On May 25, 2025, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi-NCR led to significant waterlogging, disrupting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert, predicting winds up to 60 km/h. Several flights were delayed or canceled, with average departure delays exceeding 30 minutes. IndiGo Airlines confirmed temporary disruptions, but normal operations resumed by early morning. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses and allow additional travel time due to road congestion. The downpour also caused submerged vehicles and traffic snarls across the city, affecting overall mobility and connectivity. (PC: ANI)  

In May 2025, India executed "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Using M-777 howitzers and indigenous Nagastra-1 loitering munitions, Indian forces struck seven camps with precision without crossing the border. Pakistan retaliated with shelling that killed 13 Indian civilians and injured 59. The operation highlighted India’s enhanced artillery capability and exposed flaws in Pakistan’s response. DRDO Chief Samir Kamat praised the effectiveness of Indian-made systems over Chinese-origin weapons used by Pakistan. (PC: AFP)

Shubman Gill has been named the 37th captain of the Indian Test team, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from the format. At just 25, Gill will lead a young Indian side, with Rishabh Pant appointed as vice-captain. This marks a significant generational shift following the exit of key players like Rohit and Virat Kohli. Gill has prior leadership experience with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and during a T20I series against Zimbabwe. His first major challenge will be the five-Test series against England starting June 20, 2025. Selectors see him as a long-term leader. (PC: PTI)  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR late Saturday evening, warning of severe thunderstorms and rainfall. A thunderstorm cell is approaching from the west/northwest, expected to bring frequent lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–60 km/h or more within the next 1–2 hours. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid open fields, and not take shelter under trees. At 5:30 PM, the relative humidity was recorded at 49%, and the air quality remained in the "moderate" category with an AQI of 141 at 6 PM, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, citing alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This move forces current international students to transfer or risk losing legal status. A U.S. judge temporarily halted the policy for two weeks. Harvard condemned the action as unlawful and pledged support for its students. Chinese students, the largest foreign group at Harvard, are seeking legal advice and canceling travel plans amid fears of immigration enforcement. The Chinese government criticized the U.S. action, vowing to protect its students' rights. This policy may further deter Chinese students from studying in the U.S., shifting preferences to countries like Australia and Singapore. (PC: Reuters)

Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England, has made headlines by quitting the Miss World pageant, marking a historic first in the contest’s 74-year history. The 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, cited feelings of exploitation and moral conflict as reasons for her abrupt departure. Magee revealed disturbing experiences during her time in Hyderabad, India, where she felt objectified and pressured to entertain wealthy male sponsors, likening the situation to feeling "like a prostitute." She criticized the pageant for being outdated and valuing appearance over substance, despite its "beauty with a purpose" slogan. Magee, a plus-size advocate and campaigner for CPR awareness supported by Prince William, expressed disillusionment with the lack of genuine change within the Miss World organization. Her decision to leave was initially attributed to "personal reasons," but in an exclusive interview with The Sun, she exposed the superficial treatment and lack of respect toward contestants. Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant will now represent England in the final. Magee’s stand has sparked renewed conversation around the relevance and practices of international beauty pageants. (PC: Miss World)

On May 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, focusing on the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision. He urged states to collaborate as 'Team India' to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Key discussions included infrastructure development, MSME support, women empowerment, skill development, and water conservation. Chief Ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Assam reaffirmed their commitment to the national development agenda. However, notable absentees included Chief Ministers from Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, raising concerns about political unity. Despite these absences, Modi emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism and the collective responsibility of all states in achieving national goals. (PC: NDTV & The Hindu)

The Centre has reviewed the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across India, noting that most infections are mild and manageable at home. Health authorities emphasize that hospitalization is generally unnecessary for these cases, and the public is advised to avoid panic. AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria warns against the misuse of CT scans in mild cases, highlighting that one scan equals 300–400 chest X-rays, increasing cancer risk, especially in younger individuals. Instead, he recommends chest X-rays when necessary and cautions against unnecessary biomarker tests and early steroid use, which can lead to complications. The government urges continued vigilance and adherence to medical guidelines to effectively manage the situation. (PC: iStock)

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces mounting pressure from the army chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to hold elections by December. Yunus warns of public-backed action if "unreasonable demands" hinder the government's autonomy, reforms, or judicial processes. The administration attributes obstacles to "defeated forces" and "foreign conspiracies." Yunus plans discussions with BNP and Jamaat leaders to address the crisis. The capital, Dhaka, has witnessed mass uprisings and protests over the past nine months, reflecting the nation's political volatility. Supporters of Yunus are preparing to defend the interim government across various fronts, including street mobilizations, to ensure the continuation of its mandate and the planned reforms. (PC: Global Yunus Social Business)

At the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized the necessity of cooperative federalism to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Viksit Bharat" vision by 2047. Highlighting Tamil Nadu's economic growth of 9.69% in the last fiscal year and its ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, Stalin urged unbiased central support for all states. He criticized the withholding of ₹2,200 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan due to Tamil Nadu's refusal to sign the PM SHRI scheme MoU, and noted that states received only 33.16% of the Centre's net tax revenue over the past four years, despite a recommended 41% share. (PC: The Hindu)