Iran’s military has announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been closed again, citing the continuing United States naval blockade as the trigger behind the move. The development sharply raises tensions across the Gulf and threatens a key global energy corridor through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

Breaking: Iran's Military Says It Has Closed Hormuz Strait Again

Xi Jinping has welcomed a string of high-level international visitors to China ahead of a closely watched summit with Donald Trump, signaling intensified diplomatic engagement before the anticipated talks. The meetings are seen as part of Beijing’s effort to shape the agenda ahead of the Trump–Xi interaction, with trade, technology competition, and global security expected to dominate discussions between the two major powers. 

Trump-Xi Meet: China Hosts String of High-Level Visitors Ahead of Trump Summit 

India has reiterated its firm commitment to securing the extradition of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, who is wanted in connection with the multi-billion-dollar banking fraud case linked to Punjab National Bank. Officials said legal efforts are continuing through diplomatic and judicial channels to bring him back from the United Kingdom to face trial.

India  Reaffirms Resolve to Secure Nirav Modi's Extradition

The United States has granted a temporary 30-day waiver allowing continued purchases of Russian oil, offering short-term relief to global energy markets amid ongoing sanctions pressure. The move is expected to help stabilize supply chains and prevent sudden price shocks while diplomatic and policy discussions continue over longer-term restrictions on Russian energy exports.


US Grants 30-Day Waiver for Russian Oil Purchases | WION 

Iran has firmly stated that its stockpile of enriched uranium will not be transferred anywhere, rejecting claims made by Donald Trump that the material could be moved as part of negotiations. Iranian officials stressed the uranium remains under national control and is central to the country’s nuclear policy amid ongoing tensions linked to the US–Iran conflict.

US-Iran War: Iran Says Its Enriched Uranium Won't be Transferred Anywhere 

A top US commander says Washington is very concerned that Russia may be developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in orbit. Such a system could disrupt GPS, communications and vital services across the world. Russia has denied existence of any such systems. 

US Warns Russia May Deploy Nuclear Space Weapon

Pope Leo XIV has warned that artificial intelligence could gradually replace reality with simulation if left unchecked, urging students to engage with technology responsibly while preserving human judgment and creativity. Speaking during an address to students, the Pope highlighted both the opportunities and risks of AI, encouraging young people to embrace innovation without losing sight of human values and critical thinking in a rapidly changing digital world.

Pope Leo Says AI Slowly Replacing Reality with Simulation; Urges Students to Embrace Technology 

Oil prices dropped sharply by nearly $10–$12 per barrel after the Strait of Hormuz reopened during the US–Iran Ceasefire, easing fears of supply disruptions across one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The reopening restored confidence in global crude flows, which typically pass through a route carrying about one-fifth of global oil shipments.

US-Iran Ceasefire: Oil Drop $10-$12 Per Barrel Post Hormuz Opening

Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal. If the deal holds, it will release millions of barrels of crude oil and gas trapped in the Persian Gulf. However, tanker owners and oil dealers have reacted cautiously to the reopening announcement.

Majority of Ship Owners & Traders: Deal Lacks Details

The cost of the West Asia conflict on heavily sanctioned Iran’s already faltering economy is estimated to be much more than the U.S. and Israel put together. Hopes of an extension to the ceasefire and a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran have helped markets recoup the severe losses from the war month. But for the Islamic Republic, recovery requires heavy rebuilding efforts and funding. We decode that and more in this next report.

Iran War: Estimates Put Iran's Cost of War at $100 Bn

India’s home services market is undergoing a rapid transformation, with startups offering on-demand domestic help at ultra-low prices. While demand is booming among urban consumers, concerns over worker safety, low wages, and long-term sustainability are coming into sharper focus. Take a look at this next report for more.

India’s $1 an Hour Home-Help Market Expands 

India’s exports to West Asia took a sharp hit in March after falling by an estimated 3.5 billion dollars. Delayed shipments and raised logistics costs were responsible for the disruption.

