A new batch of declassified UFO files released by the US Department of War has reignited interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and historic space mission accounts. The documents include audio from the 1969 Apollo 12 mission, where astronauts Pete Conrad, Richard Gordon, and Alan Bean described seeing mysterious “streaks of light” while in deep space. The release also features over 220 files, videos, and reports involving glowing orbs, unidentified aircraft movements, and military encounters worldwide. While the Pentagon says many incidents remain unresolved, NASA previously attributed some Apollo-era visual phenomena to internal eye-related effects rather than extraterrestrial activity. (PC: NASA)

India will host the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar leading discussions with counterparts from the United States, Japan, and Australia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India for the talks, marking his first India trip in the role. The meeting will focus on Indo-Pacific security, maritime cooperation, critical technologies, energy security, and strengthening supply chains. Quad nations are also expected to review progress on ongoing initiatives and discuss regional and global developments amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: ANI)

The rapid rise of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has left founder Abhijeet Dipke’s parents deeply anxious, fearing legal trouble and possible arrest amid the outfit’s growing political visibility. Speaking from Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bhagwan and Anita Dipke said they do not want their son entering politics and have lost sleep over his sudden fame. Anita Dipke said she wanted Abhijeet to focus on building a career instead. The party, formed after controversy surrounding Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s remarks on unemployed youth, has gained massive traction online, crossing 19 million Instagram followers. After its X account was withheld in India, a new handle, “Cockroach is Back”, quickly gained thousands of followers.

After remaining untraceable for 10 days following the death of 33-year-old Noida woman Twisha Sharma, her husband Samarth Singh dramatically appeared at a Jabalpur court before being taken into custody amid chaotic scenes. Journalists surrounded him inside court premises, shouting questions as he tried to move through crowds wearing a cap, mask and sunglasses. Twisha, who was pregnant, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, while her family alleged dowry harassment. Samarth’s family claimed she struggled with drug addiction. The Madhya Pradesh High Court later ordered a second post-mortem by AIIMS Delhi doctors. Investigations against Samarth and his mother Giribala Singh are continuing under multiple legal provisions.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will become operational in Cyprus from next year, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed during Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ India visit. MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said the rollout follows an MoU between NPCI International Payments Limited and Eurobank Cyprus to facilitate cross-border payments using India’s real-time digital payment system. The agreement was finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 2025 visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades. Modi and Christodoulides also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, maritime security, financial connectivity, technology, mobility, education and India-European Union engagement, reaffirming the strategic partnership between both countries for future collaboration. (PC: ANI)

A viral social media trend called the “Cockroach Janata Party” has spread from India to Pakistan, triggering memes, satire, and political commentary online. The movement began as a humorous internet joke mocking political chaos and public frustration, but quickly gained traction across platforms like X and Instagram. Pakistani users adapted the trend to criticize local governance and economic conditions, leading to cross-border exchanges filled with satire and sarcasm. While largely humorous, the trend reflects growing youth-driven digital activism and dissatisfaction expressed through memes and viral content. The phrase has now become a symbol of online political mockery in South Asia.

The CBI has arrested the 11th accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation, identifying the suspect as the alleged source behind the leaked Physics paper. The accused, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar from Pune, was reportedly linked to confidential exam processes and is believed to have played a key role in circulating questions before the medical entrance examination. Investigators say the probe has uncovered a wider network involving teachers, coaching facilitators, and intermediaries. The agency is examining financial transactions, digital evidence, and communication records as scrutiny intensifies over the integrity and security of India’s major competitive examinations. (PC: PTI)

The West Bengal government, led by Suvendu Adhikari, has directed police and the Railway Protection Force to hand over detained illegal Bangladeshi migrants directly to the Border Security Force instead of producing them before courts. The move is part of the state’s new “Detect, Delete, Deport” policy targeting undocumented infiltration. Officials said migrants not covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act would face immediate deportation procedures through BSF border outposts. The government also plans stricter monitoring at railway stations and faster coordination with border authorities to strengthen border security and streamline deportation processes. (PC: PTI)

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered a second post-mortem examination in the death case of Twisha Sharma, directing that a team of doctors from AIIMS Delhi conduct the procedure in Bhopal. The court accepted a plea filed by Sharma’s father, who alleged inconsistencies and lapses in the initial investigation and autopsy. Twisha, 31, was found dead at her matrimonial home earlier this month, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and torture. The High Court also stressed the need for transparency in the investigation as public attention around the case continues to grow. 

Thailand has ended its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian travellers. Under the new rules, Indians can now visit the country through a Visa on Arrival system. The visa will allow a stay of up to 15 days. Thailand said the changes were made due to concerns over security, illegal work and transnational crime. The new policy will come into effect 15 days after official publication in the Royal Gazette. Thailand had introduced the 60-day visa-free scheme for Indians in 2024 to boost tourism. Officials now say the country wants to focus more on attracting “quality tourists.” (PC: Unsplash)