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Sikh community angry with propagandist YouTuber Dhruv Rathee for distorting Sikh history and sharing AI generated images of their revered Gurus

OpIndia Staff
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Sikh community angry with propagandist YouTuber Dhruv Rathee for distorting Sikh history and sharing AI generated images of their revered Gurus

On Sunday, May 18, propagandist YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, a German national who often peddles agenda against Indian interests, uploaded a video on his YouTube channel titled “The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals | Legend of Banda Singh Bahadur”. However, this attempt by Rathee to try and act like an expert on Sikh history, like he pretends for every other topic, has not gone down well with Sikh community.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Gurcharan Singh Grewal lashed out at Dhruv Rathee for distorting the Sikh history & Grewal added that Rathee has no right using AI for distorting Sikh History. He further added that Sikh history and Gurus should be treated with the utmost respect, free from commercialization.

President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Harmeet Singh Kalka posted, “DSGMC strongly condemns YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s video titled “The Sikh Warrior Who Terrified the Mughals”, in which he has irresponsibly used AI-generated visuals to depict the revered Sikh Gurus. This act is not only culturally insensitive but deeply offensive to Sikh sentiments and traditions.”

Kalka further added, in an attempt to educate Dhruv Rathee, “Moreover, the video spreads historical inaccuracies and distorts key facts about Sikh history — particularly the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji. Such misrepresentations are misleading, disrespectful, and unacceptable.”

Apart from the SGPC and DSGMC members, several other Sikhs have also voiced their anger at Rathee distorting Sikh history and using Artificial Intelligence to depict their revered Gurus.

A user Gagandeep Singh wrote, “In the video, Dhruv included AI-animated depictions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and other Gurus, which is highly inappropriate. Even in high-budget films approved by the SGPC, only still images and a jyot (divine light) are used to represent Guru Sahib animated movements are strictly avoided out of reverence. Additionally, he portrayed Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a child (Baal Gobind Rai) crying after witnessing the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This is a deeply sensitive moment, and the depiction lacked both historical accuracy and reverence.

Akashdeep Thind wrote that Rathee has no knowledge of Sikh History, beliefs & ethos despite being from a state next to Punjab.

Another user Pritpal Singh said to Dhruv Rathee, “You have no right to use AI to recreate visuals of Guru Sahib Ji. This is a direct insult to Sikh traditions & sentiments.”

However, Dhruv Rathee refused to take the video down and posted another video in which he said that he can blur some parts of the video which are deemed offensive by Sikhs, and it won’t be possible for him to make such a video without using AI-Generated animation.

The video was still online in its original form when this report was published.

Mumbai: Drunk Hamid Sheikh reached Ram Naval’s shop, got into an argument which escalated; 3 people including Ram and Hamid were killed, 4 others injured

OpIndia Staff
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Mumbai: Drunk Hamid Sheikh reached Ram Naval’s shop, got into an argument which escalated; 3 people including Ram and Hamid were killed, 4 others injured

A bloody conflict between two families in Ganpat Patil area of Dahisar, Mumbai, has left 3 people dead and 4 injured. The families of Hamid Sheikh and Ram Naval Gupta, who live in Ganpat Patil’s slums in Dahisar West area, attacked each other after an argument broke out between them.

As per reports, on May 18, 2025, at around 4:30 pm, after an altercation between Ram Naval Gupta and Hamid Sheikh, there was a fierce fight between their sons. During this, knives and other sharp weapons were used. Ram Naval Gupta, his son Arvind Gupta, and Hamid Sheikh died in the scuffle. Two sons of Ram Naval and two sons of Hamid Sheikh were also badly injured during the fight. They have been admitted to a nearby hospital. The police have sent the bodies of the deceased Ram Naval Gupta, his son Arvind Gupta, and Hamid Sheikh for post-mortem.

Both the families live in the slum of Ganpat Patil Nagar and there was enmity between them since 2022. Both the families have also filed a case against each other.

what is the entire matter

On Sunday (18 May 2025), Hamid Sheikh reached in front of Ram Naval Gupta’s shop in lane number 14 in an inebriated condition. Ram Naval Gupta had a coconut shop where some other people were also present. Hamid was inebriated so he started talking about old disputes and an argument started between the duo.

