India recalls IMF nominee days before it considers $1.3bn loan to Pakistan
The Indian government has unexpectedly dismissed Krishnamurthy Subramanian from his position on the IMF board, six months before his term was supposed to finish. This decision comes only days before a critical IMF board meeting to approve a $1.3bn climate resilience loan for Pakistan, Firstpost reported.
According to government sources, Subramanian's departure was due to his questioning of IMF figures, which occurred amid continuing conflicts between him and the institution. In addition, the former chief economic adviser is facing allegations of misconduct related to his book promotion.
The government has not yet named a replacement, though Finance Secretary Ajay Seth, who is set to retire in June, is being considered. Subramanian, who began his IMF post in November 2022, was appointed for a three-year tenure, as stated by the Firstpost.
The position, which represents India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka at the IMF, is now vacant, with Harischandra Pahath Kumbure Gedara listed as the alternate director.
Trump criticised after posting AI image of himself as Pope
US President Donald Trump has faced criticism from Catholic groups for posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as Pope Francis immediately after his death on April 21.
The New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mocking the faith, while the Vatican declined to comment. The post came only days after Trump joked, "I'd like to be Pope", BBC reported.
The debate arose as the Church prepares for the conclave to elect the next pontiff.
Israelis protest, urge hostage deal over Gaza escalation
Thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Ministry of Defense on Saturday, demanding that the government prioritize the release of the 59 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza over extending military operations, according to Al Jazeera.
The demonstration occurred after PM Benjamin Netanyahu's government authorized the mobilisation of up to 60,000 reservists, indicating plans to escalate the assault on Gaza. Protesters warned that any violence could threaten the hostages' lives and hinder negotiations for their release.
Many criticised Netanyahu’s strategy, accusing him of using military pressure rather than pursuing a diplomatic solution. A short-lived ceasefire late last year led to a hostage-prisoner exchange, but no further releases have occurred since the fighting resumed, Al Jazeera reported.
The rally reflected growing public frustration with the government’s handling of the crisis and fears that time is running out to bring the captives home safely.
Wind from Bay of Bengal causes rain in different parts of country
Different parts of the country including the Kathmandu Valley and some hilly areas have received rain since last night due to the influence of the westerly and local winds.
The moisture-laden wind entering from the Bay of Bengal also has its partial influence on the country's weather, the Meteorological Forecasting Division stated in a weather bulletin.
Currently, the Kathmandu Valley is receiving rain.
The Division stated that the weather is partly to generally cloudy across the country today and the hilly regions including the Koshi and Lumbini Provinces will receive light to moderate rain along with lightning in some places.
Similarly, the Division mentioned that the weather is likely to remain partially to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of the country this evening while some parts of the hilly regions and one or two places in rest of the parts of the country could receive light to moderate rain along with lightning.
