International
Iran waives Hormuz transit fees for Russia, select allied nations
Iran has announced that it will waive transit fees for vessels from Russia and other “friendly countries” using the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.
22 Pakistani Taliban killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
At least 22 members of the Pakistani Taliban were killed in a joint intelligence-based operation in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the military said on Friday. Armed attacks have increased in the region, posing growing challenges for Pakistani authorities.
Global crude oil prices climbed to $106 per barrel
Global crude oil prices climbed sharply on Friday (April 24) as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran over commercial vessel seizures in the Strait of Hormuz rattled energy markets.
Trump announces 3-week extension of Israel–Lebanon ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has announced a three-week extension of the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aiming to ease tensions in the Middle East.
Record voter turnout in West Bengal polls, Mamata calls it “positive sign”
West Bengal recorded an unusually high voter turnout in the first phase of its legislative assembly elections on Thursday (April 23), following controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
US claims seizure of Iranian-oil vessel in Indian Ocean
The United States says it has seized a vessel allegedly involved in Iranian oil transportation during a maritime operation in the Indian Ocean, according to the US Department of Defense.
Israeli strike in southern Lebanon kills five, including journalist
At least five people, including a journalist, were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA).
Iran war may drive up contraceptive prices: Experts warn
Global prices of contraceptives could rise by up to 20–30 per cent as the Iran conflict disrupts supply chains and drives up production costs, industry leaders have warned.
At least 10 killed in Pakistan mining project attack: officials
A group of militants killed at least 10 people at a copper and gold mining project in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Thursday, the latest violence in a region facing an armed separatist movement.
Iran executes man convicted of having links to Israeli intelligence
The official media outlet of the Iranian judiciary has reported the execution of a man convicted of having links to an opposition group and the Israeli intelligence service Mossad.