In the midst of the argument, both called their children. On one side were Ram Naval Gupta and his sons Amar Gupta, Arvind Gupta and Amit Gupta, while on the other side were Hamid Sheikh and his sons Arman Sheikh and Hasan Sheikh. The argument escalated and weapons like knives and sharp edged weapons were used. During the fight, Ram Naval Gupta, Arvind Gupta and Hamid Sheikh lost their lives.

Giving information about the incident, the police said that a case of murder has been registered from both sides. The accused sons have been admitted to the hospital in critical condition, so they have not been arrested yet.

News of Joe Biden’s aggressive stage prostate cancer fuels old questions regarding his capabilities: Was he fit to remain in Oval Office for 4 years?

Anurag
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News of Joe Biden’s aggressive stage prostate cancer fuels old questions regarding his capabilities: Was he fit to remain in Oval Office for 4 years?

On 18th May, the reports of former US President Joe Biden suffering from an aggressive stage of prostate cancer that has already metastasised to his bones shocked the world. His office issued a statement about his health on Sunday. The revelation, coming months after he stepped down from office on 19th January this year, has triggered a renewed debate about his medical fitness and honesty during his presidency.

The official statement from his office read, “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

82-year-old Biden was diagnosed on 17th May after experiencing urinary symptoms. His team stated that while the cancer is advanced, it remains hormone-sensitive and “can be effectively managed”. However, the Gleason score, an indicator of cancer aggressiveness, rated the disease at a worrying 9 out of 10.

Reactions flood after news about Biden’s illness

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Source: Truth Social

Physician and scientist Dr Steven Quay questioned why his cancer was not diagnosed earlier as according to him, “Prostate cancer is the easiest cancer to diagnose when it first starts and to watch it progress to bone metastases. The PSA blood test shows the rate of cancer cell growth. For even with the most aggressive form, it is a 5-7 year journey without treatment before it becomes metastatic.” He further argued that it would be “malpractice for this patient to show up and be first diagnosed with metastatic disease in May 2025”. Dr Quay further asserted Biden might have carried a “diagnosis of prostate cancer throughout his White House tenure and the American people were uninformed”.

Questions arise again, allegations of lying and covering up resurface

Several people have pointed out that in July 2022, Biden had said he has cancer. However, it was brushed off suggesting he was referring to skin cancer lesions, which he had got removed in March 2023. People are now questioning if he had been suffering from prostrate cancer for over three years and people of America were kept in dark.

A disease that progresses slowly but has been hidden for years?

Prostate cancer, no matter how aggressive it is, is known to develop slowly. According to experts, even metastatic cases can allow patients to live for years. Furthermore, such a diagnosis does not occur overnight. That means Biden likely lived with serious health concerns while continuing to occupy the office of the President of the United States. He did not stepped down and his supporters like actor and producer Michael Douglas defended him by calling Biden “sharp as a tack”.

That statement now appears less about confidence and more about damage control.

Media silence and deliberate deception?

The Western liberal media long painted Biden as cognitively sound and medically fit. However, the liberal media is now under the spotlight for failing to investigate or question evident signs of his declining health. Not to forget, he abruptly ended his 2024 re-election bid after a visibly faltering debate performance. It was, however, dismissed by pro-Biden liberal media as a “one-off”.

Now, as the truth has been exposed, it is clear that not only Biden, as the President, was battling a debilitating disease, but his team also continued to shield the information from the public. Journalistic complicity ensured that the narrative about Biden remained clean, that he was perfectly fine and any doubts about his faculties were merely conspiracy against him.

Democratic miscalculation and public backlash

An interesting admission had come hours before the cancer diagnosis was revealed. Democrat Senator Chris Murphy had acknowledged that the party erred in pushing Biden as the 2024 nominee despite persistent public scepticism over his age and capability. Polls conducted by different agencies throughout 2023 showed most Americans, including Democrats, believed he was too old to serve another term.

However, those who defended Biden argued that he was a fighter, invoking his tragic loss of son Beau to brain cancer and highlighting his revival of the Obama-era Cancer Moonshot programme. Contrary to what his supporters say, it was not just an issue about the illness but about transparency, honesty and responsibility to the people.

The US mainstream media not only continued to assert that Biden was in excellent health, they even labelled all concerns and questions regarding his fitness and ability as conspiracy theories.

