Submit your Article

India has called on Bangladesh to hold early, free, and inclusive elections to honor the people’s mandate, as the country faces political instability.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh has proposed holding elections between December 2025 and June 2026, assuring he will not extend his tenure beyond that period. However, political parties and the military have demanded elections be held sooner, according to Firstpost.

Bangladesh's Army Chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, described the current scenario as chaotic, warning that civil administration and law enforcement have collapsed and calling for elections in December to restore order.

India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the interim administration is in charge of preserving law and order till elections are held, Firstpost reported.

India reported a total of 1,010 COVID-19 cases as of May 27, marking a steady rise in infections. Kerala recorded the highest spike with 335 new cases, followed by Maharashtra with 153, Delhi with 99, and Gujarat with 76, raising its total to 83. Punjab reported its first case and has begun contact tracing efforts, according to Times of India.

The new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are being closely monitored by the World Health Organization, though no serious threat has been identified so far. Health experts advise the public to maintain hygiene and remain cautious but not alarmed, as symptoms remain mild.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured that hospitals are fully equipped to manage any further rise in cases, Times of India reported.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday suggested that Saudi Arabia could serve as a neutral venue for dialogue between Pakistan and India on key bilateral issues, according to the Firstpost.

Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about future conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While admitting China as a potential host, he stated that India will not accept it as a neutral party.

His statements came after US President Donald Trump offered to intervene between the two countries, saying that the US had helped engineer a cease-fire to decrease tensions, Firstpost reported.

In contrast, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a parliamentary panel that India and Pakistan decided to cease warfare bilaterally in response to opposition concerns over Trump's statements.

India is witnessing a modest increase in Covid-19 cases, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant.

In May, Mumbai reported 95 new cases with 16 hospitalisations. Ahmedabad recorded 7 new cases in a single day, Puducherry reported 12, and Karnataka has 16 active cases. Chennai has seen a shift in viral infections, with more cases now attributed to Covid-19 than influenza. Pune, despite no current hospitalised cases, has reserved hospital beds as a precaution, according to the Times of India.

Most infections remain mild, with no ICU admissions or fatalities reported. Health experts advise at-risk groups to resume preventive measures such as mask usage and hand hygiene. Influenza vaccination is also recommended to reduce the impact of potential co-infections.

At least fourteen people lost their lives and several others were injured following lightning strikes across Odisha on Friday, according to Xinhua.

The severe weather, which included heavy rain and thunderstorms, impacted several districts, including Koraput, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Gajapati.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for prolonged bad weather, warning of further rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in the area, Xinhua reported.

Lightning-related fatalities are a recurring tragedy during India’s monsoon season, claiming hundreds of lives annually.

US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that India has proposed a trade deal with the United States that includes "zero tariffs." During his visit to Qatar, Trump stated: "India offered the US a deal, basically zero tariffs", Reuters reported.

This comes after his statements in Michigan on April 30, when he stated tariff talks with India were going well and he was optimistic about reaching a final agreement shortly. The US and India have been engaged in high-level negotiations to resolve ongoing trade and market access issues.

According to a May 9 Reuters report, India offered to reduce its average tariff difference with the US from 13 percent to below 4 percent, marking a significant shift in its trade policy.

Pakistan's military stated Tuesday that a border clash with India killed 51 people, including 11 soldiers and 40 civilians, despite a truce accord announced by US President Donald Trump over the weekend.

The army accused India of breaking the truce, which was intended to reduce tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Indian officials have yet to react on the incident, Reuters reported.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly asserted that the country will not be intimidated by Pakistan's nuclear weapons. In a resolute address to the nation on Monday, he emphasized that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, describing the current pause in hostilities as only a temporary halt, according to The Hindu.

Speaking on May 12 in his first public statement since the commencement of the operation on May 7, Modi warned that India is closely monitoring Pakistan’s actions and will assess developments in the coming days before considering further military or strategic responses.

“We will not succumb to nuclear blackmail,” Modi declared, reinforcing India’s commitment to national security and regional stability, The Hindu reported.

Modi's words came amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides exchanging harsh rhetoric following recent escalation.

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it's a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice, PM Modi said.

Late night of 6th May and in the early morning of 7th May, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality, he said.  He further said:  “Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centers with precision. The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.”

“First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.”

“Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”

“Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the conflict between India and Pakistan stopped after they called for calm and restraint from both sides and prayed for peace. 

He said so while addressing a program organized in Lumbini on the occasion of 2569^th Buddha Jayanti on Monday.

Though a war situation had emerged between India and Pakistan just a few days ago, the Prime Minister said that it did not escalate into a full-scale war.

Saying that India and Pakistan have reached a cease-fire agreement, Prime Minister Oli thanked both the countries for exercising restraint.

“Though India and Pakistan exchanged strikes for days, it did not escalate into war. I would like to thank both countries for restraint. We had prayed that this situation would not turn into a war,” PM Oli said.

Indian and Pakistani military officials are set to meet Monday to finalize details of a ceasefire agreed on Saturday after four days of intense cross-border fighting, according to BBC.

The US-brokered truce has held overnight, allaying fears of a wider battle between the nuclear-armed foes. President Donald Trump announced the accord, demanding an end to hostilities that could result in significant casualties.

Both nations remain on high alert, warning about cease-fire violations. The clashes, centered on the disputed Kashmir region, left dozens dead and marked the worst escalation in recent years. Despite the truce, both sides have claimed victory, BBC reported.

US President Trump says India, Pakistan have agreed to full, immediate ceasefire. US President Donald Trump said that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.

