🔥 Top Stories
India has signed a deal with Russia to purchase approximately 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles worth US$1.2 billion, according to media reports. The missiles are designed to target support aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months, according to Malaysia-based Defence Security Asia. The acquisition aims to strengthen India's air defense capabilities against Pakistan and China's integrated aerial weapons systems.
President Donald Trump was attending the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner at a Washington ballroom when gunshots erupted, causing guests to dive to the floor in panic. Trump, seated on the dais, looked up in alarm upon hearing the loud bangs before being escorted away by security personnel. This marked his first attendance at the annual event as president.
An explosive device detonated on a bus in Cauca province, southwestern Colombia, on Saturday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 38 others, including five children. The blast occurred along the Panamerican Highway in Cajibio municipality. Military officials characterized the incident as a terrorist attack amid escalating drug trafficking-related violence in the region.
The Iran conflict has shifted the nuclear policy debate in two key American allies, South Korea and Japan, which have historically defined themselves by their lack of nuclear weapons. Previously treated as fringe speculation, the question of whether these nations might develop their own nuclear arsenals has now entered mainstream discussion. The International Atomic Energy Agency director general has raised concerns about this emerging trend.
US President Donald Trump ordered his negotiating team to halt travel to Pakistan for talks aimed at ending an eight-week war affecting the global economy. Trump instructed son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff to remain in place pending further action from Tehran. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who led earlier talks this month, continues involvement in negotiations.
🏛 Politics
A Philippine government task force confirmed that 19 people were killed in a raid on an alleged communist stronghold in Toboso municipality on Negros Island, including two US citizens. The operation on April 19 forced over 300 residents to flee their homes in the remote sugar cane-farming region. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Philippines' human rights commission.
Recent developments in Middle Eastern diplomacy and energy policy show signs of convergence. During Abu Dhabi's crown prince's visit to Beijing, President Xi Jinping outlined China's four-point position on the Iran conflict. Pakistan plays a crucial role in maintaining US-Iran diplomatic channels. Washington intensified pressure on Iranian oil buyers and related financial institutions. Reports indicate expanding use of the yuan in international trade. These developments reflect structural adjustments to the US dollar's status as the primary international reserve currency.
India has signed a deal with Russia to purchase approximately 300 R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles worth US$1.2 billion, according to media reports. The missiles are designed to target support aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months, according to Malaysia-based Defence Security Asia. The acquisition aims to strengthen India's air defense capabilities against Pakistan and China's integrated aerial weapons systems.
President Donald Trump was attending the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner at a Washington ballroom when gunshots erupted, causing guests to dive to the floor in panic. Trump, seated on the dais, looked up in alarm upon hearing the loud bangs before being escorted away by security personnel. This marked his first attendance at the annual event as president.
Hong Kong Education Bureau data reveals that secondary students with mental health issues doubled over five years, rising from 660 in 2020-21 to 1,330 in 2024-25. Despite government and stakeholder efforts to prevent student suicides, suspected suicide cases increased 10 percent between 2024 and 2025, from 28 to 31 cases. Schools must implement multiple measures to improve student mental health.
Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN), located deep in Borneo's jungle, is being developed with Chinese investment. The new capital is scheduled to begin replacing Jakarta in 2028, as the current capital faces traffic congestion, pollution, and land subsidence issues. Despite challenging jungle terrain and infrastructure obstacles, the large-scale development project is progressing toward its planned launch date.
An explosive device detonated on a bus in Cauca province, southwestern Colombia, on Saturday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 38 others, including five children. The blast occurred along the Panamerican Highway in Cajibio municipality. Military officials characterized the incident as a terrorist attack amid escalating drug trafficking-related violence in the region.
The Iran conflict has shifted the nuclear policy debate in two key American allies, South Korea and Japan, which have historically defined themselves by their lack of nuclear weapons. Previously treated as fringe speculation, the question of whether these nations might develop their own nuclear arsenals has now entered mainstream discussion. The International Atomic Energy Agency director general has raised concerns about this emerging trend.
Lebanese state media reported new Israeli strikes in the country's south on Saturday night. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military forces to forcefully attack Hezbollah targets, accusing the group of breaching the ceasefire agreement. Earlier strikes killed six people despite the recently extended truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump ordered his negotiating team to halt travel to Pakistan for talks aimed at ending an eight-week war affecting the global economy. Trump instructed son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff to remain in place pending further action from Tehran. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who led earlier talks this month, continues involvement in negotiations.
💰 Finance
The China-Europe railway network has evolved from an experimental logistics initiative into a mature commercial alternative to maritime and air freight over the past decade. Currently connecting 235 cities across 26 European countries with over 120 Chinese cities, it is increasingly serving as a critical security provider for transcontinental supply chains amid Middle East geopolitical tensions.
Facing a US energy blockade, Chinese solar panels have become a critical solution for Cuba. According to California-based renewable energy tracking media, Cuba's solar power generation share increased from 6 percent to over 20 percent within 12 months, demonstrating the importance of energy independence amid the global energy crisis and creating opportunities for China's renewable energy industry.
