The United Kingdom has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Israel due to escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel’s military actions as “egregious,” highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis, including UN warnings that 14,000 infants could die within 48 hours without aid. The UK also imposed sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This move aligns with international criticism from France, Canada, and others, urging Israel to lift aid restrictions and cease hostilities. Despite Israel's limited allowance of aid trucks, the situation remains dire. Israel maintains that external pressure will not alter its security measures. The UK continues to support a two-state solution and calls for immediate humanitarian access. (PC: The Wall Street Journal)

China is set to launch the Jiutian SS-UAV, a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle capable of deploying up to 100 drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze UAVs. Developed by AVIC, Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology, and Guangzhou Haige Communications, the Jiutian features a modular payload system for roles ranging from strike support to disaster response. Operating at 15,000 meters with a 7,000 km range and 36-hour endurance, it can perform ISR and electronic warfare missions. Comparable in size to the RQ-4 Global Hawk but with strike capabilities, it's viewed as a strategic asset for power projection across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and up to Guam. While its altitude places it above many medium-range defense systems, experts note that systems like THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 could intercept it. China's $420 million investment underscores its strategic intent and industrial capability. (PC: NU & The Telegraph)

On May 20, 2025, Pakistan's Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the promotion of Army Chief General Asim Munir to Field Marshal—the nation's highest military rank. This rare elevation follows Munir's leadership during the recent military conflict with India, where Pakistan claimed success. However, India's counterclaims have challenged these assertions with presented evidence. Munir becomes only the second officer in Pakistan's history to attain this rank, after Ayub Khan in 1959. The promotion coincides with a Supreme Court ruling endorsing civilian trials in military courts, further consolidating military authority under Munir's leadership. This development underscores the increasing influence of Pakistan's military in national affairs. (PC: India Today)

On May 20, 2025, Spain experienced a major telecommunications outage, disrupting landline, internet, and emergency services nationwide. Major providers like Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil, and O2 were affected, with complaints surfacing early Tuesday. The outage impacted regions including Madrid, Andalucía, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura, and the Valencian Community. Telefónica attributed the disruption to network upgrade work affecting specific services. Emergency phone lines were also down but have since been restored in some areas. This incident follows a significant power outage that affected millions in Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France late last month, which disrupted traffic lights, airports, and the Madrid underground. (PC: en hespress)

At least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza in just 30 minutes, according to local medics. Strikes hit a school in Gaza City and tents at an old fuel station in Nuseirat, where many displaced families were sheltering. Ten people died at a school, 15 in Nuseirat, and 13 more in Deir al-Balah, local reports said. Rescue teams are struggling due to ongoing bombing and limited equipment. Israel said the strikes targeted Hamas tunnels. The UK, France, and Canada warned Israel against expanding its attack. Over 53,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has issued a dire warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours unless critical aid reaches them immediately. Despite Israel ending an 11-week blockade, only five aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, and the supplies have not yet reached civilians. Fletcher stressed the urgent need for relief during an interview with the BBC. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians overnight. The UK, France, and Canada have urged Israel to halt its renewed offensive and allow more aid. Netanyahu insists the war could end if Hamas releases hostages. (PC: BBC)

Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. With over 4 lakh YouTube subscribers, Malhotra is among 11 arrested individuals tied to a larger ISI module using social media influencers for espionage and propaganda. Authorities revealed she had contact with operatives up to the Pak-Afghan terror hub and was evasive during questioning. Deleted chats with a Pakistani official and suspicious foreign trips to Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are under investigation. Malhotra’s role in sharing sensitive information has raised serious national security concerns amid ongoing tensions post-Pahalgam attack. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan has extended the closure of the sole runway at Rahim Yar Khan airbase until June 6 following severe damage from Indian airstrikes on May 10. Originally scheduled to reopen on May 18, the extended closure suggests ongoing extensive repair work. Satellite images released by India show a large crater on the runway and damage to structures. The airbase, a key Pakistan Air Force installation, was among six military targets hit during India’s retaliation under ‘Operation Sindoor’ after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The strikes marked the worst India-Pakistan military escalation in decades. (PC: AP)

After a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump announced Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire. However, Putin only confirmed interest in a potential “memorandum” for future peace, underscoring the ambiguity. Trump, who once claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, now suggests talks must involve Russia, Ukraine, and possibly the Pope. He hinted he may step back if talks fail, raising fears of a US withdrawal from mediation and support. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern, stressing the importance of continued American engagement as drone strikes from Russia intensify the conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

New digital evidence has surfaced against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for alleged espionage, prompting a likely handover of her case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Malhotra reportedly used encrypted apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to contact Pakistani agents, with numbers saved under aliases. She was introduced to Pakistan High Commission staffer Danish by Harkirat Singh of Haryana SGMC. Investigators allege she visited Pakistan under cover of religious pilgrimages and engaged in propaganda during Operation Sindoor. Malhotra shows “no remorse,” defending her videos as free speech. Authorities are probing her deep links to Pakistan’s intelligence network since 2023. (PC: News18)