International News
Families Of Israeli Hostages Criticise Aid Decision For Gaza
Israeli families with members held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip expressed their dismay on Wednesday, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement. He declared that Israel would permit humanitarian aid to be sent into Gaza through Egypt, without demanding any concessions for the captives.
‘Bring Them Home Now’
The advocacy group, ‘Bring Them Home Now’, representing the families of the kidnapped Israelis by Hamas, stated their anger over the decision, saying, “The move to provide humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of Gaza has deeply angered the families of the hostages.” They further pointed out the harsh conditions faced by the kidnapped individuals, stating that they are “held underground like animals without any humane conditions, and yet, the Israeli government is offering treats and medical aid to their captors.”
This decision came after pressure from the U.S., with Israel agreeing on Wednesday to allow essential supplies like water, medicine, and food to be sent to southern Gaza from Egypt. This follows a severe attack by Hamas on October 7, which saw around 2,500 militants breaking through the Israeli security fence, launching thousands of rockets and leading to the death of approximately 1,400 people, primarily civilians. Additionally, at least 199 hostages were taken into Gaza. Israel’s report indicates that around 1,500 Hamas militants were also killed.
Israel’s official stance is that while they will allow humanitarian aid, they will intervene if Hamas accesses any of it. Furthermore, Netanyahu emphasised that no aid would be permitted to enter Gaza through Israeli checkpoints.
Biden’s stand on aid
US President Joe Biden, on a supportive wartime visit to Israel, announced the aid delivery to Gaza’s civilians. Biden stated after a meeting in Tel Aviv, “The Gazan populace requires basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. I’ve requested the Israeli cabinet to consent to sending vital humanitarian aid, under the condition that there will be thorough inspections, ensuring the assistance benefits civilians, not Hamas.”
Subsequently, Biden confirmed discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who agreed to open the Rafah Crossing (between Egypt and Gaza) to permit around 20 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid. Since the onset of the war on October 7, Rafah has mostly remained closed.
The UN has estimated that rehabilitating Gaza after Israel’s retaliations would require about 100 aid trucks daily.
150-200 Israelis held captive by Hamas
It’s believed that between 150-200 Israelis and dual nationals have been held captive by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in Gaza since the October 7 attacks.
Addressing his meeting with Biden, Netanyahu outlined three main points. Firstly, he called for the captives’ return, adding that they are actively working towards it. Secondly, he demanded Red Cross visits for the hostages. Lastly, he clarified that food and medicine from Israeli territories wouldn’t be allowed into Gaza.
Despite this, the government confirmed that it would not obstruct aid from Egypt as long as it was limited to essential supplies for the southern Gaza civilian population, warning that supplies reaching Hamas would be barred.
Families’ group hints at escalating protest
The families’ group hinted at escalating their actions if the aid decision isn’t reversed, although no specifics were provided. Regular protests by these families have taken place near the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, calling for government intervention.
Biden, before leaving Tel Aviv, underscored that the aid is intended for civilians and warned Hamas against misusing it. He added that the U.S. is coordinating with regional partners to ensure the hostages’ safe return.
Meanwhile, at the Rafah crossing, trucks loaded with aid have been queued up awaiting entry. The UN has reported that around 3,000 tons of aid from Egypt are pending to be sent into Gaza.
Egypt’s foreign minister confirmed on Wednesday evening that a tripartite agreement between Egypt, Israel, and other global players had been reached to allow aid into Gaza via Rafah.
International News
Trump says Iran talks ‘in final stages’ as US waits for ‘right answer’