Central Asia is emerging as a key destination for Chinese travelers. Data from China's Civil Aviation Administration shows passenger traffic to the region grew 59.3% in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking one of the fastest growth rates among all tracked regions. Analysts attribute this surge to expanded air connections, deepening economic ties, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Hong Kong's luxury home sales more than doubled in the first quarter compared to a year earlier, driven by a strong stock market and attractively priced assets. The surge attracted both local and mainland Chinese wealthy investors. Analysts predict the upward trend will continue into the second quarter, fueled by wealth gains from accumulated stock market appreciation over the past two years.
Hong Kong's IPO market has raised over HK$140 billion (US$17.9 billion) as of April, maintaining its position as the world's leading IPO fundraising hub, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. The city is also pushing to develop gold trading to meet growing investor demand for risk diversification, with high-quality companies continuing to leverage Hong Kong's strong financing platform.
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po recently stated the city could rise to become the world's second-largest financial centre within 10-15 years. Amid geopolitical fragmentation, China's growing global influence, and rapid technological change, Hong Kong must move beyond maintaining international competitiveness to exercising global leadership. However, ambition alone is insufficient; concrete actions are necessary to achieve this vision.
🌏 International
President Trump was safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents Association annual dinner on the 25th after gunshots were fired during the event. Secret Service personnel immediately responded to protect the president. Trump subsequently posted video footage on Truth Social showing a 31-year-old gunman named Allen attempting to breach security checkpoints. Trump's safety has been confirmed and investigations are underway.
A shooting incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on the evening of April 25 (US Eastern Time) while President Trump was in attendance. The Secret Service immediately evacuated Trump and First Lady Melania from the scene. The FBI's Washington Field Office confirmed the suspect has been taken into custody. Trump was not harmed in the incident.
Gunshots were reported at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C. this evening, where President Trump was in attendance. Trump and multiple officials were evacuated from the venue immediately. The Secret Service and law enforcement responded to the incident, and a suspected shooter was reportedly apprehended. Trump subsequently posted that the Secret Service and law enforcement handled the situation appropriately.
Gunshots were reported at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on the evening of April 25 at 8 p.m. ET (8 a.m. Taiwan time on April 26). Secret Service personnel immediately evacuated President Trump and First Lady Melania from the venue following the incident.
Gunshots were reported near President Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner this evening. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the scene immediately. Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident. Both Trump and the First Lady are safe. The incident occurred near the White House, and authorities are investigating the circumstances.
Gunshots were reportedly heard at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. this evening, prompting President Trump and multiple government officials to evacuate the venue immediately. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
A shooting occurred on Fuhou Street in Taichung's West District near the Taichung District Court at 2:32 PM today. A 26-year-old man surnamed Lin was driving an SUV when another man boarded the vehicle. After an altercation between the two, the man opened fire, striking Lin in the abdomen. Prosecutors have dispatched personnel to oversee the investigation as police work to apprehend the suspect.
Gunshots were fired outside the White House press dinner venue while President Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The arrested suspect, Allen, told law enforcement that he intended to shoot at Trump administration officials, according to two sources cited by CBS News.
A shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on the 25th, leaving one Secret Service agent wounded. Despite hundreds of law enforcement personnel on duty, an armed suspect managed to breach the venue where President Trump, Vice President Vance, and multiple cabinet members were present. The incident has raised questions about the security measures at the event.
The Iran conflict enters its third month with the Strait of Hormuz facing severe disruptions. Iran has effectively closed the strait while the US implements sanctions on related vessels, and Iranian fast attack craft target commercial ships. Daily vessel traffic has dropped to near zero. Shipping industry officials warn that even under best-case scenarios, the route will require several months to return to normal operations, intensifying global shipping crisis.
US President Trump announced the cancellation of a planned meeting between American representatives and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Supreme Leader, subsequently posted on social media urging Iran's southern neighbor to make correct judgments. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi is conducting shuttle diplomacy across multiple countries to seek conditions for ending the conflict.
Witnesses report clashes in central and northern Mali involving explosions and gunfire. Security officials describe the incident as the largest jihadist attack in recent years, with coordinated strikes across multiple locations intensifying the security situation.
US President Trump was safely evacuated from the annual White House correspondents' dinner following a shooting incident. A suspect has been detained by authorities. The president was unharmed in the incident, and investigations into the details of the shooting are underway.
US President Trump was quickly escorted to safety after loud bangs rang out while he was speaking at a venue. The president was in the middle of a conversation with attendees when the sounds were heard. Secret Service personnel immediately moved him to a secure location. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the source of the noises.
The 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner ended early Saturday evening when gunshots were heard in the lobby outside the Washington Hilton Hotel's ballroom. President Trump and his family evacuated the premises. Journalists present reported the incident in real-time via their phones as the ballroom was secured. Multiple attendees documented the emergency situation.