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)

Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani officials. Her father, Haris Malhotra, defended her actions, stating she visited Pakistan for content creation and questioned, "If she has friends there, can't she call them?" He mentioned that she had obtained necessary permissions for her travels. Police, acting on specific inputs, arrested Jyoti under the Official Secrets Act and BNS 152, recovering suspicious materials from her devices. Investigations revealed her meetings with Pakistani officer Ahsan-ur-Rahim in Delhi and subsequent travels to Pakistan, where arrangements were made for her interactions with Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. (PC: HT Print)

In a significant diplomatic initiative following Operation Sindoor, India is sending seven bipartisan delegations comprising 51 political leaders to 33 world capitals and the EU headquarters in Brussels. These delegations, including figures like Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Kanimozhi, and Supriya Sule, aim to convey India's firm stance against terrorism. Each team includes former diplomats and at least one Muslim representative, reflecting India's inclusive approach. While 31 members are from the ruling NDA, 20 represent opposition parties. Notably, only one of the four Congress nominees was included, prompting criticism from the party. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the unified message: "One mission. One message. One Bharat." (PC: X)

Haryana Police arrested 26-year-old Armaan from Rajaka village, Nuh district, on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Authorities allege he shared sensitive military information via WhatsApp and social media with a Pakistan High Commission official in New Delhi. His mobile reportedly contained conversations, photos, and videos linked to Pakistani contacts. Armaan faces charges under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with a six-day police custody granted. His family contends the allegations are baseless, citing familial ties in Pakistan. This marks the third such arrest in Haryana within a week, following the detention of travel vlogger Jyoti Rani, accused of similar offenses involving a Pakistani official. (PC: The Indian Express)

In a significant diplomatic initiative following Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has dispatched seven all-party delegations comprising 51 political leaders—including parliamentarians and former ministers from both ruling and opposition parties—to 32 countries and the European Union headquarters in Brussels. This outreach aims to present India's unified stance against terrorism and garner international support. Each delegation, assisted by former diplomats, includes seven to eight members. Notable leaders such as Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Supriya Sule are part of this mission to strengthen India’s global diplomatic presence. (PC: PTI)  

Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber known as "Travel With Jo," has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence. Her own video from a 2023 iftar at the Pakistan High Commission, featuring expelled official Ahsan ur Rehman, surfaced as key evidence. Authorities claim she maintained contact with Pakistani officials post-visit and transmitted confidential data, violating the Official Secrets Act. Her devices are under forensic examination. The arrest underscores concerns over social media influencers being exploited for espionage. Malhotra, who promoted cross-cultural harmony, now faces serious national security charges. Investigations continue to determine the extent of her involvement and potential collaborators. (PC: NDTV & India Today)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged Turkey to reconsider its support for Pakistan, emphasizing that India hosts 220 million Muslims—more than Pakistan. He highlighted historical ties between India and Turkey, such as Turkish pilgrims traveling through Ladakh to Mumbai for Hajj until 1920, and the teaching of Turkish in Ladakh until 1990. Owaisi asserted that Pakistan's claim as a representative of Muslims is misleading and that Pakistan has nothing to do with Islam. He also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during the 2023 earthquake, questioning the reciprocity of relations. In response to Turkey's stance, several Indian universities have suspended academic collaborations with Turkish institutions. (PC: ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been appointed to lead a multi-party delegation to the U.S. to brief on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor's vocal support for the Modi government's actions has caused unease within Congress, prompting the party to clarify that his views are personal. Despite internal tensions, Tharoor emphasized that national interest supersedes party lines. He praised Operation Sindoor as a precise, morally justified response, targeting UN-designated terrorist bases while avoiding civilian harm. Tharoor also lauded the operation's name for its symbolic resonance. His inclusion in the delegation has sparked political debate, with Congress accusing the BJP of a "talent vacuum" and unilateral decision-making. (PC: India Today)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Indian armed forces penetrated 100 km into Pakistan, destroying terrorist camps in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. He praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their coordinated response, stating, "The terrorists thought their threats would intimidate us, but all three wings of our forces gave a fitting response, stronger than they could have imagined." The operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeted nine terror camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's air defense has been strengthened, warning that any further terror attacks would be met with even stronger responses. (PC: PTI)

On May 17, 2025, India imposed immediate restrictions on Bangladeshi consumer goods entering through northeastern land transit points. Imports of ready-made garments, plastics, wooden furniture, carbonated and fruit-flavoured drinks, processed foods, and cotton waste are now limited to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports. This decision follows India's earlier withdrawal of a trans-shipment facility for Bangladeshi exports via Indian territory. India's move is seen as a response to Bangladesh's continued restrictions on Indian exports through northeastern land ports. The strained trade relations coincide with political tensions after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled amid protests in 2024. Bangladesh's annual ready-made garment exports to India, valued at approximately $700 million, are expected to be significantly impacted. (PC: The Telegraph)