Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar abruptly exited a high-profile NDA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, intensifying speculation about internal discord within the alliance ahead of the state elections. The meeting, aimed at showcasing NDA unity and discussing key issues like Operation Sindoor and caste-based census, saw the presence of top BJP leaders and NDA chief ministers. Kumar's sudden departure, following his absence from the previous day's NITI Aayog meeting, has fueled rumors of a rift within the NDA. While some sources suggest health reasons for his exit, the lack of an official explanation has led to widespread political conjecture about the stability of the alliance in Bihar. (PC: Free Press Journal)

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.

Anand Mahindra lauded Indian racer Kush Maini's recent Formula 2 success, expressing pride in his achievements. Maini, a 24-year-old from Bengaluru, has been appointed as the test and reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team for the 2025 season, marking a significant milestone in his racing career. This role involves supporting the team's primary drivers and participating in car development programs. Maini's consistent performance in Formula 2, including five podium finishes and a victory in Budapest, has been instrumental in his promotion within the Alpine Academy. His journey reflects the rising prominence of Indian talent in international motorsport arenas. (PC: Bhaskar English)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that Gaza is entering the "cruellest phase" of the conflict, with Israel's intensified military campaign and prolonged blockade pushing the population to the brink of famine. For nearly 80 days, Israel has blocked life-saving aid, allowing only a fraction of the necessary supplies. Guterres describes the current aid as a "teaspoon" when a "flood" is required. He highlights that 80% of Gaza is under evacuation orders or declared militarized zones, severely hindering humanitarian efforts. Since October 2023, over 53,800 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 122,000 wounded. The UN refuses to participate in a new US-backed aid delivery mechanism, citing concerns over humanitarian principles. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation in the U.S. for Operation Sindoor's global outreach, emphasized India's past peace efforts towards Pakistan, which were followed by terror attacks like Pathankot in 2016. Tharoor highlighted that after years of failed diplomacy, India has adopted a new approach with Operation Sindoor, conducting precise strikes against terror infrastructure. He recalled the 2016 Pathankot Airbase attack that came just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan. Tharoor also mentioned the Pakistan-sponsored 2008 Mumbai attacks, where attackers received minute-by-minute instructions from handlers in Pakistan. He cited the U.S. operation to hunt down Osama Bin Laden, found in a safehouse near a Pakistani army cantonment, as an example of Pakistan's duplicity. Tharoor stated that 2015 was Pakistan's last opportunity to show sincerity in ending terror. He concluded that India now responds to terrorism with strength and intelligence, encapsulated in the phrase "Hit hard, hit smart." (PC: Newsroom Post)

In a historic achievement, Indian racer Kush Maini clinched his maiden Formula 2 victory at the Monaco Grand Prix's Sprint Race, becoming the first Indian to win an F2 race at Monte Carlo. Driving for DAMS Lucas Oil, Maini started from pole position due to the reverse-grid rule and maintained dominance throughout the race. His victory was celebrated with the Indian national anthem playing during the podium ceremony. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra lauded Maini's feat, stating, "You are Standing Tall and the country stands tall with you." Currently serving as a reserve driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Maini's win has significantly elevated his profile in the motorsport world. (PC: Formula2)

In a unified response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over 100 terrorists linked to groups like JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen were neutralized. An all-party delegation, including leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Asaduddin Owaisi, visited countries such as Bahrain and the U.S. to garner international support against terrorism. They urged Pakistan to dismantle terror networks and cease justifying terrorism. The Indian government acknowledged security lapses in Pahalgam, leading to calls for improved protocols. Operation Sindoor, described as focused and non-escalatory, showcased India's commitment to combating cross-border terrorism while maintaining regional stability. (PC: Business Standard & News18)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation to the US, Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, emphasized a new norm post-Pahalgam attacks: individuals in Pakistan cannot believe they can kill Indian citizens with impunity. He stated there will be a "price to pay," referencing India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Tharoor clarified India's message: "You started, we replied. If you stop, we stop." He expressed frustration over the 88-hour conflict but highlighted a renewed determination. The delegation aims to convey India's resolve against terrorism and highlight Pakistan's links to terrorism. Tharoor reiterated India's preference for peace and economic growth over warfare. (PC: Arab News & The Tribune)

A severe thunderstorm struck Delhi late Saturday night, causing significant disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Between 11:30 PM and 4:00 AM, 49 flights, including 17 international ones, were diverted, and approximately 200 flights experienced delays averaging 45 minutes. The India Meteorological Department reported wind speeds reaching up to 82 kmph and 81.2 mm of rainfall within a six-hour period. The storm led to widespread waterlogging, uprooted trees, and power outages in several parts of the city. Delhi Airport issued a public advisory, urging passengers to check flight statuses regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates. Flight operations resumed normalcy by 5:54 AM as weather conditions improved. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In Bahrain, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, part of an all-party Indian delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, condemned Pakistan as a "failed state" responsible for sponsoring terrorism in India. Highlighting the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, he emphasized the human cost, citing newlywed widows. Owaisi warned Pakistan of severe consequences for future misadventures, asserting India's robust defense capabilities. He urged international cooperation to curb terror financing and advocated for Pakistan's reinstatement on the FATF grey list. Emphasizing national unity, he stated that despite political differences, India's integrity remains paramount. (PC: Business Today)