In a sweeping anti-espionage crackdown following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Indian authorities arrested 11 individuals across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. Among those arrested are a YouTuber, a political science student, a security guard, and an app developer. The accused were lured through social media, financial offers, and personal visits to Pakistan. Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer, and Devender Singh, a student, are among the high-profile suspects. Officials recovered electronic devices, messages, and photos related to military installations, highlighting the use of digital platforms in modern espionage. (PC: India Today)

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has once again been denied bail by the UK High Court, marking his tenth failed attempt since his arrest in March 2019. Modi is the prime accused in the ₹6,498 crore Punjab National Bank fraud and is currently lodged in a UK prison. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI opposed the bail, presenting evidence of money laundering through shell companies. His extradition to India has been cleared, but remains delayed due to pending legal proceedings. The UK court emphasized the scale of the fraud and risk of flight while rejecting the bail plea on May 15, 2025.

Actress Shilpa Shirodkar has tested positive for COVID-19 and shared the news via Instagram, urging fans to stay safe and wear masks. In a brief note, she wrote, “Hello people! I have been tested positive for COVID. Stay safe and wear your mask!” Fans poured in with wishes for her speedy recovery. The news comes amid rising COVID-19 cases across Asia, with countries like Singapore and Thailand reporting surges. Shilpa is also in the spotlight for her upcoming supernatural thriller Jatadhara, which stars Sonakshi Sinha in her Telugu debut alongside Sudheer Babu and others. (PC: Zee News )

The Supreme Court has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to probe Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s remarks about Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court rejected Shah’s apology, calling it insincere. “The entire nation is ashamed of you,” the bench said. Shah had made a controversial comment after Operation Sindoor. The SIT must include three senior officers, one being a woman, and submit its first report by May 28. The court criticised the state for slow action and said the timing of the remark, after a military operation, made it worse. Shah cannot be arrested yet, as per the court order. (PC: @MEAIndia)

On May 19, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar over the loss of Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor, referencing Jaishankar's earlier remarks about informing Pakistan at the operation's start. Gandhi labeled this action a "crime" and demanded transparency. The Ministry of External Affairs accused Gandhi of misrepresenting facts, clarifying that the communication with Pakistan occurred after the operation commenced. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya criticized Gandhi, alleging he echoed Pakistan's narrative. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian jets, including Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Su-30, but India has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti stated that all pilots returned safely but withheld further details. (PC: PTI)

On May 19, 2025, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a civil revision petition filed by the Muslim side seeking to halt the trial court's proceedings concerning a land dispute between Jama Masjid and Harihar Mandir in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district. This decision allows the survey of the mosque to continue as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The plea aimed to stay the trial court's actions but was dismissed by the High Court, thereby upholding the trial court's authority to continue its evaluation of the land in question. This case reflects ongoing tensions and legal scrutiny over religious sites and associated land ownership in the region. (PC: The Times Of India & OpIndia)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to brief the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on May 19, 2025, focusing on Operation Sindoor and recent developments in India-Pakistan relations. This marks the first formal update to the panel following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Misri is expected to provide insights into India's diplomatic and strategic responses, including the rationale behind the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats. The briefing aims to inform lawmakers about the government's approach to handling bilateral issues, regional stability concerns, and prospective diplomatic measures amid ongoing tensions. (PC: The Hindu)

Trinamool Congress MP and ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan withdrew from the all-party delegation set to promote India's anti-terror stance post-Operation Sindoor globally. TMC criticized the Centre for naming Pathan without consulting the party. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said the BJP cannot decide TMC's representation, calling for Opposition consultation. TMC is the only party to withdraw its MP so far. Congress also accused the government of political manipulation after three of its four recommended names were excluded. Despite objections, the Congress allowed participation, citing national interest. Pathan was elected from Baharampur after defeating senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in 2024. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Subodh Kumar Goel, former Chairman and Managing Director of UCO Bank, from his New Delhi residence on May 16. The arrest pertains to a ₹6,210.72 crore fraud involving Concast Steel & Power Ltd. (CSPL), where large credit facilities sanctioned during Goel's tenure were allegedly diverted and misused. Goel is accused of receiving substantial illegal gratifications from CSPL in exchange for these sanctions. The ED's investigation, initiated based on a CBI FIR, led to Goel's production before the Special Court (PMLA) in Kolkata on May 17, which granted ED custody till May 21. The case underscores significant lapses in banking oversight and regulatory compliance. (PC: The Economic Times)

The Election Commission has suspended Arun Gorain, a systems manager in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, for gross misconduct. Gorain unauthorizedly added his mobile number to the login credentials of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) for Kakdwip, enabling him to receive OTPs and access the system. He then disposed of applications filed under Forms 6 (inclusion), 7 (objection/deletion), and 8 (correction) without authorization. Following a complaint from the district administration, immediate suspension was enforced. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the electoral process, especially concerning the handling of sensitive voter information and the proper use of official credentials. (PC: Shutterstock)