A Kerala community in Dubai is under fire after warmly welcoming former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent event. The backlash stems from Afridi's controversial comments following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in India, which claimed 26 lives. In widely circulated videos, Afridi is seen being greeted with cheers and chants of "Boom Boom" by the community. He responded by expressing his fondness for Kerala and its cuisine. Critics argue that honoring Afridi, who blamed Indian forces for the attack and mocked Indian media, is disrespectful to the victims and undermines national sentiment. (PC: OpIndia)    

IndiGo will terminate its wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, 2025, following a final three-month extension granted by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The lease, involving two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operated on routes between Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul, faced scrutiny after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan tensions. IndiGo's request for a six-month extension was denied, with the DGCA approving a shorter period to minimize passenger disruption. The airline has committed not to seek further extensions, aligning with government directives to curtail business ties with Turkey. (PC: India Today)

The UK government has announced a nationwide ban on single-use vapes starting June 1, 2025. The ban will apply to all retailers, including online sellers and healthcare providers. The decision follows growing concerns about the rise in youth vaping and the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes, which contain non-recyclable plastics and lithium batteries. Offenders face £200 fines, with harsher penalties for repeated violations. Only refillable or rechargeable vapes with replaceable components will remain legal. The move is part of the wider Tobacco and Vapes Bill targeting nicotine addiction. (PC: Chemistry World)    

In an exclusive interview, former BrahMos Aerospace CEO Atul Rane detailed the evolution of the BrahMos missile, a joint Indo-Russian venture, highlighting its role in India's defense strategy. Rane emphasized the missile's precision and versatility, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms. He discussed its deployment in Operation Sindoor, marking its combat debut and demonstrating India's advanced military capabilities. Rane also shed light on future developments, including the BrahMos-NG and hypersonic variants, aiming to enhance speed, range, and stealth. This progression underscores India's commitment to strengthening its defense technology and strategic deterrence. (PC: NDTV)  

In a significant diplomatic achievement, Congress MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor led an all-party Indian delegation to Bogotá, Colombia, successfully influencing a shift in Colombia's stance from pro-Pakistan to pro-India. The delegation's mission was to brief Colombian officials on India's counterterrorism efforts, notably Operation Sindoor, and to reaffirm India's position on the suspended Indus Waters Treaty. Tharoor emphasized India's generosity under the treaty and highlighted Pakistan's misuse of the agreement. This outreach resulted in Colombia expressing support for India's counterterrorism initiatives and acknowledging India's concerns regarding Pakistan's actions. The visit underscores India's growing diplomatic influence and its ability to garner international support on critical issues. (PC: News 18)

In response to the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, the Union Home Secretary is expected to visit the state next week to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The northeastern state has been grappling with ethnic clashes since May 2023, leading to over 200 deaths and displacing thousands . The Centre has faced criticism for its delayed response, with opposition leaders urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected areas . The anticipated visit aims to bridge communication gaps between the central government and local communities, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current measures in restoring peace and normalcy in the region. (PC: ANI)

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to revoke humanitarian parole for over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The ruling halts a lower court’s decision that had blocked the termination of the CHNV programme, which provided temporary legal status due to urgent humanitarian needs. Critics warn the move could result in mass deportations and endanger lives. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented, calling the ruling premature. Trump officials praised the decision as a victory for border enforcement. The decision follows a similar ruling affecting Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants earlier this month. (PC: Getty Images)

On Saturday, six Indian states and Union Territories — Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh — will conduct coordinated civil defence mock drills under “Operation Shield.” Initiated by the Union Home Ministry following the Pahalgam terror attack, the drills aim to strengthen preparedness against wartime threats. Scenarios include air raids, drone attacks, and mass casualty events. A 15-minute blackout is scheduled in Haryana at 8 pm, excluding emergency services. Civil defence volunteers, NCC units, and hotlines between Air Force and civil authorities will be activated. The exercise follows an earlier nationwide drill held on May 7. (PC: PTI)

Elon Musk concluded his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration on Friday, standing alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. During a press event, Trump praised Musk’s “tireless” work and called him “one of the greatest business leaders and innovators.” Musk led a sweeping reform program, slashing federal jobs and streamlining bureaucracy to reduce government spending. Trump credited Musk with leading “the most consequential government reform in generations.” The President also claimed credit for defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, stating U.S. intervention helped avert a potential nuclear conflict. (PC: Reuters)

In a startling discovery, the US Coast Guard recovered an intact ink pen from the wreckage of the OceanGate Titan submersible, which imploded during a deep-sea dive to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. The pen, once owned by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, was found inside a fragment of his suit sleeve, along with business cards and Titanic-themed stickers. Investigators located the items during a detailed sorting of debris encased within the sub’s intact endcap. The find has baffled experts, as few expected anything to remain preserved following the catastrophic implosion that killed all five passengers aboard. (PC: Daily Mail, AP)