IMF chief calls for coordinated actions to cushion war shock
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday called for coordinated actions to offset the Middle East War's impact on the world economy.In a speech titled "Cushioning the Middle East War Shock," which marked the opening of the 2026 IMF Spring Meetings, Georgieva urged all countries to "reject go-it-alone actions, export controls, price controls, and so on" that can further disrupt global conditions.Georgieva promised support to members with financing through the fog of uncertainty, expecting near-term demand for IMF balance-of-payments support to rise to somewhere between 20 billion and 50 billion U.S. dollars, given the spillovers of the Middle East War.mitv

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday called for coordinated actions to offset the Middle East War's impact on the world economy.

In a speech titled "Cushioning the Middle East War Shock," which marked the opening of the 2026 IMF Spring Meetings, Georgieva urged all countries to "reject go-it-alone actions, export controls, price controls, and so on" that can further disrupt global conditions.

Georgieva promised support to members with financing through the fog of uncertainty, expecting near-term demand for IMF balance-of-payments support to rise to somewhere between 20 billion and 50 billion U.S. dollars, given the spillovers of the Middle East War.

mitv

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday called for coordinated actions to offset the Middle East War's impact on the world economy.

In a speech titled "Cushioning the Middle East War Shock," which marked the opening of the 2026 IMF Spring Meetings, Georgieva urged all countries to "reject go-it-alone actions, export controls, price controls, and so on" that can further disrupt global conditions.

Georgieva promised support to members with financing through the fog of uncertainty, expecting near-term demand for IMF balance-of-payments support to rise to somewhere between 20 billion and 50 billion U.S. dollars, given the spillovers of the Middle East War.

mitv

Australian PM heads to Singapore to focus on fuel supply
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is making a short official trip from April 9 to 11 to Singapore.The meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong aims to strengthen cooperation on fuel and energy trade between the two countries. The visit comes during global energy instability, partly linked to conflicts affecting oil and gas markets.mitv

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is making a short official trip from April 9 to 11 to Singapore.

The meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong aims to strengthen cooperation on fuel and energy trade between the two countries. The visit comes during global energy instability, partly linked to conflicts affecting oil and gas markets.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is making a short official trip from April 9 to 11 to Singapore.

The meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong aims to strengthen cooperation on fuel and energy trade between the two countries. The visit comes during global energy instability, partly linked to conflicts affecting oil and gas markets.

mitv

Russia deputy FM hails special relations on Cuba visit
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel hailing the special nature of relations with Cuba on a Thursday’s visit.During the meeting, Ryabkov discussed Cuba's economic issues, including its energy security. He also told the press conference that their relations with Cuba are of a special nature and it was not possible to betray Cuba. The Cuban president's office wrote on X that Russia is one hundred percent in solidarity with Cuba despite the complexity the country was going through. Under President Donald Trump, US had threatened tariffs on any country that attempts to sell oil to Cuba, resulting in an energy crisis that had worsened since January.mitv

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel hailing the special nature of relations with Cuba on a Thursday’s visit.

During the meeting, Ryabkov discussed Cuba's economic issues, including its energy security. He also told the press conference that their relations with Cuba are of a special nature and it was not possible to betray Cuba. The Cuban president's office wrote on X that Russia is one hundred percent in solidarity with Cuba despite the complexity the country was going through. Under President Donald Trump, US had threatened tariffs on any country that attempts to sell oil to Cuba, resulting in an energy crisis that had worsened since January.

mitv

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel hailing the special nature of relations with Cuba on a Thursday’s visit.

During the meeting, Ryabkov discussed Cuba's economic issues, including its energy security. He also told the press conference that their relations with Cuba are of a special nature and it was not possible to betray Cuba. The Cuban president's office wrote on X that Russia is one hundred percent in solidarity with Cuba despite the complexity the country was going through. Under President Donald Trump, US had threatened tariffs on any country that attempts to sell oil to Cuba, resulting in an energy crisis that had worsened since January.

mitv

Seoul trading floor as Asian stocks soar after US, Iran agree to ceasefire
South Korea's Hana Bank trading floor as Asian stocks soar after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, with talks during the interim period mediated by Pakistan.Oil and natural gas prices dropped sharply Wednesday as investors breathed a sigh of relief after the ceasefire, which should see tanker traffic resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Stock markets in Europe opened broadly higher on the ceasefire, following strong gains seen in Asia, while the dollar -- a haven for investors during market turbulence -- fell back against the euro and pound.mitv

South Korea's Hana Bank trading floor as Asian stocks soar after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, with talks during the interim period mediated by Pakistan.

