The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) facilitated the safe return of 23 Indian nationals involved in the production and broadcast of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. The move follows heightened diplomatic tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 tourists were killed. Responding to a government directive asking Indian citizens to leave Pakistan by April 30, the PCB ensured their exit via the Wagah border. The Indian technicians were employed by a company handling PSL broadcasts. To maintain production quality, the company has now replaced them with local and other foreign professionals. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, from the morning of 8 May until 11 May, citing "humanitarian considerations." The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations marking the end of World War Two. The Kremlin urged Ukraine to follow suit, warning of a strong response to any violations. Ukraine has yet to issue a response. A similar ceasefire over Easter saw accusations of multiple violations by both sides. The announcement comes as US-mediated peace talks face a critical moment, with Washington warning it may withdraw support if progress is not made soon.

India and France have formalized a Rs 63,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement, signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India as the Republic Day chief guest, includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, strengthening India’s naval aviation. The Rafale-M jets, designed for carrier operations, will be deployed on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers. The deal also covers associated weapons, simulators, spares, and maintenance support. This move follows the Indian Navy's selection of Rafale-M over the F/A-18 Super Hornet after extensive trials. The procurement is seen as a major step in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities amid regional security challenges. (PC: The Print & Euractiv)

A Delhi court on Monday granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 12 more days of custody for 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Produced amid tight security before Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh after completing his previous 18-day remand, Rana will now be interrogated further to piece together the 17-year-old conspiracy. The court directed that Rana undergo a medical examination every 24 hours and allowed meetings with his lawyer every alternate day. The NIA plans to take Rana to various locations crucial to the investigation. Rana’s representation is being handled by Delhi Legal Services Authority advocate Piyush Sachdeva.

Kiwiana Immigration reports a surge of mid-aged Indians (35–50 years) migrating to New Zealand, prioritizing family-centric opportunities over salary gains, says CEO Pawandeep Singh. Driven by the desire for their children’s brighter futures, migrants are attracted to New Zealand’s peaceful environment, predictable lifestyle, and robust, free primary and secondary education system. Singh highlighted that Indians now form the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, with a 22% growth over the past decade, totaling 2.92 lakh people. In 2024, India became the leading source country for migrants to New Zealand, with 27,100 individuals relocating, primarily pursuing prospects in IT and healthcare sectors. (PC: The New York Times & Full Suitcase)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, mourning the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, said, "I won't demand statehood over dead bodies." Addressing a special Assembly session, Abdullah deferred political demands out of respect for the victims, stressing that human lives must not become political bargaining chips. He read the names of the deceased, praised local heroes like Adil who saved tourists, and highlighted Kashmiris' spontaneous protests against terrorism. "Militancy will end when people support us," he said. Abdullah also thanked Indian states for protecting Kashmiri students facing backlash after the attack, underlining unity in a time of grief. (PC: India Today)

Liverpool secured their second Premier League title in 35 years after defeating Tottenham at Anfield, with four games still remaining. Although they are champions, the official Premier League trophy lift will take place on Sunday, May 25, after their final home game against Crystal Palace. Unlike 2020's closed-door celebrations due to Covid-19, fans will now witness the ceremony. A city parade is highly probable but not officially confirmed yet. If held, it may occur on Monday, May 26, coinciding with a bank holiday. Liverpool last paraded in 2022 after FA Cup and League Cup wins, with their 2019 Champions League celebration attracting around 750,000 fans. (PC: Liverpool FC)

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have removed at least 20 mosques and madrasas within 15 km of the India-Nepal border as part of an anti-encroachment drive targeting government land. The action spanned Bahraich, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, Balrampur, and Lakhimpur Kheri districts under Section 67 of the Revenue Code. In Shravasti, 17 unrecognized madrasas faced action, while demolitions also took place in Siddharthnagar and Lakhimpur Kheri. Bahraich officials reported clearing 89 encroachments. In Maharajganj, cases are pending or ongoing, and in Balrampur, eviction actions continue. Officials emphasized that, at some sites, no religious or educational structures were involved. (PC: Vecteezy)

Liverpool clinched their 20th English league title, equalling Manchester United's record, with a 5–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Despite an early goal from Dominic Solanke, Liverpool responded with goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie. Under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp, the Reds secured the title with four games remaining, leading Arsenal by 15 points. Slot became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League and only the fifth to do so in his debut season. It was party time at Anfield on Sunday as Liverpool sealed the Premier League title in style. Fans had turned up long before kickoff, lining the streets around the stadium in anticipation of a title celebration. And despite going behind to an early goal from Dominic Solanke, Liverpool didn't let them down  racing to a 3-1 lead by halftime to effectively ensure there would be no further delay to a title victory that has looked likely for much of the season. (PC: Liverpool FC)

The Indian government has formally objected to BBC's terminology in its coverage of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed. The Centre criticized BBC for using "militants" instead of "terrorists" and warned it would monitor future reports. Additionally, India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Dawn News and Geo News, accusing them of spreading provocative misinformation targeting India, its army, and security forces following the attack. The bans were recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Furthermore, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut the Attari land border, and expelled Pakistani military attachés in response to the attack. (PC: The Indian Express & Daily Excelsior)