Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants launched a violent attack on Sorab city in Pakistan’s Khuzdar district late on May 30, briefly seizing control, looting a bank, ransacking government offices, and setting fire to officials’ residences. Additional Deputy Commissioner Hidayat Buledi Baloch was killed while defending state property. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind called it a direct challenge to state authority. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and hailed Buledi’s bravery. Security forces launched a clearance operation in response. The BLA, part of a long-running insurgency in the resource-rich region, claims Islamabad exploits Balochistan’s resources without benefiting locals. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump announced a sharp rise in tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, doubling them from 25% to 50%, during a rally in Pittsburgh. Aimed at reviving the domestic steel industry and reducing reliance on foreign producers like China, the move accompanies a proposed $14 billion investment deal between US Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel. Trump promised no layoffs and a $5,000 bonus for US steelworkers. The announcement comes amid legal challenges to broader tariff policies. While union leaders welcomed the plan, economists warn of global trade disruption and escalating tensions with top producers like China and India. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced that Pakistani officials will visit Washington next week for trade talks, even as tensions rise with India. Trump emphasized that the US is “very close to making a deal with India,” but warned that any escalation between the two nations could jeopardize trade negotiations. The warning follows recent military clashes between India and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Pakistan seeks relief from a potential 29% US tariff, while India pushes for reduced tariffs and access to major US contracts. Trump stated he won’t pursue deals if hostilities resume, calling for restraint from both sides. (PC: AP)

On May 29, 2025, Israel's government approved the establishment of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the legalization of existing outposts. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the decision, which has drawn condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and international allies. Critics argue that the expansion undermines prospects for a two-state solution and violates international law. The move has prompted warnings of potential sanctions from countries such as Britain, France, and Canada. Despite global concerns, Israeli officials assert that the expansion reinforces national security and territorial claims. (PC: Reuters)  

The UK government has announced a nationwide ban on single-use vapes starting June 1, 2025. The ban will apply to all retailers, including online sellers and healthcare providers. The decision follows growing concerns about the rise in youth vaping and the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes, which contain non-recyclable plastics and lithium batteries. Offenders face £200 fines, with harsher penalties for repeated violations. Only refillable or rechargeable vapes with replaceable components will remain legal. The move is part of the wider Tobacco and Vapes Bill targeting nicotine addiction. (PC: Chemistry World)    

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to revoke humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The ruling halts a lower court’s decision that had blocked the termination of the CHNV programme, which provided temporary legal status due to urgent humanitarian needs. Critics warn the move could result in mass deportations and endanger lives. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented, calling the ruling premature. Trump officials praised the decision as a victory for border enforcement. The decision follows a similar ruling affecting Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants earlier this month. (PC: Getty Images)

Elon Musk concluded his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration on Friday, standing alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. During a press event, Trump praised Musk’s “tireless” work and called him “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators.” Musk led a sweeping reform program, slashing federal jobs and streamlining bureaucracy to reduce government spending. Trump credited Musk with leading “the most consequential government reform in generations.” The President also claimed credit for defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, stating U.S. intervention helped avert a potential nuclear conflict. (PC: Reuters)

In a startling discovery, the US Coast Guard recovered an intact ink pen from the wreckage of the OceanGate Titan submersible, which imploded during a deep-sea dive to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. The pen, once owned by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, was found inside a fragment of his suit sleeve, along with business cards and Titanic-themed stickers. Investigators located the items during a detailed sorting of debris encased within the sub’s intact endcap. The find has baffled experts, as few expected anything to remain preserved following the catastrophic implosion that killed all five passengers aboard. (PC: Daily Mail, AP)

Al-Awda hospital, the final functioning medical facility in North Gaza, has ceased operations after the Israeli military ordered its evacuation, according to hospital director Dr Mohammed Salha. The evacuation followed a two-week siege and threats from Israeli forces, who warned of lethal consequences if staff and patients remained. Over 300 meters of rubble-strewn roads separated the hospital from waiting ambulances. The World Health Organization confirmed no hospitals remain operational in the region. Amid ongoing bombardment and a worsening humanitarian crisis, the closure severs vital healthcare access for thousands. International bodies have condemned the attack and called for protection of medical facilities. (PC: BBC)

In a major boost for tourism and bilateral relations, the Philippines has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for stays of up to 14 days, with an option to extend to 30 days for those holding valid visas or residency in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or Schengen nations. Indian tourists must meet entry conditions such as valid passports, confirmed bookings, sufficient funds, and return tickets. The Philippines is also launching an e-visa platform and plans to introduce a digital nomad visa. This move aims to attract more Indian travellers to the country's 7,000+ idyllic islands.