A presidency built on concealment and media management

Joe Biden’s diagnosis is not the problem, millions battle prostate cancer with courage. The problem is that a man suffering from such a serious illness occupied the Oval Office, took decisions regarding wars and weapons and energy supplies around the world, while his team and the press pretended all was well. It was not. And if voters and lawmakers had known the truth earlier, decisions may have been very different.

The question now – Was this merely a health issue, or a historic deception?

India’s port restrictions to cost Bangladesh over $770 million: How Yunus govt’s hostile behaviour with India is costing the poor country billions of dollars

Shraddha Pandey
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India’s port restrictions to cost Bangladesh over $770 million: How Yunus govt’s hostile behaviour with India is costing the poor country billions of dollars

Bangladesh is likely to lose around $770 million after India imposed port restrictions on Bangladeshi goods, as per reports. The impact will particularly be seen in garments and processed goods. This comes at a time when Bangladesh, under its Islamist government, is grappling with economic challenges and internal turmoil.

India goes into ‘give hostile statement, lose millions of dollars’ mode against Bangladesh

As per the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report published on 18th May 2025, a trade think tank, India’s decision to impose port restrictions may restrict imports worth $770 million from Bangladesh, nearly 42% of total inbound shipments. This would happen by stopping several goods from land routes and limiting them to a few seaports.

Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Saturday imposed immediate port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh, following a directive issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). After this decision, key goods like garments, processed foods, and plastic items are now limited to select sea ports or barred from land routes entirely. Under the new policy, Bangladeshi garments, which are valued at USD 618 million annually, can now enter India only through two designated seaports, effectively barring access via land routes that previously served as primary trade arteries.  

The port restrictions have been imposed on import of all kinds of Ready-Made Garments, Fruit/ Fruit flavoured and Carbonated Drinks; Processed food items; Cotton and Cotton Yarn Waste; Plastic and PVC finished goods and Wooden Furniture.

The detailed notification states that Import of all kinds of Ready-Made Garments from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port. However, it will be allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.

Import of Fruit/ Fruit flavoured and Carbonated Drinks, Processed food items like Baked goods, Snacks, Chips and Confectionery, Cotton and Cotton Yam Waste, Plastic and PVC finished goods, and Wooden Furniture will not be permitted through any Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/ Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; and Land Customs Stations of Changrabandha and Fulbari in West Bengal.

India budget boost for textile industry to gain edge over Bangladesh’s once thriving now in shambles textile industry

Notably, the Indian textile manufacturers have long voiced concern over what they describe as unfair advantages enjoyed by Bangladeshi competitors, who benefit from duty-free imports of Chinese fabric and substantial government export subsidies. These factors reportedly give Bangladeshi exporters a 10-15 per cent pricing edge in the Indian market. The GTRI added in its report that these trade measures did not emerge in isolation.  

“The restrictions look like India’s response to Dhaka restricting imports from India on a large number of items and diplomatic pivot towards China the GTRI report added.  

In February this year, the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave a big boost to the textile industry announcing a 19% increase in the Budget Estimates for AY 2026-27. The BJP-led government allotted Rs 5272 crores to the Ministry of Textiles this year as compared to Rs 4417.03 crores in the Financial Year 2024-25. Additionally, the government has decided to boost cotton production and has announced a five-year Cotton Mission.

Bangladesh used to be the second largest exporter of garments but the sector in the neighbouring country is looking at uncertainties amid a financial crisis, power crisis and violence. After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, India has scope to enhance increased cotton exports to the USA, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, among others. India is thus, taking all measures to use advantage as businesses try to move away from Bangladesh.

India’s strict response came after Bangladesh pivoted toward China and restricted imports from India

Incidentally, India’s decision to imposed port restrictions is also being seen as a response to outrageous remarks by Bangladesh’s interim chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus regarding India’s northeast.

During a speech in China, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier described India’s north-eastern states as a “landlocked region with no access to the ocean”. This comment has sparked diplomatic friction, with Indian officials viewing it as undermining the region’s connectivity and status.

Highlighting Dhaka’s increasing proximity with China, the GTRI report adds that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s pro-India government in mid-2024 and the rise of an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus have brought a willingness to align with Beijing.

Yunus’s visit to China in March 2025 yielded USD 2.1 billion in new investments and cooperation agreements. All these developments, along with infrastructure projects like the Teesta River development, have posed a significant threat to India’s position in the region.

