In the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has vocally criticized Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. India responded with 'Operation Sindoor,' a four-day military campaign targeting militant bases in Pakistan and Kashmir, culminating in a tentative ceasefire on May 10. Akhtar, recalling the Kargil War, highlighted the respect Indian soldiers showed by burying fallen Pakistani troops with dignity. He condemned Pakistan's leadership for insensitivity and misplaced pride, urging moral clarity in addressing terrorism and cross-border violence. His remarks underscore the enduring scars from past conflicts and advocate for honest discourse between the nations. (PC: NDTV)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government is launching a 10-day diplomatic mission starting May 23, 2025, dispatching seven all-party MP delegations to key global capitals. Coordinated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the initiative aims to present a united front against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Prominent MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant ... will lead delegations to countries such as the US, UK, Japan, and Gulf nations. This outreach underscores India's commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and seeks to consolidate international support against Pakistan's alleged misinformation campaigns. (PC: India Today & YouTube)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching seven all-party delegations to key global capitals to present its stance against cross-border terrorism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead a nine-member delegation to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia, while NCP leader Supriya Sule will head the delegation to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Other leaders include Ravi Shankar Prasad (UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, Denmark), Baijayant Panda (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore), Shrikant Eknath Shinde (UAE, Liberia, DR Congo, Sierra Leone), and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Russia). (PC: The Times Of India & India Today)

In a significant admission, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Indian missiles struck the Nur Khan Airbase and other locations during "Operation Sindoor." Sharif disclosed that he was alerted at 2:30 AM by the army chief about the attacks. This marks a departure from Pakistan's usual stance of denying Indian military actions on its soil. The acknowledgment suggests a shift towards transparency in Pakistan's military communications. While details about Operation Sindoor remain limited, this revelation could have profound implications for regional security and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The incident underscores the escalating tensions and the need for cautious diplomacy in the region. (PC: The Tribune)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has accepted the Modi government's invitation to lead an all-party delegation abroad, emphasizing national interest over politics. The delegation aims to present India's united stance against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Tharoor stated, "It is a very great honour... a matter of duty for all of us." Seven delegations, comprising members from both the ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc, will visit key partner countries, including UN Security Council members, to convey India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Tharoor's participation underscores a bipartisan approach to national security, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing global challenges. (PC: Dawn & Hindustan Times)

The UK government abandoned guidance promoting discounts on minimally processed, nutritious foods after lobbying from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), representing major ultra-processed food producers like Nestlé and Coca-Cola. Initially, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) advised retailers to offer deals on healthier options, including fresh produce and whole grains. However, following persistent lobbying, the DHSC revised the guidance in June 2023 to vaguely promote “healthier options,” a term critics argue allows inclusion of many ultra-processed foods. Emails obtained under freedom of information laws reveal the FDF’s efforts to influence DHSC policy. This shift affects millions, as ultra-processed foods comprise half of the typical British diet and up to 80% for vulnerable populations. (PC: The Guardian)

Sunita Jamgade, 43, from Nagpur, vanished from Hunderman, a remote village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil, Ladakh, sparking concerns she may have crossed into Pakistan-controlled territory to meet a Pakistani pastor she befriended online. Traveling with her 12-year-old son, whom she left behind before disappearing, her family was alerted by Kargil police five days ago. Previously, Sunita attempted to cross the Attari-Wagah border but was detained and later released due to mental health concerns. She had been living with her mother in Nagpur after separating from her husband eight years ago. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks in Doha amid escalating violence in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes, part of "Operation Gideon's Chariots," have killed at least 146 Palestinians in 72 hours, with hundreds more wounded. The offensive targets northern areas like Beit Lahiya and Jabalia refugee camp, as well as Khan Younis in the south. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and achieve "operational control" in Gaza, while Hamas demands an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal, prisoner swaps, and humanitarian aid access. The blockade since March has led to severe humanitarian conditions for Gaza's 2.3 million residents. International concern grows as the conflict intensifies, with the U.S. backing limited aid deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger with significant social media following, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Authorities claim she visited Pakistan in 2023, establishing ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who was later expelled. Malhotra reportedly maintained contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She is accused of sharing sensitive information about Indian locations and promoting a favorable image of Pakistan on her social media. Charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, her case is now handled by the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar. (PC: Instagram)

During his 2025 Middle East tour, former U.S. President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from Iranian leaders for remarks perceived as biased and inflammatory. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Trump’s pro-Israel stance and accused him of endorsing violence in Gaza under the guise of promoting peace. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the criticism, calling Trump’s statements a continuation of failed U.S. policies that have destabilized the region. The backlash highlights deepening tensions over U.S. involvement and rhetoric regarding the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East geopolitics. (PC: Reuters)