“It’s probably my biggest year of my career,” Momoa, 46, told AFP in an interview.

The actor said he’s enjoying playing a range of roles, including Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter in the upcoming “Supergirl” film, which he described as “a childhood dream.”

The star also appears in the film adaptation of “Street Fighter” and in the “Dune” trilogy, whose final installment hits theaters in December.

Momoa, who rose to fame thanks to “Game of Thrones,” had the opportunity to work with Julian Schnabel, whom he described as his favorite director, in “In the Hand of Dante,” which premieres this month on Netflix.

The actor is feeling like he’s on a roll after playing a comedic role in last year’s box office hit, “A Minecraft Movie,” which he starred in with Jack Black.

“Minecraft really was huge, you know?” he said. “We didn’t see that coming.”

“I always wanted to do comedy. I mean, I’ve always done action my whole life,” where playing superheroes felt “inevitable.” But he enjoyed the opportunity to “make people laugh.”

The actor said that comedic roles like those in “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part,” in which he voices a parody of Aquaman, a character he has portrayed in several productions, also allowed him to connect with a very special audience: his family.

“It was an epic moment because my kids got to see me do the looping (voiceover),” he said. While they don’t seem to care much about his other roles, “when I’m involved with Lego, I’m an all-star.”

The actor reconnected with the famous brick brand by debuting this Monday as “the Playmaster,” the central figure in Lego’s “Never Stop Playing” campaign to encourage families to dedicate more time to playing with their children, as social media and screens gain ground.

“I grew up with Lego. My children grew up with Lego,” said Momoa, who sees the colorful pieces and their infinite possibilities as a tool for developing creativity and imagination.

“It’s something that makes my heart smile,” he said.

The unique role came with a bonus: “Being chosen by Lego to have your own little action figures… for them to make that was pretty special.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4 percent to 50,805.68 points shortly after trading started, while the broad-based S&P 500 Index was down 0.1 percent at 7,569.80.

The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.1 percent to 26,960.19.

Oil surged on Monday, in line with a recent trend seen when prospects for peace in the Iran war have appeared clouded.

Art Hogan, from B. Riley Wealth Management, told AFP the recent boom in equities – despite a clouded economic outlook due to the war – stems from several factors, including heavy investment in AI technology.

“Even though the AI revolution is moving and it’s being four years old, we still underestimate the revenue and earnings growth that it’s driving,” he said.

Markets have also backed away from recently rising US bond yields, stabilizing some investors’ outlook, he said.

Hydraulic cranes and ropes were used to dismantle the 21-metre (70-foot) sculpture in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, before it was taken away on an open-top flatbed truck, AFP journalists saw.

“The statue was removed on Monday afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind,” state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee told AFP.

Mukherjee said the statue would be kept in a government warehouse while authorities decide on a new location.

The gold-coloured statue, depicting the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star lifting the World Cup trophy, was unveiled in December during Messi’s much-publicised GOAT tour of India.

Messi will captain Argentina at the upcoming World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The statue drew scrutiny as political power shifted in West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party swept into office last month after defeating the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The statue was reportedly designed under the patronage of former chief minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, and was criticised by the new BJP sports minister Nisith Pramanik as “unsightly”.

India, a nation of 1.4 billion people, is a cricket powerhouse but has long struggled on the international football stage, and is 142nd in the FIFA rankings.

Football, however, is the country’s second-favourite sport, according to recent research by data company Nielsen.

While giving proposals for the Federal Budget 2026-27, freelancers urged the government to allocate funds for extensive capacity-building and training programmes, establish freelancing hubs in multiple cities, and provide subsidies for internationally recognised certifications.

“Extending the 0.25% tax regime for the next decade would encourage freelancers to retain their earnings in local banks and motivate students, young professionals, and women to adopt freelancing as a sustainable source of income,” Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) chairman Ibrahim Amin said.

He pointed out that freelancers registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) pay a tax rate of 0.25% on every foreign remittance received in their bank accounts, whereas a significant majority of freelancers are currently paying 1% tax on their earnings.

“PAFLA is ready to work closely with PSEB to simplify and streamline the registration process for freelancers, enabling them to benefit from the incentives introduced by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication,” Amin said.

Citing international recognition of Pakistan’s digital workforce, he noted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) ranks Pakistan among the world’s largest providers of digital labour.

“This achievement is not accidental; it is the result of talent, hard work, and a supportive policy environment,” PAFLA chairman remarked.

He emphasised that the 0.25% Final Tax Regime (FTR) encourages freelancer registration, promotes the use of formal banking channels, and increases documented foreign exchange remittances.

Any attempt to introduce complex classification mechanisms, self-declaration frameworks, or differentiated tax rates, he warned, would not increase tax revenues. Instead, it could push digital workers toward informal channels, reduce documented remittances, and ultimately weaken Pakistan’s foreign exchange position, Amin added.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), export receipts generated through freelancing in computer and information services surged to $959 million during July-April FY2025-26, compared to $642 million during the same period of the previous fiscal year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 49%, or $317 million.

