UK-based academic Nitasha Kaul has had her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status revoked by the Indian government for alleged "anti-India activities" driven by "malice and complete disregard for facts or history." Kaul, who was deported from Bengaluru airport in February 2024 shortly after arrival, shared the cancellation notice on social media, labeling it a "vindictive" act of "transnational repression" targeting her scholarly critiques of the Modi administration's policies. The incident has ignited debates on freedom of expression and the rights of OCI holders, with critics arguing it reflects a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices, while government sources defend the action as a sovereign decision to protect national interests. (PC: India Today)

On May 19, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over former U.S. President Joe Biden's diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. In a message on X, Modi extended his best wishes for Biden's quick and full recovery, also conveying thoughts to Dr. Jill Biden and their family. Biden's office stated that while the cancer is aggressive, it is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management. Global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, also extended their wishes for Biden's swift recovery. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 19, 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged sacked teachers and non-teaching staff to pursue legal avenues and trust the state government, following the Supreme Court's April verdict invalidating 25,753 school appointments due to recruitment fraud. Banerjee emphasized, "Fight legally. We are also fighting legally with all the means available to us," and criticized ongoing street protests, asserting that movements should have boundaries. She attributed the job losses to opposition-led legal actions and external provocations, stating, "They did not lose their jobs because of us." The state has filed a review petition, and the Supreme Court has mandated fresh recruitment advertisements by May 31 and completion by December 31. (PC: Business Standard)

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)

Amid growing global interest, individuals from the US and UK have filed trademark applications for the phrase “Operation Sindoor,” the codename for India’s recent military strikes in Pakistan and PoK. In the US, Rohith Baharani filed under the entertainment category, while UK-based Vikas Mahajan applied under advertising, telecom, and education. At least 14 applications have also been filed in India. Reliance Industries withdrew its initial filing, citing an unauthorized submission. While trademark rights are territorial, successful registration would grant exclusive national usage rights. “Operation Sindoor” was named as a tribute to widowed victims of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. (PC: HT)

As India prepares for the five-Test series in England starting June 20, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is set to announce the new Test squad and captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Leading contenders for the role include Jasprit Bumrah, the current vice-captain, and Shubman Gill. Former players have also backed names like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Ishant Sharma supports Bumrah, while Sanjay Bangar prefers Rahul. With several veterans stepping down, the squad announcement is expected to usher in a new era in Indian Test cricket. Fans await clarity as the team looks to build for the future. (PC: BCCI)

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah's apology for his communal remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling it insincere “crocodile tears.” The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, labeled the comments "most unfortunate" and "crass." The Court has set up a Special Investigation Team of three IPS officers, including at least one woman, to probe the FIR against Shah. At a recent rally, Shah had controversially claimed PM Modi sent a “sister from their community” to avenge a terror attack, prompting public outrage and strong judicial condemnation.

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)

In a significant counter-espionage operation, eight individuals—including a YouTuber, a student, and a security guard—were arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The arrests followed a joint operation by central and state intelligence agencies, uncovering a network involved in leaking sensitive information to Pakistani handlers. Authorities seized electronic devices and documents during the raids. The suspects are accused of transmitting classified data related to military installations and movements. Investigations revealed that some individuals were in contact with Pakistani operatives through social media platforms. The case underscores growing concerns over national security breaches facilitated via digital communication channels. Further inquiries are ongoing to identify additional collaborators. (PC: NDTV & The Tribune)

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)