Foreign Investors Inject Rs 14,167 Cr into Indian Equities in May Despite Tensions
Despite the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) continued to show confidence in the Indian market, investing Rs 14,167 crore into equities in the first part of May. This positive inflow is attributed to favourable global cues and robust domestic economic fundamentals. The trend follows a net investment of Rs 4,223 crore in April, indicating sustained foreign investor interest in India's growth story.
India and EU to Commence Next Round of Free Trade Agreement Talks
India and the European Union are scheduled to begin the next round of negotiations for their proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, May 12th. This upcoming round will reportedly focus on achieving progress on 'early harvest' agreements and addressing core trade issues between the two major economic partners. The talks aim to deepen economic ties and streamline trade amidst evolving global tariff uncertainties and geopolitical shifts.
Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan Citing Gambling Concerns
The Taliban regime has banned chess across Afghanistan, citing concerns that the game leads to gambling, which is prohibited under their interpretation of Islamic law. The announcement came from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. This move reflects the strict social and religious codes being enforced by the Taliban government since returning to power in 2021, impacting various aspects of daily life and recreation in the country.
India and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After US Mediation
India and Pakistan agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire effective 5 pm Saturday, halting military actions on land, sea, and air following US-mediated talks announced by President Trump. Both nations confirmed the agreement, with military officials scheduled for further discussions on May 12. The move, welcomed internationally by the UN and J&K CM Omar Abdullah, follows days of escalating conflict including Indian strikes ("Operation Sindoor") and Pakistani counter-actions. Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting post-announcement as Pakistan reopened its airspace.
India Strikes Terror Hubs in Pakistan; Ceasefire Agreed, Then Violated
India conducted 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, striking nine terror targets in Pakistan, killing over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets, and causing 35-40 Pakistani Army casualties, according to India's DGMO. All Indian pilots returned safely. A ceasefire was agreed upon from May 10 evening following talks, possibly mediated by the US. However, India reported Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours by flying drones over Kashmir, prompting Indian counter-actions. Two Indian personnel (IAF, BSF) were martyred in earlier cross-border firing.
India Declares Future Terror Attacks Will Be Treated as 'Act of War'
Top government sources declared that any future act of terror originating from Pakistan will be considered an "act of war" against India, warranting a corresponding response. This marks a significant policy shift establishing clear red lines following recent escalations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's "firm and uncompromising stance" against terrorism will continue despite the ceasefire agreement. Sources also indicated the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance as part of India's firm resolve against terrorism.
Diplomatic Flurry Follows India-Pakistan Ceasefire; Future Terror Declared 'Act of War'
Following the ceasefire announcement, PM Modi chaired high-level meetings. US President Trump praised Indian and Pakistani leadership, offered mediation on Kashmir, and promised increased trade. Pakistan's PM Sharif advocated peaceful negotiations. India conveyed that future terror attacks would be treated as an 'act of war'. Army Chief Dwivedi authorized commanders to counter any ceasefire violations. J&K residents near the border were urged not to return home yet due to unexploded ordnance risks. The Pope welcomed the ceasefire.
Ceasefire Questioned as Explosions Rock Srinagar Hours After Agreement
Shortly after the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement Saturday evening, multiple explosions were heard across Srinagar, prompting J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to question its validity on social media, stating, "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up." Earlier Saturday morning, a missile-like object landed in Dal Lake following loud explosions, highlighting the volatile situation and fragility of the newly agreed cessation of hostilities even as official confirmations were being made.
'Operation Sindoor' Eliminated Five Top Pakistani Terrorists, Say Sources
Government sources revealed Saturday that India's 'Operation Sindoor' military strikes on May 7 successfully eliminated five high-value terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The operation targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Among those killed were key commanders, including two brothers-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, dealing a significant blow to these terror outfits operating against India according to the sources.
CBI Arrests Hyderabad Income Tax Commissioner, Four Others in Rs 70 Lakh Bribery Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Jeevan Lal Lavidiya, Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemption) in Hyderabad, and four others, including a Deputy General Manager of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, in connection with a Rs 70 lakh bribery case. Lavidiya, a 2004-batch IRS officer, allegedly demanded the bribe to settle a tax appeal favourably for the conglomerate. The arrests followed a trap operation where part of the alleged bribe amount was exchanged, officials said.
Monsoon Likely to Reach Kerala Early on May 27, Predicts IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, likely around May 27. The monsoon is vital for India's agriculture-dependent economy, impacting livelihoods for about 42.3% of the population and contributing 18.2% to the GDP. An early and normal monsoon would be beneficial for the Kharif sowing season and could help moderate food inflation, providing crucial relief amidst current national security concerns and economic pressures.
India Shines at Archery World Cup Stage 2, Secures Four Medals Including Two Golds
Indian archers delivered a strong performance at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, securing four medals. Madhura Dhamangaonkar clinched her first individual World Cup gold in the women's compound event with a thrilling 139-138 final victory over USA's Carson Krahe. Earlier, the compound men's team comprising Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Rishabh Yadav won gold by defeating Mexico 232-228. India also bagged a silver and a bronze medal, showcasing growing prowess.
Leaders Extend Warm Greetings on Mother's Day
Across India, leaders extended heartfelt greetings on Mother's Day. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, among others, took to social media to express gratitude. They highlighted the pivotal role of mothers as pillars of strength, love, and sacrifice within families and society. The messages celebrated maternal figures and acknowledged their immense contributions, resonating with people celebrating the special occasion nationwide.
UAE Women's Cricket Team Retires Entire Line-up for Zero in Bizarre T20 Qualifier
In a highly unusual tactical move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women's cricket team retired out all 10 of their batters for zero runs during their ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier match against Qatar. After posting a formidable 204/0, with openers Esha Oza and Khushi Sharma scoring unbeaten centuries, the UAE retired the entire batting order before Qatar began their chase. Qatar was subsequently bowled out for just 41, resulting in a massive 163-run victory for UAE.
IPL 2025 Suspended Indefinitely Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indefinitely suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision followed the mid-way abandonment of a match in Dharamshala due to air raid alerts. A BCCI official stated it "does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war." Franchises have begun ticket refund processes.