Trump announced the ceasefire from his account on the Truth Social Platform. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire,” he said.

“Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence,” he added. Both India and Pakistan have confirmed that two countries have reached an agreement. 

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Pakistan’s actions over the last few days are being seen as “provocative and escalatory”. Speaking in the press conference, Col Sofiya Qureshi further said during the briefing that Pakistan tried to attack air base in Punjab. Col Qureshi also said that Pakistan military is observed to be moving their troops to border areas. Apart from targeting military bases, Pakistan also targeted medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura and Udhampur, Qureshi said on Saturday morning.

The Indian foreign secretary reiterated India’s commitment to non-escalation provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military. Misri also refuted Pakistan’s claims of missiles being fired at religious site and termed it “ludicrous”.

Pakistan’s foreign minister said Saturday that if India stops its escalatory actions, so will Islamabad. “If there is an iota of sanity, India will stop and if they stop, so will we,” Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on camera while speaking with a local TV station. Pakistan said Saturday that India launched missiles at key military bases, including a base close to the capital Islamabad. Shortly after, Pakistan’s military said it had launched an operation against India in retaliation to those latest strikes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir on Friday and urged both Pakistan and India to find ways to de-escalate.

A US Department Of State spokesperson said Rubio also offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts.

The coalition government of the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML has unveiled its annual policies and programs without any major disagreements between the two parties. Parliamentarians are currently deliberating on the policy document, with some NC leaders expressing reservations, noting that certain core agendas of the UML appear to have been prioritized. Historically, the annual program and budget have often sown discord among coalition partners. Lawmakers are now offering their suggestions on the policy document. Meanwhile, the main opposition, CPN (Maoist Center), has expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over the omission of several projects previously announced by Pushpa Kamal Dahal.To preempt potential tensions over the budget, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has begun consultations with NC leaders, while also continuing dialogue with the Maoist Center.

A recent friendly exchange between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Chair Dahal has sparked speculation, with some political analysts predicting a possible collaboration between the two communist parties. However, the UML leadership has concluded that recent efforts to destabilize the government have lost momentum. Some believe that while the NC is negotiating with the government over key positions, Oli is attempting to increase his leverage by adopting a conciliatory approach toward Dahal.

Meanwhile, Dahal’s repeated overtures to the NC have failed to yield meaningful results. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba reiterated this week that there are no significant problems within the coalition. On the delay in appointing the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Deuba attributed it to internal issues within the NRB, denying any inter-party disagreement. His remarks come amid reports suggesting that disputes over the appointment could strain the coalition—an argument supported by past experiences where minor issues, rather than ideological differences, led to the collapse of alliances.

The ongoing pro-monarchy protests have weakened significantly, though royalist parties and allied groups continue to mobilize. Buoyed by an increase in supporters, former King Gyanendra Shah has been meeting royalist forces to encourage continued protests. Learning from the violent March 28 protest in Tinkune, the former king now appears to be backing political outfits such as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The pro-monarchy movement under Navaraj Subedi has announced an indefinite protest beginning May 29. Subedi has managed to bring RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, RPP-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa and Keshar Bahadur Bista into his fold—an unexpected development, given Lingden’s earlier reluctance to accept Subedi's leadership. This comes against the backdrop of a meeting between Shah and RPP leaders.

Relations between the NC and China, strained since 2015, are slowly improving. After a prolonged hiatus, senior NC leaders are visiting China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which appears to be stepping up its outreach. This week, NC President Deuba, senior leaders Shekhar Koirala, Shashank Koirala and others attended a photo exhibition on Nepal-China ties. At the event, Deuba reaffirmed NC’s commitment to the one-China policy and pledged that Nepali soil would not be used for anti-China activities—messages well received by the Chinese side.

Prime Minister Oli has also continued efforts to make appointments to transitional justice bodies. This week, he met with Dahal to discuss the matter, but no significant progress was made. Sources close to the discussions admit that the appointments are complex, with divisions not only among political parties but also among conflict victims and various domestic and international stakeholders. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the government is committed to addressing victims’ concerns. However, Nepal’s human rights community—seen as having a significant stake in the process—is often accused of obstructing progress due to personal or institutional interests.

Nepal has stepped up security across border areas, airports and other sensitive zones in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation intensified after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” conducting airstrikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen.

In other developments, the United States has announced an 85 percent cut in USAID programs, citing a shift to align foreign aid with American strategic interests. The US has started transferring the remaining programs that match its revised priorities. In Nepal, the future of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) remains uncertain, and the US has not clarified the status of remaining USAID-funded projects.

President Donald Trump termed escalating tensions between India and Pakistan "a shame" and urged a swift resolution following India's strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The move followed a militant strike on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, according to Reuters.

Pakistan promised to respond, raising regional anxieties.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is closely following the situation and has urged both sides to avoid escalation. He met with national security advisers from both countries, including India's Ajit Doval, who informed him on the strikes, Reuters reported.

While expressing support for India, the United States avoided condemning Pakistan and instead encouraged peaceful engagement. Analysts believe Washington may play a limited role in the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza.

"They'll figure it out one way or another," Trump declared.

India said that it had conducted strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, two weeks after 26 people including a Nepali, most of them tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the Defence Ministry of India said that nine sites linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack were targeted.

India described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were hit.

The Indian Army declared on X, “Justice is served.”

Pakistan’s military claimed that India fired missiles from its own territory, killing three civilians and injuring 12, according to Dawn. Indian air defence units along the border have been put on high alert, The Hindu reported.