India will push for Pakistan’s return to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, citing non-compliance with anti-money laundering and terror financing norms. This move follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Officials allege Pakistan is diverting international aid towards arms procurement. The FATF plenary meets in June, and India plans to raise the issue formally. In 2018, Pakistan was greylisted and removed in 2022 after pledging reforms. India also recently opposed the IMF’s bailout package to Pakistan, escalating regional tensions amid global scrutiny of financial transparency and counter-terrorism commitments.
YUNUS STAYS DESPITE EXIT RUMOURS
Despite growing political tensions and resignation rumours, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will remain head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed Yunus never said he would resign, asserting the cabinet remains committed to its responsibilities. This follows an emergency meeting before talks with top political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Tensions rise as opposition demands a fixed election date, while Yunus promises polls by June 2026. A rift also appears with the military, as Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman calls for elections by December. Despite unrest, Yunus’s leadership continues to guide Bangladesh through its political transition.
RUSSIA BOMBS KYIV, KILLS 13
Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv with 14 missiles and 250 drones, killing at least 13 people across multiple regions. Kyiv, Donetsk, Kherson, Odesa, and Kharkiv suffered casualties and damage. Ukraine’s air defense intercepted most drones and missiles, yet explosions lit up the capital. The attacks coincided with the second phase of a significant prisoner exchange—over 600 soldiers were freed Saturday, following 800 the day before. President Zelensky called it a “difficult night” and mourned the victims. Despite Istanbul peace talks, Russia continues strikes while claiming to intercept dozens of Ukrainian drones over its territory.
INDIA, RUSSIA DEEPEN STRATEGIC COOPERATION
According to officials familiar with ongoing discussions, India and Russia are expanding their strategic partnership by exploring collaboration in nuclear energy and cybersecurity. The move aligns with India’s growing energy demands and cybersecurity priorities, while reinforcing Russia’s role as a key technological ally. Talks are also underway to bolster cooperation in space technology, AI, and other advanced domains. The proposed partnership is expected to include knowledge sharing, joint research, and potential co-development initiatives. As global geopolitics evolve, both nations aim to strengthen bilateral trust and position themselves as leaders in secure, sustainable technology development and critical infrastructure cooperation.
THAROOR LEADS ANTI-TERROR DELEGATION
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is leading a cross-party Indian delegation on a five-nation tour under “Operation Sindoor Outreach” to spotlight India’s fight against terrorism. The group, including the BJP, LJP, TDP, and other party representatives, aims to raise awareness of Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. Speaking before departure, Tharoor described the mission as one of “peace and hope.” The delegation will visit the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia, starting with a tribute at the 9/11 Memorial in New York. Tharoor and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya both emphasised India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, referencing the recent Pahalgam attack as a grim reminder.
