Taiwanese students, including Yu-hsuan Lin and Vince, face uncertainty after the U.S. government revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, citing national security concerns. Though a judge temporarily blocked the order, affected students remain anxious about visa delays and potential disruptions to their academic plans. Lin, accepted to study education policy, is considering deferring or seeking alternatives in Europe or the UK. Harvard condemned the move as unconstitutional. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education estimates 52 students may be impacted, casting doubt on U.S. higher education access for international applicants. (PC: The Economic Times)

Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England, has made headlines by quitting the Miss World pageant, marking a historic first in the contest’s 74-year history. The 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, cited feelings of exploitation and moral conflict as reasons for her abrupt departure. Magee revealed disturbing experiences during her time in Hyderabad, India, where she felt objectified and pressured to entertain wealthy male sponsors, likening the situation to feeling "like a prostitute." She criticized the pageant for being outdated and valuing appearance over substance, despite its "beauty with a purpose" slogan. Magee, a plus-size advocate and campaigner for CPR awareness supported by Prince William, expressed disillusionment with the lack of genuine change within the Miss World organization. Her decision to leave was initially attributed to "personal reasons," but in an exclusive interview with The Sun, she exposed the superficial treatment and lack of respect toward contestants. Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant will now represent England in the final. Magee’s stand has sparked renewed conversation around the relevance and practices of international beauty pageants. (PC: Miss World)

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces mounting pressure from the army chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to hold elections by December. Yunus warns of public-backed action if "unreasonable demands" hinder the government's autonomy, reforms, or judicial processes. The administration attributes obstacles to "defeated forces" and "foreign conspiracies." Yunus plans discussions with BNP and Jamaat leaders to address the crisis. The capital, Dhaka, has witnessed mass uprisings and protests over the past nine months, reflecting the nation's political volatility. Supporters of Yunus are preparing to defend the interim government across various fronts, including street mobilizations, to ensure the continuation of its mandate and the planned reforms. (PC: Global Yunus Social Business)

Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has dismissed negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, labeling it a "puppet" regime lacking real authority. He insists that meaningful dialogue can only occur with the military establishment, which he deems the actual power holders. Khan, incarcerated since August 2023 following his government's ousting in April 2022, accuses the current administration of fabricating political cases and suppressing his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), through forced abductions and coerced press conferences. He refutes claims of any negotiation attempts, stating no one has approached him for talks. Despite restrictions on family visits and medical care, Khan remains resolute, asserting his commitment to the nation's welfare. (PC: AP)

India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. At the UN, India's Permanent Representative, Ambassador P. Harish, accused Pakistan of being a "global epicentre of terror," citing over 20,000 Indian deaths from terrorist attacks in the past four decades. He emphasized that the treaty's suspension will persist until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. India also highlighted Pakistan's consistent violations of the treaty's spirit through wars and terror attacks. In response, Pakistan condemned the move as "water warfare." The international community has been urged to take collective action against terrorism. (PC: ABC & Lead the change)

On Friday evening, a knife attack at Hamburg's central train station injured at least 18 people, including three critically. The assailant, a 39-year-old German woman, was arrested at the scene without resistance. The attack occurred on the platform between tracks 13 and 14. Authorities believe she acted alone, with no clear motive identified yet. Some victims received treatment on trains, while others were hospitalized. The station, a major transit hub, saw partial closures and train delays following the incident. Carrying weapons, including knives, is prohibited at the station and on local transport in Hamburg. Deutsche Bahn expressed deep shock over the event. Investigations are ongoing to determine further details.(PC: ABC & NBC)

Nine children of Palestinian paediatrician Dr. Alaa Al Najjar were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Khan Younis, Gaza, while she was at work. Her husband, also a doctor, is critically injured and their surviving son remains hospitalised. The strike left graphic devastation, with rescuers pulling children’s bodies from the rubble. British doctors at Nasser Hospital described the attack as “unimaginable,” highlighting that the family had no military links. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry condemned the targeting of medical workers. The Israeli military has yet to comment. Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in 2023. (PC: Sky News)

The European Union urged "mutual respect" in trade talks after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports starting June 1. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič affirmed Europe's commitment to a fair deal but said the bloc would defend its interests if provoked. Trump expressed frustration over stalled negotiations and said only U.S.-made products would avoid the tariffs. European leaders warned of economic harm and called for de-escalation. Stock markets in both regions dropped in response, while the EU considers retaliatory measures worth €95bn if the US proceeds with its protectionist stance. (PC: EPA)

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing 250 long-range drones and 14 ballistic missiles, injuring at least 15 civilians in Kyiv. Debris from intercepted projectiles sparked fires in the Solomianskyi district and damaged a shopping mall and residential building in Obolon. Residents sought shelter in subway stations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, asserting it underscores Moscow’s role in prolonging the war. He urged the global community to impose harsher sanctions and ramp up diplomatic pressure. Regions including Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv were also hit, marking one of the most intense strikes in recent weeks. (PC: Reuters)

Nearly 1,000 film industry figures, including Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Susan Sarandon, and Mark Ruffalo, have signed an open letter condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it “genocide.” The petition, titled “Artists for Fatem,” was launched in response to the killing of 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna in an Israeli airstrike, just days after her documentary was announced at Cannes. The signatories criticized the global film industry’s silence and demanded accountability. “As artists and cultural players, we cannot remain silent,” the letter declared. The movement has gained momentum during the Cannes Film Festival, drawing global media attention.