The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to contest a decision to revoke its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows it to enroll international students. Homeland Security's notice follows accusations of bias, antisemitism, and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party—claims Harvard denies. The move could impact 27% of Harvard’s student body. Harvard argues the action is a retaliatory attack on academic freedom and is pursuing legal recourse. Trump has also called for a 15% cap on foreign student admissions. The Justice Department filed the notice ahead of a federal court hearing in Boston. (PC: India Today)

On May 27, 2025, chaos erupted at a newly established aid distribution center in Rafah, Gaza, operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Thousands of desperate Palestinians, many having walked long distances under extreme heat, gathered in hopes of receiving food. The GHF, replacing the previous UN-led network of 400 sites with only four heavily secured "mega-sites," subjected recipients to stringent ID checks and biometric scans. As crowds grew impatient, fences were breached, leading to panic. Israeli forces reportedly fired into the air to control the situation, but at least three Palestinians were killed and dozens injured, with UN officials attributing most injuries to gunfire. Critics argue the GHF's approach weaponizes aid and undermines humanitarian principles. (PC: Al Jazeera)

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court found that the IEEPA does not grant the president unlimited power to regulate imports via tariffs, stating that such actions require clear congressional authorization. This decision blocks the enforcement of the "Liberation Day" tariffs, which included a 10% levy on all imports and higher tariffs on goods from several nations. The court's ruling emphasizes the constitutional role of Congress in regulating trade and sets a precedent limiting presidential power in trade policy. The Trump administration has filed an appeal, potentially bringing the case before the Supreme Court. (PC: CNBC & Financial Times)

On May 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Canada pay $61 billion to join the "Golden Dome" missile defense system or become the 51st U.S. state for free access. The Golden Dome, a $175 billion project, aims to protect against missile threats. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the annexation idea, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty and exploring defense partnerships. Canadian Ambassador Bob Rae likened Trump's proposal to a "protection racket," reaffirming Canada's independence. King Charles III, during a Canadian Parliament address, supported Canada's autonomy amid external pressures. (PC: Money Control)    

On May 29, 2025, Al Jazeera reported on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where residents like Jehad Al-Assar undertake arduous journeys to access food amid a severe blockade. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced criticism for its aid distribution methods, which have led to chaotic scenes and fatalities. The GHF's approach, involving biometric screenings and centralized distribution points, has been condemned by UN officials for violating humanitarian principles. Incidents such as the May 27 shooting in Rafah, where Israeli forces reportedly fired on crowds at an aid center, have exacerbated tensions. With over 2.3 million Gazans facing extreme hunger and limited access to essential supplies, international organizations are urging immediate action to restore impartial and effective humanitarian aid mechanisms. (PC: Reuters)  

Elon Musk has stepped down from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing frustration with Washington's policies. He criticized a recent domestic policy bill, stating it undermines DOGE's objectives. Musk also attempted to interfere with OpenAI's deal to build an AI data center in Abu Dhabi, warning UAE leaders that President Trump wouldn't approve the deal unless his company, xAI, was included. Despite his objections, Trump and U.S. officials proceeded with the agreement. Musk's concerns stem from his strained relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with whom he co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before parting ways in 2018 over trust issues. Musk has since launched his own AI startup, xAI. (PC: Newsweek)

Bangladesh's political crisis escalated as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, intensified pressure on interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Tens of thousands of BNP-aligned youth rallied in Dhaka, demanding national elections by December. Addressing the rally virtually from London, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman accused the government of deliberately stalling the electoral process. He emphasized that "the national election must be held by December" and criticized the administration's "delay tactics" and push for "so-called reforms" as attempts to derail democracy. Rahman highlighted that previous caretaker governments held fair elections within three months, yet over ten months have passed without an announced election date. (PC: News18)

A U.S. trade court has blocked former President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" import tariffs, ruling he overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on countries with trade surpluses over the U.S. Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs, citing threats like trade deficits and Mexican drug cartels. The Manhattan-based Court of International Trade stated that IEEPA does not grant the President unlimited tariff authority and that such powers reside with Congress. The court rejected the administration's claim that the tariffs aided in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Following the ruling, the Trump administration filed a notice of appeal. (PC: Moneycontrol)

On the 600th day of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the death of Mohammed Sinwar, a key Hamas military leader, stating he was killed in a May 13 airstrike in Khan Younis. However, the Israeli Defense Forces have not officially confirmed Sinwar's death, citing the need for further verification. Sinwar, brother of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was instrumental in Hamas's military operations and hostage negotiations. His reported death could impact ongoing ceasefire discussions and the broader dynamics of the conflict. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid ongoing hostilities. (PC: Reuters)

On May 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican, suggesting Geneva as a more suitable venue. The Kremlin characterized Trump's recent criticisms, including labeling Putin as "crazy" and warning he is "playing with fire," as emotionally driven. Despite Trump's efforts, including a two-hour call with Putin and appointing Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy, Russia continues its aggressive military actions in Ukraine, launching extensive drone and missile attacks. The Kremlin maintains that national interests take precedence, indicating a complex and strained diplomatic landscape. (PC: AFP)