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)

India has officially surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with its GDP reaching $4 trillion, as announced by NITI Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam. This milestone places India behind only the US, China, and Germany. Subrahmanyam attributed this achievement to domestic reforms and a favorable global environment. He expressed optimism that India could ascend to the third-largest economy within 2.5 to 3 years if current growth trajectories continue. This development underscores India's growing influence in the global economic landscape. (PC: The Hindu)

On May 24, 2025, an Israeli airstrike hit the home of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing nine of her ten children while she was on duty at a hospital. The children ranged in age from seven months to 12 years. Her husband was seriously injured, and her only surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, remains in critical condition. Israel claims it was targeting militants and is reviewing the incident. The strike, which killed 79 people in 24 hours, has sparked international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability. (PC: AP)  

Taiwanese students, including Yu-hsuan Lin and Vince, face uncertainty after the U.S. government revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students, citing national security concerns. Though a judge temporarily blocked the order, affected students remain anxious about visa delays and potential disruptions to their academic plans. Lin, accepted to study education policy, is considering deferring or seeking alternatives in Europe or the UK. Harvard condemned the move as unconstitutional. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education estimates 52 students may be impacted, casting doubt on U.S. higher education access for international applicants. (PC: The Economic Times)

On May 25, 2025, a powerful thunderstorm struck Delhi-NCR, bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds up to 100 km/h, and significant disruption. The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert, forecasting severe weather conditions. The storm led to extensive waterlogging in areas like Minto Road, Delhi Cantt, and near the airport, with visuals showing submerged vehicles. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely affected, with over 200 flights delayed and average delays of 45 minutes. Delhi recorded 81.2 mm of rain during the storm, making May 2025 the wettest on record with a total of 186.2 mm. (PC: PTI)  

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has ignited controversy with his remarks about the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at an event in Bhiwani, Jangra stated that the 26 tourists killed in the April 22 attack lacked the "spirit of bravery" and died with "folded hands." He suggested that had the victims undergone training under the Prime Minister's Agniveer scheme, the casualties could have been reduced. Jangra further claimed that if the tourists had confronted the attackers, the death toll might have been limited to five or six. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Indian National Congress, which condemned the remarks as "utterly disgraceful" and a "grave insult" to the women who lost their husbands in the attack. (PC: ANI)