Operation

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is monitoring liquidity conditions and monetary policy operations for the period between 11 February and 5 May 2026. • An increasing number of banks are currently testing their participation viability to ensure operational readiness for these specific operations. • This trend is driven by the ongoing contraction of the Eurosystem's balance sheet, which necessitates that banks have reliable access to liquidity.

• A Global Peace Conference was held in Hyderabad on Thursday, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, and social leaders from nations including Russia, France, and the United States. • Organized by a news channel and Bliss Berg Future of Hope, the event focused on promoting humanitarian values, peaceful coexistence, and collaborative diplomacy. • The meeting underscores the urgent need for international cooperation as rising geopolitical tensions continue to threaten global stability.

• Bloomberg argues that the UK and EU must strengthen their security and trade partnerships to navigate the post-Brexit landscape. • The analysis suggests that closer cooperation is achievable and necessary, even though there are no immediate plans for the UK to rejoin the EU. • This shift is critical for stabilizing economic ties and enhancing collective security measures between the two major powers.

• The Swiss Federal Council announced its international cooperation strategy for 2029–2032, shifting focus toward humanitarian aid due to pressure on federal finances. • The strategy prioritizes emergency relief and systematic action in major crises, while the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) will manage relations with middle-income countries. • SECO's mandate includes fostering trade and investment conditions and overseeing cooperation with the European Union, the western Balkans, and specific Asian nations.

Makerfield MP considering northern base for PM’s office as part of measures to devolve power away from LondonUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham is planning to move parts of the No 10 operation to Manchester as part of measures to devolve power away from London.The Makerfield MP will say next week he wants to transfer parts of the prime minister’s office to the north should he become prime minister later this year. Continue reading...

• Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the BJP on Monday following "Operation Tiger," a move led by ally Eknath Shinde to further weaken Uddhav Thackeray's camp. • Khera likened the current political maneuvering to "Operation Lotus" and described the actions as "dacoity" aimed at destabilizing opposition forces. • The conflict highlights the ongoing volatility within Maharashtra's political landscape and the BJP's broader strategy for a "Congress-mukt Bharat."

• CrowdStrike has expanded its Falcon AI Detection and Response protections specifically for AI applications developed on AWS. • The company is increasing platform accessibility by offering free trials via the AWS Marketplace and introducing new cloud-scale integrations. • This move aims to secure the growing number of AI-driven workloads and streamline security operations for organizations using AWS infrastructure.

Abdiqadir Salah was pierced by shrapnel in a bombing that killed 12 in Somalia. But as the US denies civilians were hurt they face no hope of compensationRead more: Killed walking home from school: why did Somali children become targets of US drone strikes?A seven-year-old boy who was riddled with shrapnel during a deadly US airstrike in Somalia faces losing his ability to walk unless he has a £750 emergency operation.But Abdiqadir Salah’s family cannot afford the surgery and the US – which refuses to admit that any civilians were killed or injured during its attack six months ago – appears unwilling to pay compensation to those affected by airstrikes in Somalia. Continue reading...

• Kesko has agreed to acquire Dahl’s technical trade operations in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark from the Paris-listed company Saint-Gobain. • The acquisition represents the largest transaction in Kesko's history, with the acquired businesses generating nearly €2.1 billion in combined net sales for 2025. • This strategic move strengthens Kesko's technical trade presence across Scandinavia, complementing its existing HPAC and electrical product operations in Finland, Poland, and the Baltics.

• China-linked influence operations are reportedly targeting the United States by exploiting internal political and social divisions regarding artificial intelligence. • These campaigns specifically focus on fueling opposition to the construction of AI data centers to disrupt technological infrastructure. • This strategy aims to weaken U.S. AI leadership by leveraging local grievances and ideological splits to stall critical development projects.

• The Sentinel Mission provides a step-by-step look at space exploration, covering mission planning and launch. • The process involves raw telemetry being converted into calibrated data, and then into usable science products. • This data is then used to produce peer-reviewed findings, contributing to scientific knowledge and understanding.

• CAI Director of Solution Delivery Brendan Rovan reports that media financial infrastructure is outdated and requires modernization to keep pace with the industry. • The proposed solution involves the convergence of AI agents and blockchain technology to streamline financial operations. • Blockchain provides a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger that ensures a permanent and verifiable record of all transactions and smart contract executions.

• OpenAI identified a suspected China-linked influence operation that attempted to manipulate public discourse regarding the development of U.S. data centers. • The campaign specifically aimed to exploit and amplify existing community anxieties concerning rising energy prices and the local environmental or social impacts of these facilities. • OpenAI reported that the effort failed to gain significant traction, stating there was no evidence of "meaningful breakout" beyond the operation's own coordinated activity.

• Author Lawrence Wittner argues in a June 1, 2026, article that there is a significant disconnect between nationalist political rhetoric and the actual desires of the global population. • The piece highlights a "curious irony" where politicians frequently belittle international cooperation and rail against foreign nations despite widespread public support for solidarity. • This gap matters because it suggests that the current political trend toward isolationism and nationalism does not reflect the will of the majority of people worldwide.

