India has approved the development of its first indigenous 5th generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), as tensions escalate with Pakistan following a recent four-day military clash. The Aeronautical Development Agency will spearhead the project, with bids invited from private and state-owned firms. Designed as a twin-engine stealth fighter, AMCA aims to modernize the Indian Air Force, which is currently below its sanctioned squadron strength. With Pakistan fielding advanced Chinese J-10 jets and China rapidly boosting its air capabilities, India's move signals a major shift towards self-reliance and strengthening regional air superiority. (PC: Reuters)

On May 26, 2025, India introduced the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), the world’s most precise weather forecasting model with a 6-kilometre resolution. Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, BFS enhances forecast accuracy by up to 64%, particularly for extreme weather, monsoons, and cyclones. It offers highly localized predictions, benefiting agriculture, aviation, disaster response, and fisheries. Part of the Mission Mausam initiative, this innovation marks a major step in India’s climate resilience strategy and positions the country at the forefront of global weather forecasting technology. (PC: NDTV)  

Nepali mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has broken his own world record by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 31st time. Known as “Everest Man,” the 55-year-old guide led a 22-member Indian Army team via the southeast ridge route, accompanied by 27 Sherpas. Rita first summited Everest in 1994 and has climbed it nearly every year since. “I’m just working,” he said after a previous ascent, adding he is proud to represent Nepal. With 8,849 meters of altitude conquered again, Rita remains a global symbol of endurance and pride in Nepal’s rich mountaineering legacy. (PC: Reuters)

A celebration turned to tragedy as a car ploughed into crowds during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade, injuring nearly 50 people, including four children. The driver, a 53-year-old white British man, was arrested at the scene. Authorities confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram reported four people remain in critical condition. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “The whole country stands with Liverpool,” praising emergency responders who “did a fantastic job.” Former manager Jurgen Klopp said he and his family were “shocked and devastated.” Police urge against speculation as the investigation continues. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a passionate appeal for promoting 'Made in India' products during his address in Gujarat, urging citizens to reject foreign goods, particularly during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. Taking a subtle jab at Chinese imports, he cited the irony of even Ganesh idols being imported, criticizing their poor craftsmanship. Modi encouraged small traders to avoid selling foreign items despite profit margins. Highlighting the influx of imported items like toys and colors, he called for collective responsibility under “Operation Sindoor” to support local artisans and bolster self-reliance, involving all 104 crore citizens in building a stronger India. (PC: PTI)

India’s Mahendra Gurjar set a new world record in the men’s F42 javelin category with a stunning 61.17m throw at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland. The 27-year-old broke the previous record of 59.19m set by Brazil’s Roberto Floriani Edenilson in 2022. Gurjar's record-breaking throw came on his third attempt. He also won gold in the long jump T42 event with a 5.59m leap, marking his debut in the discipline. Despite the F42 category being excluded from the 2023 Asian Para Games and 2024 Paralympics, Gurjar's performance stands out as a milestone for Indian para-sports. (PC: SportsStar)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent address, criticized the Congress party for allegedly obstructing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's efforts to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) post-Independence. He asserted that Patel, India's first Home Minister, was prepared to take decisive action, but was hindered by Congress leadership. Modi also highlighted that all 12 state Congress committees had supported Patel for the Prime Ministerial role, yet Jawaharlal Nehru was chosen instead, suggesting internal party democracy was compromised. He accused Congress of sidelining Patel's legacy, contrasting it with the BJP's initiatives like the 'Statue of Unity' to honor him. This commentary underscores ongoing political contention over historical narratives and leadership legacies in India. (PC: Little Authors)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have clinched their first IPL playoff berth since 2011, securing a top-two finish under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting. Batter Shashank Singh attributes this success to the inclusive team culture fostered by Iyer and Ponting, where every member, from star players like Yuzvendra Chahal to the team bus driver, is treated with equal respect. Singh emphasized that this egalitarian approach was established from day one and has been consistently maintained. He credited Ponting for transforming the team's mindset and instilling self-belief, while lauding Iyer's leadership as one of the best experiences of his career. PBKS is set to face RCB or GT in Qualifier 1 on May 29.(PC: Hindustan Times)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India and Pakistan have enlisted former Trump associates to lobby in Washington. India secured Jason Miller, Trump's ex-senior adviser and communications strategist, at $150,000 per month to advocate its stance. Simultaneously, Pakistan engaged Keith Schiller, Trump's former bodyguard, through Javelin Advisors to bolster its U.S. relations. These hires coincide with heightened Indo-Pak tensions and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10, which India declined to discuss further. The lobbying efforts aim to influence U.S. policy amid escalating regional dynamics. (PC: AFP)

Over 800 UK legal professionals, including former Supreme Court justices, have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to impose sanctions on Israel and suspend trade agreements, asserting that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and potentially genocide. Their letter, supported by a 35-page legal memorandum, emphasizes the UK's legal obligation to prevent and punish genocide and uphold humanitarian law. The signatories argue that current UK measures are insufficient and call for immediate sanctions on Israeli officials, a permanent ceasefire, restoration of humanitarian aid, and enforcement of potential ICC arrest warrants. This appeal highlights a growing domestic and international demand for the UK to enforce international law standards. (PC: The Guardian)