The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, impacting over 6,800 students, including many from India. The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, cited Harvard's alleged failure to provide records on foreign students' "illegal and violent activities." Harvard condemned the action as unlawful and a threat to academic freedom, vowing legal action. This move is part of a broader crackdown, with the administration freezing over $3 billion in federal funding and threatening the university's tax-exempt status. Critics argue these measures undermine higher education and international collaboration, while Harvard maintains its commitment to institutional autonomy and support for its international community. (PC: France 24 & Hindustan Times)

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, effective the 2025–2026 academic year, impacting nearly 7000 students (27% of its enrollment). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited allegations of violence, antisemitism, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Current international students must transfer or risk losing legal status. Harvard condemned the move as unlawful and retaliatory, linking it to its refusal to provide detailed information on foreign students. The administration had already frozen $3 billion in federal funding, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard. Noem warned other universities could face similar scrutiny. Congressional Democrats criticized the crackdown as an assault on academic freedom. A court ruling challenged efforts to terminate foreign students' legal status without due process. (PC: The New York Times)

India abstained from the IMF's $2.1 billion bailout to Pakistan, citing concerns over fund misuse for terrorism and Pakistan's poor track record with IMF programs. India highlighted Pakistan's high debt burden and the military's significant role in its economy. Despite these concerns, the IMF defended the bailout, stating Pakistan met all required targets and imposed 11 new conditions, including budget approvals and financial strategies. The IMF acknowledged the India-Pakistan conflict and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. (PC: The New Indian Express & India Today)

Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old from Chango village in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, became the first visually impaired Indian woman—and the fifth globally—to summit Mount Everest. Accompanied by sherpas Dandu Sherpa and Om Gurung, and led by retired Lt Col Romil Barthwal, she hoisted the Tricolour atop the peak. Angmo, who lost her sight at eight, was inspired by Helen Keller and supported by her father, Amar Chand. She aims to inspire specially-abled individuals, stating, "If we have the willpower, nothing can stop us." Her next goal is to scale the highest peaks on each continent. Angmo's achievement underscores determination and challenges perceptions of disability. (PC: Instagram)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber known for her channel "Travel With Jo," has been remanded to four days in police custody after being arrested on charges of espionage. Authorities allege that Malhotra shared sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, including a former staffer of the Pakistan High Commission. Investigations suggest she used encrypted messaging apps and aliases to communicate. Although no direct links to terror groups or access to defense data have been found yet, her digital devices and financial records are under forensic review. The case raises concerns over social media misuse in intelligence activities. (PC: Mint)  

Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has threatened to resign amid escalating political tensions. This follows Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman's insistence on holding elections by December and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's demand for a clear electoral roadmap. Yunus's resignation threat is perceived as a strategic move to galvanize support and possibly initiate protests against the army's push for elections, which would conclude his tenure. Student leaders are reportedly mobilizing youths and Islamists for demonstrations in Dhaka, particularly after Friday prayers, with plans to march towards the Army Cantonment. The situation remains volatile, reflecting deep divisions within Bangladesh's political landscape. (PC: Reuters & NDTV)

In a candid interview with a Dutch media outlet, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan's army is deeply entrenched in terrorism, urging the global community to cease overlooking this reality. He highlighted that the most notorious terrorists on the UN sanctions list reside openly in Pakistan, with their locations and activities well-known. Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstance and criticized the recent attacks targeting Jammu and Kashmir's tourism industry, noting the deliberate religious undertones. He reaffirmed India's stance that Jammu and Kashmir's accession in 1947 is a settled historical fact and dismissed any international mediation, stating that the issue is strictly bilateral. (PC: Sputnik India)

On May 22, 2025, an IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm, leading the pilot to request temporary access to Pakistani airspace from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to avoid severe turbulence. Lahore ATC denied the request, compelling the pilot to remain within Indian airspace and declare an emergency with Srinagar ATC. The aircraft sustained significant nose damage but landed safely in Srinagar with around 220 passengers unharmed. Notably, a Trinamool Congress delegation was aboard. This incident underscores the operational challenges and geopolitical sensitivities affecting cross-border airspace usage, especially during emergencies. (PC: News18)

The UN has reported a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations in Gaza, highlighting an alarming pattern of strikes on hospitals, homes, and entire neighborhoods. According to the UN situation report, 81% of Gaza's territory is now designated as militarised zones or under forced displacement orders. The ongoing “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign is marked by the widespread use of weapons with broad impact, indicating indiscriminate attacks with little regard for civilian safety. The UN human rights office condemned the methodical destruction and warned that such tactics may constitute violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. (PC: Reuters)  

On May 22, 2025, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky (30) and Sarah Lynn Milgrim (26), were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. They had just attended an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspected shooter, Elias Rodriguez (31) from Chicago, allegedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans and cited the Gaza conflict as his motive. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other offenses. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime and potential act of terrorism, amid growing concerns over rising antisemitic violence. (PC: Reuters)