News from April 25, 2025 at 2 PM

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a shooting incident in Indian-controlled Kashmir. On April 24, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The April 22 attack resulted in at least 26 deaths, which Guterres strongly condemned. The Indian government accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, a claim denied by Pakistan. In response, India announced a series of diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing border crossings, and expelling Pakistani personnel. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to all Indian airlines and halting all trade with India. On April 25, officials from both countries reported a firefight between their soldiers in Kashmir, with no casualties reported so far.

US President Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea mining within US and international waters. The order seeks to enhance America's access to minerals crucial for aerospace, green technology, and healthcare sectors. The deep sea holds billions of tonnes of polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt and rare earths. Many countries and environmental groups oppose deep-sea mining in international waters without further research. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the US authorization violates international law and harms global interests. Trump's move aims to position the US ahead of China in underwater resource extraction. The US administration estimates that deep-sea mining could boost the GDP by $300 billion over 10 years and create 100,000 jobs. The EU, UK, and others support a moratorium on the practice pending further scientific research. Environmentalists and scientists are concerned about potential harm to undiscovered species. The Metals Company (TMC) is in discussions with the US government for permits, with its CEO hoping to start mining by year-end.

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that a $698 million funding shortfall, due to reduced humanitarian funding from donor states, could impact its ability to support people facing acute food shortages in Sudan within weeks. The UN agency had requested nearly $800 million to assist seven million people from May to September, but the shortfall will lead to shortages of essential food items. Rations in famine-risk areas have been cut to 70% of the standard WFP ration. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced millions. The WFP is mobilizing support nationwide, including for 450,000 people displaced from the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. In March, the WFP assisted four million people, the highest monthly figure since the conflict began.

The Trump Organization's official retail website began selling red hats and T-shirts with the message 'Trump 2028' on Thursday, sparking fresh questions about President Donald Trump's potential bid for a third term despite constitutional restrictions. The White House referred inquiries to the Trump Organization, which did not comment. Trump has repeatedly hinted at running for a third term, which would require amending the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms; Trump was elected in 2016 and 2024. He has said many people want him to run but it's too early to consider. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon predicts Trump will run and win a third term. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to allow Trump and future presidents to serve three terms.

Over the past six weeks, Yemen's Houthi militants have downed seven US Reaper drones worth a total of $200 million, with three of them being downed in the last week alone. Pentagon officials noted that the increased US strikes against Houthi targets could heighten risks to US Air Force aircraft. Despite improved targeting by the Houthis, the US military campaign against the Ansar Allah movement has been successful so far, hitting over 800 Houthi targets. Following the escalation of the Gaza conflict in 2023, the Houthis threatened to shell Israel and block its ships in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Attacks ceased after a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave in mid-January but resumed after the truce broke down in early March. On March 15, the US, under orders from President Donald Trump, launched massive strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen to protect American interests and ensure navigation freedom. The Houthis retaliated with a series of missile and drone attacks on the US aircraft carrier Harry Truman in the Red Sea.