The United Nations is considering a major overhaul, with a six-page confidential memo proposing the consolidation of dozens of agencies into four primary departments: peace and security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and human rights. The document suggests merging the World Food Program, UNICEF, WHO, and UNHCR into a single humanitarian entity, and reducing translator positions at meetings. The proposed reforms aim to address "overlapping mandates," "inefficient use of resources," and "fragmentation" within the organization, which has faced criticism from both supporters and critics. Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed a task force in March to explore long-term structural changes, with the goal of making the UN more cost-effective.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/02/world/politics/united-nations-overhaul/The Israeli blockade on Gaza has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with the UN's World Food Programme warning of a famine that has already begun. The UN's Olga Cherevko described the situation as "deadly" and said community kitchens have shut down due to lack of food, causing children and vulnerable people to die from malnutrition. Water access is also becoming impossible, with people fighting over water supplies. Hospitals are running out of blood units, and nearly 420,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the resumption of hostilities. The World Health Organization's Mike Ryan called the situation an "abomination", saying it's breaking the bodies and minds of Gaza's children.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/deadly-blockade-leaves-gaza-aid-work-on-verge-of-collapse-un-red-cross/article_a0ab9e45-766f-5ea0-ab73-90b457fda4ef.htmlThe US and China are negotiating a potential tariff rollback, with the US expressing concerns about unbalanced trade and China accusing the US of suppressing its technological development. Dozens of countries face a July deadline to strike an agreement or face higher tariffs, while China has vowed to fight a trade war to the end if necessary, as seen in a recent social media video from the Chinese foreign ministry.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/china-says-open-to-us-trade-talks-offer-but-wants-tariffs-scrapped-208720The US and Ukraine have reached a new agreement that focuses on boosting American business interests in Ukraine to deter potential Russian aggression. The deal does not include specific security commitments from the US, but Washington believes this will help counterbalance Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360573/zelensky-hails-ukraine-us-mineral-deal-as-truly-equalThe US and Ukraine are set to sign a deal that will create a recovery fund to invest in Ukraine, with profits to be invested exclusively in the country for the first 10 years. The agreement aims to provide security guarantees against future Russian attacks, but does not include specific commitments from the US. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Russia is the "sole obstacle" to peace in Ukraine, while President Vladimir Putin declared a surprise three-day truce coinciding with World War II Victory Day celebrations. The deal was delayed due to a White House clash between Trump and Zelensky, but hopes it will pave the way for increased US investment in Ukraine.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602745-zelensky-hails-truly-equal-minerals-deal-with-usUkraine and the US have reached a new agreement that creates an opportunity for significant investment in Ukraine. The deal, which includes the establishment of a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, aims to provide economic benefits while avoiding specific security commitments from the US. However, Russia has rejected previous ceasefire proposals and continues to attack Ukraine, with a recent drone strike on Odesa killing two people. Ukrainian President Zelensky is seeking further pressure on Russia to negotiate, while US President Trump's efforts have been temporarily derailed by clashes between him and Zelensky at the White House.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307421-zelensky-says-minerals-deal-with-us-truly-equalThe US Commerce Ministry has warned that using talks as a pretext to engage in coercion and extortion would not work, amid escalating tensions with China over tariffs. The ministry urged the US to show sincerity in negotiations and prepare to take action to correct "erroneous practices". Beijing has responded by imposing 125% tariffs on US goods, labelling Trump's tariff strategy "a joke", which could make trade between the two economies impossible if duties exceed 35%. China has denied seeking a way out of the tariffs, instead betting that the US will make the first move. The US has ended duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, while officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett have expressed hope for progress in easing trade tensions.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307473-china-evaluating-us-offer-to-talk-tariffs-warns-against-extortionTim Cook stated that Apple cannot precisely estimate the impact of tariffs for the June quarter due to uncertainty about future actions. The company has shifted most US production away from China to India and Vietnam to minimize tariff burdens. However, products imported from China are still subject to a 20% tariff, with some categories facing an additional 125%. Cook emphasized Apple's long-term approach, focusing on investment, innovation, and mature decision-making despite ongoing investigations into semiconductor imports that may affect future tariffs.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2002812/trumps-tariffs-add-900-million-to-apples-operating-costsIndia has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review loans disbursed to Pakistan amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 men. India claims three attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, were involved, while Islamabad denies any role and calls for a neutral investigation. The IMF programme is critical to Pakistan's $350 billion economy, which has stabilised under the bailout that helped it avoid default. Advisor Khurram Schehzad says the programme is "well on track" and Pakistan had productive meetings with financial institutions in Washington.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360666/india-asks-imf-to-review-loans-to-pakistan-indian-government-source-says