Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established under President Trump’s administration, aimed to streamline federal operations. However, within its first 100 days, DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting measures led to significant disruptions. Over 260,000 federal employees were laid off, and several agencies, including the IRS and CDC, faced operational challenges. Critics argue that the initiative caused more harm than good, with unverified claims of $160 billion in savings. Amidst declining Tesla profits and mounting controversies, Musk announced a reduction in his involvement with DOGE, signalling a shift back to his corporate responsibilities. The future of DOGE remains uncertain as debates over its effectiveness continue.
PM MODI GIVES SERIOUS WARNING TO TERRORISTS
Following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stern warning to terrorists, switching from Hindi to English to address the global community. Speaking from Bihar, Modi declared India’s resolve to hunt down the perpetrators and their supporters, vowing unimaginable consequences. The shift in language symbolised a strategic global message, with thanks extended to allies like the US, EU, Russia, Israel, and China for condemning the attack. India has since suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and shut the Attari border, signalling escalating diplomatic and strategic retaliation. The Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for the massacre.
TRUMP CRITICIZES PUTIN OVER KYIV
In a rare rebuke, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Kyiv following a devastating missile and drone barrage that killed at least nine and injured over 70. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying.” He expressed frustration over stalled peace efforts and criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for not conceding Crimea. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s earlier acceptance of a U.S. ceasefire plan, accusing Russia of continued aggression. Trump is set to meet Norway’s Prime Minister to discuss the war and other international issues.
CHINA SENDS ASTRONAUTS TO ITS SPACE STATION
On April 24, China launched its 35th manned space mission, Shenzhou-20, sending three astronauts—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—to the Tiangong space station. The crew will replace the current occupants and stay until late October, conducting life science experiments, including pioneering research on planarian regeneration in space. This mission, coinciding with China’s Space Day, also highlights a growing international collaboration, as two Pakistani astronauts will receive training in China for a future joint mission. With the International Space Station nearing retirement, China’s Tiangong may soon become the world’s only space station in orbit.
INDIA SUSPENDS INDUS WATERS TREATY
In a bold move following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India has indefinitely suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a landmark water-sharing agreement in place since 1960. The Cabinet Committee on Security also announced the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals, and a reduction in diplomatic staff. These decisions come amid confirmed cross-border terrorist links. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, had withstood three wars. Its suspension marks a significant diplomatic and geopolitical shift. Pakistan, already water-stressed, faces potential consequences as tensions escalate between the two nuclear neighbours.
