The Congress party staged protests on Wednesday against Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over his objectionable remarks, which appeared to target Colonel Sofiya Qureshi — the face of the early press briefings of Operation Sindoor. The opposition has demanded that Shah, who serves as the state’s tribal affairs minister, be dismissed from the cabinet.
In response, Madhya Pradesh BJP president VD Sharma said the party has taken cognisance of the matter. He added that the entire nation salutes the valour of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
Pakistan Hands Over BSF Personnel
Purnam Kumar Shaw — a Border Security Force personnel detained by Pakistan Rangers on 23 April — was handed back to Indian authorities on Wednesday morning. Shaw had inadvertently crossed the International Border and was repatriated via the Joint Check Post at Attari, Amritsar, after 21 days in custody.
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Army’s Legal Branch: Gender Disparity Case
The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, raised questions over gender disparity in Army legal branch postings. The bench asked: “If a woman can fly a Rafale jet, why are fewer women appointed to gender-neutral roles?” The court also questioned the logic of the current 50-50 selection formula. Petitioners Arshnoor Kaur and Astha Tyagi, who ranked 4th and 5th respectively, were denied posts as only three out of six positions were for women.
Justice Gavai Takes Oath As CJI
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has officially taken oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. Elevated to the Supreme Court on 24 May 2019, he will serve a tenure of just over six months, demitting office on 23 November.
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Trump Meets Syrian President
US President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday. This marks their first direct engagement. Al-Sharaa, once an insurgent leader, spent years in US custody following his capture in Iraq. Trump said the meeting was prompted by encouragement from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
