Rajasthan Royals finally managed to end their chasing jinx as they beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 wickets in Match 62 of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) on Tuesday, May 20 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. After being put in to bat first, CSK posted 187/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, Rajasthan Royals chased down the target in 17.1 overs on the back of a splendid fifty from young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (57 off 33), who was well-supported by captain Sanju Samson (41 off 31). This win marked RR's second successful chase in ten attempts this season, ending their campaign in ninth place with four wins from 14 matches. CSK, with six points from 13 matches, are poised to finish last for the first time in IPL history. (PC: India Today)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber, was arrested on May 16 for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Investigations revealed she visited sensitive areas in Kashmir and Ladakh, sharing videos on social media. Authorities suspect she transmitted classified information to Pakistani handlers, possibly for monetary gains. Malhotra, operating under the alias 'Sejal Kapoor', reportedly targeted 98 individuals as part of an ISI-orchestrated espionage operation. She faces charges under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. Her Instagram account has been suspended, while her YouTube and Facebook profiles remain active. Investigators have seized documents from her residence and are analyzing them for further evidence. ( PC: India Today)

India's outreach delegations have highlighted Pakistan's consistent use of the "victim card" in international forums, despite its history of supporting terrorism. These briefings also noted a shift in China's stance, with Beijing advocating for restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. This change follows the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, which intensified global scrutiny on Pakistan's actions. In response, Pakistan plans to send its own delegations abroad to present its narrative. Meanwhile, China's engagement with Pakistan continues, emphasizing support for Pakistan's sovereignty and urging both nations to manage differences and maintain regional stability. The evolving dynamics underscore the complex interplay of diplomacy and regional security concerns. (PC: NDTV)

A political controversy has erupted in Tripura after street performer Shanu Malakar was heckled for singing “Allah Ke Bande” at the Mata Tripurasundari Temple. A man, allegedly BJP OBC Morcha leader Tushar Shil, confronted Malakar, claiming that praising Allah in a temple is unacceptable and labeling such expressions as “jihadi.” The incident, captured on video, went viral, prompting CPM leader Jitendra Chaudhury to condemn the act as a threat to constitutional rights and question the lack of police action. BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya defended the confrontation, stating that religious expressions should align with the venue's sanctity. The incident has intensified political tensions, highlighting issues of religious expression and intolerance. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Indian Army has clarified that no air defense guns or military resources were deployed inside the Golden Temple during recent tensions with Pakistan. This statement addresses misinformation and reassures the public and religious communities about the military's respect for the sanctity of the shrine. The Army emphasized that no defensive or offensive military installations were placed within the temple premises. This clarification comes amid reports of Pakistan targeting the Golden Temple with drones and missiles in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor, which aimed at terrorist sites within Pakistan. The Army confirmed that these attacks were thwarted due to India's air-defense preparedness and cooperation between military and religious authorities. (PC: Conde Nast Traveller India)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change in the playing conditions for the remaining league matches of IPL 2025. Effective from May 20, each match will now have an additional 120 minutes allocated to accommodate potential weather interruptions, aligning with the existing provision for playoff games. This adjustment aims to minimize match cancellations due to rain, ensuring a fair outcome and enhancing the fan experience. The revised conditions will be implemented starting with the Chennai Super Kings vs. Rajasthan Royals match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Additionally, due to monsoon concerns, certain fixtures have been relocated, including the May 23 game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, now set to be played in Lucknow. (PC: Newsonair)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed parliamentary delegations ahead of their international visits, emphasizing the importance of aligning their engagements with India's foreign policy objectives. He provided insights into India's diplomatic priorities, regional and global challenges, and the country's stance on key international issues. The briefings aimed to equip lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of India's foreign policy to effectively represent the nation's interests abroad. Misri highlighted the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting India's global image. The sessions were part of the government's efforts to ensure cohesive and informed international engagements by its parliamentary representatives. (PC: The Tribune)

The United Kingdom has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Israel due to escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel’s military actions as “egregious,” highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis, including UN warnings that 14,000 infants could die within 48 hours without aid. The UK also imposed sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This move aligns with international criticism from France, Canada, and others, urging Israel to lift aid restrictions and cease hostilities. Despite Israel's limited allowance of aid trucks, the situation remains dire. Israel maintains that external pressure will not alter its security measures. The UK continues to support a two-state solution and calls for immediate humanitarian access. (PC: The Wall Street Journal)

Neha Sharma, a former property manager at New Zealand's child welfare agency Oranga Tamariki, and her husband Amandeep Sharma, owner of Divine Connection, defrauded the agency of over NZ$2 million. Neha used fake references to secure her job and covertly directed over 200 maintenance jobs and 326 inflated invoices to her husband's company between July 2021 and October 2022. The couple fled to Chennai on business-class tickets but were soon apprehended. They owned three properties, three cars, and had nearly $800,000 in joint accounts. Neha was sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty to multiple fraud charges, including deception, money laundering, and using forged documents. Amandeep also pleaded guilty to deception and laundering charges. (PC: India Filings)

China is set to launch the Jiutian SS-UAV, a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle capable of deploying up to 100 drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze UAVs. Developed by AVIC, Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology, and Guangzhou Haige Communications, the Jiutian features a modular payload system for roles ranging from strike support to disaster response. Operating at 15,000 meters with a 7,000 km range and 36-hour endurance, it can perform ISR and electronic warfare missions. Comparable in size to the RQ-4 Global Hawk but with strike capabilities, it's viewed as a strategic asset for power projection across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and up to Guam. While its altitude places it above many medium-range defense systems, experts note that systems like THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 could intercept it. China's $420 million investment underscores its strategic intent and industrial capability. (PC: NU & The Telegraph)