A SriLankan Airlines flight at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport was searched following intelligence suggesting a suspect from the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack might be on board. The aircraft, bound for Kuala Lumpur, was delayed as Sri Lankan authorities conducted a thorough inspection. The search was prompted by Indian intelligence inputs indicating that one of the attackers, linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba-backed group The Resistance Front, could be attempting to flee via Sri Lanka. The Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in 26 deaths and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The suspect was not found on the flight, and it departed after clearance. (PC: Hindustan Times & The Financial Express)

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty processes, halting visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelling diplomats. In retaliation, Pakistan has increased ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and conducted intensified naval drills in the Arabian Sea. Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled terrorism as the "biggest threat" to humanity and vowed "firm and decisive" action against perpetrators and their backers. Global entities, including the United States and the European Union, have urged both nations to de-escalate the situation while condemning the Pahalgam attack. (PC: Mid Day & PTI)

Following the devastating April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a crucial conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The dialogue centered on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Jaishankar emphasized India's position on the attack and the necessity for international support against cross-border terrorism. Lavrov acknowledged the gravity of the situation and advocated for restraint and dialogue. The discussion underscored Russia's role in promoting regional stability amidst rising hostilities. This diplomatic engagement reflects the broader international concern over the potential for further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: Reuters)

On May 3, 2025, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Syria, including Damascus, killing two civilians and injuring at least eight others. Israel stated the strikes were aimed at protecting Syria's Druze minority amid escalating unrest, a claim rejected by Druze leaders. In response to recent violence and Israeli involvement, the Syrian government reached a deal with Druze representatives to boost security and collect heavy weapons from local fighters. UN envoy Geir Pedersen denounced the Israeli attacks as violations of Syrian sovereignty. Druze leaders emphasized their autonomy and condemned Israel's actions as politically motivated interference. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has obtained crucial voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Rana, currently facing extradition from the U.S., is accused of aiding Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley in planning the attacks. These samples will be analyzed to strengthen evidence linking him to the plot. The move is part of India’s continuing efforts to secure justice for one of its deadliest terror attacks. (PTI)

Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic from the US, has helped scientists make a major breakthrough in antivenom research by repeatedly injecting himself with venom from deadly snakes like mambas, cobras, taipans, and kraits over nearly two decades. His blood developed powerful antibodies that have shown the ability to neutralize lethal doses from multiple snake species in animal trials. This advancement could lead to the first universal snakebite treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. Unlike current antivenoms, which must match specific venom types, Friede’s contribution offers broad protection and new hope for global snakebite victims. (PC: Getty Images)  

At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers highlighted their rapid rise to global dominance. Companies like BYD, XPeng, and Geely showcased cutting-edge technologies including ultra-fast charging and autonomous systems. Backed by strong government support and innovation, EV and hybrid sales now make up over 50% of new car purchases in China. Despite growing global scrutiny—especially after incidents like Xiaomi's SU7 crash—and increasing tariffs from the U.S. and EU, Chinese automakers continue expanding overseas. Foreign giants like Volkswagen and Toyota are now localizing strategies to compete in China's booming EV market. (PC: Reuters)

On May 3, 2025, SriLankan Airlines flight UL 122 from Chennai to Colombo was thoroughly searched at Bandaranaike International Airport after Indian authorities alerted their Sri Lankan counterparts about a possible suspect onboard. The individual is believed to be connected to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Following the alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre, Sri Lankan security agencies conducted an immediate inspection. No suspect was found, but the flight’s onward journey to Singapore was delayed due to the checks.  

Drone attacks in Sudan have sharply intensified, with recent strikes targeting displacement camps and schools, killing civilians and destroying vital shelters. Camps like Zamzam and Abu Shouk in North Darfur—home to nearly 700,000 displaced people—have been hit, with bombs destroying tents donated for vulnerable families. Children are among the dead, with many others wounded. The attacks, believed to be by government-aligned forces, have drawn condemnation for violating humanitarian protections. The escalating violence worsens Sudan’s already dire crisis, prompting calls for urgent international action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. (PC: Reuters)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning across several states from May 3 to May 6, 2025. Affected areas include East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and parts of Northeast India. North India, particularly Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, is also under alert for dust storms and hail. Southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to face heavy rain and thunderstorms. The IMD advises residents to take precautions against potential damage and disruptions. (PC: ANI)