Seventeen-year-old Nitanshi Goel, acclaimed for her role in Laapataa Ladies, made a stunning debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Day 3. Dressed in a custom black-and-gold Jade gown with a floor-sweeping tulle train, she expressed her pride in representing India on the global stage. Despite Cannes' advisory against voluminous outfits, Nitanshi's ensemble garnered admiration. In a subsequent appearance, she donned a dusty pink and white lehenga-saree, her hair adorned with pearl strings and portraits of Bollywood legends like Rekha and Madhubala, crafted by Be Abhika, paying homage to Indian cinema's rich legacy. Her presence at Cannes underscores the rising global recognition of young Indian talent. (PC: Reddit & Zee News)

In an embarrassing blunder, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar cited a fake front page of The Daily Telegraph, falsely claiming it praised the Pakistan Air Force as “the undisputed king of the skies.” The photoshopped image was originally spread by Pakistan’s own disinformation machinery. Ironically, Pakistani media fact-checked and debunked the false claim, revealing the real Telegraph headline had nothing to do with Pakistan. The blunder underscores the risks of propaganda blowback, especially during heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor. Dar's reference to the fake story has become a national and international embarrassment. (PC: India Today)

Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding's shares plummeted nearly 20% over two days after India revoked security clearance for its Indian subsidiaries, citing national security concerns. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's decision halts Çelebi's operations in India, which contributed a third of its 2024 revenue. The move follows India's backlash against Turkey's support for Pakistan in a recent conflict. Çelebi's Indian arm asserts it's an Indian enterprise led by local professionals. The company plans to pursue all administrative and legal remedies to reverse the decision. Airports and airlines previously partnered with Çelebi are now turning to other major ground handling players in India's aviation sector. (PC: Facebook & The Indian Express)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the recent ceasefire with Pakistan places the neighboring country "on probation," emphasizing that India's trust must be earned through consistent actions. He highlighted that the ceasefire is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to assess Pakistan's commitment to peace. Singh warned that any violation would prompt a strong response from India, asserting that the nation's patience should not be mistaken for leniency. He reiterated India's stance on zero tolerance towards terrorism and underscored the importance of vigilance along the Line of Control. The Defence Minister's remarks come amid ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the region following the ceasefire agreement. (PC: Aaj Tak & PTI)

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Apple to halt iPhone production in India and shift manufacturing to the U.S., Apple's plans in India remain unchanged, according to sources. Trump's request aligns with his "Make in USA" initiative, aiming to boost domestic industry. However, Apple continues to expand its operations in India, viewing it as a strategic move to diversify its supply chain amid U.S.-China trade tensions. The company has intensified production in India in recent years and aims to produce all iPhones sold in the U.S. in India by the end of 2026. Relocating iPhone production to the U.S. appears unlikely due to limited availability of necessary labor, suppliers, and manufacturing infrastructure. (PC: Logo Histories)

Amid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the Indian Army neutralized over 600 drones launched by Pakistan. These drones, targeting military installations across northern and western India, were intercepted using advanced defense systems, including the S-400 Triumf and indigenous Akash missiles. In retaliation, India initiated Operation Sindoor, executing precision strikes on Pakistani military assets. The Indian Army released footage of drones being shot down, reaffirming its commitment to national security. A ceasefire was established on May 10, with India emphasizing its right to respond to threats. The situation underscores the volatile nature of Indo-Pak relations and the importance of robust defense mechanisms. (PC: News 18 & The Times of India)

Following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocates for reviving the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project on Wular Lake. Initiated in the 1980s but halted due to treaty constraints, Abdullah views the current pause as an opportunity to complete the project, enhancing regional water management and navigation. Conversely, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti criticizes this move as "dangerously provocative," warning it could escalate tensions with Pakistan. The Tulbul project's revival has sparked political debate, highlighting differing perspectives on leveraging water resources amid strained Indo-Pak relations. (PC: India Today & Firstpost)

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has stirred controversy by stating that “the country’s army and soldiers bow at the feet of Prime Minister Modi.” His comment has drawn strong criticism from opposition leaders and citizens who argue that it disrespects the army’s dignity and violates its political neutrality. The remark has reignited debates about the politicization of the armed forces and its impact on democratic values. Many demand a retraction, stressing that the military should remain above political influence and maintain its institutional integrity. (PC: The Hindu)

On May 15, 2025, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged for a "composite dialogue" with India to address all contentious issues, including the suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India had put the IWT in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths and was linked to Pakistan-based terrorists. Dar warned that any attempt to block Pakistan's water would be treated as "an act of war." While a ceasefire has been extended until May 18, Dar emphasized the necessity of political processes to resolve bilateral problems. India maintains that any talks with Pakistan will focus solely on cross-border terrorism, ruling out third-party mediation. (PC: Hindustan Times & The CSR Journal)

Air India has urged the Indian government to cancel IndiGo’s wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing national security and economic concerns. Under this agreement, Turkish Airlines provides aircraft and crew for IndiGo's India-Istanbul routes. Air India argues that the deal disproportionately benefits Turkey, boosts its tourism, and may pose strategic risks due to Turkey’s political support for Pakistan. IndiGo defends the arrangement, saying it improves international connectivity and supports Indian employment. The lease is renewed every six months and is currently set to expire on May 31, 2025. (PC: The Economic Times)