Thu May 22 01:20:43 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This news compilation from *The Hindu* offers a snapshot of global and domestic events from an Indian perspective on May 21, 2025. Internationally, tensions remain high between India and Pakistan, with India expelling a Pakistani diplomat and denying involvement in a Balochistan blast. President Trump claims to have resolved the Indo-Pak conflict, a claim that isn’t verified. The U.S. also accepted a gifted Boeing 747 from Qatar to serve as Air Force One and is moving forward with a $175 billion missile defence shield. Domestically, the Madras High Court intervened in a dispute over university appointments. Security forces in Chhattisgarh achieved a major victory by killing a top Maoist leader. The Centre defended the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court, arguing charity isn’t an essential religious practice. Heavy rains disrupted life in Delhi. In sports, Tottenham won the Europa League final, and Mumbai Indians secured a spot in the IPL playoffs.

**News Article:**

**Indo-Pak Tensions Persist Amidst Global Developments**

**New Delhi, May 22, 2025** – Amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, marked by the expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat from Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted Pakistan’s claims of Indian involvement in a recent blast in Balochistan. “It has become ‘second nature’ for Pakistan to blame India for its internal breakdown,” said the MEA spokesperson.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion of having resolved the Indo-Pak conflict following recent violence in Pahalgam drew skepticism in Indian circles, with no independent confirmation of his claims. Trump also announced plans for a massive $175 billion missile defence shield, led by Space Force General Michael Guetlein.

Domestically, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the Waqf Act, with the Centre arguing that charity is not an essential religious practice. In Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court stayed amendments that would have shifted the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors from the Governor to the State government. Security forces in Chhattisgarh celebrated a major victory with the killing of Nambala Keshava Rao, a top CPI (Maoist) leader.

Heavy rains disrupted life in Delhi, leading to flight diversions and several rain-related casualties. On the sports front, Tottenham Hotspur secured their first European trophy in decades by winning the Europa League, while Mumbai Indians clinched the final playoff spot in the IPL.

Read More