Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported Donald Trump’s proposal for the US, Russia, and China to cut their defense budgets by 50%. Calling it a “good idea,” Putin stated Moscow is open to discussions with Washington. However, China’s President Xi Jinping rejected the proposal, citing national security concerns and the need for military expansion. Trump emphasized that reducing military spending could fund other priorities. Moscow’s stance hints at a possible truce in Ukraine, while Beijing remains committed to increasing its defense budget. China currently has the world’s second-largest military budget after the US.

Pakistan’s Punjab Police dismissed over 100 officers for refusing security duties during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The officers, assigned to safeguard teams between Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and hotels, either remained absent or refused duties, citing long working hours. Punjab IGP Usman Anwar ordered strict action, stating there’s “no room for negligence” in international event security. The sackings follow a high alert on threats against foreign nationals. Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed reports of security concerns, claiming Pakistan is hosting the event “peacefully.” Pakistan’s team has already exited the tournament after defeats to India and New Zealand.

On Wednesday, President Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting Gaza as a luxury resort with the name "Trump Gaza." The video features a reimagined, beachfront Gaza with Trump-branded hotels, Tesla-filled streets, a golden Trump statue, and an AI version of Elon Musk. It ends with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu relaxing by a pool. This follows Trump's earlier claim to "take over" Gaza, which he suggested would become the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The White House clarified that the U.S. has no military plan to intervene, amidst ongoing conflict that has claimed over 48,000 lives.

Donald Trump, during a media event, got teary-eyed over a map featuring the newly renamed "Gulf of America," which he had declared through an executive order. Despite controversy, tech giants like Apple and Microsoft updated their maps to reflect the change. The Associated Press (AP) continued using the original "Gulf of Mexico," leading to a legal battle between the White House and the AP. Trump criticized the AP for its stance, while Elon Musk mocked them on social media. Legal proceedings continue, with Trump adamant about enforcing the name change.

Energy bills for UK households are set to rise to £1,849 annually starting April, marking a £159 increase from last year. This rise, driven by increased wholesale gas prices, is the third consecutive hike by the energy regulator, Ofgem. Only households on fixed-rate tariffs will remain unaffected for now, with over four million people having secured fixed rates since November. The increase comes amid higher demand for gas in Europe, exacerbated by colder weather. While a slight reduction in bills is anticipated in July, forecasts remain volatile due to the ongoing energy crisis. Other costs, including council tax and water bills, are also rising in April.

Republicans in the US House of Representatives narrowly passed a multi-trillion dollar government spending bill on a 217-215 vote, advancing President Trump's 2025 agenda. The bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and increased military and immigration enforcement spending, was a key test for Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to secure support after delays. Despite opposition from some Republicans, like Thomas Massie, the bill passed along party lines. Democrats criticized it as a tax cut for the wealthy, jeopardizing Medicaid for low-income families. The bill now heads to the Senate for reconciliation, with Trump’s endorsement intensifying pressure on lawmakers.

Ukraine and the U.S. have agreed on a draft minerals deal, crucial for Kyiv's strategy to secure U.S. backing in its ongoing war with Russia. The deal will open Ukraine's vast mineral resources to the U.S. without offering specific security guarantees. Although President Trump has emphasized the U.S. will benefit financially, some European allies are concerned about the lack of security assurances for Ukraine. Trump, who wants to end the war quickly, has suggested peacekeeping troops might be needed. The minerals deal could reinvest revenues into Ukraine’s development, providing long-term economic support.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending the security clearances of Covington & Burling attorneys who provided pro bono legal services to Special Counsel Jack Smith. This action targets the law firm that represented Smith during investigations into Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Trump criticized the firm's assistance to Smith, labeling it as political targeting. Covington & Burling maintains that their representation of Smith was in a personal capacity and remains committed to defending his interests.

Ukraine requires $524 billion to rebuild after three years of war, according to a new assessment by the World Bank, UN, and EU. The figure marks a 7% increase from last year’s estimate, with energy infrastructure damage rising by 70% due to Russian attacks. Housing, transport, and industry remain the most affected sectors. Ukraine’s government has allocated $7.37 billion for 2025 but faces a $10 billion funding gap. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a peace deal could be reached in weeks. Over 2.5 million households have been affected, with debris clearance alone estimated at nearly $13 billion.

French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting Donald Trump in Washington DC, stated that a Ukraine ceasefire could be reached within weeks. He emphasized that negotiations must include both Ukraine and Europe, warning against a rushed US-Russia deal. Trump has agreed to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Macron stressed the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression, proposing a European troop presence in Ukraine. He also backed US access to rare earth minerals as part of the agreement. With over 6 million Ukrainian refugees and a $524 billion reconstruction cost, a resolution remains critical.