Govt urged not to impose additional taxes on content creators

Dr Imran Batada, President and CEO of PAFLA, said the government should also refrain from imposing additional taxes on content creators producing knowledge-based content, including skills training, news and analysis, educational content, and infotainment.

“PAFLA supports all digital workers contributing to the national economy, including YouTubers and influencers who uphold Pakistan’s cultural values and comply with relevant laws and regulations,” he said.

Dr Batada further urged the government to allocate resources for improving payment infrastructure for freelancers, including the development of a globally integrated national payment gateway.

He noted that Pakistan is home to the world’s fourth-largest freelancing community, with an estimated three million freelancers. However, many continue to incur significant losses due to high transaction fees and deductions imposed by international freelancing platforms and payment service providers.

Noman Ahmad Said, a freelancing coach, said the government should collaborate with the private sector to establish an international-level freelancing platform that would promote Pakistan’s freelancing ecosystem globally and attract foreign clients and digital businesses to engage with Pakistani talent.

According to estimates, Pakistan is home to nearly three million full-time and part-time freelancers. Given the country’s large youth population, this number can grow significantly if an enabling environment and adequate support mechanisms are provided.

Said emphasised that freelancers must continuously upskill themselves in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to remain competitive and relevant in the global marketplace.

“In this regard, the government should design and implement a series of mentorship, training, and capacity-building programmes to guide both existing and aspiring freelancers,” he said.

The New Delhi-based firm entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre, an agency under the state government.

Anant Raj said the MoU aims to support investment in and development of data center and cloud services in Haryana.

India’s data centre market, valued at $5.55 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $13.11 billion by 2034, according to consulting firm IMARC Group.

AirTrunk to invest $21 billion in India data centre

The company will expand its digital infrastructure business operations in the state, while the Haryana government will facilitate ease of doing business.

The partnership is part of the state government’s “Make in Haryana Policy” aimed at boosting development.

In May, Anant Raj said it was considering the demerger of its data centre services from its real estate business.

The tournament will mark a major milestone for women’s cricket in Pakistan, which has increasingly hosted international cricket events in recent years.

Under the existing ICC arrangement between Pakistan and India, matches involving India during the tournament will be played at a neutral venue.

The ICC board approved the event as part of a series of decisions covering tournament scheduling, playing conditions and governance matters.

Among the key changes, the governing body approved a trial permitting the use of the pink ball in Test matches when both participating teams agree, a move aimed at reducing playing time lost to poor light.

The ICC also extended the innings break in Twenty20 Internationals to 15 minutes.

In women’s cricket, the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 was rescheduled and will now take place from February 14 to 28, 2027, instead of the previously planned June-July window.

The board further confirmed that the Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will feature 10 teams, including five Full Members and five Associate Members.

To expand qualification opportunities, the ICC approved a new 16-team global qualifying tournament for the Men’s T20 World Cup.

On governance issues, the ICC suspended the membership of the Canada Cricket Board over what it described as serious breaches.

However, Canada’s national team will remain eligible to participate in ICC competitions.

The cricket body also announced that a two-member delegation will visit Bangladesh to review various matters, including the electoral process of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The delegation has already completed a similar visit to Sri Lanka.

Expressing concern over the rapid expansion of franchise cricket worldwide, the ICC Board decided to establish a committee to examine ways of balancing the international calendar with franchise-based leagues while preserving the existing structure of the game.

The 22-year-old left-hander, seeded 25th, had to recover from a second-set concentration lapse before dishing out a bagel with her heavy top-spin forehand, to book a last-eight spot.

After three straight losses to Keys, Shnaider earns first win over her in first meeting on clay.

Neither player was able to hold serve for the first four games and while Shnaider, ranked 23rd in the world, did manage to hold on her third attempt, Keys failed to do so until after Shnaider was 5-2 up.

Serena Williams to return to make competitive return at Queen’s Club

American Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, could do nothing to stop the Russian clinching the first set a game later with a powerful forehand down the line.

The tables were turned in the second set with Keys being more aggressive and reducing her number of unforced errors to level.

Shnaider quickly recovered and raced through the decider to set up a quarter-final either against top seed Aryna Sabalenka or former world number one Naomi Osaka.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion last played on the WTA Tour in September 2022, when she retired from professional tennis after a third-round loss at the U.S. Open.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” Williams was quoted as saying.

Williams had re-entered the sport’s anti-doping pool last year, spurring rumours of her return. The rumours persisted after she playfully dodged questions about coming back in an interview on NBC.

Up to Serena to announce potential comeback and partnership, says Mboko

Novak Djokovic said in March that Williams could target Wimbledon for her comeback, while her former coach Rick Macci said she was “going all out” in training to get ready for a return to the sport she dominated for two decades along with her sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam winner.

