Cambodia: Environment minister highlights Cambodia\u2019s green achievements at regional ecological summit in Kazakhstan<\/a><\/span> Cambodia: U.S. launches sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asia cyberscams and sanctions Cambodian senator<\/a><\/span> China: China\u2019s Foreign Minister Wang Yi tells Myanmar leader Beijing will back its security, sovereignty<\/a><\/span> Indonesia: Domestic workers legally recognized in Indonesia after ’22-year struggle’<\/a><\/span> Japan: Japan begins selling lethal weapons after lifting of ban<\/a><\/span> Myanmar: Rohingya refugee boat exodus surges by 90 percent: Save the Children<\/a><\/span> Philippines: With Duterte going on trial, focus shifts to dela Rosa, et al<\/a><\/span> South Korea: Oxford University to launch center for Korean studies<\/a><\/span> Taiwan: Foreign minister arrives in Eswatini after Lai cancels trip<\/a><\/span> Taiwan: Taiwan minister makes rare visit to disputed South China Sea Island<\/a><\/span> Thailand: People\u2019s Party to name new secretary-general<\/a><\/span> Vietnam: South Korean President’s visit to Vietnam: Promoting cooperation in energy, investment, and what else?<\/a><\/span> Czech Republic: Inspired by Macron\u2019s speech, Czechia\u2019s Babi\u0161 wants in on nuclear deterrence initiative<\/span> European Union: Beijing lashes out at EU after Chinese firms included in latest Russia sanctions<\/a><\/span> France: Europeans must recognize US, China and Russia are \u2018dead against\u2019 us, says Macron<\/a><\/span> Germany: Germany suspects Russia of Signal phishing attacks targeting politicians<\/a><\/span> Italy: Italy to extradite suspected Chinese hacker wanted by US authorities, says source<\/a><\/span> Romania: Drone crashes in Romania as Russia strikes neighbouring Ukraine<\/a><\/span> Russia: Armenia Wants In On Asia-Europe Trade. Russian Rail Control Stands In The Way<\/a><\/span> Spain\/United States: NATO says ‘no provision’ to expel members after report US could seek to suspend Spain<\/a><\/span> United Kingdom: Sovereignty of Falklands rests with the UK, Britain tells the US<\/a><\/span> Iran: Trump cancels US envoys\u2019 trip after Iran\u2019s Araghchi leaves Pakistan<\/a><\/span> Iran: Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran ‘going global’<\/a><\/span> Iran: US boards ship carrying Iran oil as Trump threatens mine-laying vessels<\/a><\/span> Lebanon\/Israel: Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire to be extended by three weeks<\/a><\/span> United Arab Emirates: U.A.E. Asks U.S. About a Wartime Financial Lifeline<\/a><\/span> DR Congo: Regional bank targets mineral value chain for energy transition<\/a><\/span> DR Congo: US considers resettling 1,100 Afghans in Democratic Republic of Congo<\/a><\/span> Eswatini: Taiwan condemns China for disrupting presidential visit to Africa<\/a><\/span> Ethiopia: Restoration of Tigrayan parliament raises fears of renewed conflict<\/a><\/span> Eritrea: Secret US talks to lift sanctions spark concerns over regional stability<\/a><\/span> Liberia: Press Union warns of “shrinking civic space” and democratic erosion<\/a><\/span> Mali: Coordinated insurgent assaults target military leadership in Bamako<\/a><\/span> Nigeria: National medical association paralyzed by leadership crisis<\/a><\/span> S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe: $24.5 million grant to power clean energy transition<\/a><\/span> Somalia\/Sudan: US-Israel war on Iran threatens to push 30 million people into poverty<\/a><\/span> South Africa: US invests $50 million in rare earth project to counter China<\/a><\/span> Tanzania: Independent inquiry reveals 518 deaths linked to 2025 election unrest<\/a><\/span> Zimbabwe: MDC members abducted amid crackdown on constitutional protests<\/a><\/span> Afghanistan: EU Special Envoy Travels to Kabul, Afghanistan<\/a><\/span> Afghanistan: Trump Is Said to Be in Talks to Send Afghans Who Aided U.S. Forces to Congo<\/a><\/span> Bangladesh: Bangladesh, Oman call for peaceful resolution of conflict in the Gulf<\/a><\/span> Bangladesh : Power shortage may reach 3,000 MW today: Power Division<\/a><\/span> Bhutan: PM calls for falling birth rate a national crisis<\/a><\/span> India: India, Germany seal defence roadmap in Berlin<\/a><\/span> India: ‘India is a great country’: US clarifies Trump stance after ‘hellholes’ remark<\/a><\/span> Kazakhstan: Exclusive: Russia to halt Kazakhstan\u2019s oil flows to Germany via Druzhba, sources say<\/a><\/span> Kyrgyzstan: Drones only with permission: Kyrgyzstan introduces strict flight rules<\/a><\/span> Maldives: Muthalib says war-driven cost pressures require timeline changes but projects will continue<\/a><\/span> Nepal: US, China push competing priorities in Kathmandu<\/a><\/span> Pakistan: PM meets Pakistanis selected for China\u2019s space mission, hopes it will \u2018usher in era of space research\u2019<\/a><\/span> Sri Lanka: Hacking of USD 