On May 14, 2025, a fierce gunbattle broke out in the Tral area of Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir, as security forces engaged with terrorists hiding in the region. The encounter comes shortly after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 27 civilian lives, intensifying tensions between India and Pakistan. One terrorist has been neutralized, while two others remain cornered. The clash follows a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire declared on May 10, with both sides alleging violations. India continues counter-insurgency operations like "Operation Sindoor" to dismantle terror infrastructure near the LoC.    

  The Jammu and Kashmir Police registered an FIR against Dilhair Mushtaq Sofi, a soldier of the 29 Rashtriya Rifles, after he made controversial remarks accusing the Indian Army and central government of orchestrating the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated Mushtaq has been absent without leave since March 2025 and confirmed he is a deserter. Investigations also revealed his involvement in online gambling with debts exceeding ₹10 lakh. Charges have been filed under sections 197(D) and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (PC: Greater Kashmir)    

Following the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—which killed 26 civilians—India has formally briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and requested that The Resistance Front (TRF) be designated as a terrorist organization under the 1267 Sanctions Committee. India claims TRF is a proxy of the UN-proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), operating under a new name to evade sanctions. Although TRF initially claimed responsibility for the attack, it later retracted. India is presenting evidence at the UN to push for international recognition and sanctions against the group for cross-border terrorism. (PC: AFP)  

On May 15, 2025, Pakistan formally appealed to India to reconsider its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing the treaty’s importance for millions who depend on the shared water resources. The appeal was made by Syed Ali Murtaza, Secretary of Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources, to Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of India’s Jal Shakti Ministry. India suspended the treaty following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, alleging Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism. India insists the suspension will continue until such support ends. Pakistan warned the move could severely affect its agriculture and water security. (PC: The Economic Times)  

On May 14, 2025, Mir Yar Baloch, a prominent Baloch leader, declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, citing over seven decades of alleged state oppression, including airstrikes, enforced disappearances, and cultural genocide. The announcement coincided with the launch of “Operation Herof 2.0” by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which carried out 78 coordinated attacks across 58 locations in Balochistan. Mir Yar appealed to India to host a Baloch embassy and called on the United Nations for peacekeeping intervention. Plans for a transitional government with women's representation were also announced, as the separatist movement gains international attention. (PC: Bangalore Mirror)  

On May 14, 2025, ten militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with Assam Rifles near New Samtal village in Khengjoy Tehsil, Chandel district, Manipur. Acting on specific intelligence about armed militants operating near the Indo-Myanmar border, a unit under the Spear Corps launched a targeted operation. The militants opened fire, prompting a swift and strong retaliation by security forces. A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site. The identities of the militants are yet to be ascertained, and combing operations in the region are currently ongoing. (PC: India Today NE)  

On May 15, 2025, a terrorist was killed during a gunfight with security forces in the Nadir village of Tral, Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began after a cordon and search operation was launched based on intelligence inputs. This is the second such encounter in the region in two days. Security forces suspect two to three more terrorists, likely linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, remain trapped. A previous encounter on May 13 in Shopian resulted in the killing of three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition. (PC: India Today)  

Indian officials met the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to give details about The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. TRF had claimed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22 but later withdrew the claim. India is pushing for TRF to be listed as a global terror group. The Indian team is also speaking with the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. The 1267 Committee helps freeze terror funds and ban travel. India earlier shared reports linking TRF to other terror groups. This visit is part of efforts to stop cross-border terrorism. (PC: Reuters)

India’s BrahMos missile gained global attention after its reported use in Operation Sindoor. The powerful weapon helped India strike deep into Pakistan, showing its strength and accuracy. Following this, many countries have shown interest in buying it. Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brazil, Egypt, and the UAE are in talks with India. The Philippines has already received its second batch under a $375 million deal. BrahMos is a fast, long-range missile that can be launched from land, sea, or air. Built by India and Russia, it follows a “fire and forget” system and is known for its deadly speed and precision.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the new trade deal with India, calling it “historic” and “fantastic.” He said the agreement would cut tariffs, create jobs, and boost the economy. Starmer criticised the Opposition for wanting to cancel the deal. He also accused former Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch of failing to close the deal in the past and misleading the public. The deal includes lower taxes on whisky, gin, and cars, and brings £4.8 billion into the UK economy. It still needs Parliament’s approval. Starmer said this shows the Labour government’s strong leadership and focus on trade and jobs. (PC: Reuters)