnership with the United States ahead of a key review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) expected in July. Speaking in New York, Carney said Canada wanted a 'true partnership' with Washington while also expanding trade ties beyond the US to strengthen its 'strategic autonomy'.
'Our core objective across these partnerships is to increase our strategic autonomy. Because we live in a world where integration has been weaponised,' Carney stated. He also stressed the importance of integrated North American supply chains in sectors including energy, automobiles, and critical minerals, while warning that uncertainty around tariffs and trade policy was affecting investment.
Rescuers Try to Reach Four Climbers Who Fell on Mount McKinley
Rescue teams are attempting to reach four climbers who fell on Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, after an accident near Denali Pass at an altitude of about 18,200 feet, US officials said. The four were part of a seven-member climbing team. Three other climbers assisted the injured before returning to a high camp around 17,000 feet and contacting park authorities.
The National Park Service said poor weather, including low visibility and cloud cover, had delayed helicopter rescue efforts. 'Helicopter operations will start when a weather window opens up,' park spokesperson Scott Carr said. Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak, rises to about 20,310 feet.
Crews Recover Remains of Six of Nine Missing Workers After Washington Chemical Tank Rupture
Crews have recovered the remains of six of nine workers who were missing after a massive chemical tank ruptured at a paper mill in Washington state, releasing a flood of caustic liquid capable of causing severe burns and lung injuries, officials said Thursday. In all, 11 people were killed in the disaster, including the three yet to be recovered, and eight injured. It is one of the deadliest US workplace accidents in recent decades.
11 Social Media Activists Arrested in Pakistan's Punjab Over Alleged Anti-State Content
Pakistan authorities have arrested 11 social media activists across Punjab over allegations of spreading 'anti-state propaganda' and inciting unrest online, according to officials cited by Dawn. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said the accused were allegedly involved in running campaigns against state institutions, particularly the military, through social media platforms.
Raids were carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, with cases registered under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. Authorities said digital devices and online records are being examined as part of the investigation.
Machado Voices Determination to Negotiate with Venezuelan Interim Leader
Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado said Thursday she was determined to negotiate a democratic transition with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez following Nicolas Maduro's ouster in January. In a statement, Machado asked the United States to help 'promote a serious, firm and responsible political negotiation with the interim regime to restore democracy in Venezuela.'