2.5 million \u2013 Public could lose trust on banks: Joint opposition<\/a><\/span> Sri Lanka: Hackers also attempted to obtain funds linked to payment to India: Deputy Minister<\/a><\/span> Tajikistan: Afghanistan leg of CASA-1000 seen completed by 2027, Tajikistan says<\/a><\/span> Turkmenistan: Starlink antennas have begun to be confiscated in Turkmenistan. Network degradation and widespread blockages continue<\/a><\/span> Turkmenistan: The Turkmen army has restricted access to weapons following a suicide at a military unit in Dashoguz<\/a><\/span> Uzbekistan: Shavkat Mirziyoyev Elected President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea<\/a><\/span> Belize\/United States: Former SC Lt. Gov. Andre\u0301 Bauer nominated for ambassador to Belize<\/a><\/span> Bolivia\/Chile: Bolivia, Chile move to restore ties severed 50 years ago<\/a><\/span> Canada: Canada’s US booze boycott could be resolved if Trump addresses tariffs, Carney says<\/a><\/span> Cuba: Cuba sees short-term relief as Russian oil begins to flow<\/a><\/span> El Salvador: El Salvador shackled prisoners watch their mass trial on a big screen<\/a><\/span>
\nKhmer Times (Cambodia)\u00a0<\/em>
\nMinister of Environment Eang\u00a0Sophalleth\u00a0attended a regional ecological summit in Kazakhstan, highlighting the Kingdom\u2019s environmental efforts and climate resilience strategies.<\/p>\n
\nAssociated Press (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nU.S. officials have announced a sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asian\u00a0cyberscam\u00a0operations as part of what U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro characterized Friday as a “new theater of war” launched by the Trump administration against Chinese transnational organized crime.<\/p>\n
\nThe Straits Times (Singapore)\u00a0<\/em>
\nChina\u2019s top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing will \u201cfirmly support\u201d Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, in a meeting with\u202fjunta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.<\/p>\n
\nBBC News (United Kingdom)<\/em>
\nIndonesia\u2019s parliament has passed a law to protect the rights of domestic workers, more than 20 years after it was first introduced. The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers \u2013 of which almost 90% are women. They were previously not legally classified as workers.<\/p>\n
\nThe Asahi Shimbun (Japan)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Japanese government entered the lethal weapons export business after lifting the ban on April 21 by revising the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. The next day, Prime Minister Sanae\u00a0Takaichi\u00a0started pitching military equipment.<\/p>\n
\nMyanmar Now (Myanmar)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe number of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat has increased by 90 percent compared with last year, Save the Children said on Thursday, based on United Nations figures.<\/p>\n
\nPhilippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)\u00a0<\/em>
\nFormer high-ranking police officials identified as co-perpetrators in the case against ex-President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC) may face charges aside from crimes against humanity.<\/p>\n
\nThe Korea Herald (South Korea)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOxford University plans to launch a center for Korean studies as early as October to boost research in Korean culture, language and history, professors leading the project have said.<\/p>\n
\nFocus Taiwan (Taiwan)\u00a0<\/em>
\nForeign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini on Saturday morning, days after Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te\u00a0was forced to cancel his planned trip to southern Africa due to reported interference from China.<\/p>\n
\nBBC News (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOcean Affairs Minister Kuan Bi-ling made a rare visit to a Taiwan-controlled islet in the South China Sea to\u00a0observe\u00a0a coast guard exercise, as tensions flare in the region. Kuan\u2019s visit to Itu Aba comes as US and Filipino forces hold their largest ever military drills across the Philippines, drawing anger from China.<\/p>\n
\nBangkok Post (Thailand)\u00a0<\/em>
\nPhicharn\u00a0Chaowapatanawong, a key figure in the People\u2019s Party, is expected to assume the post of party secretary-general at Sunday\u2019s general meeting while leader\u00a0Natthaphong\u00a0Ruengpanyawut\u00a0will remain in his position.<\/p>\n
\nBBC News (Vietnam)\u00a0<\/em>
\nSouth Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his wife went on a state visit to Vietnam from April 21 to 24, 2026, at the invitation of General Secretary and President\u00a0To\u00a0Lam. The two countries are promoting cooperation in three major priority areas: upgrading economic cooperation, deeper integration in strategic supply chains, and\u00a0closely linking\u00a0investment, innovation, and human resource training.<\/p>\nEurope & Eurasia<\/h3>\n
