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)

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)

  As of May 23, 2025, Gaza is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed by severely malnourished children due to food shortages and limited aid. At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, over 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition this year alone. Despite Israel easing its blockade slightly under international pressure, bureaucratic hurdles and security conditions have severely limited the delivery of life-saving supplies. Aid organizations, including the WHO and UN agencies, warn that tens of thousands more children are at risk as Gaza teeters on the brink of famine. Urgent, unrestricted humanitarian access is being demanded. (PC: AP Photo)  

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, citing unsubstantiated claims of ties to the Chinese Communist Party and campus safety concerns. This decision affects approximately 6,800 foreign students, who now face the risk of deportation or must transfer to other institutions. Harvard has condemned the move as unlawful and is pursuing legal action to support its international community. The Department of Homeland Security has given the university 72 hours to comply with federal document requests, with reinstatement remaining uncertain. This action intensifies tensions between the federal government and academia over issues of free expression and institutional autonomy. (PC: Bloomberg, ABC, Getty Images & Mel Musto)

Bangladesh faces a power tussle between Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and interim leader Prof. Muhammad Yunus over election timing. General Zaman insists on elections by December 2025, warning that political infighting threatens national sovereignty. Conversely, Prof. Yunus advocates for comprehensive reforms before elections, suggesting a delay until 2026. The discord follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after mass protests. Yunus, appointed as interim leader, has pledged to restore democracy and implement reforms. Despite Zaman's earlier support for Yunus, tensions have escalated, with the army chief emphasizing the urgency of elections to stabilize the nation. The situation underscores the fragile balance between military influence and civilian governance in Bangladesh. (PC: SUHASINI HAIDAR)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a stern warning to the interim government, demanding an immediate and specific roadmap for national elections by December 2025. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain emphasized that failure to announce such a plan could compel the party to withdraw its cooperation. The BNP also called for the removal of controversial advisers from the interim government's advisory council, particularly the security adviser, citing concerns over their alleged affiliations with new political entities. The party insists that the interim government's primary role is to facilitate timely elections, and any deviation undermines public trust and the nation's democratic trajectory. (PC: Yourstory & Dhaka Tribune)

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)

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)