International
Tensions rise in US Vice President's phone call with Netanyahu
US Vice President JD Vance held a tense phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, in which he chided the premier for making overly optimistic predictions about the war in Iran, Axios reports.
India cuts excise duties on petrol, diesel
The Indian government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to control possible inflation due to instability in the global oil market. At the same time, new taxes have been imposed on diesel and aviation fuel exports.
From rapper to prime minister: Balendra Shah takes oath in Nepal
Balendra Shah has made history by transitioning from a rapper to politics. He has now formally taken oath as the 47th Prime Minister of Nepal.
Trump's signature to appear on new US dollar notes
The United States is set to introduce another distinctive initiative during Donald Trump's second term in office. The president's signature will now appear on US currency.
Israeli Army Chief warns of troop shortage amid ongoing conflict
The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has warned that Israel’s military is facing a growing troop shortage as it continues to fight across multiple fronts.
6.2-magnitude earthquake jolts Japan
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Honshu, the largest island of Japan, late Thursday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
US to halt Iran energy strikes for 10 more days: Trump
US President Donald Trump has announced a further 10-day pause in strikes on Iran’s energy facilities amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Pentagon weighs troop buildup in Middle East amid Trump’s peace signals
The United States is considering a major increase in military presence in the Middle East even as President Donald Trump signals willingness to pursue talks with Iran to ease tensions.
Iran allows Bangladesh-bound oil tankers to transit Strait of Hormuz
Iran has allowed oil tankers bound for Bangladesh, along with several other countries considered “friendly” or “non-hostile,” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing regional tensions that have disrupted global shipping.
Oil prices rise another 5% in global markets
Stock and bond markets fell on Thursday as oil surged more than 5%, with Iran's denial of any talks with the U.S. deepening doubts over the prospect of a quick ceasefire in the near one-month-long Middle East war.