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On the third anniversary of Sudan's civil war, international donors have pledged $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the conflict. The pledges were made during a conference in Berlin, attended by about a dozen foreign ministers and over 60 delegations.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the anniversary as a 'tragic milestone in a conflict that has shattered a country of immense promise.' He emphasized that the consequences of the war are not confined to Sudan, but are destabilizing the wider region.The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when fighting erupted between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a long-simmering power struggle. The war has resulted in nearly 34 million people needing humanitarian assistance and over 4.5 million being forced to flee their homes.Guterres also highlighted the dire situation for women and girls in Sudan, who have been terrorized and subjected to systematic sexual violence. The conference aimed to not only rally donors but also to help revive stalled negotiations to end the fighting, although the two sides fighting the war were excluded.Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the meeting as a 'colonial tutelage approach,' accusing Western leaders of trying to impose their agenda and vision without consulting or coordinating with Khartoum. The ministry stated that it 'will not accept that countries and regional and international organizations convene to decide on its affairs and bypass the Sudanese government under the pretext of neutrality.'German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that his country pledged 212 million euros ($250m) in humanitarian aid and thanked donors for their pledges. He emphasized that the aid will help alleviate the suffering of the people in Sudan, save lives, and show that the conflict has not been forgotten.

Japan has taken a significant step in its foreign policy by easing its arms export rules, marking a departure from its eight-decade-long pacifist stance. This move comes as trust in US President Donald Trump declines, with him wavering on security commitments to allies and involvement in conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.The Japanese government has approved a record defense budget of $58 billion for 2026, reflecting a push to strengthen military and coastal defenses amid rising global tensions. The new budget forms part of a broader $784 billion national budget for the fiscal year beginning in April 2026.Under the new budget, over $6.2 billion is earmarked to enhance Japan's 'standoff' missile capabilities, including the purchase of domestically produced and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles. This move is seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.Japan's key defense contractors, Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric, are hiring staff and adding capacity to capitalize on demand for arms. Countries such as the Philippines and Poland are expected to become customers of Japanese arms.The easing of arms export rules is part of Japan's efforts to shape its own security policy and reduce its military dependence on the US. This shift is driven by the need to build defense supply chains in Asia that do not rely on the US, particularly in light of Washington's preoccupation with wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.Japanese companies are eager to boost sales by selling their products abroad, with Toshiba planning to hire 500 people over the next three years and constructing new testing and manufacturing facilities. The company's vice president, Kenji Kobayashi, noted that 'reputational risk is not what it used to be.'The US has welcomed Japan's initiatives to boost defense spending and take regional security into its own hands, with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praising Japan's investment in its defense capabilities.

