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)

Bangladesh's political crisis escalated as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, intensified pressure on interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Tens of thousands of BNP-aligned youth rallied in Dhaka, demanding national elections by December. Addressing the rally virtually from London, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman accused the government of deliberately stalling the electoral process. He emphasized that "the national election must be held by December" and criticized the administration's "delay tactics" and push for "so-called reforms" as attempts to derail democracy. Rahman highlighted that previous caretaker governments held fair elections within three months, yet over ten months have passed without an announced election date. (PC: News18)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation under Operation Sindoor, emphasized India's firm stance against terrorism, stating, "India will not turn the other cheek." He highlighted India's measured yet decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that India is a status quo power, unlike Pakistan. Tharoor's remarks, while aligning with national sentiment, sparked internal party debates, with some Congress members questioning his alignment with BJP narratives. Despite internal disagreements, the delegation's mission aims to present a united front internationally against terrorism. Tharoor clarified that the delegation operates independently of the government, focusing on conveying India's commitment to counter-terrorism and reinforcing its global stance against cross-border threats. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit beginning May 29, 2025, launched several major infrastructure projects across Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. In Sikkim, he inaugurated a 500-bed hospital and a passenger ropeway, and unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In West Bengal, he laid the foundation for a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution project. In Bihar, Modi inaugurated Patna airport’s new terminal and a thermal power project. He is also set to launch the Kanpur Metro expansion, reinforcing the government’s regional development agenda. (PC: AFP)    

On May 29, 2025, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali national. During a meeting with an Indian multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Acha emphasized Panama's commitment to combating terrorism and denounced nations that serve as safe havens for terrorists. He stated, "We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism." The Indian delegation, visiting Panama as part of a global outreach following the attack, also met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and National Assembly President Dana Castaneda, securing Panama's support in India's war against terror. (PC: ANI)    

A U.S. trade court has blocked former President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" import tariffs, ruling he overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on countries with trade surpluses over the U.S. Trump had invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs, citing threats like trade deficits and Mexican drug cartels. The Manhattan-based Court of International Trade stated that IEEPA does not grant the President unlimited tariff authority and that such powers reside with Congress. The court rejected the administration's claim that the tariffs aided in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Following the ruling, the Trump administration filed a notice of appeal. (PC: Moneycontrol)

On the 600th day of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the death of Mohammed Sinwar, a key Hamas military leader, stating he was killed in a May 13 airstrike in Khan Younis. However, the Israeli Defense Forces have not officially confirmed Sinwar's death, citing the need for further verification. Sinwar, brother of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was instrumental in Hamas's military operations and hostage negotiations. His reported death could impact ongoing ceasefire discussions and the broader dynamics of the conflict. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid ongoing hostilities. (PC: Reuters)

On May 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican, suggesting Geneva as a more suitable venue. The Kremlin characterized Trump's recent criticisms, including labeling Putin as "crazy" and warning he is "playing with fire," as emotionally driven. Despite Trump's efforts, including a two-hour call with Putin and appointing Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy, Russia continues its aggressive military actions in Ukraine, launching extensive drone and missile attacks. The Kremlin maintains that national interests take precedence, indicating a complex and strained diplomatic landscape. (PC: AFP)    

On May 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa revocations for select Chinese students in critical fields or linked to the Chinese Communist Party, citing national security concerns. The Trump administration also paused new visa interviews and plans stricter vetting, including social media checks. This move follows Republican criticism of Chinese access to U.S. research and earlier actions to block or deport students. Universities like Harvard face funding cuts, and many are preparing for disruptions. Critics warn the policy could harm academic exchange and discourage international students, intensifying anxiety across U.S. campuses. (PC: The Hindu)

In Riyadh, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Pakistan's promotion of Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal, highlighting a photograph showing Munir alongside US-designated terrorist Mohammad Ehsan during the ceremony. Owaisi urged Pakistan's reinstatement on the FATF grey list, citing ongoing terror financing. He emphasized Pakistan's inaction against 26/11 perpetrators despite India's evidence, noting that prior progress occurred only when Pakistan was on the FATF list. Owaisi also exposed Pakistan's false claim about Sajid Mir's death, later admitting he was alive. He asserted that terror groups thrive in Pakistan with aims to destabilize India through communal unrest. Owaisi called for international scrutiny of Pakistan's actions. (PC: Prabhat Khabar)