Government wheat procurement has surpassed 296 lakh tonnes, exceeding last year's total purchase, bolstering food security and market stability. While Punjab and Haryana saw decreased procurement due to increased private buying, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan experienced significant surges in government purchases. With a projected record wheat production, the government anticipates exceeding 300 lakh tonnes in total procurement.

Indian authorities have launched a major crackdown on a Pakistan-linked espionage network, arresting at least 12 individuals across northern states. The suspects, including a YouTuber and an influencer, are accused of relaying sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence officers. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on digital devices, financial transactions, and potential links to drug smuggling.

India's Covid-19 situation is currently under control, with only 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025, and almost all cases are mild. Health authorities are closely monitoring the surge in cases in Hong Kong and Singapore. The Union health ministry remains alert, continuously assessing the situation, and has instructed hospitals to monitor influenza-like illnesses.

A row has erupted over the selection of representatives for a multi-party global outreach on counter-terrorism. Opposition parties like Congress and Trinamool Congress accuse the government of unilateral decision-making and ignoring their suggestions. The BJP defends the selection process, emphasizing national interest over party politics.

The Ministry of External Affairs clarified to a parliamentary committee that the India-Pakistan ceasefire was a bilateral decision, refuting Donald Trump's claims of US mediation. During the meeting, officials confirmed the conflict remained conventional, with no nuclear signaling from Pakistan. India successfully struck Pakistani air bases, regardless of the platforms used.

Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army retaliated strongly to Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in casualties. An Army official emphasized the impactful response. In other news, Prashant Kishor appointed Uday Singh as Jan Suraaj Party's first national president.

Following Rahul Gandhi's questions about Indian jets shot down by Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Shivraj Singh Chauhan urged prioritizing the nation over party politics. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of echoing Pakistani propaganda and distrusting the armed forces. Gandhi questioned Jaishankar's remarks on informing Pakistan before strikes, prompting MEA clarification about the timing of the warning.

Jan Suraaj Party, founded by Prashant Kishor, appointed former BJP MP Uday Singh as its first national president on Monday. This decision comes as the party gears up for its first electoral contest in the upcoming Bihar polls later this year. Kishor had previously stated he would not hold any official position within the party.

Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army responded strongly to Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant damage to terror infrastructure and no Indian casualties. Indian army officials confirmed that the operation was a calculated strike aimed at destroying enemy terror sites and posts aiding infiltration.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal in New Delhi on Monday. This upgrade addresses shortcomings of the previous system, offering a more user-friendly and efficient experience for OCI cardholders.

The Supreme Court rejected a Sri Lankan national's plea to settle in India after serving a seven-year sentence under UAPA for LTTE links, stating India, burdened with a large population, cannot be a 'dharamshala' for foreign nationals.

TMC MP Yusuf Pathan withdrew from the all-party delegation after the Centre's unilateral selection, sparking criticism from TMC leaders Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, who emphasized the party's right to choose its representative. Congress also questioned the Centre's selection process, deeming it dishonest after its suggested names were rejected.

Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber, was arrested under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly possessing suspicious material and having ties to Pakistani intelligence. Initially, her father defended her trips to Pakistan, stating she had the necessary permissions for her YouTube work.

Haryana Police arrested Mohammad Tarif for allegedly spying for Pakistan, the second such arrest in Nuh within 48 hours. Tarif confessed to photographing the Sirsa airbase and interacting with Pakistani officials, who recruited him at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. He faces charges under the Official Secrets Act, along with two Pakistani officials.

Punjab Police arrested two Pakistani spies. They were in contact with Pakistan's ISI. The spies became active after the Pahalgam terror attack. Authorities transferred one lakh rupees to their accounts. Both individuals are from Gurdaspur and are around 19-20 years old. They are also involved in drug activities. They leaked secret information of security forces to Pakistan.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticised the government for allegedly informing Pakistan before strikes on terror infrastructures, questioning the potential security risks. He also attacked PM Modi over Donald Trump's claim of brokering a ceasefire, alleging a secret deal. Rahul Gandhi has also questioned Jaishankar on the same issue, while MEA has refuted the Congress's claims, calling them a misrepresentation of facts.

The Supreme Court rebuked Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his derogatory remarks against an Army officer, deeming his apology insufficient and a national embarrassment.

Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of external affairs minister S Jaishankar regarding Operation Sindoor, questioning the loss of Indian aircraft due to alleged prior warnings to Pakistan.

The Supreme Court mandated the One Rank One Pension (OROP) principle for all retired high court judges, eliminating pension disparities based on recruitment source. All retired judges are entitled to a minimum annual pension of Rs 13.65 lakh, with Rs 15 lakh for retired Chief Justices.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition from Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested by Haryana Police for his remarks on Operation Sindoor. CJI B R Gavai's bench will hear the matter on May 20 or 21. Mahmudabad's arrest, following a BJP Yuva Morcha leader's complaint, has sparked concern over free expression within the academic community.

