India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. At the UN, India's Permanent Representative, Ambassador P. Harish, accused Pakistan of being a "global epicentre of terror," citing over 20,000 Indian deaths from terrorist attacks in the past four decades. He emphasized that the treaty's suspension will persist until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. India also highlighted Pakistan's consistent violations of the treaty's spirit through wars and terror attacks. In response, Pakistan condemned the move as "water warfare." The international community has been urged to take collective action against terrorism. (PC: ABC & Lead the change)

On Friday evening, a knife attack at Hamburg's central train station injured at least 18 people, including three critically. The assailant, a 39-year-old German woman, was arrested at the scene without resistance. The attack occurred on the platform between tracks 13 and 14. Authorities believe she acted alone, with no clear motive identified yet. Some victims received treatment on trains, while others were hospitalized. The station, a major transit hub, saw partial closures and train delays following the incident. Carrying weapons, including knives, is prohibited at the station and on local transport in Hamburg. Deutsche Bahn expressed deep shock over the event. Investigations are ongoing to determine further details.(PC: ABC & NBC)

Nine children of Palestinian paediatrician Dr. Alaa Al Najjar were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Khan Younis, Gaza, while she was at work. Her husband, also a doctor, is critically injured and their surviving son remains hospitalised. The strike left graphic devastation, with rescuers pulling children’s bodies from the rubble. British doctors at Nasser Hospital described the attack as “unimaginable,” highlighting that the family had no military links. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry condemned the targeting of medical workers. The Israeli military has yet to comment. Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in 2023. (PC: Sky News)

The European Union urged "mutual respect" in trade talks after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports starting June 1. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič affirmed Europe's commitment to a fair deal but said the bloc would defend its interests if provoked. Trump expressed frustration over stalled negotiations and said only U.S.-made products would avoid the tariffs. European leaders warned of economic harm and called for de-escalation. Stock markets in both regions dropped in response, while the EU considers retaliatory measures worth €95bn if the US proceeds with its protectionist stance. (PC: EPA)

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing 250 long-range drones and 14 ballistic missiles, injuring at least 15 civilians in Kyiv. Debris from intercepted projectiles sparked fires in the Solomianskyi district and damaged a shopping mall and residential building in Obolon. Residents sought shelter in subway stations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, asserting it underscores Moscow’s role in prolonging the war. He urged the global community to impose harsher sanctions and ramp up diplomatic pressure. Regions including Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv were also hit, marking one of the most intense strikes in recent weeks. (PC: Reuters)

Nearly 1,000 film industry figures, including Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo, have signed an open letter condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it “genocide.” The petition, titled “Artists for Fatem,” was launched in response to the killing of 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna in an Israeli airstrike, just days after her documentary was announced at Cannes. The signatories criticized the global film industry’s silence and demanded accountability. “As artists and cultural players, we cannot remain silent,” the letter declared. The movement has gained momentum during the Cannes Film Festival, drawing global media attention. 

A knife attack at Hamburg Central Station left 18 people injured, several critically, on Friday evening. The suspect, a 39-year-old German woman, was arrested at the scene. Authorities believe she acted alone and was in a state of mental distress, with no political motive. The incident occurred between platforms 13 and 14, during peak rush hour. Emergency services treated victims on-site, including inside trains. Four platforms were closed, disrupting travel. The homicide division is investigating the motive. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the attack “shocking” and praised the swift emergency response at one of Germany’s busiest transport hubs. (PC: Reuters)

Describing it as a historic first, Dr. Walter Ladwig of King’s College London said Operation Sindoor marks “an undiscovered country” in nuclear-age warfare. Speaking to NDTV, he noted, “We do not have an example of two nuclear arms states who have engaged in reciprocal airstrikes like this.” Ladwig praised India's calibrated response to the Pahalgam attack, calling it an evolution in its military policy. “If you fail to deny terrorists space to operate, that is enough,” he said. He also warned that this cat-and-mouse game will push terror groups into deeper concealment, complicating future intelligence and counterstrikes. (PC:  NDTV)

A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students. The decision follows a lawsuit from Harvard, which called the action a “blatant violation” of law and academic freedom. “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the university argued. President Trump accused Harvard of harboring anti-American views, while Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the action as retaliation. The case will be heard next on May 29. Thousands of foreign students remain in limbo, uncertain about their education and immigration status. (PC: Reuters)

Speaking at the German Council on Foreign Relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Pahalgam terror attack was “meant to create a fear psychosis, destroy the tourism economy of Kashmir, and sow religious discord.” He emphasized that the assault was part of a larger pattern targeting not just Jammu and Kashmir, but other regions in India as well. Highlighting India’s strong response under Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar stated, “Our campaign is against terrorism… and in this case, the terrorists happen to be located in the country next door.” Germany condemned the attack and affirmed India’s right to self-defence.