The Supreme Court, hearing petitions related to the Pegasus spyware controversy, stated on Tuesday that “you can’t compromise or sacrifice the nation’s security.” Justice Surya Kant emphasized, “To have spyware is not wrong… the question is against whom it is used.” The court reiterated that national security interests may justify such tools, though concerns over civilian privacy remain valid. The Solicitor General argued terrorists have no privacy rights, while civilians do. Petitioners are seeking redacted versions of the 2021 probe report that found no conclusive evidence of Pegasus use. The next hearing is scheduled for July 30. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting in New Delhi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The meeting, held at the PM’s residence, focused on assessing response options. India has launched diplomatic and strategic offensives, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and visas to Pakistani nationals. PM Modi vowed the "harshest response" to those responsible, asserting the nation's commitment to justice. A Cabinet Committee on Security meeting is scheduled next to finalize India’s next course of action. (PC: India Today)

Power has been restored in Spain and Portugal after a crippling blackout left millions without electricity for up to 20 hours. The outage, which began Monday afternoon, disrupted transport, communication, and daily life. Though the exact cause remains unclear, officials cited a massive power fluctuation that disconnected the Iberian grid from the European system. Speculations of cyberattacks and unusual atmospheric events circulated online. Prime Ministers of both nations assured investigations are underway. Train services, internet, and phone lines have resumed, and 99.95% of demand has been restored. Emergency meetings and further analyses are ongoing to prevent future occurrences. (PC: NDTV)

Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has lost his Carleton seat, ending a 20-year tenure, according to CBC projections. The defeat comes as the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, secures national victory. Poilievre’s loss is attributed to shifting voter sentiment amid President Trump’s renewed U.S. trade threats and a local campaign against Canada’s first-past-the-post system. The Longest Ballot Committee fielded over 90 candidates in Poilievre’s riding, complicating his re-election bid. While the Conservatives improved their overall vote share, Poilievre’s personal loss is a major blow. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat and announced his resignation. (PC: BBC)

A man was lynched during a cricket match in Karnataka’s Mangaluru on Sunday after allegedly shouting “Pakistan Zindabad.” The incident occurred around 3 PM during a local tournament with 10 teams. A scuffle escalated into mob violence, with the victim beaten severely. He later succumbed to internal injuries. Post-mortem confirmed death due to repeated blows, and 10 individuals have been arrested, with more likely. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said an investigation is ongoing. The FIR names 19 people, and police are reviewing CCTV and mobile data. Authorities have vowed strict legal action against those involved in the mob attack. (Hindustan Times)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire from 8–10 May as a "manipulation" timed for Russia’s VE Day celebrations. Zelenskyy argued that the pause is designed to deceive global audiences and provide silence for Putin’s parade, rather than pursue peace. He stressed Ukraine’s ongoing willingness for a real ceasefire, urging an immediate, unconditional 30-day truce instead. The Kremlin claimed the move was a gesture Ukraine should match. Zelenskyy responded, “We value human lives, not parades,” reaffirming Ukraine’s position that the war should stop permanently, not symbolically. (PC: Sky News)

Muzammil, a zipline operator in Pahalgam, was questioned by the NIA after a viral video showed him chanting "Allahu Akbar" amid a deadly terror attack on April 22. The incident, which claimed 26 lives, sparked online debate after tourist Rishi Bhatt alleged the chant preceded gunfire. NIA sources later clarified the chant was a natural reaction to sudden shock, comparing it to Hindus saying "Hey Ram." Muzammil's brother defended him, stating he fled in fear and had no prior knowledge of the attack. PDP’s spokesperson also emphasized that invoking Allah during crises is cultural, not militant behavior. (PC: India Today)

Mark Carney, former central banker, has been elected as Canada's Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney secured 85.9% of the Liberal Party vote, emphasizing a commitment to diversify trade relations, notably with India. He aims to rebuild strained ties with India, advocating for shared values in commercial relationships. Carney's experience with Brookfield Asset Management, which has significant investments in India, positions him favorably to enhance bilateral economic and strategic connections. His leadership marks a potential shift in Canada's foreign policy, focusing on strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations amidst global economic uncertainties. (PC: News18)

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar became the youngest centurion in T20 cricket, scoring 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His innings included 11 sixes and seven fours, with 94 runs in boundaries. Suryavanshi, who had previously hit a first-ball six on his IPL debut, described such feats as "normal." Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid praised his fearless approach and composure. Suryavanshi credited his parents for their sacrifices, noting his mother's early mornings and his father's career pause to support him. He emphasized his commitment to remain focused and continue working hard despite the newfound attention.

Mark Carney's Liberal Party is set to form a minority government in Canada, signaling a potential reset in strained India-Canada relations. Carney emphasizes diversifying trade ties, identifying India as a key opportunity. However, his administration plans to cap immigration, including international students and temporary workers, to under 5% of Canada's population by 2027, down from 7.3%. Permanent resident admissions will stabilize below 1% annually beyond 2027. These measures aim to address housing and infrastructure challenges. For Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of Canada's international student community, this could mean stricter visa regulations and limited opportunities, despite Carney's intent to strengthen bilateral trade and diplomatic ties. (PC: India Today & Rediff)