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)    

On May 29, 2025, security forces arrested two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam, in Shopian's Baskuchan Imamsahib area. The joint operation by the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF's 178 Battalion led to the recovery of two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, two hand grenades, ammunition, ₹5,400 in cash, and an Aadhaar card. The terrorists surrendered during the operation, preventing a potential encounter. This action follows intensified anti-terror efforts in South Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. (PC: India Today)  

On May 29, 2025, Al Jazeera reported on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where residents like Jehad Al-Assar undertake arduous journeys to access food amid a severe blockade. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced criticism for its aid distribution methods, which have led to chaotic scenes and fatalities. The GHF's approach, involving biometric screenings and centralized distribution points, has been condemned by UN officials for violating humanitarian principles. Incidents such as the May 27 shooting in Rafah, where Israeli forces reportedly fired on crowds at an aid center, have exacerbated tensions. With over 2.3 million Gazans facing extreme hunger and limited access to essential supplies, international organizations are urging immediate action to restore impartial and effective humanitarian aid mechanisms. (PC: Reuters)  

Elon Musk has stepped down from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing frustration with Washington's policies. He criticized a recent domestic policy bill, stating it undermines DOGE's objectives. Musk also attempted to interfere with OpenAI's deal to build an AI data center in Abu Dhabi, warning UAE leaders that President Trump wouldn't approve the deal unless his company, xAI, was included. Despite his objections, Trump and U.S. officials proceeded with the agreement. Musk's concerns stem from his strained relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with whom he co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before parting ways in 2018 over trust issues. Musk has since launched his own AI startup, xAI. (PC: Newsweek)