Venus, 15 months older than Serena, is still playing and competed at the Australian Open in January as a wildcard.

The U.S. said it struck Iranian military sites over the weekend, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday they had targeted a U.S. base in response, marking the latest exchange amid negotiations to end the three-month-old war.

The fighting, which followed Israel-Lebanon peace talks hosted by Washington on Friday, dampened hopes that the U.S. and Iran could soon announce an extension of their ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index dropped 0.6%, hit by a 0.8% fall in Al Rajhi Bank and a 0.6% decrease in oil major Saudi Aramco.

The Qatari index retreated 1.1%, as most of its constituents were in negative territory, including Qatar Islamic Bank , which declined 2.8%.

Renewed uncertainty over the Iran war is weighing on sentiment. Daniel Takieddine, co-founder and CEO of Sky Links Capital Group, said markets are likely to remain cautious, with limited risk appetite until there is clearer progress toward a resolution and the Strait of Hormuz reopens.

In Abu Dhabi, the index was down 0.5%, with the country’s biggest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank falling 2.6%, as the lender has exposure to the insolvencies of properties linked to mortgage lender Market Financial Solutions, according to the Financial Times.

The lender did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Dubai’s main share index bucked the trend to close 0.3% higher, helped by a 2.8% rise in toll operator Salik .

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appear to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict.

Oil prices rose more than 2% in early trading on Monday, stoking concerns around inflation and interest rate hikes.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index rose 0.4%.

The agency said Iran and the Resistance Front, which includes its allies in Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, have set an agenda to completely block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts, including the Bab El Mandeb Strait, in order to “punish” Israel and its supporters.

If the Houthis open a new front in the conflict, one obvious target would be the Bab El Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen, a key shipping chokepoint and narrow passageway that controls sea ​traffic towards the Suez Canal.

The US-Iran conflict

“Violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The U.S. and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X on Monday, referring to Israeli operations in Lebanon.

The war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. It has also caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices since Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global supply route for oil and liquefied natural gas.

US says capable of resuming war with Iran

“The immediate cessation of the Zionist regime’s aggressive and brutal army operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the necessity of the regime’s complete withdrawal from the occupied areas in Lebanon have been emphasized by Iranian officials and negotiators, and there will be no talks until Iran and the resistance’s views on this matter are met,” Tasnim added.

The parody “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) – echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – has won millions of online followers on social media sites since its launch last month.

It was set up after Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly called young people who criticised the government “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a hearing.

Kant later said his comments were taken out of context and that he was referring to those who use fake degrees.

Abhijeet Dipke, the 30-year-old Boston University graduate behind the online movement, said on social media platform X he would return to India to lead a “peaceful protest” on Saturday.

He called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has faced criticism over alleged irregularities in several key examinations.

“Students have committed suicide and the hard work of tens of thousands of students has been destroyed,” Dipke said in a video message posted online.

Social media handles of the CJP, which calls itself “a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth”, have been blocked repeatedly in India.

Its Instagram handle has more than 22 million followers – more than double the BJP’s 9.5 million followers on the same site, as well as the main opposition Congress Party’s 13.9 million followers.

Dipke called on followers to meet him at New Delhi airport before accompanying him to seek police permission for a demonstration.

“My friends and family are afraid that I will be arrested right at the airport and then sent to jail,” he said.

“But I still hope that our country is still a democracy today and that we will be granted permission to protest peacefully.”

Critics have repeatedly accused Modi’s government of using state institutions to stifle dissent, a charge it rejects.

The red balls usually used in Tests are not easily visible in fading light, while white balls used in limited-overs matches have been found to be not durable enough for the longer format.

Pink balls are already used in day-night Tests played under lights.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement its executive board had approved the “trialling the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light”.

The global cricketing body said it had also given approval for new “research on lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce lost play due to poor light”.

“Our discussions… have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally,” said council chief Jay Shah, following a meeting in India’s Ahmedabad.

But despite Nvidia boss Jensen Huang’s assertion that homes will soon contain AI supercomputers, the race is still on to develop an ubiquitous, one-size-fits-all intelligent device.

Huang vowed to “reinvent the PC” with Nvidia’s powerful chip for Windows machines, calling it “as big of a deal as the reinvention of the phone into what we now know as the smartphone”.

Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia, told AFP that “legacy” laptop chip makers were now facing a challenge from Nvidia laptops optimised for AI.

“Both Intel and AMD are ready hardware-wise, but the question is software – and creating the right type of device that can match consumer expectations,” he said.

Nvidia is the world’s most valuable company thanks to a construction boom of AI data centres packed with its advanced chips.

Zhibin Xiao, CEO of the US company ZFlow AI, said in Taipei – where major industry show Computex takes place this week – that Nvidia bringing its AI prowess to laptops was a “game changer”.

