IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence after hitting a hailstorm during descent on Tuesday evening. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency with ATC. Despite the chaos and visible panic among passengers, the flight landed safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. All 227 passengers and crew were evacuated without injuries. A viral video captured the terrifying moment as hail pelted the fuselage. The aircraft has been grounded for urgent repairs, with IndiGo confirming that all standard safety protocols were followed during the incident.

On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a severe hailstorm while approaching Srinagar, causing significant damage to the aircraft's nose cone. The pilot declared an emergency, and the aircraft landed safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. All 227 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. A viral video captured the intense turbulence and passengers' distress during the incident. The aircraft has been declared "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) for urgent repairs. IndiGo confirmed the incident, stating that the crew followed established protocols and prioritized passenger well-being upon arrival.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to ex-IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of misusing OBC and disability quotas to clear the UPSC exam. Justice BV Nagarathna questioned the severity of the charges, asking, "Has she committed murder?" The court emphasized that while the allegations are serious, they don't warrant immediate arrest. Khedkar, dismissed from the IAS in September 2024, faces accusations of forging documents and misrepresentation. The Delhi High Court had earlier denied her bail, citing a prima facie case of fraud. The Supreme Court's decision allows her protection from arrest while the investigation continues, highlighting the balance between individual rights and the integrity of civil service recruitment. (PC: Moneycontrol)

The Delhi High Court has quashed a Section 377 IPC case against a husband accused of non-consensual anal sex with his wife, stating that Indian law does not currently recognize the concept of marital rape. The judgment highlights a major legal gap, as sexual acts within marriage—regardless of consent—are largely exempt from prosecution. Despite reforms under the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act to address sexual violence, the marital rape exception remains. The ruling has sparked fresh debate among legal experts and activists, urging urgent legislative action to protect women’s rights within marriage. (PC: The Hindu)  

On May 21, 2025, Indian security forces achieved a major breakthrough by killing 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist), in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Basavaraju, with a ₹1.5 crore bounty, was behind major attacks like the 2010 Dantewada and 2013 Jheeram Ghati massacres. PM Narendra Modi praised the forces, reaffirming commitment to end Maoism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it the first elimination of a Maoist general secretary in three decades. The 50-hour operation in Abujhmarh forests marks a significant blow to Naxal influence in the region. (PC: ANI)    

The Centre told the Supreme Court that Waqf is “not an essential part of Islam” while defending the Waqf Amendment Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Waqf is for charity and a Waqf board only discharges secular functions.” He added, “Having 2 non-Muslims, what will it change? It is not touching any religious activity.” The Centre said the law ensures public land is not misused. Petitioners, however, argued that the Act could let the government take over Waqf land unfairly. Kapil Sibal said, “Waqf is about my property. Now that very property is taken away.” The court will continue hearing the case. (PC: NDTV)

Banu Mushtaq's Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, has won the 2025 International Booker Prize, marking the first time a Kannada work and a short story collection have received this honor. The book, published by And Other Stories, delves into the lives of Muslim and Dalit women in southern India, reflecting Mushtaq's activism and legal work. Judges praised its emotional depth and innovative translation. Mushtaq, a journalist and social activist since the 1970s, sees the award as a collective achievement for Kannada literature. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and MP Shashi Tharoor lauded the historic win, highlighting the global recognition of Kannada language and Indian literature. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 20, 2025, between 8 and 10 drone-like objects were observed flying over Kolkata's Hastings area, Vidyasagar Setu, Maidan, and Park Circus. The sightings, initially reported by personnel at Hastings Police Station, indicated the objects originated from Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas. Given their proximity to Fort William, the Eastern Command headquarters, authorities are investigating potential espionage links. The Special Task Force and Kolkata Police's Detective Department have launched a probe, while the Centre has requested a detailed report from the West Bengal government. A Defence official confirmed receipt of the reports, stating that efforts are underway to ascertain the veracity of the event. (PC: PTI)

In a significant development, at least 26 Maoists were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. State Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the fatalities, noting that the operation had been ongoing for 72 hours. The encounter involved District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams from four districts: Dantewada, Kanker, Bijapur, and Kondagaon. Authorities indicated that a senior Maoist leader might be among the deceased, with further details pending. This operation is part of the government's broader efforts to restore basic services like schools, hospitals, roads, and communication infrastructure in Maoist-affected areas, aiming to improve regional stability and development. (PC: Hindustan Times & Swarajya)

On May 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested over a social media post concerning "Operation Sindoor." While the court criticized his language as "dog whistling," suggesting veiled or provocative meanings, it deemed immediate incarceration inappropriate. The court refused to stay the ongoing investigation, allowing it to proceed. Justice Abhay Oka emphasized that once bail is granted, its implementation cannot be delayed, as it may violate Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision underscores the court's commitment to upholding personal liberty while permitting lawful investigations to continue. (PC: The Indian Express)