Since late 2024, Bangladesh has imposed a series of restrictions on Indian exports. These include an April 2025 ban on Indian yarn imports through five major land ports, tighter curbs on rice shipments, and import bans on dozens of Indian goods–from paper and tobacco to fish and powdered milk. Adding to the friction, Dhaka introduced a transit fee of 1.8 taka per tonne per kilometre on Indian goods moving through its territory.

The report added that these cumulative actions, along with operational delays and tightened port inspections, have hampered Indian exporters and triggered calls for a calibrated response.

Earlier on 9th April, Indian govt announced the withdrawal of the transhipment facility previously extended to Bangladesh, citing logistical challenges and congestion at Indian ports and airports. Under this facility, Bangladesh was allowed to send container trucks from the Petrapole Land Port located on the India-Bangladesh border, the largest land port in South Asia, to Kolkata port, Kolkata Airport’s air cargo complex, Nhavasheva Port in Maharashtra, and Delhi airport. Similarly, Bangladeshi exporters could ship their products from Petrapole Land Port, Gede Land Port or Ranaghat Land Port using freight trains to Nhavasheva Port, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port. From the ports and airports in India, the cargo was then shipped to their final destination countries.

Just days after India discontinued transhipment facility for Bangladesh, the neighbouring country suspended the import of yarn from India through land ports citing loss to local textile millers. The land ports of Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari were the main entry points of Indian yarn into Bangladesh.

Besides economic challenges, especially the downfall of the textile industry, Bangladesh has also been struggling for electricity due to non-payment of dues to India’s Adani Power. Months after halting power supply to unrest-hit Bangladesh over non-payment of dues, Adani Power resumed electricity supply to the neighbouring country.

Both the units of Adani Power’s plants in Godda increased supply earlier this month after Bangladesh began clearing dues. It was reported that Adani Power is receiving $80- 90 million regularly from Bangladesh. This amount also covers payment for current consumption. The dues are estimated at around $820-830 million, which is expected to be paid in the coming months. Adani Group’s decision to resume power supply to Bangladesh came after the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, requested that Adani Power resume ‘full supply’ from its plant in Jharkhand in February 2025.

ISIS module busted: Sameer and Siraj arrested for plotting bomb blasts in Hyderabad, were gathering explosives

OpIndia Staff
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ISIS module busted: Sameer and Siraj arrested for plotting bomb blasts in Hyderabad, were gathering explosives

Two Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) sympathisers were apprehended by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh counter-intelligence agencies, successfully thwarting a cross-border terror plan that targeted Hyderabad, on 18th May. During a search, explosives such as powdered aluminum, sulfur and ammonia were also recovered.

Saeed Sameer (28) of Bhoiguda in Hyderabad and Siraj-ur-Rahman (29) of Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram were captured on suspicion of planning bombings at the direction of the Al Hind Ittehadul Misilena, an ISIS offshoot that is reportedly headquartered in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, Siraj purchased explosives in Vizianagaram and even tested dummy bomb trial in the Rampachodavaram forest to gauge its impact. Afterward, he came to the conclusion that more potent explosives would be required to wreak greater havoc on Hyderabad.

After receiving information, the counterintelligence (CI) cell notified the Vizianagaram police, who took Siraj into custody. He admitted to his involvement during questioning, revealed the specifics of his scheme and revealed the identity of his aid, Sameer. Police conducted an operation and retrieved explosive items based on the information. No explosives were uncovered at Sameer’s home, but he was later nabbed in Hyderabad.

Siraj apparently engaged with the AHIM module and obtained instructions for the planned assaults in Hyderabad during his two trips to Saudi Arabia in the previous six months. According to senior police officers, the two had not disclosed the number of locations surveyed or their intended targets. The entire scope of their plans is under inquiry.

During interrogation, it emerged that they were planning a terrorist strike, although they had not yet decided on the time or location,” reported The Times of India. “They are self-radicalised with no known affiliations, although they were intent on executing subversive actions,” the source added.

Police unveiled that Siraj played a crucial part in the scheme with Sameer believed to have assisted him further their plot to take part in subversive actions. The former recently purchased explosive materials and bomb precursors from a number of online retailers. As part of their strategy, the materials were stored at his home. They planned to use them for a test explosion on the outskirts of Vizianagaram. Intelligence officers acted swiftly after learning about the deadly conspiracy.

