There is an 80% chance that global temperatures will break annual heat records within the next five years, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report also warns of a small but “shocking” chance of the world heating 2°C above preindustrial levels before 2030. Adam Scaife of the Met Office said, “It is shocking that 2°C is plausible, even if only a 1% chance in the next five years.” Experts say urgent climate action is needed to limit warming and avoid severe heatwaves and disasters. (PC: Yahya Arhab/EPA)

Kamal Haasan is facing criticism from Karnataka’s BJP and Congress for saying “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The actor made the comment during his film’s audio launch in Chennai. BJP leaders called his words disrespectful and demanded an apology. BJP leader R Ashoka even called Haasan a “mental patient.” Congress leaders also condemned the remark, saying it created unnecessary tension between Kannada and Tamil speakers. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike group threatened action against Haasan. Experts say Tamil and Kannada both come from the same ancient Dravidian language family but developed separately over time. (PC: PTI)

  Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, including a written commitment from Western leaders to cease NATO's eastward expansion and the lifting of certain sanctions against Russia. Sources indicate that Putin's demands also encompass Ukraine's neutrality and protections for Russian-speaking populations. Despite agreeing with U.S. President Donald Trump to draft a peace memorandum, Kyiv and European leaders accuse Moscow of stalling negotiations while expanding militarily in eastern Ukraine. Trump, critical of Putin's recent escalation, has warned of further U.S. sanctions. Sources say Putin remains committed to territorial claims in four Ukrainian regions and may escalate military actions if diplomacy fails. (PC: Reuters)

Dozens of people were hurt at a Gaza aid site on Tuesday. Crowds overwhelmed the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution centre in Rafah. The UN says 47 people were injured, mostly by Israeli gunfire. Gaza’s health ministry reports one death and 48 injured. The Israeli military says it fired only warning shots into the air. The aid site is under Israeli military control and bypasses the UN. The UN and other agencies have criticized the system for safety concerns. Gaza faces severe hunger after a long Israeli blockade, recently eased. (PC: Reuters)

High-resolution satellite images released by Maxar Technologies on May 28, 2025, reveal significant destruction at Pakistan's Nur Khan and Murid airbases following India's Operation Sindoor on May 10. At Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, a 7,000 sq ft structure was demolished, and two large command-and-control vehicles were destroyed. This base's proximity to Pakistan's military headquarters and nuclear command heightens strategic concerns. Murid Airbase in Chakwal, approximately 150 km from the Line of Control, sustained damage near a fortified underground facility, including a three-meter-wide crater. These strikes were part of India's broader retaliation targeting eight Pakistani airbases in response to earlier Pakistani attacks. (PC: Maxar Technologies)  

The UK has had its sunniest spring since records began in 1910, says the Met Office. Between 1 March and 27 May, the country saw 630 hours of sunshine, beating the 2020 record by 4 hours. Scotland and Northern Ireland also broke their previous sunshine records. Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle said, “It has been an extremely sunny and dry spring for most.” She added that seven of the top ten sunniest springs since 1910 happened after 2000. Full statistics for spring 2025 will be shared on 2 June. Some unsettled weather is expected before the season ends. (PC: iStock)

India and the U.S. are progressing towards finalizing an interim trade deal by June 25, 2025, aiming to resolve longstanding trade issues before potential new tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement seeks to enhance bilateral trade relations, focusing on reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and improving market access. A U.S. delegation is scheduled to visit India in June for the final round of discussions. Both nations have committed to doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, emphasizing the importance of a mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen economic ties and supply chain integration. (PC: X)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, speaking in Panama, said, “Terrorists now know they will pay a price.” He praised India’s strong response after recent terror attacks. Tharoor led a multi-party team explaining India's anti-terror moves abroad. He said India crossed both the LoC and international border during strikes like Balakot. Congress leader Udit Raj called him “BJP’s super spokesperson,” accusing him of praising PM Modi. The Congress party also questioned his claim that India had never crossed the LoC before 2016. Tharoor was not on Congress’s list of chosen delegates but was included by the Centre. (PC: X)

Actor Kamal Haasan is facing backlash after saying, “Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil,” at a Chennai event. Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was also present. The remark upset many in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of Kannada’s history.” BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa called the comment “the height of arrogance” and said Haasan must apologise. Protesters are demanding a ban on his new film Thug Life. They say artists should respect all languages. Haasan leads the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, which has been active in elections since 2019. (PC: India Today)

Three Indian nationals—Hushanpreet Singh (Sangrur), Jaspal Singh (SBS Nagar), and Amritpal Singh (Hoshiarpur)—have been reported missing in Iran since May 1, 2025. According to their families, the trio traveled from Punjab to Tehran with intentions of reaching Australia through unauthorized channels. Upon arrival, they were allegedly kidnapped, and the families have received ransom demands amounting to ₹1 crore. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has strongly urged Iranian authorities to urgently trace the missing individuals and ensure their safety. The embassy is maintaining regular communication with the families, providing updates on the efforts being made to locate the missing persons. This incident highlights the risks associated with illegal migration routes and the importance of international cooperation in such cases. (PC: Business News This Week)