Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan, was seen flanked by six armed guards at Lahore’s Anarkali Bazar in a viral video filmed by French YouTuber Callum Mill. Mill, surprised by the heavy security, remarked, “Look at all the guns she has got surrounding her.” Malhotra is under Hisar Police custody, accused of leaking sensitive blackout details during Operation Sindoor and maintaining encrypted communication with Pakistani agents. Police have seized three phones, a laptop, and recovered key forensic data. Her presence at elite gatherings in Pakistan has raised further suspicions as the investigation deepens. (PC: News18)

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's family, including her parents Taj Mohammad and Halima Qureshi, warmly welcomed him. Colonel Qureshi, a distinguished Indian Army officer, gained national attention for her role in briefing the nation on Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border strikes against terror infrastructure. Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, expressed pride in Modi's efforts toward women's empowerment, highlighting Colonel Qureshi's contributions as a source of inspiration. Taj Mohammad, a veteran of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, emphasized that his daughter was fulfilling her duty to the nation. The roadshow, commencing at Vadodara's Harni Airport, featured cultural performances and marked the beginning of Modi's two-day visit to Gujarat. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on May 26–27, 2025, to inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over ₹53,414 crore. The visit will span Bhuj, Dahod, and Gandhinagar. In Bhuj, he will launch 33 major initiatives, including solar PV plants, new power substations, water supply upgrades, and road expansions. In Dahod, PM Modi will inaugurate India’s first 9,000 HP locomotive engine plant, a ₹20,000 crore project. He will also dedicate Dahod Smart City projects, including a new municipality building and a tribal museum, highlighting India's infrastructure and industrial growth. (PC: ANI)  

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 367 drones and missiles that killed 13 people, including children, and injured dozens across multiple cities. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 266 drones and 45 missiles, but widespread destruction hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and other cities. In Mykolaiv, a drone strike destroyed a residential building, killing a 77-year-old man. President Zelenskiy criticized the muted U.S. response under President Trump, calling for stronger sanctions. Meanwhile, Russia claimed it downed 95 Ukrainian drones. The escalation comes as both nations agree to a 1,000-person prisoner swap and Ukraine proposes a 30-day ceasefire. (PC: AP)

In his first 'Mann Ki Baat' address following Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased visuals of destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. PM Modi highlighted the use of indigenous defence technologies in the operation, emphasizing India's self-reliance and the valor of its armed forces. He praised the precision and efficiency of the strikes, stating that they reflect the nation's commitment to combating terrorism. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of 'Made in India' initiatives in strengthening national security and lauded the efforts of Indian innovators and defence personnel.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has stirred national outrage after blaming the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—particularly women—for not resisting the assailants. Speaking at a public event in Bhiwani, Haryana, Jangra stated that the victims should have “fought back” and claimed that the women lacked the courage of historical warriors like the Rani of Jhansi. His remarks were widely condemned as insensitive and victim-blaming. The attack, which killed 26 tourists in Baisaran Valley, has reignited debates on public safety and political accountability. (PC: X)

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has ignited controversy with his remarks about the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at an event in Bhiwani, Jangra stated that the 26 tourists killed in the April 22 attack lacked the "spirit of bravery" and died with "folded hands." He suggested that had the victims undergone training under the Prime Minister's Agniveer scheme, the casualties could have been reduced. Jangra further claimed that if the tourists had confronted the attackers, the death toll might have been limited to five or six. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Indian National Congress, which condemned the remarks as "utterly disgraceful" and a "grave insult" to the women who lost their husbands in the attack. (PC: ANI)

In May 2025, India executed "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Using M-777 howitzers and indigenous Nagastra-1 loitering munitions, Indian forces struck seven camps with precision without crossing the border. Pakistan retaliated with shelling that killed 13 Indian civilians and injured 59. The operation highlighted India’s enhanced artillery capability and exposed flaws in Pakistan’s response. DRDO Chief Samir Kamat praised the effectiveness of Indian-made systems over Chinese-origin weapons used by Pakistan. (PC: AFP)

On May 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, focusing on the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision. He urged states to collaborate as 'Team India' to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Key discussions included infrastructure development, MSME support, women empowerment, skill development, and water conservation. Chief Ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Assam reaffirmed their commitment to the national development agenda. However, notable absentees included Chief Ministers from Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, raising concerns about political unity. Despite these absences, Modi emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism and the collective responsibility of all states in achieving national goals. (PC: NDTV & The Hindu)

The Indian government has ratified an 8.25% interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for FY 2024-25, maintaining the previous year's rate. This decision, confirmed by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the EPFO, awaits formal notification from the Finance Ministry, after which interest will be credited to over seven crore subscribers' accounts. The EPF continues to offer competitive, tax-free returns compared to other fixed-income instruments. Additionally, the CBT approved enhancements to the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme, including a ₹50,000 minimum benefit for deaths within one year of service and coverage for deaths occurring within six months of the last contribution, benefiting over 20,000 families annually. (PC: News18 & Outlook India)