ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Sudan’s El-Fasher reels under deadly RSF shelling as civilian casualties mount
Latest developments as intensified shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, Sudan, have resulted in mounting civilian casualties and worsened the humanitarian crisis in North Darfur’s last major city outside RSF control.
Escalating human toll, with expectations of further casualties amid the collapse of healthcare services and rising malnutrition levels. The international community’s response to the crisis, scrutinizing the adequacy of aid delivery and potential grounds for war crimes investigations amid growing evidence of attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Gaza faces mounting malnutrition crisis amid aid blockade and growing calls for international action
The rapidly collapsing humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to block the entry of humanitarian aid since March 2, leaving nearly 2.4 million Palestinians without access to essential food, water, and medical supplies.
Humanitarian organizations are expected to intensify pressure for immediate aid access to Gaza, warning that the true number of children suffering from severe malnutrition may exceed the reported 65,000. As fears of a looming famine escalate, calls are mounting for international mechanisms to guarantee the delivery of food, medicine, and critical supplies. The crisis is also likely to prompt renewed debates at the UN and heightened legal scrutiny over the Israeli use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Rising civilian toll in Yemen as US launches air campaign
The situation continues to escalate as the US carries out intensified airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas across Yemen, while the Houthis launch retaliatory attacks on US warships in the Red Sea and Israeli targets, including missiles aimed at Haifa.
The humanitarian repercussions of the escalating conflict, as rising civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure continue to raise serious concern. International responses, particularly from the UN and humanitarian organizations amid heightened fears of regional escalation and renewed calls for de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law.
UN Security Council sessions
UN Security Council to discuss the ongoing situation in Sudan and South Sudan.
The council will also continue sessions that began on Tuesday concerning Ukraine and Palestine.
US hearing on case of Mohsen Mahdawi
US hearing to take place in the case of Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident who led Gaza war protests at Columbia University, and to consider a motion for Mahdawi's release from custody.
Senior military officials to testify
Senior military officials to testify before the House Committee on Armed Services' Subcommittee on Strategic Forces over US missile defense plans.
Trump to convene his Cabinet
US President Donald Trump to convene his Cabinet. The president and his senior officials are expected to address members of the White House press pool in the Cabinet Room.
Trump's remarks on investing in US
US President Trump to deliver remarks on investing in the US. Representatives from major corporations, including the CEOs of Nvidia, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, GE Aerospace and SoftBank are expected to attend.
Trump to participate in NewsNation town hall
US President Donald Trump to participate in NewsNation town hall Wednesday evening. The event is expected to run for two hours, and will be broadcast live from the Oval Office.
UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel's obligations to assist Palestinians - public hearings continue on 3rd day in The Hague
Public hearings continue on the third day at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as it hears a request from the UN for an advisory opinion on the "Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory." The US, Russia, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Türkiye, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, and Luxembourg to give evidence on Wednesday.
SPD to announce coalition vote results
Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) will announce the results of its membership vote on the coalition agreement with the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) at a press conference. If members approve the agreement, the German parliament could elect CDU leader Friedrich Merz as the new chancellor next week to succeed Olaf Scholz.
The SPD press conference via online stream. Party leaders concluded coalition negotiations with an agreement on April 9. The Christian Social Union (CSU), the CDU's Bavarian sister party, has already approved the deal. If all coalition partners give their approval, the German parliament will hold the official signing ceremony on May 5, followed by a vote to elect Merz as the new chancellor on May 6.
German chancellor to meet French president in Paris
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will travel to Paris for an evening meeting and dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron. Following his defeat in the Feb. 23 elections, the Social Democrat leader is expected to leave office next week as the new coalition government led by Friedrich Merz assumes power.
Possible press conference or statements from the leaders.
UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.
Starmer is likely to be asked questions about the peace talks to end Ukraine, as well as regional and international issues, including the latest situation in Gaza.
British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs - David Lammy at Lords committee session
Foreign Secretary David Lammy gives evidence at International Relations and Defense committee session.
Lammy is likely to be asked questions about regional and international issues, including the latest situation in Ukraine and Gaza.
