OLDS

GLOBAL

Hungarian PM faces ‘false flag’ claims after Serbia says explosives found near pipeline

5 Apr 2026 — 18 Apr 2026

The situation in Hungary began to unfold when Serbia announced the discovery of explosives near a pipeline carrying Russian natural gas to Hungary, prompting claims of a possible "false flag" operation aimed at influencing the country's elections. As the election approached, the opposition movement gained momentum, ultimately leading to a landslide victory for Péter Magyar's Tisza party and the defeat of long-time Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. With Orbán's 16-year grip on power now at an end, Hungary is poised for a significant shift in its relationships with the EU and other countries. The new government, led by Magyar, is set to take office and begin addressing the challenges of restoring ties with the EU and addressing pressing issues.

GLOBAL

UK is most vulnerable European country to jet fuel shortages, Ryanair boss says

1 Apr 2026 — 17 Apr 2026

The UK's vulnerability to jet fuel shortages due to its reliance on Kuwaiti supplies was initially raised by Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, amid the Iran war. As the situation progressed, airlines globally responded to rising fuel costs by increasing fares and, in some cases, scaling back services, with companies like Qantas and Air Canada adjusting their operations to mitigate the impact. The industry is now grappling with the aftermath of a 125% surge in jet fuel prices, with airlines such as Spirit Airlines seeking emergency funding and others suspending flights to cope with the financial strain. With jet fuel prices having more than doubled, the aviation sector continues to face significant challenges in maintaining services and managing costs.

GLOBAL

Pope seems to rebuke Hegseth in remarks about leaders with ‘hands full of blood’

29 Mar 2026 — 17 Apr 2026

The public disagreement between the Vatican and US officials began when Pope Leo made comments about leaders with "hands full of blood" after the US defence secretary's prayer for violence against enemies. The situation escalated over several weeks, with both sides exchanging public remarks and the rhetoric becoming increasingly intense, until the Pope gained support from US bishops after facing criticism from US officials. The dispute ultimately centered on the Trump administration's use of theology to justify conflict in Iran, which the Pope strongly denounced. The Vatican and the White House now remain at odds, with the Pope reaffirming his message of peace and the US administration continuing to criticize him.

GLOBAL

Pakistan and China propose five-part peace plan for Middle East

31 Mar 2026 — 17 Apr 2026

Pakistan and China proposed a five-part peace plan for the Middle East after a meeting between their foreign ministers, Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi, in Beijing. The situation developed over several weeks, with Pakistani officials facilitating negotiations and averting a potential catastrophe, before the US president expressed optimism about restarting talks in Islamabad. The talks, mediated by Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir, have been ongoing, with the goal of extending a ceasefire between the US and Iran beyond its expiry date. The outcome of these efforts has been crucial in determining the future of the situation, with Pakistan playing a key role in the peacemaking process.

GLOBAL

Funeral held for three journalists killed by Israeli strike in Lebanon

29 Mar 2026 — 10 Apr 2026

The situation in Lebanon began with an Israeli strike that killed three journalists, which the Lebanese government condemned as a "blatant war crime". The incident sparked calls for investigation and accountability, with a Lebanese-French man filing a legal complaint in a Paris court alleging a possible war crime. As the conflict escalated, Israel continued to launch strikes against Hezbollah, resulting in a significant civilian casualty count, with over 300 people killed. The Israeli government has maintained its stance, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel will continue to strike Hezbollah with full force, indicating an ongoing and intense conflict.

FINANCE

Israeli strikes and US troop buildup put Pakistan’s peacemaker role under pressure

29 Mar 2026 — 18 Apr 2026

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalated rapidly, with initial strikes leading to a significant increase in gas prices, economic disruption, and a diplomatic effort by Pakistan to mediate a peace agreement. The situation developed into a full-blown war, with US ground troops deployed to the Middle East and Iran responding with force, before a two-week ceasefire was agreed upon. Following the ceasefire, negotiations between the US and Iran continued, but a lasting peace deal has yet to be reached, with the US imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and threatening further action. The conflict has had far-reaching economic consequences, with oil prices fluctuating wildly and global markets remaining on edge.

TECH

If OpenAI is to float on the stock market this year, it needs to start turning a profit

31 Mar 2026 — 17 Apr 2026

Concerns about OpenAI's growth strategy and lack of profitability sparked investor skepticism, prompting the company to reassure investors about its investments in AI infrastructure. However, the narrative around AI shifted as the company faced criticism for withholding an AI model, and public disapproval grew. The situation has since evolved to involve government intervention, with the UK technology secretary urging the country to harness the benefits of AI while addressing concerns about jobs and cybersecurity. Ultimately, OpenAI's path to profitability and a potential stock market float remains uncertain, with the company still facing challenges in demonstrating the viability of its business model.