India's Power Minister has called for equitable access to energy resources globally, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive energy policies. The minister highlighted the importance of providing affordable and reliable energy to all nations, particularly developing countries, to combat climate change and promote economic growth. This call comes as India is set to host the G20 summit later this year, where global leaders will discuss energy security and sustainability issues.
https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/energy-security-geopolitical-tensions-manohar-lal-brics-meeting-brazil-critical-minerals-solar-power-11747736591855.htmlSenator Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressing caution against imposing additional sanctions on Russia amid ongoing dialogue aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He stated that President Trump believes threatening sanctions could prompt Moscow to disengage from talks and emphasized maintaining open communication channels. Rubio also mentioned a proposed $2.9 billion America First Opportunity Fund to take on foreign aid, building on lessons learned from USAID.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/united-states/rubio-defends-foreign-policy-overhaul-faces-bipartisan-criticism-over-refugee-policy-russia-and-aid-cuts-13890217.htmlThe Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held a meeting in Beijing from May 15 to 16, where trade union leaders discussed promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges among member countries. They emphasized the importance of trade unions within the SCO framework and explored ways to address challenges brought by innovations like artificial intelligence. The meeting called for greater representation of developing countries in global governance and urged trade unions to safeguard workers' rights in new forms of employment. It also supported SCO's efforts in poverty reduction, food security, public health, and climate change, aiming to build a harmonious labour relations-driven community with a shared future for mankind.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/promote-harmony-study-impact-of-ai-on-workers-scos-trade-union-leaders/article69598366.eceUS Federal Reserve officials are signaling that their pause on cutting interest rates could be extended due to high economic policy uncertainty. St Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem stated that tariffs, despite a recent de-escalation with China, will likely have a significant impact on the near-term economic outlook. The US and China agreed to reduce tariff rates for 90 days as part of their trade deal negotiations, but Musalem believes these measures may not be enough to mitigate the effects of tariffs on the economy.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/05/20/fed-officials-suggest-pause-on-rate-cuts-could-extend-further/The United Nations has been unable to distribute humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions. Despite a recent approval for 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza, UN teams were denied access to collect supplies at the Kerem Shalom crossing, citing security concerns. The Israeli government requires offloading and reloading of supplies on the Palestinian side, causing delays. The UN has expressed concern over rising malnutrition rates in Gaza, with UNRWA Director of Health Akihiro Seita warning that food shortages could worsen if aid continues to be blocked.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/un-says-aid-not-distributed-yet-gaza-despite-trucks-entering-enclave-5142611The US and China have reached a temporary 90-day trade agreement, reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and American imports from 125% to 10%. This pause is seen as short-term relief but not a definitive resolution to the ongoing global trade tensions. The agreement may temporarily ease economic pressures, but analysts warn that the impact of existing tariffs will likely deepen in the coming months, potentially exacerbating stagflation and recession risks.
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/219353-us-and-china-establish-temporary-90-day-trade-agreement-but-tariff-economic-impact-expected-to-intensify-aheadUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for international cooperation to achieve a shared vision for peace, thanking France for its ongoing support. He also discussed potential steps toward a ceasefire and post-war reconstruction with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their conversation.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3995202-zelensky-macron-discuss-defense-cooperation-weapons-production-in-ukraine.htmlThe ambassador emphasized the importance of global ocean governance, sustainable development, and maritime security, pledging to work collaboratively with the international community to establish an "ocean order" that promotes peace, tranquility, and win-win cooperation, aiming to build a shared future for the world's oceans.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1334534.shtmlCoordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyos expressed confidence in ASEAN's ability to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future through three strategies. He emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable prosperity for all levels of society, with sustainability as the main foundation for development.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/355997/ahy-presents-three-strategies-to-spur-asean-development?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right