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India's brief by its defense leaders, on India and Pakistan ceasefire, took centerstage on Sunday, 11 May 2025 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Israel’s Security Cabinet confirms plans to retain control over more than 70% of the Gaza Strip indefinitely, with ongoing military operations aimed at consolidating this territorial hold. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states the new phase of the offensive is focused on securing seized areas. Many neighbourhoods have been evacuated following Israeli orders, and the majority of Gaza’s population has been pushed southward as part of the ongoing strategy.
Monday, 5 May, 2025
The UK and India have finalized a landmark free trade agreement that significantly reduces tariffs on key goods, including British whisky and cars exported to India, and Indian textiles and food products sold in the UK. This deal, described by Britain as its "biggest and most economically significant" since Brexit, was reached after over three years of negotiations and resumed talks in February amid US tariff threats. By 2040, it is expected to boost annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion.
Tuesday, 6 May, 2025
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a deadly terror attack on Indian civilians in Kashmir. In response, Indian airstrikes targeted multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing at least eight people. Pakistan retaliated with its own strikes, claiming to have killed three civilians. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the Indian action an "act of war," and Punjab province has declared a state of emergency, closing schools and placing hospitals on alert.
Wednesday, 7 May, 2025
More than 80 vultures have been rescued from a mass poisoning incident in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, while over 120 others died in one of the largest vulture poisoning events in Southern Africa. Park rangers and the Endangered Wildlife Trust suspect poachers used agricultural toxins, possibly targeting vultures for traditional medicine. The birds were found near a poisoned elephant carcass. Many of the vultures affected are endangered and breed only once a year.
Thursday, 8 May, 2025
France and Poland sign a landmark treaty to boost cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and strategic technology, reflecting Europe's growing self-reliance amid U.S. uncertainty. The agreement includes a mutual assistance clause and strengthens military ties between the NATO allies. Prime Minister Tusk expresses confidence in the alliance, while President Macron confirms France’s participation in the upcoming Ukraine summit. Talks continue around nuclear cooperation, though the treaty avoids direct reference to France’s nuclear umbrella.
Friday, 9 May, 2025
A chemical factory fire near Vilanova i la Geltrú in northeastern Spain prompts emergency alerts for 150,000 residents and stay-at-home orders in five towns. The blaze, which broke out early Saturday in a warehouse storing 70 tons of chlorine, caused four people to suffer breathing issues. Authorities lifted the seven-hour lockdown after firefighters brought the fire under control by the afternoon. The site lies between Barcelona and Tarragona along the Mediterranean coast.
Saturday, 10 May, 2025
After Pakistan’s Prime Minister claims victory on Saturday, India releases evidence of airstrike damage on Pakistani soil and confirms Pakistan’s DGMO requested a ceasefire. Amid the ceasefire, two countries take mileage—the U.S. claims credit by tweeting about its role in mediating peace, China reinforces its stance by publicly declaring full support for Pakistan. Both DGMOs agree to resume talks on Monday.The sequence shows India’s retaliation, Pakistan’s plea for truce, and global powers seizing the moment, as tensions temporarily ease between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Sunday, 11 May, 2025