The Sensex surged 1,330 points on Thursday after US President Donald Trump claimed India offered a “zero-tariffs” trade deal to Washington. Speaking in Qatar, Trump said India proposed eliminating tariffs on US goods, sparking optimism of a breakthrough in stalled trade talks. The Nifty 50 rose 1.57% to 25,054.80, while the Sensex jumped 1.45% to 82,506.47—its highest level in seven months. New Delhi has yet to confirm the offer. Analysts see Trump’s remarks as signaling progress during a 90-day tariff truce. India’s trade minister is set to meet US officials next week to finalize the bilateral agreement. (PC: PTI)

At a business summit in Doha, US President Donald Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to expand manufacturing in India, citing high tariffs and the need to prioritize US production. Trump stated, “India can take care of themselves,” and expressed disapproval of Apple’s growing presence in India. He added that Apple had committed $500 billion to the US and should remain focused there. His comments come as Apple accelerates India-based iPhone manufacturing to reduce reliance on China. Trump also claimed India offered a "zero-tariff" deal to the US—though no official confirmation has come from New Delhi. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has urged India to reconsider its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India suspended the treaty, citing national security and Pakistan’s ongoing support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty, a water-sharing agreement over six decades old, allocates 70% of the Indus river system’s water to Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that terrorism cannot coexist with talks or trade. Indian ministers have vowed to use all available water within the country and are planning accelerated hydroelectric projects. Dialogue with Pakistan is now limited to ending terrorism and addressing Kashmir. (PC: NDTV)

India is re-evaluating its economic ties with Turkey following Ankara’s repeated pro-Pakistan statements on Kashmir and growing diplomatic alignment with Islamabad. Turkish companies are involved in major infrastructure projects across Indian states, including metro rail and tunnel construction. A government source confirmed all such projects are under review, with data being compiled to assess ongoing and past engagements. The reassessment follows Operation Sindoor and reflects a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy. While no official cancellations have been declared, future investments and collaborations with Turkish firms may be restricted as New Delhi aligns trade with strategic interests. (PC: PTI)

More than 40 people have been killed in the latest Israeli air strikes across Gaza, according to hospital sources. At least 36 bodies were brought to hospitals in the southern region, particularly Khan Younis, which witnessed the most intense bombardment in 70 days. Nasser Hospital reported children among the dead, including an infant, as homes and shelters for displaced families were hit. Emergency departments are overwhelmed with casualties. Meanwhile, Gaza remains under a total Israeli aid blockade for over 10 weeks. Since October 7, over 52,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (PC: EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at the center of global diplomacy, set to host the first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in three years. Praised by world leaders including US President Trump, Erdogan’s influence is growing amid regional shifts like the PKK’s disbanding and Assad’s fall. Domestically, however, he faces unrest over the jailing of rival Ekrem Imamoglu, which triggered the largest protests in a decade. Critics say Erdogan is using international success to bolster political control at home, while opposition parties warn of efforts to extend his rule beyond 2028 through constitutional changes. (PC: NDTV)

In a precision strike lasting only 23 minutes, the Indian Air Force (IAF) jammed and neutralized Pakistan’s Chinese-origin HQ-9 air defence system near Lahore during Operation Sindoor on May 7. Using electronic warfare tools and loitering munitions, India disabled radar and missile installations with no reported asset loss. The operation, triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK. India’s Akash, Pechora, and OSA-AK air defence systems repelled Pakistani drones and missiles. Supported by ISRO satellites and indigenous tech, the strike demonstrated India’s swift, coordinated, and high-tech military response to cross-border terrorism. (PC: News18)

The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly condemned derogatory remarks allegedly made by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a key face of Operation Sindoor. Without naming Shah, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stated that such comments insult the dignity of women and the contributions of brave officers like Qureshi. Hailing her as a courageous daughter of the nation, Rahatkar urged society to respect women in uniform. Amid widespread outrage, Shah expressed willingness to apologise. Col Qureshi, part of the tri-services media briefing on Operation Sindoor, has been lauded nationwide for her leadership and service. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a dramatic turn, Baloch leaders including Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, urging India and the UN for official recognition. The announcement sparked a wave of social media activity, with “Republic of Balochistan” trending and images of Baloch-India solidarity going viral. Activists called for India to host an official Balochistan embassy and urged the UN to support their sovereignty. Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions post-Operation Sindoor, Baloch leaders backed India’s call for Pakistan to vacate PoK. They warned Pakistan’s army against using civilians as shields, stating full support for PM Modi and India's stance. (PC: News18)

In a major counter-terror operation, the Indian Army eliminated three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including top commander Shahid Kuttay, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district under Operation Keller on May 13. The operation, launched after actionable intelligence from the Rashtriya Rifles, saw heavy exchange of fire in the Shoekal Keller area. A massive cache of arms, grenades, and ammunition was recovered. Operation Keller was a joint effort involving the Army, J&K Police, CRPF, and intelligence agencies. Kuttay, a category “A” terrorist, had joined LeT in 2023 and was linked to recent deadly attacks in the region.