A new US Defence Intelligence Agency report states that Pakistan views India as an existential threat and is intensifying efforts to modernise its military, including battlefield nuclear weapons. The report highlights Pakistan's continued nuclear arsenal development and its reliance on foreign suppliers—primarily China—for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) components. It also emphasizes Pakistan's growing military and economic dependence on China, with frequent joint military exercises. However, the China-Pakistan alliance faces strain due to terrorist attacks targeting Chinese workers, notably the killing of seven Chinese nationals in 2024. The report underscores Pakistan's procurement activities and its strategic balancing act. (PC: Reuters)

  On May 25, 2025, Russia conducted its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the war's onset, deploying 367 drones and missiles, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean missiles. The attack targeted over 30 cities, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including three children, and injuring over 60 civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and urged stronger international sanctions against Russia. This escalation coincided with the completion of a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with each side releasing 303 individuals, totaling over 1,000 prisoners exchanged during the three-day process. Despite this rare instance of cooperation, peace talks remain stalled, and hostilities continue along the front lines.  (PC: AFP)

Elon Musk has announced his decision to step away from political involvement to refocus on his core companies: Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and xAI. This comes after criticism over his political activities and concerns about their impact on his businesses. Musk will step down from his role at the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He plans to return to a hands-on leadership style, even sleeping in offices and factories. With Tesla facing declining sales and revenue, Musk aims to re-center his energy on innovation and operational excellence. (PC: The Economic Times)    

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, a violent brawl involving ten individuals erupted at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, Melbourne, prompting a lockdown. Some participants were reportedly armed with knives, and a widely circulated photo showed a suspect wielding a machete. Four people were injured, including one man hospitalized with serious injuries, now in stable condition. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, involving individuals known to each other. Shoppers were confined inside stores amid the chaos, and unverified images and videos of the incident spread on social media. Police have arrested two individuals connected to the attack, who are currently being questioned. The incident follows a recent knife attack in Hamburg, Germany, that injured at least 17 people. (PC: Republic TV & ABC)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that Gaza is entering the "cruellest phase" of the conflict, with Israel's intensified military campaign and prolonged blockade pushing the population to the brink of famine. For nearly 80 days, Israel has blocked life-saving aid, allowing only a fraction of the necessary supplies. Guterres describes the current aid as a "teaspoon" when a "flood" is required. He highlights that 80% of Gaza is under evacuation orders or declared militarized zones, severely hindering humanitarian efforts. Since October 2023, over 53,800 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 122,000 wounded. The UN refuses to participate in a new US-backed aid delivery mechanism, citing concerns over humanitarian principles. (PC: Al Jazeera)

On May 24, 2025, an Israeli airstrike hit the home of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing nine of her ten children while she was on duty at a hospital. The children ranged in age from seven months to 12 years. Her husband was seriously injured, and her only surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, remains in critical condition. Israel claims it was targeting militants and is reviewing the incident. The strike, which killed 79 people in 24 hours, has sparked international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability. (PC: AP)  

Taiwanese students, including Yu-hsuan Lin and Vince, face uncertainty after the U.S. government revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, citing national security concerns. Though a judge temporarily blocked the order, affected students remain anxious about visa delays and potential disruptions to their academic plans. Lin, accepted to study education policy, is considering deferring or seeking alternatives in Europe or the UK. Harvard condemned the move as unconstitutional. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education estimates 52 students may be impacted, casting doubt on U.S. higher education access for international applicants. (PC: The Economic Times)

Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England, has made headlines by quitting the Miss World pageant, marking a historic first in the contest’s 74-year history. The 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, cited feelings of exploitation and moral conflict as reasons for her abrupt departure. Magee revealed disturbing experiences during her time in Hyderabad, India, where she felt objectified and pressured to entertain wealthy male sponsors, likening the situation to feeling "like a prostitute." She criticized the pageant for being outdated and valuing appearance over substance, despite its "beauty with a purpose" slogan. Magee, a plus-size advocate and campaigner for CPR awareness supported by Prince William, expressed disillusionment with the lack of genuine change within the Miss World organization. Her decision to leave was initially attributed to "personal reasons," but in an exclusive interview with The Sun, she exposed the superficial treatment and lack of respect toward contestants. Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant will now represent England in the final. Magee’s stand has sparked renewed conversation around the relevance and practices of international beauty pageants. (PC: Miss World)

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces mounting pressure from the army chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to hold elections by December. Yunus warns of public-backed action if "unreasonable demands" hinder the government's autonomy, reforms, or judicial processes. The administration attributes obstacles to "defeated forces" and "foreign conspiracies." Yunus plans discussions with BNP and Jamaat leaders to address the crisis. The capital, Dhaka, has witnessed mass uprisings and protests over the past nine months, reflecting the nation's political volatility. Supporters of Yunus are preparing to defend the interim government across various fronts, including street mobilizations, to ensure the continuation of its mandate and the planned reforms. (PC: Global Yunus Social Business)

Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has dismissed negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, labeling it a "puppet" regime lacking real authority. He insists that meaningful dialogue can only occur with the military establishment, which he deems the actual power holders. Khan, incarcerated since August 2023 following his government's ousting in April 2022, accuses the current administration of fabricating political cases and suppressing his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), through forced abductions and coerced press conferences. He refutes claims of any negotiation attempts, stating no one has approached him for talks. Despite restrictions on family visits and medical care, Khan remains resolute, asserting his commitment to the nation's welfare. (PC: AP)