On May 29, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the significant contributions of women in India's Armed Forces during a ceremony in Goa marking the return of INSV Tarini. Singh highlighted the crucial role women played in Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian military operation targeting terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He praised their involvement in both counter-terror missions and demanding maritime endurance tasks, affirming the expanding presence and impact of women across various strategic and operational spheres—from the challenging terrains of Siachen to the vast seas. (PC: PTI)  

The White House announced Thursday that Israel has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal submitted to Hamas, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Hamas confirmed it is “studying it responsibly.” The conflict, which reignited in March, has killed over 54,000 people, mostly civilians. Despite limited aid entry, starvation looms for one in five Gazans. On Thursday, 54 more were killed, including 23 in an airstrike on Al-Bureij. Jordan accused Israel of using “systematic starvation tactics,” while the last hospital in northern Gaza reportedly faces forced evacuation. Talks, led by President Trump’s envoy, are ongoing with hopes for a truce. (PC: Bloomberg)

“Go back to India” – that was among the racist comments hurled at Indian-American politician Vivek Ramaswamy after he shared a heartfelt 10th wedding anniversary post dedicated to his wife, Apoorva. In the post, Ramaswamy recalled their first date and a symbolic hike they completed years later. However, the tribute drew xenophobic backlash on social media, with users attacking their ethnicity and mocking their appearance. The hateful response comes amid controversy over Ramaswamy’s stance on the H-1B visa program, with critics accusing him of hypocrisy. The incident highlights persistent racism faced by immigrants and people of color in U.S. public life. (PC: X/ Vivek Ramaswamy)

Over 300 prominent British figures, including pop star Dua Lipa and actor Benedict Cumberbatch, have urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to end arms sales to Israel and act to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The open letter, released by NGO Choose Love, demands an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted aid access, and accountability for the UK's role in supplying weapons used in the conflict. The plea comes amid reports of 15,000 children killed and rising starvation in Gaza. The signatories warn that continued arms exports make the UK “directly complicit” in the ongoing atrocities. (PC: The Indian Express)

India has urged Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to conduct inclusive, free, and fair elections promptly. The call comes amid escalating protests by government employees and demands from opposition parties, including the BNP, for elections by December 2025. Yunus, however, has proposed June 2026 after reforms. India’s foreign ministry emphasized the need to respect the people's mandate and warned against deflecting governance issues onto external factors. Relations between the two nations have strained since former PM Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, following accusations of minority repression under the interim administration. (PC: ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have entered the IPL final for the first time since 2016 after thrashing Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. Under debut captain Rajat Patidar, RCB bowled PBKS out for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs on a fast bowler-friendly pitch. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma took three wickets each, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal dismantled Punjab's top order early. Despite losing Virat Kohli in the 4th over, RCB chased down the target in just 10 overs, winning by 8 wickets. The dominant performance showcased RCB’s fierce intent to finally clinch their maiden IPL title. (PC: X/RCB)

A 53-year-old man, Paul Doyle from West Derby, has been charged after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade. Merseyside Police confirmed Doyle faces multiple charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving. The incident occurred on Water Street in Liverpool city centre, where thousands had gathered to celebrate. Seventy-nine people were injured, with the youngest aged 9 and the oldest 78. Seven individuals remain in hospital in stable condition. Doyle is set to appear before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Footage of the incident continues to circulate online. (PC: Sky News)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a powerful bowling performance to bowl out Punjab Kings for a low total of 101 runs in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. Opting to field first, RCB’s bowlers dominated the innings, with leg-spinner Suyash Sharma (3/17) and pacer Josh Hazlewood (3/21) taking crucial wickets. Marcus Stoinis was the top scorer for PBKS with 26 runs, but early breakthroughs from Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar left Punjab struggling at 50 for five. RCB now have a strong advantage going into their chase to secure a place in the IPL final. (PC: BCCI)

A catastrophic glacier collapse in the Swiss Alps has buried most of the village of Blatten under mud, rocks, and ice. The Birch Glacier's partial collapse triggered a landslide that devastated 90% of the evacuated village. One person is missing, and massive destruction to homes and infrastructure has been reported. Authorities had evacuated the area on May 19 due to earlier signs of instability. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her condolences, while emergency services continue to monitor the hazardous area. Mayor Matthias Bellwald declared, “We’ve lost our village,” vowing to rebuild despite the destruction. (PC: AP, EPA)

Israel has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in over 30 years. Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the move, calling it a strategic step to prevent a Palestinian state. Critics, including the Palestinian Authority and watchdog Peace Now, condemned it as a dangerous escalation that undermines peace efforts and entrenches occupation. The move includes legalizing unauthorized outposts and creating new settlements. The international community, including Jordan and the UK, denounced the expansion as a violation of international law and a threat to the two-state solution. (PC: AFP)