In a dramatic move, the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effective immediately. This decision bars the university from admitting international students. The administration accused Harvard of repeatedly ignoring government directives, tolerating antisemitic sentiments on campus, and fostering divisive policies sympathetic to Hamas. According to Harvard, nearly 27% of its 2024–25 student body consists of international students—now left in limbo.

During a live meeting in the Oval Office, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. When asked by a journalist whether Trump could be convinced that claims of a "white genocide" in South Africa were unfounded, Ramaphosa replied that Trump should listen to the South African people to understand the reality. In response, Trump directed his aides to dim the lights and play videos. A series of graphic images, news clippings, and old footage alleging the persecution of white South Africans were shown—clearly part of a pre-planned narrative.

Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem condemned the attack, calling it a "senseless killing" and vowed justice. "We are actively investigating and will bring the perpetrator to justice," she said. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin via phone on Monday at 8 PM Bangladesh time. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the call focused on the outcomes of last week’s Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul. “We’ve already clarified our position on the Istanbul talks,” Peskov stated. “Following the call, we will release a full statement.” This was the first known conversation between Putin and Trump since March 18.

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on individuals associated with certain Indian travel agencies, accusing them of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration. In a statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the decision was based on information gathered by U.S. missions in India. The statement did not specify the names or number of individuals involved. Washington alleges that these Indian entities played an active role in supporting unlawful migration.

The US is moving forward with a new law to impose a 5% tax on all remittances sent abroad, under the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduced by Donald Trump. The bill has passed the budget committee and awaits a full congressional vote. While US citizens are exempt, non-citizens—including millions of Indian workers—will be affected. India, the top recipient of US remittances, could suffer significant economic consequences, with $32.9 billion sent from the US in 2023–24 alone.

Joe Biden, former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones, according to his personal office. The diagnosis followed symptoms of increased urination. Tests revealed a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of cancer. However, doctors noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may offer avenues for effective treatment.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries failing to sign new trade agreements with the United States may face tariffs as high as 50%. Trump stated that the demand for trade deals is so high that individual negotiations are not feasible. Instead, within the next 2–3 weeks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will send letters outlining new tariff structures. Countries that don’t comply will be subject to increased tariffs.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that India and Pakistan are dangerously close to a nuclear confrontation. “The situation is escalating to a point where nuclear war could break out,” he said, adding, “They’re launching missiles with maximum force.”

Trump emphasized the significance of both nations, calling them “not small powers but major nuclear forces.” He also noted, “We’ve had excellent discussions with Pakistan, and communications are ongoing. Pakistan wants to trade with us—they are smart and doing great work.” Trump stated he had instructed his team to maintain dialogue with both countries.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and a prominent activist, was arrested at the U.S. Senate during a protest against the killings in Gaza. He was later released. Police charged Cohen with a misdemeanor, while six others were also detained and face more serious charges. The protest occurred during a budget hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting his proposal. Cohen shouted slogans, accusing Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza while cutting healthcare for the poor in the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to set up manufacturing plants in India. Trump reportedly told Cook, “I don’t want you to build factories in India,” citing concerns over U.S. interests and trade imbalances.

He argued that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world, making it a difficult market for American products. Trump added, “India can take care of itself. You can build in India if you want to take care of them. But I don’t want you to build there.”

Trump also criticized Apple's past investments in China, saying the U.S. tolerated it for years, but further offshoring—especially to India—is not something he supports.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that there will be no real progress on the Ukraine conflict unless he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face. Trump had expressed interest in traveling to Turkey for direct talks with Putin as part of his initiative to end the war in Ukraine.

However, Putin did not visit Turkey on Thursday, and Trump also canceled his trip. Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had publicly invited Putin to meet in Turkey on the same day.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Riyadh, expressed strong hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords. “It would be a matter of great prestige for Saudi Arabia and crucial for the future of the Middle East,” said Trump. The Abraham Accords have already normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. While Saudi Arabia has yet to establish formal diplomatic ties with Israel, discussions have taken place. Trump also warned Iran of renewed “maximum pressure” if it refuses to rejoin a nuclear agreement, pledging to drive Iran’s oil exports down to zero.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria, stating, “After discussions with the new Syrian foreign minister and the Crown Prince, and a call with Turkey’s President, I’ve decided to authorize the lifting of sanctions to help Syria move forward.” He noted that while the sanctions played a significant role during Bashar al-Assad’s rule, it is now time for the country to recover. Trump added that he will meet Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sarar in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Amid ongoing tensions, the US State Department has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran. The sanctions target three senior officials and one organization associated with Iran’s military arms research. Their assets in the US have been frozen, and they are barred from entering the country or engaging in financial transactions with any US entities. US Secretary of State remarked, “Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that possesses a stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.”