UK calls Israel's blockade of aid delivery into Gaza 'horrendous'
The British Foreign Secretary is once again raising alarms about Israel's ongoing blockade of aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as devastating.
David Lammy, speaking during a session of the International Relations and Defence Committee, called the blockade ""horrendous"" and emphasised just how dire the situation has become — from the sheer level of suffering to the massive need on the ground and the staggering loss of life.
Lammy said he had spoken directly with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar a few weeks ago, making it clear that Israel has responsibilities when it comes to humanitarian access.
Israeli bombardment kills several Palestinians, wounds others in Gaza
Israeli air strikes on northern Gaza have killed several Palestinians and left many others injured, according to local medical sources cited by WAFA news agency. The attacks targeted the town of Beit Hanoon.
This latest escalation follows Israel's decision back on March 18 to unilaterally end the ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, the renewed bombardment has killed hundreds, including over 100 children.
Health officials in Gaza report at least 2,308 people have died and nearly 6,000 more have been wounded in the weeks since the assault resumed.
Rubio tells India to 'work with' Pakistan to de-escalate Kashmir tensions
After a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir pushed tensions to the brink, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging India and Pakistan to take a step back and ease hostilities.
Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing support for India's fight against extremism. But he also called on both sides to work together to investigate the attack that left more than two dozen people dead.
In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio conveyed US solidarity but also urged caution. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack in Pahalgam, though it hasn't presented evidence so far. Pakistan, for its part, denies the allegations and is pushing for an international investigation.
US, Ukraine sign 'historic' minerals deal
The United States and Ukraine have signed what both are calling a ""historic"" economic partnership, giving Washington access to Ukraine's rare mineral resources after weeks of tough negotiations.
Kiev says it has secured control over its own resources as part of the deal.
The agreement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who's been calling on Ukraine to ""pay back"" the support Washington has provided in helping repel Russian aggression.
India's next census will include caste status, marking a 'historic' shift
India has announced it will include caste identification in its next official census — the first time since independence that the government will formally record such data.
It's a landmark move in a country where caste remains deeply tied to social and economic status. While higher castes continue to benefit from cultural privilege, lower castes often face systemic discrimination.
This change could reshape India's political and social landscape. Estimates suggest that more than two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion people fall into historically disadvantaged castes, making this new census a potentially transformative moment in the country's long struggle with inequality.