South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to criticisms from former U.S. President Donald Trump by proposing a new trade deal aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between South Africa and the United States. Ramaphosa’s offer comes amid rising political tensions and attempts by Trump to undermine his leadership. The proposed deal seeks to enhance bilateral trade, attract investment, and create jobs, positioning South Africa as a key economic partner in Africa. Ramaphosa aims to shift focus from political attacks to constructive engagement through economic diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)  

On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar with 227 passengers onboard encountered a severe hailstorm during its approach to Srinagar Airport. The aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose cone due to the extreme weather conditions. The pilot declared an emergency with ATC and successfully landed the plane at 6:30 PM. Passengers described the turbulence as terrifying, with video footage showing panic onboard. Among them was a TMC delegation, including MP Sagarika Ghose, who called it a "near-death experience." IndiGo has grounded the Airbus A321 for detailed inspection. (PC: India Today)  

In a major counterintelligence operation, Indian agencies dismantled a Pakistan-backed ISI spy ring plotting a terror strike in Delhi. After three months of surveillance, two suspects were arrested, including Ansarul Miya Ansari, a Pakistani agent collecting sensitive military information. He was caught in central Delhi on February 15 while attempting to flee to Pakistan via Nepal, carrying classified documents. The investigation revealed links to ISI officers Muzammil and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who allegedly recruited Indian YouTubers and influencers. Officials also suspect involvement from Pakistan High Commission staffers in Delhi. The operation underscores India’s vigilance against espionage threats. (The Hindu)

On May 21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that he played a key role in ending hostilities between India and Pakistan, suggesting trade negotiations facilitated the peace. Speaking at a campaign event, Trump claimed the tensions “stopped because of us,” attributing the breakthrough to his administration’s diplomatic and economic strategies. However, Indian officials have not corroborated this narrative, and experts question the extent of U.S. influence. This is not the first time Trump has made similar statements, raising eyebrows over the accuracy and timing of his claims amid ongoing political campaigns. (PC: AP)

On May 21, 2025, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were struck by a sudden dust storm accompanied by rain and hail, bringing temporary relief from extreme heat but causing widespread disruption. Wind speeds reached up to 79 kmph, uprooting trees, damaging property, and leading to power outages. Metro services and flights were affected. Tragically, five people lost their lives, including a man hit by a falling electric pole. Earlier in the day, the “feels-like” temperature had reached 50.2°C. The IMD issued a yellow alert, predicting continued unstable weather in the coming days. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Former US NSA John Bolton has warned about Pakistan’s nuclear security, supporting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s concerns. He said, “The security of nuclear weapons is of very high priority for the United States.” Bolton also warned, “The risk of these nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or irresponsible commanders… would be very dangerous.” He urged close monitoring of Pakistan’s arsenal and highlighted Turkey’s growing military support to Islamabad, saying, “The kind of support they are offering to Pakistan is something that bears very close attention going forward.” (PC: Reuters)

The UN has warned that thousands of children in Gaza face imminent death due to a near-total Israeli blockade that has sparked widespread famine. Over 93% of children—around 930,000—are at risk, with 14,000 babies possibly dying within 48 hours, says UN relief chief Tom Fletcher. Aid has been blocked since March 2, with only minimal deliveries authorized recently. Hospitals have been bombed, drinking water sources destroyed, and civilians displaced amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. UN officials called the situation "beyond control" and accused Israel of deliberately starving the population. At least 53,573 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. (PC: Reuters)

In a tense White House encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with graphic videos and news reports alleging violence against white farmers. Trump showed footage of burial sites marked with white crosses, claiming they were victims of “white genocide.” Ramaphosa denied the allegations, stating most crime victims in South Africa are Black and questioned the video’s origin. Trump has previously accused South Africa of targeting white landowners and cut U.S. aid over its land reform policies. Pretoria insists the genocide narrative distorts its post-apartheid reality and undermines efforts to address racial inequality through land redistribution. (PC: India Today)

For the third consecutive day, Palestinians in southern Gaza have staged rare protests against Hamas, demanding the group's removal and an end to the ongoing war. Sparked by worsening humanitarian conditions and statements by Hamas leaders, demonstrators in Khan Younis chanted “All of Hamas, out!” despite risks of violent reprisal. Many protesters joined while collecting food, holding pots in hand. Activists blame Hamas for prolonging suffering while Israel intensifies airstrikes. Public dissent in Gaza remains perilous, with reports of beatings and killings for criticism. Protesters, undeterred, say their struggle is for peace and survival—not political control. (PC: BBC)

Haryana Police has clarified that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, had no access to sensitive or military information. Malhotra was detained on May 17 amid growing India-Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam terror attack. Police seized electronic devices from her and another person, Harkirat, but ruled out any direct terrorist links or confirmed ties to extremist groups. Reports of her marriage and religious conversion were also dismissed. Malhotra remains under investigation by Hisar Police and central agencies, with her digital records sent for forensic examination. Her direct role in espionage or terror is yet to be confirmed. (PC: News18)