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)

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)

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)

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)

In a joint operation, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police foiled an ISIS-linked bomb plot in Hyderabad, arresting two suspects, Siraj from Vizianagaram and Sameer from Hyderabad. Acting on intelligence, officials discovered that the duo planned to carry out a dummy blast under the direction of an ISIS module based in Saudi Arabia. Siraj had procured explosives, while Sameer coordinated local logistics. The arrests were made by Telangana’s Counter Intelligence and Andhra Pradesh Intelligence teams. The successful operation comes amid heightened security alerts following recent terror activities across India, including attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and investigations in Punjab. (PC: India Today)

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Shehzad, a resident of Rampur, from Moradabad for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Shehzad reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times, using cross-border smuggling of goods like cosmetics and spices as a cover for espionage. He is accused of passing classified Indian security information to ISI agents, transferring funds, and helping recruit individuals for ISI-linked operations. Authorities also found he facilitated Indian SIM cards for Pakistani operatives. A case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered, and further investigations are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

Travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, known as ‘Travel with JO’, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Haryana Police revealed she was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and was being developed as a potential asset. Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times on sponsored trips, including shortly before the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Investigators say her finances don’t match her declared income and she had ties with a Pakistani High Commission official. Arrested under the Official Secrets Act and BNS sections, Malhotra is in five-day custody as authorities probe further links amid rising Indo-Pak tensions. (PC: Instagram/travelwithjo1)

On May 18, 2025, a devastating fire in Hyderabad's Gulzar Houz area claimed 17 lives, including women and children, due to smoke inhalation. The fire reportedly began from a short circuit in a ground-floor jewelry shop and quickly engulfed the building, which lacked proper emergency exits. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended sympathies and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The tragedy highlights critical fire safety gaps in urban India. (PC: INDToday)