On June 1, 2025, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan confirmed that India lost some fighter jets during the initial strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. While refuting Pakistan's claim of downing six Indian aircraft, including Rafales, he emphasized that India swiftly adapted its tactics, leading to significant damage on Pakistani airbases before a ceasefire was established three days later. General Chauhan highlighted that the conflict never approached a nuclear threshold, with both nations exhibiting rational restraint. (PC: Times of India)  

India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, acknowledged that India suffered initial air losses during Operation Sindoor, a four-day conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. He emphasized that tactical errors were promptly rectified, leading to successful precision strikes on Pakistani air bases. General Chauhan dismissed Pakistan's claims of downing six Indian jets as "absolutely incorrect" and highlighted that the focus should be on the strategic outcomes rather than numerical losses. He also noted that approximately 15% of operational time was spent countering misinformation during the conflict. The operation underscored the evolving nature of modern warfare, with India leveraging indigenous capabilities and maintaining strategic autonomy. (PC: PTI)    

On May 31, 2025, the Maharashtra government unveiled the Dharavi Redevelopment Master Plan aimed at transforming Asia’s largest slum into a modern urban township. Spanning 251 hectares, the plan includes integrated multi-modal transport hubs connecting Metro Lines 3, 8, and 11, suburban rail, and buses. It promises over 80% resident access to transit and green spaces within five minutes. The blueprint features wider interconnected roads every 125 meters, new social infrastructure including a hospital, schools, community spaces, and a heritage museum. Led by Navbharat Mega Developers (Adani Group + state), the plan balances development with community identity. (PC: Bhaskar English)    

In an exclusive interview, former BrahMos Aerospace CEO Atul Rane detailed the evolution of the BrahMos missile, a joint Indo-Russian venture, highlighting its role in India's defense strategy. Rane emphasized the missile's precision and versatility, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms. He discussed its deployment in Operation Sindoor, marking its combat debut and demonstrating India's advanced military capabilities. Rane also shed light on future developments, including the BrahMos-NG and hypersonic variants, aiming to enhance speed, range, and stealth. This progression underscores India's commitment to strengthening its defense technology and strategic deterrence. (PC: NDTV)  

In response to the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, the Union Home Secretary is expected to visit the state next week to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The northeastern state has been grappling with ethnic clashes since May 2023, leading to over 200 deaths and displacing thousands . The Centre has faced criticism for its delayed response, with opposition leaders urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected areas . The anticipated visit aims to bridge communication gaps between the central government and local communities, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current measures in restoring peace and normalcy in the region. (PC: ANI)

On Saturday, six Indian states and Union Territories — Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh — will conduct coordinated civil defence mock drills under “Operation Shield.” Initiated by the Union Home Ministry following the Pahalgam terror attack, the drills aim to strengthen preparedness against wartime threats. Scenarios include air raids, drone attacks, and mass casualty events. A 15-minute blackout is scheduled in Haryana at 8 pm, excluding emergency services. Civil defence volunteers, NCC units, and hotlines between Air Force and civil authorities will be activated. The exercise follows an earlier nationwide drill held on May 7. (PC: PTI)

IndiGo will terminate its lease agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, following pressure over Turkey’s recent pro-Pakistan stance. The DGCA confirmed the final three-month extension was granted on the condition that no further extension would be requested. IndiGo operates two Boeing 777-300ERs leased from Turkish Airlines for Delhi and Mumbai-Istanbul routes. The move follows India’s diplomatic backlash against Turkey’s condemnation of Indian air strikes on terror camps. Security agencies have also acted, with BCAS revoking Turkish firm Celebi’s clearance. Despite defending the partnership's benefits, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed the airline’s full compliance with government regulations. (PC: India Today)

Humayun Kabir, a 35-year-old unemployed and recently divorced civil engineer from West Bengal, was arrested after a violent rampage that began with the murder of his parents in Memari. Authorities revealed that Kabir had been radicalised, consuming jihadi content online. He later travelled to Bongaon near the Bangladesh border, where he attacked four people at a madrasa-run orphanage. During interrogation, Kabir claimed he sought “Jannat” (heaven) and planned to cross into Bangladesh. Police are probing possible extremist links and his online activities that may have influenced his actions. (PC: Times of India)

Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has sparked a linguistic controversy during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life. He stated that "Kannada was born out of Tamil," leading to backlash in Karnataka, including protests and calls to ban the film. Haasan responded by asserting, "If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If I'm not, I won't," emphasizing his respect for all languages and cultures. He clarified that his statement was rooted in linguistic studies and affection, not intended to offend. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has demanded a public apology within two days, threatening to ban the film otherwise. Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is scheduled for release on June 5. (PC: News 18)    

India's economy expanded by 6.5% in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a slowdown from the 9.2% growth recorded in the previous year. However, the January-March quarter (Q4) witnessed a stronger-than-expected 7.4% growth, driven by increased rural consumption and government spending . Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the need for aligning corporate profits with capital investment and employment to sustain growth . While the Reserve Bank of India projects a 6.5% growth for the next fiscal year, some analysts, like Barclays, caution that achieving this target may be challenging due to mixed economic indicators. (PC: ANI)