QUICKREADS

Hegseth Used Multiple Signal Chats For Official Pentagon Business
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly used the encrypted messaging app Signal for official Pentagon communications, discussing sensitive military operations and unclassified information. His use of personal devices raises concerns about security and record-keeping violations, prompting an investigation by the Pentagon's inspector general. The situation has drawn scrutiny, especially in light of a directive restricting non-governmental app use for official business.
Pakistan to increase defence spending by 18 per cent in upcoming budget: Report
Pakistan's coalition government has approved an 18% increase in defense spending to over Rs 2.5 trillion for the upcoming budget amid rising tensions with India following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The budget, to be unveiled next month, reflects a consensus between the ruling parties to address security threats.

‘Either we live or no one will…’: Pakistan defence minister issues doomsday warning
Pakistan's defence minister warns of potential nuclear conflict, claiming survival is at stake. Tensions escalate after the Pahalgam terror attack, with Islamabad accusing India of threatening its existence and drawing parallels to Gaza conflict.

REAL ID deadline: 5 states that don't have to comply by May 7
Five states can use Enhanced Driver's Licenses instead of REAL ID for domestic flights after May 7. Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont residents have alternative federal identification meeting travel requirements.

'Kamala Harris, please go away': Trump loyalists criticize Ex-VP's Met Gala debut
Kamala Harris faced harsh criticism from Trump supporters after attending the Met Gala 2025, wearing a custom off-white gown. Critics mocked her appearance, dress, and political persona, calling her "out of touch" and urging her to "go away."

Nepal MP claims Pak army delegation in Kathmandu amid standoff with India post Pahalgam attack
An 11-member delegation from the Pakistani Army is in Kathmandu amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Nepali MP Amresh Kumar Singh criticized the timing of the visit, highlighting that a Nepali citizen was killed in the attack. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council questioned Pakistan?s narrative regarding the incident.

EU and UK to hold annual summits, draft statement shows
The EU and UK will hold annual summits to review their bilateral relationship, according to a draft statement for a May 19 summit in London. The agreement emphasizes commitment to the Withdrawal Agreement, support for Ukraine, cooperation on irregular migration, and the importance of transatlantic collaboration on global challenges.

Prince Harry's lawyers back in court against Daily Mail publisher
Prince Harry is suing Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, alongside other high-profile figures for alleged unlawful behavior, including privacy breaches over the past 30 years. This legal move follows Harry's recent emotional interview after losing a case regarding his security arrangements, where he revealed a rift with his father, King Charles.
No phone signals, jammers, lockdown: Vatican's world to seal for Conclave to elect pope
Vatican prepares for papal conclave by blocking mobile signals and using jammers. 133 cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel, swearing secrecy, to elect Pope Francis's successor through a centuries-old, locked-door voting process.

China's Xi ready to work with EU to expand ties, handle friction
President Xi Jinping stated that China is eager to collaborate with EU leaders to enhance mutual openness and address differences, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Amid U.S. trade tensions, Xi emphasized the importance of stable China-EU relations and called for joint efforts to uphold fairness. High-level dialogues and exchanges are planned to strengthen cooperation this year.

Bangladesh court issues new arrest order for detained Hindu leader Chinmoy Das
A Bangladesh court has ordered the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in four additional cases, following his previous arrest related to a murder case. Das, who was detained at Dhaka airport last year for alleged sedition, has faced widespread protests. Security has been heightened at court and jail facilities amid ongoing legal challenges regarding his bail.
Why does Donald Trump want to reopen notorious island prison Alcatraz?
Trump proposes reopening Alcatraz prison to house "violent offenders" and illegal immigrants, citing past national seriousness. The historic San Francisco island facility, now a tourist attraction, was closed in 1963 due to high operating costs. Democrats dismiss the plan as unserious.

Euro zone economic growth slows in April, services near stagnation, PMI shows
The euro zone economy grew at a slower rate in April, with the HCOB Eurozone Composite PMI Output Index falling to 50.4, indicating fragile recovery. The services sector nearly stagnated, and overall demand declined for the 11th month. Employment rose marginally, but manufacturing jobs continued to decline. Inflation pressures eased, suggesting potential interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank.

‘Pakistan bombs its own people’: Islamabad's Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Aziz Ghazi on ‘war’ with India
Controversial Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Aziz Ghazi criticized Pakistan's government, questioning citizens' support in a potential war with India and accusing the state of systemic oppression, violence, and injustice against its own people.
Sri Lanka holds delayed local elections in first test for Dissanayake's government
Polling for Sri Lanka's delayed local council elections commenced on Monday, with over 17.1 million voters eligible to choose 8,287 members across 339 local bodies. This election serves as a crucial test for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's ruling National People?s Power party following recent political turmoil. Observers note a disorganized opposition, posing minimal challenge to the NPP.

Canada federal polls: Jagmeet Singh replaced as NDP leader after party’s heavy defeat
Jagmeet Singh stepped down as NDP leader after a disastrous federal election, where the party won only seven seats. Don Davies was chosen as interim leader, and the party will prepare for a new leadership race in the coming months.