Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Directs SIT Probe into ‘Operation Sindoor’ Posts

On Wednesday, May 21, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University, who was arrested by Haryana Police on May 18 over social media posts regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Court, however, refused to stay the ongoing investigation into the matter. Key Directions from the Court: Court’s Observations: The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh, stated that the interim bail was granted to facilitate the investigation, not to stall it. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mahmudabad, read aloud the professor’s social media posts, which included references to the praise of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi by right-wing commentators and a call to express equal concern over mob lynching and bulldozing incidents. Justice Surya Kant responded sharply: “So after commenting about war, he turned to politics!” He added: “Everyone has a right to express free speech. But is it the time to talk of this much communal…? The country has faced a big challenge… Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents… Why gain cheap popularity at this juncture?” While Sibal agreed that the timing of Mahmudabad’s posts “could have waited till May 10,” he questioned where the criminality in the posts lay. Justice Kant remarked further: “Everybody talks about rights. As if the country for the last 75 years was distributing rights!” On Potential Future FIRs: Sibal also urged the Court to restrain further FIRs on the same issue. While the Court declined to pass an explicit order, Justice Kant orally assured that “nothing will happen” and asked the State of Haryana to act accordingly. The State retains the liberty to submit any additional incriminating material if discovered during the course of the investigation.

IASST Scientists Discover Promising Drug Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has made significant progress in the search for effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In a recent study published in the journal Drug Discovery Today, the scientists have highlighted the therapeutic potential of peptidomimetics — synthetic molecules that mimic the structure and function of natural proteins — to promote neuronal growth and survival, two key challenges in treating brain degeneration. The study emphasizes that while neurotrophins (natural proteins essential for the survival and function of neurons) have shown promise in treatment, their instability and rapid breakdown in the body have limited their clinical use. To overcome this, the IASST team has been investigating synthetic neurotrophin mimetics that can offer greater stability, enhanced bioavailability, and longer-lasting therapeutic effects. Led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, the researchers noted that these peptidomimetic drugs can be engineered to specifically target certain receptors in the brain, thereby minimizing side effects and improving efficacy. “Neurotrophin peptidomimetics are developed to target specific biological functions and can be valuable tools in drug discovery, especially when natural peptides have limitations like poor oral bioavailability or susceptibility to degradation,” the team stated. The research delves into: The team also envisions designing new drug prototypes based on neurotrophin-mimicking compounds that could be more effective and versatile than current treatments. As the research progresses, peptidomimetics are poised to become a revolutionary approach in treating neurodegenerative disorders, offering renewed hope for millions of patients worldwide and shaping future therapeutic developments.

ऑपरेशन सिंदूर: भारतीय सेना की जवाबी कार्रवाई में 13 दुश्मन चौकियां तबाह, 9 आतंकी ठिकाने नष्ट

6 और 7 मई की मध्यरात्रि को पाकिस्तान की ओर से हुए संघर्षविराम उल्लंघन का भारतीय सेना ने सटीक और त्वरित जवाब दिया। एक भारतीय सेना के कर्नल ने जानकारी दी कि “6 और 7 मई की रात को ठीक इसी स्थान पर, जहां आप खड़े हैं, दुश्मन ने दो मोर्टार बम दागे थे। हमारे पास जैसे ही यह सूचना आई, मात्र तीन मिनट के भीतर हमने पहले से तय योजना के अनुसार दुश्मन की 13 चौकियों (बंकरों) को तबाह कर दिया।” कर्नल ने बताया कि हर जवान पूरी तरह तैयार था, उसे अपने कमांडर और उच्च मुख्यालय द्वारा दिए गए आदेश स्पष्ट रूप से मालूम थे। उन्हें यह भी पता था कि किस हथियार का उपयोग करना है और कितनी देर तक करना है ताकि दुश्मन को अधिकतम नुकसान पहुँचाया जा सके। सेना की उच्च सतर्कता स्थिति अभी भी बनी हुई है, ताकि पाकिस्तान की ओर से किसी भी प्रकार की आक्रामकता या संघर्षविराम उल्लंघन का तत्काल जवाब दिया जा सके। कर्नल ने आगे कहा, “मैं आपको आश्वस्त करना चाहता हूं कि दुश्मन ने जो गलती 6 और 7 मई की रात की, उसे हमने इस प्रकार से दंडित किया है कि वे ऐसी कोई हरकत करने से पहले अब सौ बार सोचेंगे।” ऑपरेशन सिंदूर की शुरुआत 7 मई की तड़के भारत ने ‘ऑपरेशन सिंदूर’ के तहत पाकिस्तान और पाकिस्तान अधिकृत कश्मीर (PoK) में स्थित आतंकी ठिकानों पर सटीक और लक्षित हमले किए। इन हमलों में कुल नौ आतंकी शिविरों को पूरी तरह ध्वस्त कर दिया गया। यह सैन्य कार्रवाई पहलगाम आतंकी हमले के जवाब में की गई, जिसमें 26 निर्दोष नागरिकों की जान गई थी। इस हमले की जिम्मेदारी लश्कर-ए-तैयबा के सहयोगी संगठन ‘द रेज़िस्टेंस फ्रंट’ (TRF) ने ली थी। इसके बाद भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच तनाव काफी बढ़ गया। ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच चार दिन तक सैन्य संघर्ष जारी रहा, जिसके बाद 10 मई को दोनों देशों के बीच सभी प्रकार की गोलीबारी और सैन्य कार्रवाई को रोकने पर सहमति बनी। भारत ने अब निर्णय लिया है कि वह विभिन्न देशों में बहुदलीय प्रतिनिधिमंडल भेजेगा, ताकि पहलगाम हमले के मद्देनज़र आतंकवाद के प्रति अपनी ‘जीरो टॉलरेंस’ नीति को वैश्विक स्तर पर स्पष्ट रूप से रखा जा सके।

