Global Events Roundup: Key Developments from the Final Week of May 2025

As the final days of May 2025 came to a close, the world witnessed a flurry of impactful events that shaped the global narrative—from powerful environmental crackdowns to breakthrough scientific discoveries. In this roundup, we take a closer look at some of the most important news that made headlines last week. From shifts in international trade to major advancements in renewable energy and AI, each story stands on its own with meaningful influence on the future of our world. This is your essential, non-entertainment recap of what truly mattered last week.

U.S. Warns of Imminent Threat to Taiwan Amid Escalating Tensions

• At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning regarding China's military activities near Taiwan. He described the threat of a Chinese invasion as "real and imminent," citing increased air and naval maneuvers, including the deployment of nuclear-capable H-6 bombers to strategic locations in the South China Sea. Hegseth urged Asian nations to bolster their defense spending, aligning with NATO's 5% GDP target, to deter potential aggression.

OPEC+ Announces Third Consecutive Oil Output Increase

• OPEC+ declared a significant oil production boost for July 2025, marking the third consecutive monthly increase. Eight member countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, will collectively raise output by 411,000 barrels per day. This move aims to restore global supply levels and regain market share, following voluntary cuts implemented since 2022. Analysts anticipate that the group may soon address additional voluntary cuts set through 2026, indicating a potential reconfiguration of OPEC+ production strategy.

Severe Flooding in Nigeria's Mokwa Town Results in Over 175 Fatalities

• On May 28, 2025, heavy rainfall led to catastrophic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria. The disaster resulted in at least 175 deaths, over 100 missing persons, and more than 3,000 houses affected. Critical infrastructure, including bridges and roads, was destroyed, and extensive damage to croplands and farm produce was reported. The flooding was exacerbated by the collapse of a nearby dam.

Global May Day Protests Highlight Workers' Rights and Social Issues

• On May 1, 2025, international May Day protests took place across various countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Demonstrators advocated for higher wages, gender equality, healthcare improvements, and an end to conflicts such as the Gaza war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Tokyo, approximately 14,000 people attended a rally organized by the National Confederation of Trade Unions, emphasizing the need for significant wage increases to cope with rising living costs. In Istanbul, Turkish police detained hundreds of protesters during demonstrations.

U.S. & U.K. Conduct Military Strikes in Yemen Amid Ongoing Conflict

• Between March and May 2025, the United States, joined by the United Kingdom in late April, launched a series of air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen under Operation Rough Rider. The campaign aimed to neutralize radar systems, air defenses, and missile launch sites used by the Houthis to attack commercial ships and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation resulted in significant casualties and material damage, leading to a temporary ceasefire. However, the Houthis continue to target Israeli interests, maintaining regional tensions.

Iran Faces Continued Protests Amid Economic & Human Rights Concerns

• Iran experienced widespread protests and strikes throughout 2025, driven by deteriorating economic conditions, including power shortages and rising food prices. The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, which began in 2022, persists despite intensified government crackdowns. The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission reported ongoing human rights violations, including the use of force, torture, and unfair trials, particularly targeting ethnic and religious minorities. The Human Rights Council has extended the mission's mandate to investigate these violations further.

Global Economic Outlook Shows Weakening Trends; India Maintains Growth

• The World Economic Forum's latest Chief Economists Outlook indicates that 56% of surveyed economists expect weaker global economic conditions in 2025. Despite this, India is projected to maintain strong growth, with South Asia standing out as a region of economic resilience. However, signs of momentum loss are emerging, as India's GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the third quarter of 2024. Europe's outlook remains bleak, with 74% of respondents predicting weak or very weak growth.

Guinea Eliminates Sleeping Sickness as a Public Health Problem

• The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulated Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This achievement marks a significant milestone in combating neglected tropical diseases and improving public health outcomes in the region. Guinea joins seven other countries validated by WHO for eliminating this disease.

IMF Raises UK Growth Forecast Amid Eased Trade Tensions

• On May 27, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased the UK's 2025 GDP growth forecast from 1.1% to 1.2%, citing robust first-quarter performance and a recovering economy. The IMF praised UK trade deals with the EU, India, and the US but noted downside risks, including global trade tensions and weak productivity. Markets responded positively as US President Donald Trump delayed imposing 50% tariffs on EU imports until July 9, easing trade war fears.

UN Ocean Conference to Address Global Marine Emergency

• The United Nations announced plans to host the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, to tackle what it deems a global emergency affecting the world's oceans. The conference aims to combat rising ocean temperatures, plastic pollution, and the overexploitation of marine resources, with goals including securing $100 billion in commitments and promoting the ratification of the 2023 high seas biodiversity treaty.

Thames Water Fined £123 Million for Environmental Violations

• On May 28, 2025, Ofwat fined Thames Water nearly £123 million due to environmental violations and improper dividend payments, marking the largest penalty ever issued by the UK water regulator. The fine includes a record £104.5 million for sewage pollution and £18.2 million for breaking dividend rules. Ofwat confirmed the penalties would be paid by the company and its investors, not customers.

China Experiences Multiple Disasters in May

• In May 2025, China faced several disasters, including a tourist helicopter crash in Suzhou on May 2, killing one person and injuring four passengers. On May 4, four tourist boats capsized due to strong winds in Qianxi, Guizhou, resulting in 10 deaths. Additionally, on May 27, five people were killed in an explosion at a chemical plant in Weifang, Shandong.

Scientific Breakthrough: ALICE Experiment Detects Lead-to-Gold Conversion

• On May 8, 2025, the ALICE experiment at CERN reported the detection of the conversion of lead into gold, marking a significant scientific milestone. This discovery opens new avenues in nuclear physics and materials science, potentially impacting various industries in the future.

India Surpasses 200 GW in Renewable Energy Capacity

• India achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 200 GW of installed renewable energy capacity in May 2025. This accomplishment positions India as a global leader in renewable energy adoption, aligning with its goal to reach 500 GW by 2030 as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Qatar Airways Places Record-Breaking Order with Boeing

• On May 14, 2025, Qatar Airways signed a $96-billion order for 150 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 30 Boeing 777X aircraft, with options for an additional 50 aircraft. This deal represents Boeing's largest-ever wide-body order, reflecting the airline's confidence in the aviation industry's recovery and growth prospects.

Microsoft Launches 'Jugalbandi' AI Chatbot for Rural India

• Microsoft introduced 'Jugalbandi,' a multilingual AI-driven chatbot accessible via WhatsApp, aimed at providing personalized assistance in rural India. Developed in collaboration with AI4Bharat and IIT Madras, the chatbot understands user queries in multiple languages, enhancing access to government welfare activities and information in underserved areas.

The last week of May 2025 painted a vivid picture of global momentum—where crisis met response and innovation met opportunity. From regulatory action and environmental justice to AI solutions reaching underserved populations, these stories are more than headlines—they’re signposts of global progress and challenges. Staying informed on such key developments helps us better understand the shifting dynamics of our interconnected world. As we move into June, the echoes of these events will likely continue to shape the months ahead.

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️