The Supreme Court has ordered the Indian Air Force not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey, a decorated officer involved in Operations Balakot and Sindoor, after she was denied permanent commission under a 2019 policy. Pandey, with over 13.5 years of service and high merit rankings, alleged gender discrimination. The court acknowledged her contributions and emphasized the harm of uncertainty in the Armed Forces. The Centre argued she was found unfit by the selection board but agreed to a review. The next hearing is set for August 6, with no final equity granted yet. (PC: NDTV)

  As of May 23, 2025, Gaza is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed by severely malnourished children due to food shortages and limited aid. At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, over 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition this year alone. Despite Israel easing its blockade slightly under international pressure, bureaucratic hurdles and security conditions have severely limited the delivery of life-saving supplies. Aid organizations, including the WHO and UN agencies, warn that tens of thousands more children are at risk as Gaza teeters on the brink of famine. Urgent, unrestricted humanitarian access is being demanded. (PC: AP Photo)  

On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E-2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe turbulence due to a hailstorm near Pathankot. The Airbus A321, carrying over 220 passengers including Trinamool Congress MPs, sought permission to enter Pakistani airspace to avoid the storm but was denied by both the Indian Air Force and Pakistan's Lahore Air Traffic Control. The pilots navigated through the hazardous weather and safely landed in Srinagar at 6:30 PM. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the incident. (PC: India Today)

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, barring it from enrolling foreign students. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited alleged antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party as reasons. Harvard denies these allegations. This action affects approximately 6,800 international students, including 788 from India, who must transfer or risk losing their visa status. The administration also froze $2.2 billion in federal funding and threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. Harvard has filed a lawsuit, claiming the measures are unlawful and harm its academic mission. The crackdown may extend to other universities, intensifying concerns over academic freedom and international education in the U.S. (PC: ECFR & Harvard University)

On May 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of India strongly criticized Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer associated with Operation Sindoor. The Court termed his comments as a “national embarrassment,” rejected his apology, and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court labeled his remarks as “gutter language,” leading to Shah issuing a public apology. The incident has ignited political backlash, with demands for his resignation and the BJP initiating internal damage control measures. (The Hindu)

On May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India stayed the release of Wing Commander Niketa Pandey, a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer in the Indian Air Force, who was actively involved in the successful Operation Sindoor. Commissioned in 2011, Pandey was due to be released after completing her extended tenure till June 19, 2025. She approached the Court seeking a stay on her release while her case for permanent commission was under review. The Court highlighted the need for policy clarity on permanent commission for SSC officers to prevent morale and operational challenges within the forces. (PC: HT Photo)

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, citing unsubstantiated claims of ties to the Chinese Communist Party and campus safety concerns. This decision affects approximately 6,800 foreign students, who now face the risk of deportation or must transfer to other institutions. Harvard has condemned the move as unlawful and is pursuing legal action to support its international community. The Department of Homeland Security has given the university 72 hours to comply with federal document requests, with reinstatement remaining uncertain. This action intensifies tensions between the federal government and academia over issues of free expression and institutional autonomy. (PC: Bloomberg, ABC, Getty Images & Mel Musto)

India is intensifying diplomatic efforts to curb international financial aid to Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India plans to request the World Bank to reconsider a proposed $20 billion aid package to Pakistan, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds for terror-related activities. Additionally, India aims to urge the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to re-list Pakistan on its grey list, increasing scrutiny on its financial transactions. This move follows India's expressed disappointment over the IMF's recent $1 billion bailout to Pakistan, approved amid escalating tensions. India emphasizes that its objections are not against aid per se but against potential misuse of funds. (PC: Jagran English & The Print)

Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission staffer in New Delhi, was expelled on May 13 for espionage. Operating as an ISI officer, he attempted to recruit around 25 individuals, mainly visa applicants and their relatives, for intelligence gathering. Among them was Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who admitted to being in contact with Danish from November 2023 to March 2025. While no evidence links her to terrorist activities, authorities believe she was being developed as an intelligence asset. Danish's true role was concealed, as he was officially listed as a visa officer. This incident underscores concerns over foreign espionage and the targeting of Indian influencers for intelligence purposes. (PC: YouTube/TravelWithJo)

In a provocative statement, Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned India, "If you stop the water, God willing, we will stop your breath," echoing Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed's past rhetoric. This comes after India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ceases support for cross-border terrorism, emphasizing that "water and blood cannot flow together." He further stated there will be no trade or talks with Pakistan unless it vacates illegally occupied territories of Kashmir, warning that continued terrorism export will leave Pakistan begging for every penny. (PC: Wikipedia)