On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a severe hailstorm while approaching Srinagar, causing significant damage to the aircraft's nose cone. The pilot declared an emergency, and the aircraft landed safely at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. All 227 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. A viral video captured the intense turbulence and passengers' distress during the incident. The aircraft has been declared "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) for urgent repairs. IndiGo confirmed the incident, stating that the crew followed established protocols and prioritized passenger well-being upon arrival.

India has expelled a second Pakistani High Commission staffer in New Delhi for alleged espionage, declaring him "persona non grata" and ordering his departure within 24 hours. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a demarche to Pakistan's chargé d’affaires, Saad Warraich, emphasizing that Pakistani diplomats must not misuse their privileges. This expulsion follows the May 13 removal of another Pakistani official on similar charges. The actions are part of "Operation Sindoor," India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Subsequent measures include expelling Pakistani military advisors, reducing diplomatic staff, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and closing the Attari border crossing. Additionally, at least 12 individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been arrested for links to a Pakistan-based espionage ring. (PC: PTI & NDTV)

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to ex-IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of misusing OBC and disability quotas to clear the UPSC exam. Justice BV Nagarathna questioned the severity of the charges, asking, "Has she committed murder?" The court emphasized that while the allegations are serious, they don't warrant immediate arrest. Khedkar, dismissed from the IAS in September 2024, faces accusations of forging documents and misrepresentation. The Delhi High Court had earlier denied her bail, citing a prima facie case of fraud. The Supreme Court's decision allows her protection from arrest while the investigation continues, highlighting the balance between individual rights and the integrity of civil service recruitment. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber, is under investigation by Haryana police for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). She confessed to meeting Pakistani officials during trips to Pakistan and maintaining regular contact through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram. Authorities have seized her electronic devices and are analyzing her bank accounts, but no evidence yet shows access to military or strategic information. While central agencies continue to question her, her custody remains with the police. The probe is ongoing, and key details, including missing diary pages, add to the uncertainty. (PC: Instagram)

NASA has issued an alert after a powerful X2.7-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4087 on May 14, 2025. The flare has already caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), the solar storm is expected to hit Earth, potentially disrupting GPS systems, satellite operations, and even causing power outages. As the Sun nears its solar maximum in the 11-year cycle, NASA warns of more such intense events. Global authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising precautionary measures to minimize technological disruptions. (PC: Business Standard)

On May 20, 2025, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, raised the Indus Waters Treaty issue during a United Nations Security Council debate on maritime security. This comes after India suspended the treaty in April 2025, accusing Pakistan of backing cross-border terrorism. Pakistan condemned India’s move as aggressive and harmful to regional peace, stressing the treaty’s role in ensuring water security. India reiterated its focus on national security and counterterrorism. The exchange highlights deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations and the growing international dimension of the Indus dispute. (PC: New India Abroad)  

Four British ex-special forces soldiers, including UK minister Alastair Carns, set a record by summiting Mount Everest in under five days without acclimatising on the mountain. Using hypoxic tents and xenon gas to pre-acclimatise, they bypassed the traditional six-week climb. While organisers tout this as a safer, faster, and lower-impact method, the use of xenon is controversial, with experts warning of insufficient scientific backing. Nepalese officials expressed concern over certification, and mountaineering bodies caution against shortcuts. The climb could mark a shift in Everest expeditions, raising ethical, safety, and environmental questions within the global climbing community. (PC: Reuters)

Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricket world with a record-breaking IPL century, scoring 101 off just 38 balls to become the youngest centurion in tournament history. Overwhelmed by the spotlight, Suryavanshi revealed he received 500 missed calls and kept his phone off for four days. Praised for his maturity and focus, the prodigy is now set to represent India U-19 in England. Head coach Rahul Dravid applauded his season but warned of tougher challenges ahead as bowlers will target him next year. Suryavanshi remains grounded, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and playing for the team. (PC: PTI)

The Delhi High Court has quashed a Section 377 IPC case against a husband accused of non-consensual anal sex with his wife, stating that Indian law does not currently recognize the concept of marital rape. The judgment highlights a major legal gap, as sexual acts within marriage—regardless of consent—are largely exempt from prosecution. Despite reforms under the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act to address sexual violence, the marital rape exception remains. The ruling has sparked fresh debate among legal experts and activists, urging urgent legislative action to protect women’s rights within marriage. (PC: The Hindu)  

Basava Raju, the Supreme Commander of CPI (Maoist) and mastermind of several deadly attacks, was killed along with 26 others in a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh. The 70-year-old was the movement’s key strategist and held the highest rank in the insurgency’s command. His death marks a critical blow to the Maoist insurgency, signaling a leadership crisis and lowering cadre morale. Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi hailed the success, reaffirming the goal of a Naxal-free India by 2026. Raju’s elimination validates the intensified counter-insurgency efforts and represents a milestone in India’s decades-long battle against left-wing extremism. (PC: News18)