Ukraine Conflict Sees Renewed Strikes and International Reactions
The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, has been subjected to renewed Russian missile and drone strikes, resulting in casualties and widespread condemnation. US President Donald Trump, while unhappy, was reportedly not surprised by the attacks, urging "both sides" to end the conflict initiated by Moscow's invasion. Russian forces have also reportedly made gains in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. The UK and EU have summoned top Russian diplomats in response to these attacks, which included hits on the British Council and EU offices.
Escalation in Israel-Gaza Conflict and Global Protests
Tensions in the Middle East remain high as major Israeli raids continue, with reports of 16 people killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza. Pope Leo XIV has condemned the attacks, calling them 'collective punishment,' while global protests have erupted in response. US and Israeli officials are reportedly holding ceasefire talks amidst the escalating violence. Israel is also focusing on making safer "safe rooms" following lessons from recent attacks.
US-India Trade Relations and India's Economic Outlook
The Trump administration has imposed new 50% tariffs on Indian exports, challenging India's trade momentum. In response, India is actively expanding its outreach to new markets, particularly in textiles and chemicals, and bolstering trade ties with countries like China and Russia to offset potential losses. Despite these trade challenges, an EY report, based on IMF projections, indicates that India is set to become the world's second-largest economy by 2038 in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, with a projected GDP of USD 34.2 trillion.
Canada and India Restore Full Diplomatic Ties
Canada and India have taken a significant step toward restoring and deepening their relations by naming new high commissioners to each other's capitals. This move comes 10 months after both countries expelled their top envoys due to a dispute over an alleged political assassination. Canada has appointed veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its new envoy to India.
Tragic Church Shooting in Minneapolis
A devastating shooting incident at a Minneapolis church saw a shooter fire 116 rounds, resulting in the deaths of two Catholic school students and wounding more than a dozen children. The shooter, who once attended the same school and was a member of the church, reportedly talked of depression and left behind a list of grievances. The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime.
Argentina President Faces Corruption Scandal Backlash
Argentina's President Javier Milei faced a strong backlash at a campaign rally outside Buenos Aires, where protesters hurled plants, rocks, and bottles at him. This public outcry is linked to a widening corruption scandal involving his sister and closest aide, Karina Milei.
United Nations Advances AI Governance Initiatives
The UN General Assembly has launched two significant initiatives aimed at promoting global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance: the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed this as a crucial step towards balancing AI's benefits and risks.