Just three days after stunning the cricket world with a 35-ball hundred, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi faced the harsh side of the sport, dismissed for a two-ball duck in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians. Vaibhav, who lit up Jaipur on Monday with a 101-run blitz, fell early to Deepak Chahar, caught at mid-on. The teen prodigy, visibly disappointed, became the sixth player in IPL history to score a duck right after a hundred. Head coach Rahul Dravid stressed the importance of emotional balance, reminding all that even rising stars must learn from failure.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the US State Department issued a stern warning, stating, “There will be consequences” for those supporting terrorism. The message, backed by President Donald Trump, underscores America’s firm stance under his administration. “As the President of the US has made very clear, under the Trump administration there will be consequences for those who support terrorism,” the department said. The statement follows high-level talks between US officials Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth with Indian ministers. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues aggressive posturing, while its US envoy hinted at a nuclear threat. (PC: Reuters)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a key phone conversation with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Hegseth expressed condolences and affirmed US support for India's right to defend itself against terrorism. Singh accused Pakistan of acting as a rogue state by destabilizing the region and fuelling global terror. He emphasized that the world can no longer ignore terrorism. Hegseth reiterated America's strong backing of India in its counter-terror efforts. The call comes amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, with troop build-ups at the border and cross-border ceasefire violations intensifying in recent days. (PC: AP)

In a major power shift in Pakistan, ISI chief Lt Gen Mohammed Asim Malik has been appointed National Security Advisor, filling a post left vacant since 2022. The move signals a deeper consolidation of power by the military, sidelining Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been absent from public appearances. This development comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in India, which killed 26 civilians and has escalated India-Pakistan tensions. With the military and ISI now central to Pakistan’s strategic direction, analysts suggest this marks a de facto partial coup, shifting control of national policy to the security establishment. (PC: R Digital)

Growing dissent within Israel’s military is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as over 12,000 reservists, including elite commanders and ex-Mossad chief Danny Yatom, demand an end to the Gaza war. The reservists argue that continued fighting risks the lives of 59 hostages still held by Hamas and accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over national interest. With reserve attendance dropping to nearly 50%, the crisis echoes Israel’s 1982 Lebanon war. Demonstrators across Israel echo the call for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Netanyahu dismissed critics as fringe elements, despite polls showing rising public support for ending the conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 individuals—25 Hindu tourists and one local Muslim pony operator. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Indian authorities allege the attackers selected victims based on religion. Two militants were reportedly Pakistani nationals. India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and increasing troop alertness along the Line of Control. Pakistan denied involvement and retaliated diplomatically. The incident has sharply escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, raising fears of further conflict. (PC: The Hindu)

In his first remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed a relentless response under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, declaring that every act of terrorism would be avenged. Referring to the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians, Shah warned terrorists not to mistake cowardly strikes for victories, stating, “This is Modi’s India — and revenge will be taken, one by one.” Shah also highlighted strong international backing for India’s fight against terrorism. Visiting Srinagar immediately after the attack, Shah met grieving families and pledged that justice would be delivered and terrorism would be wiped out entirely. (PC: PTI)

In a pivotal IPL 2025 clash, Rajasthan Royals face Mumbai Indians with their playoff hopes on the line. RR's campaign has been inconsistent, but 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s heroics against Gujarat Titans have reignited hopes. Meanwhile, MI enter the match with formidable momentum, having won five consecutive games. With Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma back in form, MI are eyeing a record sixth straight win. As both teams clash, the stakes are high — a loss for RR could spell the end of their playoff aspirations, while MI look to consolidate their dominance and secure an early playoff spot. (PC: BCCI)

The United States and Ukraine have signed a landmark agreement to create a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, sharing future profits from Ukraine's critical minerals sector. The deal ensures Ukraine retains full ownership of its resources and infrastructure, with both countries having equal voting rights. Revenues will be based solely on new projects, avoiding additional debt for Ukraine. U.S. officials see this as a strategic and moral commitment to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and sovereignty. Ukrainian leaders praised the fairness of the arrangement, which aims to rebuild the economy while securing global access to rare earth elements crucial for clean technology. (PC: Getty Images)

In a rare diplomatic alignment, Taliban-led Afghanistan and Turkey strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. India engaged diplomatically, sending senior official M Anand Prakash to Kabul to deepen bilateral ties and discuss regional stability. Taliban’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences and emphasized peace efforts, while Turkey called it a “terrorist attack” without referencing J&K as disputed. This support bolsters India’s global narrative, while Pakistan faces strained ties with the Taliban and considers legal action over the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. India continues extending humanitarian aid and investment proposals in Afghanistan. (PC: ANI)