It is reported that a handler based in Saudi Arabia brought the two together. The accused’s equipment are presently being scrutinized by authorities in an attempt to retrieve their correspondence with the handler. It is speculated that they connected on social media after participating in closed online groups with similar interests.

The perpetrators will shortly appear in court. Additionally, officials asked the people to continue being watchful and cooperative.

Anti-India academician Nitasha Kaul rants against GoI for cancelling her OCI card: Read why it was cancelled and how OCI card is a privilege, not right

OpIndia Staff
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Anti-India academician Nitasha Kaul rants against GoI for cancelling her OCI card: Read why it was cancelled and how OCI card is a privilege, not right

On 18th May (local time), anti-India propagandist and British academician Nitasha Kaul took to X to rant against the Government of India for cancelling her Overseas Citizen of India card. In her post, she wrote, “I received a cancellation of my OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) today after arriving home. A bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of TNR (transnational repression) punishing me for scholarly work on anti-minority & anti-democratic policies of Modi rule.”

In a follow-up post, she recalled how she was denied entry into India when she came to speak on democratic and constitutional values, invited by the Congress-led Government of Karnataka. She wrote, “Modi BJP govt humiliated themselves & insulted non-BJP Karnataka state govt that invited me last year by ill-treating me & in spite of my 20,000 word response to their ridiculous inanity about ‘anti-India’, they have chosen to do this by a rigged process.”

She added, “Will overseas PR delegations of GOI say why ‘mother of #democracy’ denies me access to my mother? This is thin-skinned, petty insecurity with no respect for well-intentioned dissent that arrests/imprisons citizens in India & bars access to family for overseas citizens of India.”

OCI is not a right

OCI is not a right but a privilege. OCI is basically a long-term residential visa granted to persons of Indian origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26th January 1950 or thereafter, or are eligible to become citizens from the said date. It is also granted to those who have family members in India, for example, someone who is married to an Indian. Notably, citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country, as notified by the Government of India, are not eligible for OCI privileges.

Furthermore, the Government of India has the right to revoke an OCI card in case the card was obtained by means of fraud, if factual information is concealed, if the person shows disaffection towards the Constitution of India, may have engaged in unlawful trade or communication with the enemy state, or acted against the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Nitasha’s OCI card revoked because of her anti-India activities

In Nitasha’s case, the part of the document that she shared read, “AND WHEREAS, it has been brought to the notice of the Government of India that you have been found indulging in anti-India activities, motivated by malice and complete disregard for facts or history. Through your numerous inimical writings, speeches and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms, you regularly target India and its institutions on the matters of India’s sovereignty.”

The GoI categorically stated that her OCI card was revoked because of her anti-India activities. Nitasha has a long history of propagating anti-India narrative.

In May 2024, she shared a fictional story to cast aspersions on the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). She claimed she had dreamt about EVMs not counting votes in India. She conjectured a make-believe story to lend credence to the conspiracy theory mainstreamed by the Congress party about the EVMs. She claimed, “Recently, at a workshop lunch, I was telling a British colleague that I’d not slept well prev night due to dreams where people were voting on EVMs but votes were not being counted. A Turkish colleague overheard & said he too used to have troubled dreams during Erdogan’s elections in Turkey!”

In February 2024, she was deported upon arrival at Bengaluru airport based on a preventive lookout circular issued against her as Indian agencies had flagged her “pro-separatist” comments and statements and anti-India line stand on Kashmir taken on various public forums. Kaul said she was detained at the airport by the immigration officials who cited “orders from Delhi” to not allow her entry into the country. She said that she possessed all the necessary documentation for her visit but faced a challenging situation. She claimed she would continue to advocate “democracy and civil liberties” despite the “adversities faced”. She ranted on X following the deportation just the way she has done now after OCI card was revoked.

She had previously spread falsehoods about the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), and participated in events organised by radical Islamic outfits such as ‘Stand With Kashmir (SWK)’, ‘Kashmir Solidarity Movement (KSM)’, and ‘Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC)’.

Kaul had been at the forefront of cancelling PM Modi’s address at the Wharton School of Business. The anti-India propagandist also mocked the death of former Chief of Defence Staff (CoDS) Bipin Rawat in December 2021.

Nitasha Kaul seemed to justify his untimely death by presenting him as an ‘enemy of Kashmiris’.

