UN warns that US-Israeli war against Iran could push 30 million people into poverty

UN): On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that over 30 million people could become impoverished as a result of the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has driven up the cost of energy and fertilizer worldwide. according to an AFP news agency report.

Alexander De Croo, the head of UNDP, stated that development was currently regressing while speaking in Paris at the G7 summit on development. He continued by saying that while it takes decades to create stable societies and advance each country's economy, these accomplishments can be destroyed by a few weeks of conflict.

According to De Croo, a UNDP study carried out six weeks after the war started predicted that 32 million people would be forced into poverty in 160 countries, even if the conflict were to end by then. According to the UNDP, developing nations have been particularly badly affected by the Middle East conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz, which is essential for the global transportation of gas and oil, has closed as a result of the US-Israeli war with Iran that broke out in late February. However, the Gulf Arab states are also crucial for a variety of petroleum products, such as fertilizer raw materials. The crisis also coincides with a historic low in development aid, which dropped by over 23% last year, mostly as a result of cuts from major donors, chief among them the United States.

SoftBank prepares to launch $100 billion AI giant to attack US market

(Foreign): After announcing plans to establish a new company named "Roze" in order to list its shares on the US market, the massive Japanese bank SoftBank is once again gaining international attention. The most unique aspect of Roze is that it will be a new weapon that uses "robots" and "artificial intelligence (AI)" to construct massive data centers, which are the essential foundation of modern digital technology. As reported by Reuters on April 30, 2026.

According to the Financial Times, the new company is expected to be valued at up to $100 billion and could go public as soon as 2026. This is another big ambition for SoftBank to dominate the global technology market.

Masayoshi Son, the CEO and founder of SoftBank, hopes to use Roze's success to increase revenue and carry out his goal of helping other tech firms, such as OpenAI (owner of ChatGPT), which is currently valued at $1 trillion. The action demonstrates SoftBank's desire to become a significant technological innovator in addition to investing in others.

SoftBank is making significant investments in "Project Stargate" in addition to the Roze project in order to grow its network of data centers in the US. These actions all point to the impending arrival of a time when AI and robots will manage the world's data.

PSG defender Hakimi to miss UCL second leg against Bayern due to thigh injury

Due to a thigh injury, PSG defender Hakimi will miss the UCL second leg against Bayern.  After playing the entire ninety minutes of the first leg, which saw the defending champions defeat the German club 5-4, Moroccan Hakimi sustained a right thigh injury, according to the BBC.  On Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, in that crucial game, Hakimi also gave colleague Khvicha Kvaratskhelia the ball to finish the first-leg goal.  "During the game against the Bundesliga champions, Hakimi sustained a right thigh injury. For the next two to three weeks, he will receive treatment, PSG announced in a statement.  This implies that Hakimi won't play when Paris plays Bayern in the UCL's second leg on May 6 in Munich.

Sesko and Lammens allow Man Utd to dream of Champions League

The recent performances of Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Arnaud Lammens have reignited belief that Manchester United can secure a return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence. Under the guidance of head coach Michael Carrick, United appear to be building momentum at a decisive stage of the season, with key individual contributions proving crucial in tight matches.

Carrick recently described Sesko’s development as a process of steady growth, marked by both gradual progress and significant leaps forward. Those “huge steps,” as Carrick phrased it, have been particularly evident in United’s last two fixtures. In matches where points were at risk of slipping away, Sesko’s impact off the bench transformed outcomes and preserved United’s ambitions of a top-four finish.

Against West Ham on 10 February, Sesko’s stoppage-time volley rescued a valuable point in a game United were close to losing. The goal was notable not only for its technical precision but also for its timing, underlining the striker’s growing composure under pressure. Days later, during United’s first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton, Sesko delivered again. In the 71st minute of a tense encounter, he combined athletic endurance with clinical finishing to secure a 1–0 victory. After initiating the move and sprinting approximately 70 to 80 yards at top speed, he calmly converted Bryan Mbeumo’s square pass. The sequence demonstrated not merely stamina, but mental sharpness and confidence—qualities essential for elite competition.

Carrick praised the finish as “ruthless,” highlighting the conviction with which Sesko struck the ball. Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher also expressed admiration while analyzing the match, noting the remarkable energy Sesko retained even after such an exhaustive run. The striker’s ability to maintain composure following an intense sprint illustrated a player reaching new levels of physical and psychological resilience.

Equally significant has been the contribution of Lammens, whose performances between the posts have provided defensive stability. In high-pressure matches where margins are minimal, reliable goalkeeping can be the difference between qualification and disappointment. His presence has complemented Sesko’s attacking influence, creating balance within the squad at a critical juncture in the campaign.

As a result of these recent victories, United now sit alone in fourth place, three points behind Aston Villa and three ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool. The table position reflects not dominance, but efficiency—an ability to secure results even when performances are not flawless. In competitive domestic leagues, such resilience often determines Champions League qualification.

Ultimately, Manchester United’s renewed optimism stems from timely individual excellence aligned with collective discipline. Sesko’s rapid development embodies a broader resurgence within the squad, while Lammens’ reliability reinforces defensive solidity. If these performances continue, United’s ambition of returning to Europe’s premier club competition may shift from aspiration to expectation.

Mexico sends thousands of soldiers to stop violence after death of drug lord

Mexico has deployed nearly 9,500 troops nationwide after a wave of violence erupted following the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He died from injuries sustained during a firefight with security forces in Jalisco shortly after being captured. In response, cartel members launched coordinated attacks across at least 20 states, blocking roads, burning vehicles and damaging businesses. President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military operation and said authorities are working to restore order as security forces continue operations to contain the unrest.