\nEUObserver\u00a0(Belgium)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOver the weekend,\u00a0Babi\u0161\u202fconfirmed\u202fthat Czechia wants to join French President Emmanuel Macron\u2019s initiative to build a pan-European nuclear deterrent. \u201cWe in Europe must, of course, have allies, and France is ideal for that,\u201d the prime minister said in a video posted to social media.<\/p>\n
\nPolitico (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nBeijing warned Brussels that the \u201cEU will bear all consequences\u201d after the bloc included Chinese companies in its latest sanctions package against Russia, escalating tensions in an already strained Sino-Europe trade relationship.<\/p>\n
\nPolitico (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nEuropeans\u00a0have to\u00a0step up and defend their own interests because the U.S., China and Russia are now all \u201cdead against\u201d them, French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday.<\/p>\n
\nEuronews (France)\u00a0<\/em>
\nGerman and foreign security services have reissued a warning for phishing attacks targeting lawmakers and senior government officials via the Signal messaging application, in what is believed to be the work of a “state-controlled cyber actor”.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Italian government has decided to extradite a Chinese man wanted by U.S. authorities on\u00a0hacking charges\u00a0that include stealing COVID-19 medical research, a \u200cperson with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.<\/p>\n
\nEuronews (France)\u00a0<\/em>
\nRomanian authorities said 200 people were evacuated while two British fighter jets scrambled after a drone landed in the southeastern city of Galati, near the country’s border with Ukraine.<\/p>\n
\nRadio Free Europe\/Radio Liberty (Czech Republic)\u00a0<\/em>
\nAs Armenia pushes to position itself on trade routes linking Asia and Europe, it faces a major obstacle at home: Its rail network is still controlled by a Russian state company under Western sanctions. Aiming to become part of international transit corridors, Armenia is constrained by the fact that its railways are managed by Russian Railways (RZD), under a 30-year concession signed in 2008.<\/p>\n
\nBBC (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nNato says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance after a report said the US could\u00a0seek\u00a0to suspend Spain over its Iran war stance.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe sovereignty of the Falkland Islands rests with Britain, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday after\u202fan internal Pentagon email\u202fsuggested reviewing the U.S. position \u200con the Falklands as punishment for Britain’s stance on the\u202fIran war.<\/p>\nNear East<\/h3>\n
\nAl Jazeera (Qatar)\u00a0<\/em>
\nUnited States President Donald Trump has announced that his envoys would not be travelling to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left the country. The US president told news outlet Fox News that he had ordered Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to ditch plans to visit the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for the possible talks, despite his earlier claims that Iran was \u201cmaking an offer\u201d aimed at resolving the two-month conflict.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nU.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that a U.S. blockade on Iran is going global, adding Tehran had a chance to make a “good deal” \u200cwith Washington. “Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters. “No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he said.<\/p>\n
\nBBC (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe US says its forces have boarded a sanctioned ship carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean in the country’s latest naval move against Iran. The US Department of Defense (DoD) said in a statement it had carried out a “maritime interdiction” – the interception or inspection of a vessel by a navy on ships suspected to be hostile or in violation of the law – on the M\/T Majestic X. The US has intercepted multiple ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on 13 April. The latest interception comes as President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat laying mines in the critical shipping channel the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
\nBBC (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nUS President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended by three weeks after fresh talks between the countries’ envoys in Washington. Announcing the extension on Truth Social, the US president said the meeting “went very well”, adding the US would be working with Lebanon “to help it protect itself from Hezbollah”.<\/p>\n
