Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 05:54pm on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching seven all-party delegations to key global capitals to present its stance against cross-border terrorism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will lead a nine-member delegation to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia, while NCP leader Supriya Sule will head the delegation to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Other leaders include Ravi Shankar Prasad (UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, Denmark), Baijayant Panda (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore), Shrikant Eknath Shinde (UAE, Liberia, DR Congo, Sierra Leone), and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Russia). (PC: The Times Of India & India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 04:37pm on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
In a significant admission, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Indian missiles struck the Nur Khan Airbase and other locations during "Operation Sindoor." Sharif disclosed that he was alerted at 2:30 AM by the army chief about the attacks. This marks a departure from Pakistan's usual stance of denying Indian military actions on its soil. The acknowledgment suggests a shift towards transparency in Pakistan's military communications. While details about Operation Sindoor remain limited, this revelation could have profound implications for regional security and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The incident underscores the escalating tensions and the need for cautious diplomacy in the region. (PC: The Tribune)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 04:33pm on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has accepted the Modi government's invitation to lead an all-party delegation abroad, emphasizing national interest over politics. The delegation aims to present India's united stance against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Tharoor stated, "It is a very great honour... a matter of duty for all of us." Seven delegations, comprising members from both the ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc, will visit key partner countries, including UN Security Council members, to convey India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Tharoor's participation underscores a bipartisan approach to national security, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing global challenges. (PC: Dawn & Hindustan Times)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 03:09pm on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger with significant social media following, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Authorities claim she visited Pakistan in 2023, establishing ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who was later expelled. Malhotra reportedly maintained contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She is accused of sharing sensitive information about Indian locations and promoting a favorable image of Pakistan on her social media. Charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, her case is now handled by the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar. (PC: Instagram)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:39am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which saw India launch significant military strikes on Pakistan, Beijing's role has been scrutinized. While China maintains a strategic partnership with Pakistan, its response to the conflict has been notably subdued. Analysts suggest that China views Pakistan not as a liability but as a strategic asset, leveraging its instability to advance its own geopolitical objectives. This dynamic underscores China's broader strategy in South Asia, where it positions itself as a stabilizing force, often at the expense of India's regional influence. The situation highlights the complex interplay of alliances and rivalries in the region. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:31am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) has chosen four Indian-origin student journalists for its 2025 VOICES fellowship, pairing them with top U.S. newsrooms. The cohort includes Mythili Sampathkumar, Amrutha Kosuru, Kabir Burman, and Riya Sharma, representing diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The program offers mentorship, skill-building, and concludes with presentations at the AAJA 2025 Convention in Seattle. This fellowship aims to promote diversity and amplify underrepresented voices in American journalism, empowering the next generation of media leaders from Indian-origin communities. (PC: New India Abroad)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:51am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
On May 17, 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that Britain and the United States are collaborating to secure a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This follows recent hostilities, including missile strikes after a deadly Kashmir attack. The ceasefire brokered on May 10 remains fragile. Lammy emphasized honoring treaties and confidence-building measures. He expressed concern over India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, seen as provocative by Pakistan. The UK reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts and stressed the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:13am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
On May 17, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that "nothing in Pakistan is beyond the reach of the Indian Army." This statement highlights India’s military readiness after recent escalations along the Line of Control. Following retaliatory strikes like Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack, Sinha emphasized India's resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and showcase strategic strength. (PC: ANI)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
On May 16, 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that India had sought a ceasefire following heightened border tensions. However, his claim sparked controversy after a prominent Pakistani content creator publicly challenged the statement, accusing Sharif of distorting facts for political mileage. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that Indian forces had merely "paused" military operations and warned of immediate retaliation if provoked again. Both countries have since exchanged accusations of ceasefire breaches. The conflicting narratives expose deep mistrust and highlight the fragile state of peace amid continuing hostilities along the Line of Control. (PC: India TV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:04am on 17 May 2025,Saturday India Global
After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India is set to rebuild and expand its canal network connected to the Indus river system. The plan includes reviving old canals like Kathua, New Partap, and Ranbir, and constructing new ones to boost irrigation, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Desilting operations will begin on key canals, supported by central technical teams. India also aims to expedite hydroelectric projects like Kishenganga, Ratle, and Pakal Dul, reinforcing its control over Indus waters and enhancing regional agricultural output. (PC: ANI)