Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Headlines Trending in India and World: Politics, E-Commerce, Lifestyle, Sports, Health & Entertainment on 13th May 2025
Major Indian Airlines Cancel Flights Amid Ongoing Security Concerns
IndiGo and Air India on May 13, 2025, canceled all flights to and from some major cities, such as Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, Jodhpur, Jamnagar, Bhuj, and Rajkot, due to ongoing security concerns despite the reopening of 32 airports in northern, western, and central India. These airports, closed since May 7 because of increased India-Pakistan tensions, reopened for commercial flights at 10:30 AM on Monday after a ceasefire agreement.
The airlines’ move, though, is one of caution, highlighted by an incident when IndiGo flight 6E2045 from Amritsar to Delhi had to turn back in mid-air because of precautionary blackout procedures in Amritsar. IndiGo put passenger safety as its foremost concern, regretting the inconvenience and appealing to passengers to verify flight statuses online or reach out to support teams.
The cancellations reflect the tenuous peace after a series of military buildups over several weeks, with airlines watching closely to resume normal activities. Stranded passengers, struggling to rebook and seek refunds, remain in suspense as the air transport industry feels the aftershocks of heightened recent geopolitical tensions, pushing the Indian travel ecosystem to its limits.
US and China Agree to Temporary Tariff Truce After Geneva Talks
In a major move towards alleviating tensions in the global economy, the United States and China announced a 90-day freeze on their escalating trade war on May 13, 2025, after intense talks in Geneva. The deal suspends the crippling tariffs and non-tariff barriers imposed since April 2, when US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” policy brought a 34% tariff on Chinese imports, followed by an eye-watering 145% rate.
China retaliated by imposing 125% tariffs and export restrictions on rare earth elements, significantly increasing costs—such as doubling the cost of a $100 Chinese import to $245 in the US. The two nations’ joint statement reaffirmed a commitment to continued dialogue through a new mechanism for addressing trade and economic relations. This two-day negotiated truce is intended to stabilize markets and avoid further economic damage, giving a respite to businesses and consumers hit by high prices. The lull is a gesture of de-escalation, but with negotiations on future meetings still to be announced, the world economy keeps a close watch for indications of a permanent resolution to this intense trade war.
ISRO’s Satellite Network Boosts India’s Security During Pakistan Tensions
At the convocation ceremony of the Central Agricultural University in Imphal on May 12, 2025, ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan revealed that 10 Indian satellites are operating round-the-clock to ensure national security, a critical asset amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Highlighting India’s rise as a “vibrant space power,” Narayanan noted that 433 satellites from 34 countries have been launched from India, underscoring its global influence.
The strategic satellites keep a watch on India’s 7,000-km coastline and northern borders and augment drone technology to protect the country, especially in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor’s raids on terror camps in response to the Pahalgam attack. Narayanan also laid out proposals for a G20 satellite to observe climate and air pollution, highlighting ISRO’s dual agenda of security and international cooperation.
With dreams of a space station in 2040, India’s space program is ready for explosive expansion. The chairman’s words, against the recent backdrop of military action, underscore the critical role of satellite technology in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and promoting resilience in a turbulent region.
Israeli-American Soldier Freed After 19 Months in Hamas Captivity
In a profoundly moving moment, Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander was reunited with his family on May 13, 2025, after more than 580 days in Hamas captivity. Detained while serving in the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade close to the Gaza Strip, Alexander was freed by efforts facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, as verified by Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.
Alexander was said to have been flown to a Tel Aviv hospital with family for medical assessment by the Israeli military. His relatives, sporting shirts with his name, converged in Tel Aviv to rejoice, with his grandmother Varda Ben Baruch commenting on his wan but tough look and typical sense of humor. The release, arranged by the Red Cross, is within larger dealings aimed at achieving a Gaza truce and providing humanitarian assistance.
Hamas declared preparedness for exhaustive negotiations to close the war and swap captives, and this gave hope for continued improvement. Alexander’s return is a poignant triumph for his family and a move toward de-escalation in the war-torn area, with international eyes on the tenuous peace process.
Japan’s SMBC Revives India’s Yes Bank
In a historic deal, Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) announced on May 13, 2025, its takeover of a 20% stake in India’s Yes Bank for $1.58 billion, the biggest cross-border investment in an Indian bank ever. The sale, subject to approval from India’s central bank and competition panel, involves State Bank of India and seven other banks selling their stakes, leaving SMBC the largest shareholder of Yes Bank.
The investment is a lifeline for Yes Bank, which had been struggling since 2017 over allegations of under-reported bad loans and money laundering that prompted a collapsing stock price and forced out founder Rana Kapoor. A 2020 rescue package led by SBI and others stabilized the lender, and the arrival of SMBC guarantees growth and access to global expertise, said Yes Bank’s managing director Prashant Kumar.
SMBC Chief Executive Akihiro Fukutome stressed creating “value-driven relationships” within the region. For Yes Bank, this injection provides an opportunity to regain credibility, raise more capital, and put behind it its cautionary tale of corporate misgovernance, with the banking industry watching with bated breath.
Second Earthquake in Days Shakes Pakistan
Pakistan witnessed a 4.6-magnitude earthquake on May 12, 2025, at 1:26 PM IST, which was the second earthquake in three days, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) stated. The quake had a focal depth of 10 kilometers with coordinates of 29.12 N and 67.26 E, following a 4.0-magnitude earthquake on Saturday. Though no initial reports of casualties or damage materialized, the twin quakes have increased anxiety among residents who are already reeling from the consequences of India-Pakistan military escalation.
