On May 21, 2025, several significant developments unfolded across different sectors in India and internationally:

1. Diplomatic Tensions with Pakistan: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India officially labeled a diplomat from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi as persona non grata, demanding his departure from India within 24 hours. This marks the second such declaration within ten days, indicating escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Additionally, the MEA dismissed Pakistan's allegations regarding India's involvement in a blast near Khuzdar city as baseless, accusing Pakistan of habitually blaming India for its internal issues.

2. U.S. Interventions in South Asian Affairs: During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claim of having mediated recent hostilities between India and Pakistan related to civilian casualties in Pahalgam. He insinuated that trade might have played a role in this resolution.

3. Significant Legal Developments in Tamil Nadu: The Madras High Court temporarily halted legislative amendments that would empower the Tamil Nadu State government to appoint Vice-Chancellors for state universities, instead of this being the jurisdiction of the Governor.

4. Security Operations in Chhattisgarh: In a major breakthrough, Indian security forces killed Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, the general secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist). This operation was a significant accomplishment for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG), especially given Rao's long-standing elusiveness since joining the Maoist movement after graduating in 1980.

5. Supreme Court Arguments on Religious Practices: The Central Government challenged the assertion in the Supreme Court that creating 'waqf' (a form of charity in Islamic tradition) is an essential religious practice in Islam. The government argued that while charity exists in every religion, it does not constitute an essential part, and a Muslim's identity isn't diminished by not creating a waqf.

6. Severe Weather Impact in Delhi: Heavy rains led to tragic incidents in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of a 22-year-old and a person with a disability, with at least 11 others injured. Severe weather caused disruptions including the diversion of 13 flights at Delhi airport.

7. Sports Achievements: Tottenham Hotspur triumphed over Manchester United with a 1-0 victory in the Europa League final, marking their first European title in 40 years. This win also signifies Tottenham's first major title since 2008. In cricket, the Mumbai Indians secured a playoff spot in IPL 2025 after defeating the Delhi Capitals by 59 runs, highlighted by a remarkable partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir.

8. U.S. Military Developments: President Trump announced the selection of a design for a $175 billion missile defense system called the Golden Dome and appointed Space Force General Michael Guetlein to lead the program aimed at countering threats posed by China and Russia.

Key Points:

• India declares Pakistani diplomat persona non grata amid rising tensions.
• U.S. President Trump claims to have mediated India-Pakistan conflicts.
• The Madras High Court stays legislative amendments regarding university appointments in Tamil Nadu.
• Major security operation results in the death of a prominent Maoist leader in Chhattisgarh.
• The Indian Government contests the religious significance of waqf in the Supreme Court.
• Tragic rain-related incidents lead to casualties and flight diversions in Delhi.
• Tottenham wins the Europa League, ending a long title drought; Mumbai Indians qualify for IPL playoffs.
• Trump announces ambitious military defense project, titled Golden Dome, emphasizing security against China and Russia.

Comprehensive Summary

The news article covers several important events occurring globally and within India, specifically:

1. Pakistan-India Relations: Pakistan did not engage in nuclear signalling following Operation Sindoor. The U.S. government confirmed it was not informed about the cessation of hostilities between the two nations.

2. US-Russia-Ukraine Dynamics: President Donald Trump announced a significant diplomatic initiative, stating that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would commence immediately after a productive two-hour conversation with President Putin. Trump also consulted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to further advance these negotiations.

3. US Visa Policy Changes: The U.S. is initiating visa restrictions on senior officials of Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. Importantly, the U.S. Embassy has stated that specific names cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality concerns regarding visa records.

4. COVID-19 Status in India: India is currently managing the COVID-19 situation well, with only 257 active cases reported. The Union Health Ministry has increased vigilance due to rising cases in neighboring regions such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

5. Trade Disputes with Bangladesh: Bangladesh's government noted no prior notification before India halted land ports for the export of readymade garments from Bangladesh, creating diplomatic tensions following India's cessation of these exports.

6. Threats to the Golden Temple: The Indian Army reported that it successfully thwarted missile and drone attacks from Pakistan aimed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the recent tensions stemming from terror attacks emanating from Pakistan.

7. Security Clearances for Turkish Firms: The Indian government is contesting a legal challenge from Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services regarding the revocation of their security clearances, which occurred after Turkey backed Pakistan and criticized India’s military actions.

8. Humanitarian Aid to Gaza: After nearly three months, humanitarian aid trucks have begun entering Gaza, as acknowledged by Israel in the face of pressure from international allies. Initially, five trucks carrying essential supplies reached the territory, indicating a potential easing of the blockade.

9. MGNREGS Performance Review: A report by LibTech India reveals mixed results regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the financial year 2024-25, with an increase in registered households but a decline in the promised employment days.

10. Judicial Integrity in India: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a review of a crucial Supreme Court ruling from 1991 regarding the applicability of the Prevention of Corruption Act to higher court judges, suggesting that it contributed to ongoing issues of corruption in the judiciary.

11. IPL Update: In sports, the Sunrisers Hyderabad claimed victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025, effectively eliminating the latter's chances for the playoffs.

Important Sentences

• Pakistan did not engage in nuclear signalling after Operation Sindoor, and the U.S. was not informed of the ceasefire.
• President Trump announced immediate ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine after a call with Putin.
• The U.S. will impose visa restrictions on Indian travel agency executives for facilitating illegal immigration.
• India reported just 257 active COVID-19 cases, maintaining control over the situation.
• Bangladesh's government received no advance notice before India closed land ports to its garment exports.
• India’s Army thwarted missile and drone attacks from Pakistan aimed at the Golden Temple.
• The Indian government opposed a legal challenge by a Turkish firm over revoked security clearances post criticism of India's military actions.
• Humanitarian aid has started entering Gaza after a prolonged blockade, under international pressure.
• A report indicates that while MGNREGS enrollment has increased, actual employment delivery has decreased.
• Vice-President Dhankhar called for a reevaluation of a Supreme Court ruling affecting judicial corruption.
• In IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Super Giants, impacting playoff chances.