https://pulse.lavkesh.com Signal-first briefings on geopolitics, edited by Lavkesh Dwivedi. en-us Thu, 28 May 2026 18:43:07 +0000 https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-internet-restored-blackout/33767726.html https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-internet-restored-blackout/33767726.html Thu, 28 May 2026 17:10:53 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty Internet access has been partially restored in Iran. The government had shut down communications in late February. This occurred at the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign. Iranians reported being unable to check on loved ones during months of air strikes. Internet access in Iran has been partially restored after the government shut down communications at the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign in late February. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/28/image-of-thai-police-in-sparkly-dresses-with-handcuffed-suspect-turns-out-to-be-ai-fake https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/28/image-of-thai-police-in-sparkly-dresses-with-handcuffed-suspect-turns-out-to-be-ai-fake Thu, 28 May 2026 16:05:33 +0000 The Guardian An image showing Thai police in sparkly dresses with a handcuffed suspect was an AI fake. Picture was created by administrator in charge of station’s Facebook account who wanted to create ‘friendlier image’It was an arresting image and an irresistible story. A group of tough Thai police officers – five men and one woman – all wearing elaborate festival-style dresses, surrounding a drug dealer they had caught while undercover. The image, released by local police, was so compelling that i. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-un-expert-on-palestinians/article71034468.ece https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-un-expert-on-palestinians/article71034468.ece Thu, 28 May 2026 15:44:32 +0000 The Hindu (International) The U. S. Treasury Department reimposed sanctions on Ms. A notice on the Treasury Department's website showed that it had reimposed a sanctions designation on Ms. Albanese that blacklists her globally, making it impossible for her to use major credit cards or carry out bank transactions. U. reimposes sanctions on UN expert on Palestinians. U. S. https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-purported-sons-western-nannies-language-tutors/33767499.html https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-purported-sons-western-nannies-language-tutors/33767499.html Thu, 28 May 2026 15:42:38 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty At least 20 foreigners, primarily from Western countries, have worked for the family of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva over the past eight years. These individuals have been involved in raising and educating two boys believed to be the couple's children. This information comes from an investigation by RFE/RL's Russian investigative unit. Over the past eight years, at least 20 foreigners have helped raise and educate two boys believed to be the sons of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his purported partner Alina Kabayeva, most of them from Western countries, RFE/RL’s Russian investigative unit has determined. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-treasury-officials-moot-250-note-featuring-trump/article71034328.ece https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-treasury-officials-moot-250-note-featuring-trump/article71034328.ece Thu, 28 May 2026 15:31:17 +0000 The Hindu (International) U. S. Treasury officials are considering a $250 note featuring former President Donald Trump. Federal law currently requires individuals to be deceased to appear on U. currency. Congress would need to pass a new law to permit Trump's portrait on a note. According to the U. federal law, only deceased persons can be featured on currency notes; the U. Congress will have to pass a new law to allow Trump’s portrait to feature on a currency note. https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/south-koreas-starbucks-furor-revives-an-illiberal-habit/ https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/south-koreas-starbucks-furor-revives-an-illiberal-habit/ Thu, 28 May 2026 15:18:31 +0000 Asia Times Starbucks Korea faced public backlash over a marketing campaign. Critics argued the campaign promoted a harmful stereotype. The incident sparked debate about public outrage and due process in South Korea. Some observers noted a pattern of collective denunciation replacing formal judgment. This has led to discussions about fairness and accountability in public discourse. South Korea’s latest Starbucks controversy is not only about a badly judged marketing campaign. https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us-patriot-missiles-zelenskyy-appeal-trump-congress/33767500.html https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us-patriot-missiles-zelenskyy-appeal-trump-congress/33767500.html Thu, 28 May 2026 14:09:07 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova stated that Patriot missile systems are critical for Ukraine’s defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly appealed to former President Donald Trump and the US Congress. He warned that Ukraine urgently requires more Patriot missile systems. Russia has increased its ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued an unusually direct appeal to President Donald Trump and the US Congress, warning that Ukraine urgently needs additional Patriot missile systems as Russia intensifies ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/28/argentina-european-self-image-racist-incidents-brazil https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/28/argentina-european-self-image-racist-incidents-brazil Thu, 28 May 2026 12:04:59 +0000 The Guardian Racist incidents in Brazil have renewed scrutiny of Argentina's self-image. A woman was filmed on a train. This event is the latest flashpoint in discussions about race relations in Latin America. Argentina faces debate over its perceived European identity. Case involving seven-year-old boy is latest flashpoint in debate over race relations in Latin America‘Argentina needs to end its fantasy of being a European country’: Lucrecia Martel on the story of a killingA woman celebrating her 32nd birthday on a train journey in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais was horrified when a fellow passenger alerted her that an unknown man had been secretly filming. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/may/28/the-race-for-oil-will-jamaica-be-the-next-country-to-drill-and-what-does-that-mean-for-its-green-pledges https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/may/28/the-race-for-oil-will-jamaica-be-the-next-country-to-drill-and-what-does-that-mean-for-its-green-pledges Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:20 +0000 The Guardian Jamaica is considering oil production after seabed tests indicated crude oil presence. The Caribbean island imports all its fuel. This potential shift raises questions about its existing green pledges. Early tests suggest hydrocarbons off the south coast. With early tests suggesting the presence of crude oil, the Caribbean island has begun to debate whether it could justify becoming a producerJamaica is closer than ever to drilling for oil. https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/05/1167594 https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/05/1167594 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 UN News The World Health Organization Director-General traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday. He called for a ceasefire in the country's eastern region. This region is currently experiencing a resurgence of Ebola. Instability is widespread in the affected area. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) headed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday as the country continues to combat a deadly resurgence of Ebola in its volatile eastern region where instability is rife. https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/05/1167593 https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/05/1167593 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 UN News UN chief António Guterres outlined further progress for the UN80 Initiative UN chief António Guterres has outlined further progress in the wide-ranging UN80 Initiative, a major reform and restructuring project aimed at making the global body more effective, agile and better equipped to respond to global challenges. ‘Critical new phase’ for UN reform effort. https://www.rferl.org/a/mulroy-warns-iran-us-conflict-could-restart/33767525.html https://www.rferl.org/a/mulroy-warns-iran-us-conflict-could-restart/33767525.html Thu, 28 May 2026 11:51:40 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty Former Pentagon official Michael Patrick Mulroy described Iran-US talks as a dangerous game. He stated both Washington and Tehran have reasons to avoid renewed conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains a long-term pressure point, even if an agreement is reached. Former Pentagon official Michael Patrick Mulroy says both Washington and Tehran have incentives to avoid renewed war, but warns the Strait of Hormuz will remain a long-term pressure point even if an agreement is reached. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/may/28/cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-red-carpet-incident-racism https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/may/28/cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-red-carpet-incident-racism Thu, 28 May 2026 11:34:42 +0000 The Guardian Cynthia Erivo, co-star of Wicked, stated that public reactions to her Wicked co-star said reactions to the incident, which included suggestions she was Grande’s ‘bodyguard’, reflect an insidious view of Black womenWicked star Cynthia Erivo has said that reactions to the incident at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good, in which she stepped in to fend off a red-carpet invader who grabbed co-star Ariana Grande, revealed “the insidious nature of how we view Black. https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-air-defense-us-military-support/33767483.html https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-air-defense-us-military-support/33767483.html Thu, 28 May 2026 11:21:01 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, stated Kyiv needs a surge of air defense systems to intercept ballistic missiles from Russia. She told RFE/RL that Ukraine is prepared to finance these additional systems. The ambassador described the need as desperate. Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, told RFE/RL that Ukraine is "desperate" to strike an agreement with the United States on military support to intercept ballistic missiles launched from Russia, adding that Ukraine is prepared to finance the additional systems. https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/belgrade-bets-on-beijing-as-budapest-pivots-to-brussels/ https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/belgrade-bets-on-beijing-as-budapest-pivots-to-brussels/ Thu, 28 May 2026 08:47:32 +0000 Asia Times Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited China on May 25, 2026, signing over 20 bilateral agreements. The deals cover infrastructure and artificial intelligence. This visit signals Belgrade's deepening ties with Beijing. It occurs as the international system fragments into competing power blocs. Hungary's recent pivot towards Brussels is noted in this context. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s state visit to China on May 25, 2026, sent a major geopolitical and geoeconomic signal at a moment when the international system is becoming increasingly fragmented between competing power blocs. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/28/chinese-workers-apply-mongolian-farmer-hiring-shepherd-job-advert https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/28/chinese-workers-apply-mongolian-farmer-hiring-shepherd-job-advert Thu, 28 May 2026 05:19:24 +0000 The Guardian An Inner Mongolia farmer sought two shepherds for his 3,000 sheep. His job posting went viral. It attracted applicants including university graduates, factory workers, and white-collar professionals. Many city dwellers are seeking an alternative to demanding work schedules. The shepherd's life offers a perceived escape from the pressures of urban employment. When an Inner Mongolia farmer sought two herders to tend his 3,000 sheep, he was swamped with applicants including graduates, factory labourers and white-collar workersA Chinese farm owner’s recruitment drive for shepherds has ended in success after his job advert seeking people to work on his Inner Mongolia ranch went viral, drawing the attention of city dwellers struggling to find work and highl. https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/can-south-korea-really-afford-nuclear-submarines/ https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/can-south-korea-really-afford-nuclear-submarines/ Thu, 28 May 2026 05:08:14 +0000 Asia Times South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has revealed plans to build its first domestic nuclear-powered submarine. This move could shift the nation's security posture from a US client to an undersea strategic power. The project carries significant financial, technological, and proliferation risks. South Korea’s push for nuclear-powered submarines could transform it from a US security client into an undersea strategic power, while at the same time accruing steep financial, technological and proliferation risks. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/27/canada-sweden-saab-globaleye-aircraft https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/27/canada-sweden-saab-globaleye-aircraft Wed, 27 May 2026 15:58:14 +0000 The Guardian Canada will purchase Saab’s GlobalEye early warning aircraft to patrol its Arctic territory. The decision marks a shift away from US defense suppliers. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the plan on Wednesday. The purchase aims to reduce Canada's reliance on American defense firms. Mark Carney announces purchase of Saab’s GlobalEye early warning aircraft to patrol Arctic territoryCanada has announced plans to buy a fleet of early warning planes from Sweden’s Saab rather than a competing option from Boeing, as the country seeks to reduce reliance on US defense firms. Mark Carney, the prime minister, said on Wednesday that Canada would opt for Saab’s GlobalEye, which is based o. https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-child-bride-marriage-divorce-girls-women/33766823.html https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-taliban-child-bride-marriage-divorce-girls-women/33766823.html Wed, 27 May 2026 15:21:19 +0000 Radio Free Europe / Liberty The Taliban enacted a new divorce law that permits child marriage in Afghanistan. This legislation codifies the existing reality for many Afghan girls, who face forced marriages, delayed legal recourse, and silence interpreted as consent. The Taliban has issued a new law on divorce that explicitly acknowledges child marriage is permitted in Afghanistan. Two former child brides told RFE/RL that the law formalizes a reality many Afghan girls are already living: forced marriage, delayed justice, and silence treated as agreement. https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/compliance-wall-china-rewriting-worlds-agriculture-trade-rules/ https://asiatimes.com/2026/05/compliance-wall-china-rewriting-worlds-agriculture-trade-rules/ Wed, 27 May 2026 10:18:52 +0000 Asia Times China's updated import rules are restructuring agricultural supply chains across Asia. Sharp contrasts have emerged across Asia’s agricultural trade landscape, revealing how China’s updated import rules are restructuring supply chains throughout the region. In Brazil’s Sao Paulo, Chinese meat buyers are willing to pay a premium for beef certified free from deforestation. A purchasing team from the Tianjin Meat Industry Association, driving shifts in China’s consumption [] The post.