US President Donald Trump said he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump called the war a “bloodbath” and said over 5,000 soldiers are dying each week, though official numbers are much lower. The Kremlin confirmed that a call is being planned. Trump also plans to talk to NATO leaders. He hopes the talks will lead to peace. Ukraine recently said it was ready for a ceasefire, but Russia’s demands were too harsh. It is unclear if Trump’s efforts will bring real change to the stalled peace talks. (PC: AP)

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's apology for his communal remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling it insincere “crocodile tears.” The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, labeled the comments "most unfortunate" and "crass." The Court has set up a Special Investigation Team of three IPS officers, including at least one woman, to probe the FIR against Shah. At a recent rally, Shah had controversially claimed PM Modi sent a “sister from their community” to avenge a terror attack, prompting public outrage and strong judicial condemnation.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis followed urinary symptoms leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. The cancer is characterized by a high Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating rapid growth. However, it is hormone-sensitive, offering potential for effective management. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Throughout his presidency (2021–2025), Biden faced several health challenges, including previous skin cancers and a benign polyp. Global leaders, including Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom, have extended their well-wishes. Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative aimed to reduce cancer deaths, inspired by his son Beau's death in 2015. (PC: Business Insider)

US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Rome on Sunday, months after their tense Oval Office confrontation over US support for Ukraine. The leaders discussed ceasefire talks, sanctions on Russia, and defense cooperation. Both shared smiling photos on social media, signaling a thaw in relations. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for "real diplomacy" and thanked Americans for their support. Talks referenced recent stalled negotiations in Istanbul. Their meeting also covered battlefield updates and potential prisoner exchanges, with Zelensky calling for sustained pressure on Russia to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace. (PC: NDTV)

On May 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during Pope Leo's inauguration in Rome, marking their first meeting since a contentious February White House encounter over the Ukraine war. This meeting occurred amid heightened tensions, including Russia's largest drone offensive against Ukraine and ahead of a scheduled call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire. Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to diplomacy and an unconditional ceasefire, while European leaders planned to advise Trump on imposing stricter sanctions against Russia. (PC: Reuters)

After 10 weeks of a full blockade, Israel announced it will allow a "basic amount" of food into Gaza to prevent a starvation crisis. The decision comes amid mounting global pressure and intensifying military operations against Hamas. Airstrikes across Gaza have left at least 67 dead and hundreds injured, with hospitals overwhelmed or shut down. The al-Mawasi "safe zone" was hit, killing 22. Israeli officials say aid will be restricted to prevent Hamas from exploiting it. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations in Doha remain deadlocked as Hamas demands a full truce and Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of hostages. (PC: Getty Images)

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office. The 82-year-old underwent evaluation after developing worsening urinary symptoms. Doctors confirmed the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering some treatment options, but noted the Gleason score is 9—indicating a high-grade, fast-spreading form. Biden and his family are consulting specialists to determine a treatment path. While metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, medical experts say it is manageable, with many patients living several years post-diagnosis. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. (PC: AFP)

Ukraine reported Russia's largest drone strike since the invasion began, with 273 drones targeting Kyiv and eastern regions. One woman was killed and three others, including a child, were injured in the Kyiv suburb of Obukhiv. The attack preceded a scheduled call between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, amid renewed calls for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine intercepted 88 drones, while 128 caused no significant damage. Russia's move casts doubt on peace efforts following talks in Turkey. Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressed readiness for a ceasefire, but Moscow insists on halting military aid and Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions. (PC: Reuters)

Razaullah Nizamani, alias Abu Saifullah Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander linked to major attacks in India, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Sindh province on Sunday. Nizamani, mastermind of the 2006 RSS HQ attack and the 2005 IISc Bengaluru strike, was also behind the 2001 CRPF camp attack in Rampur. He played a crucial role in LeT’s Nepal module, managing recruitment and funding. Despite being under Pakistani government protection post-Pahalgam attack, he was gunned down near his home in Matli. His death is seen as a major blow to LeT’s cross-border terror infrastructure. (PC: X/ Paras Nayak)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed ongoing negotiations with Hamas to potentially end the Gaza conflict, provided key conditions are met. Talks in Doha, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the US, revolve around a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff. The deal includes a phased hostage release, Hamas disarmament, and the exile of its leaders. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s team is “exhausting every possibility” for an agreement. However, intensified Israeli airstrikes have killed over 100 Palestinians, signaling continued pressure. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and a clear end to the war in any ceasefire terms. (PC: AFP)