Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif faced a credibility setback during a CNN interview after he was unable to substantiate claims that Pakistan had shot down five Indian jets during India’s recent military operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor'. When questioned about the evidence behind the dramatic assertion, Asif pointed only to “social media” posts specifically on Indian platforms as his source. "It's all over the social media, on Indian social media, not on our social media. The debris of these jets fell into Kashmir," Asif claimed. The CNN anchor quickly countered that social media was not a reliable or valid basis for such serious allegations in a news discussion.

Pressed further on what military equipment was used in the supposed engagements, Asif pivoted to discussing Pakistan’s fleet of Chinese-made jets such as the JF-17 and JF-10, produced in collaboration with China and assembled in Pakistan. He added, “If India can buy planes from France and use them, we can also buy planes from China or Russia or United States, UK and use them.”

Asif's remarks came in the aftermath of India’s extensive counter-terrorism operation, ‘Operation Sindoor’, which involved coordinated air and missile strikes by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The operation targeted nine terrorist facilities operated by groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen four of which were located in Pakistan, and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian government emphasized that the strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid escalation and did not target Pakistani military installations.

India launched the operation in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians including one Nepali tourist were killed by Pakistan-linked militants associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. At a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated the Pahalgam incident was the worst act of terrorism since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, stressing that it clearly exposed Pakistan’s ongoing support and training of cross-border terror groups.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times. 

VATICAN CITY — Roman Catholic cardinals were scheduled to return to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday (May 8) to continue voting for a successor to the late Pope Francis, marking the start of the largest and most diverse conclave in history. The cardinals began the secretive and ceremonial process of electing a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on Wednesday, in total isolation from the outside world. That evening, black smoke emerged from the chapel’s chimney, indicating that the first ballot had not produced a winner.

On Thursday, voting was expected to begin around 9am (3pm Singapore time), as per the Vatican’s schedule. White smoke would signal the election of a new pope to succeed Francis, who passed away last month. If the first vote of the day is conclusive, the announcement could be made as early as 11am (5pm Singapore time). If not, further smoke signals would be seen later in the day.

Given that no pope has been elected on the first vote in modern history, the black smoke on Wednesday was anticipated. However, with recent trends, a decision could come on the second day, as up to four rounds of voting can take place. The cardinals, known as the "princes of the Church," are expected to cast two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon, continuing until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries are participating, an increase from 115 cardinals from 48 countries in the 2013 conclave, reflecting Pope Francis’ efforts to globalize the Church. Francis, elected in 2013 after five rounds of voting on the second day, was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 after only four votes over two days.

Although no clear front-runners have emerged, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered leading candidates. If neither gains enough support, votes may shift toward other potential candidates, influenced by factors like geography, doctrine, or shared languages. Other notable papal contenders include French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, American Cardinal Robert Prevost, and Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

During the conclave, the cardinals are isolated and sworn to secrecy, with their phones and computers confiscated. They move between the Sistine Chapel for voting and Vatican guesthouses for rest and meals. Recently, the cardinals have shared differing views on what they want from the next pope. While some seek continuity with Francis' more liberal vision of openness and reform, others hope to return to more traditional values. Many desire a pope with a more predictable and measured approach.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will host the leaders of China, Brazil, and other nations this Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. Victory Day, celebrated annually on May 9 in Russia, has become the country's most significant secular holiday, highlighted by a large parade in Red Square and other ceremonies that emphasize Moscow’s desire to showcase its power and strengthen its alliances amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Political analyst Nikolai Petrov noted that for Putin, this event highlights the global support Russia enjoys. The guest list this year, which notably lacks prominent Western leaders, reflects the shift in Moscow's diplomatic priorities compared to previous years when Western leaders attended due to warmer ties between Russia and the West.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is described by Putin as the main guest. Their meeting in Moscow will focus on both bilateral and global issues, particularly trade, energy cooperation, and their roles within the BRICS group. Xi's four-day visit is part of a broader effort to solidify China-Russia ties, which have strengthened amid increasing tensions with the West. While China has not supplied weapons for the war in Ukraine, it has been a key diplomatic supporter and major market for Russian oil and gas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, a key ally, canceled his visit to Moscow due to rising tensions with Pakistan. India remains a major buyer of Russian oil, particularly following Western sanctions. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, making his first official trip to Moscow since the Ukraine invasion, will also participate in the celebrations. Other international guests include Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has opposed the EU's policies on Ukraine, and Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, who is making his first visit to Russia since the invasion despite EU pressure. Leaders from Cuba, Vietnam, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, and several former Soviet republics are also expected.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the guest list reflects not only Russia’s alliances but also the countries that align with Russia’s values and worldview. A total of 29 countries are expected to attend, and Putin is set to hold over 15 bilateral meetings. While the U.S. ambassador has been invited, it's unclear whether any U.S. officials will attend the parade. Historically, Western leaders attended Victory Day celebrations when Russia’s relations with the West were more amicable. However, after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Western participation in the event ceased. U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out visiting Moscow in the future but will not be attending the Friday festivities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