Washington, May 21: US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is “in the final stages” of peace talks with Iran and is willing to wait a few days for the “right answer.”
“We’re in the final stages of Iran,” Trump told reporters. “We’ll see what happens.”
“We’ll either have a deal, or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty. But hopefully that won’t happen,” he added.
The president claimed he is in “no hurry” to finalise a peace agreement with Iran, suggesting that he would not consider making a “limited deal” only focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reports Xinhua news agency.
“We’re going to give this one shot,” Trump said of a potential deal, ruling out the idea of a partial compromise.
“I’m in no hurry. You never think, ‘Oh, the midterms, I’m in a hurry.’ I’m in no hurry,” Trump said.
The president added that he had a “very good” phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier on Wednesday. Turkey is seen as one of the key mediators during US-Iran negotiations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps on Wednesday warned that if the US and Israeli aggression against the country is repeated, the war will extend beyond the West Asia region.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned in a post on X that returning to war with Iran will have many more surprises for the United States, citing a recent report by the US Congress that acknowledged the loss of dozens of aircraft.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US bases and assets in the Middle East.
A ceasefire was reached between the warring parties on April 8, followed by one round of peace talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on April 11 and 12, which failed to yield an agreement.
US and Israeli officials have escalated threats of repeating military attacks against Iran over the past few days. Trump on Tuesday claimed Iran’s leaders were “begging” to make a deal, warning that a new US attack could take place in the coming days if no agreement is reached.
International News
PM Modi gifts ‘Melody’ to Giorgia Meloni, revives viral ‘Melodi’ moment

Rome, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a light-hearted and unique gift — a “Melody” toffee packet– to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, bringing back the widely popular “#Melodi” moment that has often gone viral on social media.
The informal exchange, marked by laughter between the two leaders, was later shared by the Italian PM on Instagram, where she also spoke about the gesture and the gift received from the Indian Prime Minister.
Sharing the video of the moment, Meloni said, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift — a very, very good toffee — Melody,” as both leaders were seen sharing a laugh during the interaction.
She further added in her caption, “Thank you for the gift.”
The “Melodi” phenomenon — a portmanteau combining the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni — has become a recurring viral trend online, reflecting the visible personal rapport and friendly exchanges between the two leaders during various international engagements.
The term has frequently been used by social media users to highlight their light-hearted interactions at global platforms, often turning into viral moments that generate memes, discussions and widespread online engagement, while also symbolising a perceived strengthening of India-Italy relations.
Earlier in the day, visuals and pictures from a special dinner hosted near the iconic Colosseum in Rome also attracted significant attention online. The two leaders were seen sharing a casual moment, including a smiling selfie and a relaxed interaction that quickly spread across social media platforms.
They were also seen standing on a balcony enjoying the sunset over the historic city of Rome, adding to the series of informal and friendly exchanges that have characterised their public appearances.
The viral ‘Melodi’ trend originally gained momentum after Meloni posted a selfie on X during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where she captioned it, “Good friends at COP28, #Melodi”. Till then, Melodi was just a meme hashtag used by Internet users.
Since then, the duo has frequently drawn attention for their warm greetings, handshakes and cordial interactions at multiple international events, including their widely shared selfie at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi.
International News
PM Modi heads to Oslo after ‘productive’ Sweden visit

Gothenburg, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Gothenburg on Monday after successfully concluding his visit to Sweden, during which he elevated the bilateral ties between the two countries to a Strategic Partnership. He is now en route to Norway for the fourth leg of his five-nation tour.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “A visit advancing innovation, sustainability and strategic cooperation. PM Narendra Modi departed from Gothenburg for Oslo after a productive visit marked by the elevation of India-Sweden ties to a Strategic Partnership. The visit opened a new chapter in India-Sweden ties.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Sweden on Sunday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi thanked the people and the Government of Sweden for the warmth and friendship.
The Sweden visit was marked by several important outcomes that will add new momentum to relations.
“From elevating our ties to a Strategic Partnership, launching the Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, to setting an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade in the next five years, the discussions were highly productive,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
During his visit, PM Modi also addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg.
The Prime Minister said his speech focused on the growing convergence between India and Europe, the opportunities emerging from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and India’s reform-driven economic growth journey.
He also held wide-ranging conversations with the business leaders in Sweden on how economic linkages between India and Sweden can be enhanced, particularly in futuristic technologies, R&D, AI, security and healthcare.
During the visit, PM Modi was also conferred with the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to India-Sweden relations and his leadership in deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, also exchanged special commemorative gifts honouring the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting the deep cultural ties between India and Sweden.
PM Modi is now heading to Oslo, where he will hold discussions focusing on strengthening the bilateral cooperation.
He will participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral engagements with Norwegian leaders.
The visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. During the visit, he is scheduled to call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja, besides holding bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
The Prime Minister will also address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit along with the Norwegian Prime Minister.
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