Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan. Conducting door-to-door visits, Gandhi assessed damage, consoled grieving families, and interacted with injured victims and students. Calling the shelling a “big tragedy,” he pledged to raise their concerns on a national platform. Notably, he visited the home of twin siblings killed in the shelling. His visit follows heightened tensions after India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks, which killed 28 across J&K. Gandhi praised the courage of affected families, saying they carry the heaviest burden in times of conflict. 

At the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for enhanced Centre-State cooperation to achieve the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Emphasizing cooperative federalism, PM Modi urged states to develop globally competitive tourist hubs and future-ready, sustainable cities. The theme of the meeting was "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat." He stressed that development in every state is essential for national progress. CMs from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh attended, while some others skipped the meeting. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin demanded a larger share of central taxes and an urban transformation mission. (PC: News18)

Gujarat ATS has arrested 28-year-old Sahdevsinh Gohil, a contractual health worker, for allegedly leaking classified Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Navy information to a Pakistani woman agent via WhatsApp. Gohil, based in Kutch district, reportedly shared sensitive images and videos of military installations and activities along the India-Pakistan coastal border since July 2023. He also provided WhatsApp access using a SIM card registered under a false identity. Forensic analysis confirmed the espionage. The accused admitted receiving payments up to ₹40,000 per leak. A case has been registered under national security laws against Gohil and the Pakistani agent, identified as “Aditi Bharadwaj.” (PC: ANI)

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence after being caught in a violent hailstorm on Wednesday. The aircraft descended at a terrifying 8,500 feet per minute. Pilots requested entry into Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm, but were denied by both the IAF and Lahore ATC amid current bilateral tensions. With no route back, the pilots flew manually through the storm, issuing a ‘PAN PAN’ urgency call to Srinagar ATC. The flight landed safely with no injuries, though damage was reported to the nose radome. The DGCA has launched a probe into the near-disaster. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Supreme Court has ordered the Indian Air Force not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, a decorated officer involved in Operations Balakot and Sindoor, after she was denied permanent commission under a 2019 policy. Pandey, with over 13.5 years of service and high merit rankings, alleged gender discrimination. The court acknowledged her contributions and emphasized the harm of uncertainty in the Armed Forces. The Centre argued she was found unfit by the selection board but agreed to a review. The next hearing is set for August 6, with no final equity granted yet. (PC: NDTV)

On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E-2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe turbulence due to a hailstorm near Pathankot. The Airbus A321, carrying over 220 passengers including Trinamool Congress MPs, sought permission to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm but was denied by both the Indian Air Force and Pakistan's Lahore Air Traffic Control. The pilots navigated through the hazardous weather and safely landed in Srinagar at 6:30 PM. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the incident. (PC: India Today)

On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of India strongly criticized Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer associated with Operation Sindoor. The Court termed his comments as a “national embarrassment,” rejected his apology, and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court labeled his remarks as “gutter language,” leading to Shah issuing a public apology. The incident has ignited political backlash, with demands for his resignation and the BJP initiating internal damage control measures. (The Hindu)

On May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India stayed the release of Wing Commander Niketa Pandey, a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer in the Indian Air Force, who was actively involved in the successful Operation Sindoor. Commissioned in 2011, Pandey was due to be released after completing her extended tenure till June 19, 2025. She approached the Court seeking a stay on her release while her case for permanent commission was under review. The Court highlighted the need for policy clarity on permanent commission for SSC officers to prevent morale and operational challenges within the forces. (PC: HT Photo)

During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) advocated for the restoration of the region's statehood, emphasizing it as a "legitimate aspiration" of its residents. The delegation highlighted the importance of empowering the democratically elected state government to ensure regional autonomy and uphold democratic principles. This stance aligns with the TMC's broader commitment to democratic values and regional empowerment. The call for restoring statehood comes amid ongoing discussions and demands from various political entities and stakeholders, underscoring the significance of addressing the political and administrative aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's populace. The TMC's position adds to the growing chorus advocating for the region's full statehood restoration. (PC: Rising Kashmir)

Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old from Chango village in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, became the first visually impaired Indian woman—and the fifth globally—to summit Mount Everest. Accompanied by sherpas Dandu Sherpa and Om Gurung, and led by retired Lt Col Romil Barthwal, she hoisted the Tricolour atop the peak. Angmo, who lost her sight at eight, was inspired by Helen Keller and supported by her father, Amar Chand. She aims to inspire specially-abled individuals, stating, "If we have the willpower, nothing can stop us." Her next goal is to scale the highest peaks on each continent. Angmo's achievement underscores determination and challenges perceptions of disability. (PC: Instagram)