German lawmakers are set to vote Tuesday on whether Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), will become Germany’s next chancellor — the country’s 10th since the end of World War II. Merz is aiming to succeed outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz following the collapse of his coalition government last year. If elected, he would lead Europe’s most populous nation and largest economy, with responsibilities ranging from handling the war in Ukraine and U.S. trade tensions to addressing economic stagnation and the growing influence of the far-right, anti-immigrant AfD party.

To secure the chancellorship, Merz must win the support of at least 316 out of 630 Bundestag members. If he falls short, lawmakers have 14 days to select a candidate by absolute majority. Failing that, Germany’s president may either appoint the leading vote-getter or call new national elections. The vote coincides with the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germany’s surrender in World War II, taking place in the historic Reichstag building, where remnants of Soviet graffiti still remain.

Merz, if confirmed, will face growing concerns over the AfD, recently designated a right-wing extremist group by Germany’s domestic intelligence service. The AfD, which came second in February’s national elections, has come under increased surveillance due to its rhetoric against migrants and refugees. This move drew criticism from U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, but Germany's Foreign Ministry defended the decision. Merz has not publicly commented on the issue.

The proposed governing coalition includes Merz’s CDU, its Bavarian ally the Christian Social Union (CSU), and Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD). Together, they hold 328 Bundestag seats. The coalition aims to boost economic growth, increase defense spending, enforce stricter migration policies, and modernize infrastructure. This partnership marks a return to a familiar alliance, with the CDU and SPD having governed together in past decades — including during Angela Merkel’s long tenure. Merz’s team includes Johann Wadephul as the proposed foreign minister, a role last held by a CDU member in the 1960s.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@_FriedrichMerz.

Despite polls forecasting a close contest, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a decisive victory in Australia's election, winning a second term. His opponent, Peter Dutton, faced a crushing defeat, losing the seat he had held for 24 years. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman analyze the results and their implications for the country, with insights from Dominic O'Sullivan, Professor of Political Science at Charles Sturt University.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

With just days to go before the key vote, the latest Guardian Essential poll indicates consistent backing for Labor. However, the presence of many undecided voters and a competitive group of independents raises uncertainty about how decisive Labor's potential win will be. Guardian Australia's chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, to delve deeper into the situation.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Pope Francis worked until his final days. On Easter Sunday, he greeted crowds in St. Peter's Square before passing away the following morning after battling pneumonia and bronchitis. As the first Latin American pope, he sought to bring change, symbolized by his act of washing prisoners’ feet. Though he made strides in addressing issues like LGBTQ+ rights, some felt he didn’t go far enough. As the church prepares for a successor, many Catholics view the church as more compassionate due to his transformative papacy.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

During an emergency parliamentary session on Saturday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced urgent action to save Scunthorpe’s British Steel plant, the UK's last mass producer of virgin steel. MPs passed legislation forcing the plant’s Chinese owners, Jingye, to keep it open or face criminal charges. Financial journalist Jasper Jolly explained the steelworks' importance to Scunthorpe and the town’s potential devastation if it closed. The plant has struggled financially for years, largely due to cheap Chinese steel flooding global markets. The government’s intervention has sparked debate about foreign ownership of key infrastructure and contrasts with its approach to Port Talbot steelworks.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.