A new US Defence Intelligence Agency report states that Pakistan views India as an existential threat and is intensifying efforts to modernise its military, including battlefield nuclear weapons. The report highlights Pakistan's continued nuclear arsenal development and its reliance on foreign suppliers—primarily China—for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) components. It also emphasizes Pakistan's growing military and economic dependence on China, with frequent joint military exercises. However, the China-Pakistan alliance faces strain due to terrorist attacks targeting Chinese workers, notably the killing of seven Chinese nationals in 2024. The report underscores Pakistan's procurement activities and its strategic balancing act. (PC: Reuters)

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 367 drones and missiles that killed 13 people, including children, and injured dozens across multiple cities. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 266 drones and 45 missiles, but widespread destruction hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and other cities. In Mykolaiv, a drone strike destroyed a residential building, killing a 77-year-old man. President Zelenskiy criticized the muted U.S. response under President Trump, calling for stronger sanctions. Meanwhile, Russia claimed it downed 95 Ukrainian drones. The escalation comes as both nations agree to a 1,000-person prisoner swap and Ukraine proposes a 30-day ceasefire. (PC: AP)

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has withdrawn from the much-anticipated film "Hera Pheri 3," citing undisclosed reasons. His departure has led to a legal confrontation with co-star and producer Akshay Kumar, who filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit for breach of contract, asserting that Rawal exited despite a signed agreement and initial filming. Rawal responded by returning his ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% annual interest, signaling a desire to resolve the matter amicably. Director Priyadarshan and co-star Suniel Shetty expressed surprise at Rawal's sudden exit, which has cast uncertainty over the film's production and the future of the beloved franchise.  (PC: The Hindu)

In 1957, a historic overland bus service connected London to Kolkata (then Calcutta), operated by Albert Travel. The journey, aboard a double-decker bus named ‘Albert,’ took around 50 days and covered over 10,000 miles through 15 countries including France, Germany, Turkey, Iran, and India. Passengers paid £85 for the luxurious ride, which featured sleeping bunks, a kitchenette, and onboard entertainment. The service ran until 1976, completing about 15 round trips before geopolitical tensions led to its end. A recently resurfaced photo of the bus has gone viral, reigniting fascination with this epic travel route. (PC: News 18)

On May 25, 2025, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from both the party and the family for six years. This decision followed a controversial Facebook post by Tej Pratap, featuring a photo with a woman identified as Anushka Yadav, claiming a 12-year-long relationship. Lalu cited Tej Pratap's actions as contrary to family values and traditions, stating that such behavior weakens their collective struggle for social justice. Tej Pratap later alleged his account was hacked and the post was maliciously edited, though no formal complaint has been reported. The expulsion underscores ongoing tensions within the Yadav political dynasty. (PC: PTI)  

Indian racing driver Kush Maini achieved a historic milestone by clinching the Formula 2 Constructors' Championship in Abu Dhabi. His victory marked the first time an Indian has won a FIA Constructors' World Championship. Maini's stellar season included securing five podium finishes and a race win in Hungary. His pole position in Jeddah set the tone for Invicta Racing's dominant campaign, culminating in a 34.5-point lead over Campos Racing, his former team. Maini's consistent performance played a pivotal role in Invicta Racing's success, and his achievements have been celebrated as a significant moment in Indian motorsport history.

Shubman Gill, appointed as India's 37th Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement, is set to lead the team in the upcoming England tour. Drawing inspiration from former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill aims to blend Kohli's aggressive approach with Sharma's calm demeanor in his leadership style. Gill, who has represented India in 32 Test matches, expressed admiration for both captains' commitment to a common goal despite their contrasting styles. He also acknowledged the guidance from senior players like Ravichandran Ashwin in preparing for overseas conditions. (PC: AFP)

In his first 'Mann Ki Baat' address following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased visuals of destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. PM Modi highlighted the use of indigenous defence technologies in the operation, emphasizing India's self-reliance and the valor of its armed forces. He praised the precision and efficiency of the strikes, stating that they reflect the nation's commitment to combating terrorism. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of 'Made in India' initiatives in strengthening national security and lauded the efforts of Indian innovators and defence personnel.

An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, visited New York's 9/11 Memorial to honor terror victims and emphasize global unity against terrorism. Tharoor described the visit as a “very moving moment,” linking it to the recent Pahalgam attack in India. He stressed terrorism as a shared global issue requiring united action. The delegation, including MPs Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Deora, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Ganti Harish Madhur, and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, laid white roses at the memorial. Their tour, part of India's diplomatic outreach, will continue to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, aiming to garner international support against terrorism and highlight India's stance on the issue. (PC: India Today & Indian Community)

  On May 25, 2025, Russia conducted its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the war's onset, deploying 367 drones and missiles, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean missiles. The attack targeted over 30 cities, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including three children, and injuring over 60 civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and urged stronger international sanctions against Russia. This escalation coincided with the completion of a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with each side releasing 303 individuals, totaling over 1,000 prisoners exchanged during the three-day process. Despite this rare instance of cooperation, peace talks remain stalled, and hostilities continue along the front lines.  (PC: AFP)