External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Operation Sindoor remains active following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, he said India will strike terrorists "where they are," including inside Pakistan, if provoked again. The operation initially targeted nine terrorist sites in Pakistan-controlled territory and escalated into four days of intense fighting. A ceasefire was reached on May 10 after Indian strikes disabled eight Pakistani airbases. Jaishankar stressed the bilateral nature of the ceasefire and ruled out foreign mediation, reaffirming India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism. (PC: HT)

Following the intense four-day India-Pakistan clash in May 2025, Pakistan’s military saw a dramatic rise in domestic approval, with 92% of citizens expressing increased support, according to a Gallup Pakistan survey. The conflict involved missile and drone exchanges and ended with a ceasefire brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. General Syed Asim Munir, credited for his leadership during the standoff, was promoted to field marshal. This boost reinforces the military’s dominant role in Pakistan’s political landscape and strengthens its influence among the population. (Reuters)    

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to criticisms from former U.S. President Donald Trump by proposing a new trade deal aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between South Africa and the United States. Ramaphosa’s offer comes amid rising political tensions and attempts by Trump to undermine his leadership. The proposed deal seeks to enhance bilateral trade, attract investment, and create jobs, positioning South Africa as a key economic partner in Africa. Ramaphosa aims to shift focus from political attacks to constructive engagement through economic diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)  

Former US NSA John Bolton has warned about Pakistan’s nuclear security, supporting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s concerns. He said, “The security of nuclear weapons is of very high priority for the United States.” Bolton also warned, “The risk of these nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or irresponsible commanders… would be very dangerous.” He urged close monitoring of Pakistan’s arsenal and highlighted Turkey’s growing military support to Islamabad, saying, “The kind of support they are offering to Pakistan is something that bears very close attention going forward.” (PC: Reuters)

The UN has warned that thousands of children in Gaza face imminent death due to a near-total Israeli blockade that has sparked widespread famine. Over 93% of children—around 930,000—are at risk, with 14,000 babies possibly dying within 48 hours, says UN relief chief Tom Fletcher. Aid has been blocked since March 2, with only minimal deliveries authorized recently. Hospitals have been bombed, drinking water sources destroyed, and civilians displaced amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. UN officials called the situation "beyond control" and accused Israel of deliberately starving the population. At least 53,573 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. (PC: Reuters)

In a tense White House encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with graphic videos and news reports alleging violence against white farmers. Trump showed footage of burial sites marked with white crosses, claiming they were victims of “white genocide.” Ramaphosa denied the allegations, stating most crime victims in South Africa are Black and questioned the video’s origin. Trump has previously accused South Africa of targeting white landowners and cut U.S. aid over its land reform policies. Pretoria insists the genocide narrative distorts its post-apartheid reality and undermines efforts to address racial inequality through land redistribution. (PC: India Today)

For the third consecutive day, Palestinians in southern Gaza have staged rare protests against Hamas, demanding the group's removal and an end to the ongoing war. Sparked by worsening humanitarian conditions and statements by Hamas leaders, demonstrators in Khan Younis chanted “All of Hamas, out!” despite risks of violent reprisal. Many protesters joined while collecting food, holding pots in hand. Activists blame Hamas for prolonging suffering while Israel intensifies airstrikes. Public dissent in Gaza remains perilous, with reports of beatings and killings for criticism. Protesters, undeterred, say their struggle is for peace and survival—not political control. (PC: BBC)

In his inaugural public audience at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, appealed for peace in Gaza and urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave. Addressing a crowd of 40,000, he emphasized the suffering of civilians, particularly children, the elderly, and the sick. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, reiterated his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. His appeal comes amid ongoing hostilities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The pontiff's message aligns with his broader commitment to global peace, as he also reaffirmed the Vatican's offer to mediate ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine. (PC: Catholic Bishops’ Conference)

A mass stabbing occurred early this morning in Hoofddorp, North Holland, injuring several individuals, including a police officer. The incident took place around 6:00 AM on Fanny Blankers-Koenlaan, a residential area for people with disabilities. Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and a trauma helicopter, responded promptly. One victim remains in critical condition. The injured officer was transported to the hospital in a bloodied police vehicle. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims or the nature of their injuries. The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and police investigations are ongoing. The area has been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene. Further updates are awaited as the situation develops. (PC: OpIndia & A2 CNN)

Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber, is under investigation by Haryana police for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). She confessed to meeting Pakistani officials during trips to Pakistan and maintaining regular contact through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram. Authorities have seized her electronic devices and are analyzing her bank accounts, but no evidence yet shows access to military or strategic information. While central agencies continue to question her, her custody remains with the police. The probe is ongoing, and key details, including missing diary pages, add to the uncertainty. (PC: Instagram)