The Catch Up: 19 May

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of May and here are the headlines.


1. Supreme Court Rejects Minister’s Apology Over Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah’s apology over offensive remarks allegedly directed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter and stayed Shah’s arrest until a status report is submitted on May 28. Criticizing Shah, the bench said, “The entire nation is ashamed.” Shah made controversial comments during a speech near Mhow, indirectly referencing Qureshi. The SIT, to be led by an IG-rank officer, must be formed by 10 am Tuesday, per SC instructions.

2. India Foils Drone, Missile Attack on Golden Temple by Pakistan
The Indian Army revealed Monday that Pakistan attempted a drone and missile strike on Amritsar’s Golden Temple and cities across Punjab on May 7–8, following Indian strikes on terrorist camps under Operation Sindoor. At a press event in Amritsar, the Army displayed debris from intercepted drones and missiles. Indian air defense systems, including upgraded L-70 guns and AKASH missiles, neutralized the threats. Officials emphasized the target was religious and civilian sites, underlining Pakistan’s retaliatory intent following India’s counter-terrorism operation inside Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

3. BCCI Pulls Out of ACC Events Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the BCCI has decided to withdraw from upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men’s Asia Cup. The ACC is currently chaired by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, which sources say contributed to India’s decision. The move reflects India’s intent to diplomatically isolate Pakistan’s cricket board. The decision could impact the Asia Cup’s feasibility, given the financial weight India brings to global cricket events. Sponsors and broadcasters may also reconsider deals if India stays out of the tournament.

4. Bengaluru Faces Waterlogging After Year’s Heaviest Rainfall
Heavy rain lashed Bengaluru for over six hours on Sunday night, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. Residents described it as the most intense rainfall of the year. Kengeri recorded the highest with 132 mm, according to the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Cell. The IMD has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for the week, warning of more rain. Traffic police issued advisories for areas in northern Bengaluru including New Bel Road, Yelahanka Circle, Nagawara, and Allalasandra, as commuters dealt with long delays and flooded roads.

5. Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday. Doctors reported a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating metastasis to the bones, but added that the cancer appears hormone-sensitive, offering some treatment hope. Biden, who left office in January, is undergoing evaluations for further management. Global leaders, including Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their support. Biden's diagnosis adds a personal and public health dimension to the global conversation on cancer awareness.

That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.