Justice BR Gavai Sworn In as 52nd Chief Justice of India
Justice BR Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu. He will have a tenure of over six months, until November 23, 2025. Justice Gavai is notably the first Buddhist CJI and the second from the Dalit community to hold the nation's highest judicial office. His appointment marks a significant moment for the Indian judiciary, commencing his term with an oath administered in Hindi.
PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee on Security Amid National Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in New Delhi, focusing on top-level discussions regarding national security. This meeting, preceding a Union cabinet gathering, was the 11th high-level security review led by the PM since April 23. These regular assessments underscore the government's sustained focus on addressing comprehensive national response measures and ongoing critical security challenges facing India.
India Condemns China's 'Preposterous' Arunachal Renaming Attempts
India strongly criticized China's repeated efforts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, labeling them "preposterous." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly stated that the northeastern state is an integral and inalienable part of India. This sharp response followed Beijing's announcement of Chinese names for places in the region, which China claims as 'Zangnan' or southern Tibet, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
India Blocks China's State-Affiliated Global Times X Account
India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) account of Global Times, a Chinese state-affiliated media outlet known for its strong pro-Beijing rhetoric and frequent criticism of India. The publication has previously faced accusations of spreading disinformation. This action by New Delhi signifies a firm stance against certain Chinese media narratives, particularly amid ongoing bilateral tensions and concerns over information manipulation affecting national interests.
Pakistan Repatriates BSF Jawan to India
Pakistan handed over Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Shaw to Indian authorities. Shaw was apprehended by Pakistani Rangers on April 23 from along the India-Pakistan International Border in Ferozepur district. His capture occurred a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. The return of the jawan is a development in cross-border incidents, though circumstances of his apprehension and return remain key to understanding the dynamics.
Indian-Origin Anita Anand Appointed Canada's New Foreign Minister
Anita Anand, a Canadian politician of Indian heritage, has been appointed Canada's new Foreign Minister in a major cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Anand, the first Hindu to hold this post, took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Her appointment is significant as it comes during a period of strained India-Canada relations, with hopes that her tenure might help navigate and resolve complex diplomatic issues between the two countries.
Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar Takes Helm as UPSC Chairman
Ajay Kumar, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and former Defence Secretary, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His appointment was cleared by President Droupadi Murmu. Kumar, who served as Defence Secretary from August 2019 to October 2022, succeeds Preeti Sudan, whose tenure ended on April 29. He brings extensive administrative experience to the crucial constitutional body.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's Security Cover Upgraded
The security cover for External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been elevated to Z-category. He will now receive protection from an armed contingent of CRPF personnel, comprising over a dozen commandos, during his movements and stays nationwide. This enhancement in security is reportedly due to increased threat perceptions, particularly amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, reflecting the critical nature of his role in national security and foreign policy.
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.