**Summary:** The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6% to curb bullion demand, reduce the trade deficit, and stabilize the rupee amid economic pressures from energy disruptions in the Middle East.

**Key points:**
- The new tariff structure comprises a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to citizens to limit gold purchases and unnecessary foreign travel to help protect the currency.
- Gold and silver imports accounted for approximately 11% of India's total import bill in the fiscal year ending March 2026.
- The duty hike is expected to impact annual bullion demand by 5-10% and may lead to increased volatility in domestic commodity derivatives markets.

**Why it matters:** The move reflects India's efforts to manage a record-low rupee and a widening current account deficit caused by high energy costs and significant bullion imports.

CNBC - India hikes bullion import duties as the world's second-largest gold market faces a declining rupee

Financial Post - India More Than Doubles Gold, Silver Tariffs to Defend Rupee

Mint - India raises gold , silver import tariffs to 15 %; revises customs duty on precious metal findings

India More Than Doubles Gold and Silver Import Tariffs to Support Rupee

**Summary:** Bùi Thị Minh Hoài has been re-elected as the President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for the 2026-2031 term during the closing session of the 11th National Congress.

**Key points:**
- The 11th National Congress of the VFF concluded on May 13, 2026, in Hanoi.
- A new Presidium consisting of 70 members was elected to lead the organization for the next five years.
- The Standing Committee of the VFF was formed with 12 members, including the President, Vice President-General Secretary, and other Vice Presidents.
- Eight non-specialized Vice Presidents were also appointed to the VFF Central Committee.

**Why it matters:** The Vietnam Fatherland Front is a critical political organization in Vietnam that serves as the umbrella for the country's mass organizations and plays a central role in national unity and political oversight.

baodautu.vn - Ra mắt Đoàn Chủ tịch Uỷ ban Trung ương Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam khóa XI

BÁO SÀI GÒN GIẢI PHÓNG - Đồng chí Bùi Thị Minh Hoài tiếp tục làm Chủ tịch Ủy ban Trung ương MTTQ Việt Nam khóa XI

BÁO SÀI GÒN GIẢI PHÓNG - Hiệp thương cử 12 người tham gia Ban Thường trực Ủy ban Trung ương MTTQ Việt Nam khóa XI

Bùi Thị Minh Hoài Re-elected as President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front

**Summary:** Mexican Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch has rejected reports that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facilitated a lethal operation against a cartel member near the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

**Key points:**
- CNN reported that a March explosion in Tecámac, State of Mexico, which killed cartel member Francisco 'El Payín' Beltrán, was part of a lethal CIA operation.
- The CIA's spokesperson, Liz Lyons, dismissed the report as false and described it as a public relations campaign for cartels.
- The Mexican government emphasized that security cooperation with the United States is limited to information exchange and respects national sovereignty.
- The controversy coincides with a political move by the Morena party to strip the governor of Chihuahua, María Eugenia Campos Galván, of her immunity over alleged unauthorized foreign agent participation.

**Why it matters:** The allegations of unauthorized lethal operations by a foreign intelligence agency in Mexico touch on sensitive issues of national sovereignty and bilateral security cooperation.

puentelibre.mx - Falso reporte de coche bomba contra narco en México : CIAðŸŽ

notisistema.com - Harfuch rechaza versión sobre supuestas operaciones encubiertas de la CIA en México

oem.com.mx:443 - Rechaza Omar García Harfuch operación de la CIA contra miembro del Cártel de Sinaloa

vanguardia.com.mx - CNN liga explosión cerca del AIFA, en la que murió ‘El Payín’, a la CIA; Harfuch rechaza versión

Mexican Security Official Denies CIA Involvement in Cartel-Related Explosion

**Summary:** Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet have demanded that the United States provide formal evidence to support recent allegations of criminal activity against the governor with license of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya.

**Key points:**
- Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch stated that no federal investigation is currently open against Rubén Rocha Moya in Mexico.
- The Mexican government confirmed it was notified of the U.S. arrest request days before receiving official documentation.
- Ariadna Montiel Reyes, the national leader of the Morena party, accused the U.S. of using the allegations to interfere in Mexican internal affairs.
- Morena officials announced plans to pursue a political impeachment process against Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos regarding the unauthorized presence of foreign agents.

