Banu Mushtaq, a longtime women’s rights advocate and Kannada writer, won the 2025 International Booker Prize for Heartlamp, a collection of short stories drawn from decades of listening to the silences and struggles of Indian women. In this conversation with TOI’s Jaya Bhattacharji Rose, she shares why she writes, how pain becomes protest, and what her win means for voices from the margins

The Delhi high court has dismissed an order to prosecute a husband under Section 377 for «unnatural» sex with his wife, citing the marital rape exception and contradictions in the wife's statements. The court emphasized that Section 377 doesn't apply to non-penile-vaginal intercourse within marriage, especially without explicit lack of consent.

The Madras high court has temporarily halted a provision allowing the Tamil Nadu government to appoint vice chancellors in state universities, despite the government's opposition. This stay stems from a petition arguing the amendments conflict with UGC regulations and the constitutional distribution of powers.

Delhi-NCR experienced a sudden weather change on Wednesday evening. A severe hailstorm with heavy rainfall hit the region. Strong winds and dust affected visibility in the capital. The weather department reported wind speeds of 60-70 kmph. A cyclonic circulation over Haryana is influencing the weather. This followed intense heat, with the heat index reaching 50.

Delhi experienced a powerful thunderstorm with wind speeds reaching 60–70 km/h, causing traffic disruptions and flight delays. The storm, triggered by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and nearby areas, followed a day of extreme heat where the heat index soared to 50.2°C.

Pakistan and China agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan. India consistently opposed this move due to construction in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This trilateral meeting occurred after Operation Sindoor. New Delhi raised concerns over terror infrastructure funded by Pakistan. Afghanistan's inclusion raises concerns for India, given existing border issues with China and Pakistan.

India has vehemently denied Pakistan's accusations of involvement in the deadly suicide bombing that targeted a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar district. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, expressing condolences while dismissing Pakistan's claims as a diversion from its own internal issues and reputation as a hub of terrorism.

Alka Lamba, All India Mahila Congress chief, pledged Rs 2,500 monthly for deprived women in Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan wins, backing Tejashwi Yadav's 'Mai Behan Maan' scheme. Lamba criticized the NDA for neglecting women's welfare, promising immediate implementation post-election, similar to Congress initiatives in other states. BJP countered, accusing the alliance of misleading voters.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accused BJP of exploiting the Murshidabad violence for political gain, contrasting it with BJP's alleged failure to prevent the Pahalgam terror attack. He praised Mamata Banerjee's government for its swift response to the Murshidabad unrest, including arrests and compensation.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma after the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The court noted that the CJI had already forwarded the in-house inquiry report and the judge's response to the President and Prime Minister. The petitioners were directed to seek redressal from appropriate authorities before approaching the court again.

India's Asiatic lion population has seen a significant increase, rising to 891, according to the latest census. This growth, from 674 in 2020, highlights the success of conservation efforts in Gujarat's Gir wildlife sanctuary. Despite the positive trend, experts caution about the genetic risks associated with a single isolated population.

Kolkata police are investigating the appearance of at least ten drone-like objects in the city's night sky. The objects were sighted over areas including Hastings, Vidyasagar Setu, and Maidan on Monday night, raising concerns about potential espionage. The central government has requested a report from the West Bengal government regarding the incident.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar affirmed that terrorists themselves validated 'Operation Sindoor,' highlighting India's decisive military action against terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba following the Pahalgam killings. The operation targeted terror facilities across Pakistan, sending a strong message that terrorism would be punished, as confirmed by the terrorists' own acknowledgment of losses.

India addressed the UNSC, emphasising maritime security and counterterrorism as vital to its interests. Parvathaneni Harish highlighted India's proactive role in safeguarding maritime interests, combating piracy by deploying naval ships, conducting operations, and saving lives. India is actively enhancing maritime capabilities and strategic planning amid threats like piracy and China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean.

A suicide car bombing in Pakistan's Balochistan province tragically killed at least four children and injured 38 others as it targeted a school bus. The attack, occurring in the Khuzdar district, is suspected to be the work of Baloch separatists, with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) being a primary suspect.

An all-party parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, has embarked on a multi-nation visit to Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore as part of Operation Sindoor. The initiative aims to expose Pakistan's role in state-sponsored terrorism and highlight India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism.

Following the Samajwadi Party's controversial remarks about UP deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, a poster has emerged in Uttar Pradesh criticising Akhilesh Yadav. The poster, put up by a BJP Yuva Morcha leader, calls for saving Brahmins' honour and ousting Akhilesh. This comes after an FIR was filed over SP's post, deemed offensive to Pathak's late mother.

The Congress party has filed a police complaint against BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya and Republic TV's Arnab Goswami, accusing them of spreading misinformation. The FIR, lodged in Bengaluru, alleges that Malviya and Goswami falsely claimed the Istanbul Congress Centre is the Indian National Congress's office.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 34th death anniversary. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, also offered homage at Veer Bhoomi. Rajiv Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, was assassinated in 1991. He was the country's youngest Prime Minister, assuming office at the age of 40.