Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has threatened to strike down any structure built by India to divert the country's share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. The treaty ensures water for 80% of Pakistani agricultural land. India had suspended the treaty hours after the attack.
https://indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-destroy-structure-india-indus-waters-treaty-2719001-2025-05-03The governor of a country received an update from the UAE Consul General on potential business opportunities, ease of doing business, and strengthened relations between their nations. Pakistan citizens are now eligible for a five-year visa program, further solidifying ties with the UAE.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307717-kp-governor-asks-uae-cg-in-karachi-to-help-open-up-consulate-in-peshawarUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump have expressed caution on imposing new sanctions against Russia. Rubio stated that the US administration is holding back from introducing new sanctions to avoid jeopardizing efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Trump suggested he would reconsider tightening anti-Russian sanctions within a week, indicating a potential shift in the administration's stance on the issue.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968461-reuters-us-steps-up-pressure-on-russia-to-end-war-in-ukraine-with-new-sanctions-packageThe US Secretary of State spoke to South Korea's Education Minister and Indian Foreign Minister, but not to India's Prime Minister Modi. Marco Rubio has been given additional responsibilities as National Security Advisor, including talking to foreign leaders like the South Korean interim prime minister and the Brown Pope (Vatican leader). This raises questions about why he chose to speak with these individuals who lack decision-making power on the matter at hand.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360721/partly-facetious-marco-rubio-calling-up-our-prime-minister-and-the-indian-foreign-ministerSarah Wagenknecht, leader of the German party "Union Sarah Wagenknecht - For Reason and Justice", criticizes Europe for not taking proactive diplomatic action in addressing the Ukrainian crisis, resulting in Germany being forced to bear the financial burden. In contrast, Washington has secured access to Ukraine's mineral resources.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968462-sarah-wagenknecht-failure-for-europe-the-us-has-got-hold-of-ukraine-s-riches-and-we-will-pay-for-the-lost-warChina's tentative property rebound is facing uncertainty due to trade tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. A Shanghai resident, Kong Jiongjiong, missed an opportunity to buy a flat in Hongkou district for 1.5 million yuan (US$206,289) after the price dropped unexpectedly, potentially costing her a windfall.
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3308846/chinas-tentative-property-rebound-looks-wobbly-trumps-tariffs-bring-wave-doubt?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a diplomatic charm offensive with consecutive meetings with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliky, the UAE's Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, and Kuwait's Ambassador Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser. Sharif reiterated Pakistan's stance against terrorism, condemning it in all its forms, while categorically rejecting Indian accusations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident. He emphasized a credible international investigation into the matter and urged Saudi Arabia to use its diplomatic leverage for regional de-escalation. Sharif also expressed appreciation for Saudi support and acknowledged the UAE's long-standing friendship and strategic support.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360774/pm-urges-brotherly-states-to-help-ease-tensions-in-regionTaiwan's currency surged 3.8% on Friday, reaching a 15-month high, as US-China trade tensions eased, sparking risk-on optimism in Asian markets. The rally was fueled by retail investors repatriating overseas investments and exporters panic-selling the US dollar. This followed Taiwan's economy growing at its fastest pace in a year, with annual growth estimates upgraded. China's commerce ministry said Washington has expressed desire to negotiate on tariffs, leading traders to identify upside potential in Asian economies.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360739/asian-currencies-taiwan-currency-hits-15-month-highA tense encounter between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on February 28 led to a renegotiation of a mineral deal, which would see joint development and investment in Ukraine's critical resources by both countries.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/03/zelensky-says-wont-play-putins-games-with-short-truce-a88960