Global Weekly News Recap (April 6–12, 2025): Politics, Economy & Science

Last week was eventful on the global stage, with transformative developments in international relations, trade policies, infrastructure, and science. While mainstream media often centers on entertainment, we’ve gathered impactful stories that truly shaped the world between April 6 and 12, 2025. From diplomatic breakthroughs to a new era in space travel, each headline reveals a deeper shift in the global narrative.

Iran-Israel Conflict Intensifies Amid Missile Strike Claims

• Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated significantly last week after Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack targeting Israeli territory. According to Israeli defense officials, the Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted the majority of the projectiles, preventing widespread damage. Iran stated the operation was in direct retaliation for the April 1st Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, which killed top Iranian commanders.

• The exchange triggered emergency meetings in the United Nations, with several countries urging both nations to avoid plunging the region into broader warfare. U.S. and EU diplomats are reportedly working behind the scenes to defuse the situation. The attacks disrupted air travel and raised oil prices due to fears of instability in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earthquake Strikes Taiwan: Resilience and Relief in Action

• Eastern Taiwan experienced a strong 6.8-magnitude aftershock on April 8, part of an ongoing seismic sequence following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake earlier this month. The tremors were felt across Hualien, Taipei, and neighboring islands. Emergency services responded within minutes, assisting injured residents and providing temporary shelter to displaced families.

• Despite the magnitude, casualties were limited due to Taiwan’s extensive disaster preparedness and strict construction codes. The government has deployed military engineers and volunteers to restore infrastructure and monitor unstable mountainous regions prone to landslides. International aid from Japan and South Korea has begun arriving, focused on medical supplies and logistics.

Ukraine Launches Counteroffensive in Eastern Region

• Ukraine launched a renewed counteroffensive in the Donetsk region last week, targeting Russian-occupied settlements along the eastern front. Ukrainian forces, now equipped with advanced European drones and long-range artillery, recaptured at least three strategic villages near Bakhmut. The move comes as Kyiv attempts to regain momentum before the summer.

• Meanwhile, the Geneva peace talks remained deadlocked. Russia insists on retaining control over annexed territories, while Ukraine demands full territorial sovereignty. The humanitarian situation in the combat zones continues to worsen, with over 150,000 civilians needing evacuation and aid.

Global Markets React to US Inflation Spike

• Financial markets worldwide fluctuated sharply after the U.S. announced that March's inflation rate had jumped to 3.9%, exceeding forecasts. Core prices also rose, signaling persistent cost pressures. Economists predict the Federal Reserve could implement one or two additional interest rate hikes in the coming months, especially if wage growth stays high.

• Stock markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia saw volatility, with investors pivoting toward bonds and gold. The S&P 500 dropped 1.6% midweek before partially recovering. Analysts worry prolonged inflation could delay global economic recovery, particularly for developing nations that rely heavily on U.S. trade and investment.

Historic Climate Pact Signed at South American Summit

• Leaders of Amazon Basin countries signed a landmark climate accord during the Manaus Biodiversity Summit in Brazil. The pact involves Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It pledges zero deforestation by 2030, collaborative fire prevention programs, increased indigenous community involvement, and regional carbon trading mechanisms.

• The pact is the most ambitious Amazonian environmental agreement to date. Satellite monitoring systems will be upgraded to detect illegal logging in real-time, and joint patrols will be deployed in vulnerable rainforest zones. Environmental groups praised the move but emphasized the need for consistent implementation and funding.

India and China Resume High-Level Border Talks

• India and China held the 22nd round of Corps Commander-level talks on April 10 in New Delhi to address long-standing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. While no formal agreement was reached, both sides described the dialogue as "constructive and forward-looking."

• The talks focused on disengagement at key friction points like Depsang and Demchok. Indian defense officials reported that military deployments on both sides remain high, though no fresh clashes have occurred in recent months. Beijing expressed interest in establishing communication hotlines to avoid accidental escalations.

SpaceX Successfully Tests Starship Booster in Texas

• SpaceX carried out a full-duration static fire test of its Super Heavy Booster 11 in Boca Chica, Texas, last week. The test, which lasted over 60 seconds, is a critical step toward the next full Starship launch. Engineers confirmed all 33 Raptor engines ignited successfully, marking a key milestone in Elon Musk’s Mars colonization vision.

• The booster will support the fourth integrated flight test expected later this quarter. NASA continues to monitor Starship’s progress, as it is scheduled to be a primary vehicle for the Artemis III moon landing mission. Global space agencies are also watching closely, particularly for its reusable rocket potential.

Africa’s Largest Solar Farm Goes Online in Egypt

• Egypt officially launched the final phase of the Benban Solar Park last week, solidifying its status as Africa’s largest solar power project. Located in Aswan, the solar farm now generates over 1.8 GW of electricity, contributing nearly 10% of Egypt’s power supply. The project involved 40 private companies and $2 billion in investment.

• The solar park spans over 37 square kilometers and reduces annual CO₂ emissions by an estimated 2 million tons. Egypt’s energy ministry plans to expand the grid’s renewable share to 42% by 2035. The project is also creating long-term jobs in plant maintenance and solar panel manufacturing.