India has imposed land port restrictions on specific exports from Bangladesh to its northeast, aiming to restore equality in bilateral trade relations. These measures reciprocate Bangladesh's existing restrictions on Indian exports and selective inspections, particularly affecting access to northeastern markets. India hopes this will boost domestic manufacturing and entrepreneurship in the region.

The Indian Army showcased intercepted Pakistani missile debris, following Operation Sindoor, which retaliated against a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26. India's response included destroying terror infrastructure and key Pakistani military sites like Nur Khan Airbase. Pakistan retaliated with shelling and drone attacks. Hostilities ceased on May 10 after both nations reached an understanding.

Following heightened tensions and Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting Indian cities. The Indian Army, anticipating the threat, successfully intercepted these attacks, particularly safeguarding the Golden Temple from potential destruction. Modern air defence systems, including the indigenous AKASH missile system, played a crucial role in thwarting Pakistan's nefarious designs.

A devastating fire near Hyderabad's Charminar claimed 17 lives from a jeweller's family. Simultaneously, a joint operation led to the arrest of two individuals plotting bomb blasts. In other news, former US President Joe Biden is battling prostate cancer. India's new import restrictions on Bangladeshi garments are expected to increase logistics costs.

India is prioritizing zero-emission trucks (ZET) on ten high-impact highway segments to decarbonize logistics and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. These corridors will serve as pilot projects for electric and hydrogen-based fuel technologies. The government has allocated 500 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to boost ZET adoption, focusing on factors like freight traffic and infrastructure readiness.

Following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and PoK. The operation involved precision airstrikes and vigilance against Pakistani drones. In response to Pakistan's shelling and drone attempts, India broadened its strikes to include 11 airbases.

Bangladeshi exporters are worried about India's new port restrictions on key exports like garments and processed foods, fearing delays and higher costs. The interim government is optimistic that trade ties will remain stable and plans to address any issues through dialogue. India's restrictions, seen as non-tariff barriers, could significantly impact Bangladesh's export competitiveness, especially for the garment industry.

The 900-year-old Bale Miyan fair in Gorakhpur, dedicated to Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, has been cancelled this year as organizers claim local authorities have not granted clearance. This break in tradition follows similar cancellations in Bahraich and Sambhal. These cancellations occurred after CM Yogi Adityanath's statement against glorifying invaders, suggesting a potential link to the government's stance.

The Chief Justice of India's inaugural visit to Mumbai encountered unexpected protocol issues. The CJI noted the absence of key state officials upon his arrival. He emphasized the importance of inter-institutional respect. The Chief Secretary, Police Chief, and DGP later apologized for the oversight. They also saw off the CJI at the Mumbai airport. The matter was resolved amicably.

In Manipur, security forces have arrested over 350 insurgents amidst a crackdown on extortion, revealing a shift in tactics where groups now target matrimonial disputes alongside traditional targets. Investigations indicate these groups are increasingly desperate for funds following the imposition of President's rule. Insurgents exploit technology, using fraudulently obtained SIM cards for VoIP calls to demand money from various sources.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted Congress's claims that the government rejected their MP nominations for anti-terror outreach delegations. Rijiju clarified that informing Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge was merely a courtesy, not a request for nominations. He emphasized that seeking party recommendations for such delegations has never been a standard practice.

CJI Bhushan Gavai emphasized the Constitution's supremacy, stating that all three branchesjudiciary, executive, and legislaturemust collaborate within its framework. His statement follows President Murmu's reference to the SC regarding timelines for governors and the President in handling state bills. Justice Gavai highlighted the 'basic structure' doctrine, limiting Parliament's amendment powers.

In Uttar Pradesh, a cattle smuggler was killed and two others injured in Jaunpur after a police constable was crushed to death during a vehicle chase. Simultaneously, in Varanasi, police arrested four cattle smugglers following another encounter, with two sustaining leg injuries from retaliatory gunfire after attempting to flee with 24 cattle in a truck.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested support from eight non-BJP state leaders. He wants a united legal challenge. This challenge is against the President's reference to the Supreme Court. The reference concerns the powers of governors. Stalin fears this move weakens state autonomy. He believes it undermines the federal structure of the Constitution.

A devastating fire at a textile factory in Maharashtra's Solapur district claimed eight lives, including a toddler and the factory's owner. The blaze, suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit, trapped families living on-site. Rescue efforts were hampered by a structure near the entrance, and firefighters faced intense flames and smoke while recovering bodies throughout the day.

India is restricting ready-made garment imports from Bangladesh by land. This action will likely raise logistics costs and increase transit times. The move follows restrictions imposed by Bangladesh on Indian goods. Indian companies had set up units in Bangladesh for lower production costs. Dhaka's growing ties with China are also a concern.

In a devastating fire in Hyderabad's Gulzar Houz neighbourhood, seventeen members of a jeweller's family perished. First responders discovered the charred body of an elderly woman embracing four children, highlighting her desperate attempt to shield them from the flames. The heartbreaking scene left rescuers deeply affected, underscoring the tragedy's profound impact.