The NCS maintains close observation of seismic activity, with the authorities calling for readiness in affected zones. Although the quakes were moderate, they increase Pakistan’s woes, piling on the pressure after recent geopolitics tensions, and questioning the strength of its infrastructure. As the region settles in the aftermath of the ceasefire, these natural occurrences remind everyone of the multidimensional threats confronting Pakistan, with populations on high alert waiting for further news of seismic and security developments.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mgBI4RDgJDtac7wTeLI4vzn4kmoRV4BW/view?usp=sharing
Pakistani Drones Raise Alarms in Jammu and Punjab
Minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address on May 12, 2025, Pakistani drones were spotted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba town and near military installations in Punjab’s Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, prompting swift defensive measures. Authorities activated air defense systems and enforced blackouts, with the Border Security Force responding to small arms fire from Pakistan in Samba and Hiranagar sectors.
In Dasuya in Hoshiarpur, seven to eight explosions were reported by local residents, as confirmed by District Commissioner Aashika Jain, who added coordination with defense authorities. Jalandhar’s Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said a surveillance drone crashed near Mand village, with a request to residents to shun the remains. Blackouts were enforced in Poonch-Rajouri and Vaishno Devi Bhawan, while firing in Akhnoor and Pargwal was reported but not confirmed.
An IndiGo Delhi-Amritsar flight was redirected back to Delhi for caution. The incidents, indicative of possible ceasefire breaches, have increased tension, with security forces at high alert to respond to more provocation, reflecting the fragile balance of peace in the region.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m4pvfmWXwWQO6XefF7Y7ti8EEVW99cgi/view?usp=sharing
India Introduces E-Passports to Improve Travel Security
India made a major leap towards modern travel on May 13, 2025, when it introduced e-passports with embedded RFID chips and antennas to protect against fraud and identity theft. Rolled out under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 on April 1, 2024, the scheme kicked off in cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Amritsar, and Tamil Nadu alone issued 20,729 e-passports till March 22, 2025.
The e-passports, marked by a golden symbol, employ Public Key Infrastructure to encrypt biometric and personal information, minimizing risks of tampering and counterfeiting. The Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs is expanding nationwide to all Passport Seva Kendras by mid-2025. Current passports will not be affected, providing continuity.
The technology enhances faster processing at borders and increased security, keeping India at par with international standards. As the program grows, it demonstrates India’s resolve to harness innovation for more secure, efficient travel, increasing national pride in its technological prowess.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hNfvJ8mCpJwdeI8p-Y9IGQ5WCpkXUcqg/view?usp=sharing
Kantara 2 Actor Rakesh Poojary’s Tragic Demise at 34
The film world was left in shock on May 12, 2025, with the untimely demise of TV actor Rakesh Poojary, 34, due to a heart attack at a mehendi ceremony in Nitte, near Udupi. Season 3 winner of Comedy Kiladigalu and a new addition to the cast of Kantara Chapter 1, Poojary was rushed to hospital but died that evening.
The last Instagram Stories post, shared from the event, put a touching embellishment on the tragedy. The death comes in the wake of the drowning of a junior artist on a break from the shooting of the same movie, eliciting condolences from the Kantara team. Comedy Khiladigalu judge Rakshitha took to social media to mourn the loss, as did fans and colleagues.
Poojary’s passing, in the midst of the hype for Kantara’s prequel, which is being directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, casts a dark shadow over the project, with the industry reminiscing about the impermanence of life and his colorful contributions.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17U1SV3OYWGkeCg2UfmwR1H_IEHbYR8ZD/view?usp=sharing
Virat Kohli Says Goodbye to Test Cricket Following Legendary Career
Indian cricket great Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 13, 2025, ending a 14-year journey during which he played 123 Tests, scored 9,230 runs at 46.85, and captained India in 68 matches. In an emotional social media message, Kohli explained the format’s deep influence, labeling it a journey of grit, development, and memories in the “baggy blue.”
He thanked teammates, fans, and the sport, citing the choice feeling “right” despite how hard it was. Kohli told the BCCI of his plan before India’s five-match series in England, following talks over several weeks. His recent form, with an average of 32.56 over two years, contrasted with his peak of 55.10, yet his experience was valued for the tour, where Shubman Gill is tipped to succeed retiring captain Rohit Sharma. BCCI official Binny hailed Kohli’s legacy, crediting his aggressive leadership for transforming India’s overseas competitiveness. Fans and analysts alike mourn the end of an era, celebrating a career that inspired a generation and redefined Test cricket’s intensity.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hylgZG71lLXVpMErgUt1_Ww0Ka5SaSNt/view?usp=sharing
Watch Our News Channel On: You Tube
Also read: 12 New OTT Releases Promise Diverse Content For Viewers This Weekend, 25th April 2025
Holi Wishes: Share These Top Colorful Radiant, Transformative, Powerful Messages to Spread Joy, Positivity, and Blessings
Maha Kumbh 2025: A Deep Dive into Prayagraj’s Biggest Event and Its Dark Moments
New Year 2025 Wishes: Share These and Inspire Fresh Beginnings
Christmas Wishes: Share These Top 40 Radiant, Transformative, Powerful Messages to Spread Joy, Positivity, and Blessings
Top 15 Incredibly Beautiful Women from Across the World
Krystyna Pyszkova, Representing The Czech Republic, Crowned Miss World 2024!
Navratri and Nine Forms of Goddess Durga: A Deeper Insight into the Divine Feminine
Mahindra Thar Roxx Unleashes New Era of Adventure with Cutting-Edge Features
Celebrate India’s Independence Day with these Inspiring Messages and Quotes
Source: Google Google News NSE BSE
News Desk: News Lounge 24×7
Watch Our News Channel On: You Tube
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above in news headlines are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of News Lounge 24×7. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Discover more from News Lounge 24x7
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
