Indian Army officer Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to gender equality in peacekeeping missions. Serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Barak was recognized for her efforts in engaging with women and adolescent girls, promoting community outreach, and conducting gender-sensitization training for peacekeepers. She also served as Commander of the Female Engagement Team and is the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army. The honor highlights India's significant role in global peacekeeping and women's empowerment initiatives. 

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5, 2026. According to media reports, the wedding will be an intimate affair attended by close family members and friends. The couple has been together for more than two years, with Aamir publicly introducing Gauri to the media in 2025. This would mark Aamir’s third marriage after Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao. While official details remain limited, reports suggest preparations are underway for a low-key celebration, reflecting the actor’s preference for keeping personal milestones away from the public spotlight. (PC: X)

French-Iranian author, filmmaker, and activist Marjane Satrapi has died in Paris at the age of 56. Best known for her acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis, she chronicled life during and after Iran’s 1979 Revolution, earning global recognition for her powerful storytelling. Her family said she died “of sadness,” reportedly following the death of her husband, Swedish producer Mattias Ripa, in 2025. Satrapi’s work explored themes of identity, exile, freedom, and women’s rights. Tributes poured in worldwide, including from French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised her lasting cultural and humanitarian legacy.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has claimed that growing dissatisfaction within key institutions could lead to what he described as an “institutional revolt” against the government led by Narendra Modi. Gandhi alleged that pressure on constitutional and democratic institutions has created internal tensions and warned that governance challenges could intensify if concerns are not addressed. He argued that democratic institutions must remain independent and accountable. The remarks have sparked a political debate, with the ruling BJP rejecting the claims and accusing Gandhi of attempting to create uncertainty around the government's stability. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez on strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in oil and gas, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. India, which has recently increased crude oil imports from Venezuela, views the South American nation as a key partner in diversifying energy supplies amid global market uncertainties. Both sides emphasized deeper engagement in upstream and downstream energy projects and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and economic cooperation. (PC: X)

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has made explosive claims that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his syndicate attempted to gain influence over the Indian Premier League during its early years. Modi alleged that he was offered hundreds of millions of dollars to ignore corruption and help facilitate control of an IPL franchise. He said he refused the proposal, leading to threats, intimidation, and pressure from the alleged betting network linked to Dawood's “Satta Bazaar.” Modi further claimed these threats were a major reason behind his decision to step away from cricket administration and remain outside India. The allegations have reignited debate over betting, corruption, and security concerns surrounding cricket. (PC: India Today)

The devastating fire at Flourish Stay BnB in Delhi's Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, including 12 foreign nationals. Amid the tragedy, rescuers discovered heartbreaking scenes that highlighted the human cost of the disaster. One couple was found dead in a locked washroom, embracing each other while trying to escape the thick smoke. Another couple was discovered sitting on a bed, unable to survive the flames. A wheelchair-bound victim was also among those who lost their lives. Local residents played a heroic role, using mattresses, ropes, and ladders to rescue trapped guests. Authorities suspect a short circuit caused the blaze, and investigations are underway. (PC: X)

More than 1,600 people from nearly a dozen countries attended India Week London 2026, the UK's largest independently organised UK-India forum.   Held from May 26 to 30, the event featured nine sold-out programmes across London, bringing together leaders from business, public policy, media, film and culture.   One of the biggest attractions was a journalism summit organised by Talk Journalism. Leading Indian journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Smita Prakash, Suhasini Haider, Saurabh Dwivedi and Kamlesh Singh discussed the changing media landscape in India before packed audiences.   The flagship Ideas for India conference focused on India's place in a changing world, entrepreneurship and UK-India cooperation. New initiatives were also launched to strengthen business ties and support Indian exporters looking to expand in the UK market.   The week concluded with a black-tie awards dinner attended by more than 250 guests. Manish Tiwari, Founder and Chairman of Here&Now 365, was honoured with the Achievement in Business award for his contribution to entrepreneurship and media.   London Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Karim Fatehi said India Week is "the leading platform for UK-India trade and investment."   India Week curator Pratik Dattani said, "In a difficult geopolitical reality, the role of India on the global stage is changing." He added that India Week aims to "bring India to the world" through conversations on business, policy, journalism, literature and film.

Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms swept across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, bringing relief from intense heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its weather warning from yellow to red alert as dark clouds, gusty winds and heavy showers affected several parts of the region.   An orange alert has been issued for Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. Wind speeds of up to 60 kmph were recorded in some areas. The IMD has forecast more light rain, thunderstorms and lightning during the night and on Friday. The weather change comes as the southwest monsoon officially entered Kerala on Thursday, marking the start of India's rainy season. (PC: HT)

As the Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a major internal rebellion following its election defeat in West Bengal, some BJP leaders are reportedly wary of the party's complete collapse. Their concern is that a weakened or fractured TMC could create political space for a revival of the CPI(M)-led Left Front and a possible Left-Congress alliance.   The TMC is battling its biggest organisational crisis since its formation, with 60 MLAs rebelling against the party leadership. Political observers say sections of the BJP fear the Left could regain lost ground by attracting former TMC supporters, similar to how the BJP benefited from Left voter support in previous elections. The development has added a new dimension to Bengal's rapidly changing political landscape.  (PC: India Today)