Location · 211 stories from 294 outlets in the last 7 days · 2,191 published stories all time · All places
AI summaryMilitant attacks in Pakistan fell by 42% in April 2026, marking the second straight monthly decline, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Fatalities from attacks dropped to 60, while security forces killed 224 militants during the month. The improvement follows a cross-border military campaign against militant groups in early 2026.
AI summaryA petition signed by over 2,300 mathematicians from nearly 80 countries calls for moving the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians out of the US, citing visa barriers, safety concerns, and US policies. A co-organiser says a Chinese boycott could be decisive, given the country's scientific prominence and its targeting by US restrictions.
AI summaryHong Kong authorities have ramped up inspections and publicity ahead of an April 30 ban on possessing e-cigarettes in public places, issuing thousands of fines this year. However, online sales of vaping products persist, with some platforms offering delivery to Hong Kong despite the existing ban on import, sale, and public use.
AI summaryLandbridge Group, the Chinese-owned company that operates Darwin Port, has initiated international arbitration against Australia over the government's plan to force its sale. The company claims the move is discriminatory and violates a free trade agreement, while Canberra says it will defend the claim.
AI summaryMinisters and experts from more than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta for the first conference dedicated to transitioning away from coal, oil and gas. Hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the talks produced agreed outcomes and plans for further cooperation, even as major emitters stayed away and details of the next meeting remain unsettled.
AI summaryA $135 million assistance package for Nyrstar's lead smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart has expired, leaving the future of over 1,000 workers in doubt. Negotiations among federal, state, and Tasmanian governments continue, with officials citing Chinese competition as a key challenge. Local businesses and political leaders warn of severe regional economic and security consequences if the smelter closes.
AI summaryChina will apply zero-tariff treatment to 100% of tariff lines for all African countries with diplomatic ties from May 1, 2026, for two years. The policy builds on an earlier initiative covering 33 least developed countries and coincides with the handover of China's flagship ECOWAS headquarters project.
AI summaryAustralia has confirmed it is in discussions with the US over a proposal to form an international coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia is engaging with partners including the UK, France, and the US, while reports indicate Australia may contribute its E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to a related mission.
AI summaryThe U.S. Senate has again rejected a Democratic-led war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military actions against Iran, with three Republicans crossing party lines to support the measure. The vote comes as the administration argues the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act is paused due to a ceasefire, a claim disputed by critics.
AI summaryA report by the Transitional Justice Working Group documents a sharp rise in executions and death sentences in North Korea after the country closed its borders in January 2020, with cultural and political offenses overtaking murder as the most common capital crimes.
AI summaryThe US economy expanded at a 2% annualized rate in the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from a weak end to 2025 despite the ongoing war with Iran and rising energy prices. Consumer spending slowed, while government and business investment, particularly in AI, drove growth. The outlook remains clouded by the conflict's impact on oil prices and inflation.
AI summaryAs the Pentagon's official estimate of the Iran war's cost rises to $29 billion, Democratic lawmakers and economists argue the true figure could be hundreds of billions higher. Defense Secretary Hegseth defends the administration's handling amid growing scrutiny over transparency and military readiness.
AI summarySerbian Prime Minister Duro Macut stated Belgrade will not abandon its long-time partners Russia and China, criticizing Western demands to sever ties. In a related development, calls grow within Serbia for closer cooperation with BRICS as an alternative to EU accession negotiations, with some politicians proposing a referendum on the country's European path.
AI summaryGlobal rice supply faces a perfect storm as the Iran war disrupts fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, China's export ban tightens markets, and El Niño threatens output in Southeast Asia. Farmers are cutting back on planting, rice prices are climbing, and UN agencies warn of a potential food security crisis just as the world's biggest exporters report record crops.
AI summaryThe 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders shows press freedom at its lowest in 25 years, with more than half of countries rated 'difficult' or 'very serious'. The US has fallen to a historic low, while the report highlights regional declines and specific country trends.
AI summaryThe World Press Freedom Index hits a new low as more than half of all countries now face 'difficult' or 'very serious' conditions for journalists. The US continues its slide, while only a handful of Nordic nations maintain 'good' press freedom.
AI summaryFinance Minister Koo Yun-cheol participated in ASEAN+3 and ADB meetings in Samarkand, urging regional cooperation amid Middle East conflict, and held bilateral talks with Uzbek President and Japanese counterpart.
AI summaryMyanmar’s new president, Min Aung Hlaing, has approved a sweeping amnesty that reduces the prison sentence of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and releases thousands of prisoners, including former President Win Myint. The moves, tied to the Buddhist New Year, have been met with skepticism from analysts and citizens who see them as cosmetic gestures rather than genuine reform.
AI summaryVolkswagen reported a 28.4% drop in first-quarter net profit as trade barriers, geopolitical tensions, and weak demand in China and the U.S. weighed on sales. Meanwhile, Germany's economy grew by 0.3% in the first quarter, beating expectations despite rising energy costs. The carmaker says it will intensify savings efforts and overhaul its business model.
AI summaryTreasurer Jim Chalmers says ensuring young Australians can access housing is 'driving deliberations' on possible tax changes ahead of the May 12 budget. Reports suggest a rollback of the capital gains tax discount and changes to negative gearing may be considered, though Chalmers has not confirmed specifics.