On May 25, 2025, the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3 capsized approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide, along with over 450 metric tons of fuel oil. The Kerala government promptly issued a statewide alert and declared the incident a state disaster. The Indian Coast Guard and other agencies are actively working to contain the oil and chemical spill and mitigate environmental damage. Authorities have warned the public against approaching floating debris and have advised fishermen to avoid the area. (PC: PTI)

On May 29, 2025, security forces arrested two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam, in Shopian's Baskuchan Imamsahib area. The joint operation by the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF's 178 Battalion led to the recovery of two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, two hand grenades, ammunition, ₹5,400 in cash, and an Aadhaar card. The terrorists surrendered during the operation, preventing a potential encounter. This action follows intensified anti-terror efforts in South Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. (PC: India Today)  

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading a multi-party delegation under Operation Sindoor, emphasized India's firm stance against terrorism, stating, "India will not turn the other cheek." He highlighted India's measured yet decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that India is a status quo power, unlike Pakistan. Tharoor's remarks, while aligning with national sentiment, sparked internal party debates, with some Congress members questioning his alignment with BJP narratives. Despite internal disagreements, the delegation's mission aims to present a united front internationally against terrorism. Tharoor clarified that the delegation operates independently of the government, focusing on conveying India's commitment to counter-terrorism and reinforcing its global stance against cross-border threats. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit beginning May 29, 2025, launched several major infrastructure projects across Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. In Sikkim, he inaugurated a 500-bed hospital and a passenger ropeway, and unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In West Bengal, he laid the foundation for a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution project. In Bihar, Modi inaugurated Patna airport’s new terminal and a thermal power project. He is also set to launch the Kanpur Metro expansion, reinforcing the government’s regional development agenda. (PC: AFP)    

The civil defence exercise "Operation Shield," initially scheduled for May 29, 2025, has been postponed in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh due to administrative reasons. Punjab has rescheduled its drill for June 3. These drills, part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to enhance emergency preparedness in states bordering Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Despite the postponements, Haryana proceeded with its statewide mock drill on May 29, simulating responses to aerial threats and implementing a 15-minute blackout near critical infrastructure. The exercises are designed to test and improve coordination between local and central agencies in real-time emergency scenarios. (PC: PTI)  

India is now the third-largest economy in the world by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), a position it has held since 2009, according to IMF data. While recent claims by NITI Aayog's CEO suggest India overtook Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, a deeper look reveals that India’s PPP-based GDP already ranks it behind only the US and China. However, India’s per capita income remains low, indicating that average prosperity still lags far behind developed nations. Experts urge shifting focus from GDP rankings to improving individual incomes and real standards of living. (PC: The Indian Express)

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s claim that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” has triggered protests in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised the remark, saying, “Kannada language has a very long history… he doesn’t know.” The comment was made during a film event in Chennai with actor Shivarajkumar present. Protesters in Belagavi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru burned posters and warned of blocking Haasan’s film Thug Life unless he apologises. BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra said, “This is an insult to 6.5 crore Kannadigas.” Kannada groups called the remark arrogant and disrespectful, urging artists to show respect to all languages, especially their own. (PC: The Week)

Actor Kamal Haasan is facing backlash after saying, “Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil,” at a Chennai event. Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was also present. The remark upset many in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of Kannada’s history.” BJP leader Vijayendra Yediyurappa called the comment “the height of arrogance” and said Haasan must apologise. Protesters are demanding a ban on his new film Thug Life. They say artists should respect all languages. Haasan leads the Makkal Needhi Maiam party, which has been active in elections since 2019. (PC: India Today)

On Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, India will conduct civil defence mock drills in the border districts of Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. These exercises aim to test the readiness of air raid warning systems, control rooms, and civil defence services, including firefighting, rescue operations, and evacuation protocols. The drills follow India's recent Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan, and are part of heightened security measures amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain alert and follow safety protocols during the drills. (PC: PTI)

On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld its stay on the arrest of Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who faces legal scrutiny for derogatory remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer known for her leadership during Operation Sindoor. The apex court also concluded the suo motu proceedings initiated by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which had previously ordered the registration of an FIR against Shah, describing his comments as "gutter language." Despite Shah's video apology labeling his remarks a "linguistic mistake," the Supreme Court dismissed it as insincere and established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Colonel Qureshi, renowned for her contributions to military communications and cyber warfare, continues to receive widespread support amid the controversy. (PC: ANI)