The United Arab Emirates has abruptly withdrawn from Opec, an organisation it joined before its 1971 statehood. This move, driven by the UAE's desire to increase oil production beyond Opec quotas, carries significant implications for global energy markets and regional power dynamics, particularly following recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
A Canadian national was killed and several others injured when a gunman opened fire at the Teotihuacán archaeological zone in Mexico, according to Mexican officials. The assailant reportedly died by suicide following the attack at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The UK government is set to announce plans to decouple electricity prices from volatile gas markets, proposing that older renewable energy generators move to fixed-price contracts within the next year. This initiative, aimed at shielding consumers from energy price shocks, comes as the Middle East conflict continues to underscore global energy insecurity.
Petrol and diesel retailers across the UK are reporting a 62% surge in fuel thefts in March compared to the previous year, as the US-Israel war with Iran drives up pump prices. Some forecourt owners are now losing an estimated £2,000 per week to 'drive-offs', while staff face increased abuse from frustrated motorists.
German firm Proxima Fusion is securing substantial investment, including €400m from Bavaria, to advance its Alpha stellarator fusion project. The company aims for Alpha to produce net energy, leveraging Germany's manufacturing capabilities to construct complex magnets for the 'dumb machine' design, contrasting with the tokamak approach pursued by projects such as the UK's Step.
The United States Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian vessel attempting to enter the Gulf, prompting Iran to denounce the action as a violation of the ceasefire and an act of "armed piracy". This incident marks the first seizure since the US initiated its blockade of Iranian ports.
Approximately 200 tourists found themselves stranded on a popular Rio de Janeiro hilltop trail during a police operation targeting the Comando Vermelho gang in the Vidigal favela. Gunfire between officers and suspected gang members blocked the main access route, leaving the group, which included Portuguese sisters Matilda and Rita Oliveiro, unable to descend for about 30 minutes.
Ugandan and Congolese forces liberated more than 200 civilians, including children, from an Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ADF, an IS-linked militant group, has been responsible for widespread abductions, killings, and forced labour in the region.
An Israeli soldier was captured on video destroying a statue of Jesus in Debel, southern Lebanon, leading to widespread condemnation and an apology from Israel's foreign minister. The incident occurred amidst Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon following a US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The US government has commenced processing refunds for $160 billion in tariffs, previously declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. While importers can reclaim charges, individual consumers, who absorbed higher prices, are largely excluded from direct compensation. Despite some class-action lawsuits, officials do not anticipate consumers will see direct benefits.
Elon Musk has received a summons from French authorities for a voluntary interview on Monday regarding an ongoing investigation into content on his platform, X. The probe, which began in January 2025, includes concerns about Grok chatbot-generated non-consensual sexual deepfakes and alleged child sexual abuse material.
Ryanair confirmed that passengers scheduled to fly from Milan Bergamo to Manchester on 16 April were unable to board after experiencing extensive delays at passport control, attributed to the new European Entry-Exit System (EES). This incident follows a similar occurrence earlier this month involving EasyJet at Milan Linate.
Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a heightened warning for a potential major earthquake following a 7.7 magnitude undersea tremor off the north-east coast, which prompted tsunami alerts and coastal evacuations. Officials advise a 'relatively higher' risk of an 8.0 magnitude or greater quake in the coming week.