The country’s defence minister said the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will not allow the ‘return of the population’Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire as Trump seeks to overcome barriers to Iran dealIsrael Katz said the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was a “great achievement in Lebanon, on the ground and also on the diplomatic level”.“We promised security to the residents of the north and we delivered,” the Israeli defence minister said in a statement, according to the Times of Israel. Continue reading...

• Bulgaria and Europol coordinated "Operation KRATOS 2," a seven-month international crackdown on criminal networks profiting from illegal streaming of premium sports, films, and television. • The operation led to the arrest of 29 individuals, the dismantling of nine organized crime groups, and the removal of over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs. • This action targets networks generating millions in illicit revenue, addressing the widespread intellectual property theft and financial losses faced by legitimate broadcasters.

• China is promoting its Global Security Initiative (GSI) to reduce international confrontation and foster security cooperation through dialogue and diplomacy. • The GSI has been implemented via mediation efforts, peace talks, counterterrorism cooperation, and support for UN-centered multilateralism. • China argues that military interventions and external involvement by certain nations have increased strategic distrust and prolonged conflicts in various regions.

• The article highlights a contradiction between the rise of nationalist rhetoric among global politicians and the actual public desire for international cooperation. • It argues that global solidarity remains remarkably popular among citizens, despite political efforts to belittle foreign alliances and promote isolationism. • This disconnect matters because it suggests that populist political trends may not accurately reflect the values or priorities of the general population.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus makes appeal after protests against protocols for handling bodies in Ituri province Containing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires community cooperation and is “everybody’s business”, the World Health Organization has said.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organisation’s director general, made the plea on Sunday during a visit to eastern Congo where some residents have protested against stringent medical protocols for handling victims’ bodies. Continue reading...

Central American country says its president spoke with Pete Hegseth to confirm terms of cooperationSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailGuatemala has requested US military cooperation spanning access to equipment, training and experts to assist Guatemalan operations against drug trafficking, the country’s president, Bernardo Arévalo, said on Thursday.The joint plans stopped short of US military operations on Guatemalan soil and fall within existing bilateral agreements, the government noted. Continue reading...

• A formal review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is scheduled for 2026, potentially aligning with broader efforts to reset diplomatic and economic relations. • Proposed initiatives include establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area for food and agricultural standards and linking the UK and EU emission trading schemes (ETS). • Further negotiations may cover UK participation in the EU’s internal electricity market and the creation of a UK-EU youth experience agreement.

• Lam Research CEO Tim Archer announced plans to expand the company's operational footprint in Arizona and California. • The expansion focuses on the "AI transformation" of semiconductor equipment to meet the evolving demands of chip manufacturing. • This strategic move aims to enhance the company's capacity to develop advanced tools necessary for the next generation of AI-driven hardware.

• The EU-LISA report, with contributions from Tor Björn Minde of the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, outlines a vision for integrating AI into government data center operations. • The strategy focuses on utilizing machine learning to optimize the management of standalone equipment and discrete operational actions rather than a total system overhaul. • This shift matters as it aims to increase efficiency and reliability within critical IT systems that support essential EU government functions.

• The Philadelphia 76ers have shaken up their front office by parting ways with Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations. • This move comes amid ongoing NBA playoff action and precedes the draft combine, signaling a major organizational reset for the franchise. • Morey's departure raises questions about the Sixers' future direction, especially after recent postseason disappointments and roster challenges.

• Taiwan and Paraguay signed three memoranda of understanding on May 8, 2026, in Taipei City to strengthen ties in AI, cybersecurity, and judicial matters. • Agreements cover information security, smart technology, and digital governance cooperation between the two nations. • The pacts aim to expand partnership amid growing needs for secure digital infrastructure and technological collaboration.

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on 'Face the Nation' that the U.S. military paused its ship escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran requested a halt to pursue peace talks. • President Trump announced the operation last week amid Iran's blockade, but suspended it two days later following Tehran's signal to 'make a deal.' • The pause supports a fragile ceasefire, with the U.S. now clearing the strait without active escorts, aiming to de-escalate tensions.

Rhun ap Iorwerth says he hopes to work with other parties and press the UK government for extra powersUK politics live – latest updatesThe leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has vowed to form a stable minority government in the Senedd and said he would seek out mature cooperation from all opposition parties.Ap Iorwerth said his administration would press the UK government for extra powers over policy areas such as policing and justice and focus on results rather than engaging in political rows with Westminster. Continue reading...

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the illicit narcotics trade as part of broader efforts to establish a drug-free region across Southeast Asia. • The commitment was announced during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, reflecting unified regional policy against narcotics trafficking and consumption. • The drug-free initiative represents a significant coordinated effort among ASEAN member states including Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to combat organized crime networks and reduce substance abuse.