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. 

Hamas has expressed strong reservations about a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal, stating that it would lead to the "continuation of killing and famine" in Gaza. The plan, which includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and a prisoner swap, has been accepted by Israel and presented to Hamas by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Hamas officials argue that the proposal lacks commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops, or ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid. They are currently reviewing the proposal but have indicated that it does not meet their core demands. (PC: Reuters)

In April 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, delivered a secret message to Tehran urging Iran to consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed nuclear deal to avoid the risk of a possible Israeli military strike. The warning came during a high-level meeting at Iran’s presidential compound, where Iranian leaders reportedly showed interest in economic relief but expressed deep skepticism about Trump’s reliability. Saudi Arabia, concerned about escalating regional instability, emphasized urgency due to Trump’s limited patience. Riyadh clarified it would not support or participate in any U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran. (PC: Reuters)  

Hamas has stated that the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, recently approved by Israel, fails to meet its core demands, including a full end to the war. While Hamas continues to review the proposal, the plan reportedly includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and Palestinian prisoners. Israeli PM Netanyahu has signaled approval, but Hamas remains non-committal. Meanwhile, Israel issued its largest evacuation order since March, affecting nearly half a million residents in Gaza. UN officials warn of forced starvation and escalating humanitarian crises. Talks in Doha show little progress as military actions appear set to intensify in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

The UN's top humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has accused Israel of committing a war crime by subjecting Gaza to forced starvation. In a BBC interview, Fletcher said aid was deliberately withheld to pressure the population, calling for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reject inflammatory remarks from Israeli ministers. Despite easing a three-month blockade, aid distribution remains chaotic. Fletcher urged the international community to act to prevent genocide and stressed the need for neutral humanitarian access. Israel denies the claims, accusing Fletcher of spreading Hamas propaganda. The war has killed over 54,000 people in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack. (PC: Reuters)

A U.S. federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated former President Donald Trump's tariffs under emergency powers, reversing a prior ruling that blocked his trade measures. The Court of Appeals approved an urgent request from Trump's legal team, citing national security concerns. The original ruling, which declared Trump misused the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, had dealt a blow to his tariff strategy. White House officials, including trade advisor Peter Navarro, welcomed the decision and vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump's commitment to defending American jobs through aggressive trade actions. (PC: Reuters)

On May 28, 2025, during Pakistan's Youm-e-Takbeer celebrations, senior ministers, including Food Minister Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, publicly shared the stage with Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked figures such as Saifullah Kasuri, the alleged mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in India. Also present were Talha Saeed, son of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, and Amir Hamza. The ministers openly embraced and glorified these individuals, referring to them as "symbols of Pakistan." This event has intensified concerns over Pakistan's alleged state support for terrorism, especially following India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (PC: India Global)      

The White House announced Thursday that Israel has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal submitted to Hamas, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Hamas confirmed it is “studying it responsibly.” The conflict, which reignited in March, has killed over 54,000 people, mostly civilians. Despite limited aid entry, starvation looms for one in five Gazans. On Thursday, 54 more were killed, including 23 in an airstrike on Al-Bureij. Jordan accused Israel of using “systematic starvation tactics,” while the last hospital in northern Gaza reportedly faces forced evacuation. Talks, led by President Trump’s envoy, are ongoing with hopes for a truce. (PC: Bloomberg)

“Go back to India” – that was among the racist comments hurled at Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy after he shared a heartfelt 10th wedding anniversary post dedicated to his wife, Apoorva. In the post, Ramaswamy recalled their first date and a symbolic hike they completed years later. However, the tribute drew xenophobic backlash on social media, with users attacking their ethnicity and mocking their appearance. The hateful response comes amid controversy over Ramaswamy’s stance on the H-1B visa program, with critics accusing him of hypocrisy. The incident highlights persistent racism faced by immigrants and people of color in U.S. public life. (PC: X/ Vivek Ramaswamy)

Over 300 prominent British figures, including pop star Dua Lipa and actor Benedict Cumberbatch, have urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to end arms sales to Israel and act to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The open letter, released by NGO Choose Love, demands an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted aid access, and accountability for the UK's role in supplying weapons used in the conflict. The plea comes amid reports of 15,000 children killed and rising starvation in Gaza. The signatories warn that continued arms exports make the UK “directly complicit” in the ongoing atrocities. (PC: The Indian Express)