Government whip quits over disability benefit cuts

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is heading to Russia for a three-day visit, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. While there, he’ll give a keynote speech at a major economic forum in St. Petersburg, invited by Vladimir Putin. The trip highlights Indonesia’s balancing act—strengthening ties with Russia (both are part of the BRICS group) while sticking to its long-standing policy of not picking sides in global conflicts.

Editor’s Note: In a world where countries are often pressured to align with either the West or Russia/China, Indonesia’s move shows how middle powers are navigating tricky geopolitical waters. Prabowo’s visit isn’t about taking sides—it’s about keeping options open, securing economic opportunities, and reinforcing Indonesia’s independent stance. For global observers, it’s a reminder that not every nation is willing to play by the usual Cold War-style rules.

After a five-year halt due to COVID-19 and strained relations, China is reopening Tibet to Indian pilgrims this summer, allowing them to visit sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Some see this as a potential step toward easing tensions between the two neighboring giants, though it’s unclear whether it’ll lead to broader diplomatic progress.

Editor’s Note: Pilgrimage routes aren’t just about spirituality—they’re also political. This move could be a small but symbolic gesture from China to India, testing whether cultural exchanges can soften years of mistrust. But with border disputes and strategic rivalries still simmering, don’t expect a quick fix. It’s worth watching to see if this cracks open a door for better dialogue—or just becomes another footnote in a complicated relationship.

China's exports of rare-earth magnets—critical components for everything from electric vehicles to military jets—took a nosedive in May, signaling a tightening grip on these strategic materials. This isn't just a blip; it’s part of a broader tug-of-war with the U.S. over tech and trade dominance, where rare earths have become a geopolitical bargaining chip.

Editor’s Note: Rare-earth magnets might sound niche, but they’re the invisible backbone of modern tech and defense. China producing fewer of them isn’t just about supply chains—it’s a power move. For the U.S. and allies, this squeeze could mean pricier EVs, slower green energy shifts, or even vulnerabilities in defense systems. In short, it’s another flare-up in the cold war over who controls the future’s building blocks.

A Labour MP has resigned from her role as government whip after refusing to support a controversial welfare bill that includes cuts to disability benefits. She stated she couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for the legislation, highlighting growing tensions within the party over welfare policy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political resignation—it’s a sign of deepening divisions over how the government handles welfare, particularly for vulnerable groups. When a party insider steps down on principle, it raises questions about whether these cuts will face more pushback, both in Parliament and publicly. For people relying on disability benefits, this could signal tougher times ahead—or a potential turning point if opposition grows.

A court has temporarily allowed former President Trump to continue using the National Guard in Los Angeles, but this isn't the last word—legal challenges are expected to follow shortly.

Editor’s Note: This ruling is just a pause in an ongoing legal battle, not a resolution. It matters because it keeps a contentious policy in place for now, affecting both local governance and national debates over military deployment in domestic affairs. Think of it as a legal timeout before the next round of arguments.