Sudan Crisis Deepens with Humanitarian Agencies Struggling

• Sudan’s internal conflict worsened last week as clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces intensified in Darfur and Khartoum. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates over 10 million people are facing acute food insecurity.

• Humanitarian operations are being hindered by restricted access, ongoing shelling, and looting of aid convoys. Several international NGOs have temporarily suspended ground missions due to safety risks. The UN is appealing for $3 billion in emergency funding to prevent famine-like conditions in rural areas.

Global Health Alert: Avian Flu Detected in U.S. Dairy Cattle

• In a rare development, the USDA and CDC confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle across five U.S. states, including Texas and Idaho. While transmission to humans remains highly unlikely, health agencies are taking precautionary measures, especially for workers handling livestock.

• The virus has caused mild illness in some cows but is not currently spreading to humans or other species. Federal guidelines are urging dairy farms to implement stricter biosecurity, including PPE use and routine testing. The World Health Organization is tracking the mutation closely in case of zoonotic spillover.

EU Prepares Tariff Countermeasures Amid U.S. Trade Dispute

• On April 7, 2025, the European Union responded to the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs on European goods, which included 25% on automotive exports and 10% on other goods. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič described the EU-US trade relationship as facing a "tough spot" and detailed plans to implement a robust list of countermeasures focused initially on steel and aluminum, with duties set to begin in mid-April. While expressing a preference for negotiation, Šefčovič acknowledged a lack of US engagement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that the EU remains open to a zero-tariff deal on industrial goods but is prepared to defend its interests. Several EU ministers, including those from Germany, France, and Ireland, criticized the tariffs, warning of global economic consequences and urging a coordinated and proportional EU response. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also highlighted the potential global impact of the tariffs. The EU leadership emphasized unity and a measured reaction, avoiding escalation targeting US digital services, while preparing to act if negotiations fail to make progress.

Global Markets Experience Volatility Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions

• Global markets have experienced a period of extreme and rapid volatility, reminiscent of the 2008 and 2020 financial crises but compressed into just ten days, due to an intensifying U.S.-China trade confrontation led by new tariffs from former President Trump. Market instability has directed attention to key upcoming events: the European Central Bank is now expected to further cut interest rates amid ongoing tariff pressures, and EU finance leaders are convening to strategize responses. Meanwhile, investors await critical data from China and the U.S., including Chinese trade and production figures and U.S. retail sales and corporate earnings, which may reveal the toll of economic uncertainty on consumer behavior and business outlooks. Emerging markets face rising borrowing costs and inflation risks, especially in Asia, while central banks in Turkey, Egypt, and South Korea face crucial rate decisions. These developments portend challenging economic conditions and policy recalibrations globally.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol Removed from Office

• On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, leading to his immediate removal from office. This decision came after allegations of constitutional violations and abuse of power. The court's ruling marks a significant moment in South Korea's democratic history, emphasizing the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional integrity. The political landscape is now poised for a transitional period as the nation prepares for new leadership.

Emperor Naruhito Visits Iwo Jima to Commemorate WWII Battle

• On April 7, 2025, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan visited Iwo Jima to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. This marked the first visit to the island by a Japanese monarch since 1994. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and highlighted Japan's commitment to peace and historical reflection.

New Pamban Bridge Inaugurated in India

• On April 6, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, India's first vertical-lift sea bridge, in Rameswaram. This engineering marvel enhances connectivity between the mainland and Pamban Island, facilitating transportation and boosting economic activities in the region. The bridge's design allows for the passage of ships beneath, showcasing India's advancements in infrastructure development.

South Korea and Syria Establish Diplomatic Relations

• On April 10, 2025, South Korea and Syria established formal diplomatic relations for the first time. This development signifies a new chapter in international relations for both countries, opening avenues for cooperation in various sectors, including trade, culture, and technology. The establishment of ties reflects South Korea's expanding diplomatic outreach and Syria's efforts to rebuild international partnerships.

Fram2 Mission Achieves Historic Polar Orbit

• On April 1, 2025, the Fram2 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, became the first crewed spaceflight to enter a polar retrograde orbit, flying over Earth's poles. This milestone represents a significant achievement in space exploration, offering new opportunities for scientific research and satellite deployment in previously inaccessible orbital paths. The success of the Fram2 mission underscores the advancements in commercial spaceflight capabilities.

UNESCO Recognizes South Korean Historical Archives

• On April 11, 2025, UNESCO added two South Korean historical archives to its Memory of the World Programme: the Jeju 4·3 Archives, documenting the Jeju uprising, and the Forest Rehabilitation Records, detailing post-Korean War reconstruction efforts. This recognition highlights the global significance of these records in understanding Korea's history and the resilience of its people. The inclusion aims to promote awareness and preservation of these important historical documents.

From Asia’s political changes to Europe’s economic strategies and global scientific achievements, last week’s events underline the complexity of our interconnected world. These updates not only reflect policy and progress but also offer a deeper view of humanity's shared challenges and hopes. In a time dominated by surface-level news, these stories deserve attention for what they reveal about the direction we're collectively heading.

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