Scaled-Down Beating Retreat Ceremony Resumes at Attari-Wagah Border Under Tight Security

The iconic Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan is set to resume today in a scaled-down format, following a brief suspension in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Sources confirm that while the ceremony will take place, significant protocol changes have been made to reflect the current security climate. Notably, the traditional opening of border gates and the symbolic handshake between the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers will be omitted. Audiences will still be permitted to witness the event from the Indian side, but under intensified security measures. The decision to modify the ceremony stems from the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including many tourists. In response, Indian forces launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), escalating cross-border tensions. The Beating Retreat ceremony, a daily military tradition since 1959, typically features elaborate drill movements, patriotic music, and a display of ceremonial coordination between both countries. However, in light of recent events, the BSF has opted for a subdued version of the ceremony as a symbolic gesture, signaling India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism. Authorities stress that while the cultural and ceremonial aspect of the retreat remains, the security of citizens and national sentiment take precedence during this sensitive time.

US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Indian Travel Agents Over Illegal Immigration Facilitation

On Monday, the United States announced visa restrictions on unnamed Indian travel agents accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration, invoking Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa denial if an individual’s presence could result in “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” This marks the first known instance of the Trump administration’s second term targeting travel operators from a specific country—India—in its ongoing crackdown on undocumented migration. Key Highlights: Wider Context: Since President Donald Trump’s second term began, illegal immigration from India has become a high-priority issue. This includes: Diplomatic Angle: The visa ban comes amid sensitive bilateral dialogue, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly raising illegal Indian migration in his first meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. While India has expressed concerns about the treatment of deportees, there has been no official statement yet on the latest visa restrictions. The U.S. move may complicate ties further as both nations navigate a turbulent global order marked by terrorism, strategic realignments, and intensifying domestic pressures.

Jaishankar Meets Dutch Counterpart in The Hague, Discusses Terrorism, EU Ties, and Operation Sindoor Context

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his three-nation Europe visit with wide-ranging discussions in The Hague with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, focusing on bilateral ties, counter-terrorism cooperation, and India’s strategic engagement with the European Union. In his first overseas trip since the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar thanked the Netherlands for its strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly civilians and tourists. He also expressed appreciation for Dutch support of India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. “Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands’ strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on X. The two ministers discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and also exchanged views on multipolarity, strategic autonomy, and pressing global security challenges. Later, Jaishankar met Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, where both sides shared their respective national security concerns and explored opportunities for closer defence collaboration. “Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership,” Jaishankar said, indicating a possible deepening of defence ties with one of India’s key EU partners. In a morning interaction with Dutch strategic experts, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of stronger India-Netherlands/EU engagement amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The Indian Embassy in The Hague noted that Jaishankar’s visit is expected to boost India-Netherlands ties and reinforce diplomatic momentum in the wake of Operation Sindoor — India’s precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar is expected to brief his counterparts in Denmark and Germany on India’s security imperatives and response to Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks between May 8–10, which saw Indian forces targeting multiple Pakistani military installations in countermeasures. His ongoing visit underlines India’s commitment to consolidating strategic partnerships in Europe amid a tense South Asian security climate and growing international focus on cross-border terrorism.

