In 2025, India’s government approved adding caste details to the national census for the first time since independence. This decision aims to provide accurate data on caste demographics to guide social justice and policy-making efforts. It is expected to influence reservation quotas in jobs, education, and political representation, especially for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The move follows recent state-level caste surveys sparking national debate. The caste census will begin in 2025 and finish by 2026, shaping future welfare programs and electoral boundaries, marking a significant step in India’s socio-political landscape. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 17, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that "nothing in Pakistan is beyond the reach of the Indian Army." This statement highlights India’s military readiness after recent escalations along the Line of Control. Following retaliatory strikes like Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack, Sinha emphasized India's resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and showcase strategic strength. (PC: ANI)    

On May 17, 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed his participation in India’s global diplomatic outreach to counter terrorism, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor. Tharoor will lead one of seven all-party delegations visiting key global capitals to present India’s unified anti-terror stance. Stressing national interest over politics, Tharoor stated, “I will not be found wanting.” The initiative aims to build international support against cross-border terrorism and highlight Pakistan’s alleged involvement. The outreach reflects India’s intent to present a bipartisan front on national security and seek global accountability on terror issues. (PC: PTI)

A Russian drone attack on a civilian bus in Bilopillia, Sumy region, Ukraine, killed nine and injured seven on May 17, 2025. The bus was en route to Sumy city near the Russian border. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as a "cynical war crime," while Russia claimed it targeted a military staging area. The attack occurred hours after stalled peace talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine and Russia agreed on a prisoner swap but no ceasefire. Ukraine called for direct talks between Presidents Zelensky and Putin, with the US emphasizing Trump-Putin meetings as vital for progress. (PC: BBC)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri disagreed with the decision to exclude Rohit Sharma from the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. With India trailing 2-1, Shastri said that if he were coach, Rohit would have definitely played, as the series was still open. Rohit stepped down due to poor form, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to captain. He prioritized team needs over personal ambitions. The Test was played on a bowler-friendly pitch, and India failed to level the series. (PC: Wikipedia)

On May 17, 2025, Israel launched a full-scale military operation in Gaza, named "Operation Gideon's Chariots," aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure, securing key territories, and rescuing hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed over 150 targets were hit as ground troops advanced into densely populated areas. Gaza’s civil defense reported over 100 civilian deaths, mostly women and children, on the first day alone. The offensive worsens Gaza’s humanitarian crisis amid global condemnation, with the United Nations warning the strikes may amount to ethnic cleansing and urging immediate de-escalation. (PC: India Today)

India is set to launch its first manned deep-ocean mission, Samudrayaan, by the end of 2026. The mission will explore depths of up to 6,000 meters using Matsya-6000, an indigenously developed submersible by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in collaboration with ISRO. Matsya-6000 is a 25-tonne vehicle with a 2.1-meter titanium sphere capable of carrying three scientists and withstanding extreme underwater pressure. It has 12 hours of operational and 96 hours of emergency endurance. Samudrayaan aims to harness deep-sea resources, contributing significantly to India's blue economy and oceanic scientific advancement. (PC: India Today)

On May 16, 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that India had sought a ceasefire following heightened border tensions. However, his claim sparked controversy after a prominent Pakistani content creator publicly challenged the statement, accusing Sharif of distorting facts for political mileage. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that Indian forces had merely "paused" military operations and warned of immediate retaliation if provoked again. Both countries have since exchanged accusations of ceasefire breaches. The conflicting narratives expose deep mistrust and highlight the fragile state of peace amid continuing hostilities along the Line of Control. (PC: India TV)

In response to intensified cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces, the Indian Army has launched essential relief operations in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir. The shelling severely impacted civilian infrastructure, damaging homes, schools, and religious places, leading to injuries and displacements. The Army is providing critical aid including medical treatment, food supplies, and temporary shelter to the affected population. These efforts aim to stabilize the region and support civilians during the crisis. Meanwhile, the Army remains on high alert to prevent further hostilities and ensure the safety of local residents. (PC: ANI)

On May 17, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two ISIS-linked fugitives at Mumbai Airport. The suspects were wanted in connection with a 2023 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) case and had a combined bounty of ₹6 lakh on their heads. They were allegedly involved in managing a bomb-making facility and had been evading law enforcement for months. Their arrest marks a significant success in the NIA's crackdown on ISIS sleeper cells operating within India, highlighting ongoing efforts to neutralize domestic terror threats and enhance national security. (PC: The Hindu)