Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, May 1, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

World witnesses Labor Day observances highlighting workers’ rights

The globe is marking May 1 as International Workers’ Day, a moment of solidarity with labor movements and a platform for pressing workers’ demands.

Demonstrations, strikes, and rallies are expected across major world cities, including New York, Columbia, Chicago, Madrid, and Seoul, where unions and grassroots groups will mobilize around calls for fair wages, job security, and social protections.

Additionally, festivals, forums, and labor conferences may also be observed in various regions as part of the day’s commemorations. While the day is recognized in many countries as an official public holiday, this varies across the globe.

Coverage will also include report translated from Arabic, featuring exclusive interviews and official statistics on the conditions of Palestinian workers in Gaza and the West Bank since the Israeli war on Gaza began in October 2023.

Israel battles worsening wildfires amid heat wave, emergency measures underway

Latest developments as central Israel continues to grapple with a wave of wildfires fueled by an intense heat wave, with emergency officials warning that the current outbreak may be the largest in the country’s history.

New fires may emerge or make existing blazes worsen. In anticipation of widespread power disruptions, Israel’s transportation minister directed preparations for operating diesel-powered trains to keep critical transit lines running in the event electric grid is compromised by the fires.

European countries and regional allies may respond to the call for support, with Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and France among those previously assisting in wildfire emergencies.

Tensions rise in southern Syria amid risk of further Israeli airstrikes

Latest developments as Israel signals continued military posture following airstrikes near the rural town of Ashrafieh Sahnaya outside Damascus, citing threats from extremist groups allegedly targeting the Druze community.

With sectarian tensions escalating and armed groups active in the south, further Israeli attacks remain likely. Regional observers are closely watching for fallout, and condemnations may emerge from regional countries aligned with Syria.

The fragile security situation in southern Syria is expected to remain volatile in the coming days.

UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel's obligations to assist Palestinians - Public hearings continue for 4th day in The Hague

Public hearings continue for fourth day at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as it hears a request from the UN for an advisory opinion on the “Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Countries set to give evidence on Thursday include the Maldives, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Poland, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.

US vote on electric vehicle mandate

US House of Representatives to vote on repealing Biden administration approval of California plan to mandate at least 80% electric vehicles by 2035. California’s initiative is meant to accelerate transition away from fossil fuel automobiles, as it is the largest car market in the US.

US-Japan trade talks

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expected to hold talks with Japan’s tariff envoy, Ryosei Akazawa. Sit-down comes one day after US President Donald Trump said he had reached a “potential” trade deal with Tokyo.

US President Trump to attend prayer event, swearing-in for ambassador to Italy

US President Donald Trump to take part in National Day of Prayer Event at the White House. Trump to later participate in swearing-in ceremony for his ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta.

Greek envoy to UN to hold briefing

Greek ambassador to the UN to address reporters as Athens prepares to assume the UN Security Council presidency for the month of May.

Secretary of State Rubio to meet with French counterpart

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot at State Department. Meeting comes amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing 90-day reprieve to limit his global tariffs for all affected nations except China to 10% to allow for trade talks.

Turkish president to receive new ambassadors

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend ceremonies at Presidential Complex in Ankara for presentation of letters of credentials and separately receive several new envoys: Anatoly Glaz, ambassador of Belarus; Gilda Motta Santos Neves, ambassador of Brazil; Pedro Vintimilla, ambassador of Ecuador; Archil Kalandia, ambassador of Georgia; and Dang Thi Thu Ha, ambassador of Vietnam.

UK local and mayoral elections

Local elections to take place in England and Wales.

Elections this cycle include: all 21 county councils, 10 unitary authorities and one metropolitan borough council in England; Isle of Scilly and City of London councils; mayoralty elections in the West of England, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Doncaster, and North Tyneside, all currently held by ruling Labour Party; and new mayoralties in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.

WHO chief to hold news conference

World Health Organization chief to hold a briefing with the Association of Accredited Correspondents at the UN in Geneva to discuss global health and funding issues.

King and queen of Sweden pay state visit to UK

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden are paying a state visit to the UK.

King Carl Gustaf and King Charles set to plant a Swedish oak, gifted by the Swedish monarchs to mark Charles' 2023 coronation, in Windsor Castle Park. State visit to end Friday.

Ukraine, US expected to sign critical minerals deal

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said a long-awaited critical minerals agreement with the US is expected to be signed within the next 24 hours.

The agreement, which Kyiv and Washington have been finalizing, will create a joint investment fund aimed at supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and mineral development over the next decade. Two additional technical agreements concerning the fund’s financing and operations are also expected.

Desk will monitor official announcements, possible signing ceremonies, and reactions to the agreement.

South Korea’s top court to issue verdict in case involving front-runner for presidential polls

South Korea's Supreme Court to issue verdict in election law violation case of Lee Jae-myung, front- runner in snap presidential polls. Lee is former head of the main opposition Democratic Party and if the court rules against him, he may be barred from June 3 election.

Separately, South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to resign and announce a presidential run.

Kashmir border in the spotlight as tensions between Pakistan and India continue

Following developments as cross-border fire between rival Indian and Pakistani militaries continues along Line of Control in disputed Jammu and Kashmir. Tensions have been running high between the nuclear-armed neighbors since unidentified gunmen shot dead 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22.

Japan to resume tariffs talks with US

Japan and the US to hold second round of talks to reach deal of tariffs. Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa will meet US officials in Washington during his 3-day US visit as Tokyo seeks exemption from higher levies from its ally. Japanese exports will face 24% tariffs by the US if it does not reach a deal with the Trump administration within 90 days, in timetable set by Washington.

THE ECONOMY

Japan’s interest rate

Bank of Japan to announce interest rate decision. Its policy rate was at 0.5% and no change is expected from new meeting.

US jobless claims

US to release weekly continuing jobless claims data. Slight increase is expected.

Major tech event TEKNOFEST

Türkiye’s signature technology and aviation event TEKNOFEST will begin in the Turkic Republic of the Northern Cyprus. 4-day event will host competitions, airshows, fair, seminars, and workshops at Ercan International Airport.

SPECIAL REPORTS

FACTBOX – In numbers: Military might of India and Pakistan

Report presenting comparative look at defense forces and arsenals of India and Pakistan.

Story presents key differences in defense spending, manpower, and military capabilities between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors, who are grappling with rising tensions following deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Report uses data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute to chart comparative strengths across air, naval, missile, and ground forces, with a focus on strategic imbalances and the potential implications for regional stability.

St. Kitts and Nevis calls for ‘positive pathways’ in fight against climate change

Interview with Denzil Douglas, former prime minister and current foreign minister of the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, focusing on the growing threat of climate change.

Douglas calls on regional and global actors to support sustainable development and climate resilience for small island nations, emphasizing the urgent impact of climate change on agriculture and water access in St. Kitts and Nevis.

He also outlines the country’s geothermal and energy transition efforts, as well as other issues such as US tariffs and global conflicts that are disrupting supply chains and harming smaller economies.