An explosion occurred yesterday at a workplace in the city of San Critobal, near Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Twelve people, including a 4-month-old baby, lost their lives, and about 65 were injured, according to the Dominican Red Cross. Search and rescue efforts were initiated under the rubble of at least three buildings that collapsed after the blast. Authorities said that 55 people went missing and that the death toll is likely to rise. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
US President Donald Trump announced a 10% increase in customs duties on countries aligning with BRICS, calling the bloc’s policies “anti-US.” The statement followed the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Brazil.
Trump said, “There will be no exceptions to this policy.” His remarks came in response to a BRICS joint statement criticizing US tariffs for harming global trade. Brazilian President Lula da Silva highlighted BRICS’ growing global influence, representing over half the world’s population and 40% of production, and called for updated international governance.
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