Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a Haryana court over a social media post concerning Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam attack. The post, deemed offensive towards the military and women officers, led to his arrest following a complaint by Haryana Women's Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia. The incident has ignited national debate on academic freedom and free speech. Ashoka University's community has shown solidarity, with students and faculty organizing support in rotating shifts. The university is monitoring the situation, and legal proceedings are ongoing as Mahmudabad's legal team seeks his release. (PC: X)

India is actively negotiating a three-phase trade agreement with the U.S. to avert the imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff set to commence in July. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's recent U.S. visit aimed to finalize an interim deal focusing on enhancing market access for agricultural and industrial goods, while addressing non-tariff barriers. President Trump has claimed that India offered to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods, though official confirmation is pending. The proposed agreement outlines a phased approach: an initial interim deal, a detailed agreement between September and November, and a comprehensive pact requiring Congressional approval by next year. This initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral trade relations and prevent potential trade disruptions. (PC: Business Standard)

On May 20, 2025, Pakistan's Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the promotion of Army Chief General Asim Munir to Field Marshal—the nation's highest military rank. This rare elevation follows Munir's leadership during the recent military conflict with India, where Pakistan claimed success. However, India's counterclaims have challenged these assertions with presented evidence. Munir becomes only the second officer in Pakistan's history to attain this rank, after Ayub Khan in 1959. The promotion coincides with a Supreme Court ruling endorsing civilian trials in military courts, further consolidating military authority under Munir's leadership. This development underscores the increasing influence of Pakistan's military in national affairs. (PC: India Today)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised the IPL 2025 playoff schedule, relocating the final from Kolkata's Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, now set for June 3. This change follows a nine-day suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions. Mullanpur's Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium will host the first two playoff matches on May 29 and 30, while Ahmedabad will host Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the final. The decision aims to ensure logistical efficiency and accommodate the revised timeline. Kolkata, initially slated to host the final, will no longer do so under the updated plan. (PC: Indiano Travel)

On May 20, 2025, Spain experienced a major telecommunications outage, disrupting landline, internet, and emergency services nationwide. Major providers like Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digimobil, and O2 were affected, with complaints surfacing early Tuesday. The outage impacted regions including Madrid, Andalucía, Galicia, the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarra, Extremadura, and the Valencian Community. Telefónica attributed the disruption to network upgrade work affecting specific services. Emergency phone lines were also down but have since been restored in some areas. This incident follows a significant power outage that affected millions in Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France late last month, which disrupted traffic lights, airports, and the Madrid underground. (PC: en hespress)

India is sending 59 political leaders to 32 countries with strong evidence of Pakistan’s long history of supporting terrorism. Each team will carry country-specific dossiers showing Pakistan’s role in past and recent attacks, including the Pahalgam terror strike. The effort follows India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Officials said this marks a “new normal” in India’s strategy. The teams will meet foreign MPs, ministers, and think tanks. India also put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold after the Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed by terrorists trained in Pakistan, officials told News18. (PC: PTI)

At least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza in just 30 minutes, according to local medics. Strikes hit a school in Gaza City and tents at an old fuel station in Nuseirat, where many displaced families were sheltering. Ten people died at a school, 15 in Nuseirat, and 13 more in Deir al-Balah, local reports said. Rescue teams are struggling due to ongoing bombing and limited equipment. Israel said the strikes targeted Hamas tunnels. The UK, France, and Canada warned Israel against expanding its attack. Over 53,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge took a veiled dig at Operation Sindoor, calling it a series of “chhutput yuddha” (small wars) during a rally in Karnataka. He criticised the government for failing to prevent the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “Had people been warned, 26 innocent lives could have been saved,” Kharge said, questioning why PM Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit silently. He also said, “Our priority is to protect the country, not score political points.” BJP leader Sambit Patra responded sharply, saying, “Calling Operation Sindoor a small war is an insult to our Armed Forces and their bravery.” (PC: PTI)

Covid-19 cases are rising in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. But India has reported only 257 active cases as of May 19, 2025. Most are mild, with no hospitalisation needed, officials said. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest numbers. A review meeting held by health experts concluded that India’s Covid situation is under control. Mumbai saw two deaths, but both had serious existing illnesses. Hong Kong and Singapore also saw a rise but called it expected. South Korea extended its Covid vaccination drive, urging older people to get the JN.1 booster shot. (PC: Representative)

The IPL 2025 final is likely to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, sources told India Today. The playoff matches, which were earlier planned for Kolkata and Hyderabad, have been shifted to Mullanpur Stadium due to bad weather forecasts. Mullanpur is the home ground of Punjab Kings. The BCCI had earlier hinted at venue changes after tensions between India and Pakistan caused a break in the tournament. This year’s IPL is being played across six cities instead of ten. The BCCI has not yet made an official announcement about the updated playoff venues. (PC: X)