In an unprecedented move aimed at de-escalating regional hostilities, US and Iranian officials have initiated secret discussions to persuade Tehran to leverage its influence over Yemen’s Houthi movement to cease attacks on ships navigating the Red Sea. Held in Oman this January, these discussions mark the first engagement between the two nations in 10 months, highlighting the Biden administration’s strategy of combining diplomatic channels and military deterrents to mitigate the threats posed by Iranian-backed militant groups. This diplomatic endeavour, led by US envoys Brett McGurk and Abram Paley, alongside Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani, underscores the administration’s commitment to preventing a wider conflict in the region.

The proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel has stirred a potential rift between the United States and Japan, with President Joe Biden poised to express significant apprehensions regarding the deal. This move, expected to precede Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s state visit on April 10, could jeopardize the transaction and strain ties with one of Washington’s key allies. Despite legal avenues to block foreign acquisitions on national security grounds, the administration’s forthcoming statement, as informed to the Japanese government, suggests a diplomatic approach to addressing concerns without outright obstructing the deal.

In a candid admission, Freedom party leader Geert Wilders has acknowledged the improbability of his prime ministerial aspirations following the November parliamentary elections. Despite securing 23% of the vote and 37 seats in the legislature, Wilders faces opposition from necessary coalition partners, underscoring the complexities of political alliances in the Netherlands. This development signals a significant moment in Dutch politics, highlighting the challenges faced by polarizing figures in forming government coalitions.

The US Senate has taken a bold step toward banning TikTok, the popular app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, citing national security threats. This legislation, if passed, mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok to a non-Chinese entity or face severe operational restrictions in the US. This move represents an unprecedented approach to regulating digital platforms, reflecting growing concerns over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies on national security.

A burgeoning price war in China’s auto sector poses significant challenges for established automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, and GM. The slow adoption of low-cost EV and hybrid models by these legacy players has resulted in dwindling market shares, further compounded by the aggressive strategies of rivals like BYD and Tesla. This development highlights the evolving dynamics of the global automotive industry, emphasizing the critical need for innovation and adaptability.

Anticipation builds as Nvidia prepares to host its GTC conference for AI developers, prompting Wall Street firm BofA Securities to adjust its price targets for Nvidia stock. Analyst Vivek Arya expresses optimism for the event, dubbed the “AI Woodstock,” signalling potential growth for Nvidia amidst a booming interest in artificial intelligence technologies.

In a landmark visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the Biden administration’s dedication to safeguarding abortion services and reproductive freedoms. This gesture, marking a significant moment in the administration’s “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, emphasizes the ongoing commitment to reproductive health rights in the face of legislative challenges.

Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse network, has petitioned for her conviction to be overturned. Citing a controversial non-prosecution agreement from 2007, Maxwell’s legal team argues for her protection under Epstein’s plea deal, a move that reignites debates over the legal ramifications of such agreements.

China’s battle with air pollution sees a setback as the annual average PM2.5 concentration sees a year-on-year increase, despite efforts to meet national air quality standards. This development calls for enhanced policy advocacy and measures to improve air quality, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by rapidly industrializing nations.

The Biden administration explores the expansion of a migrant centre at Guantanamo Bay to address the influx of Haitian migrants fleeing gang violence. This plan, aiming to alleviate pressures at the southern US border, marks a controversial step in managing migration flows amid increasing challenges.

Financial constraints and poor harvests have led to significant disruptions in cocoa processing in Ivory Coast and Ghana,