The United States and China have agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs, marking a significant de-escalation in their ongoing trade war. Following negotiations in Geneva, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 90-day halt on tariff measures, with reciprocal tariffs reduced by 115%. China plans to fix tariffs on U.S. goods at 10%, suspend an additional 24% tariffs for the next 90 days, and eliminate an extra 91% tariffs. This agreement comes as trade tensions had begun benefiting India, with U.S. buyers turning to Indian suppliers due to the previously imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. China's exports to the U.S. fell over 20% in April, while overall exports rose 8.1% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in ASEAN and other markets. (PC: AP)

China is hosting the China-CELAC Forum this week, marking a decade since its inception, to strengthen ties with Latin American and Caribbean nations amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Presidents from Brazil, Colombia, and Chile are attending. President Xi Jinping will address the summit, highlighting China's growing economic footprint in the region, with trade reaching $427 billion from January to September 2024. China aims to rally global opposition to U.S. tariffs and has advanced trade talks with the EU and expanded engagement with Southeast and Central Asia. Infrastructure collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative remains a key focus, with Colombia potentially joining. Geopolitical tensions persist, particularly around the Panama Canal. (PC: Reuters)

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for 71 attacks across 51 locations in Pakistan, targeting military and intelligence sites in Balochistan. Declaring itself a key player in South Asia's future, the BLA rejected labels of being a foreign proxy and called Pakistan’s peace efforts deceptive. The group accused Pakistan’s military and ISI of fostering terrorism and warned of nuclear risks if the current regime continues unchecked. Urging India and the global community for support, the BLA emphasized the need for political, diplomatic, and defense aid to establish a free and peaceful Balochistan. The attacks occurred during recent India-Pak tensions. (PC: India Today)

After an Indian airstrike hit Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase, the runway has been shut down for a week. A notice from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the closure started on May 10 and will last at least until May 18. The airbase, which also serves civilian flights, was one of six Pakistani military sites targeted by India during Operation Sindoor. Satellite images show the runway was directly damaged by Indian missiles. These strikes were a response to recent attacks from Pakistan, including an air intrusion and a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. A ceasefire was agreed shortly afterward. (PC: The Indian Express)

Hamas has announced the upcoming release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old US-Israeli hostage, in a goodwill gesture ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. Alexander, captured during the October 7 Hamas attack, is believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza. The move, confirmed by both Hamas and Israeli officials, aims to facilitate ceasefire talks and humanitarian aid entry into Gaza. Trump's administration welcomed the development as “monumental.” Talks in Qatar continue, with hopes rising for a broader agreement. Gaza has endured a 70-day blockade amid escalating humanitarian and military crises. (PC: Reuters)

India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor, but violations by Pakistan were reported soon after. Calm returned late Saturday, though drone sightings continued. On Sunday, border states remained largely peaceful, with blackouts in some districts. Markets reopened under heavy security, and schools in Punjab are set to resume. The Armed Forces confirmed over 100 terrorists killed and readiness to respond further. US President Donald Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir, a move welcomed by Pakistan but rejected by India, which insisted the only issue is Pakistan vacating occupied Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Sources say Pakistan reached out to the US after India hit its airbases during Operation Sindoor. This came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Pakistan called India on May 10 at 1 PM, but India responded later in the afternoon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio then spoke to leaders on both sides. India said it would stop if Pakistan did. Though Trump claimed the US mediated the deal, India denied any American role. The ceasefire began at 5 PM on May 10. Tensions had been rising sharply before both countries agreed to stop all fighting. (PC: Reuters)

On May 10, 2025, Ukraine, in coordination with France, Germany, the UK, and Poland, proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire with Russia, aiming to de-escalate Europe's largest military conflict since World War II. The proposed truce, set to begin on May 12, calls for a halt to all hostilities across land, air, and sea to facilitate renewed diplomatic talks. U.S. President Donald Trump supported the move, warning of intensified sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors if the Kremlin refuses. Russia remains cautious, demanding a halt in Western arms deliveries as a precondition for any agreement. (PC: Getty Images)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has directed the Indian Army to take firm and punitive action against the Pakistan Army for targeting Indian civilians along the Line of Control (LoC), sources revealed. The directive follows escalating ceasefire violations and drone attacks across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Singh will review the security situation with the Chief of Defence Staff and military chiefs on Saturday in Delhi. The Indian Army has already responded effectively to Pakistani aggression in the Poonch and Rajouri sectors. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting to assess the rising cross-border tensions. (PC: India Today)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the disbursement of $1 billion to Pakistan, as part of its $7 billion loan program. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the approval, claiming it reflects improvement in the country’s economic situation. However, the decision comes amid strong objections from India, which urged the IMF to review Pakistan's loans, citing its continued support for cross-border terrorism. India raised concerns that such funds could be misused for military and terrorist purposes. This approval brings the total disbursements to $2 billion under the IMF's program for Pakistan. (PC: AFP)