In a landmark moment for Indian literature, Heart Lamp, a collection of 12 Kannada short stories by Banu Mushtaq, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, has won the 2025 International Booker Prize. This is the first time a Kannada work and a short story collection have received the honor. The book explores the inner lives of Muslim women in southern India, addressing themes like faith, caste, and gender. Judges praised the work’s emotional intensity and cultural richness, while commending Bhasthi’s radical and inventive translation that retained the original’s linguistic nuances. (PC: Getty Images)

Following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan, Indian cities like Amritsar faced missile and drone threats. The Indian Army successfully intercepted these using air defence systems. However, reports claimed that guns were stationed inside the Golden Temple premises. The Army strongly denied this, stating no deployment occurred within the sacred site. Head Granthi Giani Raghbir Singh also dismissed the reports, confirming no Army interaction regarding weapons. The clarification comes amid growing misinformation, aiming to preserve the religious sanctity of the Golden Temple during heightened Indo-Pak tensions. (PC: PTI)

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested for alleged espionage links with Pakistan, is under investigation by Indian intelligence agencies. Her personal diary, recovered by Haryana Police, reveals her emotional connection to Pakistan during a 10-day trip, describing it as “full of love” and “colourful.” She expressed concern for temples and families separated by the 1947 partition. Malhotra, known as ‘Travel with Jo’ on YouTube, reportedly had contact with Pakistani High Commission staffer Ehsan-ur-Rahim, who introduced her to security officials. Authorities are scrutinizing her communications, travel logs, and digital data for further evidence. (PC: Instagram)  

A political controversy has erupted in Tripura after street performer Shanu Malakar was heckled for singing “Allah Ke Bande” at the Mata Tripurasundari Temple. A man, allegedly BJP OBC Morcha leader Tushar Shil, confronted Malakar, claiming that praising Allah in a temple is unacceptable and labeling such expressions as “jihadi.” The incident, captured on video, went viral, prompting CPM leader Jitendra Chaudhury to condemn the act as a threat to constitutional rights and question the lack of police action. BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya defended the confrontation, stating that religious expressions should align with the venue's sanctity. The incident has intensified political tensions, highlighting issues of religious expression and intolerance. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Indian Army has clarified that no air defense guns or military resources were deployed inside the Golden Temple during recent tensions with Pakistan. This statement addresses misinformation and reassures the public and religious communities about the military's respect for the sanctity of the shrine. The Army emphasized that no defensive or offensive military installations were placed within the temple premises. This clarification comes amid reports of Pakistan targeting the Golden Temple with drones and missiles in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor, which aimed at terrorist sites within Pakistan. The Army confirmed that these attacks were thwarted due to India's air-defense preparedness and cooperation between military and religious authorities. (PC: Conde Nast Traveller India)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed parliamentary delegations ahead of their international visits, emphasizing the importance of aligning their engagements with India's foreign policy objectives. He provided insights into India's diplomatic priorities, regional and global challenges, and the country's stance on key international issues. The briefings aimed to equip lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of India's foreign policy to effectively represent the nation's interests abroad. Misri highlighted the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting India's global image. The sessions were part of the government's efforts to ensure cohesive and informed international engagements by its parliamentary representatives. (PC: The Tribune)

Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a Haryana court over a social media post concerning Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam attack. The post, deemed offensive towards the military and women officers, led to his arrest following a complaint by Haryana Women's Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia. The incident has ignited national debate on academic freedom and free speech. Ashoka University's community has shown solidarity, with students and faculty organizing support in rotating shifts. The university is monitoring the situation, and legal proceedings are ongoing as Mahmudabad's legal team seeks his release. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice BR Gavai stated that laws passed by Parliament are presumed constitutional and courts cannot interfere unless a glaring issue is evident. The petitioners, represented by Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argue the law enables the state to seize Waqf land without due process. Sibal criticized the requirement that a person must have practiced Islam for five years to create a Waqf. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, urged the court to focus on the three previously identified key issues. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A major train tragedy was averted in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district after alert loco pilots spotted and removed wooden blocks tied with earthing wire to railway tracks near Dalelnagar and Umartali stations. The first attempt targeted the Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express (20504), which stopped in time. A second plot aimed at the Kathgodam Express (15044) was also foiled. Authorities, including the GRP, RPF, and local police, are investigating. Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site and issued instructions. The quick response of train crews likely prevented a catastrophic accident. The miscreants behind the sabotage remain unidentified. (PC: News18)

In a major security alert, attempts to derail two trains, including the Rajdhani Express (20504), were foiled in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district on Monday evening. According to police, unidentified miscreants placed wooden blocks tied with earthing wire on the tracks near Dalelnagar and Umartali stations. The Rajdhani's loco pilot spotted the obstruction and applied emergency brakes, preventing a disaster. A similar attempt targeting Kathgodam Express (15044), which followed shortly after, was also thwarted. Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun confirmed that GRP, RPF, and local police are investigating. No casualties or damage were reported, thanks to swift action by the train drivers. (PC: HT)