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)

Amid the ongoing US naval blockade, two Iranian oil tankers successfully slipped through the Strait of Hormuz, exposing gaps in enforcement. Reports reveal that these vessels used “dark fleet” tactics such as switching off tracking transponders and masking identities to avoid detection. Despite US claims of intercepting several ships, multiple Iran-linked tankers have managed to bypass restrictions and continue oil exports. The incidents highlight the difficulty of fully controlling one of the world’s most critical oil routes, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the blockade and its impact on global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for negotiations, but the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, keeping tensions high. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz witnessed fresh escalation as two commercial ships were attacked within hours, with one sustaining heavy damage while another was fired upon but remained safe. The incidents highlight the fragile nature of the truce, as Iran demands the blockade’s removal before talks resume. Ongoing maritime confrontations continue to threaten global oil supply routes and regional stability. (PC: The Guardian)

Just weeks after taking office, Balen Shah is facing widespread protests across Nepal triggered by multiple contentious decisions. Demonstrations erupted over the government’s move to sideline student unions, sparking strong backlash from youth groups. Additional anger stems from a new customs duty on goods imported from India, which has impacted daily life in border regions. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung over alleged financial irregularities. The unrest has intensified, reaching Kathmandu’s administrative hub Singha Durbar, putting the new government under growing political pressure. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran, delaying its expiry to allow time for Tehran to submit a formal proposal and continue negotiations. The move, reportedly influenced by mediation efforts from Pakistan, aims to prevent further military escalation and keep diplomatic channels open. However, the US will maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Iran has criticised as a violation of the truce. Uncertainty remains as Iran has not confirmed participation in upcoming talks, while both sides continue to exchange warnings, highlighting fragile peace prospects. (PC: India Today)

A woman in Mumbai confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan after a BJP protest rally caused heavy traffic in Worli on Tuesday. She had been stuck for hours while going to pick up her child from school. The woman stepped out of her vehicle and walked toward the rally. “Get out of here. You are causing a traffic jam,” she told the minister. She also asked why the march was not held at a nearby open ground. Police officers later moved her aside and heard her complaint. A video of the confrontation spread widely online and drew political reactions. 

Violence erupted inside a gurdwara in Moers, leaving multiple people injured after two groups clashed during a prayer gathering. Witnesses reported chaos, with kirpans, knives, pepper spray, and a suspected blank-firing pistol used amid panic inside the premises. Nearly 100 police personnel, including a Special Task Force and a helicopter, were deployed to control the situation. Authorities recovered cartridge cases but found no active gunman; one suspect is in custody. According to reports by Bild and Neue Ruhr Zeitung, the clash may be linked to an internal dispute over gurdwara management and community funds. Investigations remain ongoing.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has cleared Parliament, meaning anyone aged 17 or younger today in the United Kingdom will never legally buy cigarettes. The law raises the legal smoking age annually, aiming to eliminate future smokers. It also expands government powers over nicotine product flavours, marketing, and packaging, while tightening vaping restrictions in areas like cars with children, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. Health minister Baroness Merron called it a “landmark” intervention to save lives. Critics, including Lord Naseby, warned of impacts on retailers and stressed education over restrictions. (PC: X)

JD Vance has cancelled his planned visit to Islamabad for Iran-related talks following a ceasefire extension announced by Donald Trump. The trip, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, has been called off indefinitely with no new dates set. A White House official said Washington is now waiting for a “unified proposal” from Iran before resuming high-level diplomacy. The move reflects a recalibration of US strategy, prioritising a comprehensive framework over immediate negotiations. The ceasefire extension reportedly followed a request from Pakistani leadership to delay potential military action. (PC: X)