Pakistani Senator Syed Ali Zafar has called India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) a “water bomb,” warning of severe food and water crises if the issue isn't urgently resolved. The move followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Addressing Pakistan's Senate, Zafar stressed that 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture and power projects rely on water from the Indus Basin, most of which originates in India. While Pakistan accepted a ceasefire post-Operation Sindoor, India continues punitive measures, linking the treaty's reinstatement to the cessation of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will lead an all-party delegation to the United States tonight to present India’s stance on Operation Sindoor. Selected by the BJP-led Centre, Tharoor emphasized unity, stating, “We will speak with one voice.” He rejected US President Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, clarifying that no formal mediation had occurred. Tharoor also stressed the importance of separating domestic political differences from international diplomacy. Despite initial Congress objections, Tharoor accepted the role, citing national interest. The delegation will visit the US and four other key nations to convey India's perspective. (PC: India Today)

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration after being barred from enrolling international students. The Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s SEVP certification, citing the university's refusal to provide foreign student conduct records and failure to comply with government demands on policy changes. Harvard called the move unlawful and accused the administration of retaliating against its First Amendment rights. The ban impacts hundreds of students, including 788 Indians. Professors warned the decision could erode the university’s academic standing. Homeland Security insists enrolling foreign students is a privilege, not a right. (PC: AP)

On May 23, 2025, Russia and Ukraine carried out the largest prisoner exchange since the war began, each releasing around 1,000 detainees. This major development followed their first direct peace talks in nearly three years, hosted in Istanbul. Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the exchange, calling it a potential breakthrough and pushing for a 30-day cease-fire. While Ukraine agreed to an unconditional cease-fire, Russia has not committed. The exchange highlighted ongoing humanitarian concerns, as many returning Ukrainian soldiers reported enduring starvation and torture during captivity. Thousands still remain in Russian detention. (Getty Images)

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence after being caught in a violent hailstorm on Wednesday. The aircraft descended at a terrifying 8,500 feet per minute. Pilots requested entry into Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm, but were denied by both the IAF and Lahore ATC amid current bilateral tensions. With no route back, the pilots flew manually through the storm, issuing a ‘PAN PAN’ urgency call to Srinagar ATC. The flight landed safely with no injuries, though damage was reported to the nose radome. The DGCA has launched a probe into the near-disaster. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Germany has strongly backed India's right to self-defence in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the attack, offered condolences, and acknowledged India’s right to respond against terrorism. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the current truce and continuing bilateral dialogue. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on a European tour, reiterated India's zero tolerance for terrorism and rejection of nuclear blackmail. He welcomed Germany’s support and reaffirmed that India will only engage with Pakistan through bilateral channels. India has intensified its diplomatic outreach following the deadly attack. (PC: India Today)

Yhbbbbb.  Bbbb. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has identified terrorism as a critical collective challenge confronting the Global South. Speaking at international platforms, he stressed the need for a united global response to tackle terrorism in all its manifestations, including financing, propaganda, and safe havens. He urged nations not to let political considerations compromise counter-terrorism efforts. Jaishankar also emphasized that terrorism obstructs regional cooperation and economic development. He called for strengthened international coordination to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable growth, urging the global community to take firm and consistent action against terrorist threats. (PC: ANI)  

Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem has responded to Neeraj Chopra’s recent statement that “we were never close friends,” made ahead of the Doha Diamond League. Neeraj cited the Pahalgam terror attack and escalating India-Pakistan tensions as reasons for the change in their rapport. While Arshad refrained from addressing Neeraj directly, he stated, “My family and I will always stand with our army.” Their rivalry dates back to the 2018 Asian Games, with Nadeem’s 92.97m throw clinching gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Neeraj had earlier invited Arshad to his event, which was later postponed due to the conflict. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has announced a proposed 50% tariff on all European Union goods starting June 1, citing stalled trade talks. In a social media post, Trump also warned Apple of a 25% tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the United States, demanding production shift from countries like India and Vietnam. Trump claims these measures aim to protect American jobs and manufacturing. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed increased production in India. The proposed tariffs mark a significant escalation in Trump’s global trade policies, potentially straining US-EU relations and affecting multinational companies like Apple. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 23, 2025, Nobel laureate and interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus threatened to resign amid growing political uncertainty and stalled reforms. Yunus, who took office after mass student protests ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina in 2024, expressed frustration over lack of cooperation from political factions and slow progress on promised reforms. The National Citizen Party (NCP) and public demand elections, while Yunus suggests a delay until 2026. With the BNP and military pushing for polls by December 2025, and the Awami League barred from contesting, the political future of Bangladesh remains highly uncertain. (PC: Reuters)