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LONDON: The Tories are imploding. That is the story of local election results following the polls to the councils throughout Britain, hundreds of Conservative seats lost, and gains for Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.

US President Joe Biden is receiving criticism from many groups for describing India and Japan as "xenophobic" because they do not desire an influx of immigrants. This has raised concerns about a possible diplomatic mistake, considering the United States' enhanced relations with these Asian countries as part of its strategy to counter China.

The 50th anniversary congress on the New International Economic Order concluded in Havana on May 1 giving a call to the nations belonging to the Global South to reform the world system by changing the pattern of governance in the international bodies and brining more equity in the economies. The three day conference drew a roadmap for a global South insurgency to remake the world system.

After official comments made by the US and Canada officials, reports have come from Australian sources about activities of Indian spies in that country. According to a report by ABC News Australia, Australian authorities expelled Indian operatives who were caught trying to obtain classified information on critical defense projects, airport security, and Australia's trade relationships.

The decision of the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to remain in his position in the midst of allegations of corruption against his wife and the rightwing pressure to resign, is a relief to the Left coalition in Spain as also the Left in Europe. Spain is the only country among the European Union members which leads a proper coalition of pro-left forces including the Communist Party. PM Sanchez has been fighting the rightwing onslaught against the coalition since he took over in 2020 as the Prime Minister of the newly formed left coalition.

Elon Musk's surprise visit to China, following his cancelled trip to India, has sparked controversy in Indian business circles. Many view it as a snub to India, prioritizing the massive Chinese market for Tesla. However, there might be more to the story. Recently, the US Secretary of State received a cool reception in China. He was received by some polit bureau members on his arrival in Shanghai. There was no red carpet for him to walk the tarmac.

Israel’s latest Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal puts the ball in Hamas’ court. The proposal, drafted in recent days by Israeli negotiators and Egyptian interlocutors, goes some way to address Hamas’ long-standing demands. The proposal makes concessions Israel has rejected in the past but raises as many questions as it opens doors to possible breakthroughs in the long-stalled negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

South Africa celebrated its 30th anniversary of the end of the racist apartheid regime in the country last week end amidst intensive campaign that is going on among the electorate for the general elections to be held on May 29 this year. The African National Congress (ANC) which is ruling the country since the fall of the racist regime on April 27, 1994 is not feeling comfortable for the first time in the last three decades.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk made an unexpected trip to China on Sunday. Landing in Beijing, Musk met Premier Li Qiang shortly after arrival. This meeting came just a week after Musk postponed a highly anticipated trip to India due to urgent Tesla matters, sparking speculation on Tesla’s shifting priorities in its international engagements.

With the rebound of the cryptocurrency market, there is a notable resurgence in fundraising activities, suggesting growing investor confidence. Paradigm, a prominent player in the crypto-focused venture capital sphere, is reportedly in discussions to secure an investment ranging between $750 million to $850 million. This potential funding round, if successful, would mark a significant milestone in the post-crash era, potentially signalling renewed faith in crypto-related ventures. Notably, this follows Paradigm's record-breaking $2.5 billion fundraising effort in 2021.