During his 2025 Middle East tour, former U.S. President Donald Trump received extravagant gifts from Gulf nations. Qatar presented him with a $400 million Boeing 747-8, dubbed the "Flying Palace," intended for the U.S. Defense Department and his presidential library. The United Arab Emirates offered a symbolic drop of Murban crude oil, to which Trump humorously remarked, "I'm not thrilled." Saudi Arabia welcomed him with grand ceremonies, including fighter jet escorts and traditional performances. These gestures coincided with Gulf states pledging $600 billion in investments and major deals in defense, aviation, and artificial intelligence. While Trump hailed the trip as "incredible diplomacy," critics raised concerns about potential constitutional violations and foreign influence. (PC: CNN & The Telegraph)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber known as "Travel With Jo," has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence. Her own video from a 2023 iftar at the Pakistan High Commission, featuring expelled official Ahsan ur Rehman, surfaced as key evidence. Authorities claim she maintained contact with Pakistani officials post-visit and transmitted confidential data, violating the Official Secrets Act. Her devices are under forensic examination. The arrest underscores concerns over social media influencers being exploited for espionage. Malhotra, who promoted cross-cultural harmony, now faces serious national security charges. Investigations continue to determine the extent of her involvement and potential collaborators. (PC: NDTV & India Today)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged Turkey to reconsider its support for Pakistan, emphasizing that India hosts 220 million Muslims—more than Pakistan. He highlighted historical ties between India and Turkey, such as Turkish pilgrims traveling through Ladakh to Mumbai for Hajj until 1920, and the teaching of Turkish in Ladakh until 1990. Owaisi asserted that Pakistan's claim as a representative of Muslims is misleading and that Pakistan has nothing to do with Islam. He also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during the 2023 earthquake, questioning the reciprocity of relations. In response to Turkey's stance, several Indian universities have suspended academic collaborations with Turkish institutions. (PC: ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been appointed to lead a multi-party delegation to the U.S. to brief on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor's vocal support for the Modi government's actions has caused unease within Congress, prompting the party to clarify that his views are personal. Despite internal tensions, Tharoor emphasized that national interest supersedes party lines. He praised Operation Sindoor as a precise, morally justified response, targeting UN-designated terrorist bases while avoiding civilian harm. Tharoor also lauded the operation's name for its symbolic resonance. His inclusion in the delegation has sparked political debate, with Congress accusing the BJP of a "talent vacuum" and unilateral decision-making. (PC: India Today)

In a significant security move, Jammu and Kashmir Police have invoked the Public Safety Act (PSA) against 23 individuals in Srinagar, labeling them as "subversive and criminal elements inimical to the security and public order of the nation." This marks the first time police have publicly disclosed the number of PSA cases in the city. The detained individuals, identified as terror associates of proscribed outfits, have been relocated to jails outside the Kashmir Valley. Police stated that despite multiple criminal cases and bail releases, these individuals continued disruptive activities. Concurrently, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted raids across central and north Kashmir targeting militant sleeper cells, underscoring ongoing efforts to dismantle anti-national infrastructure in the region. (PC: AP)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Indian armed forces penetrated 100 km into Pakistan, destroying terrorist camps in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. He praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their coordinated response, stating, "The terrorists thought their threats would intimidate us, but all three wings of our forces gave a fitting response, stronger than they could have imagined." The operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeted nine terror camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's air defense has been strengthened, warning that any further terror attacks would be met with even stronger responses. (PC: PTI)

On May 17, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of informing Pakistan in advance about Operation Sindoor, labeling it a "crime" and demanding to know who authorized it. Gandhi shared a video, deemed "fake," allegedly showing Jaishankar admitting to prior notification. The Ministry of External Affairs refuted Gandhi's claims, stating that Pakistan was warned only after the operation commenced, not before. The controversy has intensified political debates over national security and the government's handling of cross-border operations. While the Congress party had earlier expressed support for the armed forces' actions against terror camps in Pakistan, Gandhi's recent statements have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability. (PC: The Caravan & The Hindu)

On May 17, 2025, India imposed immediate restrictions on Bangladeshi consumer goods entering through northeastern land transit points. Imports of ready-made garments, plastics, wooden furniture, carbonated and fruit-flavoured drinks, processed foods, and cotton waste are now limited to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports. This decision follows India's earlier withdrawal of a trans-shipment facility for Bangladeshi exports via Indian territory. India's move is seen as a response to Bangladesh's continued restrictions on Indian exports through northeastern land ports. The strained trade relations coincide with political tensions after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled amid protests in 2024. Bangladesh's annual ready-made garment exports to India, valued at approximately $700 million, are expected to be significantly impacted. (PC: The Telegraph)

Despite retiring from Test cricket, Virat Kohli may return to England's red-ball scene, as Middlesex expresses interest in signing him for a county stint at Lord's. Middlesex's Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, confirmed discussions are underway, highlighting Kohli's iconic status. While BCCI restricts contracted players from overseas T20 leagues, county championship participation remains possible. Kohli's retirement statement omitted any mention of first-class cricket, leaving the door open. Middlesex, aiming for Division Two promotion, envisions a potential Kohli-Williamson middle-order partnership. Upcoming matches at Lord's and an away game against Lancashire could feature Kohli, rekindling his rivalry with James Anderson. Kohli concluded his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches. (PC: AFP)

In the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has vocally criticized Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. India responded with 'Operation Sindoor,' a four-day military campaign targeting militant bases in Pakistan and Kashmir, culminating in a tentative ceasefire on May 10. Akhtar, recalling the Kargil War, highlighted the respect Indian soldiers showed by burying fallen Pakistani troops with dignity. He condemned Pakistan's leadership for insensitivity and misplaced pride, urging moral clarity in addressing terrorism and cross-border violence. His remarks underscore the enduring scars from past conflicts and advocate for honest discourse between the nations. (PC: NDTV)