The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of strong winds and rain in Delhi from Wednesday to Friday. Winds may reach up to 70 km/hr. Yellow and orange alerts are in place. Light to moderate rain is likely. Delhi has already received 186.4 mm of rain this May — the highest in history. Recent storms have caused 12 deaths in Delhi-NCR. More rain and wind are expected this week. The IMD also said the monsoon may arrive early in Delhi, after reaching Kerala and Mumbai ahead of time. Heavy rain could continue from June to September. (PC: HT)

On Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, India will conduct civil defence mock drills in the border districts of Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. These exercises aim to test the readiness of air raid warning systems, control rooms, and civil defence services, including firefighting, rescue operations, and evacuation protocols. The drills follow India's recent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan, and are part of heightened security measures amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain alert and follow safety protocols during the drills. (PC: PTI)

On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld its stay on the arrest of Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who faces legal scrutiny for derogatory remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer known for her leadership during Operation Sindoor. The apex court also concluded the suo motu proceedings initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had previously ordered the registration of an FIR against Shah, describing his comments as "gutter language." Despite Shah's video apology labeling his remarks a "linguistic mistake," the Supreme Court dismissed it as insincere and established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Colonel Qureshi, renowned for her contributions to military communications and cyber warfare, continues to receive widespread support amid the controversy. (PC: ANI)

The IPL 2025 playoffs commence on May 29 with Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) secured third and fourth positions, respectively, and will face off in the Eliminator. The winner of Qualifier 1 advances directly to the final, while the loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator's victor. Match timings are set for 7:30 PM IST. Venues include New Chandigarh for Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, Ahmedabad for Qualifier 2, and the final match of this season on June 3. This playoff structure maintains the traditional format, offering top teams a second opportunity to reach the final.

Three Indian nationals—Yogesh Panchal from Maharashtra, Mohammad Sadeeque, and Sumeet Sud—have gone missing in Iran after traveling separately for business purposes between December 2024 and January 2025. Panchal, a first-time international traveler, last contacted his family on December 7, mentioning he was in a crowded area; his phone was unreachable thereafter. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised the issue with Iranian authorities, seeking assistance in locating the missing individuals and ensuring their safety. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains in touch with Iranian officials and the families of the missing men. (PC: NDTV)  

Rohit K. Dasgupta, originally from Kolkata, has been elected Chair and First Citizen of the London Borough of Newham, becoming the first person of Bengali-Indian origin to hold this position. An alumnus of St. James’ School and Jadavpur University, Dasgupta moved to London in 2009 for higher studies and is now an Associate Professor of Gender Studies at the London School of Economics. A Labour Party councillor since 2018, he has been re-elected and is known for his activism in trade unions, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ rights. Dasgupta aims to strengthen cultural ties between Newham and Kolkata, emphasizing inclusivity and support for marginalized communities amid rising global anti-migrant sentiments. (PC: The Telegraph)

On May 28, 2025, BJP MLA Thounaojam Radheshyam announced that 44 MLAs, excluding five from Congress, are ready to form a new government in Manipur. This declaration followed a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, where Radheshyam and nine other MLAs conveyed their intent. The Manipur Legislative Assembly comprises 60 seats, with the BJP holding 32. Ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community, including seven from the BJP, have been advocating for a separate Union Territory. The state has been under President's Rule since February 13, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's resignation amid ethnic violence that began in May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths and displacing around 60,000 people. (PC: The Print & Hindustan)

India is set to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 29 in four border states—Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir—following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan. These exercises aim to enhance emergency preparedness amid escalating tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The drills will simulate scenarios like air raids and evacuations to ensure readiness among security forces and civilians. This initiative follows Operation Abhyaas, a nationwide drill on May 7 across 244 districts, marking India's most extensive civil defence exercise since 1971. The government emphasizes these drills are precautionary measures to bolster national security and public safety. (PC: News Arena & PTI)

On May 27, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the programme execution model for India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This model mandates that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must compete with private firms for manufacturing rights, marking a shift from previous practices where HAL was the default choice. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO will oversee design, with an expression of interest to be issued soon. This initiative aims to bolster indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem. The decision follows Operation Sindoor, highlighting the need for advanced air combat assets amid regional tensions, particularly with Pakistan. (PC: Mint & Outlook India)

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, having retired from Tests and T20Is, now focus solely on ODIs, aiming for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. However, with only 27 ODIs scheduled until December 2026 and their tendency to skip matches against teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, maintaining form and fitness poses a significant challenge. Former cricketer Atul Wassan highlights the difficulty of staying match-ready through IPL alone, emphasizing the need for consistent play. While Kohli boasts multiple ICC titles, including the 2011 World Cup, Rohit still seeks his first ODI World Cup win. The duo's path to 2027 success hinges on navigating limited opportunities and sustaining peak performance. (PC: Pinterest)