\nThe Wall Street Journal (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe United Arab Emirates has opened talks with the U.S. about obtaining a financial backstop in case\u00a0the Iran war\u00a0plunges the oil-rich Persian Gulf state into a deeper crisis, U.S. officials said.\u00a0U.A.E. Central Bank Gov. Khaled Mohamed\u00a0Balama\u00a0raised the idea of a currency-swap line with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasury and Federal Reserve officials in meetings in Washington last week, the officials said. The Emiratis emphasized that they had so far avoided the worst economic effects of the conflict but might still need a financial lifeline, the officials said.<\/p>\nSub-Saharan Africa<\/h3>\n
\nAfreximbank (Egypt)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nRecognizing the Democratic Republic of Congo as a “solution country,” Afreximbank is launching initiatives to finance the nation’s mining value chain. The bank aims to provide tailored financial and investment solutions to mining companies and subcontractors to\u00a0leverage\u00a0the DRC’s vast endowment of cobalt and copper for the global energy transition. These efforts include Project Preparation Facilities and Structured Trade Finance designed to boost liquidity and trade expansion across the sector.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Trump administration is in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans, currently stranded in Qatar, into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Advocacy groups have labeled the plan “unacceptable” due to the DRC’s chronic insecurity and its ongoing conflict with a Rwanda-backed rebel movement. Concerns have been raised that these individuals, many of whom are relatives of U.S. citizens or worked for U.S.-funded organizations, could become stateless if they refuse resettlement in the DRC, as immigrant visa processing for Afghan nationals\u00a0remains\u00a0at a virtual standstill.<\/p>\n
\nHorn Diplomat (Somaliland)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland has strongly condemned China for coercive actions that led to the postponement of President Lai Ching-te’s\u00a0planned visit to Eswatini. Beijing\u00a0reportedly pressured\u00a0several countries to revoke overflight clearances, a move Taiwan described as a violation of international norms and a threat to aviation safety. Despite this interference, Taiwan reaffirmed its resolve to engage with the world and its commitment to strengthening partnerships across Africa, including ongoing cooperation with Somaliland.<\/p>\n
\nAgenzia\u00a0Fides (Vatican City)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has unilaterally restored its regional parliament, prompting fears of a resumption of the bloody conflict that previously claimed at least 600,000 lives. Federal authorities view this move as a violation of the Pretoria Agreement, which mandated that a provisional administration govern the region until new elections could be held. This political tension occurs as Tigray continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with up to 80% of the population requiring emergency\u00a0assistance\u00a0due to severe shortages of food and medicine.<\/p>\n
\nForeign Policy (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Trump administration is\u00a0reportedly engaged\u00a0in secret talks with the Eritrean government to remove existing U.S. sanctions, despite the country’s continued “iron grip” dictatorship and lack of political reform. Eritrea has been accused of fueling internal divisions in Ethiopia to destabilize its neighbor while undercutting its pursuit of Red Sea access. Experts warn that the region\u00a0remains\u00a0a “tinderbox” and that this diplomatic thaw could set in motion dangerous strategic ripple effects across the Horn of Africa.<\/p>\n
\nLiberian Observer (Liberia)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has raised an alarm over the steady erosion of freedom of expression under the Boakai administration, citing the violent suppression of student protesters and the “sinister” use of non-disclosure agreements for government employees. The PUL highlighted a pattern of actions, including the controversial removal of House Speaker J.\u00a0Fonati\u00a0Koffa and legislative efforts to re-criminalize speech, as threats to Liberia’s democratic foundations. The union\u00a0maintains\u00a0that there can be “no rescue without freedom,” especially as citizens face rising living costs and economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n
