During his 2025 Middle East tour, former U.S. President Donald Trump received extravagant gifts from Gulf nations. Qatar presented him with a $400 million Boeing 747-8, dubbed the "Flying Palace," intended for the U.S. Defense Department and his presidential library. The United Arab Emirates offered a symbolic drop of Murban crude oil, to which Trump humorously remarked, "I'm not thrilled." Saudi Arabia welcomed him with grand ceremonies, including fighter jet escorts and traditional performances. These gestures coincided with Gulf states pledging $600 billion in investments and major deals in defense, aviation, and artificial intelligence. While Trump hailed the trip as "incredible diplomacy," critics raised concerns about potential constitutional violations and foreign influence. (PC: CNN & The Telegraph)

Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks in Doha amid escalating violence in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes, part of "Operation Gideon's Chariots," have killed at least 146 Palestinians in 72 hours, with hundreds more wounded. The offensive targets northern areas like Beit Lahiya and Jabalia refugee camp, as well as Khan Younis in the south. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and achieve "operational control" in Gaza, while Hamas demands an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal, prisoner swaps, and humanitarian aid access. The blockade since March has led to severe humanitarian conditions for Gaza's 2.3 million residents. International concern grows as the conflict intensifies, with the U.S. backing limited aid deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

During his 2025 Middle East tour, former U.S. President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from Iranian leaders for remarks perceived as biased and inflammatory. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Trump’s pro-Israel stance and accused him of endorsing violence in Gaza under the guise of promoting peace. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the criticism, calling Trump’s statements a continuation of failed U.S. policies that have destabilized the region. The backlash highlights deepening tensions over U.S. involvement and rhetoric regarding the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East geopolitics. (PC: Reuters)  

A recent NDTV report lists 13 locations across the globe that are dangerously radioactive and largely off-limits to humans due to nuclear accidents, weapons testing, and industrial contamination. These include infamous sites like Chernobyl in Ukraine, Fukushima in Japan, and the Hanford Site in the United States. Other dangerous zones, such as The Polygon in Kazakhstan and Mailuu-Suu in Kyrgyzstan, stem from Soviet-era activities. Some areas, like Somalia’s coast, face illegal nuclear waste dumping. The report highlights the persistent environmental and health risks linked to mishandled nuclear technology and inadequate global oversight. (PC: NDTV)

On May 17, 2025, a Russian drone attack hit a civilian bus in Bilopillia, Sumy region, killing nine people and injuring four. The attack came just hours after the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since 2022 took place in Istanbul. Although a 1,000-prisoner exchange was agreed upon, no ceasefire was reached. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack as a war crime, while European leaders called it a cynical escalation. The Kremlin said a Putin-Zelensky meeting would depend on prior agreements, casting doubt on further progress in peace negotiations. (PC: Reuters)

A Russian drone attack on a civilian bus in Bilopillia, Sumy region, Ukraine, killed nine and injured seven on May 17, 2025. The bus was en route to Sumy city near the Russian border. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as a "cynical war crime," while Russia claimed it targeted a military staging area. The attack occurred hours after stalled peace talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine and Russia agreed on a prisoner swap but no ceasefire. Ukraine called for direct talks between Presidents Zelensky and Putin, with the US emphasizing Trump-Putin meetings as vital for progress. (PC: BBC)

On May 17, 2025, Israel launched a full-scale military operation in Gaza, named "Operation Gideon's Chariots," aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure, securing key territories, and rescuing hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed over 150 targets were hit as ground troops advanced into densely populated areas. Gaza’s civil defense reported over 100 civilian deaths, mostly women and children, on the first day alone. The offensive worsens Gaza’s humanitarian crisis amid global condemnation, with the United Nations warning the strikes may amount to ethnic cleansing and urging immediate de-escalation. (PC: India Today)

On May 16, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen—Hodeidah and as-Salif—claiming they were used for arms smuggling and missile launches. The strikes followed repeated Houthi missile attacks on Israel, including near Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to eliminate Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi if attacks persist, drawing parallels with past assassinations of regional militants. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, say their attacks are in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The flare-up comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with the Houthis, which excluded Israel. (PC: AFP)  

The BCCI has announced the India A squad for their upcoming tour of England, with Abhimanyu Easwaran named captain. Dhruv Jurel will serve as vice-captain for the side, which will play two first-class matches against England Lions starting May 30. Star batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join ahead of the second match in Northampton. Sarfaraz Khan, returning from injury, and leading Ranji wicket-taker Harsh Dubey have also earned call-ups. The squad will also feature in a warm-up game against the senior India team on June 13 in Beckenham before the Test series begins in Leeds. (PC: Instagram)

For the first time since March 2022, Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul for direct talks. Though deep divisions prevented a breakthrough on ceasefire terms—Russia demanded Ukraine withdraw from its own territory—both sides agreed to a 1,000-prisoner swap. The discussions, facilitated by Turkey and the U.S., were brief but marked a rare diplomatic opening amid the ongoing war. Ukraine called the swap “excellent news” for families. While Moscow expressed satisfaction, concerns remain that Russia may be stalling to delay sanctions. U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed only his talks with Putin would produce real results. (PC: EPA-EFE)