A devastating overnight aerial assault by Russia on Ukraine claimed at least 12 civilian lives, including three siblings in the Zhytomyr region. Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa identified the children as Stanislav (8), Tamara (12), and Roman (17). The strike, involving nearly 300 drones and 69 missiles, is among the largest since the war began. Ms. Betsa extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. The attack has triggered international outcry, with Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy calling for a ceasefire "now." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that global silence only emboldens Russia as the war continues to escalate.

A major power cut hit Nice in southern France early Sunday after a fire broke out at a power substation. Police found tyre marks and a broken door, calling it a “malicious act.” About 45,000 homes, Nice Airport, and nearby towns lost electricity. Power was restored later in the morning. This comes just a day after a blackout in Cannes affected 160,000 homes during the film festival. Both incidents are suspected sabotage, though no link is confirmed yet. Nice’s mayor vowed tighter security at power sites. Police have launched an investigation into organised arson to find those responsible. (PC: Getty Images)

Abdul Latif, a Baloch journalist, was shot dead in his home in Balochistan's Awaran district. Unknown gunmen tried to kidnap him. When he resisted, they killed him in front of his wife and children. Latif had reported on human rights issues and worked with Daily Intikhab and Aaj News. His son and other relatives were also found dead months ago after being kidnapped. Journalist groups and human rights activists have condemned the killing. They say it is part of Pakistan's "kill and dump" policy. They are asking the international community to speak out and demand justice for the Baloch people. (PC: NDTV)

On May 25, 2025, Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, including journalist Hassan Majdi Abu Warda and senior civil emergency official Ashraf Abu Nar, along with his wife. The strikes targeted areas in Khan Younis, Jabalia, and Nuseirat. Abu Warda's death brings the total number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, to 220, according to Gaza’s media office. Israeli forces now reportedly control 77% of Gaza through ground presence or heavy bombardment. In response, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters claimed to have launched multiple ambushes and attacks against Israeli forces. The ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to over 53,900 Palestinian deaths as per Gaza health authorities and caused widespread devastation and malnutrition. (PC: Reuters)  

A new US Defence Intelligence Agency report states that Pakistan views India as an existential threat and is intensifying efforts to modernise its military, including battlefield nuclear weapons. The report highlights Pakistan's continued nuclear arsenal development and its reliance on foreign suppliers—primarily China—for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) components. It also emphasizes Pakistan's growing military and economic dependence on China, with frequent joint military exercises. However, the China-Pakistan alliance faces strain due to terrorist attacks targeting Chinese workers, notably the killing of seven Chinese nationals in 2024. The report underscores Pakistan's procurement activities and its strategic balancing act. (PC: Reuters)

  On May 25, 2025, Russia conducted its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the war's onset, deploying 367 drones and missiles, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean missiles. The attack targeted over 30 cities, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including three children, and injuring over 60 civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and urged stronger international sanctions against Russia. This escalation coincided with the completion of a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with each side releasing 303 individuals, totaling over 1,000 prisoners exchanged during the three-day process. Despite this rare instance of cooperation, peace talks remain stalled, and hostilities continue along the front lines.  (PC: AFP)

Elon Musk has announced his decision to step away from political involvement to refocus on his core companies: Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and xAI. This comes after criticism over his political activities and concerns about their impact on his businesses. Musk will step down from his role at the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He plans to return to a hands-on leadership style, even sleeping in offices and factories. With Tesla facing declining sales and revenue, Musk aims to re-center his energy on innovation and operational excellence. (PC: The Economic Times)    

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, a violent brawl involving ten individuals erupted at Northland Shopping Centre in Preston, Melbourne, prompting a lockdown. Some participants were reportedly armed with knives, and a widely circulated photo showed a suspect wielding a machete. Four people were injured, including one man hospitalized with serious injuries, now in stable condition. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, involving individuals known to each other. Shoppers were confined inside stores amid the chaos, and unverified images and videos of the incident spread on social media. Police have arrested two individuals connected to the attack, who are currently being questioned. The incident follows a recent knife attack in Hamburg, Germany, that injured at least 17 people. (PC: Republic TV & ABC)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that Gaza is entering the "cruellest phase" of the conflict, with Israel's intensified military campaign and prolonged blockade pushing the population to the brink of famine. For nearly 80 days, Israel has blocked life-saving aid, allowing only a fraction of the necessary supplies. Guterres describes the current aid as a "teaspoon" when a "flood" is required. He highlights that 80% of Gaza is under evacuation orders or declared militarized zones, severely hindering humanitarian efforts. Since October 2023, over 53,800 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 122,000 wounded. The UN refuses to participate in a new US-backed aid delivery mechanism, citing concerns over humanitarian principles. (PC: Al Jazeera)

On May 24, 2025, an Israeli airstrike hit the home of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing nine of her ten children while she was on duty at a hospital. The children ranged in age from seven months to 12 years. Her husband was seriously injured, and her only surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, remains in critical condition. Israel claims it was targeting militants and is reviewing the incident. The strike, which killed 79 people in 24 hours, has sparked international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability. (PC: AP)