A Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight (6E 5227) was delayed at Kolkata airport on Tuesday after a 26-year-old passenger claimed to be carrying a bomb. The man, traveling from Imphal via Kolkata, made the alarming statement during a step ladder security check. Authorities swiftly evacuated 186 passengers and moved the aircraft to an isolation bay for a thorough inspection. Security protocols were followed and the passenger was detained for questioning. The flight, scheduled for 1:30 PM, was delayed due to the security measures. Nationwide airport security has been heightened in light of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. (PC: India Today)

In a decisive national address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism policy, asserting that India will no longer differentiate between terrorists and their sponsors. This announcement follows the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, were killed by The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Modi emphasized that any future attacks will prompt immediate and forceful responses, dismissing Pakistan's nuclear threats as ineffective. He reiterated that dialogues with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, underscoring India's commitment to national security and a new, assertive doctrine against terrorism. (PC: The Sunday Guardian)

On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Indian soldiers at Punjab's Adampur Air Base, asserting that India's drones and missiles caused "sleepless nights" for Pakistan. This followed his national address unveiling a three-point doctrine: zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail, rejection of "terror and talks" coexistence, and a focus on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He praised Operation Sindoor as a testament to India's unity and decisive capabilities. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh convened with military chiefs to assess the situation. Meanwhile, airlines like IndiGo and Air India canceled flights to several northern cities, citing safety concerns amid recent developments. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to brief the Parliamentary panel on May 19 regarding the Pakistan situation. (PC: Narendra Modi/X)

India has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. products, countering the 25% levies reinstated by the U.S. on steel and aluminium imports in March 2025. These U.S. tariffs affect $7.6 billion worth of Indian exports. India's move comes amid ongoing trade negotiations, where it has offered to reduce its tariff gap with the U.S. from nearly 13% to under 4%, seeking preferential market access for its key export sectors. Additionally, India has recently imposed a temporary 12% duty on imported low-cost Chinese steel to protect its domestic industry. The two nations aim to finalize a trade deal soon. (PC: Bloomberg)

Flight operations have resumed at Srinagar airport after a six-day suspension caused by heightened tensions during Operation Sindoor. The reopening marks a return to normalcy following the ceasefire understanding reached between India and Pakistan. While the border remains calm, drone sightings were reported on Monday night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Operation Sindoor has redefined India-Pakistan relations, stressing that “blood and water cannot flow together.” He warned Islamabad of a strong response to any future provocations. The resumption of flights offers relief to stranded passengers, although a few routes and airports continue to face operational delays and restrictions. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Modi visited Adampur Airbase in Punjab, sending a strong message after Pakistan's missile attempt to target the base on May 9. Pakistan had claimed damage to the airbase, but Modi's visit debunked those assertions. The missile was intercepted by India’s air defence system, and India retaliated by targeting Pakistani airbases. During his visit, Modi interacted with air force personnel, praised their courage, and highlighted the significance of the Adampur airbase, India’s second largest. The PM expressed gratitude towards the armed forces and reaffirmed India’s resolve in maintaining peace through strength, as stated in his earlier address to the nation. (PC: X)

Former Bangladesh President Mohammad Abdul Hamid departed Dhaka at 3 am last week aboard a Thai Airways flight in a lungi, slipping out as most citizens slept. Upon discovering his exit, the interim Muhammad Yunus government suspended and transferred officials and appointed a probe led by Education Adviser CR Abrar. Hamid served from 2013 to 2023 and faces co-accusations in a January 14 murder case linked to the 2024 anti-Sheikh Hasina protests, alongside Sheikh Hasina and Awami League figures. His family cites medical treatment, while opponents allege he fled to evade trial. SAD demanded sanctions. Last week, the interim government banned the Awami League and its student wing, cancelling its election registration. ( PC: Wego Travel Blog & The Statesman)

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent executive order aims to slash American prescription drug prices by 30–80% through a "most favored nation" pricing strategy, aligning U.S. costs with those in other developed nations. While this move seeks to alleviate domestic healthcare expenses, it has raised significant concerns in India. The Global Trade Research Initiative warns that pharmaceutical companies might offset U.S. revenue losses by increasing drug prices in lower-cost markets like India, potentially impacting drug affordability and access. Indian pharmaceutical stocks have already felt the tremors, with notable declines observed in companies heavily reliant on U.S. exports, such as Sun Pharma and Biocon. As the U.S. constitutes a substantial portion of India's pharmaceutical export market, the ripple effects of this policy could be profound, underscoring the interconnectedness of global drug pricing and the delicate balance between affordability and profitability. (PC: Aeon & The Indian Express)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Class 10 and 12 board exam results for 2025. Students can access their results through official websites: cbseresults.nic.in, cbse.gov.in, results.cbse.nic.in, as well as via the DigiLocker and UMANG platforms. For Class 10, 22.2 lakh students qualified, while 14.9 lakh students passed in Class 12. The pass percentages stand at 93.66% for Class 10 and 88.39% for Class 12. Girls outperformed boys in Class 12 by 5.94%, with over 91% passing. Vijayawada emerged as the top-performing region, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas achieved a 99.29% pass rate. CBSE has also introduced 'daily positive affirmations' in morning assemblies from the 2025–26 academic session to enhance student well-being.

On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab, engaging with Indian Air Force personnel. This visit occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, underscoring the government's support for the armed forces during a time of easing border tensions. During his interaction, PM Modi was briefed on the operations and duties of the Air Force staff. He expressed deep gratitude towards the armed forces, stating that the nation is "eternally grateful" for their dedication and service. A video of the visit was shared, highlighting the significance of the event and the continued support for India's defense forces.