Oil and natural gas prices dropped sharply Wednesday as investors breathed a sigh of relief after the ceasefire, which should see tanker traffic resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Stock markets in Europe opened broadly higher on the ceasefire, following strong gains seen in Asia, while the dollar -- a haven for investors during market turbulence -- fell back against the euro and pound.

mitv

South Korea's Hana Bank trading floor as Asian stocks soar after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, with talks during the interim period mediated by Pakistan.

Oil and natural gas prices dropped sharply Wednesday as investors breathed a sigh of relief after the ceasefire, which should see tanker traffic resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Stock markets in Europe opened broadly higher on the ceasefire, following strong gains seen in Asia, while the dollar -- a haven for investors during market turbulence -- fell back against the euro and pound.

mitv

Interim president of Venezuela promises to increase salary income on May 1
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez promised "a responsible increase" of the salary income effective May 1. She did not disclose the amount but explained it would be done in a way meant to avoid the inflationary spike that followed the last minimum wage increase.Rodríguez’s address to the nation came a day before workers are expected to demonstrate in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, to demand a wage increase. She told that change will not happen overnight and asked them as well as employers across industries to work together and with her government “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”mitv

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez promised "a responsible increase" of the salary income effective May 1. She did not disclose the amount but explained it would be done in a way meant to avoid the inflationary spike that followed the last minimum wage increase.

Rodríguez’s address to the nation came a day before workers are expected to demonstrate in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, to demand a wage increase. She told that change will not happen overnight and asked them as well as employers across industries to work together and with her government “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”

mitv

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez promised "a responsible increase" of the salary income effective May 1. She did not disclose the amount but explained it would be done in a way meant to avoid the inflationary spike that followed the last minimum wage increase.

Rodríguez’s address to the nation came a day before workers are expected to demonstrate in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, to demand a wage increase. She told that change will not happen overnight and asked them as well as employers across industries to work together and with her government “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”

mitv

Venice brings back tourist toll
Venice has reinstated its day-tripper fee ahead of the peak travel season. The entry fee, introduced on a trial basis from 2024, is intended to curb the number of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city. It applies to travelers entering the historic district during busy periods, particularly weekends and holidays from April to July.The city resumed the system this month and expanded the number of chargeable days to 60 this year. However, some city councilors and residents argue the system has not reduced visitor numbers.mitv

Venice has reinstated its day-tripper fee ahead of the peak travel season. The entry fee, introduced on a trial basis from 2024, is intended to curb the number of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city. It applies to travelers entering the historic district during busy periods, particularly weekends and holidays from April to July.

The city resumed the system this month and expanded the number of chargeable days to 60 this year. However, some city councilors and residents argue the system has not reduced visitor numbers.

mitv

Venice has reinstated its day-tripper fee ahead of the peak travel season. The entry fee, introduced on a trial basis from 2024, is intended to curb the number of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage city. It applies to travelers entering the historic district during busy periods, particularly weekends and holidays from April to July.

The city resumed the system this month and expanded the number of chargeable days to 60 this year. However, some city councilors and residents argue the system has not reduced visitor numbers.

mitv

Chinese electric two-wheelers gain popularity overseas amid soaring fuel costs
Chinese electric two-wheelers are gaining popularity in overseas markets amid rising international oil prices driven by geopolitical conflicts. Many other electric motorcycle companies in the cities of China reported that since early March, continuously surging oil prices have driven up both inquiries and exports of electric motorcycles.The ongoing U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and its retaliation have triggered a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in many countries because of the reduction of sea traffic through the key oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the sea route has already sent global oil prices soaring.

Chinese electric two-wheelers are gaining popularity in overseas markets amid rising international oil prices driven by geopolitical conflicts. Many other electric motorcycle companies in the cities of China reported that since early March, continuously surging oil prices have driven up both inquiries and exports of electric motorcycles.

The ongoing U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and its retaliation have triggered a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in many countries because of the reduction of sea traffic through the key oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the sea route has already sent global oil prices soaring.

Chinese electric two-wheelers are gaining popularity in overseas markets amid rising international oil prices driven by geopolitical conflicts. Many other electric motorcycle companies in the cities of China reported that since early March, continuously surging oil prices have driven up both inquiries and exports of electric motorcycles.

The ongoing U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and its retaliation have triggered a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in many countries because of the reduction of sea traffic through the key oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the sea route has already sent global oil prices soaring.

