The Kremlin responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks calling Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” after Russia's largest aerial assault on Ukraine, killing 13 and injuring dozens. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed Trump’s statement to “emotional overload.” Trump, speaking in New Jersey, criticized Putin’s missile attacks and said, “If he takes all of Ukraine, it’ll lead to Russia’s downfall.” He also warned Ukrainian President Zelensky to tone down rhetoric. Meanwhile, Germany removed range limits on arms supplied to Kyiv, hinting at possible Taurus missile delivery. Russia warned it would be a “dangerous move.” Peace talks remain stalled despite recent U.S. efforts. (PC: Reuters)

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship sank off Kerala's coast on Sunday, spilling diesel and furnace oil and prompting a statewide alert. The vessel carried 643 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials like calcium carbide. All crew members were safely rescued. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation every two hours with help from the Navy, Coast Guard, and state agencies. Containers have begun washing ashore, and coastal residents have been warned to stay away. Two specialised oil spill response vessels are deployed as authorities work against bad weather to prevent ecological damage. (PC: NDTV)

India has detected four new Omicron subvariants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—but health authorities, including the ICMR and Delhi government, urge the public not to panic. The ICMR said these variants cause only mild symptoms and are currently under surveillance. WHO has listed two—LF.7 and NB.1.8.1—as “Variants Under Monitoring,” not variants of concern. With 1,009 active cases nationwide and Kerala reporting the highest count, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh assured full preparedness in hospitals. Citizens with low immunity are advised to stay cautious, while officials stress the outbreak is under control and vaccine readiness is in place for any future threats. (PC: HT)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a Parliamentary panel that India responded firmly to a US warning of a potential major Pakistani strike, stating, "If they attack, we will attack stronger." He clarified that the May 10 ceasefire was initiated through military-level talks by Pakistan, not foreign mediation. Rejecting US claims, Jaishankar said, “They fire, we fire. They stop, we stop.” He noted only Turkey and Azerbaijan supported Pakistan, while most nations backed India. China, he added, did not offer unconditional support to Islamabad. India reiterated its stance that talks with Pakistan will only cover PoK's return and terror dismantling. (PC: PTI)

In a swift and strategic counterstrike, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on the night of May 6–7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy chiefs coordinated the operation from the IHQ Ops Room. Strikes targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Key training hubs in Gulpur, Abbas, and Barnala were destroyed. The operation was executed with precision, ensuring no civilian casualties while neutralizing critical terror infrastructure. (PC: News18)

Hamas has agreed to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a Palestinian official. The agreement, mediated by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 70-day truce and the release of ten Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups. In return, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving long sentences. The ceasefire also involves a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This development offers hope for easing tensions in the region, though Israel has yet to comment on the proposal. Negotiations continue amid cautious optimism. (PC: AFP)

A top Bangladesh Army officer, Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, condemned India’s handing over of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants as "push-ins" and called it "unacceptable." Speaking on Monday, he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is managing the situation efficiently but the army is ready to intervene if directed by the government. Bangladesh urged India to use diplomatic channels for repatriation, rejecting push-ins as a violation of international norms. The Indian government has been detaining and handing over undocumented Bangladeshis, especially along the porous 4,096.7 km border. Both countries continue diplomatic discussions amid rising tensions. (PC: AFP)

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous materials capsized off Kerala’s Kochi coast, triggering an environmental alert. The ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, tilted and sank due to flooding early Sunday. All 24 crew members were safely rescued. Authorities are concerned as oil, diesel, and toxic chemicals, including calcium carbide, leaked from the vessel’s 640 containers. The Indian Coast Guard deployed pollution control ships and aircraft to contain the spill. Residents and fishermen have been warned to avoid the affected coastal areas amid ongoing cleanup efforts to protect marine life and public health. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai faced severe disruption on the first day of the monsoon with the highest rainfall in 107 years, recording 63.5mm in 24 hours. The early arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, 16 days ahead of schedule, caused widespread waterlogging, flooded metro stations, and transport delays. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert until Tuesday morning, warning of heavy rains and thunderstorms. The state government ordered early office closures and deployed disaster management teams. CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde monitored the situation closely as Mumbai battled flooding and infrastructure damage. (PC: AFP)

As India surpasses Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a $4 trillion GDP, strategist Sidharth dismisses critiques centered on India’s low per capita GDP. “India isn’t catching up, it’s overtaking,” he said, highlighting India’s 9.2% per capita growth in 2023, faster than most European nations. While India’s per capita GDP of $2,400 trails many countries, Sidharth emphasizes the nation’s scale, momentum, and strategic impact over boutique metrics. NITI Aayog CEO expects India to become the third-largest economy within 2-3 years. Experts link India’s rise to Japan’s economic decline due to aging and deflation. (PC: Business Today)