On May 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Canada pay $61 billion to join the "Golden Dome" missile defense system or become the 51st U.S. state for free access. The Golden Dome, a $175 billion project, aims to protect against missile threats. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the annexation idea, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty and exploring defense partnerships. Canadian Ambassador Bob Rae likened Trump's proposal to a "protection racket," reaffirming Canada's independence. King Charles III, during a Canadian Parliament address, supported Canada's autonomy amid external pressures. (PC: Money Control)    

On May 29, 2025, Al Jazeera reported on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where residents like Jehad Al-Assar undertake arduous journeys to access food amid a severe blockade. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced criticism for its aid distribution methods, which have led to chaotic scenes and fatalities. The GHF's approach, involving biometric screenings and centralized distribution points, has been condemned by UN officials for violating humanitarian principles. Incidents such as the May 27 shooting in Rafah, where Israeli forces reportedly fired on crowds at an aid center, have exacerbated tensions. With over 2.3 million Gazans facing extreme hunger and limited access to essential supplies, international organizations are urging immediate action to restore impartial and effective humanitarian aid mechanisms. (PC: Reuters)  

Elon Musk has stepped down from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing frustration with Washington's policies. He criticized a recent domestic policy bill, stating it undermines DOGE's objectives. Musk also attempted to interfere with OpenAI's deal to build an AI data center in Abu Dhabi, warning UAE leaders that President Trump wouldn't approve the deal unless his company, xAI, was included. Despite his objections, Trump and U.S. officials proceeded with the agreement. Musk's concerns stem from his strained relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with whom he co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before parting ways in 2018 over trust issues. Musk has since launched his own AI startup, xAI. (PC: Newsweek)

Bangladesh's political crisis escalated as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, intensified pressure on interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Tens of thousands of BNP-aligned youth rallied in Dhaka, demanding national elections by December. Addressing the rally virtually from London, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman accused the government of deliberately stalling the electoral process. He emphasized that "the national election must be held by December" and criticized the administration's "delay tactics" and push for "so-called reforms" as attempts to derail democracy. Rahman highlighted that previous caretaker governments held fair elections within three months, yet over ten months have passed without an announced election date. (PC: News18)

A U.S. trade court has blocked former President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" import tariffs, ruling he overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on countries with trade surpluses over the U.S. Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs, citing threats like trade deficits and Mexican drug cartels. The Manhattan-based Court of International Trade stated that IEEPA does not grant the President unlimited tariff authority and that such powers reside with Congress. The court rejected the administration's claim that the tariffs aided in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Following the ruling, the Trump administration filed a notice of appeal. (PC: Moneycontrol)

On the 600th day of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the death of Mohammed Sinwar, a key Hamas military leader, stating he was killed in a May 13 airstrike in Khan Younis. However, the Israeli Defense Forces have not officially confirmed Sinwar's death, citing the need for further verification. Sinwar, brother of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was instrumental in Hamas's military operations and hostage negotiations. His reported death could impact ongoing ceasefire discussions and the broader dynamics of the conflict. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid ongoing hostilities. (PC: Reuters)

On May 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican, suggesting Geneva as a more suitable venue. The Kremlin characterized Trump's recent criticisms, including labeling Putin as "crazy" and warning he is "playing with fire," as emotionally driven. Despite Trump's efforts, including a two-hour call with Putin and appointing Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy, Russia continues its aggressive military actions in Ukraine, launching extensive drone and missile attacks. The Kremlin maintains that national interests take precedence, indicating a complex and strained diplomatic landscape. (PC: AFP)    

On May 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa revocations for select Chinese students in critical fields or linked to the Chinese Communist Party, citing national security concerns. The Trump administration also paused new visa interviews and plans stricter vetting, including social media checks. This move follows Republican criticism of Chinese access to U.S. research and earlier actions to block or deport students. Universities like Harvard face funding cuts, and many are preparing for disruptions. Critics warn the policy could harm academic exchange and discourage international students, intensifying anxiety across U.S. campuses. (PC: The Hindu)

On May 29, 2025, Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), concluding his 130-day tenure as a Special Government Employee. Expressing gratitude to President Trump, Musk acknowledged the opportunity to work on reducing government waste. However, his exit follows public criticism of Trump's "big beautiful bill," a legislative package combining tax cuts and increased immigration enforcement. Musk argued that the bill's substantial spending contradicts DOGE's mission to streamline federal expenditures and exacerbates the national deficit. His departure highlights tensions between fiscal responsibility and expansive legislative agendas within the administration. (PC: Reuters)    

Russia's use of fibre optic drones is reshaping the battlefield in Ukraine, particularly in towns like Rodynske near Pokrovsk. These drones, immune to electronic jamming due to physical cable links, allow precise attacks and surveillance, posing a lethal threat to Ukrainian forces. Civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, with homes and infrastructure destroyed. Ukrainian soldiers report longer, riskier deployments, with some unable to rotate out for months. Despite limited resources, Ukraine is racing to counter this new threat. The war's human toll remains immense, with soldiers like Maksym torn between the frontlines and their families. (PC: BBC)