During his recent visit in Alipurduar, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the state's governance, stating, "Various problems plague Bengal currently; we have to work together to secure the state’s future." He condemned the recent communal unrest in Malda and Murshidabad districts, attributing it to the "cruelty" of the current regime. Modi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of corruption, appeasement politics, and allowing hooligans to operate with impunity. He emphasized the need for unity to overcome Bengal's challenges and urged citizens to contribute towards a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Modi asserted that the people desire change from TMC's governance, highlighting the urgency for reform in the state. (PC: X & National Herald)

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)

A depression has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and may intensify into a deep depression, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports. It is expected to move north and make landfall between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by the afternoon of May 29. Originating from a low-pressure area near Odisha, it could bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and winds of 30–40 kmph. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several West Bengal districts, including Kolkata and Howrah. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Sikkim. (PC: The Telegraph & India Today)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada’s new Foreign Minister Anita Anand held a telephonic conversation on May 25, marking the first high-level contact since Mark Carney became Prime Minister. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, deepening economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities, indicating an effort to reset the strained relationship between the two countries, impacted by allegations made by former PM Justin Trudeau. Anand, a prominent Indian-origin Canadian lawyer and politician, has held several key positions within the Trudeau Caucus. Known for her disciplined and focused approach, she has been described as a “fixer” within the Canadian government. Her appointment as Foreign Minister in Carney’s cabinet is seen as a step to build trust, given her condemnation of hate speech against Indian diplomats and violent imagery by Sikh extremists. During Trudeau’s regime, bilateral ties plummeted to historic lows, catalyzed by the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent allegations, leading to diplomatic expulsions and suspended trade negotiations. Anand’s pragmatic outlook and professionalism position her well to handle the delicate situation of India-Canada ties. (PC: Sputnik India & Hindustan Times)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparked controversy within his party by aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance on India's surgical strikes against Pakistan and Operation Sindoor during an all-party delegation in Panama City. His remarks led to sharp criticism from fellow Congress leaders, with some accusing him of echoing BJP narratives. This incident has intensified internal tensions within the Congress party, highlighting ideological divides and raising questions about party unity and direction. The episode underscores the challenges Congress faces in maintaining a cohesive stance on national security issues amidst differing viewpoints among its senior members. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 28, 2025, Rajasthan intelligence detained Sakur Khan Mangaliya, a state government employee and former personal assistant to senior Congress leader Shale Mohammad, on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Khan, currently employed in the state's employment office in Jaisalmer, was apprehended following intelligence inputs about his alleged connections with a Pakistani Embassy official and possible links with the ISI. Investigators discovered multiple unknown Pakistani numbers on his mobile phone, which he failed to explain. During questioning, Khan admitted to visiting Pakistan six to seven times. His financial records are under scrutiny. The arrest is part of a broader national crackdown on espionage networks, known as Operation Sindoor. (PC: India Today)

On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration argued the tariffs were vital for foreign policy, claiming they facilitated the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire by offering both nations U.S. trading access to avert full-scale war. Commerce Secretary Howard W. Lutnick warned that limiting presidential power could destabilize the region. However, India rejected the U.S.'s claimed role, stating the ceasefire resulted from direct military talks. The court emphasized it does not assess the effectiveness of using tariffs as leverage. (PC: Outlook India & ABC)

A recent five-year forecast by the World Meteorological Organization and the UK Met Office warns of an 80% chance of breaking annual global temperature records between 2025 and 2029. There's a 70% probability that the five-year average will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, nearing the Paris Agreement's limit. Alarmingly, there's a 1% chance of reaching 2°C warming within this period. Such increases could lead to more extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires, posing significant risks to human health and ecosystems. The Arctic is expected to warm 3.5 times faster than the global average, accelerating ice melt and sea-level rise. Experts stress the urgent need for action and adaptation to mitigate these escalating climate-related risks. (PC: Money Control & News Arena)

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, eliminating over 100 militants. In a bid to internationalize its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, India sent seven all-party delegations to 30 countries. These teams, comprising over 40 MPs, engaged with foreign governments, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. Nations including Greece, Panama, and Saudi Arabia voiced strong support for India’s stance. The Indian diaspora echoed this backing, amplifying India’s message globally and calling for unified global action against terrorism. (PC: ANI)

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)