On May 17, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of informing Pakistan in advance about Operation Sindoor, labeling it a "crime" and demanding to know who authorized it. Gandhi shared a video, deemed "fake," allegedly showing Jaishankar admitting to prior notification. The Ministry of External Affairs refuted Gandhi's claims, stating that Pakistan was warned only after the operation commenced, not before. The controversy has intensified political debates over national security and the government's handling of cross-border operations. While the Congress party had earlier expressed support for the armed forces' actions against terror camps in Pakistan, Gandhi's recent statements have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability. (PC: The Caravan & The Hindu)

Sunita Jamgade, 43, from Nagpur, vanished from Hunderman, a remote village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil, Ladakh, sparking concerns she may have crossed into Pakistan-controlled territory to meet a Pakistani pastor she befriended online. Traveling with her 12-year-old son, whom she left behind before disappearing, her family was alerted by Kargil police five days ago. Previously, Sunita attempted to cross the Attari-Wagah border but was detained and later released due to mental health concerns. She had been living with her mother in Nagpur after separating from her husband eight years ago. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. (PC: The Indian Express)

On May 17, 2025, Indian authorities arrested six individuals, including Haryana-based travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel "Travel with Jo," reportedly visited Pakistan in 2023 and established connections with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. She stayed in contact with operatives via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, allegedly sharing sensitive data and promoting pro-Pakistan content online. The arrests highlight growing concerns over digital espionage and national security threats. (PC: India Today)

In 2025, India’s government approved adding caste details to the national census for the first time since independence. This decision aims to provide accurate data on caste demographics to guide social justice and policy-making efforts. It is expected to influence reservation quotas in jobs, education, and political representation, especially for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The move follows recent state-level caste surveys sparking national debate. The caste census will begin in 2025 and finish by 2026, shaping future welfare programs and electoral boundaries, marking a significant step in India’s socio-political landscape. (PC: Getty Images)

On May 17, 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed his participation in India’s global diplomatic outreach to counter terrorism, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor. Tharoor will lead one of seven all-party delegations visiting key global capitals to present India’s unified anti-terror stance. Stressing national interest over politics, Tharoor stated, “I will not be found wanting.” The initiative aims to build international support against cross-border terrorism and highlight Pakistan’s alleged involvement. The outreach reflects India’s intent to present a bipartisan front on national security and seek global accountability on terror issues. (PC: PTI)

India is set to launch its first manned deep-ocean mission, Samudrayaan, by the end of 2026. The mission will explore depths of up to 6,000 meters using Matsya-6000, an indigenously developed submersible by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in collaboration with ISRO. Matsya-6000 is a 25-tonne vehicle with a 2.1-meter titanium sphere capable of carrying three scientists and withstanding extreme underwater pressure. It has 12 hours of operational and 96 hours of emergency endurance. Samudrayaan aims to harness deep-sea resources, contributing significantly to India's blue economy and oceanic scientific advancement. (PC: India Today)

In response to intensified cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces, the Indian Army has launched essential relief operations in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir. The shelling severely impacted civilian infrastructure, damaging homes, schools, and religious places, leading to injuries and displacements. The Army is providing critical aid including medical treatment, food supplies, and temporary shelter to the affected population. These efforts aim to stabilize the region and support civilians during the crisis. Meanwhile, the Army remains on high alert to prevent further hostilities and ensure the safety of local residents. (PC: ANI)

On May 17, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two ISIS-linked fugitives at Mumbai Airport. The suspects were wanted in connection with a 2023 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) case and had a combined bounty of ₹6 lakh on their heads. They were allegedly involved in managing a bomb-making facility and had been evading law enforcement for months. Their arrest marks a significant success in the NIA's crackdown on ISIS sleeper cells operating within India, highlighting ongoing efforts to neutralize domestic terror threats and enhance national security. (PC: The Hindu)  

The Congress has welcomed the Centre’s decision to include party MP Shashi Tharoor in a global parliamentary outreach to expose Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism. The initiative, involving around 40 MPs from parties including BJP, TMC, and DMK, will begin with visits to various countries from May 22–23. Congress leaders praised Tharoor’s selection, claiming it highlights the BJP’s “talent vacuum” and need to rely on opposition leaders for diplomatic credibility. The mission follows Operation Sindoor and aims to present concrete evidence of Pakistan’s terror links to the global community. (PC: ANI)

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, showcased India’s most aggressive military response in decades. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, India struck nine terror hubs and 11 Pakistani airbases using BrahMos missiles launched from Sukhoi-30 MKIs. The offensive was backed by indigenous systems like Akashteer, Barak-8, and the Russian S-400, which successfully neutralised Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks. Coordinated by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), this operation highlighted India’s evolving defence capabilities and self-reliance in modern warfare. The precision and depth of the operation dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and strategic confidence. (PC: India Today)