“There will be more people working on AI agents,” and then “once you have developers, then you have more applications, and then people will buy the AI PC as a consumer”, he said.

Others gave similar assessments, although Al Benzoni of Aperion Technologies said he would wait before buying one of the new Nvidia-powered Windows PCs, available later this year.

“I wouldn’t want to be the first guinea pig,” as “it’s not so easy to have everything just smooth” like Apple has managed to do with its laptops.

Next big thing

Creating the world’s next big gadget – whether static, handheld, or wearable like earbuds, pendants and brooches – is something of a holy grail for AI companies.

“It could be PC, but we are also looking at AI glasses,” although neither can be seen as a killer device in the industry at this point, Omdia’s Su said.

“There was a point where even an AI PC was not a convincing pitch,” but the sudden popularity of agent tool OpenClaw has changed that, he added.

Some companies are also betting on smartphones, although attempts to ditch apps for agentic AI have so far run into problems with computing power and gaining permission to access on-device tools run by different firms.

And ChatGPT maker OpenAI is working with renowned industrial designer Jony Ive on a mystery device for interacting with AI, expected to be ready by next year.

Glasses are the top pick for tech influencer Selina Liu, whose “gptsavyy” Instagram account has more than 300,000 followers.

“Because it’s really close to what we see and how we talk, how we interact with people,” she reasoned.

In Taipei, Qualcomm boss Cristiano Amon also weighed in on the topic on Monday.

“At home, you’re going to have agents. They’re going to basically update everyone on your activity and your schedule – all of the things that you need to do at work,” he said.

“Today’s devices were not designed for those experiences,” Amon said.

But what kind of gadget people will use isn’t too important, he added, because “the agent isn’t tied to the device”.

“It actually moves with the user and is there with the user, regardless of the device that you have.”

PM Shehbaz said this in a meeting with a delegation of senior leaders from chambers of commerce and industry from across the country in Islamabad. The delegation presented recommendations to the premier regarding the upcoming federal budget and the country’s overall economic growth.

PM Shehbaz stated that sustained efforts had helped stabilise the economy and that the government would continue working to achieve faster economic growth.

The prime minister also directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve all pending tax refund cases by June 15.

He reiterated that export-led economic growth remained the government’s mission and said collective efforts would ensure its realisation.

“Despite the recent increase in the policy rate, the Export Finance Scheme rate will remain unchanged at 4.5% until June 2027,” he said, adding that banks’ decision to facilitate exporters was commendable.

To facilitate the business community, the prime minister directed Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to relocate its head office to Karachi. On the request of overseas Pakistanis and the business community, he also instructed authorities to establish a passport office in Gujrat.

The prime minister said reforms and incentives for the development of the SME sector were an integral part of the government’s economic agenda. He encouraged Pakistani investors to promote local production of electric vehicles through joint ventures.

The PM Office said members of the delegation praised the efforts of PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in promoting peace amid tensions in the Gulf region.

Representatives of the business community said they stood with the government in efforts to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities. The delegation welcomed the launch of a soft-loan scheme under the “Prime Minister Apna Ghar Programme” for low-income and middle-class families.

It also thanked the prime minister for reforms in the Export Development Fund Board, the successful privatisation of the Pakistan International Airline (PIA), the digitalisation of the FBR, and the introduction of e-invoicing.

Delegation members said the business community would fully cooperate with the government in bringing the grey economy into the formal economy through digitalisation and other reforms.

The consultative meeting was attended by senior representatives, including presidents of the FPCCI and the chambers of commerce of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Sarhad, Quetta, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.

Federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, the FBR chairman, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting.

The CSE All Share index settled down 0.21% at 22,265.04.

Renuka Agri Foods PLC and Renuka Foods PLC were the top percentage losers on the index, falling 8.4% and 7.7%, respectively.

Trading volume on the CSE All Share index fell to 71 million shares from 516 million in the previous session, according to exchange data.

The equity market’s turnover fell to 1.67 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($5.1 million) from 7.38 billion rupees in the previous session.

Foreign investors were net sellers, offloading stocks worth 37.4 million rupees, while domestic investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth 1.64 billion rupees, the data showed.

The deficit was at 15.19 trillion rupees ($159.91 billion), or 97.5% of the government’s revised estimates presented in February.

In April, the fiscal deficit amounted to 21.4% of the budgeted target for the full year ending March 2027, data showed.

India’s trade deficit widens to USD28.38bn in April

Key numbers for 2025/26

Net tax receipts at 33 trillion rupees ($347.40 billion), up from 30.87 trillion rupees collected in the same period a year ago.

Non-tax revenue at 6.8 trillion rupees, compared with 5.31 trillion rupees a year ago.

