The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, citing unsubstantiated claims of ties to the Chinese Communist Party and campus safety concerns. This decision affects approximately 6,800 foreign students, who now face the risk of deportation or must transfer to other institutions. Harvard has condemned the move as unlawful and is pursuing legal action to support its international community. The Department of Homeland Security has given the university 72 hours to comply with federal document requests, with reinstatement remaining uncertain. This action intensifies tensions between the federal government and academia over issues of free expression and institutional autonomy. (PC: Bloomberg, ABC, Getty Images & Mel Musto)

Bangladesh faces a power tussle between Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and interim leader Prof. Muhammad Yunus over election timing. General Zaman insists on elections by December 2025, warning that political infighting threatens national sovereignty. Conversely, Prof. Yunus advocates for comprehensive reforms before elections, suggesting a delay until 2026. The discord follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after mass protests. Yunus, appointed as interim leader, has pledged to restore democracy and implement reforms. Despite Zaman's earlier support for Yunus, tensions have escalated, with the army chief emphasizing the urgency of elections to stabilize the nation. The situation underscores the fragile balance between military influence and civilian governance in Bangladesh. (PC: SUHASINI HAIDAR)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a stern warning to the interim government, demanding an immediate and specific roadmap for national elections by December 2025. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain emphasized that failure to announce such a plan could compel the party to withdraw its cooperation. The BNP also called for the removal of controversial advisers from the interim government's advisory council, particularly the security adviser, citing concerns over their alleged affiliations with new political entities. The party insists that the interim government's primary role is to facilitate timely elections, and any deviation undermines public trust and the nation's democratic trajectory. (PC: Yourstory & Dhaka Tribune)

Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has threatened to resign amid escalating political tensions. This follows Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman's insistence on holding elections by December and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's demand for a clear electoral roadmap. Yunus's resignation threat is perceived as a strategic move to galvanize support and possibly initiate protests against the army's push for elections, which would conclude his tenure. Student leaders are reportedly mobilizing youths and Islamists for demonstrations in Dhaka, particularly after Friday prayers, with plans to march towards the Army Cantonment. The situation remains volatile, reflecting deep divisions within Bangladesh's political landscape. (PC: Reuters & NDTV)

The UN has reported a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations in Gaza, highlighting an alarming pattern of strikes on hospitals, homes, and entire neighborhoods. According to the UN situation report, 81% of Gaza's territory is now designated as militarised zones or under forced displacement orders. The ongoing “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign is marked by the widespread use of weapons with broad impact, indicating indiscriminate attacks with little regard for civilian safety. The UN human rights office condemned the methodical destruction and warned that such tactics may constitute violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. (PC: Reuters)  

On May 22, 2025, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky (30) and Sarah Lynn Milgrim (26), were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. They had just attended an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspected shooter, Elias Rodriguez (31) from Chicago, allegedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans and cited the Gaza conflict as his motive. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other offenses. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime and potential act of terrorism, amid growing concerns over rising antisemitic violence. (PC: Reuters)  

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enrol international students, citing allegations of antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared the move “effective immediately,” accusing Harvard of fostering violence and noncompliance with federal law. Harvard condemned the action as “unlawful” and pledged continued support for its international community. This decision follows a prior lawsuit by Harvard against federal overreach into academic policies and a DHS request for student protest data. The university is expected to mount another legal challenge, warning of broader threats to academic freedom nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Two Israeli embassy staff members, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were fatally shot after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was detained at the scene after reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.” The FBI has searched a property linked to him, confirming no ongoing threat. President Trump condemned the act as “obviously antisemitic,” while Israeli officials called it a result of rising incitement. Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered increased security at embassies globally. Authorities are investigating possible terror ties behind the deadly attack. (PC: EPA)

Twenty-five Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur were members of the elite protection unit guarding CPI (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, officials confirmed. Basavaraju and another top leader, Jangua Naveen, died in a fierce gunfight during a major anti-Maoist operation in Bastar. The slain rebels belonged to PLGA’s Company 7, responsible for the safety of senior leaders. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the strike as a historic win, calling Basavaraju’s death the “last nail in the coffin of Naxalism.” Security forces have neutralized over 400 Maoists in the last 18 months as part of intensified operations. (PC: AFP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has condemned a "serious accident" during the launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, calling it a "criminal act" that damaged the nation's pride. The warship’s bottom was crushed during the launch in Chongjin, tipping the vessel off balance. Kim, who attended the event, blamed the mishap on "carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism" and ordered the ship’s restoration before a key party meeting in June. He also vowed punishment for those responsible. While no casualties were reported, the rare admission highlights internal pressure over military failures in a country known for strict secrecy. (PC: Reuters)