Following intense cross-border shelling by Pakistan, residents of Jammu and Kashmir's border villages, including Rajouri, Salotri and Akhnoor, have begun returning home. The shelling, a retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, caused significant damage to homes and livestock. Villagers like Sailesh Kumar and Neeraj Sharma recounted fleeing during the night as shells struck their homes. The situation led to evacuations, with many seeking shelter in safer areas. Now, with a temporary ceasefire in place, residents are assessing damages and resuming daily life, though the trauma lingers. Authorities have initiated damage assessments, and discussions on compensation are underway. (PC: Faisal Khan & Dawn)

On May 15, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to uphold and continue confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce military alertness along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. This decision came after high-level discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides. The move is seen as a step toward de-escalating tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Both nations emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, avoiding provocation, and relying on direct military communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and ensure stability in the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

Following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is facing criticism for repeatedly echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s language in public statements. Sharif has mimicked phrases like “zero tolerance for terror” and “united national resolve,” prompting backlash and satire online. Critics in both India and Pakistan accuse him of lacking originality and trying to deflect blame amid accusations linking Pakistan to the attack. The mimicry has heightened tensions between the two countries, raising concerns over Pakistan’s crisis communication strategy. (PC: The Week)  

On May 15, 2025, India revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Turkish company Çelebi Aviation Holding, citing national security concerns. The move comes in response to Turkey’s recent public support for Pakistan during escalating India-Pakistan tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. Çelebi, which operates ground-handling services at nine major Indian airports, will no longer be allowed to function. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the order, asking airports to arrange alternative services and initiate new tenders for ground-handling operations. (PC: PTI)    

In a historic diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This marks the first ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban regime since its 2021 takeover. The discussion focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and humanitarian concerns. Jaishankar appreciated the Taliban’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Key topics included trade, visa facilitation for Afghan nationals, and the strategic development of Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move signals a possible shift in India’s approach to engaging with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. (PC: NDTV)    

India and Pakistan have agreed to uphold a ceasefire and implement confidence-building measures following intense cross-border clashes earlier this month. The Indian Army confirmed that Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations reached an understanding on May 10 to reduce alert levels along the border. The conflict began after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India to launch precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor. Though Pakistan claims the ceasefire is temporary until May 18, India has not acknowledged further DGMO talks. Both sides are now focusing on de-escalation amid continued military tensions and public scrutiny. (PC: News18)

A UK court has once again denied bail to Nirav Modi, the prime accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. This was Modi's 10th bail attempt since his arrest in London in 2019. The High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, rejected the plea, citing a “real and substantial” flight risk. Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019, has exhausted all legal appeals, including at the UK Supreme Court. The CBI and Crown Prosecution Service strongly opposed the bail. Modi faces three criminal cases in India involving fraud, money laundering, and tampering with evidence and witnesses. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook he doesn't want iPhones made in India, sparking global headlines. However, Indian officials and Apple sources dismissed the remarks, affirming production plans remain unchanged. Apple aims to manufacture most US-bound iPhones in India starting June 2025. Indian government sources said Apple sees value in local manufacturing due to competitive advantages and a strong ecosystem. Despite Trump’s concerns about tariffs and outsourcing, analysts say shifting production entirely to the US is unrealistic. Apple continues to ramp up operations in India, exporting iPhones and accessories as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. (PC: India Today)

Following a ceasefire agreement on May 10, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to initiate peace talks with India. The ceasefire came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, triggering India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. While Sharif signaled openness to diplomacy, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly stated that talks will be limited to terrorism. “The only talks with Pakistan will be on terror,” said Jaishankar, adding that Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until cross-border terrorism is irreversibly stopped. (PC: HT)

After President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook, “I don’t want you building in India,” Indian officials responded, saying Apple will realise the value of manufacturing here. “India has become a significant player in smartphone production… companies will see the benefits,” a source said. Apple has no plans to change its India investment, executives told PTI. Most iPhones for the US market will be made in India from June. AirPods are also being produced in Telangana. In 2025, iPhone exports from India reached ₹1.5 lakh crore. Experts say shifting all production to the US would be costly and complex. (PC: NDTV)