Trump:

I have spoken to Carney, we are working on a deal with Canada.

Trump:

Ukraine talks in London went good.

Reporter: Has there been any direct contact between the U.S. and China on trade at all?

Trump: Yeah, of course — every day.

Trump:

25% tariffs on Canada could go up.

NEW: An encounter has broken out between militants and security forces in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian Army and Kashmir Police are engaged in the ongoing operation. A gunfight is currently underway.

NEW: Heavy clashes were reported between Somali army forces, backed by local militias, and the militant group Al Shabaab in Wargadhi, Middle Shabelle region. The fighting erupted after Al Shabaab launched a pre-dawn attack on a Somali army base in the area.

U.S. Offers Iran Civilian Nuclear Program in Possible Compromise With Tehran

Rubio outlines possible compromise with Iran: allow civil nuclear programme that relies on imported nuclear fuel. This aims to prevent Iran building a nuclear weapon.

U.S. Proposal

• Iran could use imported uranium enriched abroad (like the UAE model) but not produce its own.
• This marks a softening from the U.S.'s earlier stance demanding total dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program.

Technical Limits

• Enrichment capped at 3.67%, enough for civilian energy but far from weapons-grade.
• Iran, which is enriching uranium to 60%, already has enough material for six nuclear weapons, according to U.S. intel.

Senior Iranian aide Ali Shamkhani rejected the UAE model.

Source: WSJ

Xi vs. Trump: A Battle of Endurance

China’s Xi is ratcheting up country’s pain threshold for a long fight with Trump.

As Trump slaps steep tariffs on China again, Xi Jinping tightens control at home, prepping for a prolonged economic showdown.

With surveillance, AI tools, and a censorship machine fine-tuned from Covid-era protests, Xi aims to withstand U.S. pressure — even at great domestic cost.

“We are Chinese. We don’t back down,” declared China’s foreign ministry, sharing 1953 Mao footage.

Goldman Sachs estimates 20 million Chinese jobs at risk if tariffs persist. But Xi is betting on authoritarian endurance and AI-powered control to weather the storm.

Source: WSJ

DR Congo and M23 Rebels Pledge to Halt Fighting

The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels issued separate but identical statements committing to peace following renewed violence in January.

Each side released the same statement separately after their delegations departed Qatar earlier in the week, following more than a week of discussions.

"Both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, a categorical rejection of any hate speech, intimidation, and call on local communities to uphold these commitments", the statement said.

Source: Reuters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits London for talks focused on energy, defense, and fishing, alongside a major energy summit.

• Talks aim to finalize a new post-Brexit strategic alliance ahead of the May 19 EU-UK summit.
• Portugal triggers EU’s defence spending loophole as NATO raises pressure.
• Von der Leyen praises US LNG support, eyes deeper North Sea cooperation.

Von der Leyen will commend U.S. LNG imports that cushioned the EU after Russia’s gas cuts, affirming their ongoing strategic importance.

The EU encourages members to boost military budgets by 1.5% of GDP annually for four years. Portugal, Spain, and others respond amid NATO pressure.

Source: FT

UPDATE: Wargadhi is allegedly under the control of al-Shabaab militants after intense clashes.

Russian Missile and Drone Attack Kills 9 in Kyiv

Massive Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv overnight, killing at least 9 people and injuring over 60, including children and a pregnant woman.

Strikes targeted multiple districts, causing fires and building collapses.

Pakistan adopts a cautious stance after unidentified militants kill over 24 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, as Indian officials suggest potential military retaliation.

Pakistani media and analysts warn of escalating risks between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan amid increasing belligerence from Indian voices.

• India suspends a key water treaty; strike fears rise.
• Pakistan denies involvement, urges calm, but prepares militarily.

Source: NYT

Trump’s 100-Day Approval in Second Term Hits New Lows

At the 100-day mark of his second term, Donald Trump’s approval stands at 44%, lower than Biden, Obama, and Bush at the same point—and even slightly below his first-term mark (45%).

Source: FOX News

Tesla’s EU sales fell 36% in March 2025, marking the third straight month of decline—despite a 17% rise in overall EV demand.

U.S. House Republicans plan to boost Pentagon spending by $150 billion, abandoning a lower target and aligning with the Senate’s defense plans.

The move is a win for defense hawks.

Source: Politico

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized upgrades to a Pentagon green room to prepare for TV appearances, including installing a makeup mirror and director’s chair.

After the report, Hegseth denied it.

“Totally fake story. No ‘orders’ and no ‘makeup.’”

Trump to wounded soldiers:

So you guys got hit, huh? Pretty good. You got hit. Amazing.

China has announced a plan to increase the international use of the yuan and broaden its own payment systems for global commerce.