Indian Army demonstrates how our Air Defence Systems protected Golden Temple in Amritsar and other cities in Punjab from Pakistani attacks

ANI
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Indian Army demonstrates how our Air Defence Systems protected Golden Temple in Amritsar and other cities in Punjab from Pakistani attacks

In clear acts of bravery and valour, the armed forces safeguarded many cities in the border states of India during the recent conflict with Pakistan, which witnessed drone attacks and other form of air assault that was intercepted and destroyed before it could cause destruction in civil establishments.

The Indian Army’s Air defence systems played a critical role in repelling Pakistan’s misadventures. The Army on Monday showcased a demonstration of how Indian Air Defence systems, including AKASH missile system, L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks.

Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC (General Officer Commanding) 15 Infantry Division, said that the Indian army had anticipated Pakistan’s move to target its military installations along with civilian establishments here, including religious places such as the Golden Temple, which was the prime target according to information received from the intelligence.

“Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets, including religious places. Of these, the Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent. We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple,” Major General Seshadri said.

He stated that Pakistan engaged in an air assault with aerial weapons, including drones and long-range missiles, targeting the Golden Temple, which was “thwarted” by the army personnel, who remained prepared for such situations and attacks.

“On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles. We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army’s nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple. Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple,” Seshadri said.

The GOC 15 Infantry Division explained in detail the consequences of the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the launch of Operation Sindoor, where India attacked nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan’s territory, resulting in aggression from the Pakistani side.

“Consequent to the Pak Army-sponsored dastardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists, both domestic and international, the nation’s anger under able leadership took the form of Operation Sindoor, wherein befitting punitive strikes were carried out on exclusive terror targets. Nine targets were hit. Of the nine targets, seven were exclusively destroyed by the Indian Army,” Major General Seshadri told ANI.

The Major General said that the armed forces targeted many places with “absolute precision” during Operation Sindoor, striking areas like Muridke and Bahawalpur, which house the headquarters of terrorist organisations.

“Of these (nine) targets, Muridke, which is in proximity to Lahore, houses the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba headquarters and also the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters at Bahawalpur, which were struck with absolute precision. Soon after the strikes, we issued a statement clarifying that we intentionally did not target any Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure,” he added.

India’s Air Defence Systems proved their prowess at the height of the tensions between the two neighbours, intercepting numerous drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions, emerging as a globally actionable defence asset.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Another Haryana man named Arman arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan conflict

ANI
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Another Haryana man named Arman arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan conflict

In a crackdown on anti-national elements, the Haryana police have arrested a man on charges of espionage for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan.

The accused, identified as Arman, was apprehended by the Nagina police on May 16 following actionable intelligence inputs.

Speaking to ANI, Nuh Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ajaib Singh said, “A man named Arman was arrested on May 16 based on the intelligence that the Nagina police had. He was found to be passing sensitive information to the Pakistani side during the conflict between India and Pakistan.”

“He is on remand, and we are collecting the information. We have the evidence, and we are furthering our investigation,” he said.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#WATCH</a> | A man named Arman from Haryana&#39;s Nuh has been arrested for passing information to the Pakistani side, during the recent Indo-Pak conflict.<br><br>Nuh DSP Ajaib Singh says, &quot;A man named Arman was arrested on May 16 based on the intelligence that the Nagina police had. That… <a href=”https://t.co/TGZ2Fc4Db3″>pic.twitter.com/TGZ2Fc4Db3</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1924022886009835909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

In a similar incident, a travel vlogger and YouTuber who was arrested by the Haryana Police on suspicion of spying for Pakistan was sent to five days of police remand by a local court, officials said.

According to police, “suspicious things” were found after the police recovered her laptop and mobile.

Additionally, the Deputy Superintendent of Hisar, Kamaljeet, said that the vlogger was in “continuous contact” with a Pakistani citizen.

“Yesterday, based on inputs that we had, we arrested Jyoti, daughter of Haris Kumar, under the Official Secret Act and BNS 152. We have received some suspicious things after we recovered her mobile and laptop. We have taken her on a five-day remand, and further investigation is on. She was in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen,” DSP Kamaljeet said in a self-made video on Saturday.

Apart from the Official Secrets Act, Jyoti is being held under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 152, which is regarding acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

As per an official memorandum issued by the Standing Committee on Information Technology Branch, “Post terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, 2025, some social media influencers and social media platforms in the country seem to be working against the interest of the country, which is likely to incite violence.

