Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a Haryana court over a social media post concerning Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam attack. The post, deemed offensive towards the military and women officers, led to his arrest following a complaint by Haryana Women's Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia. The incident has ignited national debate on academic freedom and free speech. Ashoka University's community has shown solidarity, with students and faculty organizing support in rotating shifts. The university is monitoring the situation, and legal proceedings are ongoing as Mahmudabad's legal team seeks his release. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice BR Gavai stated that laws passed by Parliament are presumed constitutional and courts cannot interfere unless a glaring issue is evident. The petitioners, represented by Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argue the law enables the state to seize Waqf land without due process. Sibal criticized the requirement that a person must have practiced Islam for five years to create a Waqf. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, urged the court to focus on the three previously identified key issues. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A major train tragedy was averted in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district after alert loco pilots spotted and removed wooden blocks tied with earthing wire to railway tracks near Dalelnagar and Umartali stations. The first attempt targeted the Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express (20504), which stopped in time. A second plot aimed at the Kathgodam Express (15044) was also foiled. Authorities, including the GRP, RPF, and local police, are investigating. Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site and issued instructions. The quick response of train crews likely prevented a catastrophic accident. The miscreants behind the sabotage remain unidentified. (PC: News18)

In a major security alert, attempts to derail two trains, including the Rajdhani Express (20504), were foiled in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district on Monday evening. According to police, unidentified miscreants placed wooden blocks tied with earthing wire on the tracks near Dalelnagar and Umartali stations. The Rajdhani's loco pilot spotted the obstruction and applied emergency brakes, preventing a disaster. A similar attempt targeting Kathgodam Express (15044), which followed shortly after, was also thwarted. Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun confirmed that GRP, RPF, and local police are investigating. No casualties or damage were reported, thanks to swift action by the train drivers. (PC: HT)

In a sweeping anti-espionage crackdown following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Indian authorities arrested 11 individuals across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. Among those arrested are a YouTuber, a political science student, a security guard, and an app developer. The accused were lured through social media, financial offers, and personal visits to Pakistan. Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer, and Devender Singh, a student, are among the high-profile suspects. Officials recovered electronic devices, messages, and photos related to military installations, highlighting the use of digital platforms in modern espionage. (PC: India Today)

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has once again been denied bail by the UK High Court, marking his tenth failed attempt since his arrest in March 2019. Modi is the prime accused in the ₹6,498 crore Punjab National Bank fraud and is currently lodged in a UK prison. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI opposed the bail, presenting evidence of money laundering through shell companies. His extradition to India has been cleared, but remains delayed due to pending legal proceedings. The UK court emphasized the scale of the fraud and risk of flight while rejecting the bail plea on May 15, 2025.

Actress Shilpa Shirodkar has tested positive for COVID-19 and shared the news via Instagram, urging fans to stay safe and wear masks. In a brief note, she wrote, “Hello people! I have been tested positive for COVID. Stay safe and wear your mask!” Fans poured in with wishes for her speedy recovery. The news comes amid rising COVID-19 cases across Asia, with countries like Singapore and Thailand reporting surges. Shilpa is also in the spotlight for her upcoming supernatural thriller Jatadhara, which stars Sonakshi Sinha in her Telugu debut alongside Sudheer Babu and others. (PC: Zee News )

The Supreme Court has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to probe Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s remarks about Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court rejected Shah’s apology, calling it insincere. “The entire nation is ashamed of you,” the bench said. Shah had made a controversial comment after Operation Sindoor. The SIT must include three senior officers, one being a woman, and submit its first report by May 28. The court criticised the state for slow action and said the timing of the remark, after a military operation, made it worse. Shah cannot be arrested yet, as per the court order. (PC: @MEAIndia)

On May 19, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar over the loss of Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor, referencing Jaishankar's earlier remarks about informing Pakistan at the operation's start. Gandhi labeled this action a "crime" and demanded transparency. The Ministry of External Affairs accused Gandhi of misrepresenting facts, clarifying that the communication with Pakistan occurred after the operation commenced. BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya criticized Gandhi, alleging he echoed Pakistan's narrative. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian jets, including Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Su-30, but India has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti stated that all pilots returned safely but withheld further details. (PC: PTI)

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)