 India's Exports to West Asia Drop by $3.5BN in March 

Investors in the Indian stock market breathed a massive sigh of relief this week. Equities shook off recent jitters as geopolitical clouds began to part. Investors, who had been on edge due to tensions in West Asia, found reasons to cheer, as talks of a ceasefire and potential diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran injected a fresh dose of risk-on sentiment into markets.

What Moved Indian Markets This Week? 

The global market rally was triggered after Strait of Hormuz would remain open during a 10-day ceasefire. This is critical, as the route carries nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies.

Global Markets Cheer Hormuz Reopening Announcement

United States aircraft alerted authorities in Costa Rica after detecting a suspected drug-trafficking vessel moving through regional waters. The early warning helped trigger a coordinated security response as Costa Rican forces moved to monitor and intercept the vessel. The incident highlights ongoing cooperation between the US and Central American partners to counter narcotics smuggling routes across the region.


US Aircrafts Alerts Costa Rica on Suspected Drug Vessel 

In a key breakthrough, former lawmaker Zaldy Co has been detained in Prague amid a widening probe into alleged misuse of billions in flood control funds. The scandal, which triggered mass protests in Manila, has become a major test for the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Authorities are now working to secure his return as investigations into ghost projects and kickbacks continue.

Philippines Lawmaker Zaldy Co Held Abroad Over Flood Project Corruption Probe

Pakistan conducted a high-security aerial escort operation using 24 fighter jets, including advanced Chengdu J-10 aircraft, during a sensitive diplomatic movement following high-level talks in Islamabad. The mission highlights Pakistan’s rapid-response air defence capability and growing reliance on Chinese-built platforms for strategic operations amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Pakistan Conducted Escort Operation; 24 Fighter Jets, Advanced Chinese J-10 Used in Mission

Donald Trump has teased the possible release of long-awaited UFO documents, sparking fresh speculation about what the Pentagon and other agencies may disclose. However, the US President did not provide any timeline for when the files could be made public, leaving questions unanswered about government knowledge of unidentified aerial phenomena

US President Teases 'UFO Documents' Without Release Timeline

As the war in Ukraine drags on and economic pressures mount, more people in Russia are turning to the supernatural for answers. From soldiers to civilians, demand for services like spells and spiritual protection is rising. Experts say this reflects a broader pattern: in times of crisis, belief in mysticism and the occult tends to surge. 

Russians Turn to Magic Amid Ukraine War, Soldiers Seek Supernatural Guidance

Amid rising regional tensions and shifting security dynamics, Gulf allies are increasingly turning to South Korea and Ukraine for urgent defence supplies and military cooperation.

Gulf Allies Turn to S Korea & Ukraine for Urgent Defence Needs

Rising tensions in the US-Iran war spark fears that Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz again, threatening global oil routes.
Donald Trump says the U.S. will retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium and bring it to America as part of a possible deal.

US-Iran War: Iran To Shut Hormuz Again? Trump Vows To Bring Iran Uranium To US

Amid the escalating US–Iran war, Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s enriched uranium will eventually be excavated and moved to the United States as part of a possible deal.


US-Iran War: Trump Vows To Bring Iran's Uranium To America | West Asia War 

Donald Trump has reportedly asked Israel to avoid bombing Lebanon, urging restraint amid rising regional tensions. Hezbollah has warned that its fighters remain “with their hands on the trigger” despite the ongoing Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, cautioning that any violation by Israel could trigger a response. The fragile truce along the border continues to face uncertainty as tensions remain high, raising concerns about renewed escalation in the region.


Israel-Lebanon War: Trump Blocks Israel Strike On Lebanon, Pushes Diplomacy 

Amid the escalating US–Iran war, Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s enriched uranium will eventually be excavated and moved to the United States as part of a possible deal.

US-Iran War: Trump Makes Big Claim, Says Iran's Uranium Will Be Moved To America 

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