The committee requested the Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide the contemplated action taken to ban such platforms under the IT Act 2000 and ‘Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 by May 8.

The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, most of them tourists.

The Indian Armed Forces under Operation Sindoor launched strikes at nine terror hideouts in deep areas of Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in the morning hours of May 7.

Operation Sindoor was India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor led to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan.

After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Thousands of items of legendary Mossad agent Eli Cohen, who operated in Damascus before being executed, brought to Israel from Syria in covert Mossad operation

OpIndia Staff
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Thousands of items of legendary Mossad agent Eli Cohen, who operated in Damascus before being executed, brought to Israel from Syria in covert Mossad operation

Israeli spy agency Mossad has brought the official archive on Eli Cohen, the legendary Mossad spy who operated in Syria before he was exposed, to Israel from Syria. As per statement by the Israeli PM’s office, thousands of findings that were held for decades by the Syrian security forces in a highly compartmentalized manner, were brought to Israel in a covert and complex Mossad operation. The statement added that the mission was completed in cooperation with an allied foreign intelligence service, without naming it.

The announcement comes on the 60th anniversary of Cohen’s execution in Damascus, on May 18, 1965.

The special archive includes approximately 2,500 original documents, photographs and personal items, most of which have been revealed for the first time. As per the PM’s office, this is the entirety of the Syrian archive on Eli Cohen.

The items recovered include handwritten letters from Cohen to his family, proof of communications between the Israeli spy and senior Syrian officials, and photos taken during his years spent undercover in Syria. Among the documents is the original will, written by Eli Cohen himself, hours before his execution, only a copy of which had been shown openly up until now.

At a special meeting held on Sunday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea, several original documents and personal items of Cohen were presented to Eli Cohen’s widow Nadia.

The materials were collected by Syrian intelligence after Cohen’s capture in January 1965. This include recordings and documentation from the files on Eli Cohen’s investigation and on those with whom he had been in contact, letters in his own handwriting to his family in Israel, photographs of his activity during his operational mission in Syria and personal objects that were taken from his home after his capture.

Some of the items included he keys to his apartment in Damascus, passports and false documentation he had used, and many photographs from the period of his covert activity in Syria.  Also found among the many documents was the original sentence and the decision to execute him.

A file entitled ‘Nadia Cohen’ show that Syrian intelligence service reviewed all of Nadia Cohen’s efforts to secure her husband’s release from Syrian prison.

“Bringing this historic material to Israel was the result of a decades-long effort by Mossad intelligence, operations and technology operatives to locate every bit of information about Eli Cohen in an effort to shed light on his fate and place of burial,” said the statement by the PM’s office. It added that over the years, the Mossad has worked together with partners in the intelligence and security communities in Israel and around the world, and has carried out dozens of actions and operations, including in enemy countries.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “Eli Cohen was a legend. In the test of time, he has been revealed as the greatest intelligence agent in the annals of the state; his heroism and his activity contributed to our historic victory in the Six Day War. The Eli Cohen archive, which was brought in a special effort, will educate generations, and expresses the unwavering commitment to bring back home all of our missing, captives and hostages.”

Dr. Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, said that the historic material, held in secret for decades by Syrian intelligence, offers a rare and moving glimpse into the life, mission, and final days of a man whose extraordinary bravery helped shape Israel’s security and resilience in the face of existential threats.

He added, “Cohen’s insights and actions, gained at immense personal risk, contributed to Israel’s strategic readiness ahead of the Six-Day War and laid the groundwork for deterrence that changed the region’s balance of power. As we confront the challenges of our own time, his legacy continues to inspire a national ethos of excellence, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our future.”

It is expected that most of the recovered items will be displayed at a museum to be set up in the name of Eli Cohen, as majority of the over 6 decades old items could be declassified.

Eli Cohen, the Egyptian-born Israeli spy, moved to Damascus in 1962, after posing as a Syrian businessman living in Argentina and befriending numerous contacts in the Syrian expatriate community in Argentina. From Damascus, he began to transmit information about Syrian military plans to Israel.

When the Syrian Ba’ath Party seized power in Syria, Cohen’s espionage activities saw a boost, as he was close to several top leaders of the party. He became so close to the government that he was even considered for the post of deputy minister of defence. His intelligence proved vital in Israel’s victory in the six-day war.

