In his inaugural public audience at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, appealed for peace in Gaza and urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave. Addressing a crowd of 40,000, he emphasized the suffering of civilians, particularly children, the elderly, and the sick. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, reiterated his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. His appeal comes amid ongoing hostilities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The pontiff's message aligns with his broader commitment to global peace, as he also reaffirmed the Vatican's offer to mediate ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine. (PC: Catholic Bishops’ Conference)

A mass stabbing occurred early this morning in Hoofddorp, North Holland, injuring several individuals, including a police officer. The incident took place around 6:00 AM on Fanny Blankers-Koenlaan, a residential area for people with disabilities. Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and a trauma helicopter, responded promptly. One victim remains in critical condition. The injured officer was transported to the hospital in a bloodied police vehicle. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims or the nature of their injuries. The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and police investigations are ongoing. The area has been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene. Further updates are awaited as the situation develops. (PC: OpIndia & A2 CNN)

Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber, is under investigation by Haryana police for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). She confessed to meeting Pakistani officials during trips to Pakistan and maintaining regular contact through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram. Authorities have seized her electronic devices and are analyzing her bank accounts, but no evidence yet shows access to military or strategic information. While central agencies continue to question her, her custody remains with the police. The probe is ongoing, and key details, including missing diary pages, add to the uncertainty. (PC: Instagram)

Four British ex-special forces soldiers, including UK minister Alastair Carns, set a record by summiting Mount Everest in under five days without acclimatising on the mountain. Using hypoxic tents and xenon gas to pre-acclimatise, they bypassed the traditional six-week climb. While organisers tout this as a safer, faster, and lower-impact method, the use of xenon is controversial, with experts warning of insufficient scientific backing. Nepalese officials expressed concern over certification, and mountaineering bodies caution against shortcuts. The climb could mark a shift in Everest expeditions, raising ethical, safety, and environmental questions within the global climbing community. (PC: Reuters)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stopped trade talks with Israel, calling its Gaza actions “repellent” and “monstrous.” He criticised Israeli ministers for using terms like “purify Gaza” and slammed the blocking of aid to Palestinians. Lammy said Israel’s actions were against British values and warned they were harming Israel’s image. He added, “This is not how you bring hostages home.” The UK also placed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and companies. EU countries are also reviewing their trade deal with Israel. Lammy urged Israel to lift the aid blockade, saying people in Gaza were starving and suffering terribly. (PC: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)

  In war-torn Gaza, Mahmoud al-Haw, a father of four, describes the agonizing daily struggle to find food for his family. With the Israeli blockade halting food, medical, and fuel supplies since March, residents like Haw spend hours in long queues at soup kitchens, often returning empty-handed. His family survives on scarce portions of lentil soup shared among six people. The ongoing Israeli military campaign, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has killed over 53,000 Gazans. Hospitals are overwhelmed, aid deliveries stalled, and international concern is rising as children suffer severe hunger. (PC: Reuters)  

On May 20, 2025, Donald Trump announced the "Golden Dome," a $175 billion missile defense system designed to protect the U.S. from threats including hypersonic and ballistic missiles. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, it will feature space-based interceptors, laser systems, and advanced tracking technologies. Trump named General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force as the project head. While over 360 companies have submitted proposals, SpaceX has denied involvement. The initiative has drawn criticism from Russia and China, with experts warning of high costs, technical challenges, and the risk of escalating a global arms race. (PC: Reuters)    

Recent satellite imagery analyzed by India Today indicates that China significantly accelerated construction on Pakistan's Mohmand Dam as early as September 2024, months before India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in April 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam. The dam, located on the Swat River—a tributary outside the IWT's jurisdiction—is now in advanced stages, with substantial concrete structures visible. China’s state media reported the acceleration in response to India’s actions, but the imagery suggests earlier strategic involvement, revealing shifting regional alliances and growing water-related tensions in South Asia. (PC: India Today)    

UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April 2025, up from 2.6% in March, marking the highest rate since January 2024. The unexpected rise, driven by a 27.5% increase in airfares during Easter, exceeded the Bank of England's 3.4% forecast and economists' 3.3% prediction. Services inflation climbed to 5.4%, intensifying concerns over domestic price pressures. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need to alleviate cost-of-living challenges. The data has led investors to reassess the likelihood of imminent interest rate cuts, reducing the probability of an August cut from 60% to 40%. Sterling experienced slight gains following the announcement. Analysts suggest the Bank of England may delay further rate reductions pending future inflation and labor market developments. (PC: Reuters)

On May 20, 2025, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 55 Palestinians, including civilians in homes and a school. The conflict has now caused over 53,000 deaths in Gaza since October 2023. Despite partial easing of Israel’s blockade, humanitarian aid remains blocked, worsening the crisis. Global condemnation is growing, with the UK suspending trade talks and the EU reviewing agreements with Israel. Ceasefire talks in Qatar have stalled amid mutual accusations. The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis continue to draw intense international scrutiny and calls for peace. (PC: Reuters)