Sunday Summary -11th of May 2025

Dear readers, as we reach the end of the second week of May, we welcome you with our weekly Sunday Summary outlining the major events that occurred this week. 

News from around the globe

India-Pakistan conflict: Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified after India carried out airstrikes on what it described as terrorist camps in Pakistan, in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. Pakistan responded by claiming it had downed five Indian aircraft—an assertion India firmly rejects. The rising hostilities have led to evacuations in key cities and disrupted both air travel and tourism. 

German chancellor election: Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure from the centre-right CDU, was elected Chancellor of Germany on May 6, 2025. This is a significant moment in Germany's post-war political history since not only does it mark the first time a chancellor was elected in a second-round parliamentary vote following an initial defeat, but it also signals a shift in Germany's political landscape. ​Wikipedia

We have a Pope: With his first words to the crowd being “Peace be with all of you”, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope, taking on the name of Leo XIV. There are many speculations on how the result of this election will affect the world as he is the first U.S.-born pope in the history of the Vatican. 

Trade war rising: President Donald Trump floated the idea of imposing an 80% tariff on Chinese goods, causing market volatility. His administration's trade policies, including high tariffs, have angered trade partners and slowed the global economy. ​

Domestic policy: The Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government have intensified, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading these efforts, aiming to dismantle agencies like USAID and cut a large part of the federal workforce. These moves have triggered a lot of lawsuits from unions, states, and nonprofits, each challenging the legality of Musk’s role and the layoffs. A recent court decision has allowed DOGE to proceed with cuts, raising alarms among critics.

Economy and society in the UK: Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the need to reform the welfare system, amid internal Labour dissent over proposed disability benefit cuts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer secured a UK-US trade deal reducing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, which reportedly prevented job losses. ​The Football Association announced that transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England starting June 1.