Mount Everest witnessed a historic climbing milestone as a record 274 climbers successfully reached the summit from the Nepal side in a single day. The achievement surpassed the previous Nepal-side record set in 2019 and came during a brief period of favorable weather after delays caused by dangerous ice conditions. Heavy crowding was reported in the “death zone,” raising renewed concerns about safety and overcrowding on the world’s tallest peak. Nepal has issued nearly 500 climbing permits this season despite criticism from mountaineering experts. Veteran Sherpas Kami Rita Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa also extended their own Everest summit records during the season. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump reacted strongly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly refused to send Iran’s enriched uranium abroad. Trump said the US would “destroy” the uranium stockpile and would not allow Iran to retain materials that could support nuclear weapons development. The remarks come amid fragile ceasefire and peace negotiations involving the US, Iran, and Israel after months of regional conflict. Iran insists the uranium is for civilian purposes and considers its removal a threat to national security. The dispute has further complicated ongoing diplomatic talks and increased tensions in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

East Bengal FC won the Indian Super League 2025-26 title after defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 in a tense final-day clash. Inter Kashi stunned the title contenders with an early goal from Alfred Planas, putting East Bengal under pressure. However, the Kolkata giants mounted a strong comeback in the second half, with Youssef Ezzejjari leading the turnaround. The victory secured East Bengal’s first-ever ISL crown after an intense five-team title race that went down to the final matchday. Arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant also remained in contention until the closing stages, adding more drama to one of the most thrilling finishes in ISL history. (PC: X)

Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid has approached the Delhi High Court seeking 15-day interim bail after a trial court rejected his plea as “unreasonable.” Khalid, an accused in the larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), requested temporary relief citing personal grounds. The lower court had denied the application, observing insufficient justification for interim bail. His petition before the High Court is expected to be heard soon. Khalid has remained in judicial custody since 2020, while legal proceedings in the high-profile riots conspiracy case continue in Delhi.

National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Pradeep Singh Kharola informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that NEET-UG 2026 did not witness a full-scale paper leak, though certain questions reportedly surfaced online before the examination. He said investigations found no evidence suggesting the entire question paper was compromised. The clarification came amid nationwide concerns over exam integrity and repeated allegations of irregularities in competitive tests. The NTA also highlighted strengthened security measures, including enhanced digital monitoring and stricter logistics protocols, to prevent future breaches. Opposition members and students’ groups, however, continued demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations across India. (PC: India Today)

Arjamand Gulzar alias Burhan Hamza, a top operational commander of the banned terror outfit Al-Badr, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gulzar, originally from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, was wanted in India for allegedly running terror recruitment, funding, and arms networks in South Kashmir. Indian authorities had declared him a terrorist in 2022 and linked him to multiple anti-India operations. Security officials said he played a major role in radicalising youth through digital propaganda. His killing is part of a continuing trend since 2023, where several wanted terror operatives have been targeted in Pakistan and PoK. (PC: NDTV)

The father of late influencer Twisha Sharma has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to Twisha’s mother-in-law in the ongoing dowry death case. The plea argues that the accused may influence witnesses and hamper the investigation if allowed to remain free. Twisha Sharma died under suspicious circumstances earlier this year, sparking public outrage and allegations of harassment by her husband’s family. Her family has consistently demanded stricter action and a deeper probe into the case. The High Court is expected to hear the matter soon as investigations into the alleged dowry-related death continue. (PC: Bar and Bench)

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government’s restrictions on cattle slaughter ahead of Eid-ul-Zoha, stating that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious requirement under Islam. The court reaffirmed that slaughter of cows and buffaloes in public places remains strictly prohibited under existing law. The ruling came while hearing petitions challenging the state’s recent notification enforcing stricter slaughter regulations, including mandatory fitness certificates from authorities. The government said the move aims to prevent illegal slaughter and cattle smuggling. The decision has triggered political debate and discussions around religious practices, legal compliance, and public order in West Bengal. (PC: HT)

The X account of the viral satirical group “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has been withheld in India, triggering widespread discussion on social media. Founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the restriction and quickly launched a new account titled “Cockroach is Back.” The group had gained massive popularity within days, especially among Gen Z users, through humorous political commentary and memes addressing unemployment, inflation, and governance issues. Reports say CJP amassed millions of Instagram followers, even surpassing the BJP’s Instagram presence briefly. The incident has intensified debates around online satire, censorship, and digital political expression in India. 

An opinion piece in Republic World described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming India visit as a crucial moment for reviving India-US ties under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The article argued that despite strong personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, both nations missed several diplomatic and trade opportunities due to slow bureaucratic engagement. The commentary stressed the need for stronger public diplomacy, faster decision-making, and deeper cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and Quad initiatives. Rubio’s May 23-26 India visit is expected to focus on strategic partnerships and economic collaboration. (PC: X)