On May 7, 2025, India launched 'Operation Sindoor'—a coordinated tri-services strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This action was in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed. The operation focused on facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, resulting in over 80 terrorist casualties. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for global zero tolerance towards terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as India's decisive response to cross-border terrorism. India's diplomatic outreach has garnered support from nations like the UAE and Japan, highlighting a unified international stance against terrorism. (PC: News18)

An all-party Indian delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, faced a brief delay at Moscow airport due to a Ukrainian drone attack intercepted by Russian defenses. The delegation, comprising MPs from BJP, AAP, RJD, Samajwadi Party, and former diplomats, is on a mission to convey India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism following Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack. Their itinerary includes visits to Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain to present a united national front against terrorism. Russia's defense ministry reported intercepting 112 Ukrainian drones, including 24 targeting Moscow, leading to over three hours of flight disruptions, affecting the delegation's schedule. (PC: The Times Of India & NDTV)

Mohammed Shami is set to be excluded from India's squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England. Despite returning to competitive cricket with four-over spells in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, concerns remain about his ability to handle the rigors of Test cricket. The BCCI's medical team has indicated uncertainty over Shami's capacity to bowl more than 10 overs a day, leading to his likely omission. Selectors prefer fully fit bowlers for the demanding tour. Emerging pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj are being considered as replacements. Additionally, Shubman Gill is reportedly a frontrunner to assume India's red-ball captaincy, having engaged in discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. (PC: AP)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s sophomore feature, Homebound, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, marking his return a decade after Masaan. Inspired by a 2020 photograph depicting two migrant workers during India's COVID-19 lockdown, the film explores caste, class, religion, and gender dynamics through characters Chandan Kumar and Shoaib Ali. Produced by Dharma Productions, with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, Homebound received a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The film's narrative addresses societal fissures, highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities in contemporary India. Ghaywan's commitment to portraying the underrepresented continues to resonate, positioning Homebound as a significant contribution to Indian cinema. (PC: ScreenDaily)

During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) advocated for the restoration of the region's statehood, emphasizing it as a "legitimate aspiration" of its residents. The delegation highlighted the importance of empowering the democratically elected state government to ensure regional autonomy and uphold democratic principles. This stance aligns with the TMC's broader commitment to democratic values and regional empowerment. The call for restoring statehood comes amid ongoing discussions and demands from various political entities and stakeholders, underscoring the significance of addressing the political and administrative aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's populace. The TMC's position adds to the growing chorus advocating for the region's full statehood restoration. (PC: Rising Kashmir)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a stern warning to the interim government, demanding an immediate and specific roadmap for national elections by December 2025. BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain emphasized that failure to announce such a plan could compel the party to withdraw its cooperation. The BNP also called for the removal of controversial advisers from the interim government's advisory council, particularly the security adviser, citing concerns over their alleged affiliations with new political entities. The party insists that the interim government's primary role is to facilitate timely elections, and any deviation undermines public trust and the nation's democratic trajectory. (PC: Yourstory & Dhaka Tribune)

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, impacting over 6,800 students, including many from India. The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, cited Harvard's alleged failure to provide records on foreign students' "illegal and violent activities." Harvard condemned the action as unlawful and a threat to academic freedom, vowing legal action. This move is part of a broader crackdown, with the administration freezing over $3 billion in federal funding and threatening the university's tax-exempt status. Critics argue these measures undermine higher education and international collaboration, while Harvard maintains its commitment to institutional autonomy and support for its international community. (PC: France 24 & Hindustan Times)

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, effective the 2025–2026 academic year, impacting nearly 7000 students (27% of its enrollment). Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited allegations of violence, antisemitism, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Current international students must transfer or risk losing legal status. Harvard condemned the move as unlawful and retaliatory, linking it to its refusal to provide detailed information on foreign students. The administration had already frozen $3 billion in federal funding, prompting a lawsuit from Harvard. Noem warned other universities could face similar scrutiny. Congressional Democrats criticized the crackdown as an assault on academic freedom. A court ruling challenged efforts to terminate foreign students' legal status without due process. (PC: The New York Times)

India abstained from the IMF's $2.1 billion bailout to Pakistan, citing concerns over fund misuse for terrorism and Pakistan's poor track record with IMF programs. India highlighted Pakistan's high debt burden and the military's significant role in its economy. Despite these concerns, the IMF defended the bailout, stating Pakistan met all required targets and imposed 11 new conditions, including budget approvals and financial strategies. The IMF acknowledged the India-Pakistan conflict and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. (PC: The New Indian Express & India Today)

Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old from Chango village in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, became the first visually impaired Indian woman—and the fifth globally—to summit Mount Everest. Accompanied by sherpas Dandu Sherpa and Om Gurung, and led by retired Lt Col Romil Barthwal, she hoisted the Tricolour atop the peak. Angmo, who lost her sight at eight, was inspired by Helen Keller and supported by her father, Amar Chand. She aims to inspire specially-abled individuals, stating, "If we have the willpower, nothing can stop us." Her next goal is to scale the highest peaks on each continent. Angmo's achievement underscores determination and challenges perceptions of disability. (PC: Instagram)