Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in over three years in Istanbul, Turkey. Though Presidents Putin and Zelensky did not attend, officials from both sides discussed ceasefire terms and finalized a significant prisoner swap—1,000 for 1,000 detainees. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the agreement, marking what could be the biggest exchange since the war began. However, no major diplomatic breakthrough was reached, as Ukraine rejected new Russian territorial demands. The Kremlin said discussions would continue after both nations submit detailed ceasefire proposals. Key Western leaders, including Trump, were briefed on the developments via a joint call.
TRUMP OPPOSES APPLE EXPANSION INDIA
US President Donald Trump has publicly opposed Apple’s move to shift iPhone production to India, stating he told CEO Tim Cook to manufacture in India only for local supply, not export. Trump claimed India offered to drop all tariffs, calling the country one of the world’s highest tariff nations. His comments come despite Apple’s ongoing expansion in India, where it now produces all iPhone models and benefits heavily from the government’s PLI subsidies. As Apple plans to shift 25% of iPhone production to India, Trump’s remarks complicate an already evolving geopolitical trade landscape involving the US, China, and India.
VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT BERLIN PROTEST
A pro-Palestinian protest in Berlin commemorating Nakba Day turned violent, leaving several protesters and 11 police officers injured, including one seriously. Around 1,100 people gathered in Kreuzberg, defying a court’s order to remain stationary. Chants deemed illegal in Germany, such as “From the river to the sea,” led to tensions and arrests. Violence escalated as bottles and stones were thrown at police; one officer was trampled and hospitalized. Berlin officials condemned the brutality, calling for tougher responses and reevaluation of such demonstrations. Critics argue that the protest expressed hatred rather than legitimate Palestinian concerns. Over 50 arrests were made during the unrest.
BANGKOK TOWER COLLAPSE SPARKS ARRESTS
Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for 17 individuals, including top executives and engineers, following the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. The partially built State Audit Office tower crumbled instantly, killing 89 and leaving seven missing. Police allege violations of building codes, with charges that could result in life sentences. Among the accused is Premchai Karnasuta, ex-president of Italian Thai Development Plc., previously jailed for wildlife poaching. Investigations continue into the structural failure, which has raised serious concerns over construction standards and regulatory oversight in Thailand’s booming real estate sector.
BELGIUM ENDS NUCLEAR PHASEOUT PLAN
Belgium’s parliament has officially scrapped its decades-old plan to phase out nuclear energy, reversing a 2003 law mandating the shutdown of all nuclear plants by 2025. The motion passed with overwhelming support: 102 votes in favour, 8 against, and 31 abstentions. Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet called it a turning point toward a resilient energy future. Nuclear power currently generates about 40% of Belgium’s electricity. The decision reflects broader European trends, with countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy reconsidering nuclear options. The move comes amid energy security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising support for nuclear energy in Europe.
