Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, ending a remarkable 14-year journey in the format. The 36-year-old Indian batting maestro announced his decision via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the game that shaped his career. Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, and holds the record for most double centuries by an Indian captain. He also led India in 68 Tests, winning 40. Kohli’s best year came in 2018, when he scored 1322 runs. Widely regarded as one of India's finest, Kohli signs off with a legacy of excellence and fierce competitiveness in whites. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting at his residence on Monday, following the major success of Operation Sindoor. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and chiefs of all three armed forces attended. The Armed Forces reported the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar and Abdul Malik Rauf, and the destruction of 11 Pakistani air bases. The DGMO confirmed 35–40 Pakistani Army personnel were killed. As ceasefire violations continued, India urged Pakistan to act responsibly. A DGMO-level meeting is scheduled for Monday noon to address escalating tensions. (PC: Hindustan Times)

India has reopened 32 airports, including Chandigarh and Srinagar, following a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, signaling a de-escalation of recent border tensions. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced the immediate resumption of civil aviation operations, lifting prior closures that were in effect until May 15. These closures were initially implemented on the Indian Air Force's (IAF) directive amid escalating hostilities. The reopening is expected to alleviate air traffic congestion and benefit both domestic and international carriers. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses directly with airlines and monitor official websites for updates. This development follows the cancellation of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) after the ceasefire agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad. (PC: ET Infra)

The United States and China have agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs, marking a significant de-escalation in their ongoing trade war. Following negotiations in Geneva, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 90-day halt on tariff measures, with reciprocal tariffs reduced by 115%. China plans to fix tariffs on U.S. goods at 10%, suspend an additional 24% tariffs for the next 90 days, and eliminate an extra 91% tariffs. This agreement comes as trade tensions had begun benefiting India, with U.S. buyers turning to Indian suppliers due to the previously imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods. China's exports to the U.S. fell over 20% in April, while overall exports rose 8.1% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in ASEAN and other markets. (PC: AP)

China is hosting the China-CELAC Forum this week, marking a decade since its inception, to strengthen ties with Latin American and Caribbean nations amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Presidents from Brazil, Colombia, and Chile are attending. President Xi Jinping will address the summit, highlighting China's growing economic footprint in the region, with trade reaching $427 billion from January to September 2024. China aims to rally global opposition to U.S. tariffs and has advanced trade talks with the EU and expanded engagement with Southeast and Central Asia. Infrastructure collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative remains a key focus, with Colombia potentially joining. Geopolitical tensions persist, particularly around the Panama Canal. (PC: Reuters)

Congress MP and former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor strongly dismissed US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire, stating, “Let me be blunt about it… that’s not mediation.” Speaking to NDTV, Tharoor criticized Trump's assertion as a “very unfortunate way of proceeding” in diplomacy. He clarified that India's discussions with the US and other nations were routine diplomatic engagements, not requests for mediation. “India would never accept foreign mediation in a conflict we are perfectly capable of handling ourselves,” Tharoor added. India maintains that Kashmir is an internal issue and has reiterated that only Pakistan-occupied territory is negotiable. (PC: PTI)

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, concluding a remarkable 14-year career that began in 2011. Known for his passion, consistency, and aggressive leadership, the 36-year-old amassed over 8,000 runs in 113 Tests, including 29 centuries. Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, leading the team to historic wins overseas and helping shape a new era of competitiveness. Sharing an emotional message on social media, Kohli thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. His departure marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, leaving behind an enduring legacy. (PC: BCCI)

Following US President Donald Trump's controversial offer to mediate on Kashmir, the US State Department urged India and Pakistan to pursue "direct dialogue" and uphold the ceasefire agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized peaceful engagement in a conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Trump had earlier credited himself for brokering the ceasefire after deadly hostilities triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. India firmly rejected any external mediation, reiterating that the only discussion point is Pakistan vacating illegally occupied territory. India’s Operation Sindoor retaliated strongly, striking key Pakistani military sites and eliminating over 100 terrorists in response to cross-border attacks. (PC: AFP)

Virat Kohli, India's cricket icon, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career. In an emotional Instagram post, Kohli expressed that while the decision was difficult, it felt appropriate at this stage of his career. He reflected on his journey, stating that he gave his all to Test cricket and received much more in return than he had ever hoped for. Kohli's retirement follows closely after Indian team captain Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the longest format of the game, signaling a significant transition period for Indian cricket. Kohli's departure leaves a substantial void in the team's leadership and batting lineup. (PC: The Tribune)

Life has begun returning to normal in Rajasthan’s Barmer and Jaisalmer districts following the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire. Border villages, which had faced intense shelling and missile threats, are now witnessing reopened markets and resumed daily activities. Residents expressed relief and optimism, with shops operating normally and no disruption to livelihoods. A local in Jaisalmer confirmed, “There are no issues; everything is running smoothly.” The situation had escalated when a missile from Pakistan landed in a Jaisalmer field, but it was safely defused. With peace restored, locals are hopeful for lasting calm along the border. (PC: NDTV)