Reuters World News: Student Visas, Germany-Israel Tensions, and King Charles in Canada

US Student Visa Policy Changes

• 🚫 The Trump administration has halted new student and exchange visitor visa appointments at US missions abroad.
• 📱 The State Department plans to expand social media vetting for foreign students, potentially screening platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
• ⚠️ Officials express concern that these measures may discourage international students from choosing the US, potentially driving them to destinations like the UK, Canada, and Europe.

Germany's Stance on Gaza Conflict

• 🇩🇪 Germany's foreign minister has threatened unspecified measures against Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
• ⚖️ Berlin stated it would not export weapons used to violate humanitarian law, marking a significant rhetorical shift in Germany's foreign policy.
• 🌍 This shift is influenced by growing public disquiet over Israel's actions and a desire to align with European neighbors like France and the UK.
• 🤝 Despite the strained relations, direct contact between Israel and Syria is reportedly occurring to calm tensions.

King Charles's Visit to Canada

• 🇨🇦 King Charles expressed his affection for a "strong and free" Canada during a symbolic visit to open parliament.
• 👑 This visit, the second by a British monarch to formally open Canadian parliament in nearly 70 years, is seen as a message to the United States amid annexation threats.
• 💪 The King's presence, despite his ongoing cancer treatment, signals a commitment to Canada's sovereignty.

Market and Tech Updates

• 🚀 SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight provided valuable data despite ending prematurely.
• 📈 Nvidia is expected to report a significant surge in first-quarter revenue, though US technology curbs on China remain a concern for the AI sector.