On May 16, 2025, Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra achieved a major career milestone by surpassing the 90-meter mark for the first time, registering a personal best of 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League. He became the first Indian and only the third Asian to breach the 90-meter barrier in men's javelin, joining an elite group of 25 global athletes. Despite this landmark throw, Chopra finished second behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who won with 91.06 meters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chopra, calling the achievement a moment of pride for India. (PC: PTI)

On May 16, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen—Hodeidah and as-Salif—claiming they were used for arms smuggling and missile launches. The strikes followed repeated Houthi missile attacks on Israel, including near Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to eliminate Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi if attacks persist, drawing parallels with past assassinations of regional militants. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, say their attacks are in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The flare-up comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with the Houthis, which excluded Israel. (PC: AFP)  

After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India is set to rebuild and expand its canal network connected to the Indus river system. The plan includes reviving old canals like Kathua, New Partap, and Ranbir, and constructing new ones to boost irrigation, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Desilting operations will begin on key canals, supported by central technical teams. India also aims to expedite hydroelectric projects like Kishenganga, Ratle, and Pakal Dul, reinforcing its control over Indus waters and enhancing regional agricultural output. (PC: ANI)

Following Operation Sindoor, India has ramped up scrutiny of imports from Gulf nations like the UAE and Iran to prevent Pakistani products from entering through indirect routes. This action addresses concerns that Pakistani goods—such as dates—are being relabeled and shipped via Gulf countries, potentially exploiting trade deals like the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Customs authorities are now closely verifying import labels and certificates of origin. The move reflects India’s broader strategy to enforce economic restrictions on Pakistan and block trade loopholes that undermine its national and strategic interests.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that India launched missile strikes during Operation Sindoor, targeting Nur Khan Airbase and other key locations. He revealed that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir informed him at 2:30 AM about the strikes. The operation, launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, utilized precision weapons like SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. India struck nine terror camps, killing 70 militants within 25 minutes. Reports also suggest India destroyed a Pakistani AWACS aircraft at Bholari airbase, exposing significant gaps in Pakistan’s air defense capabilities. (PC: The Tribune)

The Congress has welcomed the Centre’s decision to include party MP Shashi Tharoor in a global parliamentary outreach to expose Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism. The initiative, involving around 40 MPs from parties including BJP, TMC, and DMK, will begin with visits to various countries from May 22–23. Congress leaders praised Tharoor’s selection, claiming it highlights the BJP’s “talent vacuum” and need to rely on opposition leaders for diplomatic credibility. The mission follows Operation Sindoor and aims to present concrete evidence of Pakistan’s terror links to the global community. (PC: ANI)

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, showcased India’s most aggressive military response in decades. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, India struck nine terror hubs and 11 Pakistani airbases using BrahMos missiles launched from Sukhoi-30 MKIs. The offensive was backed by indigenous systems like Akashteer, Barak-8, and the Russian S-400, which successfully neutralised Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks. Coordinated by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), this operation highlighted India’s evolving defence capabilities and self-reliance in modern warfare. The precision and depth of the operation dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and strategic confidence. (PC: India Today)

BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who returned to India on May 14 after three weeks in Pakistani detention, is reportedly suffering from severe mental trauma. Shaw had inadvertently crossed the border on April 23 and was held by Pakistan Rangers. While no physical torture was reported, sources revealed he endured sleep deprivation, denial of bathroom access, and repeated blindfolding, leading to psychological distress. He was also interrogated about sensitive BSF deployment details. His debriefing is ongoing. The jawan was released after diplomatic negotiations and reunited with his family via the Attari-Wagah border, where he was handed over at 10:30 am. (PC: News18)

The BCCI has announced the India A squad for their upcoming tour of England, with Abhimanyu Easwaran named captain. Dhruv Jurel will serve as vice-captain for the side, which will play two first-class matches against England Lions starting May 30. Star batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join ahead of the second match in Northampton. Sarfaraz Khan, returning from injury, and leading Ranji wicket-taker Harsh Dubey have also earned call-ups. The squad will also feature in a warm-up game against the senior India team on June 13 in Beckenham before the Test series begins in Leeds. (PC: Instagram)

For the first time since March 2022, Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul for direct talks. Though deep divisions prevented a breakthrough on ceasefire terms—Russia demanded Ukraine withdraw from its own territory—both sides agreed to a 1,000-prisoner swap. The discussions, facilitated by Turkey and the U.S., were brief but marked a rare diplomatic opening amid the ongoing war. Ukraine called the swap “excellent news” for families. While Moscow expressed satisfaction, concerns remain that Russia may be stalling to delay sanctions. U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed only his talks with Putin would produce real results. (PC: EPA-EFE)