World
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a sharp condemnation on May 5, 2026, after three Indian nationals were wounded in a high-stakes Iranian drone and missile barrage on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FOIZ). The attack, which struck a critical bypass for global oil exports, marks a dangerous collapse of the fragile ceasefire in the Gulf. As Emirati air defenses intercepted 12 ballistic missiles and a fleet of drones, the Indian government labeled the targeting of civilian energy infrastructure as “unacceptable.” With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blockaded since February, New Delhi has signaled growing alarm over the safety of its expatriate workforce and the escalating maritime piracy threatening global energy stability.
In a landmark move for South Asia’s green energy landscape, the Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank signed financing agreements totaling $515 million on May 5, 2026, for the Dorjilung Hydropower Project. Situated on the Kurichhu River, the $1.7 billion initiative will be Bhutan’s largest hydropower plant developed under a public-private partnership, with Druk Green Power Corporation (60%) and Tata Power (40%) leading the venture. Designed to generate 4,500 GWh annually, the project will eliminate Bhutan’s winter energy shortages while exporting surplus power to India. The innovative financing model, which includes grants and concessional credits, is expected to catalyze an additional $900 million in private investment and displace 3.3 million tons of CO2 every year.
Relations between Washington and Tehran reached a new impasse on May 3, 2026, as President Donald Trump signaled deep skepticism over a fresh 14-point peace framework submitted via Pakistani mediators. Speaking from West Palm Beach, Trump argued that Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price,” even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shuttered, stranding over 2,000 vessels and triggering the largest energy disruption since the 1970s. While Tehran’s proposal demands a total U.S. military withdrawal and reparations within 30 days, Washington continues to enforce a naval blockade that has sent Brent crude soaring past $120. With the OPEC+ alliance fractured by the UAE’s exit and global markets reeling from “double-digit” surges in jet fuel, the three-week fragile ceasefire now hangs by a thread.
In the state visit of Indian President Narendra Modi to Mongolia, the countries signed ten significant agreements updating a 70-year history of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The agreements were signed following the delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, with a strengthened strategic coverage of the countries in the energy, defence, cultural, and digital sectors.
In Afghanistan, the slim chance that women might find their voice in the media is rapidly disappearing. The Taliban, now ruling since 2021, have progressively reinforced restrictions on women and now their latest order has hit at the very core of freedom of expression. Women journalists, who were once the face of Afghan television and newspapers, are being muzzled, their faces removed from newsrooms and airwaves.
The Israeli administration has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, representing a crucial move towards concluding the conflict in Gaza. This deal, facilitated by US President Donald Trump, seeks to provide relief to the beleaguered Gaza Strip and enable the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
France is experiencing its worst political crisis in years after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unexpectedly resigned on Monday, just 26 days into his term and hours after announcing his cabinet. His decision came after intense criticism and threats from parliamentary factions to vote against his new government. This situation has raised concerns about the country’s governance and its growing economic troubles.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has clearly stated that there will be no increase in visa opportunities for highly skilled Indian workers, despite pressure from business leaders. Speaking on his way to Mumbai to promote the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July, Starmer insisted that easing immigration rules “isn’t part of the plans.”
U.S. President Donald Trump is again in the news by his indication that he could invoke a law that predates the constitution by several centuries, the Insurrection Act of 1807, to put military forces within the United States.
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