\nAl Jazeera (Qatar)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nIn an unprecedented and simultaneous assault, al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and Tuareg-led FLA forces launched attacks on military barracks in the capital and northern locations like Kidal. The insurgents targeted the private residence of the\u00a0Defense Minister\u00a0and the home of military ruler General\u00a0Assimi\u00a0Goita, using heavy weaponry and causing “unprecedented panic” within the military ranks. Analysts suggest that the attackers are successfully exploiting a security vacuum created by the withdrawal of Russian mercenaries to weaken the government through “a thousand cuts”.<\/p>\n
\nPremium Times (Nigeria)<\/em>
\nThe Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is facing a severe internal crisis following the reported suspension of its National President, Bala Audu, during an emergency meeting in Abuja. The Lagos State chapter has condemned the meeting as illegal and unconstitutional, accusing certain individuals of prioritizing political ambition over the professional dignity of doctors. This division risks weakening collective efforts to improve doctors’ welfare and\u00a0remuneration\u00a0at a time when the association is negotiating progress at the federal level.<\/p>\n
\nAfrican Development Bank (Ivory Coast)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe African Development Fund has approved a $24.5 million grant to help S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe transition away from expensive and polluting diesel power toward renewable energy. The project involves constructing a solar photovoltaic plant on Pr\u00edncipe Island and installing over 40,000 prepaid meters to curb commercial losses and advance universal electricity access. This investment aims to achieve a 50% renewable energy share by 2030 while creating “green jobs” and skills training for the nation’s youth.<\/p>\n
\nAl Jazeera (Qatar)<\/em>
\nThe United Nations warns that the US-Israel war on Iran will push\u00a030 million people\u00a0into poverty by disrupting global fertilizer and fuel supplies, potentially causing a food “catastrophe” in countries like Somalia and Sudan. Disruption to cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, where one-third of the world’s fertilizer passes, has already lowered agricultural productivity and is expected to hit crop yields later this year. The conflict has\u00a0reportedly wiped\u00a0out between 0.5% and 0.8% of global GDP and is severely straining humanitarian efforts that are already facing funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\nAssociated Press (USA)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe US government, through the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), has committed $50 million to a rare earth extraction project in South Africa to reduce reliance on China for minerals essential to defense systems and electric vehicles. Despite a significant diplomatic rift with South Africa’s government, the Trump administration is prioritizing economic interests by backing the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project, which\u00a0utilizes\u00a0experimental techniques to extract minerals from mining waste. This investment is part of a broader strategy that includes the continued development of the Lobito Corridor railway.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0Daily News (Tanzania)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nAn independent commission of inquiry has reported that 518 people, including 21 children, were killed during organized violence surrounding the October 2025 General Election. Dar es Salaam recorded the highest death toll, leading President Samia Suluhu Hassan to order a Reconciliation Commission and a criminal probe into the unrest. The findings emphasize a severe breach of peace characterized by “organized violence in the name of demonstration” that persisted both during and after the electoral period.<\/p>\n
\nNewZimbabwe.com (Zimbabwe)<\/em>
\nSeven members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were abducted by armed men in Chitungwiza shortly before planned demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3. The Zimbabwe Republic Police\u00a0subsequently\u00a0prohibited the protests in Harare, leading opposition activists to condemn the state for a “deliberate campaign” to block democratic dissent. Amidst this political instability, the country\u2019s exotic leather producers are\u00a0attempting\u00a0to bypass domestic turmoil by\u00a0leveraging\u00a0China\u2019s zero-tariff policy to expand their market reach.<\/p>\nSouth & Central Asia<\/h3>\n
\nKhaama\u00a0Press (Afghanistan)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe EU visited Kabul on Wednesday and spoke with Taliban officials have accepted EU humanitarian aid but have called for increasing aid to address the economic crisis and unemployment within the country. The EU has yet to issue an official statement on the visit.<\/p>\n
