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)

Banu Mushtaq's Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, has won the 2025 International Booker Prize, marking the first time a Kannada work and a short story collection have received this honor. The book, published by And Other Stories, delves into the lives of Muslim and Dalit women in southern India, reflecting Mushtaq's activism and legal work. Judges praised its emotional depth and innovative translation. Mushtaq, a journalist and social activist since the 1970s, sees the award as a collective achievement for Kannada literature. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and MP Shashi Tharoor lauded the historic win, highlighting the global recognition of Kannada language and Indian literature. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 20, 2025, between 8 and 10 drone-like objects were observed flying over Kolkata's Hastings area, Vidyasagar Setu, Maidan, and Park Circus. The sightings, initially reported by personnel at Hastings Police Station, indicated the objects originated from Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas. Given their proximity to Fort William, the Eastern Command headquarters, authorities are investigating potential espionage links. The Special Task Force and Kolkata Police's Detective Department have launched a probe, while the Centre has requested a detailed report from the West Bengal government. A Defence official confirmed receipt of the reports, stating that efforts are underway to ascertain the veracity of the event. (PC: PTI)

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military campaign targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key sites in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The operation, executed over 25 minutes, utilized Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, and SkyStriker drones, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian government emphasized the operation's non-escalatory nature, focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure. In response, Pakistan convened its National Security Council, asserting its right to retaliate. India, meanwhile, has dispatched all-party delegations to 32 countries to present evidence of Pakistan's involvement in terrorism, reinforcing its commitment to a united front against cross-border threats. The all-party delegations will showcase India’s national consensus and firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. They aim to convey a strong, unified message to the world: India maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. (PC: News 18 & The Economic Times)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to very heavy rain alert across over ten Indian states from May 21 to May 24, 2025. This forecast is driven by a developing cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast, which is expected to evolve into a low-pressure system by May 22. Notable regions included in the alert are Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and several northeastern states. Additionally, cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Guwahati are expected to experience thunderstorms and significant rainfall. The monsoon update indicates widespread rain activity across southern, central, and northeastern parts of the country, marking an early and intense pre-monsoon surge. Both residents and authorities in the affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential weather disruptions. (PC: The Economic Times)

India has launched a global diplomatic initiative, dispatching seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 33 strategically selected countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Russia. This outreach aims to present a unified stance against terrorism, particularly highlighting concerns over Pakistan's alleged sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. The countries were chosen based on their geopolitical influence, strategic partnerships with India, or roles in global forums like the UN Security Council. Prominent MPs such as Ravi Shankar Prasad, Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, and Kanimozhi lead these delegations, engaging with foreign governments, media, and think tanks to garner international support for India's anti-terrorism efforts. The initiative underscores India's commitment to a bipartisan foreign policy approach in combating terrorism globally.(PC: The Economic Times)

In a significant development, at least 26 Maoists were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. State Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the fatalities, noting that the operation had been ongoing for 72 hours. The encounter involved District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams from four districts: Dantewada, Kanker, Bijapur, and Kondagaon. Authorities indicated that a senior Maoist leader might be among the deceased, with further details pending. This operation is part of the government's broader efforts to restore basic services like schools, hospitals, roads, and communication infrastructure in Maoist-affected areas, aiming to improve regional stability and development. (PC: Hindustan Times & Swarajya)

On May 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested over a social media post concerning "Operation Sindoor." While the court criticized his language as "dog whistling," suggesting veiled or provocative meanings, it deemed immediate incarceration inappropriate. The court refused to stay the ongoing investigation, allowing it to proceed. Justice Abhay Oka emphasized that once bail is granted, its implementation cannot be delayed, as it may violate Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision underscores the court's commitment to upholding personal liberty while permitting lawful investigations to continue. (PC: The Indian Express)