In the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has vocally criticized Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. India responded with 'Operation Sindoor,' a four-day military campaign targeting militant bases in Pakistan and Kashmir, culminating in a tentative ceasefire on May 10. Akhtar, recalling the Kargil War, highlighted the respect Indian soldiers showed by burying fallen Pakistani troops with dignity. He condemned Pakistan's leadership for insensitivity and misplaced pride, urging moral clarity in addressing terrorism and cross-border violence. His remarks underscore the enduring scars from past conflicts and advocate for honest discourse between the nations. (PC: NDTV)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government is launching a 10-day diplomatic mission starting May 23, 2025, dispatching seven all-party MP delegations to key global capitals. Coordinated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the initiative aims to present a united front against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Prominent MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant ... will lead delegations to countries such as the US, UK, Japan, and Gulf nations. This outreach underscores India's commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and seeks to consolidate international support against Pakistan's alleged misinformation campaigns. (PC: India Today & YouTube)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching seven all-party delegations to key global capitals to present its stance against cross-border terrorism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead a nine-member delegation to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia, while NCP leader Supriya Sule will head the delegation to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Other leaders include Ravi Shankar Prasad (UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, Denmark), Baijayant Panda (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore), Shrikant Eknath Shinde (UAE, Liberia, DR Congo, Sierra Leone), and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Russia). (PC: The Times Of India & India Today)

In a significant admission, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Indian missiles struck the Nur Khan Airbase and other locations during "Operation Sindoor." Sharif disclosed that he was alerted at 2:30 AM by the army chief about the attacks. This marks a departure from Pakistan's usual stance of denying Indian military actions on its soil. The acknowledgment suggests a shift towards transparency in Pakistan's military communications. While details about Operation Sindoor remain limited, this revelation could have profound implications for regional security and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The incident underscores the escalating tensions and the need for cautious diplomacy in the region. (PC: The Tribune)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has accepted the Modi government's invitation to lead an all-party delegation abroad, emphasizing national interest over politics. The delegation aims to present India's united stance against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Tharoor stated, "It is a very great honour... a matter of duty for all of us." Seven delegations, comprising members from both the ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc, will visit key partner countries, including UN Security Council members, to convey India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Tharoor's participation underscores a bipartisan approach to national security, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing global challenges. (PC: Dawn & Hindustan Times)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger with significant social media following, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Authorities claim she visited Pakistan in 2023, establishing ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who was later expelled. Malhotra reportedly maintained contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She is accused of sharing sensitive information about Indian locations and promoting a favorable image of Pakistan on her social media. Charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, her case is now handled by the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar. (PC: Instagram)

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which saw India launch significant military strikes on Pakistan, Beijing's role has been scrutinized. While China maintains a strategic partnership with Pakistan, its response to the conflict has been notably subdued. Analysts suggest that China views Pakistan not as a liability but as a strategic asset, leveraging its instability to advance its own geopolitical objectives. This dynamic underscores China's broader strategy in South Asia, where it positions itself as a stabilizing force, often at the expense of India's regional influence. The situation highlights the complex interplay of alliances and rivalries in the region. (PC: Reuters)

The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) has chosen four Indian-origin student journalists for its 2025 VOICES fellowship, pairing them with top U.S. newsrooms. The cohort includes Mythili Sampathkumar, Amrutha Kosuru, Kabir Burman, and Riya Sharma, representing diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The program offers mentorship, skill-building, and concludes with presentations at the AAJA 2025 Convention in Seattle. This fellowship aims to promote diversity and amplify underrepresented voices in American journalism, empowering the next generation of media leaders from Indian-origin communities. (PC: New India Abroad)

  On May 17, 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that Britain and the United States are collaborating to secure a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This follows recent hostilities, including missile strikes after a deadly Kashmir attack. The ceasefire brokered on May 10 remains fragile. Lammy emphasized honoring treaties and confidence-building measures. He expressed concern over India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, seen as provocative by Pakistan. The UK reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts and stressed the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. (PC: Reuters)

On May 17, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that "nothing in Pakistan is beyond the reach of the Indian Army." This statement highlights India’s military readiness after recent escalations along the Line of Control. Following retaliatory strikes like Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack, Sinha emphasized India's resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and showcase strategic strength. (PC: ANI)