Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are struggling with rising inflation, with many blaming Islamabad’s policies for worsening their daily hardships without providing any meaningful relief. A recent hike in fuel prices has driven up transportation costs across the region, which in turn has led to higher prices for essential goods. From food to basic household necessities, the escalating costs have put significant pressure on the finances of ordinary citizens in what locals describe as an already marginalized area.
People in the region argue that economic decisions are being implemented without considering local realities. They claim that additional taxes and rising fuel prices disproportionately affect the poor, making daily survival increasingly difficult. Local journalist Feroz Shah highlighted the mounting distress, noting that levying taxes in a disputed region is unfair and ultimately burdens the most vulnerable. He emphasized that although taxes may appear aimed at businesses, the cost is passed on to consumers, driving up prices for everyday essentials.
Residents also assert that Pakistan has failed to control inflation while continuing to extract revenue from the region, worsening the economic crisis. Prices of food and clothing have surged, leaving many unable to afford even two meals a day, and families struggle to buy basic items like clothing for their children, reflecting the depth of the financial strain.
Calls are increasing for authorities to intervene and take measures to curb inflation. Locals urge the government to crack down on black marketing and ensure relief reaches those most affected by rising prices. At the same time, residents claim that critical decisions affecting the region are made without public consultation, while dissenting voices are often silenced. Consequently, many feel left to endure the economic hardships, which they see as part of ongoing systemic neglect and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who is currently admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, is in a stable condition and remains under close medical supervision, according to hospital officials on Wednesday. The senior political leader was admitted to the hospital at approximately 10:22 pm on Tuesday evening. Dr. Ajay Swaroop, the hospital chairman, confirmed that her health condition is stable and emphasized that a dedicated team of doctors is continuously monitoring her situation to ensure she receives appropriate care.
Medical authorities at the hospital stated that further examinations are being carried out to investigate the possibility of an infection affecting her stomach and urinary tract. As part of her treatment, she has been administered antibiotics. The hospital clarified that these steps are precautionary and part of standard medical procedures to monitor and manage her health effectively.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Sonia Gandhi began feeling unwell recently, which may have been triggered by a change in weather conditions. She was admitted primarily for observation to ensure that any health issues are identified and addressed promptly. Despite her hospitalization, sources stressed that there is no reason for alarm, as her condition is not considered serious.
The hospital’s updates provide reassurance regarding the former Congress president’s health, highlighting that she is receiving attentive and continuous medical care. All necessary diagnostic tests are underway to ensure any potential health concerns are promptly treated. Officials continue to monitor her condition closely, with doctors maintaining regular updates on her progress. Sonia Gandhi’s stable condition indicates that the hospital is managing her health carefully, and at this stage, there is no immediate cause for concern regarding her well-being.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that Donald Trump has firmly declared that the United States will not permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Hegseth claimed that, for the first time in history, Iran’s military had been destroyed with unprecedented speed and force.
He emphasized that a modern military like Iran’s had never before been so swiftly and decisively defeated, describing the use of overwhelming firepower from the outset. He added that the US remains committed to maintaining pressure to ensure Iran never gains nuclear capability, in line with the president’s directives.
Trump argued that if he had not withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran would have already developed nuclear weapons. He claimed that his administration effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear potential. The agreement had originally been made between Iran and the P5+1 nations, which include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Trump also mentioned that several key figures, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, are involved in ongoing discussions related to Iran. He further asserted that the US has achieved victory, stating that Iran’s naval and air forces have been completely destroyed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
India's satellite navigation system, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), is currently not fully operational, raising serious concerns among experts about its ability to support national security and strategic needs. The issue intensified after the last functioning atomic clock aboard IRNSS-1F failed on March 10, leaving only three satellites capable of delivering position, navigation, and timing services, whereas at least four are required for proper functioning.
Ananya Ray, a former ISRO scientist, explained that systems like NavIC provide both civilian and restricted military signals, with the latter offering much higher accuracy. She warned that relying on foreign navigation systems could be risky, especially during conflicts, as signals could be manipulated or disrupted, potentially leading to critical errors in positioning.
India initiated the NavIC program after the Kargil War in 1999, when access to foreign GPS data was denied. The first generation of satellites, launched between 2013 and 2018, soon encountered repeated failures in their atomic clocks, which are essential for precise navigation. In the case of IRNSS-1F, all onboard clocks have stopped functioning despite built-in redundancy systems.
Efforts to replace faulty satellites have also faced setbacks. A 2017 mission to deploy IRNSS-1H failed, and although the newer NVS-01 satellite was successfully launched in 2023, the 2025 launch of NVS-02 was unsuccessful, delaying subsequent missions. As a result, only three satellites—IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1L, and NVS-01—are currently operational.
Former government secretary EAS Sarma criticized the focus on other high-profile missions, suggesting that attention may have shifted away from NavIC. He emphasized that India must prioritize developing its own navigation system for strategic independence rather than depending on foreign alternatives.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni participated in voting in Rome during a nationwide referendum concerning proposed changes to Italy’s justice system. She cast her ballot before the polls closed, joining other citizens in deciding on potential judicial reforms. This referendum allows Italians to have a direct say in shaping the legal and judicial framework of the country, reflecting public opinion on critical issues affecting the justice system. Meloni’s participation underscores the importance of civic engagement and the democratic process in Italy, highlighting her role not just as a political leader but also as an active voter in national decision-making.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
As tensions rise in Iran, the global energy system is being tested like never before. Critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, along with concentrated LNG infrastructure in hubs like Ras Laffan, highlight the inherent rigidity and vulnerability of oil and gas markets. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore what “market adjustment” looks like when long-term contracts offer little flexibility, and why Europe could once again face a challenging scramble for energy supplies. Their analysis includes insights from Pang Lu Ming, Vice President of Gas & LNG Research at Rystad Energy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro explores Jewel Changi Airport, where visitors can admire a wall mural by local multimedia artist Priscilla Tey alongside the historic Porsche 956 in its iconic blue-and-white Rothmans livery. Tey and Yannick Ott, Marketing Director at Porsche Asia Pacific, share the story behind their collaboration and explain how the mural blends Year of the Horse motifs with Porsche’s motorsport heritage and design. They also point out hidden “Easter eggs” in the artwork and showcase the exclusive limited-edition merchandise available to fans.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates have traditionally been viewed as the backbone of the region’s economy. However, a recent report by global consulting firm Bain & Company indicates that this model is facing significant challenges. Specialized competitors are encroaching on their markets, and many of these corporate giants are finding it hard to stay competitive. The question now is whether Asia’s major conglomerates need to reinvent themselves — and if they can. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss this with Amanda Chin, Partner at Bain & Company.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
