A team of 19 CISF personnel stopped a major Pakistani attack on the Uri hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7. The attack came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, which destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan. Pakistan responded with heavy shelling and drone strikes aimed at the Uri plant and nearby homes. The CISF team, led by Commandant Ravi Yadav, shot down drones, kept communications active and evacuated 250 civilians to bunkers. Their quick action prevented major damage and saved many lives. All 19 personnel have been honoured for their courage and defence of key national assets. (PC: India Today)

A major fire swept through several apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing at least four people, including a 37-year-old firefighter. Officials said three people are in critical condition and another is seriously injured. The fire began in the Wang Fuk Court estate, which houses about 4,600 residents. Flames spread quickly through bamboo scaffolding around the buildings, making the rescue operation harder. The fire was classified as level five, the highest level in Hong Kong. The fire service said they lost contact with the firefighter before finding him and rushing him to hospital, where he later died. (PC: BBC)

Hardik Rathi, a 16-year-old national-level basketball player from Rohtak, died tragically during practice after a heavily rusted iron pole collapsed on him. According to his family and fellow players, repeated requests were made to authorities to repair or replace the unstable pole, but no action was taken. The neglected infrastructure ultimately caused the fatal accident, raising serious concerns about sports safety and maintenance in government-run facilities. Hardik was practicing at a local sports nursery when the pole crushed him. Following public outrage, officials have initiated an inquiry, and disciplinary action against responsible authorities is expected. (PC: NDTV)

An old photo of Pune resident Rajendra Panchal has resurfaced on social media and is being used to mock Indians. Panchal lived with a fused jaw for 38 years after an accident when he was a baby. He had a rare condition called TMJ ankylosis, which made it hard for him to eat and speak. Doctors at a Pune college later performed a free and complex surgery that helped him open his mouth again. Many users online have condemned the misuse of his old picture and called it racist. They urged platforms to stop such attacks. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian officials at the Kremlin next week to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. The visit follows Ukraine saying it has reached a “common understanding” with the US on the outline of a potential deal. Trump said the plan may involve land concessions “both ways” and aims to resolve the border. Ukrainian President Zelensky said he is ready to meet Trump to discuss sensitive points. Russia has raised concerns over changes to the plan. European leaders remain cautious, warning that peace could take time after years of conflict. (PC: BBC)

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir faced tough questions after India lost the second Test against South Africa by 408 runs in Guwahati, completing a 0–2 series loss. This is his second home series whitewash, after a 0–3 defeat to New Zealand. When asked if he is still the right man for the job, Gambhir said, “It’s up to the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not important.” He highlighted past successes, including the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup wins, and said the young team is learning and improving under his guidance. (PC: X)

Prema Wangjom Thongdok, from Arunachal Pradesh and living in the UK, was held for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong airport while transiting from London to Japan. Chinese officials claimed her Indian passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She said officers mocked her, told her “Arunachal is not part of India,” and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport. Thongdok said she had “no access to food, couldn’t use Google” and was denied boarding despite a valid visa. She contacted the Indian consulate, who helped her leave via Thailand. India lodged a strong protest, calling it humiliating and a challenge to its sovereignty. (PC: HT)

Smriti Mandhana’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, has been discharged from the hospital after a heart attack and is now stable. The star cricketer and her fiancé, Palash Muchhal, postponed their wedding due to the medical emergency. Neither family has shared a new date for the ceremony, leaving fans confused. Smriti deleted all pre-wedding posts from her social media, and some teammates did the same. Meanwhile, Palash was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to stress from travel and events. Updates on his recovery are awaited. The couple and families continue to remain silent on the revised wedding plans. (PC: NDTV)

South Africa completed a 2-0 Test series whitewash over India after a commanding 408-run win in Guwahati. Simon Harmer took six wickets, dismantling India’s batting line-up. Captain Temba Bavuma led South Africa to their first series victory in India in 25 years, joining Hansie Cronje in history. Marco Jansen’s spectacular catch sealed India’s collapse at 140 in the second Test. Coach Shukri Conrad praised the team’s effort and discipline. South Africa’s spinners and seamers excelled in challenging conditions, and the team continued its strong run across South Asia, following wins in Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier this year. (PC: India Today)

Ukraine says it has reached a “common understanding” with the US on a new peace plan to end the war with Russia. The plan is based on a 28-point proposal that both sides discussed during talks in Geneva. US President Donald Trump said the plan has been “fine-tuned” and will now be presented to Russia. His envoy Steve Witkoff will meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week. President Zelensky said he is ready to meet Trump soon to resolve “sensitive points”. Russia says it has not received the new draft yet. Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine as talks move forward. (PC: BBC)