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)

A UK court has once again denied bail to Nirav Modi, the prime accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. This was Modi's 10th bail attempt since his arrest in London in 2019. The High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, rejected the plea, citing a “real and substantial” flight risk. Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019, has exhausted all legal appeals, including at the UK Supreme Court. The CBI and Crown Prosecution Service strongly opposed the bail. Modi faces three criminal cases in India involving fraud, money laundering, and tampering with evidence and witnesses. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook he doesn't want iPhones made in India, sparking global headlines. However, Indian officials and Apple sources dismissed the remarks, affirming production plans remain unchanged. Apple aims to manufacture most US-bound iPhones in India starting June 2025. Indian government sources said Apple sees value in local manufacturing due to competitive advantages and a strong ecosystem. Despite Trump’s concerns about tariffs and outsourcing, analysts say shifting production entirely to the US is unrealistic. Apple continues to ramp up operations in India, exporting iPhones and accessories as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. (PC: India Today)

The UK economy grew 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing forecasts and marking a strong start to the year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Growth in March alone hit 0.2%, defying expectations of no change. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves highlighted the UK’s performance as stronger than the U.S., Germany, and other G7 nations. However, rising employer taxes and new U.S. trade tariffs pose challenges ahead. Business investment rose by 5.9%, the highest in two years, while consumer spending also increased. Analysts warn the growth may be short-lived as global uncertainty and fiscal pressures build. (PC: Reuters)

Following a ceasefire agreement on May 10, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to initiate peace talks with India. The ceasefire came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, triggering India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. While Sharif signaled openness to diplomacy, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly stated that talks will be limited to terrorism. “The only talks with Pakistan will be on terror,” said Jaishankar, adding that Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until cross-border terrorism is irreversibly stopped. (PC: HT)

After President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook, “I don’t want you building in India,” Indian officials responded, saying Apple will realise the value of manufacturing here. “India has become a significant player in smartphone production… companies will see the benefits,” a source said. Apple has no plans to change its India investment, executives told PTI. Most iPhones for the US market will be made in India from June. AirPods are also being produced in Telangana. In 2025, iPhone exports from India reached ₹1.5 lakh crore. Experts say shifting all production to the US would be costly and complex. (PC: NDTV)

India and Pakistan have agreed to continue their pause on cross-border military actions. The decision came after the DGMOs of both nations spoke on May 10. Officials said both sides will keep building trust and reduce alert levels. This follows days of heavy fighting, drone attacks, and shelling earlier this month. The clashes began after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, hitting terror camps in Pakistan. The Indian government said 100 terrorists were killed. With tensions easing, both sides are now focused on avoiding more conflict and maintaining peace along the border. Further updates will follow as talks continue. (PC: India Today)

3 terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday. Drone footage showed them hiding in a broken shed before the encounter. Earlier, they took shelter in a house. This was the second such clash in 48 hours. On Tuesday, three more terrorists were killed in Shopian. These back-to-back operations come after the April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. India later launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror camps in Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi said the operation marked a “new normal” in India’s fight against terrorism. A ceasefire was reached after US mediation. (PC: NDTV)

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut deleted a post about US President Donald Trump after BJP chief JP Nadda asked her to. In her now-deleted post on X, she linked Trump’s remarks on Apple’s India plans to jealousy of Prime Minister Modi. She later wrote, “I regret posting that very personal opinion.” Trump had told Apple CEO Tim Cook he didn’t want the company to expand in India, citing high tariffs. Kangana’s post compared Trump to Modi, calling the Indian PM “the father of all alpha males.” She removed the post from both X and Instagram after Nadda’s request. (PC: India Today)