Praggnanandhaa Draws to Maintain Joint Lead in Chess Classics; Gukesh Falters
Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa secured a draw against Poland's Duda Jan-Krzysztof in the Chess Classics tournament, maintaining his joint lead. Playing with black pieces in an English opening, Praggnanandhaa adeptly handled early tactical challenges. However, fellow Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh suffered another loss, marking a mixed day for India at the prestigious event. Praggnanandhaa's consistent performance continues to be a highlight for Indian chess.
Hollywood Royalty: Leonardo DiCaprio Presents Robert De Niro with Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes
At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, iconic actor Robert De Niro was honored with an Honorary Palme d'Or for his lifetime contributions to cinema. The prestigious award was presented by fellow Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio. The ceremony saw jury members and attendees give a standing ovation, celebrating De Niro's illustrious career and profound impact on the film industry over several decades, a truly fitting tribute to a cinematic legend.
Foreign Secretary to Brief Parliamentary Panel on Pakistan Developments on May 19
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to brief the Parliament's Standing Committee on External Affairs on May 19 regarding the current situation with Pakistan. The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will be updated on recent developments, including India's strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and the subsequent interactions. This briefing underscores parliamentary engagement on critical foreign policy and national security matters.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna Retires, Justice BR Gavai Assumes Mantle
Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, retired from his position, bidding farewell to colleagues at the Supreme Court. During his farewell, he formally passed on the leadership to Justice BR Gavai, who will be his successor as the head of the Indian judiciary. This transition marks a significant change in the country's highest court.
BJP Launches Nationwide 'Tiranga Yatra' to Honour Armed Forces After 'Operation Sindoor'
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commenced an 11-day nationwide 'Tiranga Yatra' on Tuesday. This significant outreach initiative is dedicated to honouring the bravery and sacrifices of India's armed forces. The yatra particularly aims to acknowledge their contributions in light of the recently concluded and successful 'Operation Sindoor', emphasizing national pride and military achievement.
Security Forces Engage Terrorists in Encounter in J&K's Shopian
An encounter erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Shukroo Keller area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, security personnel initiated a cordon and search operation. The operation escalated into a gunfight, with details on casualties or arrests awaited as the situation unfolds.
CBSE Class 12 Results: Girls Outperform Boys; Overall Pass Percentage at 88.39%
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the Class 12 board exam results for 2025. Girls continued their trend of outperforming boys, achieving a pass percentage of 91.64%. The overall pass percentage stood at 88.39%, a slight improvement from the previous year's 87.98%. Results for Class 10 were also declared.
PM Modi Declares Operation Sindoor India's New Anti-Terror Policy, Rules Out Talks Barring PoK & Terror
In his first address since Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India will not tolerate 'nuclear blackmail' from Pakistan. He stated the operation, launched after the Pahalgam attack, is now India's policy against terrorism and has only been kept in abeyance, contingent on Pakistan's future behaviour. Modi emphasized that future talks with Pakistan would solely focus on terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), ruling out discussions on other Jammu and Kashmir issues.
PM Modi: Future Talks with Pakistan Only on PoK and Terror; "Not an Era of Terror"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first address post-'Operation Sindoor', declared that future dialogue with Pakistan would solely focus on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's return and ending terrorism. He asserted "this is not an era of terror" and India will not tolerate "nuclear blackmail." Modi stated 'Operation Sindoor' avenged faith-based killings in Pahalgam, and while current operations are in abeyance, future actions depend on Pakistan's conduct.
India Denies Trump's Trade Leverage Claim in Ceasefire; Military Remains on Alert
Following intense hostilities and 'Operation Sindoor', India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. India refuted US President Trump's assertion that trade leverage secured the truce, clarifying discussions with the US centered on the operation, not trade. Indian military officials confirmed all bases are operational and prepared. Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations also communicated via hotline. Precautionary measures included flight cancellations and school closures in border areas.
India-Pakistan Tensions Ease as Ceasefire Holds; Airports Reopen, Border Life Normalizes
Following an understanding reached May 10, India and Pakistan have maintained a ceasefire, halting military actions. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) held hotline talks to discuss restoring calm. Consequently, 32 Indian airports shut during the hostilities have reopened for civilian flights, with airlines resuming operations. Life in border villages, where over two lakh residents were evacuated, is returning to normal, although authorities advise caution due to potential unexploded ordnance.
US and China Agree to Slash Tariffs in 90-Day Trade Truce
The United States and China have reached a breakthrough agreement in Geneva to temporarily slash reciprocal tariffs, aiming to ease global trade tensions. According to a joint statement, the move initiates a 90-day trade truce, providing a window for the world's two largest economies to negotiate and resolve their ongoing trade disputes. This development has been welcomed as a positive step towards de-escalating economic friction and reducing market fears globally.
ISRO Chief: 10 Satellites Working Round-the-Clock for National Security
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated that ten Indian satellites are continuously operational for strategic purposes, ensuring the safety and security of the nation's citizens. Speaking at a university convocation in Imphal, he highlighted India's growing stature as a "vibrant space power." These space assets play a crucial role in monitoring and providing vital data for public security, particularly amidst contemporary security challenges, reinforcing India's technological capabilities in safeguarding national interests.
Virat Kohli Announces Shock Retirement From Test Cricket
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a celebrated 14-year career in the longest format. Kohli, who scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, shared an emotional post confirming his decision. The announcement, made ahead of the upcoming WTC cycle and England series, drew widespread reactions and tributes from the global cricket community and fans.
Trump Claims US Trade Leverage Prevented India-Pakistan Nuclear Conflict
Former US President Donald Trump claimed his administration used trade leverage to de-escalate recent India-Pakistan tensions, averting a potential nuclear conflict. Trump stated he told both nations, "We’re going to do a lot of trade with you. Let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’re doing trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade." He commended the leadership of both countries for their wisdom in understanding the situation's gravity.