In today’s news roundup, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised Colombia’s condolence to Pakistan over casualties following India’s counterstrike, emphasising India acted in self-defence. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump won temporary court approval to continue collecting tariffs despite a legal setback. In sports, Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2024 final with an emphatic win. At MIT, the student president Megha Vemuri delivered a bold pro-Palestinian speech condemning the university’s ties to Israel. Lastly, a chemistry professor convicted of her husband’s murder is challenging the autopsy report, citing her scientific expertise as the court considers her appeal.
Shashi Tharoor slams Colombia’s condolence to Pakistan, says India only acted in self-defence
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, part of an all-party delegation to Colombia, expressed disappointment over the Colombian government’s condolences for those killed in Pakistan after India’s May 7 counterstrike, saying, “There can be no equivalence between those who attack and those who defend.” He said India acted in self-defence following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. “We were only exercising our right of self-defence,” he added. Tharoor also highlighted Pakistan’s support for terrorists and showed images of uniformed Pakistani officials attending terrorist funerals. “That is the extent of complicity…,” he said, stressing India's resolve through Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan and PoK.
Read full story Trump’s tariffs get temporary court approval amid legal setbacks
US President Donald Trump received temporary court approval on Thursday to continue collecting tariffs under emergency powers, despite a ruling a day earlier that he exceeded his authority. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted a stay on the trade court’s injunction while the White House appeals. “The request for an immediate administrative stay is granted… temporarily stayed until further notice,” the order said. The lower court ruled Trump unlawfully invoked the 1977 IEEPA. “The reason that he chose IEEPA was he thought he could do this unilaterally without much oversight by Congress,” said lawyer Jeffrey Schwab.
Read full story Virat Kohli says “one more to go” as RCB storms into IPL 2024 final
Virat Kohli’s “One more to go!” message summed up Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s emotions after they crushed Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to enter their fourth IPL final. RCB chased down 102 in just 10 overs in Mullanpur, with Kohli visibly pumped and hugging teammates before delivering the viral line. RCB, runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, are now one win away from their maiden title. Phil Salt starred with an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls. Punjab, bowled out for 101, will get another chance in Qualifier 2. The final is scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad.
Read full storyMIT student president delivers pro-Palestinian speech at graduation
At MIT’s commencement ceremony, class of 2025 president Megha Vemuri delivered a pro-Palestinian speech, criticising the university’s ties to Israel. Wearing a red keffiyeh, Vemuri said, “You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine.” She condemned MIT’s research links with the Israeli military, stating, “MIT is directly complicit in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.” Highlighting student votes to cut ties, she said, “The MIT community that I know would never tolerate a genocide.” Referring to Gaza, she said, “There are no universities left in Gaza.” Her speech drew attention amid widespread campus protests over Gaza.
Read full story‘I know impact of electrocution’: Chemistry professor convicted of husband's murder challenges autopsy report in HC
Mamta Pathak, a 60-year-old chemistry professor from Chhatarpur sentenced to 20 years for her husband's murder, is challenging the autopsy report, claiming her scientific knowledge disproves the cause of death. Arguing her own case, she told the Madhya Pradesh High Court, “It’s not possible to differentiate between electric and thermal burn marks” without chemical analysis. Her sentence is suspended as the court, hearing her “with an open mind,” reserved its verdict. Mamta questioned the lack of expert inspection and absence of foul smell in the autopsy report, adding, “I was in jail then,” when asked why key questions weren’t raised earlier.
Read full story