**Why it matters:** The dispute highlights growing diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the United States regarding national sovereignty and the handling of criminal investigations involving high-level officials.

elimparcial.com - Harfuch afirma que Rubén Rocha Moya nunca obstaculizó operativos en Sinaloa

razon.com.mx - Sheinbaum : Supimos días antes que había orden de captura contra Rocha Moya ; EU aún no entrega pruebas

Mexico Demands Evidence for US Accusations Against Governor Rubén Rocha Moya

**Summary:** Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has proposed a mutual cessation of attacks on airports to serve as a potential first step toward broader peace negotiations with Russia.

**Key points:**
- The proposal aims to protect critical transport hubs like Moscow's Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airports from Ukrainian strikes.
- Ukraine maintains that any peace agreement must not involve territorial concessions regarding the current front line.
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the end of the war is approaching, though he denied any secret agreement regarding the status of the Donbas region.
- Ukrainian officials suggest that the proposal could provide a face-saving diplomatic opening for the Kremlin.

**Why it matters:** The proposal represents a potential shift toward localized de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, testing whether limited security agreements can pave the way for wider diplomatic dialogue.

news.bigmir.net - Трамп прокоментував свій можливий візит до Росії

news.bigmir.net - Аеропортне перемир я . Нові перемовини України з РФ

focus.ua - Можно будет « продать » в РФ : в ОП объяснили идею « аэропортового перемирия »

Ukraine Proposes 'Airport Truce' with Russia to De-escalate Attacks

**Summary:** Iran has issued five preliminary requirements for restarting nuclear and diplomatic talks with the United States, which Tehran describes as essential guarantees of trust.

**Key points:**
- Tehran's demands include a ceasefire on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, and the lifting of anti-Iranian sanctions.
- The conditions also call for the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for war-related damages.
- Iran seeks formal recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is only prepared to sign a deal that is favorable to American interests.

**Why it matters:** The formalization of these conditions marks a significant hardening of Iran's diplomatic stance, potentially stalling efforts to resolve ongoing regional conflicts and nuclear tensions.

life.ru - Трамп заявил о готовности США только к «хорошей сделке» с Ираном

day.az - Иран выдвинул США 5 условий для возобновления переговоров

aif.ru - Трамп сообщил о готовности только к « хорошей сделке » с Ираном

lenta.ru - Иран выдвинул США условия для возобновления переговоров

Iran Sets Five Conditions for Resuming Negotiations with the United States

**Summary:** The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has officially commenced in Vienna, Austria, featuring 35 participating countries. The first semifinal took place on May 12, with Moldova's representative Satoshi opening the competition.

**Key points:**
- Moldovan artist Vlad Sabajuc, known as Satoshi, performed the song 'Viva, Moldova!' to open the first semifinal.
- The competition is held at the Wiener Stadthalle, following the victory of Austrian artist Johannes Pietsch at the previous edition.
- Organizers have implemented a new voting limit of 10 votes per method to prevent excessive concentration of support for a single contestant.
- Romania is participating in the second semifinal on May 14, represented by Alexandra Căpitănescu with the song 'Choke Me'.

**Why it matters:** As one of the world's most-watched musical events, the Eurovision Song Contest serves as a significant cultural platform for international artistic exchange and European unity.

moldova1.md - Eurovision 2026 începe cu Republica Moldova: Satoshi intră primul pe scena de la Viena

dcnews.ro - Eurovision 2026 , prima semifinală , 12 mai : România revine în concurs cu Alexandra Căpitănescu și piesa „ Choke Me

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Begins in Vienna

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated he is willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and indicated he may visit Russia in 2026. He also plans to discuss the Iranian crisis with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

**Key points:**
- President Donald Trump expressed confidence that a settlement between Russia and Ukraine is approaching, citing his experience in resolving eight previous conflicts.
- The US leader confirmed he will hold a detailed discussion regarding the Iranian crisis with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping during his upcoming visit.
- Trump emphasized that the United States does not require external assistance to manage the situation with Iran, asserting his belief in a successful outcome.

**Why it matters:** The statements highlight significant shifts in US foreign policy, signaling a proactive approach to major geopolitical conflicts and a focus on high-level diplomatic engagement with global powers.

interfax.ru - Трамп планирует подробно обсудить с Си Цзиньпином ситуацию в Иране

day.az - Трамп допустил визит в Россию в 2026 году

lenta.ru - Трамп выступил с новым заявлением по Украине

US President Donald Trump Discusses Potential Russia Visit and Foreign Policy Goals