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)

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis followed urinary symptoms leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. The cancer is characterized by a high Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating rapid growth. However, it is hormone-sensitive, offering potential for effective management. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Throughout his presidency (2021–2025), Biden faced several health challenges, including previous skin cancers and a benign polyp. Global leaders, including Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom, have extended their well-wishes. Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative aimed to reduce cancer deaths, inspired by his son Beau's death in 2015. (PC: Business Insider)

US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Rome on Sunday, months after their tense Oval Office confrontation over US support for Ukraine. The leaders discussed ceasefire talks, sanctions on Russia, and defense cooperation. Both shared smiling photos on social media, signaling a thaw in relations. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness for "real diplomacy" and thanked Americans for their support. Talks referenced recent stalled negotiations in Istanbul. Their meeting also covered battlefield updates and potential prisoner exchanges, with Zelensky calling for sustained pressure on Russia to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace. (PC: NDTV)

On May 8, 2025, Pakistan launched a significant drone and missile assault targeting India's Golden Temple in Amritsar, retaliating against India's Operation Sindoor, which struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Major General Kartik C Seshadri confirmed that India had anticipated such retaliation and intercepted all incoming threats to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Indian Army, having anticipated such retaliation, deployed advanced air defence systems, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, successfully intercepting all threats. The attacks also targeted multiple Indian cities and military bases, including Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. Operation Sindoor was conducted in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. (PC: Pinterest)

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)