The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to revoke humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The ruling halts a lower court’s decision that had blocked the termination of the CHNV programme, which provided temporary legal status due to urgent humanitarian needs. Critics warn the move could result in mass deportations and endanger lives. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented, calling the ruling premature. Trump officials praised the decision as a victory for border enforcement. The decision follows a similar ruling affecting Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants earlier this month. (PC: Getty Images)

Elon Musk concluded his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration on Friday, standing alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. During a press event, Trump praised Musk’s “tireless” work and called him “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators.” Musk led a sweeping reform program, slashing federal jobs and streamlining bureaucracy to reduce government spending. Trump credited Musk with leading “the most consequential government reform in generations.” The President also claimed credit for defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, stating U.S. intervention helped avert a potential nuclear conflict. (PC: Reuters)

In a startling discovery, the US Coast Guard recovered an intact ink pen from the wreckage of the OceanGate Titan submersible, which imploded during a deep-sea dive to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. The pen, once owned by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, was found inside a fragment of his suit sleeve, along with business cards and Titanic-themed stickers. Investigators located the items during a detailed sorting of debris encased within the sub’s intact endcap. The find has baffled experts, as few expected anything to remain preserved following the catastrophic implosion that killed all five passengers aboard. (PC: Daily Mail, AP)

Al-Awda hospital, the final functioning medical facility in North Gaza, has ceased operations after the Israeli military ordered its evacuation, according to hospital director Dr Mohammed Salha. The evacuation followed a two-week siege and threats from Israeli forces, who warned of lethal consequences if staff and patients remained. Over 300 meters of rubble-strewn roads separated the hospital from waiting ambulances. The World Health Organization confirmed no hospitals remain operational in the region. Amid ongoing bombardment and a worsening humanitarian crisis, the closure severs vital healthcare access for thousands. International bodies have condemned the attack and called for protection of medical facilities. (PC: BBC)

In a major boost for tourism and bilateral relations, the Philippines has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for stays of up to 14 days, with an option to extend to 30 days for those holding valid visas or residency in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or Schengen nations. Indian tourists must meet entry conditions such as valid passports, confirmed bookings, sufficient funds, and return tickets. The Philippines is also launching an e-visa platform and plans to introduce a digital nomad visa. This move aims to attract more Indian travellers to the country's 7,000+ idyllic islands. 

Hamas has expressed strong reservations about a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal, stating that it would lead to the "continuation of killing and famine" in Gaza. The plan, which includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and a prisoner swap, has been accepted by Israel and presented to Hamas by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Hamas officials argue that the proposal lacks commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops, or ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid. They are currently reviewing the proposal but have indicated that it does not meet their core demands. (PC: Reuters)

In April 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, delivered a secret message to Tehran urging Iran to consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed nuclear deal to avoid the risk of a possible Israeli military strike. The warning came during a high-level meeting at Iran’s presidential compound, where Iranian leaders reportedly showed interest in economic relief but expressed deep skepticism about Trump’s reliability. Saudi Arabia, concerned about escalating regional instability, emphasized urgency due to Trump’s limited patience. Riyadh clarified it would not support or participate in any U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran. (PC: Reuters)  

Hamas has stated that the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, recently approved by Israel, fails to meet its core demands, including a full end to the war. While Hamas continues to review the proposal, the plan reportedly includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and Palestinian prisoners. Israeli PM Netanyahu has signaled approval, but Hamas remains non-committal. Meanwhile, Israel issued its largest evacuation order since March, affecting nearly half a million residents in Gaza. UN officials warn of forced starvation and escalating humanitarian crises. Talks in Doha show little progress as military actions appear set to intensify in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

The UN's top humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has accused Israel of committing a war crime by subjecting Gaza to forced starvation. In a BBC interview, Fletcher said aid was deliberately withheld to pressure the population, calling for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reject inflammatory remarks from Israeli ministers. Despite easing a three-month blockade, aid distribution remains chaotic. Fletcher urged the international community to act to prevent genocide and stressed the need for neutral humanitarian access. Israel denies the claims, accusing Fletcher of spreading Hamas propaganda. The war has killed over 54,000 people in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack. (PC: Reuters)

A U.S. federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated former President Donald Trump's tariffs under emergency powers, reversing a prior ruling that blocked his trade measures. The Court of Appeals approved an urgent request from Trump's legal team, citing national security concerns. The original ruling, which declared Trump misused the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, had dealt a blow to his tariff strategy. White House officials, including trade advisor Peter Navarro, welcomed the decision and vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump's commitment to defending American jobs through aggressive trade actions. (PC: Reuters)