Eli Cohen was caught in January 1965 when Syrian counter-intelligence officials used Soviet-made  equipment to detect radio communication. Observing complete radio silence, they successfully detected radio transmissions and were able to triangulate the transmitter used by Cohen. Syrian officials claimed they caught him when he was still transmitting to Israel.

Cohen was found guilty of espionage by a military tribunal and sentenced to death under martial law. He was publicly hanged in the Marjeh Square in Damascus on 18 May 1965, after Israel’s international campaign for clemency was rejected by Syrian authorities.  

Popular Netflix show The Spy is based on Eli Cohen’s activities as a Mossad spy.

Jairam Ramesh accuses centre of ‘cheap politics’ for picking Shashi Tharoor in all-party delegation and rejecting 3 out of 4 names suggested by Congress party

ANI
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Jairam Ramesh accuses centre of ‘cheap politics’ for picking Shashi Tharoor in all-party delegation and rejecting 3 out of 4 names suggested by Congress party

Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh on Sunday accused the Central government of playing “cheap politics” and indulging in “politicisation” by not including all the names recommended by the Opposition for the all-party parliamentary delegation which is set to visit key partner countries to highlight India’s ongoing fight against cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor.

Jairam Ramesh alleged that despite formally submitting four names on request, the government ignored most of them, undermining parliamentary conventions and trust between the Opposition and the ruling party.

Speaking to ANI, Jairam Ramesh said, “On May 16, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reached out on behalf of the Central government to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and requested four names from the party to join the multi-party parliamentary group.”

“Responding promptly, Rahul Gandhi submitted a list comprising senior leaders Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Nasir Hussain, and Raja Barar, before noon the same day,” he said.

Ramesh said the government picked only one name from the list–Anand Sharma–and arbitrarily replaced the others with names not suggested by Congress.

“We gave the names they asked for, yet only one was included. This shows that the government’s intention was already a mischievous one and this game was being played so that the formality of asking us ends,” he alleged.

Ramesh claimed that the whole exercise appeared to be a formality to claim that talks were held, but in reality, it was mere damage control.

“I believe this was politicisation, which should not have been done. They should have sincerely done this. There should be trust between the Opposition and the ruling party. There is a parliamentary system, there is a tradition that when you want to choose MPs of a party, you have to speak to the concerned leaders of the party,” he said.

“Why did Kiren Rijiju come and ask for names from Rahul Gandhi and Kharge ji. Well, this narrative has been lost. This is just damage control. The way they have behaved with Congress is cheap politics, mischief. When you asked us for names, why did you not include them? We sat and deliberated for two hours, then gave the names,” said Ramesh.

Adding further, he said, “The names suggested by the Congress were good MPs, influential. They were not just seasoned lawmakers but also influential voices in Parliament with significant contributions. When you request names from the Opposition, there is a parliamentary convention to respect that.”

“Everyone can see that Operation Sindoor is being politicised. US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims–made at least seven times–that the conflict was de-escalated due to US mediation. Yet, PM Modi has not responded. The EAM is silent.” Ramesh said.

Ramesh also condemned recent statements made by two ministers from Madhya Pradesh, which he described as “deeply insulting” to armed forces personnel and to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who led troops during Operation Sindoor.

He reiterated that the Congress party has always prioritised national interest over politics, and called for the government to do the same.

“The Centre has done as per their wish, included only one name from the list given by us, the four other names were chosen by them. They aren’t representatives of the party. Let the MPs go, even those from the Congress, we will not stop them, we will not boycott this delegation. We do not politicise it. We should end the discussion here. There are other important issues too,” he added.

“The real issue is terrorism. The mastermind of terrorism is Pakistan. The way Pakistan’s deep state is behind terrorism is the issue. Kashmir is not the issue, it will be discussed only in the Parliament,” said Ramesh.

The all-party delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.

According to Congress, the party had submitted four names to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs by May 16, but the final list released late on May 17 included only one of the suggested names.

The list includes MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups of 8-9 members. A leader has been assigned for each group, who will lead the delegation at a global level.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while posting the list on Saturday, also highlighted how the Members of Parliament have shown a united stance of “One mission. One message. One Bharat.”

The all-party delegation will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth to the world the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.

The Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation.

This came after India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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