\nThe New York Times (United States)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nPresident Trump is reportedly considering relocating Afghan refugees who aided U.S. forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Refugees will be given the\u00a0option\u00a0to return to go back to live under the Taliban or be sent to Congo, which is current suffering the world\u2019s worst humanitarian crises with the ongoing conflict in Rwanda. Details\u00a0remain\u00a0unclear, with the plan appearing to reflect a new immigration strategy of the U.S.<\/p>\n
\nProthom Alo (Bangladesh)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nBangladesh Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Minister of Oman, Hamad Al\u00a0Busaidi\u00a0held a meeting calling for the concerned parties to continue to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution for the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, says a press release. During this meeting they as well discussed bilateral economic and bilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n
\nProthom\u00a0Alo\u00a0(Bangladesh)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nIn a press conference organized by the Power Division, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has said that electricity generation has declined due to the fuel crisis. This could result in a shortfall of 3,000 megawatts, making load shedding necessary to cover the deficit. Electricity supply could potentially increase by 1,982 megawatts within the first week of May to ensure activities are not disrupted throughout the country.<\/p>\n
\nKuensel Online (Bhutan)<\/em>
\nPrime Minister Tshering Tobgay release the 2025 statistics for birth rates in Bhutan, revealing a drastic decrease of 62.9 percent since 1990. He reflects this with the mass resignation of civil servants and inability to meet human resource standards for the year 2026 thus far.<\/p>\n
\nThe Economist (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nIndia and Germany have agreed on a roadmap for defense industry cooperation. This agreement was part of the bilateral talks held with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh in Berlin. The agreement aims to\u00a0identify\u00a0key technologies and weapon systems for joint development. This collaboration strengthens the Indo-German strategic alignment.<\/p>\n
\nThe Economist (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nFollowing recent controversies surrounding President Trump\u2019s social media, U.S. officials highlight Trump\u2019s respect for India, where he\u00a0stated\u00a0that India is a great country and is a good friend. Within New Delhi, the government has reacted cautiously by\u00a0observing\u00a0reports and as left it as is.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nRussia plans to halt oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via from May 1st. If this plan were to be underwent, approximately 17 percent of all the oil processed by \u201cGermany\u2019s PCK refinery\u201d would be removed, diminishing the fuel that powers about 90 percent of \u201ccars in the Berlin and Brandenburg region.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n24.kg (Kyrgyzstan)\u00a0<\/em>
\nKyrgyzstan is implementing stricter flight rules for commercial and personal use, as well as for research purposes. There is also more clarification on delicate areas of drone flying as well, all\u00a0in accordance with\u00a0the International Civil Aviation Organization.<\/p>\n
\nThe Sun (English Edition)\u00a0<\/em>
\nWith the ongoing war in the Middle East, the costs of development projects throughout the country are beginning to heavily affect multiple sectors. Despite the new price tags, Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muthalib emphasizes these projects will continue but deadlines will be pushed for the top priority remains \u201cmaintaining uninterrupted delivery of basic services to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe Kathmandu Post (Nepal)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOfficials from the United States and China held meetings with Nepali leaders directly after on another this past week, both expressing concern over Nepal collaborating with the other and simultaneously discussing plans to advance their own priorities. The country\u00a0remains\u00a0in a sensitive position between the two powers.<\/p>\n
\nDawn (Pakistan)\u00a0<\/em>
\nIn hopes of building a stronger connection with China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the two Pakistani\u00a0astronauts\u00a0candidates chosen for China\u2019s new space program. Both countries hope to begin prioritizing space research more in addition to their friendship.<\/p>\n
\nThe Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe Sri Lankan banks were hacked amounting in a loss of 2.5 million USD causing the people of Sri Lanka to lose trust in banks which has created a new challenge for the Sri Lanka government.<\/p>\n
\nThe Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)\u00a0<\/em>
