Nepal’s new government led by Balen Shah is facing early instability, with two ministers resigning within 26 days, raising concerns over governance credibility. Home Minister Sudan Gurung stepped down citing accountability issues, while Labour Minister Dipak Kumar Sah resigned earlier over alleged misuse of office. The developments have dented the reformist image of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Meanwhile, strict enforcement of customs duties on goods from India has triggered anger in border regions, impacting daily livelihoods. Rising fuel prices following global tensions have worsened inflation, intensifying public dissatisfaction. Together, political instability, economic strain, and policy backlash are mounting pressure on Nepal’s new leadership.  (PC: Reuters)    

The Donald Trump administration has reportedly drawn up a “naughty and nice” list assessing NATO allies based on their support for the Iran war and defence contributions. The list, prepared ahead of Mark Rutte’s Washington visit, aims to reward compliant nations and penalise others, potentially through troop redeployments or restricting defence technology access. Countries like Poland and Romania may receive favourable ratings, while most allies declined involvement in the conflict, angering Washington. Though unconfirmed officially, the move signals escalating tensions, reinforcing Trump’s long-standing criticism of NATO and raising concerns about alliance cohesion and US strategic reliability. (PC: India Today)

Iran said it cannot reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to ceasefire violations by the United States and Israel. Senior leader Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening is “not possible” amid a US naval blockade and Israeli actions.   President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is open to talks but cited “breach of commitments” as a barrier. The US has extended the ceasefire, with Donald Trump backing the blockade. Iran also seized two ships, saying they violated rules. The US said the seizures did not break the ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has shifted conflict into a “war of blockades” in the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides intercept commercial vessels, raising risks of escalation. Pakistan is pushing for talks in Islamabad, but delegations have yet to arrive, dimming diplomatic momentum. Donald Trump insists a deal is near, while Tehran cites US “contradictions” and past attacks as reasons for hesitation. Internal uncertainty within Iran’s leadership may further complicate negotiations, leaving mediation efforts stalled amid rising maritime tensions. (PC: BBC)

United Nations experts have raised alarm over widespread forced religious conversions through marriage affecting minority girls in Pakistan. In 2025, about 75% of victims were Hindu and 25% Christian, with nearly 80% of cases reported in Sindh. Most victims were aged 14–18, though younger cases were also noted. Experts cited impunity, weak law enforcement, and dismissal of complaints as key concerns. They urged raising the legal marriage age to 18 nationwide, criminalising forced conversions, and strengthening victim support systems, warning that coercion, abuse, and discrimination continue to endanger vulnerable girls. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump signalled that fresh talks between the United States and Iran could resume within 36 to 72 hours, potentially as early as Friday, amid ongoing ceasefire conditions. The renewed diplomatic push is being facilitated by Pakistan through backchannel mediation, with Islamabad emerging as a possible venue. However, Tehran has not confirmed participation, maintaining ambiguity over its next move. The development follows Trump’s recent ceasefire extension aimed at giving Iran time to present a unified proposal, highlighting a fragile yet active diplomatic window. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said “good news” on talks with Iran could come by Friday, raising hopes of fresh negotiations. A report said discussions may resume within 36 to 72 hours. Trump replied, “It’s possible!” when asked about a breakthrough. However, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency denied any plan for talks and said, “Iran currently has no decision to negotiate.” The comments come after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran. Trump said the pause was at the request of Pakistan’s leadership to allow time for a unified proposal from Tehran. (PC: NDTV)

At least 34 tankers linked to Iran crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US naval blockade, a report said. Of these, 19 ships left the Gulf, while 15 entered from the Arabian Sea. Six tankers were carrying about 10.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil. The cargo is estimated to be worth over $900 million. One tanker, Dorena, reportedly turned off its tracking system while passing through. The US said it had turned back 28 vessels since the blockade began on April 13. Iran said ships now need permission to pass through the strait.

The European Union has given initial approval to a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after oil flow resumed through the Druzhba pipeline. Supplies to Hungary and Slovakia had stopped in January after damage blamed on Russian attacks. Ukraine said repairs were completed and pumping restarted. Hungary’s outgoing leader Viktor Orbán had blocked the loan earlier, demanding oil flow resume. EU officials said the loan is key support for Kyiv. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said there are now “no grounds for blocking it.” Final approval is expected soon. (PC: BBC)

Amid the ongoing conflict, analysts suggest Iran’s real “nuclear weapon” is not a deployed bomb but its stockpile of enriched uranium and ability to rapidly move toward weaponisation. While there is no confirmed evidence of an operational nuclear weapon, Iran retains significant nuclear capability despite US strikes on its facilities. This strategic ambiguity allows Tehran to use its nuclear potential as leverage in negotiations. Experts say the US must now adapt its strategy, balancing military pressure with diplomacy, as completely eliminating Iran’s nuclear capacity appears difficult and risks escalating the already fragile regional situation. (PC: NDTV)