ISI Allegedly Used Haryana YouTuber to Identify Indian Undercover Agents; NIA and IB Investigate Espionage Angle

In a startling development with serious national security implications, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is suspected of using Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to gather intelligence on Indian undercover agents. Malhotra is currently in five-day police custody and is being interrogated by a joint team comprising the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Haryana Police. Sources reveal that WhatsApp chats between Malhotra and a suspected ISI handler, identified as Ali Hasan, have surfaced. The conversations reportedly contain coded language referencing India’s covert operations. In one exchange, Hasan asked Malhotra whether she had observed any individuals receiving “special protocol” during her visit to the Attari border, suggesting this as a way to identify undercover operatives. The specific mention of terms like “protocol” and “undercover agent” in these chats has raised red flags for Indian intelligence agencies. When Hasan asked, “Who received the protocol when you were at Attari?”, Malhotra allegedly responded that no such treatment was observed. Hasan hinted that identifying those who receive protocol is a method used to spot intelligence personnel. Malhotra replied, “They weren’t that stupid.” Investigators are now probing whether Malhotra knowingly collaborated with ISI or was unknowingly manipulated as part of a broader espionage and influence operation. Authorities are also examining her connections with Pakistani officials, particularly Ehsan Dar alias Danish — a Pakistani High Commission official who was recently declared persona non grata by India on May 13. Malhotra first traveled to Pakistan in 2023 for the 324th Vaisakhi Festival. Since then, her continued interactions with Pakistani individuals have come under intense scrutiny. Though she initially denied having links with Ehsan Dar, officials allege she has been evasive during questioning and has attempted to mislead investigators. Apart from her travel-related YouTube content, Malhotra recently drew controversy when she posted a video after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which she blamed Indian security forces — further fueling concerns of her involvement in cross-border propaganda or influence operations. Intelligence officials are now exploring the possibility that she may be a part of a larger spy network orchestrated by Pakistan.

Golden Temple Was Targeted in Pakistani Drone Attack: Indian Army Confirms

The Indian Army on Monday confirmed that the Golden Temple in Amritsar was among the intended targets of a large-scale drone and missile attack launched by Pakistan on May 8, following India’s preemptive strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Thanks to prior intelligence inputs and robust air defence, the sacred Sikh shrine remained completely unharmed. Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Infantry Division, stated that the Army had anticipated such an attack, especially considering Pakistan’s past pattern of targeting civilian and religious locations when military targets are limited. “Knowing that the Pakistani Army lacks legitimate targets, we expected them to focus on Indian military installations and civilian areas, including religious sites. Among these, the Golden Temple stood out as a prominent target,” he said in an interview. In response to the threat, the Indian Army deployed advanced air defence systems around the Golden Temple, establishing what Maj Gen Seshadri described as a “holistic air defence umbrella” to prevent any potential damage.

A Heartbreaking Scene: Grandmother Dies Shielding Four Children in Fire Tragedy

In a harrowing incident that has shaken an entire community, the charred bodies of an elderly woman and four children—whom she was desperately trying to protect—were found tightly embraced on the first floor of a burning house. The woman, believed to be their grandmother, held the children close as flames engulfed the home in the Modi household. One of her hands still clutched a mobile phone with its flashlight on—likely used in her final moments to search for help or light the darkness. Local first responders Mir Zahid and Mohd Azmat, who rushed in to help, were left traumatized by what they witnessed. “She must have tried to protect them from the flames,” said Zahid, visibly shaken. “They were all gone when we got there. I will never forget what I saw.” The pair broke into the house by smashing through the wall of an adjacent building. But by the time they reached the victims, most had already succumbed to the blaze. They retrieved seven bodies in total from the house, including two more found in the same room. Azmat added, “We placed a bedsheet over them because the sight was too painful. All of them had burn injuries. I don’t think words can ever do justice to what we saw.”

LeT Terrorist Behind 2006 RSS Attack Gunned Down in Pakistan’s Sindh Province

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist and mastermind of several deadly attacks in India, Razaullah Nizamani Khalid, also known by aliases such as Abu Saifullah Khalid, Vinode Kumar, and Mohammed Salim, was shot dead by three unidentified gunmen in Sindh province of Pakistan on Sunday, officials in India confirmed. Khalid was a key figure in LeT’s operations from Nepal in the early 2000s, and is notably held responsible for planning the 2006 attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, where all three terrorists were neutralized during the attack. A Mastermind of Multiple Terror Strikes Beyond the RSS attack, Khalid was allegedly involved in: According to officials, Khalid played a major operational role in recruitment, logistics, and cross-border movement of LeT operatives via Nepal, making him a critical asset in the terror group’s South Asia strategy. He worked closely with high-ranking LeT figures, including Azam Cheema alias Babaji, Yaqoob (LeT’s chief accountant), and Yusuf Muzammil, commander for Jammu and Kashmir. Death in Sindh Under Mysterious Circumstances Khalid was reportedly shot near a crossing in Badni, Sindh, after leaving his residence in Matli. Though Indian officials regard this as a significant blow to LeT, local Pakistani media have attributed the killing to personal enmity, downplaying its implications for terror networks. After his network in Nepal was dismantled by Indian agencies, Khalid returned to Pakistan, where he continued to work for LeT and its sister organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), focusing on recruitment and fundraising in Sindh’s Badin and Hyderabad districts. His killing comes amid rising internal tensions within extremist groups operating in Pakistan and is seen by Indian officials as a long-overdue neutralisation of a high-value terrorist long on the radar of security agencies.

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