Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district killed 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, the CPI (Maoist) general secretary. The encounter lasted over 72 hours in the dense Abujhmad forests, a known Maoist stronghold. Basavaraju, active since the 1970s, had a ₹1.5 crore bounty on his head. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a landmark victory against Naxalism. This follows Operation Black Forest, which led to the arrest of 54 Naxalites and surrender of 84 others in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, significantly weakening the insurgency. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana based YouTuber, was arrested on May 17 for alleged espionage activities linked to Pakistan's ISI. Investigations revealed her WhatsApp exchanges with ISI handler Ali Hasan, where she expressed a desire to marry in Pakistan. Introduced to Hasan by Danish, a Pakistani official at the High Commission in Delhi, Malhotra reportedly shared sensitive information during her visit to the Attari border. Authorities have seized multiple electronic devices from her and are conducting forensic analyses. She faces charges under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Military Intelligence (MI), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)

On May 7, 2025, five-year-old Maryam was killed when an explosive struck her home in Sukha Katha, Poonch district, Indian-administered Kashmir. She was among at least 21 civilians killed during intense cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a pony rider dead. India accused Pakistan of backing the attackers, a claim Islamabad denies. The ensuing military confrontation brought both nations to the brink of war before a ceasefire was declared on May 10. Despite the truce, grief persists among families like Maryam's, who find little solace as they mourn their irreplaceable losses amid ongoing regional tensions. (PC: the family of Zain and Urwa)

Ethiopian Ambassador to India, Fesseha Shawel Gebre, condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, attributing full responsibility to Pakistan. The assault, which left 26 civilians dead, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, sparking outrage both within India and amongst its international partners. Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Gebre praised India’s composed yet firm response, calling it “very responsible” and underscoring the shared values between Ethiopia and India in the global fight against terrorism. “It is not Indians who went to Pakistan to create a problem; it is the Pakistanis who came to India to create a problem,” he said, directly calling out Islamabad’s involvement. (PC: Amit Shah & The Hindu)

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military campaign targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key sites in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The operation, executed over 25 minutes, utilized Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, and SkyStriker drones, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian government emphasized the operation's non-escalatory nature, focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure. In response, Pakistan convened its National Security Council, asserting its right to retaliate. India, meanwhile, has dispatched all-party delegations to 32 countries to present evidence of Pakistan's involvement in terrorism, reinforcing its commitment to a united front against cross-border threats. The all-party delegations will showcase India’s national consensus and firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. They aim to convey a strong, unified message to the world: India maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. (PC: News 18 & The Economic Times)

India has launched a global diplomatic initiative, dispatching seven all-party parliamentary delegations to 33 strategically selected countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Russia. This outreach aims to present a unified stance against terrorism, particularly highlighting concerns over Pakistan's alleged sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. The countries were chosen based on their geopolitical influence, strategic partnerships with India, or roles in global forums like the UN Security Council. Prominent MPs such as Ravi Shankar Prasad, Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, and Kanimozhi lead these delegations, engaging with foreign governments, media, and think tanks to garner international support for India's anti-terrorism efforts. The initiative underscores India's commitment to a bipartisan foreign policy approach in combating terrorism globally.(PC: The Economic Times)

Following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching seven all-party delegations to 25 global capitals from May 23. This diplomatic outreach aims to highlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and present a unified political front. Countries were chosen based on strategic global influence and participation in forums like the UN Security Council. Delegates, including leaders like Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shashi Tharoor, will carry country-specific dossiers exposing Pakistan's terror links. The move also seeks to justify India’s pause on the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its tougher counterterror stance. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas, 31-year-old Indian national Deepak Kandel fatally stabbed fellow Indian Akshay Gupta on a public bus. According to the Austin Police Department, Kandel, seated beside Gupta, stabbed him in the neck without provocation and calmly exited the vehicle. Emergency responders pronounced Gupta dead at the scene. Kandel was apprehended shortly after and confessed to the murder, stating he acted because Gupta resembled his uncle. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is held at Travis County Jail. This incident adds to the concerning statistic of 86 attacks on Indian nationals abroad in 2023, with 12 occurring in the United States. (PC: Mathrubhumi English & Hindustan Times)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber, was arrested on May 16 for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Investigations revealed she visited sensitive areas in Kashmir and Ladakh, sharing videos on social media. Authorities suspect she transmitted classified information to Pakistani handlers, possibly for monetary gains. Malhotra, operating under the alias 'Sejal Kapoor', reportedly targeted 98 individuals as part of an ISI-orchestrated espionage operation. She faces charges under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. Her Instagram account has been suspended, while her YouTube and Facebook profiles remain active. Investigators have seized documents from her residence and are analyzing them for further evidence. ( PC: India Today)

India's outreach delegations have highlighted Pakistan's consistent use of the "victim card" in international forums, despite its history of supporting terrorism. These briefings also noted a shift in China's stance, with Beijing advocating for restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. This change follows the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, which intensified global scrutiny on Pakistan's actions. In response, Pakistan plans to send its own delegations abroad to present its narrative. Meanwhile, China's engagement with Pakistan continues, emphasizing support for Pakistan's sovereignty and urging both nations to manage differences and maintain regional stability. The evolving dynamics underscore the complex interplay of diplomacy and regional security concerns. (PC: NDTV)