Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), accused India of using terrorism allegations as a pretext for its actions against Pakistan. The dispute began after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, with New Delhi linking Islamabad to the incident without evidence. In response, Pakistan suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked visas for Indians, while expelling Indian diplomats and closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing. Bilawal claimed India is not a peaceful country and vowed to confront Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to protect the Indus River.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307235-bilawal-vows-to-confront-modi-to-save-indus-riverThe European Union is revising its strategy in Zimbabwe, shifting from a donor role to a co-investor, offering duty- and tax-free access to its market. France supports local agricultural SMEs, while the Netherlands imports Zimbabwean fruits and steel. The EU's move comes as the US reduces aid to many African countries, creating an opportunity for Zimbabwe to strengthen trade ties with Europe amid a tense political climate sparked by the recent NGO law, known as the PVO Bill.
https://africanews.com/2025/05/02/power-play-or-partnership-americas-strategy-in-africa-business-africa/Beijing urges Europe and other nations to unite against US President Donald Trump's tariffs, while facing pressure from the US to cut trading ties with China. Caught in the middle, Europe must navigate between two powerful interests, risking economic carve-outs if it makes a deal with one but not the other. The US and China are also nearing their own negotiations, raising concerns that Europe could be left isolated.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3308740/deal-or-no-deal-eu-engages-us-china-high-wire-bargaining-act?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered his good offices to India and Pakistan in their ongoing tensions, speaking with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Jaishankar. The UN chief hopes for de-escalation, but will only consider traveling to the region if both countries accept his mediation.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/pahalgam-unsc-expected-to-discuss-india-pakistan-tension-sooner-than-later-says-council-chief-13884849.htmlSouth Korea's presidential frontrunner Han has pledged to tackle trade crisis with US tariffs and amend the Constitution to shorten the five-year presidential term, addressing concerns about excessive power concentration. The announcement comes after a court overturned a ruling that cleared Lee of making false statements during his campaign, potentially affecting his election chances. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, set to replace Han as acting president, has stepped down amid impeachment proceedings over alleged involvement in martial law incidents.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/south-korea-former-pm-launches-presidential-bid/article_53d75307-5a50-5aa1-90dd-c0e30177017c.htmlThe Heartland Institute, backed by Koch interests, plans to send climate change deniers to Rome to persuade Pope Francis not to support UN environmental action. The Vatican summit on the environment will feature UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Harvard economist Jeffrey Sachs, who are expected to address concerns about human-caused climate change. Joseph Bast, president of the Heartland Institute, claims that 97% of scientists agree climate change is caused by humans, but argues that global warming is not a crisis, and that reliable energy will be made more expensive and unreliable if UN regulations are implemented.
https://www.rawstory.com/2015/04/koch-backed-group-sending-real-scientists-to-lecture-pope-francis-about-biblical-duty-to-pollute/The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been criticized for its narrow view on protectionism, which is reflected in its flagship report "World Economic Outlook" by economic counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas. The IMF's stance overlooks the potential benefits of focused protectionism in reducing uncertainty and enhancing resilience in countries, particularly in developing nations. Instead, it perpetuates neoliberal policies that have led to boom-bust cycles, increased inequality, and labor disgruntlement. The report also fails to acknowledge the positive impact of protectionism on reducing economic migration and xenophobia, as well as strengthening democracy. Gourinchas notes that recent US tariffs on major trading partners have hiked global tariff rates to centennial highs, but the context is different from previous centuries due to high economic and financial integration. The IMF's thinking is seen as ostrich-like, with a poor understanding of protectionism and its negative fallout from neoliberal policies. Developing countries are vulnerable due to low institutional quality, limited climate financing, and neoliberal trade policy, leading to lower working conditions and increased migration to developed countries for better labor opportunities.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360560/uncertainty-protectionism-and-resilienceThe US and India have strengthened their strategic cooperation through several agreements, including LEMOA, COMCASA, ISA, and BECA, which has implications for China and Pakistan. The rejuvenation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Australia, Japan, and the US, as well as close security ties between India and the US at the I2-U2 forum, demonstrate expanding cooperation. These developments have increased India's confidence, with New Delhi displaying more disdain towards Pakistan, according to a university professor.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307261-why-india-s-treaty-hubris-could-backfireIndia has declared Pakistan's defence and security advisors at its High Commission in New Delhi Persona Non Grata, issued a deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country, reduced diplomatic staff in Islamabad, closed the Attari border, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. In response, Pakistan has cut down its airspace for Indian airlines and reciprocated with its own measures. The situation has escalated tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting global powers like the US to call for restraint. This has led to a drop in international bonds by over one percent due to fears of an impending attack within 24-36 hours.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pak-set-for-worst-month-in-dollar-bonds-stocks-amid-tensions-with-india-8307234