Pakistan has prolonged its airspace closure for Indian airlines until June 24, 2025, impacting flights to and from the west. This extension, detailed in a new notice, restricts access for Indian-registered aircraft, including military flights. While many foreign airlines now overfly Pakistan, Indian carriers from North India face longer routes due to the ongoing restrictions.
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Banu Mushtaq, a Kannada writer, has been awarded the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection, Heart Lamp. Deepa Bhasthi translated the book from Kannada to English. After becoming the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize, Banu told TOI: “This prize shows the true potential of the Kannada language, its literature, and the possibilities ahead if more works are translated into other languages, especially English.”
Rupali Ganguly, famed as Anupamaa, staunchly defended India amidst rising tensions with Pakistan. She rebuked Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's criticism of Operation Sindoor, asserting his work in Indian films was also 'shameful'. Ganguly urged Indians to boycott Turkey for its controversial stance.
Delhi-NCR faced a chaotic Wednesday. A dust storm, hailstorm, and rain swept through the region. The storm killed at least five people. Air and ground transport were disrupted. Flights were diverted, and metro services were affected. Traffic crawled across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Many trees were uprooted, causing power outages. Air quality remained poor.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 20 regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court limited the hearing to address the necessity of interim orders. The government submitted an affidavit addressing concerns raised by the court. The court refused challenges to the Waqf Act, 1995. Kapil Sibal will coordinate submissions on the need for interim relief.
In a significant operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended Shehzad Wahab, a Rampur-based trader, for allegedly spying for Pakistan under the guise of cross-border smuggling. Wahab, who frequently visited Pakistan, is accused of sharing sensitive information with the ISI, facilitating financial transactions, and recruiting individuals for espionage.
A UK court denied Nirav Modi bail, citing the potential access to approximately Rs 5,000 crore in untraceable funds related to the PNB fraud case. The court highlighted Modi's central role in fraudulently obtaining bank documents for substantial foreign withdrawals.
India's anti-conversion laws, intended to prevent forced religious conversions, are under scrutiny as the Supreme Court reviews their legality. Numerous individuals, like Sonu Saroj and Nadeem, have faced harassment, arrest, and prolonged legal battles under these laws, even after acquittal. Victims recount violence, social stigma, and lasting fear, highlighting the laws' impact on religious freedom and personal lives.
President Murmu has sought the Supreme Court's opinion on the validity of its recent verdict that set deadlines for governors and the President to decide on state bills. Questioning the constitutional basis for such timelines, she invoked Article 143(1) to address concerns about the court's overreach and the concept of deemed assent, deeming it alien to the constitutional framework.
Daya Shankar Pandey, widely known as Inspector Chalu Pandey in 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,' shared how he landed the iconic role. Initially assisting producer Asit Kumarr Modi with ideas, Pandey was offered the part, despite his commitments to 'Shanidev.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs, propelled by Ishan Kishan's explosive 94 and valuable contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verman, setting a formidable target of 231. Despite Virat Kohli and Phil Salt's efforts, RCB's batting lineup collapsed after their dismissals, leading to a significant drop in their net run rate.