More than a month ago, on 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched extensive air strikes on Iran, targeting the Iranian nuclear program, military infrastructure, missiles and air defences, and the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, there also have been strikes in countries hosting US bases – Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Today is day 37 of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, and the tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has given a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that he had previously given Iran ten days to make a deal or open up the Hormuz Strait. He added, "Time is running out – 48 hours before all hell will reign down on them." Meanwhile, as of 30 March 2026, Iran is considering a potential withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Top 5 World Current Affairs This Week
1. WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference
Why in news? The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, took place from 26 to 30 March 2026. The conference ended in a deadlock over e-commerce moratorium, agriculture, and transparency norms, leading to a deep North-South divide. For the first time in 26 years, the e-commerce moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions lapsed.
2. Artemis II Mission
Why in news? NASA launched Artemis II on 1 April 2026 from the Kennedy Space Center, with four astronauts on a flyby journey to the Moon and back to Earth. Artemis II is approximately a 10-day journey mission building on the success of the uncrewed Artemis I mission. The astronauts will test Orion spacecraft systems and manoeuvrability in deep space.
3. Sri Lanka's Free Tourish Visas
Why in news? Sri Lanka is planning to introduce a six-month programme granting 30-day free tourist visas to passport holders from 39 countries, including India, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Australia to boost tourism.
4. US Pharma Tariff
Why in news? The United States on 4 April 2026 announced a 100 per cent tariff on the import of patented pharmaceuticals, effective from 31 July 2026. India primarily exports generic pharma products, which are exempted from these tariffs for now.
5. Nagoya Protocol
Why in news? India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). India issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for over 56 per cent of all certificates worldwise. The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources.
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