Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune, was arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly making communal remarks on social media. She had deleted the video and apologised, but was still taken into custody. Dutch MP Geert Wilders called her arrest a “disgrace to free speech” and urged PM Modi to help. BJP leaders slammed the West Bengal Police, calling it selective action. They said no unrest followed her post and blamed the arrest on vote-bank politics. The case has sparked a political row, with nationalist lawyers planning to defend her. Sharmishta is currently in 14-day judicial custody. (PC: X, AP)

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said talks with India on a trade deal are happening every day. He told CNBC that he speaks regularly with India’s top trade official. Talks with Malaysia and Vietnam are also ongoing. Greer plans to discuss these deals further at the OECD meeting next week. His statement comes as President Trump claims credit for stopping a major conflict between India and Pakistan through trade pressure. India, however, denied such claims. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also met US officials to push the deal. A 26% US tariff on Indian goods is currently paused for 90 days. (PC: Reuters)

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has categorically denied Pakistan's assertion of shooting down six Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, during the May 2025 conflict. He labeled these claims as "absolutely incorrect," emphasizing that while India did experience early losses, the Indian Air Force swiftly adapted its tactics, executing precise strikes deeper into Pakistani territory without crossing nuclear thresholds. General Chauhan highlighted that the focus should be on the strategic lessons learned and the rectification of tactical errors, rather than on unverified numerical claims. He also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the conflict nearly escalating to a nuclear confrontation. The operation, known as Operation Sindoor, showcased India's resilience and strategic adaptability in the face of challenges. (PC: Mint)

India is intensifying diplomatic efforts to have Pakistan reinstated on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. During his visit to Washington, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in discussions with U.S. officials to align strategies for the upcoming FATF plenary session in June 2025. India plans to present evidence highlighting Pakistan's failure to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. Additionally, India intends to oppose a proposed World Bank loan to Pakistan, citing concerns over the misuse of previous funds for arms procurement. These actions reflect India's broader strategy to pressure Pakistan on alleged financial support for terrorism and to tighten oversight of its financial mechanisms through international cooperation. (PC: ANI)  

On June 1, 2025, India dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's comments on the Indus Waters Treaty at a UN conference in Tajikistan, labeling them as unwarranted. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized that Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism undermines the treaty's implementation. India had suspended the 1960 treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. The suspension is part of broader measures, including diplomatic downgrades and travel bans, aimed at pressuring Pakistan to cease support for terrorism. India asserts that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes concrete action against such activities. (PC: India Today)  

On May 31, 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an expansion of military and security ties between the United States and India. He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation within the QUAD alliance—which includes the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—to address growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth highlighted initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network and the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPER) to bolster regional defense capabilities and supply chains. These efforts aim to strengthen logistical integration among QUAD partners and enhance the region's ability to counterbalance emerging threats, particularly from China's assertiveness. (PC: Testbook)

The Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) in Dubai is facing criticism after former Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul were seen being warmly received at their cultural event. CUBAA clarified that the cricketers were not invited guests but happened to attend a different event at the same venue. The incident took place during the ‘Ormachuvadukal Season 2’ dance competition on May 25, 2025, at the Pakistan Association Dubai. The group issued a statement expressing regret and emphasized that their appearance was unplanned and unsolicited. (PC: OpIndia)    

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has issued a renewed advisory warning its citizens against traveling to the India-Nepal border, following India’s recent crackdown on illegal crossings. At least six Chinese nationals were detained in May for attempting to enter India without valid documents. The embassy emphasized that while Indian and Nepali citizens can cross the border freely with ID, foreign nationals must hold a valid Indian visa. The advisory warns that illegal entry can lead to jail terms ranging from 2 to 8 years, hefty fines, and no possibility of bail. India has heightened security following terror threats and Operation Sindoor. (PC : India Today )

In a diplomatic win for India, Colombia has officially withdrawn its earlier statement expressing condolences for Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor. The move came after a Shashi Tharoor-led delegation conveyed India's disappointment during a visit as part of a broader outreach campaign against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Tharoor praised Colombia's updated stance, emphasizing that there can be no equivalence between terrorists and those defending their nation. Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister confirmed the retraction, stating a better understanding of the Kashmir situation. Tharoor welcomed the shift, saying it strengthens dialogue and reflects support for India's sovereignty and peace in the region.

On May 31, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire, suggesting that American trade pressure was instrumental in averting a larger conflict. He asserted the U.S. threatened to cut trade ties with both nations, allegedly prompting peace. However, India categorically denied any third-party role, clarifying that the ceasefire was achieved through direct military talks between Indian and Pakistani DGMOs. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that no trade-related discussions occurred. PM Modi emphasized that Pakistan requested a ceasefire during India's Operation Sindoor, which, he stated, is still ongoing. (PC: The Economic Times)