Spain, Norway, and Ireland have formally recognized a Palestinian state, aiming to support peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. This coordinated move by the three Western European nations has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which is currently engaged in conflict in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the recognition, accusing Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez of complicity in anti-Israel sentiments. The recognition is seen as increasing international pressure on Israel to mitigate its military actions. The countries advocate for pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine, while acknowledging possible future border changes.

Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc in Assam, leaving one dead and several injured. A 17-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell on his auto-rickshaw in Morigaon district. In Sonitpur, a tree fell on a school bus, injuring 12 children. Heavy rains and strong winds uprooted trees, disrupted power supply, and caused water-logging across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged citizens to stay indoors and announced school closures in affected districts. The India Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rainfall due to the cyclone.

Delhi's Karkardooma court denied bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid in a UAPA case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. Khalid, imprisoned since September 2020, sought bail citing delays and parity with other accused. Special judge Sameer Bajpai reserved the order on May 13. The Delhi police opposed the plea, labeling it "frivolous and baseless." Khalid's counsel argued no terror charges were substantiated and claimed a biased media trial. The prosecution alleged Khalid amplified a conspiracy narrative through social media. Khalid withdrew a prior plea from the Supreme Court in February.

Guntipalli Sowmya, a 25-year-old student from Telangana's Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, was killed by a speeding car while crossing a road in Florida on May 26. Recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University, Sowmya was returning from grocery shopping when the accident occurred. Her devastated parents, Koteshwara Rao and Balamani, are seeking government assistance to bring her body back to India. Rao, a former CRPF jawan now running a kirana shop, had struggled to fund her education. Sowmya had recently celebrated her 25th birthday and was actively looking for a job.              

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a decline in the ongoing heatwave from May 30, with above-normal monsoon rainfall expected across the country. IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced that the South West Monsoon rainfall is likely to be 106% of the long-period average, driven by favorable La Nina conditions anticipated between August and September. Severe heatwave warnings remain for northwest India over the next three days. The recent heatwave, attributed to a lack of rainfall and strong dry winds, will ease with approaching western disturbances and neutralizing El Nino conditions.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) names Gaurav Banerjee, formerly with Disney Star, as its new CEO, replacing NP Singh. Banerjee, known for his role in content strategy and regional channel expansion, brings extensive experience from Disney Star, where he oversaw Hindi entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar. Starting his career as a journalist, Banerjee's notable contributions include launching Star Ananda and revitalizing Star Plus with hit shows. With a master’s degree in filmmaking and TV production, Banerjee is poised to lead SPNI into its next chapter of growth and innovation.              

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an ANI interview, stated that Article 370 was primarily the agenda of "four-five families" and not the people of Kashmir or India. He expressed satisfaction over the high voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir's recent Lok Sabha polls and noted increased unity and belongingness in the region since the Article's abrogation in August 2019. Modi highlighted the warm reception of G20 delegates by Kashmiris and linked the removal of Article 370 to positive outcomes in elections and tourism. The Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies recorded high voter participation.

A study reveals escalating heat stress in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with diminishing nighttime cooling exacerbating discomfort. The analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) indicates a surge in humidity levels, contributing to acute thermal discomfort and increased health risks. Urban expansion and high population density further hinder nighttime temperature relief, exacerbating heatwave impacts. With temperatures soaring, experts advocate reversing land use to enhance green cover, strengthening scientific monitoring, and developing city-specific heat management plans to mitigate the growing threat of heatwaves.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue battle with Hamas after an airstrike in Rafah killed at least 45 Palestinians. International outrage mounts as UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemns the attack, urging an end to the violence. Despite calls for restraint and an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Netanyahu remains firm in his stance. The US acknowledges Israel's right to self-defense but stresses the importance of safeguarding civilians. The strike, targeting a camp for displaced people, draws sharp criticism for its impact on innocent lives. Amidst escalating tensions, concerns grow over the escalating conflict's humanitarian toll.              

The Supreme Court's vacation bench refuses an urgent hearing of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail. Kejriwal, arrested in a money laundering case, is scheduled to surrender on June 2. The bench suggests the Chief Justice of India decide on the plea's listing, noting that judgment on the main matter is reserved. Kejriwal seeks an extension for medical tests due to weight loss and high ketone levels. The interim bail, granted for election campaigning, restricts his office visits without the Lieutenant Governor's approval.