Austrian military historian Tom Cooper has called India’s Operation Sindoor a “clear-cut victory,” highlighting Pakistan’s failure to defend key strategic sites, including nuclear weapon storage facilities. In an interview with CNN-News18, Cooper noted Pakistan received “blow after blow,” while India remained largely unscathed. He praised India’s cautious handling, saying it reflects strategic confidence and restraint. Satellite images confirmed major damage to four Pakistani air bases. Cooper added that Pakistan, overwhelmed by India’s precision strikes, was compelled to initiate ceasefire talks. His remarks further validate India’s tactical dominance following the Pahalgam terror attack that triggered the cross-border operation. (PC: PTI)

The BCCI is under fire after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements within five days of each other, just before the England tour. Former captain Anil Kumble criticised the board for denying the cricket icons a proper on-field farewell, urging officials to address the issue. The abrupt exits leave a leadership and batting void ahead of the five-Test series beginning June 20, marking the start of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Shubman Gill is expected to take over as captain. Kumble called the timing a shock for selectors and warned of challenges ahead in tough English conditions. (PC: AFP)

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. averted a "nuclear conflict" between India and Pakistan, asserting he threatened to halt trade with both nations unless they ceased hostilities. Speaking at the White House, Trump credited trade pressure for the ceasefire after Operation Sindoor. Indian government sources, however, firmly denied any mention of trade during high-level talks with U.S. officials, including NSA Ajit Doval and PM Modi. Trump’s remarks sparked political backlash in India, with opposition leaders demanding a parliamentary discussion. The controversy intensified amid speculation over India’s May 10 airstrikes near Pakistan’s suspected nuclear site in Kirana Hills. (PC: AP)

In a powerful show of maritime strength, the Indian Navy deployed 36 warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, during Operation Sindoor to blockade Pakistan's Karachi port. The mission, sparked by a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, marks one of India’s largest operational deployments outside peacetime. The armada included seven BrahMos-equipped destroyers and stealth frigates like INS Tushil, signaling a significant escalation from the six-ship operation in 1971. Submarines and support vessels completed the strategic blockade, underscoring India’s readiness and deterrence capability amid rising regional tensions. Pakistan responded by issuing NAVAREA warnings anticipating naval action. (PC: India Today)

On May 14, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium to pay tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, especially following their valiant role in Operation Sindoor. The motorcycle rally is part of an 11-day nationwide campaign launched by the BJP to celebrate military courage and foster patriotic unity. The event aims to raise national pride, with active participation from BJP workers and citizens. It includes symbolic gestures and outreach programs to honor the sacrifices of armed personnel and highlight India’s defense strength and resilience. (PC: The Economic Times)

In May 2025, intense cross-border clashes between India and Pakistan claimed over 50 lives, including 40 Pakistani civilians and 11 soldiers. The violence erupted after India launched Operation Sindoor—targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK—in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims. Pakistan denied involvement in the attack but reported major civilian casualties. Both nations exchanged drone and missile strikes in what is being called the worst conflict in decades. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire halted the fighting after four days, but diplomatic ties remain strained as both sides expelled senior envoys and warned of future escalation. (PC: Reuters)

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 security personnel. The operation saw Indian forces strike deep into Pakistan and PoK, eliminating over 100 terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Azhar. Advanced military assets like Rafale jets and BrahMos missiles were used. Prime Minister Modi declared this a new counterterrorism doctrine, rejecting nuclear threats and asserting India's right to defend. The mission disrupted key terror infrastructure and has been widely praised, raising hopes for long-term regional stability, reduced threats, and an unhindered path for India’s development and growth. (PC: PTI)

On May 13, 2025, the Coimbatore District Mahila Court sentenced all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case to life imprisonment until death. The gang had lured women via social media, sexually assaulted them, and used explicit videos for blackmail between 2016 and 2018. The court also directed payment of ₹85 lakh as compensation to eight survivors. Initially plagued by investigative lapses, the case was handed over to the CBI, leading to a detailed probe. The in-camera trial ensured witness protection. The verdict has sparked political debate between the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK. (PC: The Hindu)  

On May 14, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs upgraded the security of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar by including a bulletproof vehicle in his convoy and increasing protection around his residence. These measures come amid heightened threat perception following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response through Operation Sindoor. Dr. Jaishankar has been under Z-category security since October 2023, which includes a 33-member CRPF team. The enhanced protocol reflects rising Indo-Pak tensions and the need for stronger safeguards around key national leaders amid ongoing cross-border hostility and geopolitical friction. (PC: India Today)

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025. Hailing from a Dalit background, he becomes only the second Dalit to assume the nation’s highest judicial post. Born in Amravati, Maharashtra, his legal journey reflects deep commitment to constitutional values and social equity. Influenced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Justice Gavai has championed marginalized voices, including his pivotal 2024 ruling supporting sub-categorization within Scheduled Castes. His tenure is expected to reinforce inclusive justice and safeguard democratic ideals within India's judicial system. (PC: Hindustan Times)