World

Research in Wapusk National Park and Hudson Bay finds longer ice-free seasons increase polar bears visits near humans, regardless of body condition, suggesting climate change influences encounters more than hunger, though stress may escalate conflicts 

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew criticism after suggesting Koh-i-Noor diamond be returned during King Charles III’s visit, with critics calling his remarks inappropriate during a solemn September 11 attacks memorial event

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to the Islamabad High Court for release on humanitarian grounds, citing deteriorating eyesight and prolonged solitary confinement. His counsel argued that Khan has lost 85% of his vision and that prison conditions are worsening his health.

UAE’s exit from OPEC opens up strategic opportunities for countries like India amid ongoing regional conflicts

The Indian rupee ended 4 paise higher at 94.84 against the US dollar, supported by softer crude prices, though pressures from rising oil, FII outflows, and global uncertainties capped gains. Markets remain cautious amid US-Iran tensions and inflation concerns

The Supreme Court of the United States struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, weakening protections against racial discrimination in voting, alarming civil rights advocates who fear reduced minority representation and a rollback of decades of electoral safeguards

Global oil prices surged as Brent crude crossed $125 amid stalled US-Iran talks and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating tensions in the Iran war triggered market uncertainty, impacting Asian stocks and raising energy concerns worldwide

Nepal Airlines apologised after sharing a map incorrectly depicting Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The airline removed the post, citing error, amid backlash, while reaffirming respect for regional ties and accuracy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the ongoing US-Iran war has severely impacted Pakistan’s economy, with the oil import bill surging from USD 300 million to USD 800 million.

Experts say the fall of rial is likely to further fuel inflation, as rising dollar drives up cost of essential imports — from food and medicine to electronics and raw materials

Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva and the executive committee resigned Wednesday following intense criticism over the national team's decline and mismanagement. The move follows Sri Lanka's early exit from the T20 World Cup and signals a major administrative overhaul

US President Donald Trump faces a May 1 deadline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution over the Iran war, requiring congressional approval or troop withdrawal. Growing political opposition and legal uncertainty heighten tensions over presidential war authority

Elon Musk testified against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging a shift from nonprofit goals to profit-driven motives. The case could impact AI governance, philanthropy norms, and competition in the global artificial intelligence sector

Asian stocks mostly rose on Wednesday despite Wall Street losses, while oil slipped after UAE announced exit from OPEC. Investors tracked US-Iran tensions, Fed decision, and earnings. Regional indexes were mixed, with Hong Kong leading gains and Australia, Taiwan declining slightly

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces lawmakers over the Iran war, defence budget, and military leadership shake-ups. Democrats question costs and legality, while Republicans weigh support. Rising tensions, Strait of Hormuz disruption, and leadership firings add pressure

King Charles III addressed the US Congress, acknowledging “times of great uncertainty” while emphasising the enduring bonds between Britain and America on the 250th anniversary of US independence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the destruction of a massive Hezbollah terror tunnel in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that the tunnel, built with Iranian funding over nearly a decade, stretched more than 2 km and reached depths of 25 metres.

India’s men’s table tennis team began their World Championships campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia, while the women’s team received a walkover. Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah and Harmeet Desai secured comfortable victories in London on Tuesday

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer survived a crucial Parliament vote blocking an ethics inquiry into the Mandelson appointment row. While the motion was defeated, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over his leadership ahead of local elections

The Sports Authority of India has provided over Rs 90 lakh support to the Indian table tennis team for the World Team Championships in London. A 19-member squad will compete, aiming to improve on their Round of 32 finish in 2024

Annalena Baerbock urged renewed commitment to the UN Charter amid global tensions, questioned Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, and highlighted India’s key role in multilateralism during talks with S Jaishankar

Saudi Arabia remains an OPEC heavyweight despite waning influence, as rivalry with the UAE deepens over economic interests and regional politics, particularly in the Red Sea region

Ukraine said it intercepted over 33,000 Russian drones in March, while also launching long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. The war has intensified with reciprocal drone attacks, expanding Ukrainian strike range and escalating civilian and energy infrastructure damage

Anant Mukesh Ambani has urged Colombia to suspend plans to cull 80 invasive hippos, proposing their relocation to Vantara with full funding, scientific management, and lifelong care, pending required international approvals