Presiding over Canada’s Parliament opening for the first time in nearly 50 years, King Charles III delivered a subtle rebuke to US President Donald Trump, urging Canada-US relations to be grounded in “mutual respect.” The statement came amid rising tensions and trade friction between the two nations. In his Speech from the Throne, King Charles emphasized Canada’s shift toward reliable global alliances and reiterated plans to cap temporary residents at 5% of the population by 2027. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new government also pledged to cut middle-class taxes, reduce crime, and balance the budget within three years. (PC: Reuters)

The US has paused student visa interviews worldwide amid plans by the Trump administration to introduce stricter social media screening for foreign applicants, citing national security risks. A State Department cable issued by Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the directive, impacting F-1 and M-1 visa applicants, including thousands from India. This move aligns with the administration's wider campaign to tighten immigration, particularly targeting academic institutions like Harvard, accused of promoting “woke” ideologies. The administration is also considering canceling $100 million in federal contracts with Harvard. Critics warn the policy threatens the future of international students and academic freedom in the US. (PC: Reuters)

New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has ignited controversy by stating that she "almost regards as spam" the unsolicited emails she receives from Indians seeking immigration advice. The remark, made while defending her use of a personal email for official work, drew criticism from Indian-origin Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan condemned the comments as reinforcing negative stereotypes and unfairly targeting one ethnic group. Stanford later clarified she doesn’t consider them actual spam but reiterated she has no responsibility to respond. The incident has sparked debate amid New Zealand's focus on strengthening ties with India and maintaining respectful people-to-people connections. (PC: X/ Erica Stanford)

In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chased down a mammoth 228-run target set by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), securing a top-two finish in the points table. LSG skipper Rishabh Pant dazzled with a scintillating 118 off 61 balls, guiding his team to their highest-ever IPL score of 227. However, Jitesh Sharma turned the tide with a superhuman knock of 85 from just 33 balls, supported by Virat Kohli’s crucial half-century. The electrifying match confirmed RCB’s place in Qualifier 1 and showcased Sharma’s explosive finishing under pressure, overshadowing Pant’s valiant effort. (PC: BCCI)

“We’re looking to the future, but we won’t forget and won’t give up the hunt for the terrorists,” said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his visit to Pahalgam after the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians. A special Cabinet meeting was held there as a show of unity and resilience. “This is not about muscle flexing. It’s about standing with the people,” he added. Abdullah praised Kashmiris who said “this is not in our name” and helped victims. The government is working to revive tourism while vowing justice. “We will track them down,” he promised. (PC: NDTV)

The US has paused new student visa interviews to expand social media checks, according to a report by Politico. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the order. It affects F, M, and J visa categories. The move could delay visa processing and hurt US universities that rely on international students. Over 1.1 million foreign students studied in the US in 2023-24, contributing $43.8 billion to the economy. The Trump administration says the step is to fight terrorism and antisemitism. Critics fear this may target students linked to protests. Further guidelines are expected soon. (PC: Reuters)

India has officially approved the execution phase of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a major milestone in its quest to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet domestically. Spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency, the AMCA will feature cutting-edge stealth, supercruise, and AI capabilities. The move comes as a strategic response to rising regional tensions, particularly with China's J-35 and Pakistan's J-10 fighter deployments. Backed by both public and private sector collaboration under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the first prototype is expected by 2028, with full-scale production anticipated by 2035. (PC: Reuters)

On May 27, 2025, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) commenced aid distribution in Gaza, delivering approximately 8,000 food boxes—equivalent to 462,000 meals—after nearly three months of an Israeli blockade. Despite the pressing need, many Palestinians are skeptical of the initiative due to concerns over biometric screenings and the foundation's ties to the U.S. and Israel. Hamas has warned residents against engaging with GHF, labeling it a potential intelligence operation. The United Nations and Red Cross have boycotted the program, citing violations of humanitarian principles. Additionally, TRIAL International has requested Swiss authorities to investigate GHF's compliance with international humanitarian law. The ongoing Israeli military campaign, initiated after a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, exacerbating the region's humanitarian crisis. (PC: Reuters)  

In Liverpool, United Kingdom, a 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after driving a car into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade on Monday. The suspect, from West Derby, also faces charges of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs. He allegedly followed an ambulance through a lifted roadblock before crashing into spectators. Fifty people were treated for injuries; eleven remain in hospital in stable condition. Police have ruled out terrorism. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited the site and commended emergency workers as investigations and CCTV reviews continue. (PC: Getty Images)

The Border Security Force (BSF) has released dramatic footage showing Pakistani soldiers fleeing as India launched retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor from May 8–10. The operation, in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted 76 Pakistani border posts, 42 forward defence locations, and three terror launch pads. The BSF confirmed significant damage to terror infrastructure, with visuals capturing the destruction of bunkers and Pakistani Rangers scrambling for cover. The operation also saw the martyrdom of two BSF personnel. In their honor, BSF announced a post will be named ‘Sindoor’. India has vowed continued vigilance along the border. (PC: HT)