External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly condemned the tragic shooting at Charles University in Prague, which left 14 people dead and 25 injured. In a statement shared on social media, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The Czech authorities identified the attacker as a 24-year-old student who died by suicide following the incident. The attack has sparked renewed concerns over gun control and campus safety in the Czech Republic. India expressed solidarity with the Czech people during this time of grief. (PTI)  

On May 22, 2025, a soldier lost his life during a heavy exchange of fire in an encounter with terrorists in Singhpora, Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. Acting on precise intelligence, a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces trapped 3-4 Jaish-e-Mohammed militants. The soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during the intense gunfight while undergoing treatment. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are continuing efforts to neutralize the remaining terrorists. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region. (PC: NDTV)  

Renowned Baul singer Parvathy Baul was denied entry into the United States at San Francisco International Airport, leading to the cancellation of her much-anticipated concert. Despite holding a valid visa and previous visits without issue, Parvathy and her associate Sri Ramachandra were detained for 14 hours without access to their phones before being sent back to India. She described the treatment as harassment and expressed disappointment over the incident. This episode has raised concerns about the treatment of international artists and sparked conversations on cultural exchange and diplomacy. (Anandabazar)  

On May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., after attending a peace-focused event. The attacker, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, allegedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans before opening fire and was immediately apprehended by police. Authorities are investigating the incident as a targeted hate crime amid rising concerns over global antisemitism. The FBI and local law enforcement are jointly handling the case. The shooting has drawn international condemnation and triggered heightened security at Israeli embassies worldwide. (PC: Reuters)  

Delhi is witnessing stark temperature variations across different neighborhoods due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Densely populated and concretized areas such as Palam have recorded temperatures 2–3°C higher than greener, less developed zones like Ridge or Lodhi Garden. While Safdarjung showed 40°C, Palam reached nearly 43°C. This localized heating is caused by limited green cover, heat-trapping buildings, and high energy use, particularly air conditioning. Experts warn that these micro-climates are often excluded from official temperature data, masking the real extent of urban heat experienced by residents across the capital. (PC: ANI)

A Dubai-based brokerage firm, Gulf First Commercial Brokers, has vanished overnight, leaving numerous investors, including many Indian expatriates, in financial distress. Operating from two offices in Dubai's Business Bay, the firm abruptly ceased operations without notice. The offices are now abandoned, with no response from the company. Among the defrauded are Kerala-based expats Mohammad and Fayaz Poyyl, who invested $75,000. The firm allegedly directed clients to an unregulated online platform, Sigma-One Capital, promising safe returns. Investigations revealed that Sigma-One Capital is not authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority or the Securities and Commodities Authority. The firm's sudden disappearance has left investors scrambling for answers and recovery of their funds. (PC: The Indian Express)

Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for her channel 'Travel with Jo', has been arrested on allegations of espionage for Pakistan. Investigations reveal that several of her travel videos were sponsored by UAE-based firm Wego, which operates in Pakistan under a valid travel agency license. Malhotra, who has around 4 lakh YouTube subscribers and 1.32 lakh Instagram followers, is suspected of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives during Operation Sindoor, India's retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. While there's no direct evidence linking Wego to Pakistani funding, its operations in the country have raised concerns. Authorities are scrutinizing all her sponsorships as part of the ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that water meant for India would now be retained and utilized domestically. India initiated measures to maximize its share from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, including desilting operations at the Baglihar and Salal dams. Pakistan condemned the suspension as "water warfare," asserting its right to the waters and warning of serious consequences. The treaty's suspension marks a significant escalation in Indo-Pak tensions, with both nations undertaking retaliatory diplomatic and military actions, including visa restrictions and border closures. (PC: PMO)

In a televised interview, far-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin declared, "Every child, every baby in Gaza is an enemy," advocating for Gaza's occupation and resettlement without leaving any Gazan child behind. His remarks were a direct response to opposition leader Yair Golan's criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, where Golan stated that a "sane country doesn't engage in fighting against civilians, doesn't kill babies as a hobby." Golan's comments sparked domestic uproar, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning them as "wild incitement" against Israeli soldiers. The controversy highlights internal divisions within Israel amid ongoing international scrutiny over its military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for India's global outreach programme, emphasizing that Islam does not condone the killing of innocents. This stance aligns with India's efforts to counter terrorism and promote peace. The UAE's backing underscores the shared commitment of both nations to combat extremism and uphold the true teachings of Islam, which advocate for peace and compassion. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual understanding between the two countries. (PC: X/SJaishankar/@IndembAbuDhabi)