India's economy expanded by 6.5% in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a slowdown from the 9.2% growth recorded in the previous year. However, the January-March quarter (Q4) witnessed a stronger-than-expected 7.4% growth, driven by increased rural consumption and government spending . Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the need for aligning corporate profits with capital investment and employment to sustain growth . While the Reserve Bank of India projects a 6.5% growth for the next fiscal year, some analysts, like Barclays, caution that achieving this target may be challenging due to mixed economic indicators. (PC: ANI)    

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admitted that Indian BrahMos missile strikes during Operation Sindoor pre-empted a planned Pakistani response. “We were ready to act after Fajr prayers, but India launched BrahMos,” Sharif said in Azerbaijan. The May 9–10 strikes targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK following the deadly Pahalgam attack. “Missiles hit provinces including Rawalpindi airport,” Sharif added, confirming prior damage reports. India reportedly eliminated 100 terrorists in the operation. The MEA reaffirmed, “Terrorism and talks cannot go together.” The swift Indian offensive also exposed Pakistan's defense lapses despite Chinese support. (PC: Reuters)

A new study warns that up to 75% of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya could vanish by 2100 if global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This threatens water security for nearly two billion people across Asia. Published in Science, the research uses eight glacier models and coincides with the UN’s first global glacier conference. If warming is limited to 1.5°C, up to 45% of the ice could be preserved. Researchers stress urgent climate action, stating even small increases in temperature will cause irreversible glacial loss, with global consequences for agriculture, water supply, and regional stability. (PC: Getty Images)

A Kotdwar court on Friday sentenced Pulkit Arya, son of a former BJP minister, and his associates Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at Rishikesh’s Vanantra Resort. The trio was convicted under IPC Sections 302, 201, 120B, and 354A, along with the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The case, which sparked statewide outrage and mass protests, revealed shocking abuse and illegal activities at the resort. Ankita’s mother, Soni Devi, demanded capital punishment. The court examined 47 key witnesses in a two-year trial. Ankita’s body was found in Chilla canal. (PC: ANI)

Hamas has stated that the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, recently approved by Israel, fails to meet its core demands, including a full end to the war. While Hamas continues to review the proposal, the plan reportedly includes a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and Palestinian prisoners. Israeli PM Netanyahu has signaled approval, but Hamas remains non-committal. Meanwhile, Israel issued its largest evacuation order since March, affecting nearly half a million residents in Gaza. UN officials warn of forced starvation and escalating humanitarian crises. Talks in Doha show little progress as military actions appear set to intensify in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that India had the capability to fragment Pakistan into four parts during Operation Sindoor, calling the operation merely a "warm-up" of India's military strength. Speaking about the Indian Navy's response post the Pahalgam terror attack, Singh praised its swift and precise missile operations. He warned that if provoked again, the Navy would be fully mobilized with unpredictable consequences for Pakistan. Highlighting India’s maritime vigilance, Singh emphasized the enemy was stunned not by action, but preparation. He stated Pakistan is lucky the Navy didn't unleash its full strength, showcasing India’s resolve and naval dominance. (PC: PTI)

At MIT’s 2025 graduation ceremony, Indian-American Class President Megha Vemuri delivered a bold speech denouncing the university’s research ties with the Israeli military. Wearing a keffiyeh in solidarity with Palestinians, Vemuri accused MIT of complicity in the Gaza crisis and called for alumni to demand an arms embargo and the severing of ties with Israel. She praised student activism and highlighted the destruction of Gaza’s education system, declaring, “There are no universities left in Gaza.” Her statement, “MIT students will never tolerate a genocide,” drew national attention amid rising campus protests and scrutiny of institutional roles in global conflicts. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family at Patna airport on Friday. The young Rajasthan Royals batter recently made headlines after scoring a record-breaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans—the fastest IPL ton by an Indian. PM Modi praised Vaibhav on social media, stating his skills are being admired nationwide and wished him success in future endeavors. Suryavanshi has scored 252 runs in 7 matches this season, with an impressive strike rate of 206.55. His explosive performance has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in Indian cricket. (PC: X/ Narendra Modi)

Gujarat Titans (GT) face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 Eliminator at Mullanpur on Friday. With high stakes, the winner moves to Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings. However, questions have arisen over weather concerns. Fortunately, forecasts predict minimal rain and no interruptions. If the match is washed out, GT will advance due to a better group-stage finish. MI, who placed fourth, would be eliminated. There is no reserve day for the Eliminator, making Friday’s match a do-or-die for both teams. RCB has already secured a spot in the final after defeating PBKS by 8 wickets. (PC: X/IPL)

The UN's top humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has accused Israel of committing a war crime by subjecting Gaza to forced starvation. In a BBC interview, Fletcher said aid was deliberately withheld to pressure the population, calling for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to reject inflammatory remarks from Israeli ministers. Despite easing a three-month blockade, aid distribution remains chaotic. Fletcher urged the international community to act to prevent genocide and stressed the need for neutral humanitarian access. Israel denies the claims, accusing Fletcher of spreading Hamas propaganda. The war has killed over 54,000 people in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack. (PC: Reuters)