\nHackers fraudulently obtained funds meant for the Australian Export Finance Agency and\u00a0attempted\u00a0to obtain funds connected with a payment to India. This\u00a0came to light\u00a0when Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Anil Jayantha noticed a constant change of account number changes with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team to investigate the issue. The issue is now being addressed quickly through\u00a0assistance\u00a0of an internal committee and through disciplinary actions.<\/p>\n
\nKhamma Press (Afghanistan)\u00a0<\/em>
\nTajikistan says the Afghanistan section of the CASA-1000 energy project that will help address energy shortages and\u00a0establish\u00a0economic development within the region, is said to be completed by 2027. Tajik Energy Minister, Dalir Juma said the project is strategically important, to increase regional cooperation and build trust amongst the participating countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. However, security\u00a0remains\u00a0a major concern as the project is being developed.<\/p>\n
\nTurkmen News (The Netherlands)\u00a0<\/em>
\nCitizens of Turkmenistan have experienced poor connectivity at low speeds with expensive tariffs from Turkmen telecom causing them to turn to Starlink. With the Ministry of National Security conducting raids and blanket lockdowns on Starlink, it has caused internet use in the country to be impossible.<\/p>\n
\nTurkmen News (The Netherlands)\u00a0<\/em>
\nIn the Dashoguz region, a conscript solider shot himself which has led all military units across Turkmenistan to implement stricter access to weapons. No details have been released yet following the incident. The incident highlights ongoing systemic issues, including hazing, poverty, and corruption among senior officers. Reports also\u00a0indicate\u00a0that many soldiers are trying to leave but are facing difficulty due to denied requests from\u00a0Begench\u00a0Gundogdyev, contributing to the decline in military recruitment.<\/p>\n
\nFergana News (Russia)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThe president of Uzbekistan was elected President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The Fund emphasizes the importance of water use efficiency in Central Asia and the president describes some of his plans on water conservation for his upcoming 2027-2029 term.<\/p>\nWestern Hemisphere<\/h3>\n
\nGreenville News (United States)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOn April 21st, Former South Carolina Lt. Gov, Andr\u00e9 Bauer has been nominated by the White House to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Belize. Bauer previously served in multiple state offices and briefly ran for U.S. Senate in 2025 before ending his campaign. He has yet to be confirmed by the Senate but is currently regarded as the top choice.<\/p>\n
\nFrance24 (France)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOn April 23rd, foreign ministers Francisco Perez Mackenna of Chile and Fernando Aramayo of Bolivia met at a border crossing and traveled together to La Paz. Aramayo described the meeting as a \u201cfundamental milestone\u201d on the road to restoring relations. The two countries severed ties in 1975 after\u00a0failing to reach\u00a0an agreement over Bolivia\u2019s longstanding push for access to the Pacific Ocean, but their relationship is now warming with center-right President Rodrigo Paz governing Bolivia and far right President Jose Kast governing Chile.<\/p>\n
\nBBC (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOn April 23rd, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada’s boycott of US alcohol imports, sparked by tensions over tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, could be lifted if the US repeals or adjusts the tariffs. Several major Canadian stores no longer receive or display American alcohol, affecting the corporations severely. The dispute between the two nations reflects wider economic issues, as the current administration has been very tariff heavy.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nThis week, Cubans began to reap the benefits of a recent 100,000 metric ton delivery of Russian oil. The freshly arrived Russian crude began to trickle out of Cuba\u2019s Cienfuegos refinery on April 17th. While many Cubans said they began to feel relief as blackouts fell dramatically in certain areas, Energy Minister Vincente de la O Levy warned late on Wednesday that the relief would be short-lived, and the remaining Russian fuel is just a few days\u2019 worth.<\/p>\n
\nReuters (United Kingdom)\u00a0<\/em>
\nOn April 23rd, under President Nayib Bukele\u2019s crime crackdown, more than 100 shackled prisoners in El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison watched their mass trial on a large screen. Accused as part of a case involving 486 alleged gang members and 47,000 crimes, the trial has led to over 91,000 arrests and severe scrutiny. Human rights groups criticize the proceedings, arguing they undermine due process and fair defense rights.<\/p>\n