Peter Magyar, the prime‑minister‑elect of Hungary’s Tisza (Respect and Freedom) party, announced a sweeping media reform plan as he prepares to form a new government following a historic landslide that ended Viktor Orbán’s 16‑year rule. In a televised interview – his first appearance on state TV in 18 months – Magyar accused the public broadcaster of operating as a “propaganda machine” and pledged to suspend news broadcasts on state media until a new legal framework is enacted. He described the current staff of the public broadcaster MTVA as having worked under “total intimidation and political terror,” and vowed to establish a new media law, an independent media authority, and professional standards that would restore genuine public‑service journalism. During the same appearance, Magyar confronted President Tamas Sulyok, labeling him “unworthy to embody the unity of the Hungarian nation” and demanding his resignation once the new cabinet takes office. Beyond the political overhaul, Magyar faces a pressing fiscal challenge: more than €16 billion ($19 bn) of EU COVID‑19 recovery funding remains frozen over rule‑of‑law disputes, with an end‑of‑August deadline to meet Brussels’ conditions or risk losing the money. The incoming premier said he has already spoken with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and will begin informal consultations before the formal government is sworn in in May. Magyar outlined four priority reform areas: anti‑corruption measures, accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, restoration of judicial independence, and the revival of media and academic freedoms. Analysts caution that entrenched Orban loyalists within key institutions could complicate the reform trajectory. These moves signal a decisive break from the previous administration’s media consolidation—where a pro‑Orban conglomerate now controls over 400 outlets—and set the stage for Hungary’s next chapter in both domestic governance and its relationship with the European Union.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate voted 47‑52 to reject a resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump’s power to wage war against Iran, marking the fourth defeat of the measure despite weekly attempts by lawmakers. The vote follows a two‑week ceasefire agreed upon last week, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a longer‑term deal. Both sides have indicated openness to a second round of talks. President Trump’s earlier threats, including a statement on April 7 that a “whole civilisation will die tonight,” intensified congressional calls for constraints on his war‑making authority. Party lines largely dictated the outcome: Republican Rand Paul voted in favor, while Democrat John Fetterman broke with his party to oppose the resolution. Supporters argue that Trump acted beyond constitutional limits when he joined Israel in launching the February 28 offensive. The U.S. Constitution reserves the declaration of war for Congress, allowing presidents to act unilaterally only in cases of immediate self‑defence. Senator Chris Murphy, speaking before the vote, described the conflict as a “bungled, mismanaged war” that has failed to meet the administration’s objectives. He criticized the lack of transparency and oversight, noting that the war is costing “billions of dollars every week,” has claimed “over a dozen American lives,” and is destabilising economies worldwide. Republican Senator Jim Risch defended Trump’s actions, dismissing the resolution as “same old, same old” and asserting that the president has both the right and duty to act. The House of Representatives is slated to consider its own war‑powers resolution this week, with a higher likelihood of passage given growing wariness among some Republicans. Even if both chambers approved the measure, Trump could veto it, requiring a two‑thirds supermajority to override. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, Congress must either authorize the military action or approve a 30‑day extension when the conflict reaches its 60‑day mark at the end of April. Failure to do so would legally compel the president to begin withdrawing forces. U.S. blockade updates: U.S. Central Command reported that no vessels have successfully breached the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 48 hours, with nine ships complying with orders to turn back. The U.S. Navy warned that vessels attempting to transit will be boarded for interdiction and seizure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a forthcoming set of financial measures described as the “financial equivalent” of military attacks, while noting that some sanctions had been lifted to ease soaring global energy prices. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the administration has not formally requested an extension of the ceasefire, which is set to expire next week, but expressed optimism about a second round of talks in Islamabad. Iran’s state‑run television reported that a high‑level Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran to coordinate new negotiations. Meanwhile, Major‑General Ali Abdollahi of the IRGC warned that the ongoing naval blockade could jeopardise the fragile ceasefire, describing it as a “prelude to a violation of the ceasefire.”

President Donald Trump declared that the war with Iran is "very close to over," even as Washington maintains a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In Washington, D.C., Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors convened for uncommon direct talks, seeking a cease‑fire while Israel pressed for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Trump also hinted at a possible second round of negotiations with Tehran, suggesting talks could resume in Pakistan within days. The United States, however, is set to let a temporary sanctions waiver on stranded Iranian oil expire, tightening economic pressure on Tehran. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delivered its first shipment of medical supplies and humanitarian aid into Iran since hostilities began, offering a modest lifeline to civilians. Inside Tehran, minor explosions caused limited damage and injuries, underscoring ongoing instability. Iran estimates its war‑related losses at $270 billion and plans to seek reparations. On the diplomatic front, the United Nations' IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that the duration of any uranium‑enrichment moratorium would be a political decision, reflecting the delicate balance of future negotiations. In the United States, the Senate is poised to vote as early as Wednesday on a Democratic initiative to restrict the president’s war powers, signaling growing congressional scrutiny of the conflict. Former defence official David Sedney warned that the Hormuz blockade is backfiring, increasing pressure on Washington as global trade routes are disrupted and domestic support wanes. Meanwhile, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper affirmed that the blockade of Iranian ports is fully operational and that U.S. forces retain maritime superiority in the region. President Trump publicly rebuked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not joining U.S. actions against Iran, describing her stance as lacking courage. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that American forces will intercept Chinese tankers carrying Iranian oil through the Hormuz Strait, effectively cutting off Iran’s oil exports while allowing non‑Iranian cargo to pass. Israel has proposed a long‑term troop presence extending up to 8 km into southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is dismantled, and continues air strikes aimed at encircling the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman highlighted a growing divergence between U.S. and Israeli priorities, noting Israel’s heightened concern over Iran’s ballistic‑missile program. In Lebanon, Israeli raids have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, with reports of villages being razed in a manner likened to Gaza. Hezbollah has rejected the ongoing Israel‑Lebanon talks, while public opinion remains split between hopes for peace and opposition to negotiations. The International Monetary Fund warned that any further escalation could push the global economy toward recession. It cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1 % from 3.9 %, citing disruptions to Gulf oil and gas exports. On the markets, stock indices rose while oil prices slipped, reflecting renewed optimism for a diplomatic resolution and the reopening of the Hormuz Strait.

