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)

Amid heightened tensions, the Indian Army thwarted a Pakistani drone and missile attack targeting the Golden Temple and key locations in Punjab on May 8. The attack followed India’s precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Using advanced air defence systems like the AKASH missile and L-70 guns, India successfully intercepted all incoming threats. The Army emphasized its commitment to protecting religious sites and civilian lives. Targeted strikes also hit terror hubs in Muridke and Bahawalpur. Hostilities ceased on May 10 after both nations reached an understanding to end the conflict. (PC: News18)

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police arrested two men in Hyderabad suspected of planning bomb blasts. The suspects, linked to ISIS, were reportedly testing explosives and preparing for attacks. The arrests were made during a joint operation, highlighting the coordination between state security agencies. Authorities recovered explosive materials and digital evidence from the suspects. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their network and potential targets. This swift action underscores the vigilance of Indian law enforcement in thwarting terror threats and ensuring public safety. (PC: The Sunday Guardian)

In a joint operation, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police foiled an ISIS-linked bomb plot in Hyderabad, arresting two suspects, Siraj from Vizianagaram and Sameer from Hyderabad. Acting on intelligence, officials discovered that the duo planned to carry out a dummy blast under the direction of an ISIS module based in Saudi Arabia. Siraj had procured explosives, while Sameer coordinated local logistics. The arrests were made by Telangana’s Counter Intelligence and Andhra Pradesh Intelligence teams. The successful operation comes amid heightened security alerts following recent terror activities across India, including attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and investigations in Punjab. (PC: India Today)

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Shehzad, a resident of Rampur, from Moradabad for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Shehzad reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times, using cross-border smuggling of goods like cosmetics and spices as a cover for espionage. He is accused of passing classified Indian security information to ISI agents, transferring funds, and helping recruit individuals for ISI-linked operations. Authorities also found he facilitated Indian SIM cards for Pakistani operatives. A case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered, and further investigations are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

Travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, known as ‘Travel with JO’, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Haryana Police revealed she was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and was being developed as a potential asset. Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times on sponsored trips, including shortly before the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Investigators say her finances don’t match her declared income and she had ties with a Pakistani High Commission official. Arrested under the Official Secrets Act and BNS sections, Malhotra is in five-day custody as authorities probe further links amid rising Indo-Pak tensions. (PC: Instagram/travelwithjo1)

On May 18, 2025, a devastating fire in Hyderabad's Gulzar Houz area claimed 17 lives, including women and children, due to smoke inhalation. The fire reportedly began from a short circuit in a ground-floor jewelry shop and quickly engulfed the building, which lacked proper emergency exits. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended sympathies and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The tragedy highlights critical fire safety gaps in urban India. (PC: INDToday)

   The Indian Army, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, destroyed 42 unexploded shells in Poonch on Sunday. These shells were left behind after cross-border shelling by Pakistan. The controlled operation took place in Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati, and Salani villages. Trained bomb disposal teams carried out the task with full safety to protect local people. The Army said the operation shows their strong efforts to keep civilians safe and restore peace in the area. Earlier, shelling from Pakistan had killed 12 and injured 42. A ceasefire was agreed on May 10, ending days of military tension between India and Pakistan. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 18, 2025, a deadly fire broke out in a three-story building in Hyderabad’s Shah Ali Banda area, killing at least 17 people and injuring several more. The fire originated from a short circuit in a ground-floor jewelry shop and quickly spread to the upper residential floors. With a single, narrow staircase and no alternative escape route, residents were trapped. Rescue operations faced major obstacles due to heavy smoke and poor access. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and announced compensation, as the tragedy reignites concerns over widespread fire safety violations in urban India. (PC: AFP)  

Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested in Delhi on Sunday following a complaint by a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. The arrest stems from his social media remarks on Operation Sindoor, particularly his critique of the media briefing led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Mahmudabad questioned the authenticity of the representation, suggesting it would be "hypocrisy" if not reflected in real-world actions. The Haryana State Commission for Women had earlier issued a show-cause notice, interpreting his comments as disparaging to women officers and promoting communal disharmony. Mahmudabad defended his statements, asserting they were misunderstood and aimed at highlighting the importance of genuine representation and unity in diversity. He also challenged the commission's jurisdiction over the matter. The arrest has ignited debates on academic freedom and the boundaries of free speech in India. (PC: Ashoka Education)