Total government expenditure at 49 trillion rupees compared with 47.16 trillion rupees a year earlier.

Capital expenditure, or spending on building physical infrastructure, stood at 10.7 trillion rupees against 10.18 trillion rupees a year ago.

The data center will be located in the Raigad Penn Growth Centre, which lies on the outskirts of the financial capital Mumbai, and will have 3 GW capacity.

AirTrunk is backed by U.S.-based investment firm Blackstone.

The firm has data centres in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.

More than $630 billion worth of investments are expected from U.S. tech giants this year as India is offering tax breaks for foreign firms operating from domestic data centres.

India’s biggest conglomerates are also stepping up a push into AI and data infrastructure with Reliance and Adani committing about $110 billion and $100 billion, respectively, in February.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Privatisation, Ghaznavi will be responsible for shaping public messaging, strengthening stakeholder confidence and supporting reform initiatives through strategic communication efforts.

The commission said Ghaznavi brings more than two decades of experience in the public and private sectors.

He holds an MS degree in Mass Communication and an MBA in Marketing, both earned with distinction, and has also received specialised training in the United States.

During his career, he has held senior positions at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), the Planning Commission and several media organisations.

Before joining the Privatisation Commission, Ghaznavi served as Spokesperson and Senior Executive Director for Corporate and Media Affairs at the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

The commission described him as a seasoned communications professional with extensive expertise in strategic communication, regulatory affairs and corporate governance.

A US delegation led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch will hold three-day talks with Indian trade officials in New Delhi starting Tuesday.

In February, the two nations reached an initial understanding for a trade deal but negotiations slowed down after U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff measures were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

After the court order, the Trump administration launched investigations under Section 301 of ​the Trade Act of 1974, into unfair trade practices against several trading partners including India, while imposing a blanket 10% tariff.

Rubio’s trip to India signals US need to repair ties

In talks with Lynch and his team, New Delhi will seek relief from tariffs emerging from the probe, an Indian trade source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as details of the planned talks are confidential, told reporters.

“India has to discuss tariff rate, 301 probe impact, and aim for competitive tariff rate versus direct competition,” said the source, adding the deal could be agreed if “we get the terms fair, equitable, and balanced.”

India is also seeking tariff treatment that would give it an advantage over competing manufacturing hubs in Asia as it seeks to strengthen its position in global supply chains, the source said.

The official said India expected preferential tariff rates compared with developing countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

India, US discuss Middle East, trade

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer could visit India once the broad contours of the agreement are finalised, the source added, signalling progress in the negotiations.

The talks come as India seeks greater access to the U.S. market while navigating trade frictions over tariffs and other regulatory measures.

Now 34, Brazil’s all-time top scorer has been recalled by Carlo Ancelotti after almost three years away from the national side, though his participation was already hanging in the balance at the team’s first training session last week, which he missed for scans that showed a calf injury.

He last played for Brazil in 2023 when he suffered a devastating knee injury against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.

Since that October night, Neymar has been sidelined for more than 600 days with a string of injuries between his time playing in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, where he returned to his boyhood club Santos last year in an attempt to revive his career.

Instead, more injuries and fresh controversies have accompanied a struggle for rhythm and sharpness.

Neymar out of Brazil friendlies and set to miss World Cup opener

This year he has six goals and four assists in 15 matches, carefully managed and never playing more than four consecutive games since returning from more knee surgery in February.

His inclusion in Ancelotti’s squad has sparked fierce debate in Brazil. When the Italian stepped up at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow on May 18 to announce his squad, the tension hung heavily in the air until Neymar’s name was called and the crowd exploded as though a last-gasp goal had been scored.

Ancelotti, who said on Saturday he believed Neymar could be ready in time for Brazil’s first game on June 13, has opted for romance as much as reason by calling up the country’s long-time talisman as he shapes a high-intensity side for the five-times world champions.

Team mates have publicly supported Neymar’s return, yet supporters remain divided between loyalty and concern over whether his body can still match his imagination.

It would be his fourth World Cup — a tournament that has defined his turbulent journey.

In 2014, on home soil, he scored four goals in five matches before a back injury after a clash with a Colombian opponent ruled him out of the 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany.

In 2018, arriving with fitness doubts after a foot injury at Paris Saint Germain, he could not stop Brazil falling to Belgium in the quarter-finals.

In 2022, buoyed up by strong club form at PSG, hopes were high again, only for an ankle injury against Serbia to disrupt his campaign before a penalty loss to Croatia ended Brazil’s run again in the quarters.

Now, Neymar is far from his peak and facing a tactical dilemma. Ancelotti told Reuters in early May that his side must press high and run relentlessly - a demanding brief for a player rebuilding his body and confidence.

Whether Neymar plays a central role or serves as an emotional lightning rod, his presence alone alters the mood. For better or worse, Brazil’s story in 2026 will carry his name once more.

