United Nations experts have raised alarm over widespread forced religious conversions through marriage affecting minority girls in Pakistan. In 2025, about 75% of victims were Hindu and 25% Christian, with nearly 80% of cases reported in Sindh. Most victims were aged 14–18, though younger cases were also noted. Experts cited impunity, weak law enforcement, and dismissal of complaints as key concerns. They urged raising the legal marriage age to 18 nationwide, criminalising forced conversions, and strengthening victim support systems, warning that coercion, abuse, and discrimination continue to endanger vulnerable girls. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump signalled that fresh talks between the United States and Iran could resume within 36 to 72 hours, potentially as early as Friday, amid ongoing ceasefire conditions. The renewed diplomatic push is being facilitated by Pakistan through backchannel mediation, with Islamabad emerging as a possible venue. However, Tehran has not confirmed participation, maintaining ambiguity over its next move. The development follows Trump’s recent ceasefire extension aimed at giving Iran time to present a unified proposal, highlighting a fragile yet active diplomatic window. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said “good news” on talks with Iran could come by Friday, raising hopes of fresh negotiations. A report said discussions may resume within 36 to 72 hours. Trump replied, “It’s possible!” when asked about a breakthrough. However, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency denied any plan for talks and said, “Iran currently has no decision to negotiate.” The comments come after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran. Trump said the pause was at the request of Pakistan’s leadership to allow time for a unified proposal from Tehran. (PC: NDTV)

At least 34 tankers linked to Iran crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US naval blockade, a report said. Of these, 19 ships left the Gulf, while 15 entered from the Arabian Sea. Six tankers were carrying about 10.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil. The cargo is estimated to be worth over $900 million. One tanker, Dorena, reportedly turned off its tracking system while passing through. The US said it had turned back 28 vessels since the blockade began on April 13. Iran said ships now need permission to pass through the strait.

The European Union has given initial approval to a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after oil flow resumed through the Druzhba pipeline. Supplies to Hungary and Slovakia had stopped in January after damage blamed on Russian attacks. Ukraine said repairs were completed and pumping restarted. Hungary’s outgoing leader Viktor Orbán had blocked the loan earlier, demanding oil flow resume. EU officials said the loan is key support for Kyiv. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said there are now “no grounds for blocking it.” Final approval is expected soon. (PC: BBC)

Amid the ongoing conflict, analysts suggest Iran’s real “nuclear weapon” is not a deployed bomb but its stockpile of enriched uranium and ability to rapidly move toward weaponisation. While there is no confirmed evidence of an operational nuclear weapon, Iran retains significant nuclear capability despite US strikes on its facilities. This strategic ambiguity allows Tehran to use its nuclear potential as leverage in negotiations. Experts say the US must now adapt its strategy, balancing military pressure with diplomacy, as completely eliminating Iran’s nuclear capacity appears difficult and risks escalating the already fragile regional situation. (PC: NDTV)

Amid the ongoing US naval blockade, two Iranian oil tankers successfully slipped through the Strait of Hormuz, exposing gaps in enforcement. Reports reveal that these vessels used “dark fleet” tactics such as switching off tracking transponders and masking identities to avoid detection. Despite US claims of intercepting several ships, multiple Iran-linked tankers have managed to bypass restrictions and continue oil exports. The incidents highlight the difficulty of fully controlling one of the world’s most critical oil routes, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the blockade and its impact on global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for negotiations, but the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, keeping tensions high. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz witnessed fresh escalation as two commercial ships were attacked within hours, with one sustaining heavy damage while another was fired upon but remained safe. The incidents highlight the fragile nature of the truce, as Iran demands the blockade’s removal before talks resume. Ongoing maritime confrontations continue to threaten global oil supply routes and regional stability. (PC: The Guardian)

Just weeks after taking office, Balen Shah is facing widespread protests across Nepal triggered by multiple contentious decisions. Demonstrations erupted over the government’s move to sideline student unions, sparking strong backlash from youth groups. Additional anger stems from a new customs duty on goods imported from India, which has impacted daily life in border regions. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung over alleged financial irregularities. The unrest has intensified, reaching Kathmandu’s administrative hub Singha Durbar, putting the new government under growing political pressure. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran, delaying its expiry to allow time for Tehran to submit a formal proposal and continue negotiations. The move, reportedly influenced by mediation efforts from Pakistan, aims to prevent further military escalation and keep diplomatic channels open. However, the US will maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Iran has criticised as a violation of the truce. Uncertainty remains as Iran has not confirmed participation in upcoming talks, while both sides continue to exchange warnings, highlighting fragile peace prospects. (PC: India Today)