Lavrov to visit Dominican Republic
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit the Dominican Republic as part of his trip to Latin America.
Lavrov’s visit is expected to include meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez. The officials will take part in the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Lavrov's statements, joint declarations, and key outcomes of the meetings.
Trump Jr. meets South Korean business leaders amid tariff talks between Washington, Seoul
Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of US President Trump, meets with business leaders in South Korea at the end of his 2-day trip to Seoul, which is engaged in tariff talks with the US. South Korea has 90 days to reach a deal with Washington to avoid paying 25% tariffs on exports to the US.
Tensions at border continue between Pakistan and India
Developments as tensions continue between India and Pakistan as cross-border fire continues along the Line of Control. Diplomatic efforts at regional, as well as at global level, continue to de-escalate the tensions between the two South Asian neighbors.
Turkish president to participate in his party's parliamentary group meeting
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend the parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and Development (AK) Party.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s foreign trade
Turkish Statistical Institute will release foreign trade figures for March. Exports totaled $20.7 billion in the previous month and trade gap was at $7.77 billion. Market expectation for March was at a deficit of $7.3 billion. The institute will also release tourism revenue figures for the first quarter of this year.
Tourist figures in Türkiye
Turkish Tourism and Culture Ministry will share the number of tourists visiting Türkiye during the first quarter of 2025.
Germany’s economic indicators
Germany’s Destatis will announce the GDP figures for the first quarter of 2025. It contracted by 0.2% in the last quarter of 2024 on a yearly basis. The country will release import prices for March. Prices rose by 0.3% in February but a 0.7% decline is expected for March. Destatis will also release unemployment figures for April. It was at 6.3% in March and no-change is expected for April. Statistical authority will share inflation data for April as well. It was at 2.2% in March.
Eurozone GDP
Eurostat will share GDP figures for the first quarter of 2025. While it enlarged by 0.2% in the previous quarter on a quarterly basis, similar figure is expected for this year’s first quarter.
US GDP
The US will release GDP figures for the first quarter of 2025. While it enlarged by 2.4% in the last quarter of 2024 on a quarterly basis, market expects 0.4% for the first quarter.
SPECIAL REPORTS
First 100 days: How Trump is reshaping the world order
Report analyzing how President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office are reshaping the global order, with a shift toward isolationism, bilateralism, and national self-interest over traditional alliances and multilateral engagement.
The story examines Trump’s reasoning as he forges new alliances, redefines trade relations, alters military commitments, pushes expansionist ideas, and shifts strategies toward global conflicts and the international economy.
It features insights from Steven Fish, professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley; geopolitical analyst Ryan Bohl; and Scott Lucas, a professor of American studies at the University of Buckingham.
First 100 days: Trump policies roil US markets and economy
Report on the economic turbulence in the US during President Donald Trump’s first 100 days.
The story breaks down the impact of aggressive tariff threats and policy uncertainty, which have driven sharp fluctuations in global markets, historic surges in gold prices, and steep losses across major stock indices.
The report outlines how the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq endured significant declines amid rising volatility, examines commodity market movements, including record-breaking gold prices and falling oil, and highlights the severe downturn among top tech stocks, particularly Tesla, despite initial boosts from Trump’s pro-crypto and tech-friendly promises.
UK local elections: Main parties face crucial test of voter confidence
Report on local elections to be held in the UK on May 1, which are the first since the July 2024 general election.
The story presents an overview of the candidates vying for posts of mayors and councilors, along with latest poll standings for the ruling Labour and opposition Conservative parties.
The report includes an interview with political historian Nigel Fletcher, who shares his assessments on the expected results and the reasons for growing dissatisfaction with Britain’s main political parties, including economic issues and changing voter demographics.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interviews with UC Berkeley academic Steven Fish, geopolitics expert Ryan Bohl, and political analyst Scott Lucas about how President Trump’s first 100 days in office are reshaping the global order.
VIDEO - Interview with political historian Nigel Fletcher about the UK’s upcoming local elections, focusing on the significance of the polls for Labour and Conservatives, and reasons for increasing voter dissatisfaction with Britain’s main political parties.