The deal comes after prolonged negotiations that had left the tournament’s telecast in limbo, with concerns that fans in India could miss out on the global competition.

Broadcasters in India and across Asia had been cautious about bidding for the rights, citing worries that late-night kickoff times in the region would hurt viewership and advertising revenues.

The World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.

“We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences,” said Zee chief executive Punit Goenka.

“Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport… while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan,” he added.

Zee did not disclose the value of the deal, which also includes rights to broadcast 38 other FIFA events in India between 2026 and 2034.

FIFA had reportedly sought around $100 million for the rights to the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, a valuation that drew few bidders in the Indian market, according to local media.

FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai said India remained a key growth market for the sport.

“The FIFA World Cup is the greatest show on earth, and we are glad to partner with ‘Z’ for the first time to bring this global spectacle to India,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

India, the world’s most populous nation with 1.4 billion people, are not playing at the World Cup.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 55.0 in May from April’s 54.7, higher than a preliminary estimate of 54.3

A reading above 50.0 indicates growth.

New orders - a key gauge of demand - grew at the fastestrate since February, driven by civil engineering projects, competitive pricing and favourable demand conditions.

Domestic demand was the primary engine of growth, as export orders, while still expanding solidly, increased at their slowest pace in three months.

Factory output rose at its quickest pace in three months with intermediate and capital goods leading the way. But consumer goods makers saw growth ease.

India economy resilient but faces rising risks from Mideast war, government report says

Hiring continued although the pace of job creation slowed from April.

Input price inflation was the second-strongest, excluding April, in roughly four years - driven by higher outlays for energy, fuel, materials and transportation, with the Middle East war cited as a contributing factor. Capital goods producers faced the sharpest cost increases among the three sub-sectors tracked.

Selling price inflation eased from April and remained below the rate of input cost growth as competitive pressures restrained firms from passing on the full burden to customers.

Despite elevated costs manufacturers sharply increased purchasing activity - at the fastest rate in three months - partly to build contingency stocks.

Business confidence fell to the lowest since February but remained positive with companies expressing hope that cost pressures would ease, supported by strong order pipelines and marketing efforts.

“Violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The U.S. and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on X.

Discussions between Pakistani authorities and the IMF have focused on fiscal consolidation, tax reforms, energy-sector restructuring, governance measures, and steps aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability.

One of the IMF’s primary objectives is fiscal consolidation. Under the current programme, Pakistan has committed to maintaining a primary budget surplus, which measures government revenues against expenditures excluding interest payments on debt.The purpose of this target is to improve public finances and support debt sustainability.

A key component of this effort is increasing tax revenue. The IMF has urged Pakistan to strengthen revenue collection through a combination of administrative reforms and tax-policy measures.

Discussions have focused on broadening the tax base, reducing revenue leakages, improving compliance, and bringing more economic activity into the documented economy. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been working on measures aimed at increasing collections and improving enforcement mechanisms.

Also read: Stability without growth: IMF programmes and policy challenges for Pakistan

The IMF has also emphasised the need to reduce tax exemptions and preferential treatments that narrow the revenue base. Various reviews have examined concessions available to certain sectors and industries, with the objective of increasing revenue efficiency and simplifying the tax system. The issue is expected to remain part of ongoing discussions between the government and the Fund.

Another major area of focus is the energy sector. The IMF has repeatedly highlighted concerns regarding Pakistan’s circular debt problem, particularly in the power sector. Circular debt refers to the accumulation of unpaid obligations across the energy supply chain. To address this issue, discussions have included measures related to electricity tariffs, energy pricing mechanisms, loss reduction, and improvements in operational efficiency.

Linked to energy reform is the issue of subsidies. The IMF has generally encouraged the government to limit untargeted subsidies that create fiscal pressures while protecting social spending for lower-income households. Policymakers have therefore been examining ways to better target assistance programmes while maintaining budgetary discipline.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) have also featured prominently in reform discussions. Many public-sector entities have generated significant financial losses over the years, creating additional burdens on public finances. The IMF has supported efforts aimed at restructuring, improving governance, and increasing accountability within these organisations. The government has already initiated a number of reforms in this area, including legislative and administrative measures.

Tax administration reforms remain another priority. Beyond introducing new taxes, the IMF has emphasised improving the efficiency of tax collection. Measures under discussion have included greater use of technology, enhanced documentation of economic activity, integration of databases, and stronger enforcement against tax evasion. These initiatives are intended to improve compliance and increase revenues without relying solely on higher tax rates.

Governance and transparency measures have become increasingly important elements of IMF programmes. Recent discussions have included reforms aimed at strengthening institutional accountability, improving public-sector management, and enhancing transparency in government operations. Such measures are often incorporated as structural benchmarks within IMF-supported programmes.

