The Economic Times

An Iranian attack on a northern Kuwaiti residential area injured six people on Monday, following reports of air defenses intercepting incoming missiles and drones. This incident is part of Iran's retaliatory strikes, with Kuwait denying claims of allowing US forces to operate from its territory.

South Korea's intelligence agency has raised eyebrows with its assessment that Kim Jong Un's daughter is being prepared to take on a leadership role. Recent footage shows her commanding a tank and practicing weaponry, actions perceived as a showcase of her military capabilities.

North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine. This engine is for intercontinental ballistic missiles. These missiles will use carbon fibre. This material makes them lighter and stronger. It allows for heavier or multiple warheads. South Korean lawmakers revealed this information. The test marks a significant upgrade for North Korea's strategic forces.

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to negotiate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran faces devastating infrastructure attacks if a deal is not reached by Tuesday evening. Trump stated that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons. The US also attempted to send weapons to Iranian protesters via Kurdish intermediaries.

Pope Leo implored global leaders to cease conflicts and relinquish ambitions of power and conquest in his Easter message. He urged those with weapons to lay them down and those with the power to wage war to choose peace, emphasizing Christ's nonviolent example. The Pope also made a direct appeal to U.S.

West Asia War: The US military is urgently searching for a missing pilot in Iran after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down. This incident marks the first US aircraft loss in Iranian territory during the ongoing war. Iran has also threatened to disrupt traffic through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Meanwhile, an Iranian drone reportedly damaged Oracle headquarters in Dubai.

President Donald Trump is contemplating significant changes within his cabinet. This potential reshuffle follows the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi and is driven by frustration over the ongoing war with Iran. The conflict has negatively impacted gas prices and Trump's approval ratings. Allies suggest personnel changes are needed to project strength ahead of the midterm elections.

Tremors shook north India including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana on Friday night. The earthquake lasted a few seconds around 9:45 pm. Its epicentre was Afghanistan. The magnitude was 5.9 and the depth was 150 km. No damage was reported. Residents felt strong jolts.

French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Seoul. They pledged to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway is crucial for global oil transport. Their cooperation aims to ease economic worries stemming from Middle East conflict. The leaders also agreed to boost collaboration in technology and energy sectors.

Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan have successfully reopened a crucial supply route in Upper Nile State, previously closed due to last year's floods. This vital effort by UNMISS engineers will significantly improve mobility and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities in a challenging environment.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a watered-down proposal to secure the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only defensive actions after China and Russia opposed authorizing force. The resolution aims to ensure safe passage for vessels, a critical waterway for global oil transport, following Iran's interference.

The Trump administration is set to change its steel and aluminum tariff rules. Commodity steel and aluminum imports will face a 50% tariff. However, duties on derivative products made from these metals will be lowered to 15% or 25%.

India will export essential goods to Maldives for 2026-27. This includes eggs, rice, sugar, and construction materials like sand and stone aggregate. These exports are part of a bilateral trade agreement. India's commitment to supporting Maldives' development is highlighted. The agreement ensures supply of crucial items for Maldives' growing construction sector.

Taiwan's opposition KMT party leader will visit China in April, accepting an invitation from President Xi Jinping. This trip aims to promote peaceful cross-strait relations and strengthen exchanges. The visit occurs as Taiwan's government seeks increased defense spending, a move the KMT supports with conditions.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has directed the energy ministry to prepare a resolution banning gasoline exports starting April 1, with the measure expected to last until July 31. This move follows previous export curbs implemented by Russia to address rising fuel prices and shortages.

Kuwait's primary commercial port, Shuwaikh, suffered damage from a drone attack early Friday. Authorities confirmed material damage but reported no human casualties. This incident is part of Iran's ongoing actions in the Gulf, a response to recent US-Israeli strikes. The attack highlights escalating regional tensions.

China is undertaking a massive undersea mapping and monitoring mission across the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans. This extensive operation is building detailed knowledge of marine conditions. Experts believe this information is vital for China's submarine warfare capabilities against the United States and its allies.

Saudi Aramco, a major oil exporter, has reduced its crude oil shipments to Asian customers for April. This move follows disruptions in trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The producer is now supplying only Arab Light crude from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This action is impacting supplies to Asian refineries and their production of refined products.

Britain's Housing Secretary Steve Reed has dismissed claims that Iran is planning missile strikes on Europe. He stated there is no assessment to support such assertions. Reed also clarified Britain's stance on US President Trump's threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Britain will protect its interests and work with allies to de-escalate the situation in the region.

Sri Lanka has increased fuel prices by 25 percent. This is the second hike in two weeks. The country is preparing for potential impacts from the Middle East war. Fuel rationing was also introduced last week. Officials hope this will reduce fuel consumption. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged preparedness for a prolonged conflict.

Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, has died at the age of 81. A decorated Marine veteran, Mueller headed the FBI from 2001 to 2013 and later served as special counsel, overseeing a 22-month probe that led to multiple indictments but did not result in charges against Donald Trump.

West Asia war: Bangladesh is seeking significant loans to bolster its energy security. The nation faces challenges due to soaring global fuel prices. Measures are being implemented to reduce fuel consumption. The government is pursuing a multi-faceted strategy for a stable energy supply. International financial institutions are providing crucial financial support. Alternative energy sourcing is also under active consideration.

Israel struck central Beirut early Wednesday, killing at least six people. The Lebanese National News Agency reported strikes in densely populated areas. The Israeli military later issued evacuation warnings for buildings in Beirut. Strikes also hit southern Lebanon, with Israel announcing action against Hezbollah targets. Lebanon reports over 900 deaths since March 2.

Myanmar's parliament has convened for the first time since a military coup five years ago. The army-backed party secured a dominant victory in a recent election. This gathering marks a nominal return to democracy, though the military maintains significant control over the legislature and government. A new 'superbody' is also set to form, further consolidating the junta chief's power.

Energy prices have soared across the world since Iran responded to the US-Israeli campaign by threatening shipping sailing though the strait, which connects major Gulf oil and gas exporters to the global market.

Ukraine is sharing its expertise in downing Iranian kamikaze drones with four Middle Eastern countries. Kyiv has sent specialists to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a US military base in Jordan. Ukraine seeks financial and technological assistance in return for this help.

North Korea conducted a test of its state of the art, nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported Sunday, a day after Seoul identified the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles. North Korea also recently carried out missile tests from the naval Choe Hyon destroyer, claiming the country was in the process of arming the Navy with nuclear weapons.

Sri Lanka has handed over the bodies of 45 Iranian sailors, killed in a US submarine attack on their warship off the coast, to Iran's embassy. The frigate IRIS Dena sank last week while returning from India. The bodies will be repatriated to Iran on Friday from Mattala airport.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have issued a stern warning. They state that any new protests will face a harsher crackdown than the events of January. In January, thousands of people lost their lives. The Guards accuse enemies of seeking to create fear and riots. They promise a more forceful response if unrest occurs again.

A van crashed into a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday. The incident caused a shutdown of the area in downtown Washington. Police are investigating the driver of the vehicle. The city remains under heightened security due to the US-Israel war on Iran. The event occurred during morning rush hour.

President Donald Trump is pushing for a new voting law, but House Republican leaders are prioritizing economic relief for families. This creates a divide as Republicans seek to retain their congressional majority. Trump insists his voting bill is key, while others highlight tax cuts and energy independence. Congress faces a challenging path to pass legislation amid these differing priorities.

Australia is sending a military surveillance aircraft to the Middle East for four weeks. Missiles will also be sent to the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Albanese stated this involvement is purely defensive. The move aims to help Gulf countries protect themselves. Australia will not deploy troops on the ground in Iran.

President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call focused on Ukraine and the Middle East conflict. Trump stated Putin wants to be helpful with Iran. He also urged Putin to help end the Ukraine-Russia war. This conflict began over four years ago. Putin reportedly proposed a diplomatic end to the Iranian conflict.

Bangladesh is closing all universities early, bringing forward Eid al-Fitr holidays to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis. This decision, affecting public and private institutions, aims to reduce consumption and ease traffic congestion. The move comes as the nation faces supply uncertainties due to Middle East conflict, prompting broader austerity measures.

Israel experienced air raid sirens early Sunday due to incoming missiles from Iran. Air defenses responded to multiple waves of launches. Alerts were issued across northern and southern Israel, including Haifa and Beersheba. Most missiles were reportedly intercepted. The military confirmed no damage or casualties. This follows earlier strikes on Iran.

A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court has handed down a 10-year jail sentence and a PKR 5,00,000 fine to 47 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders and supporters. The verdict was delivered in absentia for their involvement in vandalism and violence during the May 9, 2023 protests.

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shahs Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is heading for a major victory in Nepals first general election since last years Gen Z protests that toppled the government. According to Election Commission data, the party has won 18 seats and is leading in 99 others, challenging the dominance of traditional parties.

As tensions rise, the US is strategically countering China's expanding influence in Latin America by implementing travel restrictions and advising nations on the risks associated with Chinese investments. Meanwhile, China is not backing down, ramping up its engagement through infrastructure loans and favorable trade agreements.

Fresh blasts were reported in Iran's capital on Thursday as Tehran said it had targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned separatist groups against action in the widening war. On Thursday, Tehran said it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups opposed to the revolution, as reports said the United States was looking to arm Kurdish guerillas to infiltrate Iran.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military told residents south of the Litani River to move north, warning that the army was compelled to take military action against Hezbollah in the area.