Tehran has issued an uncompromising demand for $270 billion in reparations for the devastation wrought by United States and Israeli strikes since the war began on 28 February. The figure, disclosed by government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani in an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti, aggregates both direct and indirect losses across a wide range of sectors. Iran’s UN envoy asserted that five regional states must contribute to the compensation, alleging that their territories served as launchpads for attacks on Iranian soil. In parallel, Tehran floated a Strait of Hormuz protocol that would levy a tax on vessels transiting the strategic waterway, earmarking the proceeds for reconstruction. The war has battered Iran’s critical infrastructure: oil and gas complexes, petrochemical plants, steel and aluminium factories, as well as military installations have been repeatedly struck. Damage extends to bridges, ports, railways, universities, research centres, power stations and desalination plants, while countless hospitals, schools and civilian homes have been either damaged or razed. In the aviation sector, Maghsoud Asadi Samani, secretary of the Association of Iranian Airlines, reported that 60 civilian aircraft have been rendered inoperable, with 20 completely destroyed. Iran now operates roughly 160 passenger planes, many of which are decades old and suffer from parts shortages due to stringent US sanctions. The airline industry estimates losses exceeding 300 trillion rials (≈ $190 million) over just 40 days of conflict, compounded by the loss of anticipated revenue from the Nowruz holiday period. Despite the extensive damage, Iranian officials have signalled no willingness to make major concessions in forthcoming negotiations with Washington, including on nuclear enrichment. Hard‑line parliament spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei warned that extending the recent two‑week ceasefire would merely allow the US and Israel to replenish their arsenals, urging the United States to either recognise Iran’s rights—particularly over the Strait of Hormuz—or return to hostilities. Financially, Iran allocated close to $8 billion to its military in 2024, according to SIPRI, and has pledged to triple that budget following previous missile exchanges with Israel. Yet the economy remains strained by years of sanctions, mismanagement and corruption. Compounding the economic strain, the government‑imposed near‑total internet shutdown—affecting over 90 million users—has been estimated to cost the nation up to $80 million per day. Afshin Kolahi of the Iran Chamber of Commerce warned that the blackout equates to losing the output of four B1‑class bridges and two medium‑capacity power plants each day. While a limited “Internet Pro” service is being offered to select users, the majority of the population remains confined to a state‑controlled intranet, prompting widespread calls for internet freedom. These intertwined military, economic and digital pressures underscore the high stakes of the anticipated US‑Iran talks, with Tehran demanding acknowledgment of its losses and a pathway to rebuild a war‑torn nation.

In a landmark decision, a Manhattan federal jury determined that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary wield a monopolistic grip on major concert venues across the United States. The four‑day deliberation ended Wednesday with a finding that the ticket‑selling platform had overcharged buyers by $1.72 per ticket, a figure that will now be used by a judge to calculate total damages. The case, originally spearheaded by the federal government and later joined by dozens of states, accused Live Nation of leveraging its extensive venue network to stifle competition. Plaintiffs argued that the company barred venues from using alternative ticket sellers and retaliated against those that attempted to do so. Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, representing the states, called Live Nation a “monopolistic bully” that inflates prices for concertgoers. He cited the company’s control of 86% of the concert‑ticket market and 73% of the combined concert‑and‑sports market, underscoring the breadth of its influence. Live Nation, which reported over $22 billion in annual revenue, rejected the monopoly label, insisting that pricing decisions rest with artists, sports teams, and venue owners. Company counsel argued that the firm’s size reflects “excellence and effort,” not antitrust violations. The jury’s finding arrives amid a broader regulatory push. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission required Ticketmaster to disclose ticket fees up front, prompting the company to eliminate a post‑checkout processing charge. However, a recent Guardian investigation revealed that Ticketmaster introduced alternative fees to offset lost revenue, raising questions about compliance with FTC rules. Earlier, the Department of Justice settled with Live Nation under the Trump administration, creating a $280 million settlement fund for participating states. The agreement also imposed caps on service fees at select amphitheaters and opened the door—though not the obligation—for venues to work with Ticketmaster rivals such as SeatGeek and AXS. More than 30 states declined the settlement and pursued the trial, arguing that the federal government’s concessions were insufficient. During the proceedings, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino testified, including about the 2022 Taylor Swift ticket fiasco, which he attributed to a cyber‑attack. Internal communications from Live Nation executive Benjamin Baker surfaced, in which he described certain pricing practices as “outrageous” and disparaged customers as “so stupid,” later apologizing for the “very immature and unacceptable” remarks. Live Nation has announced its intention to appeal the verdict, stating confidence that the ultimate outcome will align with the original DOJ settlement framework. The case continues to spotlight the tension between dominant market players and antitrust enforcement in the live‑entertainment industry.