The IMF has also focused on public financial management. This includes efforts to improve budgeting processes, expenditure controls, fiscal reporting, and oversight mechanisms. Better management of public finances is viewed as important for meeting fiscal targets and improving policy implementation.

Monetary policy has been another area of engagement. The IMF has generally supported policies aimed at maintaining price stability and reducing inflation. Programme reviews have often examined monetary conditions, inflation trends, foreign exchange reserves, and broader macroeconomic indicators. Maintaining stability in these areas is considered important for overall economic performance.

External-sector stability is also a significant concern. Pakistan’s history of balance-of-payments pressures has made foreign exchange reserves and external financing key topics in IMF reviews. The programme includes measures intended to strengthen reserves, improve confidence in the economy, and support external sustainability.

Also read: Is Pakistan’s IMF dependence a policy glitch?

The IMF has additionally encouraged reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and strengthening economic competitiveness. These discussions have touched on regulatory reforms, business facilitation, and measures designed to improve productivity and encourage private-sector activity. Such reforms are generally viewed as necessary to support long-term economic growth.

Social protection remains part of the programme framework as well. While fiscal consolidation measures often attract the most attention, IMF discussions have also emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable segments of society. Programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have continued to receive attention within broader discussions on economic reforms and budgetary priorities.

Taken together, the IMF’s agenda for Pakistan covers a wide range of policy areas. Current discussions are centered on increasing revenue collection, maintaining fiscal discipline, addressing energy-sector challenges, reforming state-owned enterprises, improving governance, strengthening institutions, supporting macroeconomic stability, and protecting targeted social spending. The pace and scope of implementation will continue to shape economic policymaking in the months ahead as Pakistan works through programme reviews and budget preparations.

Provisional Indian government data reviewed by Reuters showed China shipped in around 232,000 metric tons of finished steel in April and emerged as the top exporter of such steel to the South Asian nation.

That is despite India, the world’s second-biggest crude steel producer, imposing import tariffs in December on some grades for a period of three years that had managed to slow imports from China.

Imports of finished steel products into India from China were primarily hot-rolled coils, followed by stainless steel products, the data showed.

India’s free trade deal with Britain hits steel hurdle before rollout

While hot-rolled coils fall under import tariffs, stainless steel products are exempt.

The influx of low-priced stainless steel from China is a challenge for the domestic industry, Tarun Khulbe, chief executive at Jindal Stainless, told Reuters. He added that some of the imports were being routed through countries such as Vietnam, a part of ASEAN with which India has a free trade agreement.

Vietnam was among the top five exporters of finished steel to India in April with shipments rising more than four times to 59,000 tons, the data showed.

“Such imports are distorting fair market practices, impacting investments into the industry and affecting long-term manufacturing competitiveness in India,” Khulbe said.

Buyers are lured by Chinese steel that is cheaper anywhere between $11 and $37 per ton of hot-rolled steel compared with local prices, an executive at a large private steel firm said.

Some of the hot-rolled coils that have come into India were distressed cargo that could not reach the Middle East because of the Iran war, a senior executive at another large steel firm said.

India steel ministry pushes to end metallurgical coke tariffs, document shows

Imports from China are further projected to rise in May, according to commodities consultancy BigMint.

India turned a net importer in April, in a sharp contrast with previous months when shipments had slowed due to the tariffs.

In the year 2025/26, China’s steel exports to India fell 39.4% to 1.5 million tons from a year earlier and India was a net exporter.

Demand for steel in India has been rising from infrastructure and automotive sectors as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies expands, contributing to higher imports, executives said.

Finished steel consumption reached 13 million tons in April, up 8.2% on-year.

Experienced forward Aymen Hussein is set to spearhead the Iraqi attack in North America. The veteran striker, a talismanic figure for the national team, leads a potent frontline that also features Ipswich Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi and talented youngsters Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.

A notable omission from Arnold’s selection was Dundee defender Dario Naamo. The full-back was excluded after recently changing his sporting nationality, having represented Finland at youth international level.

Arnold’s midfield selections boast considerable European experience, headlined by Utrecht’s Zidane Iqbal and Heerenveen’s Aimar Sher. Arnold has also decided to keep goalkeeper Kamil Saadi with the squad during the training camp as a precaution against potential injuries.

Iraq are returning to the global showpiece event for the first time in 40 years after beating Bolivia 2-1 in April to secure the final World Cup spot. They have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib, Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil

Defenders: Hussein Ali, Manaf Younis, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Zaid Ismail, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon

Midfielders: Amir Al Ammari, Kevin Yakob, Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji

Forwards: Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali

In a phone call on Sunday night, “I welcomed the determined efforts he is making to swiftly reach an agreement between the United States and Iran, which represents a unique opportunity to build a new security framework that brings together all the parties concerned, in order to allow for lasting stabilisation of the region,” Macron said on X.

