External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly refuted Congress claims that Pakistan was warned before India's ‘Operation Sindoor,’ calling it a “dishonest misrepresentation.” Speaking to the MEA Consultative Committee, he clarified that Pakistan’s DGMO was informed only after the strike. Jaishankar emphasized that the operation targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, killing over 100 terrorists. He asserted that no prior government had acted so decisively. The EAM also ruled out talks with Pakistan except on PoK and terrorism, and confirmed no US interference. He further stressed India’s firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty and combating fake news from Pakistan. (PC: AFP)

The Kremlin has denied any involvement in recent arson attacks targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's current and former homes, as well as a car he once owned. The fires, which occurred earlier this month in north London, have led to charges against three men—two Ukrainians and one Romanian. While British media reported that security officials are probing possible Russian links, no terrorism or national security charges have been filed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as baseless and typical of London’s stance. UK police and the government have not publicly commented on the suspected Russian connection. (PC: India Today)

A viral video has sparked debate online after it appeared to show French First Lady Brigitte Macron lightly slapping President Emmanuel Macron’s face as they exited their plane in Hanoi. The brief interaction, caught on camera, shows Brigitte's hand nudging Macron’s face before he regains composure and waves to the crowd. As the couple descended the aircraft stairs, she declined to take his arm. The French President’s office dismissed the incident as playful teasing. Some officials blamed pro-Russian social media accounts for fueling controversy, calling it a “moment of connection” misinterpreted online.

At least 54 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, including a strike on Fahmi Al-Jargawi School in Gaza City, which was sheltering displaced families. Local officials reported children among the dead, with many severely burned. Israel said it targeted a Hamas command center, accusing militants of using civilians as shields. A separate strike in Jabalia killed 19 more. Among the dead are nine children of a Gaza doctor and two Red Cross workers. The UN warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, while calls for a ceasefire and international arms embargo against Israel intensified amid ongoing conflict. (PC: Reuters)

In the past 48 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed over a dozen Palestinian children, including 11-year-old influencer Yaqeen Hammad, known for her humanitarian work. The attacks also claimed the lives of nine of Dr. Alaa Amir al-Najjar’s ten children; the sole survivor, 11-year-old Adam, remains in critical condition. Additionally, four-year-old Mohammed Yassine died from starvation amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 70,000 children facing acute malnutrition due to Israel's blockade. Children constitute 31% of the confirmed Palestinian deaths in Israel’s 19-month war on Gaza, a figure likely underreported. The UN highlights Israel's disproportionate violence against children, exacerbated by repeated air raids on residential areas. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying nearly 400 drones and missiles overnight, resulting in at least 13 civilian deaths, including three children, and injuring over 60 people. The attack targeted multiple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zhytomyr, causing widespread destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the international community's muted response, particularly from the U.S., urging for stronger sanctions against Russia. Despite the assault, Ukraine and Russia conducted a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 1,000 captives, signaling a rare moment of cooperation. However, the continued aggression undermines ceasefire efforts, with Ukrainian officials warning that without increased international pressure, Russia will escalate its military actions. (PC: Reuters)

On May 25, 2025, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Sharif expressed gratitude for Erdogan's "resolute support" during recent India-Pakistan tensions. The leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy, trade, transportation, defense, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts. Sharif referred to Erdogan as a "dear brother," emphasizing the unbreakable bond between Pakistan and Turkey. The meeting underscored Turkey's backing of Pakistan amid regional conflicts, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors. (PC: India Today)

Amid escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, labeling them as "absolutely CRAZY." The assaults, among the most intense since the war's inception, coincided with a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, each releasing approximately 1,000 detainees. Trump expressed frustration over the continued violence, emphasizing that such actions could lead to Russia's downfall. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that the conflict would not have started under his administration and pledging to end the war if re-elected. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at imposing steep tariffs on Russian energy exports should peace initiatives fail, contingent on Trump's support. (PC: NBC & Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the U.S. for its “silence” after Russia launched its biggest aerial assault since the war began, killing at least 12 people, including three children. The overnight strikes targeted 22 locations with 367 drones and missiles. Zelensky warned that without stronger U.S. pressure, President Putin would feel encouraged to continue the war. Kyiv’s Air Force destroyed 266 UAVs and 45 cruise missiles. Despite recent U.S.-Russia ceasefire talks, Moscow has intensified attacks, with over 60 civilians injured and major infrastructure damaged. Zelensky urged global leaders to act, stating, “War doesn’t stop on weekends.” (PC: Reuters)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, speaking at a community event in New York, recalled the 2016 Pathankot air base attack and slammed Pakistan for squandering what he called its “last opportunity” to show sincerity against terrorism. Tharoor recounted how Indian authorities allowed Pakistani investigators to visit the Pathankot site, only for them to return and blame India for the attack. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected 2015 visit to Pakistan as a gesture of goodwill, which was quickly betrayed. Tharoor’s remarks come as part of a global diplomatic mission to expose Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism. (PC: HT)