Mount Everest witnessed a historic climbing milestone as a record 274 climbers successfully reached the summit from the Nepal side in a single day. The achievement surpassed the previous Nepal-side record set in 2019 and came during a brief period of favorable weather after delays caused by dangerous ice conditions. Heavy crowding was reported in the “death zone,” raising renewed concerns about safety and overcrowding on the world’s tallest peak. Nepal has issued nearly 500 climbing permits this season despite criticism from mountaineering experts. Veteran Sherpas Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa also extended their own Everest summit records during the season. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump reacted strongly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly refused to send Iran’s enriched uranium abroad. Trump said the US would “destroy” the uranium stockpile and would not allow Iran to retain materials that could support nuclear weapons development. The remarks come amid fragile ceasefire and peace negotiations involving the US, Iran, and Israel after months of regional conflict. Iran insists the uranium is for civilian purposes and considers its removal a threat to national security. The dispute has further complicated ongoing diplomatic talks and increased tensions in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

Arjamand Gulzar alias Burhan Hamza, a top operational commander of the banned terror outfit Al-Badr, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gulzar, originally from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, was wanted in India for allegedly running terror recruitment, funding, and arms networks in South Kashmir. Indian authorities had declared him a terrorist in 2022 and linked him to multiple anti-India operations. Security officials said he played a major role in radicalising youth through digital propaganda. His killing is part of a continuing trend since 2023, where several wanted terror operatives have been targeted in Pakistan and PoK. (PC: NDTV)

An opinion piece in Republic World described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming India visit as a crucial moment for reviving India-US ties under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The article argued that despite strong personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, both nations missed several diplomatic and trade opportunities due to slow bureaucratic engagement. The commentary stressed the need for stronger public diplomacy, faster decision-making, and deeper cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and Quad initiatives. Rubio’s May 23-26 India visit is expected to focus on strategic partnerships and economic collaboration. (PC: X)

Britain has admitted it “handled clumsily” a controversial sanctions licence that allowed Russian oil products refined in countries like India and Turkey to continue entering the UK market, reigniting debate over Western criticism of India’s energy trade with Moscow. UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant apologised in Parliament for confusion surrounding the temporary waiver, which permitted imports of jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude to avoid supply disruptions during global energy instability linked to Middle East tensions. The development strengthens India’s long-standing argument that Western nations indirectly benefited from Russian energy while criticising others publicly. Reports estimate billions of pounds worth of refined Russian-origin oil products entered Britain through third countries after sanctions were imposed in 2022. (PC: Times Now)

US President Donald Trump said ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran are on the “borderline” between a possible deal and renewed military strikes. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Trump warned the diplomatic window could close quickly if Tehran fails to provide “100% good answers” on its nuclear programme. He claimed Iran was moving toward developing nuclear weapons and said the issue would end “one way or the other.” Trump also stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid global oil concerns. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a new US proposal while warning that any renewed attacks could trigger a wider regional conflict.

Russian fighter jets repeatedly intercepted a British Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft during a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea, according to UK defence sources. The RAF spy plane was reportedly operating in international airspace when multiple Russian warplanes approached and shadowed it at close range. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO over the ongoing Ukraine conflict and increased military activity in the region. British officials described the mission as lawful and routine, while Moscow accused Western nations of escalating surveillance near Russian territory. The repeated interceptions underline growing risks of military confrontation in the strategically sensitive Black Sea region. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are in their “final stages” and expressed hope for a diplomatic agreement to avoid further conflict. However, Trump warned that the United States remains prepared to launch military attacks if talks fail to produce an acceptable deal. The negotiations focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and reopening the Strait of Hormuz after recent disruptions to global oil shipments. Iran has continued indirect talks through mediators while insisting on sanctions relief and security guarantees. Oil markets reacted cautiously as fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East continue to impact global energy prices. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing following former US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic engagement with Moscow. The high-profile meeting highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Russia amid growing geopolitical tensions with the West. Discussions reportedly focused on energy cooperation, military coordination, trade expansion and global security issues, including the Ukraine conflict and Indo-Pacific developments. Both leaders reaffirmed opposition to Western sanctions and pledged closer cooperation in international forums. The visit signals Beijing and Moscow’s continued alignment despite rising pressure from the United States and its allies. (PC: AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin his first official visit to India on May 23 for a four-day diplomatic tour covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. During the visit, Rubio is expected to hold high-level meetings with senior Indian officials to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy security and strategic partnerships. He will also participate in the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India on May 26 alongside representatives from Australia and Japan. The discussions are likely to focus on Indo-Pacific security, global geopolitical tensions and expanding India-US bilateral ties amid evolving international challenges. (PC: AFP)