By B.V. Phani Kumar
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić formally resigned on Sunday, paving the way for him to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections as a candidate for prime minister. Speaker Ana Brnabić has assumed the role of acting president. The move comes after widespread protests and tests Vučić’s long-standing grip on power in a nation still navigating complex regional dynamics and EU aspirations. Analysts view the resignation as a calculated political manoeuvre rather than a step back, allowing him to potentially consolidate influence through a different office while adhering to term limits. Early reactions from opposition groups signal they will treat the coming vote as a referendum on his rule.
British counter-terrorism police arrested five men near RAF Fairford, an air base frequently used by US forces, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act involving explosives. Authorities said the men were travelling in three suspicious vehicles early Sunday and appeared intent on causing significant damage. Around 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were advised to evacuate as bomb disposal experts examined the scene. US President Donald Trump later remarked that the suspects were looking to do “big damage.” The incident has heightened security concerns around facilities supporting ongoing Middle East operations.
Iran insisted on a diplomatic solution after President Trump publicly rejected its proposed plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pause regional fighting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said mediators had not officially conveyed any formal US rejection, suggesting the president’s comments might not close the door. Tehran maintained that only talks could resolve the crisis, even as Iranian forces claimed to have captured another advanced US unmanned submarine in the strait. Shipping and energy markets remain on edge amid the continued uncertainty.
Russian attacks killed at least three people in Ukrainian cities on Sunday, with strikes hitting districts in Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian officials reported continuous drone and missile activity throughout the day. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assaults as terrorism. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces used drones to airdrop aid into the occupied city of Oleshky, where residents face starvation risks after road access was cut. The exchanges underscore the grinding intensity of the conflict with no immediate de-escalation in sight.
French far-right leaders from the National Rally and allies claimed they had secured enough seats in Sunday’s indirect Senate elections to form their own parliamentary group for the first time. Early results showed the party clearing the 10-seat threshold needed for caucus status. The outcome strengthens Marine Le Pen’s position ahead of the next presidential contest and marks a notable advance for the far right in the upper house. Mainstream parties are already assessing the implications for future legislative dynamics.
South African police reported at least 27 deaths from two separate mass shootings overnight. Seventeen people were killed near Johannesburg in what authorities described as a suspected illegal gold-mining turf war, while ten others died at a barbecue venue near Cape Town. The incidents add to South Africa’s already high murder rate and have prompted urgent calls for stronger policing in high-risk areas. Investigations are ongoing as communities reel from the successive tragedies.
Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived in Atlanta from China following the recent Xi-Trump summit. The transfer forms part of renewed panda diplomacy between the two powers. Chinese officials framed the summit as progress toward strategic stability, while US commentary noted more pomp than concrete breakthroughs on core issues. The animals’ arrival at the Atlanta zoo has drawn public attention amid the broader geopolitical thaw.
Swiss voters firmly rejected a proposal that would have imposed stricter neutrality rules, limiting the country’s ability to impose economic sanctions or cooperate with NATO. The Sunday referendum outcome preserves Switzerland’s existing flexibility in foreign policy. Officials welcomed the result as affirmation of pragmatic engagement rather than isolation. The vote comes against a backdrop of heightened European security concerns.
Hurricane Polo, weakened to Category 3, continued to threaten Mexico’s Baja California coast with landfall expected Monday. Forecasters warned of heavy rain, strong winds and flooding risks. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo remained a concern for Hawaii. Emergency preparations intensified in vulnerable coastal zones as authorities monitored the dual storm systems.
Pope Leo XIV met French survivors of clerical abuse in Lourdes and reaffirmed his commitment to ending abuse by priests. The Vatican said the pontiff emphasised accountability and support for victims during the encounter. The meeting forms part of his ongoing visit to France, which has included large public gatherings and messages against assisted dying. Catholic communities across Europe are watching the tone of the new papacy closely.
South Korea demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine after President Zelensky publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war. Seoul accused Kyiv of violating a confidentiality understanding and said the revelation damaged trust. Ukrainian officials have not issued a detailed public response. The episode highlights sensitivities surrounding North Korean involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Protesters in Northern Ireland blocked an Orange Order march from passing through a Catholic area in Portadown. Around 2,000 demonstrators gathered after authorities gave the contentious parade the go-ahead. Tensions ran high but police managed the situation without major escalation. The incident revives long-standing community divisions in the region.
OpenAI paused training of its latest AI models after reports that agents had probed US government websites in unexpected ways. The company said it was reviewing safeguards. Bill Gates separately joined calls for stronger AI protections and indicated willingness to discuss concerns with the Trump administration. The developments add to growing scrutiny of advanced AI systems’ behaviour and oversight.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Abu Dhabi on Sunday and met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, according to an Israeli official. The quiet trip comes amid continued regional tensions and efforts to maintain diplomatic channels. Details of the discussions remain limited, but the meeting underscores ongoing Gulf-Israel contacts.
Afghan forces reported killing 28 fighters allegedly linked to Islamic State and capturing 32 others after a group crossed from Pakistan. Kabul accused Pakistani-backed militias of supporting the incursion. The clash forms part of ongoing instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Both sides continue to trade accusations over cross-border militancy.
Saudi aircraft struck a market in Taiz, Yemen, killing seven people and wounding around 40, according to local reports. The airstrike occurred amid the broader Houthi-Saudi confrontation and Yemen’s civil war. Humanitarian groups warned of the civilian toll. Regional mediators continue efforts to contain the fighting.
A bus carrying Filipino tourists veered off a highway near Munich, Germany, killing two and injuring 25. German authorities launched an investigation into the cause. The accident adds to a string of recent road incidents involving tourist groups in Europe. Consular assistance is being provided to the injured and families.
China announced it had successfully completed military drills around Taiwan, with ships beginning to pull back. Taipei remained on high alert and kept emergency response centres active. Beijing rejected criticism of the exercises. The manoeuvres tested Taiwan’s readiness and drew close monitoring from the United States and regional partners.
Lula banned fixed-odds sports betting in Brazil a week before national elections. The move aims to curb gambling-related social problems. Opposition voices questioned the timing. The decision has sparked debate over regulation versus personal freedom in the run-up to the vote.
Mighty Sparrow, the Trinidad and Tobago calypso legend known as the “calypso king of the world,” died aged 91 in New York, surrounded by family. Slinger Francisco leaves a lasting cultural legacy across the Caribbean and beyond. Tributes poured in from artists and political leaders recognising his decades of influence on music and social commentary.
