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)

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)

On May 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during Pope Leo's inauguration in Rome, marking their first meeting since a contentious February White House encounter over the Ukraine war. This meeting occurred amid heightened tensions, including Russia's largest drone offensive against Ukraine and ahead of a scheduled call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire. Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to diplomacy and an unconditional ceasefire, while European leaders planned to advise Trump on imposing stricter sanctions against Russia. (PC: Reuters)

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)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, including the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men's Asia Cup scheduled for September. This decision follows the appointment of Pakistan's Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, as the new ACC president. Sources indicate that the move aims to isolate Pakistan cricket, reflecting national sentiment against participating in tournaments led by a Pakistani minister. The BCCI's stance casts uncertainty over the Asia Cup's future, especially considering India's significant role in attracting sponsors and broadcasters, given the high commercial value of India-Pakistan matches. (PC: NewsonAir & AP)

After 10 weeks of a full blockade, Israel announced it will allow a "basic amount" of food into Gaza to prevent a starvation crisis. The decision comes amid mounting global pressure and intensifying military operations against Hamas. Airstrikes across Gaza have left at least 67 dead and hundreds injured, with hospitals overwhelmed or shut down. The al-Mawasi "safe zone" was hit, killing 22. Israeli officials say aid will be restricted to prevent Hamas from exploiting it. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations in Doha remain deadlocked as Hamas demands a full truce and Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of hostages. (PC: Getty Images)

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger with a significant online following, was arrested in May 2025 for allegedly passing sensitive military information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Authorities claim she maintained contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. Investigations reveal she traveled to Pakistan in 2023, met with a Pakistani High Commission official, and later visited sensitive regions including Kashmir and Ladakh. Her arrest, under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, has raised concerns about the potential misuse of social media by influencers and the implications for national security. Other travel influencers linked to Malhotra are also under scrutiny, though no formal charges have been filed against them. (PC: Travel with Jo)

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office. The 82-year-old underwent evaluation after developing worsening urinary symptoms. Doctors confirmed the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering some treatment options, but noted the Gleason score is 9—indicating a high-grade, fast-spreading form. Biden and his family are consulting specialists to determine a treatment path. While metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, medical experts say it is manageable, with many patients living several years post-diagnosis. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. (PC: AFP)

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)