In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed, India has urged the IMF to review its $1.3 billion loan to Pakistan, expressing concerns over potential misuse of funds for defense or debt repayment. India attributes the attack to Pakistan-based militants, a claim Pakistan denies, calling for a neutral investigation. The incident has escalated tensions, leading to diplomatic downgrades, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and border closures. Both nations have engaged in cross-border skirmishes, raising fears of further escalation. The international community, including the U.S., has called for de-escalation and cooperation in addressing terrorism. The IMF's decision on the loan remains pending amid these heightened tensions. (PC: Mint & IMF)

Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the targeting of Kashmiris following the Pahalgam terror attack, warning that such actions deepen the divide between the people and the State. He highlighted that despite widespread condemnation of the attack, Kashmiris face collective punishment, including mass detentions and demolitions. Mirwaiz cited the deaths of Altaf Lali and Ghulam Rasool Magrey, allegedly in custody, and called for investigations. He also criticized the deportation of residents like Abdul Waheed Bhat, whose death during deportation underscored the human cost of such measures. Mirwaiz urged the government to seek genuine peace by engaging with the people rather than resorting to intimidation and repression. (PC: Siasat)

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile’s southern coast in the Drake Passage near Antarctica, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from the Magallanes region as a precaution. Chile's disaster agency SENAPRED confirmed no casualties or infrastructure damage. President Gabriel Boric assured full state support while Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde later announced the alert was being downgraded, though advised citizens to avoid coastal areas. Minor sea-level changes were recorded, with up to 90cm waves possible. The Hydrographic Service said waves would hit Antarctica first, with Chile’s extreme south affected later. Aftershocks continue to be monitored. (PC: AFP)

The Indian Army reported that Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) for the eighth consecutive night, targeting areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation follows the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian side responded proportionately, maintaining operational restraint. The ongoing border tension coincides with Pakistan closing the Wagah-Attari border, leaving hundreds of its nationals stranded in India. Despite past ceasefire commitments, India's military has issued a stern warning via DGMO-level communication, urging Pakistan to halt hostilities. (PC: ANI)

In a landmark military exercise, the Indian Air Force conducted a spectacular "land and go" drill on a 3.5-km stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, and transport aircraft like C-130J showcased day and night operational readiness. A highlight was the rare night landing between 9–10 pm, underscoring the IAF’s advanced combat capabilities. Thousands of spectators, including villagers and schoolchildren, watched the breathtaking manoeuvres. The dual-use expressway, India’s first 24/7 airstrip, is set to bolster national defence and disaster response, with full expressway completion expected by November 2025. 

Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 38 runs in their IPL 2025 clash, pushing SRH to the brink of elimination. Shubman Gill led from the front with a blazing 76, supported by Jos Buttler (64) and B Sai Sudharsan (48), helping GT post a formidable 224/6. SRH’s chase faltered despite Abhishek Sharma’s valiant 74 off 41 balls. Prasidh Krishna’s clinical spell of 2/19 sealed the win for GT. Rashid Khan’s stunning catch to dismiss Travis Head was a key moment. With this win, Gujarat Titans rise to second in the points table, tightening their grip on a playoff spot. (PC: X/IPL)

Prince Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation with the royal family, telling the BBC he has "forgiven" past disagreements and wants to move on, stating, "Life is precious." The Duke of Sussex also voiced disappointment over losing his legal challenge concerning personal security in the UK, saying it’s currently unsafe for his family to return. Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in California with their two children. Despite the legal setback, Harry remains committed to public service and his charitable causes, saying he will continue to support those close to his heart. (PC: AP)

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Drake Passage near Cape Horn, prompting tsunami warnings and mass evacuations in southern Chile and Argentina. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10km, with its epicenter 219km from Ushuaia, Argentina. Chile's Senapred evacuated over 1,700 people, including from Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales, and activated its highest disaster alert. Argentina moved 2,000 people from coastal areas in Tierra del Fuego. No injuries or damage have been reported. President Gabriel Boric urged calm and cooperation, as authorities continue to monitor the situation in this seismically active region. (PC: Reuters)

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) government has instructed residents near the Line of Control to stockpile food and essential supplies. POK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced emergency steps, including closure of religious seminaries, suspension of tourism in Neelum Valley, and activation of helpline 1122. A Rs 1 billion Emergency Fund has been set up, and civil defence forces have been placed on high alert. India is reportedly considering military action against terrorist launch pads in the region. With restricted airspace in Pakistan and global calls for restraint, tensions in the subcontinent are rapidly escalating. (PC: India Today)

Gujarat Titans posted a formidable 224/3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their crucial IPL 2025 encounter. Skipper Shubman Gill led the charge with a superb 76, supported by Jos Buttler’s 64 and Sai Sudharsan’s brisk 48. The innings featured a fiery over where SRH's Mohammed Shami was taken for five boundaries. However, Gill's controversial run-out, confirmed after a lengthy third-umpire review, sparked debate and left the batter visibly frustrated. SRH now face near-certain elimination unless they chase down the massive target. With playoffs on the line, this clash may prove pivotal in the tournament's closing stages. (PC: BCCI)