US urban warfare expert John Spencer hailed India’s military prowess, stating that its BrahMos missile strike during Operation Sindoor proved that India can target Pakistan “anytime, anywhere.” Spencer emphasized that Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defences were no match for India’s advanced systems. Lauding the precision and impact of BrahMos, he said the operation would be studied as a model for counter-terrorism worldwide. He urged the West to abandon “both-side-ism” and call out Pakistan’s terror links. Spencer also praised India’s strategic move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, calling it a smart pressure tactic in the evolving regional conflict. (PC: Business Today)

India’s Neeraj Chopra shattered the 90m barrier for the first time in his career with a stunning 90.23m throw at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, but settled for second place. Germany’s Julian Weber stole the win with a final-round throw of 91.06m. Despite not clinching gold, Chopra set a new national record and became only the third Asian to cross 90m. This was his season debut and first major competition under new coach Jan Zelezny. Grenada’s Anderson Peters placed third, while India’s Kishore Jena finished eighth. Chopra’s feat marks a significant milestone in his legendary career. (PC: India Today)

Raj Mishra, a 37-year-old originally from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, has been elected Mayor of Wellingborough, a market town in Northamptonshire, England. A Conservative Party member, Mishra was elected from Victoria Ward during local polls on May 6 and chosen as mayor in the Annual Town Council Meeting. He pledged to serve with integrity, listen to all voices, and promote inclusive growth. His mayoral term will support the Veterans Community Network and Louisa Gregory’s Hospice Campaign. Mishra’s rise from farmer’s son to UK mayor has brought pride to his hometown and reflects the growing influence of the Indian diaspora abroad. (PC: NDTV)

Turkey-based airport ground handler Celebi has filed a legal challenge in the Delhi High Court after India revoked its security clearance citing national security concerns. The move follows Turkey's public support for Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor. Celebi contends the decision threatens 3,791 jobs and investor confidence, calling the government's justification vague and unsupported. The company insists it's not politically affiliated and operates as an Indian enterprise. Celebi previously operated at major Indian airports, including Delhi and Bengaluru. Delhi Airport has officially ended ties with the firm. The government cited public pressure and national interest behind the revocation. (PC: News18)

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah will not be removed from his post despite facing criticism for a comment seen as insulting to Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, decided there is no need for Shah to resign since the High Court did not ask for it. Shah’s speech was called offensive by Congress, who claim he insulted Col Qureshi. Shah later said his words were misunderstood. The court has ordered a police case and investigation. CM Yadav said the Congress has no right to speak on this and defended Shah’s position. (PC: PTI)

Nearly 100 people, including children, were killed in a major Israeli ground, air, and sea assault on north Gaza early Friday, according to Gaza’s civil defence. The attack hit Beit Lahia, destroying homes and tents. Residents said people were trapped, and Israeli tanks surrounded shelters. Witnesses described it as the most intense attack since March. Israel claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure and eliminated several militants. Leaflets urging evacuation sparked panic. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid a full blockade and ongoing fighting. Aid remains scarce, and the UN warns of famine risks for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. (PC: Reuters)

On Youm-e-Tashakkur, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan is a peaceful nation but will respond decisively if its sovereignty is challenged. Addressing the nation after hoisting the flag at the Prime Minister’s House, he praised the armed forces for their “befitting” response during recent clashes with India. The observance included gun salutes, prayers, and nationwide rallies honoring military personnel. Sharif also visited the home of a fallen squadron leader and met injured soldiers at Rawalpindi's military hospital. President Zardari and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed firm stances, emphasizing national sovereignty and justifying Pakistan’s actions as self-defence. (PC: AFP)

Tensions flared in Jammu and Kashmir as CM Omar Abdullah reignited debate over the Tulbul Navigation Barrage following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack. Abdullah called for reviving the long-stalled project, claiming it would benefit J&K's water rights and energy needs. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti strongly opposed the move, calling it “dangerously provocative” amid Indo-Pak tensions. She warned against "weaponising water" and risking international fallout. Abdullah hit back, accusing her of ignoring J&K’s interests for political optics. The Tulbul project has now become a fresh flashpoint in the region’s volatile political landscape. (PC: PTI)

India has introduced ‘Akashteer’, a cutting-edge, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Designed to modernize the Army’s air defence, Akashteer integrates radar, sensors, and communication systems into a real-time network for detecting and responding to aerial threats. It features mobile, vehicle-based control centres and uses AI to reduce human error and improve response time. Integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS, it promotes joint operations. With 107 units delivered and 455 planned by 2027, Akashteer signifies a leap in India's self-reliant defence capability. (PC: ANI)    

On May 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul for the first direct peace talks with Russia since the 2022 invasion. The negotiations, aimed at securing a ceasefire, were undermined by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence, as he sent aide Vladimir Medinsky instead. Zelenskyy criticized the move as a sign of Russia’s insincerity. Hosted by Turkey and attended by U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the talks face low expectations without direct engagement from top Russian leadership. (PC: Reuters)