Shares in eco-friendly shoe maker Allbirds experienced a dramatic surge of 582% after the company announced a sudden pivot to artificial intelligence and rebranding as 'NewBird AI'. The unexpected move sent the company's stock price soaring during a flurry of trading.Allbirds, known for its minimalist wool sneakers popular in Silicon Valley, had struggled in recent years, with its shares losing 99% of their worth since 2021. The company was once valued at $4 billion but had fallen into disrepair. Earlier this month, Allbirds announced plans for a $39 million sale to brand management firm American Exchange Company.The company's new focus will be on acquiring graphics processing units to support AI compute. Allbirds stated, “The rise of AI development and adoption has created unprecedented structural demand for specialized, high-performance compute that the market is struggling to meet. NewBird AI is being built to help close that gap.”Allbirds has secured $50 million in funding from an unnamed investor for its new AI operation, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company will shift from its status as an eco-conscious public benefit corporation to a conventional corporation, with a reduced focus on environmental conservation.Despite its initial success, with sustainability central to its marketing and endorsements from celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama, Allbirds struggled to sustain momentum and largely fell out of fashion. The company closed its last physical stores in the US in January and reported a $20.3 million loss in the third quarter of last year.Allbirds is now awaiting shareholder approval for American Exchange Company’s purchase of the company in a vote next month. The sale will enable Allbirds “to pivot its business to AI compute infrastructure, with a long-term vision to become a fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) and AI-native cloud solutions provider.”

The future of the LIV Golf series hangs in the balance after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) signaled a possible withdrawal of its multi‑billion‑dollar support. Executives were summoned to a high‑stakes meeting in New York this week, a development that follows growing speculation that the rebel tour could be shut down. While the fifth season’s sixth event in Mexico City is set to proceed on Thursday, the tournament is being eclipsed by reports that PIF intends to cut the tour’s funding. The tour has already faced challenges securing a merger with the PGA Tour despite a three‑year “framework agreement,” and the funding pull would exacerbate its financial strain. According to the PIF’s newly released five‑year economic strategy, the fund is prioritising sustainable domestic investments and has omitted sport from its seven key focus areas. This shift signals a move away from the “free‑spending, disruptive internationalism” that characterised the launch of LIV Golf in 2021. Since its inception, PIF has poured over $5 bn into the tour, but this year prize money and bonus payouts have already been slashed. High‑profile players such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Sergio García and Bryson DeChambeau initially defected from the PGA and DP World Tours, yet recent defections back to the PGA—including Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed—highlight the tour’s precarious position. DeChambeau has yet to sign a new contract. A source familiar with the Saudi Ministry of Sports confirmed that the fund is redirecting its sports budget toward football and esports, with golf no longer a priority. The same source noted that PIF is ending its partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association, and the three‑year WTA Finals deal in Riyadh will not be renewed after its November expiry. The rumours ignited on Tuesday after journalist Ryan French posted on X that multiple sources warned of a “bombshell announcement” on LIV’s future, later suggesting the tour might be shutting down. LIV officials and players have not received any formal update. In Mexico, Sergio García told reporters they have only heard the same message from PIF chief Yasir al‑Rumayyan at the start of the year: that the project is a long‑term commitment, and that rumours are inevitable. Technical glitches, including an alleged power failure at the venue, forced the cancellation of pre‑tournament press conferences on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the pro‑am competition resumed on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. local time, indicating that day‑to‑day operations continue despite the uncertainty. The outcome of the New York meeting could determine whether LIV Golf survives as a viable alternative to traditional tours or becomes another casualty of shifting Saudi investment priorities.