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)

India's Russian crude oil imports are projected to reach approximately 1.8 million barrels per day in May 2025, marking a 10-month high, driven by strong demand for light grades like ESPO Blend. Indian refiners have significantly boosted purchases, particularly for June-loading ESPO cargoes, ahead of the latest EU and UK sanctions on Moscow's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and financial firms. Shutdowns at major Indian refineries, Reliance Industries and MRPL, have increased import requirements for feedstock at fluid catalytic crackers due to favorable margins. Some cargoes were delivered under a long-term deal between Reliance and Rosneft. The heightened Indian demand has elevated ESPO crude spot premiums in China, where offers for July-loading cargoes have risen to around $2 per barrel above Dubai prices. Chinese state-owned firms have reduced purchases of sanctioned crudes, and independent refiners face tight import quotas, resulting in more ESPO supply directed toward India. Currently, ESPO is trading at a premium of $0.50 to $1 per barrel over Dubai prices in the Indian market. (PC: ET Times)

On May 7, 2025, five-year-old Maryam was killed when an explosive struck her home in Sukha Katha, Poonch district, Indian-administered Kashmir. She was among at least 21 civilians killed during intense cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a pony rider dead. India accused Pakistan of backing the attackers, a claim Islamabad denies. The ensuing military confrontation brought both nations to the brink of war before a ceasefire was declared on May 10. Despite the truce, grief persists among families like Maryam's, who find little solace as they mourn their irreplaceable losses amid ongoing regional tensions. (PC: the family of Zain and Urwa)

Ethiopian Ambassador to India, Fesseha Shawel Gebre, condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, attributing full responsibility to Pakistan. The assault, which left 26 civilians dead, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, sparking outrage both within India and amongst its international partners. Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Gebre praised India’s composed yet firm response, calling it “very responsible” and underscoring the shared values between Ethiopia and India in the global fight against terrorism. “It is not Indians who went to Pakistan to create a problem; it is the Pakistanis who came to India to create a problem,” he said, directly calling out Islamabad’s involvement. (PC: Amit Shah & The Hindu)

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has urged MS Dhoni to consider retirement following Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing IPL 2025 season. At 43, Dhoni returned as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, but CSK managed only three wins in 13 matches, finishing at the bottom of the table. Bangar highlighted the physical challenges of playing at Dhoni's age and suggested that stepping aside could facilitate the team's transition. Despite Dhoni's efforts, CSK's performance has declined, with four playoff misses in the last six seasons. While Dhoni hasn't indicated retirement plans, Bangar believes it's time for him to move on and allow the franchise to rebuild. (PC: Revsportz)