United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that billions of dollars owed by the United States to the UN are “non-negotiable,” rejecting reports that Washington is linking payments to reform conditions. The US has proposed cost-cutting measures, pension reforms, and steps to limit China’s influence as prerequisites for releasing funds. Guterres emphasized that assessed contributions are mandatory obligations, separate from reform discussions. The US has reportedly paid only about $160 million of over $4 billion owed, raising concerns about the UN’s financial stability and risk of a funding crisis. (PC: Reuters)

Thousands of people across the United States participated in “May Day Strong” protests on May 1, marking International Workers’ Day with a nationwide economic blackout. Organisers coordinated over 3,500 events, urging people to skip work, school, and shopping to demonstrate collective power. The movement, backed by labour unions, immigrant rights groups, and activists, called for taxing the wealthy, ending immigration enforcement actions, and reducing military spending. The protests build on earlier demonstrations and aim to test large-scale mobilisation, with some leaders viewing it as a step toward a potential nationwide general strike in 2028. Educators, students, and communities actively joined the actions across multiple cities. (PC: AFP)

Iran has sent a new diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators, aiming to de-escalate tensions and revive negotiations. The plan reportedly focuses on reopening the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while postponing contentious nuclear discussions to a later stage. Pakistan is acting as a backchannel facilitator, carrying messages between Washington and Tehran amid stalled direct talks. The proposal comes despite ongoing mistrust and disagreements, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. While a ceasefire has held since April, both sides remain cautious, and the US is yet to formally respond to the latest offer. (PC: HT)

The United States is reportedly considering deploying its advanced “Dark Eagle” hypersonic missile system to the Middle East for the first time, targeting Iranian missile launchers deep inside the country. The proposal, made by US Central Command, aims to overcome the limitations of existing weapons that cannot reach such distant targets. The Dark Eagle, capable of speeds above Mach 5, is designed for high-precision strikes on heavily defended positions. However, it is still not fully operational and has faced delays. If approved, the move would mark a major escalation in US-Iran tensions and the first operational use of this next-generation weapon. (PC: NDTV)

Masoud Pezeshkian may remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over stalled talks with the United States, reports said. He is accused of “defying orders” and not keeping the presidency informed. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also backs the move. Reports claim Araghchi acted on directions from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has not confirmed the claims. Talks remain stuck as both sides try to turn a fragile ceasefire into a lasting deal. (PC: AFP)

The United States Central Command has proposed deploying the “Dark Eagle” hypersonic weapon near Iran, a report said. The system can travel over five times the speed of sound. It is designed for long-range strikes. No final decision has been made yet. The move comes despite a ceasefire since April 9. The weapon is built by Lockheed Martin and costs about $15 million per missile. Only eight missiles are available now. Officials say the plan aims to target deep missile sites. Tensions remain high, and future conflict could be more deadly. (PC: ConflictXtweets/X)

A mother and her four-year-old son were found dead after a cruise boat capsized in the Narmada River near Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Rescuers said the mother was holding the child close when they were found. They were tourists from Delhi. The father and daughter survived. A survivor, Syed Riyaz Hussain, said, “No one could understand what was happening. There was screaming… people were crying for help.” He added he was trapped in water for nearly two hours before rescue teams saved him. So far, nine people have died. Authorities rescued 24 people. Several others are still missing, including children. (PC: India Today)

Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla near the Greek island of Crete in Greece and detained about 175 activists, officials said. The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces boarded vessels in international waters and called the action “piracy”. It said boats were damaged and some people were left stranded. Israel said the operation was legal and carried out “peacefully and without any casualties”. It described the flotilla as a “PR stunt”. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the detained activists would be released on a Greek beach. Greece called for restraint and said it was coordinating for safe disembarkation. (PC: BBC)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced questions in Congress over President Donald Trump and his “mental stability” during a hearing. Democratic lawmaker Sara Jacobs asked if Trump was “mentally stable enough” to lead. Hegseth did not give a direct answer. He instead defended Trump and said he would not engage in “disparagement”. He later called Trump an “incredible commander-in-chief who puts our troops first”. The exchange comes as Trump’s recent social media posts during the Iran crisis have raised concerns and drawn criticism from some lawmakers.

The UK government has raised the national terror threat level from “substantial” to “severe” after a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London. Security minister Dan Jarvis said people should stay “alert and vigilant” but “not alarmed”. He added the move was due to wider risks, including Islamist and far-right threats. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision may worry many, especially the Jewish community. She urged people to report concerns. Police said the attack is being treated as terrorism. Authorities added that security agencies are “working round the clock” to keep people safe. (PC: BBC)