World

In a world where narrative, design, and creativity shape global influence as much as steel and silicon, investing in orange economy is not indulgence but strategy

The rupee fell 25 paise to 93.16 against the United States dollar amid West Asia tensions and rising crude concerns. Disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz increased dollar demand, keeping the local currency under pressure despite earlier gains

India and the United States began fresh trade talks in Washington to finalise an interim bilateral deal amid shifting tariff policies. Both sides aim to resolve disputes on tariffs, market access and investigations, with negotiations seen as key to broader economic ties

Narendra Modi highlighted ancient India–South Korea ties through the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, alongside modern cultural exchanges, as both nations expanded cooperation in creative industries during talks with President Lee Jae Myung

Xi Jinping called for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global shipping, stressing it as an international waterway amid Iran–US tensions, energy concerns, and rising regional conflict affecting trade and navigation security

The Mariana, carrying six people, was found overturned near Saipan after Typhoon Sinlaku. The U.S. Coast Guard continues large-scale searches across 75,000 square nautical miles with international assistance

POSCO and JSW Steel signed a $7.3 billion joint venture to build a 6-million-ton steel plant in Odisha, strengthening industrial cooperation and global supply chains between South Korea and India

Intelligence inputs warn that Inter-Services Intelligence is focusing on Punjab through targeted killings, drug smuggling, and arms supply, using low-intensity blasts and financial incentives to recruit youth and sustain cross-border terror networks

Nepal has decided to shift government employee salaries from monthly to fortnightly payments, aiming to boost spending and economic circulation. The move, approved at ministerial level, may require legal changes under existing civil service laws before implementation

Over 6,000 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in a single day via Torkham and Spin Boldak borders, with authorities providing assistance amid large-scale repatriation challenges and reintegration concerns

The Yvette Cooper urged a “toll-free” Strait of Hormuz during diplomatic talks, stressing freedom of navigation amid US-Iran tensions, while the United Kingdom pushes global consensus to keep key energy routes open and unrestricted

Lee Jae Myung praised Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, as India and South Korea agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, defence, and clean energy through upgraded economic frameworks and new institutional mechanisms

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Sanriku, prompting Japan Meteorological Agency tsunami alerts. Waves hit Iwate Prefecture, with evacuation advisories issued, as authorities warned of stronger tsunamis and aftershocks along Japan’s northern coast

CP Radhakrishnan visited Sri Lanka, meeting Indian-origin Tamil communities in Nuwara Eliya and reviewing India-backed housing projects. Talks focused on welfare schemes, education cooperation, and strengthening bilateral ties with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over Peter Mandelson’s controversial ambassadorial appointment despite security concerns, sparking calls for resignation and political backlash in United Kingdom amid allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated after a seized cargo ship and naval clashes, casting doubt on peace talks in Islamabad, despite ongoing regional diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations

Kim Jong-un supervised North Korea’s test of Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles with cluster bomb warheads, showcasing enhanced strike capability. South Korea condemned the launch as a UN sanctions violation, raising regional security concerns

Elon Musk was summoned in Paris over alleged misconduct on X, including deepfakes and child abuse content. French investigators are probing compliance, while tensions rise with US authorities over the ongoing investigation

Global oil prices surged near $100 as West Asia tensions escalated, with Brent Crude and WTI Crude rising sharply after Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning. Market volatility increased, dragging Indian indices lower despite mixed global equity performance trends

The Nepali Congress has strongly opposed the government’s recent decision to impose customs duty on goods worth more than NPR 100 imported by border residents from India. The party described the move as unjust, impractical, and harmful to low-income groups such as farmers and labourers, who rely on cheaper goods across the border for survival.

Pakistan’s emergence as mediator between Iran & US-Israel reflects interplay of trust deficits, geographic realities, and economic compulsions

A horrific domestic disturbance in Shreveport, Louisiana, left eight children dead and two others injured early Sunday morning. The victims, aged between one and 14, were shot across three different locations.

The Israeli military announced the killing of Hezbollah commander Ali Rida Abbas and over 150 fighters in strikes conducted just before a US-mediated ceasefire took effect. Abbas, a senior figure in Hezbollah’s armed wing, was the fourth commander from Bint Jbeil killed since October 2023.

Pakistan plans to repay the remaining USD 1.5 billion of a USD 3.5 billion loan to the United Arab Emirates by April 23, aided by International Monetary Fund inflows and Saudi Arabia support, helping stabilise foreign exchange reserves