Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber known for her channel "Travel With Jo," has been remanded to four days in police custody after being arrested on charges of espionage. Authorities allege that Malhotra shared sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, including a former staffer of the Pakistan High Commission. Investigations suggest she used encrypted messaging apps and aliases to communicate. Although no direct links to terror groups or access to defense data have been found yet, her digital devices and financial records are under forensic review. The case raises concerns over social media misuse in intelligence activities. (PC: Mint)  

A month after the deadly terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people in Pahalgam, the region’s tourism industry is facing a major crisis. In response to ongoing security threats, authorities have shut down 48 of the 87 tourist spots in the area. The move has drastically reduced tourist footfall, dealing a blow to local businesses dependent on the sector. Despite enhanced security and promotional efforts by tourism bodies, fear and uncertainty persist. Pahalgam, once bustling with visitors, now stands eerily silent, struggling to recover from the shock and economic fallout. (PC: AP)  

A man and a woman were arrested for trying to enter actor Salman Khan’s home, Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, Mumbai. On Tuesday, 23-year-old Jitendra Kumar Singh from Chhattisgarh was caught after sneaking in behind a car. The next day, 32-year-old Isha Chhabra reached the building’s lift before police stopped her. Both claimed they only wanted to meet the actor. They were booked for trespassing. This comes after past threats from the Bishnoi gang, who even fired outside Khan’s house last year. He now has Y-plus security, and police are further investigating the latest breach. (PC: NDTV)

A CoBRA commando and a suspected Maoist were killed in an encounter in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday. The gunfight took place in Tumrel village during an anti-Maoist operation. The fallen commando has been identified as Mehul Solanki. Two more commandos were injured and airlifted by an Indian Air Force helicopter. The identity of the dead Maoist is not yet known. The operation involved the 210th CRPF CoBRA unit, state police, DRG, and STF teams. The encounter follows another major operation in Narayanpur where 27 Maoists, including top leader Basavaraju, were killed. A search in Sukma is still ongoing. (PC: Representative)

On May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court deferred its interim ruling on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, amid widespread legal and public scrutiny. The Act mandates the registration of all waqf properties and removes the ‘waqf by user’ clause, prompting concerns over minority rights and religious freedoms. The government cited historical precedents to defend the law, while petitioners argued it undermines established waqf practices. The Court has asked the Union government to file a detailed response and ordered no changes to waqf property status until further notice. The next hearing is set for July 5, 2025. (PC: The Hindu)    

In a rally in Bikaner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India avenged the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack within 22 minutes through Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including those of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. PM Modi emphasized that the military had been given a "free hand," leading to precise strikes. He stated that there would be no talks or trade with Pakistan, only discussions on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was named 'Sindoor' to honor the widows of the attack victims. Families of the victims expressed gratitude, seeing the action as delivering justice. (PC: India Today)

Two terrorists were killed in an ongoing encounter in Singhpora Chatroo, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of the joint anti-terror operation codenamed ‘Operation Trashi’. Launched around 7 am by Para SF, Army’s 11RR, 7th Assam Rifles, and SOG Kishtwar, the operation has cornered a group of three to four terrorists. This is the latest in a series of intensified counterterrorism efforts following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In the past two weeks, eight terrorists, including members of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, have been neutralised across the region as part of a sweeping crackdown on militancy. (PC: India Today)

On May 21, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar with 227 passengers onboard encountered a severe hailstorm during its approach to Srinagar Airport. The aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose cone due to the extreme weather conditions. The pilot declared an emergency with ATC and successfully landed the plane at 6:30 PM. Passengers described the turbulence as terrifying, with video footage showing panic onboard. Among them was a TMC delegation, including MP Sagarika Ghose, who called it a "near-death experience." IndiGo has grounded the Airbus A321 for detailed inspection. (PC: India Today)  

In a major counterintelligence operation, Indian agencies dismantled a Pakistan-backed ISI spy ring plotting a terror strike in Delhi. After three months of surveillance, two suspects were arrested, including Ansarul Miya Ansari, a Pakistani agent collecting sensitive military information. He was caught in central Delhi on February 15 while attempting to flee to Pakistan via Nepal, carrying classified documents. The investigation revealed links to ISI officers Muzammil and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who allegedly recruited Indian YouTubers and influencers. Officials also suspect involvement from Pakistan High Commission staffers in Delhi. The operation underscores India’s vigilance against espionage threats. (The Hindu)

Haryana Police has clarified that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI, had no access to sensitive or military information. Malhotra was detained on May 17 amid growing India-Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam terror attack. Police seized electronic devices from her and another person, Harkirat, but ruled out any direct terrorist links or confirmed ties to extremist groups. Reports of her marriage and religious conversion were also dismissed. Malhotra remains under investigation by Hisar Police and central agencies, with her digital records sent for forensic examination. Her direct role in espionage or terror is yet to be confirmed. (PC: News18)