Following intense cross-border shelling by Pakistan, residents of Jammu and Kashmir's border villages, including Rajouri, Salotri and Akhnoor, have begun returning home. The shelling, a retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, caused significant damage to homes and livestock. Villagers like Sailesh Kumar and Neeraj Sharma recounted fleeing during the night as shells struck their homes. The situation led to evacuations, with many seeking shelter in safer areas. Now, with a temporary ceasefire in place, residents are assessing damages and resuming daily life, though the trauma lingers. Authorities have initiated damage assessments, and discussions on compensation are underway. (PC: Faisal Khan & Dawn)

During a business roundtable in Qatar on May 15, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed turning war-torn Gaza into a U.S.-controlled “freedom zone.” He described the enclave as “nearly uninhabitable” after Israeli military operations and suggested its redevelopment into a prosperous coastal hub akin to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump hinted at potential relocation of Gaza’s population—drawing sharp criticism from Palestinians, Arab nations, and international human rights groups, who view the plan as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. (PC: Reuters)

On May 16, 2025, Delhi’s air quality sharply declined, entering the ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 305. The drop was primarily caused by dust-laden winds from western Rajasthan, which reduced visibility and spiked particulate pollution. Heavily affected areas like Wazirpur and Mundka recorded AQI levels above 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category. Health experts have issued advisories for sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rain and increased wind speeds in the coming days, which could help disperse pollutants and improve air quality. (PC: Mathurbhumi English)

On May 15, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to uphold and continue confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce military alertness along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. This decision came after high-level discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides. The move is seen as a step toward de-escalating tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Both nations emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, avoiding provocation, and relying on direct military communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and ensure stability in the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

Following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is facing criticism for repeatedly echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s language in public statements. Sharif has mimicked phrases like “zero tolerance for terror” and “united national resolve,” prompting backlash and satire online. Critics in both India and Pakistan accuse him of lacking originality and trying to deflect blame amid accusations linking Pakistan to the attack. The mimicry has heightened tensions between the two countries, raising concerns over Pakistan’s crisis communication strategy. (PC: The Week)  

On May 16, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Bhuj Airbase in Gujarat for a two-day inspection. This follows his recent Jammu and Kashmir visit, where he reviewed security along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan. The Bhuj Airbase, near the India-Pakistan border, was targeted by Pakistani drone incursions during the recent four-day conflict. Indian forces successfully countered these threats, leading to a ceasefire. Singh’s visit aims to assess operational readiness and the effectiveness of security measures in this strategically crucial region. (PC: PIB)

On May 15, 2025, during a speech at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump said, "I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem." He cited trade talks as key to de-escalation. However, Indian officials stated the ceasefire announced on May 10 resulted from direct India-Pakistan negotiations without third-party involvement. Trump’s repeated claims face skepticism from Indian authorities. (PC: AP)  

On May 15, 2025, India revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Turkish company Çelebi Aviation Holding, citing national security concerns. The move comes in response to Turkey’s recent public support for Pakistan during escalating India-Pakistan tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. Çelebi, which operates ground-handling services at nine major Indian airports, will no longer be allowed to function. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the order, asking airports to arrange alternative services and initiate new tenders for ground-handling operations. (PC: PTI)    

In a historic diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This marks the first ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban regime since its 2021 takeover. The discussion focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and humanitarian concerns. Jaishankar appreciated the Taliban’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Key topics included trade, visa facilitation for Afghan nationals, and the strategic development of Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move signals a possible shift in India’s approach to engaging with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. (PC: NDTV)    

India and Pakistan have agreed to uphold a ceasefire and implement confidence-building measures following intense cross-border clashes earlier this month. The Indian Army confirmed that Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations reached an understanding on May 10 to reduce alert levels along the border. The conflict began after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India to launch precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor. Though Pakistan claims the ceasefire is temporary until May 18, India has not acknowledged further DGMO talks. Both sides are now focusing on de-escalation amid continued military tensions and public scrutiny. (PC: News18)