In a major diplomatic push, India has launched 'Operation Sindoor', sending seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 30 countries including Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and Russia. The initiative aims to present a united Indian stance against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The delegations include prominent MPs such as Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Supriya Sule, and Sanjay Kumar Jha. Each team includes at least one woman and one minority representative. The 10-day mission, starting May 23, underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and seeks to build global support. (PC: PTI)

The London College of Business Studies (LCBS) has opened a new campus in Ilford, East London. A special event was held to mark the opening. A modern IT suite at the campus was named after Lord Patel of Bradford OBE. Lord Patel attended the event and officially unveiled the IT suite. He thanked the college and spoke about the importance of education. “To be associated with an innovative space dedicated to learning, technology, and empowerment is deeply humbling,” he said. “I hope this suite will inspire students to dream boldly and use their education to create meaningful change.” The new IT suite will give students access to advanced technology and support learning in business, IT, and management. LCBS also announced three scholarships in Lord Patel’s honour. Two will support UK students from under-represented backgrounds. One will fund an international student to study for a full undergraduate degree. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible. Lakbir Singh, part of LCBS’s strategy team, said, “This is more than a new building, it marks a new chapter in LCBS’s story.” Local leader Kam Rai added, “It’s great to see a Lord back us here today... we look forward to working with you.” LCBS says the campus will support growth, equality, and opportunity.            

The Centre told the Supreme Court that Waqf is “not an essential part of Islam” while defending the Waqf Amendment Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Waqf is for charity and a Waqf board only discharges secular functions.” He added, “Having 2 non-Muslims, what will it change? It is not touching any religious activity.” The Centre said the law ensures public land is not misused. Petitioners, however, argued that the Act could let the government take over Waqf land unfairly. Kapil Sibal said, “Waqf is about my property. Now that very property is taken away.” The court will continue hearing the case. (PC: NDTV)

  In war-torn Gaza, Mahmoud al-Haw, a father of four, describes the agonizing daily struggle to find food for his family. With the Israeli blockade halting food, medical, and fuel supplies since March, residents like Haw spend hours in long queues at soup kitchens, often returning empty-handed. His family survives on scarce portions of lentil soup shared among six people. The ongoing Israeli military campaign, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has killed over 53,000 Gazans. Hospitals are overwhelmed, aid deliveries stalled, and international concern is rising as children suffer severe hunger. (PC: Reuters)  

Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district killed 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, the CPI (Maoist) general secretary. The encounter lasted over 72 hours in the dense Abujhmad forests, a known Maoist stronghold. Basavaraju, active since the 1970s, had a ₹1.5 crore bounty on his head. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a landmark victory against Naxalism. This follows Operation Black Forest, which led to the arrest of 54 Naxalites and surrender of 84 others in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, significantly weakening the insurgency. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 20, 2025, Donald Trump announced the "Golden Dome," a $175 billion missile defense system designed to protect the U.S. from threats including hypersonic and ballistic missiles. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, it will feature space-based interceptors, laser systems, and advanced tracking technologies. Trump named General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force as the project head. While over 360 companies have submitted proposals, SpaceX has denied involvement. The initiative has drawn criticism from Russia and China, with experts warning of high costs, technical challenges, and the risk of escalating a global arms race. (PC: Reuters)    

Recent satellite imagery analyzed by India Today indicates that China significantly accelerated construction on Pakistan's Mohmand Dam as early as September 2024, months before India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in April 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam. The dam, located on the Swat River—a tributary outside the IWT's jurisdiction—is now in advanced stages, with substantial concrete structures visible. China’s state media reported the acceleration in response to India’s actions, but the imagery suggests earlier strategic involvement, revealing shifting regional alliances and growing water-related tensions in South Asia. (PC: India Today)    

Delhi is currently battling a severe heatwave, with the heat index—or “real feel” temperature—reaching 48.5°C, even though actual temperatures are around 40.8°C. The extreme discomfort is due to high humidity levels ranging from 44% to 74%, intensifying the sensation of heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of increasing heat stress, as the wet bulb temperature has reached 28.87°C—dangerously close to the 32°C threshold that poses serious health risks. With the monsoon delayed, authorities are advising residents to stay indoors during peak hours, remain hydrated, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. (PC: BBC)

UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April 2025, up from 2.6% in March, marking the highest rate since January 2024. The unexpected rise, driven by a 27.5% increase in airfares during Easter, exceeded the Bank of England's 3.4% forecast and economists' 3.3% prediction. Services inflation climbed to 5.4%, intensifying concerns over domestic price pressures. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need to alleviate cost-of-living challenges. The data has led investors to reassess the likelihood of imminent interest rate cuts, reducing the probability of an August cut from 60% to 40%. Sterling experienced slight gains following the announcement. Analysts suggest the Bank of England may delay further rate reductions pending future inflation and labor market developments. (PC: Reuters)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana based YouTuber, was arrested on May 17 for alleged espionage activities linked to Pakistan's ISI. Investigations revealed her WhatsApp exchanges with ISI handler Ali Hasan, where she expressed a desire to marry in Pakistan. Introduced to Hasan by Danish, a Pakistani official at the High Commission in Delhi, Malhotra reportedly shared sensitive information during her visit to the Attari border. Authorities have seized multiple electronic devices from her and are conducting forensic analyses. She faces charges under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Military Intelligence (MI), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)