Thailand names third prime minister in two years
Thailand’s parliament has elected business tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, the country’s third leader in two years. His Bhumjaithai Party broke away from the Pheu Thai-led coalition and secured enough support to form a government, BBC reported.
Anutin’s rise marks a significant setback for the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades but now faces declining influence after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was dismissed by the Constitutional Court last week.
Known for his pragmatic style and deal-making, Anutin takes office at a time of deep political division, with Thailand still unsettled by years of court interventions, party dissolutions, and military coups. His leadership will be closely watched as the country seeks stability after another abrupt change in power, according to BBC.
Toothpaste becomes battleground as US-India tensions spill into company ads
Trade tensions between US and India have spilled into the consumer market, with toothpaste brands at the center of the latest battle, Reuters reported.
Indian company Dabur launched an ad urging people to pick local toothpaste over foreign ones. The campaign, echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent “Swadeshi” call, hinted at Colgate without naming it, using red, white, and blue designs resembling the American flag.
Colgate dominates India’s toothpaste market with 43 percent share, while Dabur holds about 17 percent. The campaign highlights growing pressure on US firms as nationalism influences buying choices.
According to Reuters, other companies are also tapping into patriotic sentiment. Amul has pushed “Made in India” messages online, while Rediff promoted itself as the nation’s own email service.
Trump to reinterpret 1987 missile treaty to sell heavy attack drones abroad
President Donald Trump plans to reinterpret the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) so that heavy attack drones like the MQ-9 Reaper are treated as aircraft rather than missile systems, Reuters reported.
The change would relax decades-old restrictions and allow US companies, including General Atomics and Anduril, to expand drone sales abroad. Saudi Arabia is expected to buy more than 100 MQ-9s under a $142bn arms package, with other interested buyers in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the Pacific, and potentially Ukraine.
Supporters argue the move will strengthen US competitiveness against rivals such as Israel, China, and Turkey, while boosting jobs at home. Critics warn that loosening export limits could fuel regional conflicts and undermine arms-control efforts.
According to Reuters, the reinterpretation comes as part of Trump’s broader push to speed up foreign military sales and expand the US defense industry’s global reach.
US senators pit Kennedy against Trump on vaccine policy
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough questioning from senators over his vaccine policies, including the dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the cancellation of $500m in COVID vaccine contracts. Critics say these moves have limited public access to vaccines and undermined scientific standards, according to Reuters.
Kennedy defended his actions, claiming the CDC misled the public during the pandemic. Since Monarez’s removal, four CDC officials have resigned, citing concerns over misinformation and anti-vaccine policies. Over 1,000 health professionals and several senators have called for Kennedy’s resignation amid falling vaccination rates.
President Trump voiced support for Kennedy while noting their policy differences, highlighting the ongoing debate over the government’s public health direction, Reuters reported.
