Residents in Karachi have begun storing cooking gas in plastic balloons as a stopgap measure amid severe supply shortages and prolonged load-shedding. The practice, reported in areas like Orangi Town, involves filling specially designed balloons during brief supply windows and using them later for cooking. Locals describe it as a last resort to manage daily needs. However, safety experts have raised serious concerns, warning that such storage methods pose extreme fire and explosion risks, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods. Authorities have been urged to address the worsening gas crisis urgently, as the trend highlights deeper energy supply disruptions affecting the region. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations against the United States, accusing it of “piracy” following the seizure of Iranian vessels amid escalating maritime tensions. In a letter addressed to António Guterres and the UN Security Council, Iran’s envoy Amir Saeid Iravani argued that Washington’s actions lack legal basis under international law. He stated that reliance on domestic laws cannot justify forceful maritime interceptions. The move intensifies the ongoing US-Iran confrontation and raises concerns about adherence to global maritime norms and the broader implications for international security.

King Charles III delivered a witty historical remark during a White House dinner, joking that Americans might be speaking French without British influence, in a playful jab at Donald Trump. The comment referenced colonial-era rivalries between Britain and France in North America and echoed Trump’s earlier remarks about Europe “speaking German” without US intervention in World War II. The exchange highlighted the enduring “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom, even amid tensions over global conflicts. Charles also used humor to recall events like the Burning of Washington, reinforcing shared history and diplomatic warmth.

The United Arab Emirates has said it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1. The move comes during the ongoing Iran war, which has shaken global energy markets.   In a statement, the UAE said the decision reflects its “evolving energy profile” and long-term plans. It added that it will focus more on domestic energy production.   The country said it will remain a “responsible and reliable” player in global markets. It plans to increase output in a “gradual and measured manner.”   The move also comes amid rising differences with Saudi Arabia on regional and economic issues. (PC: NDTV)

King Charles III said the partnership between the UK and the US is “more important than ever” during his address to the US Congress. He told lawmakers that global challenges are too large for one country alone. “The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone,” he said. The King spoke about shared history and values. He said the “rule of law” helped both nations grow. Earlier, the King met Donald Trump at the White House during his state visit. He attended the session with Queen Camilla. (PC: BBC)

Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad for a possible second round of peace talks with the United States amid escalating tensions. Iran has asserted that Washington can no longer “dictate” its actions, rejecting what it calls “illegal and irrational demands.” Defence spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik reiterated Tehran’s stance as the US reviews Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. Meanwhile, António Guterres warned that maritime security threats linked to the crisis now impact all nations, including landlocked ones, and cautioned that growing global divisions are undermining trust, international law, and the foundations of collective security worldwide. (PC: X)

Donald Trump claimed that Iran has informed the United States it is in a “state of collapse” and requested the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on social media, Trump said Tehran is struggling with internal leadership divisions and is seeking urgent relief. However, the White House has not confirmed the source or nature of this communication. The US administration remains cautious about Iran’s proposal to end the conflict and reopen the strategic waterway, especially as it delays discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that any agreement must prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump emphasised the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, stating that Americans have “no closer friends than the British” during remarks alongside King Charles III. Highlighting historical ties, Trump referenced a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II at the White House as a symbol of the relationship’s growth and resilience. He said the tree’s expansion mirrors the strengthening bond between the two nations over centuries since American independence. The remarks come during a high-profile visit underscoring diplomatic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the long-standing allies on the global stage.

The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a transnational opioid supply network linked to Sinaloa Cartel, targeting 23 individuals and entities across India, Latin America, and Mexico. Acting through the Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials accused the network of supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals disguised as safe materials. India-based individuals and firms were among those designated, with arrests already made in 2025. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over globalised chemical supply chains fueling synthetic drug production. Sanctions freeze US-linked assets and restrict financial dealings, aiming to disrupt trafficking networks and curb the proliferation of highly lethal opioids worldwide. (PC: iStock)

Iran has banned the export of steel products following airstrikes targeting its industrial infrastructure during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. According to local media reports citing customs authorities, the directive came into effect on April 26. The move is aimed at stabilising domestic supply and managing economic disruptions caused by damage to key steel facilities. Iran’s steel sector is a major contributor to its non-oil exports, and the sudden restriction highlights the broader economic fallout of the conflict. The ban could impact regional markets and supply chains already under strain due to escalating geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)