Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber from Hisar, Haryana, known for her channel "Travel with Jo," has been arrested on espionage charges. Authorities allege she passed sensitive military information to Pakistan's ISI after multiple visits to Pakistan in 2023. Her travel expenses reportedly exceeded her known income sources. Investigations reveal she used encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to communicate with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Police are examining her digital devices and scrutinizing her financial records. The case has raised concerns about national security and the potential misuse of social media platforms for espionage activities. Malhotra faces charges under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory warning Indian citizens that overstaying their authorized period in the United States could lead to deportation and a permanent travel ban. This marks the third such warning this month, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. A new policy mandates all foreign nationals staying over 30 days in the U.S. to register with the federal government, irrespective of visa expiration dates. The embassy emphasizes that the permitted duration of stay is determined by immigration regulations, not visa validity. These advisories align with broader efforts to enforce immigration laws and deter visa violations. (PC: The Financial Express)

   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)  

Virat Kohli's unexpected retirement from Test cricket has left the cricketing world in shock. Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at Kohli's decision, especially ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England starting June 20. Kohli concluded his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double centuries, and led India to 40 victories as captain. His retirement follows closely after Rohit Sharma's, leaving India without its two senior pros for the England tour. Ganguly acknowledged the selectors' challenge in appointing a new captain, with Shubman Gill emerging as the frontrunner and Rishabh Pant likely to be named deputy. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Bangladeshi actor Nusraat Faria was arrested at Dhaka airport on Sunday. She was caught while heading to Thailand. Police say she is linked to an attempted murder case from the July 2024 protests against then-PM Sheikh Hasina. Faria had played Hasina in the 2023 film Mujib: The Making of a Nation. She was taken to Vatara police station and later moved to the Detective Branch office in Dhaka. Faria, 31, began her career as a radio jockey. She acted in several Bangladeshi and Indian films. Her arrest follows protests that led to Hasina stepping down and fleeing to India. (PC: India Today)

On May 17, 2025, Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed over 100 Palestinians, including women, children, and journalists, according to Gaza health authorities. The Israeli military is intensifying its campaign in Rafah, signaling a potential ground invasion. These developments coincide with renewed ceasefire negotiations in Doha, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the U.S. Hamas has offered a two-month truce in exchange for releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but Israel insists on the release of all hostages without agreeing to end the war, prolonging the humanitarian crisis. (PC: Reuters)

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)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next tranche of its bailout programme. Key stipulations include parliamentary approval of a Rs 17.6 trillion budget, increased debt servicing surcharges on electricity bills, and lifting import restrictions on used cars. Additionally, provinces must implement new agriculture income tax laws by June. The IMF warned that escalating tensions with India could jeopardize the programme's fiscal, external, and reform objectives. The report noted a 12% increase in Pakistan's defence budget, exceeding IMF projections. Recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, including Operation Sindoor and subsequent retaliations, have raised concerns over regional stability and the success of the bailout plan. (PC: Bloomberg, Facebook & Shutterstock)

On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s tall training ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York while leaving Manhattan. The ship’s 147-foot masts struck the underside of the bridge, snapping all three. The accident killed two people and injured 19 others, including two critically, among the 277 on board. Emergency responders rescued crew members who were left dangling from the rigging. Thankfully, no major structural damage was reported to the bridge. Preliminary investigations suggest possible mechanical failure. The incident is under official review by both U.S. and Mexican authorities. (PC: AFP)