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)

A fierce dust storm swept through Delhi and the NCR on Wednesday evening, bringing much-needed relief from scorching temperatures but causing widespread disruption. The storm, which struck around 8 PM, uprooted trees, damaged metro infrastructure, and delayed flights at IGI Airport. Wind speeds soared to 79 kmph in parts of the city. Metro services on the Red, Yellow, and Pink lines were temporarily halted. A tragic incident occurred on Lodhi Road, where a man in a wheelchair was killed by a falling electric pole. The IMD attributed the storm to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, with more unstable weather expected. (PC: HT)

IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence after hitting a hailstorm during descent on Tuesday evening. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency with ATC. Despite the chaos and visible panic among passengers, the flight landed safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. All 227 passengers and crew were evacuated without injuries. A viral video captured the terrifying moment as hail pelted the fuselage. The aircraft has been grounded for urgent repairs, with IndiGo confirming that all standard safety protocols were followed during the incident.

Mumbai Indians secured the final IPL 2025 playoff spot with a commanding 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, MI posted 180/5, powered by a superb unbeaten 73 off 43 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. Despite losing wickets at intervals, MI maintained momentum. In response, Delhi Capitals collapsed for 121 in 18.2 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) and Mitchell Santner (3/11) dismantling the batting lineup. DC, missing regular skipper Axar Patel due to illness, were eliminated from the tournament. MI now join RCB, GT, and PBKS in the playoffs, with league positions still to be finalized. (PC: BCCI)

On May 21, 2025, Delhi experienced a severe dust storm followed by heavy rain and hail, leading to significant disruptions. Between 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, at least 10 flights were diverted—primarily to Jaipur and one to Mumbai—and over 50 flights were delayed due to wind shear and intense rainfall. Wind speeds peaked at 74 km/h around 8 pm, causing temperatures in Palam to plummet from 37°C to 23°C within an hour. The India Meteorological Department attributed the sudden weather change to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana, embedded in an east-west trough from Punjab to Bangladesh, with moisture from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. (PC: Mint & The Indian Express)

Turkish aviation firm Çelebi Aviation has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the Indian government's revocation of its security clearance on May 15, citing national security concerns. Represented by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Çelebi contends that it operates as an Indian company with Indian employees and has maintained a blemish-free record over 17 years. The revocation followed Turkey's public support for Pakistan and criticism of India's military actions against terror camps. Çelebi argues that the decision was arbitrary and violated principles of natural justice, leading to the cancellation of its contracts at major airports like Delhi and Mumbai. The Delhi High Court is currently hearing the case. (PC: Facebook & India Today)

In his inaugural public audience at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, appealed for peace in Gaza and urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave. Addressing a crowd of 40,000, he emphasized the suffering of civilians, particularly children, the elderly, and the sick. Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, reiterated his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. His appeal comes amid ongoing hostilities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The pontiff's message aligns with his broader commitment to global peace, as he also reaffirmed the Vatican's offer to mediate ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine. (PC: Catholic Bishops’ Conference)

A mass stabbing occurred early this morning in Hoofddorp, North Holland, injuring several individuals, including a police officer. The incident took place around 6:00 AM on Fanny Blankers-Koenlaan, a residential area for people with disabilities. Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and a trauma helicopter, responded promptly. One victim remains in critical condition. The injured officer was transported to the hospital in a bloodied police vehicle. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims or the nature of their injuries. The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and police investigations are ongoing. The area has been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene. Further updates are awaited as the situation develops. (PC: OpIndia & A2 CNN)