The Ankara Book Fair continues to welcome visitors
The Ankara Book Fair continues to welcome visitors, bringing together more than 500 publishing houses and non-governmental organizations in Turkiye’s capital. Held under the theme “Meeting Point for Those Who Can’t Get Enough of Reading,” the 23rd edition of the fair offers a diverse selection of works from both Turkish and world literature.Visitors also have the opportunity to explore rare editions of books and magazines, making the event appealing to readers of all ages. This year, Kyrgyzstan is featured as the guest country. Renowned Turkish author Ayla Kutlu is honored as the guest of honor.Meanwhile, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, attended the fair as the international guest of honor. The fair is being held at ATO Congresium, Exhibition and trade center where it has attracted significant attention from visitors. The event will remain open to the public until April 12.mitv

The Ankara Book Fair continues to welcome visitors, bringing together more than 500 publishing houses and non-governmental organizations in Turkiye’s capital. Held under the theme “Meeting Point for Those Who Can’t Get Enough of Reading,” the 23rd edition of the fair offers a diverse selection of works from both Turkish and world literature.

Visitors also have the opportunity to explore rare editions of books and magazines, making the event appealing to readers of all ages. This year, Kyrgyzstan is featured as the guest country. Renowned Turkish author Ayla Kutlu is honored as the guest of honor.

Meanwhile, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, attended the fair as the international guest of honor.     The fair is being held at ATO Congresium, Exhibition and trade center where it has attracted significant attention from visitors. The event will remain open to the public until April 12.

mitv

The Ankara Book Fair continues to welcome visitors, bringing together more than 500 publishing houses and non-governmental organizations in Turkiye’s capital. Held under the theme “Meeting Point for Those Who Can’t Get Enough of Reading,” the 23rd edition of the fair offers a diverse selection of works from both Turkish and world literature.

Visitors also have the opportunity to explore rare editions of books and magazines, making the event appealing to readers of all ages. This year, Kyrgyzstan is featured as the guest country. Renowned Turkish author Ayla Kutlu is honored as the guest of honor.

Meanwhile, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, attended the fair as the international guest of honor.     The fair is being held at ATO Congresium, Exhibition and trade center where it has attracted significant attention from visitors. The event will remain open to the public until April 12.

mitv

US average gas prices surge to $4.1 per gallon amid Middle East conflict
The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to 4.1 U.S. dollars per gallon, up 12 cents from the previous week, according to data released by the American Automobile Association on Saturday. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, gasoline prices in the U.S. have increased by approximately 37 percent, the data showed.Regional differences remain significant. California has the highest average gasoline price in the nation, nearing 5.92 U.S. dollars per gallon, while Oklahoma reports the lowest average at 3.29 U.S. dollars per gallon.mitv

The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to 4.1 U.S. dollars per gallon, up 12 cents from the previous week, according to data released by the American Automobile Association on Saturday. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, gasoline prices in the U.S. have increased by approximately 37 percent, the data showed.

Regional differences remain significant. California has the highest average gasoline price in the nation, nearing 5.92 U.S. dollars per gallon, while Oklahoma reports the lowest average at 3.29 U.S. dollars per gallon.

mitv

The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to 4.1 U.S. dollars per gallon, up 12 cents from the previous week, according to data released by the American Automobile Association on Saturday. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, gasoline prices in the U.S. have increased by approximately 37 percent, the data showed.

Regional differences remain significant. California has the highest average gasoline price in the nation, nearing 5.92 U.S. dollars per gallon, while Oklahoma reports the lowest average at 3.29 U.S. dollars per gallon.

mitv

Mazda halts production of vehicles for Middle East
Mazda Motor has halted domestic production of vehicles intended for the Middle East. The move is due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.The sources said growing inventories prompted the company to halt output for the Middle East in April and May. It will decide what to do from there based on the situation. Sources say total production in Japan will not be affected.The company plans to increase output for Europe and other markets where demand is rising. Amid the Iran conflict, Toyota Motor cut production of vehicles for the Middle East in March by about 20,000 units. It will also slash 24,000 units in April. Nissan Motor reduced output by about 1,200 vehicles in March and will do roughly the same in April.mitv

Mazda Motor has halted domestic production of vehicles intended for the Middle East. The move is due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The sources said growing inventories prompted the company to halt output for the Middle East in April and May. It will decide what to do from there based on the situation. Sources say total production in Japan will not be affected.

The company plans to increase output for Europe and other markets where demand is rising. Amid the Iran conflict, Toyota Motor cut production of vehicles for the Middle East in March by about 20,000 units. It will also slash 24,000 units in April. Nissan Motor reduced output by about 1,200 vehicles in March and will do roughly the same in April.

mitv

Mazda Motor has halted domestic production of vehicles intended for the Middle East. The move is due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The sources said growing inventories prompted the company to halt output for the Middle East in April and May. It will decide what to do from there based on the situation. Sources say total production in Japan will not be affected.

The company plans to increase output for Europe and other markets where demand is rising. Amid the Iran conflict, Toyota Motor cut production of vehicles for the Middle East in March by about 20,000 units. It will also slash 24,000 units in April. Nissan Motor reduced output by about 1,200 vehicles in March and will do roughly the same in April.

mitv