National News

BSF Jawan Purnam Shaw returned to India after 22 days in Pakistan custody, bringing immense relief to his family in Kolkata. His wife, Rajni, confirmed his identity through a phone call and shared the news with their son. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee assured Rajni of Purnam's well-being and expressed her desire to meet him upon his return.

The suspect, Nauman Ilahi (24), is from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, who had been working as a private security guard in the district, the police said on Wednesday (May 14, 2025).

This is the first Jammu and Kashmir visit of the Union Defence Minister following the Pahalgam terror attack and cessation of hostilities agreement between India and Pakistan

Superintendent of Police V.N. Manikanta Chandolu, along with senior police officials, reviewed the security arrangements

Dhanunjaya Reddy and Krishna Mohan Reddy appear before the investigating officers; Bharati Cements director Balaji Govindappa remanded in judicial custody, sent to Vijayawada jail

Target for livestock sector for 2025–26 is set at ₹1.95 lakh crore; it is also targeted to double the horticulture area to 36 lakh hectares from existing 18 lakh hectares

Bengaluru police apprehended Mohammed Mastan for stealing valuables from a dancer's car. The incident occurred on Queens Road when the dancer parked her car and went to Cubbon Park. Mastan noticed the unsecured boot and seized the opportunity. The stolen items, including a Rolex watch and diamond rings, have been recovered.

The Odisha cabinet, under CM Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved 11.25% reservation for SEBC in higher education, excluding medical and engineering colleges. This policy, effective this academic year, applies to various courses in government and aided institutions. CM Majhi criticized previous governments for neglecting social justice for backward classes, while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the move as historic.

At 91, Dr. NS Dhanam continues his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, recently earning a D.Litt. from Vietnam National University after a PhD at 81. A former corporate leader, he turned to academics post-retirement. Passionate about philosophy and scriptures, he stays physically and mentally active in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of learning and fitness throughout life

Military strategist John Spencer says India won Operation Sindoor. He says India destroyed terrorist infrastructure. India demonstrated military superiority. The operation unveiled a new national security doctrine. Spencer notes India's response was overwhelming yet controlled. He adds India handled the crisis without international mediation. India enforced its doctrine on sovereign terms. The operation redefined strategic equation.

In a tragic incident in Haryana's Rohtak district, a retired Army man and his two sons died inside a clogged sewer manhole while attempting to clear a blocked drain at their residence in Majra village. Lakshman initially slipped into the manhole, followed by Mahabir and Deepak in a rescue attempt, but all three succumbed, likely due to toxic gases.

Security forces concluded a 21-day anti-Maoist operation in Karreguttalu Hills. Thirty-one Maoist bodies were recovered. The operation scattered the Maoist command. Amit Shah called it the biggest assault on Maoists. Forces faced difficult terrain. They cleared caves housing arms manufacturing units. The operation busted a major Maoist stronghold. Disjointed Maoist formations are taking shelter in different places.

Following outrage over tribal welfare minister Vijay Shah's remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi, Madhya Pradesh BJP initiated damage control. A delegation visited Col Qureshi's family, and BJP national president JP Nadda sought a report. Shah, after being summoned by party leaders, expressed regret, claiming his words were twisted and offered multiple apologies if he hurt anyone's sentiments.

Following Türkiye and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Indian tourism to these nations has plummeted. Travel agencies report widespread cancellations and a halt in new bookings due to public anger over perceived hostile actions. The shift reflects a growing sentiment that tourism revenue should not support countries seen as opposing India, leading travelers to explore alternative destinations.

“The concept of a concert economy is an innovative idea. We have the infrastructure here… Here, we can host international-level cultural events,” the Chief Minister announced

Veteran Bollywood director Tinu Anand faces backlash from animal lovers after threatening to harm stray dogs in his Mumbai neighborhood. Anand's WhatsApp message, expressing fear and anger towards barking dogs, included a threat to beat them with a hockey stick.

Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba temples in Kolhapur enforce modest attire guidelines for devotees

Pakistan has appealed to India to reconsider its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, citing the dependence of millions on the regulated water. India, however, remains firm on its decision, taken in response to terrorist activities, asserting that changed circumstances and Pakistan's actions warrant a reevaluation of the treaty.

Rahul Gandhi is set to hold a press conference addressing concerns following the India-Pakistan conflict pause. The Congress Working Committee, chaired by Gandhi, criticized the government's silence, deeming it "inexplicable and unacceptable," especially after US President Trump's announcement and alleged trade pressure. The party also demanded accountability for the "intelligence failure" in Pahalgam.

Donald Trump's renewed interest in mediating between India and Pakistan coincides with a recent deal between Pakistan's Crypto Council and World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency venture with Trump family ties. This partnership, involving figures like Zachary Witkoff, raises questions about potential connections between the crypto deal and Trump's shift in stance on the Indo-Pak conflict.