Tehran has said that a ceasefire in Lebanon remains a key condition for any deal with Washington, after Israel’s military seized a medieval castle in south Lebanon as it expands ground operations against the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

“I also welcomed President Trump’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and underscored the importance of a robust ceasefire and of our collective support for the Lebanese authorities,” Macron wrote.

Saudi Aramco’s June OSPs increased by $10 per metric ton to $760 a ton for propane and by $20 a ton to $820 per ton for butane.

Propane and butane are types of LPG with different boiling points. LPG is mainly used as fuel for cars, heating and as a feedstock for other petrochemicals.

Sonatrach decreased its June propane OSP by $125 a ton to $575 and for butane by $270 a ton to $610.

Saudi Aramco offers oil in rare tenders as Iran war disrupts exports, traders say

Saudi Aramco’s OSPs are used as a reference for contracts to supply LPG rom the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region.

Sonatrach’s OSPs are used as benchmarks for the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, including Turkey.

At close, the local currency settled at 278.47, a gain of Re0.03 against the greenback.

On Friday, the local unit closed at 278.50.

Pakistan’s headline inflation clocked in at 11.7% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis in May 2026, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data showed.

The consumer price index (CPI) was recorded at 10.9% in April 2026. The CPI stood at 3.5% in May 2025.

Pakistan aims for an economic growth rate to 4% in the upcoming fiscal year, up from an estimated 3.7% in FY26, even as the country manages crude price shock from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and remains under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

The GDP growth projected is driven by stronger performance in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors, according to projections shared by Topline Research.

Meanwhile, the US dollar held steady on Monday after a weekly loss.

The dollar index of the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, was flat at 99.00, after last week’s drop of 0.4%. The euro fell 0.08% to$1.165.

The yen weakened 0.08% to 159.41 per dollar.

Sterling slipped 0.07% to $1.3449.

Oil prices rose more than 3% on Monday after Iran and the US traded strikes and Israel ordered troops to move further into Lebanon in its battle with Hezbollah.

Brent futures were up $2.68 or 3% at $93.80 a barrel at 1121 GMT. U.S. crude futures rose $3.03 or 3.5% to $90.39 a barrel. Over May, Brent and WTI lost around 19% and 17%, respectively. It was both contracts’ biggest monthly fall in absolute terms since March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic slashed energy demand.

The fighting in the Middle East, after Washington hosted Israel-Lebanon peace talks on Friday, dimmed hopes that the US and Iran could soon announce an extension to their ceasefire.

Inter-bank market rates for dollar on Monday

BID Rs 278.47

OFFER Rs 278.67

Open-market movement

In the open market, the PKR gained 9 paise for buying and 4 paise for selling against USD, closing at 278.64 and 279.52, respectively.

Against Euro, the PKR lost 31 paise for buying and 34 paise for selling, closing at 322.77 and 326.08, respectively.

Against UAE Dirham, the PKR gained 3 paise for buying and 4 paise for selling, closing at 75.65 and 76.48, respectively.

Against Saudi Riyal, the PKR remained unchanged for buying and gained 3 paise for selling, closing at 73.85 and 74.67, respectively.

Open-market rates for dollar on Monday

BID Rs 278.64

OFFER Rs 279.52

Benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.6% at $3,690 a metric ton at 0916 GMT. Earlier, it hit $3,707.50 to match a level hit on May 26 for its highest point since March 2022.

The Middle East houses 9% of global smelting capacity for aluminium. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted aluminium exports from the region and limited imports of the raw materials needed to smelt the metal used to manufacture cars, aeroplanes, beer cans and building materials.

Analysts expect a large aluminium market deficit this year, with some floating numbers above 2 million tons.

“Aluminium remains the standout story,” Britannia Global Markets said in a note. “The extreme backwardation highlights the severity of the squeeze.”

Copper slips after strong month as lack of news on Iran deal curbs upswing

Backwardation refers to the premium for nearby LME aluminium contracts against those along the maturity curve.

The premium for the cash aluminium contract over a three-month forward surged to 19-year highs above $100 a ton on Friday.

Elsewhere, copper prices are ticking up as markets price in tight markets outside the U.S., which has over the last year sucked in vast amounts of copper due to expectations for tariffs on imports.

The U.S. is expected to decide by late June whether to impose tariffs on copper metal imports.

Total copper stocks in warehouses registered with Comex HG-STX-COMEX at 640,181 short tons or 580,762 metric tons are up more than 550% since U.S. President Donald Trump in February last year ordered an investigation of copper import tariffs.

Expectations of weak mine supply growth have also helped reinforce elevated copper prices.

Supporting industrial metals overall was expanding manufacturing activity in top consumer China for the sixth consecutive month.

Copper was up 1.1% at $13,792 a ton, zinc gained 0.9% to $3,571, lead firmed 0.1% to $2,018, tin advanced 2% to $56,500 and nickel climbed

1.1% to $19,280.