On May 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa revocations for select Chinese students in critical fields or linked to the Chinese Communist Party, citing national security concerns. The Trump administration also paused new visa interviews and plans stricter vetting, including social media checks. This move follows Republican criticism of Chinese access to U.S. research and earlier actions to block or deport students. Universities like Harvard face funding cuts, and many are preparing for disruptions. Critics warn the policy could harm academic exchange and discourage international students, intensifying anxiety across U.S. campuses. (PC: The Hindu)

On May 29, 2025, Elon Musk announced his departure from the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), concluding his 130-day tenure as a Special Government Employee. Expressing gratitude to President Trump, Musk acknowledged the opportunity to work on reducing government waste. However, his exit follows public criticism of Trump's "big beautiful bill," a legislative package combining tax cuts and increased immigration enforcement. Musk argued that the bill's substantial spending contradicts DOGE's mission to streamline federal expenditures and exacerbates the national deficit. His departure highlights tensions between fiscal responsibility and expansive legislative agendas within the administration. (PC: Reuters)    

Russia's use of fibre optic drones is reshaping the battlefield in Ukraine, particularly in towns like Rodynske near Pokrovsk. These drones, immune to electronic jamming due to physical cable links, allow precise attacks and surveillance, posing a lethal threat to Ukrainian forces. Civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, with homes and infrastructure destroyed. Ukrainian soldiers report longer, riskier deployments, with some unable to rotate out for months. Despite limited resources, Ukraine is racing to counter this new threat. The war's human toll remains immense, with soldiers like Maksym torn between the frontlines and their families. (PC: BBC)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa ban policy targeting foreign officials accused of censoring Americans online. The move escalates tensions with allies like the EU and Brazil over tech regulations and social media content moderation. Rubio emphasized it is unacceptable for foreign governments to influence American platforms or threaten U.S. citizens for online expression made on U.S. soil. The policy may affect officials enforcing laws like the EU’s Digital Services Act, which U.S. tech firms call censorship. Rubio declared that protecting free speech is central to America’s values and diplomatic relationships. (PC: India Today)

UK prosecutors have authorised 21 criminal charges against Andrew and Tristan Tate, including rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Andrew faces 10 charges linked to three alleged victims, while Tristan faces 11 related to one alleged victim. The CPS made the decision in 2024 following evidence from Bedfordshire Police, prior to seeking the brothers’ extradition from Romania, where they are also under investigation. Both men deny all allegations. Known for their controversial online presence, the Tate brothers were first arrested in Romania in December 2022 and later faced additional charges in August 2024. (PC: EPA)

German prosecutors have charged three men—Ukrainian Robert A., Armenian Vardges I., and Russian Arman S.—with spying on behalf of Russian intelligence. The suspects allegedly plotted to lure a former Ukrainian soldier, now in Germany, to a Frankfurt cafe in June 2024, possibly as a precursor to an assassination. The target, aware of being followed, alerted authorities and avoided the trap. The men were arrested at the scene. Prosecutors labeled the case "particularly serious," amid a surge in Russian espionage activity since its invasion of Ukraine. Germany continues to uncover multiple plots linked to Moscow on its soil. (PC: AP)

Thirteen individuals, including women and children, are stranded at the Indo-Bangladesh Zero Line after Bangladesh denied them entry and India refused re-entry. India’s efforts to deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have sparked diplomatic tensions, with Dhaka accusing New Delhi of violating sovereignty. While India claims over 100 deportations this year, Bangladeshi media alleges over 800 “push-ins” since May 7. Bangladesh’s BGB has blocked Indian attempts and requested a flag meeting. Anti-India sentiment has surged in post-Hasina Bangladesh, complicating cooperation. The standoff underscores worsening bilateral ties and highlights the challenges of managing illegal immigration across the porous 4,096-km border. (PC: PTI)

Merseyside Police have extended questioning of a 53-year-old man arrested after a car hit crowds at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade. The suspect faces charges including attempted murder and dangerous driving. The crash on Water Street injured 79 people, with seven still in hospital in stable condition. New footage shows panicked fans trying to avoid the car. Police say the vehicle followed an ambulance after a roadblock was lifted. Authorities continue to review CCTV and appeal for witnesses. Liverpool’s manager and former coach have expressed support for the victims and praised emergency workers. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Hamas’s Gaza chief, Mohammad Sinwar, has been “eliminated.” Sinwar was one of Israel’s most wanted militants. He is the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader who was killed last year in a gun battle with Israeli troops. Yahya Sinwar had led the group’s October 2023 attacks on Israel and became leader after Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran. The news marks a major development in the ongoing conflict. (PC: Reuters)

The US has stopped new student visa interviews to check social media profiles of foreign students more closely. This move is part of President Donald Trump's plan to increase vetting after pro-Palestine protests on US campuses. The pause does not affect students with already scheduled interviews. Over 1.1 million international students were enrolled in 2023–24, bringing in $43.8 million and supporting thousands of jobs. A US government cable said no new interview slots should be added. “Effective immediately,” wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio, “student visa appointment capacity must pause until further notice.” Guidelines for social media checks are coming soon. (PC: Reuters)