The Indian Army responded to Pakistani firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, following a string of tit-for-tat measures by Pakistan since the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the attack. In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended trade with India. The DGMOs of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline, with Pakistan rejecting India's suspension of the treaty as an "act of war".
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-army-continues-ceasefire-violation-along-loc-for-8th-consecutive-night-8308962A Cypriot-owned vessel in the SAR Region of Malta was attacked by an Israeli UAV while carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is under a blockade and has seen intense military operations since March. The incident occurred during a mission to challenge Israel's siege and deliver life-saving aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is on the verge of collapse due to two months of blocked aid deliveries. The attack comes after Hamas's October 2023 attack, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, and has resulted in a death toll of 52,418 since Israel resumed strikes.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/activists-say-drones-attacked-aid-boat-bound-for-gaza/article_cd20edf0-4f2f-5b4d-9fa3-8f11cd8d5b37.htmlFrench Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's comments suggest that Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire, with international assistance primarily provided by the US and European countries. The agreement to conclude a deal on critical minerals with the US is seen as a step towards economic cooperation, including with other countries. However, Russia under Vladimir Putin has made no effort to participate in the ceasefire or peace talks, which are also aimed at by President Donald Trump. French Minister Le Drian welcomed his meeting with US counterpart Marco Rubio and expressed support for a joint US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals, which could pave the way for security guarantees from the US.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/europe-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-tells-french-minister-8308187Pakistan's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Syed Haider Shah, made an oral statement before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, highlighting atrocities committed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza. He condemned Israel's attempt to dismantle UNRWA operations as a blatant violation of international law and part of a systematic campaign to deny humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians. Pakistan had previously submitted its written statement to the ICJ, which is being heard from April 28 to May 2, 2025, with over 40 states and organizations expected to participate.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360609/pakistan-expresses-solidarity-with-palestine-at-icjA Pakistani trade delegation led by Hasnain Azhar, Amir Reyaz Chottani, Abdul Rehman Fudda, and other officials visited Bangladesh to bolster textile sector trade relations. The visit resulted in the signing of three MoUs with BGMEA, BTMA, and BKMEA, as well as an invitation for textile delegations from these associations to visit Pakistan. The delegation facilitated over 250 B2B meetings, securing $2.5 million worth of yarn and fabric orders, and estimated $10 million sample orders subject to approval.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307249-textile-delegation-strengthens-trade-ties-with-bangladeshRussia launched a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, injuring 14 people, amid tensions with Ukraine. US President Donald Trump had previously clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over a joint agreement to develop and invest in Ukraine's mineral resources, which has now been finalized after months of negotiations. The deal aims to create a recovery fund that will invest in Ukraine and generate revenue, potentially paving the way for security guarantees from the US against future Russian attacks.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/02/zelensky-says-minerals-deal-with-us-truly-equal-a88948Beijing is "evaluating" an offer from Washington to hold talks over US President Donald Trump's crippling tariffs, which have caused significant economic strain on China. The US has approached China to discuss the 145% tariffs imposed by Trump, while Beijing has repeatedly denied seeking a way out of the tariffs. China has expressed its anger at the duties, calling them "bullying", and has created a list of US-made products exempt from retaliatory tariffs, including pharmaceuticals, microchips, and jet engines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett have expressed hope for progress in easing trade tensions, with Trump believing there is a "very good chance" of a deal with China.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/02/china-evaluating-us-offer-to-negotiate-tariffs-says-beijings-door-is-open/175267US President Donald Trump has tempered his auto tariffs, winning cautious praise from industry experts. China acknowledged global economic challenges have strained its economy, with factory activity shrinking in April due to a "sharp shift" in the global economy. Analysts Ja-Ian Chong and Stephen Innes note that while Beijing's comments represent an "olive branch," progress remains uncertain, as both sides are hesitant to appear weak. China has pledged to fight "to the end," but its stance on canceling duties first is non-negotiable for the White House.
https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/china-is-evaluating-us-trade-talks-offer-but-wants-tariffs-scrapped/95896/1US President Donald Trump's deal with Ukraine has strengthened his position in talks with Russia, according to top American officials. The agreement, signed in Washington, establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction and grants the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals projects. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev described it as a sign that Trump had "broken the Kyiv regime" by forcing Ukraine to pay for military aid with mineral resources.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3308741/us-says-ukraine-minerals-deal-will-strengthen-trump-talks-russia?module=top_story&pgtype=section#comments