Breaking news live updates, May 9: Indian-American man faces denaturalization proceedings in US

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered an alleged money laundering network involving approximately Rs 284 crore linked to Sravanthi Group promoter Dandamudi Venkateswara Rao, popularly known as D V Rao, and his associates, officials said on Saturday.

The agency has arrested D V Rao, Sravanthi Group director D Shanthi Kiran and Rao’s brother D Avanindra Kumar under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A special court has remanded all three to ED custody till May 12, 2026.

According to the ED, the probe stems from an FIR registered at Sector-40 police station in Gurugram alleging that M/s DJW Electric Power Projects Pvt Ltd, controlled by Rao, fraudulently availed loans from multiple entities. Investigators said the total loan amount involved in the alleged fraud was around Rs 58 crore.

The National Nuclear Security Administration on Friday announced the successful removal of all remaining highly enriched uranium from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela, describing the operation as a major step towards reducing nuclear security risks in South America and the US homeland.

According to the NNSA, a semi-autonomous agency under the United States Department of Energy, the mission was conducted in coordination with Venezuela’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the International Atomic Energy Agency, experts from the United Kingdom and personnel from the US State Department.

“The safe removal of all enriched uranium from Venezuela sends another signal to the world of a restored and renewed Venezuela,” NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said, as cited by ANI.

“Thanks to President Trump's decisive leadership, the dedicated teams on the ground completed in months what would have normally taken years.”

Spanish authorities on Friday prepared to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak that is headed to the Canary Islands, where health officials said a carefully coordinated evacuation operation would be carried out, as cited by AP.

The vessel is expected to arrive on Sunday at Tenerife, off the coast of West Africa, following which passengers will be moved to a “completely isolated, cordoned-off area,” according to Virginia Barcones, head of Spain’s emergency services.

Authorities in both the United States and the United Kingdom have agreed to send aircraft to evacuate their citizens from the cruise ship.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday paid tribute to Maharana Pratap on his birth anniversary, remembering the Rajput warrior as a symbol of courage, valour and self-respect whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said Maharana Pratap’s unwavering commitment to protecting the motherland remained a source of inspiration for the nation. “On the birth anniversary of Shri Maharana Pratap Ji, the symbol of courage, valour, self-respect, and bravery, I pay my humble respects to him. The dedication and sacrifice of Maharana Pratap Ji for the protection of his motherland will continue to inspire generations,” she said.

The US military said on Friday that it had struck another boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people and leaving one survivor.

The latest strike, one among dozens carried out in recent months, has pushed the death toll from the US campaign to at least 192, according to an AFP tally.

US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said one person survived the attack, though it did not provide details about the individual’s condition. It added that the US Coast Guard had been alerted to carry out a search-and-rescue operation.

As in several previous operations, SOUTHCOM said on X that the targeted vessel was “operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations” and that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes.”

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro on Friday filed a fresh appeal before the Supreme Court seeking to overturn his conviction in the alleged coup-plot case and annul the 27-year prison sentence handed to him last year.

The 71-year-old far-right leader was convicted by a panel of Supreme Court judges for allegedly conspiring to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential election to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In a court filing accessed by AFP, Bolsonaro’s legal team urged Supreme Court President Edson Fachin to “nullify” the earlier proceedings, arguing that the case should have been heard by the full bench of the court and citing procedural irregularities.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the railway ministry has granted in-principle approval for the construction of a new suburban railway station between Mulund and Thane, as cited by PTI.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (local time) met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during his visit to the Caribbean nation as part of his ongoing three-nation tour and joined her in presenting Made-in-India laptops to Trinbagonian school children, while both sides also concluded a series of agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.


In a series of posts on X, Jaishankar said, "Joined PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the presentation of Made In India laptops to Trinbagonian school children. Delivering on PM Narendra Modi's commitment last year, this is a message of learning, awareness and opportunity."


Joined PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar @PM_Kamla at the presentation of #MadeInIndia laptops to Trinbagonian school children. Delivering on PM @narendramodi’s commitment last year, this is a message of learning, awareness and opportunity. #TrinidadAndTobago


The External Affairs Minister also announced the conclusion of several agreements between India and Trinidad and Tobago covering tourism, renewable energy, development cooperation and traditional medicine.


"Concluded Agreements today on Tourism, on Solarisation of Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago building, on Quick Impact Projects, and on establishing Ayurveda Chair," Jaishankar posted.


Concluded Agreements today on Tourism, on Solarisation of @mfcagovtt building, on Quick Impact Projects, and on establishing Ayurveda Chair. #TrinidadAndTobago

Highlighting his meeting with the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Jaishankar said, "Such a pleasure to meet with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Value her guidance on bilateral cooperation and insights on regional issues."


Such a pleasure to meet with PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Value her guidance on bilateral cooperation and insights on regional issues. @PM_Kamla


During the visit, the External Affairs Minister also called on senior parliamentary leaders of the country.


"Called on President of the Senate Wade Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh," he said in another post.


Called on President of the Senate Wade Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh @TTParliament


Jaishankar further expressed gratitude for the reception accorded to him at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.


"Privileged to be welcomed in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Thank PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her gracious words," he stated.


Privileged to be welcomed in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Thank PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her gracious words. @PM_Kamla


The minister was also honoured at a flag-raising ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. He was joined by legendary West Indian cricketer Brian Lara.


"Honoured by the flag raising ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad And Tobago. Thank Brian Lara, for joining us," Jaishankar posted.


Honoured by the flag raising ceremony at @mfcagovtt of Trinidad and Tobago. Thank @Brianlara for joining us.


Earlier, the EAM arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the final leg of his three-nation official tour in the Caribbean, following his engagement in Jamaica and Suriname.


In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated that he was pleased to be back in the country. He was welcomed by the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Sean Sobers.


"Pleasure to be back in Trinidad and Tobago. Thank FM Sean Sobers, for the warm welcome. Look forward to a productive visit over the next two days," Jaishankar wrote in his post.


Jaishankar concluded his high-level visits to Jamaica and Suriname between May 2 and 7, marking a significant push in India's engagement with these countries.

In a major, dramatic political turn, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)'s X account on Friday was suspended, citing "violation of X rules."


This development comes after a purported post by the VCK in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form a coalition government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.


TVK, which won 108 seats, has sought support from several smaller camps to touch the magical number of 118 seats in the 234-seat Assembly. VCK had won two seats in the 2026 Assembly elections.


VCK is yet to officially commit to supporting Vijay for the coalition government.


The CPI, CPI(M), which has two seats each, and Congress, with five seats, had already extended its support to the Vijay-led TVK at the crucial point, paving the way for a change after the state was led by a traditional Dravidian DMK-AIADMK duopoly. If Vijay takes oath as Chief Minister on Saturday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.


Earlier, Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, where he formally staked a claim to form the government after consolidating support from multiple parties following the fractured mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections.


Previously, the CPI State Secretary Veerapandian called it the "democratic duty" of the left parties and VCK to support "the single largest party TVK", which fell short of six seats despite allying with Congress.


"TVK is the single-largest party. It needs six MLAs to form the government. We have given six MLAs of CPI, CPI(M) and VCK. We have given our support; it is our democratic duty. This is a people's democracy. We will stand with democracy, we will stand with people," he told ANI.


TVK MLA-elect Marie Wilson expressed confidence that the news about Vijay's oath would break late at night. "You will get the news by late tonight...We are confident. 100 per cent," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) touted his claims of ending multiple global conflicts after he took charge of the White House and expressed hope that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could become the next one resolved, saying he would "love to" make it the tenth.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a dinner at his golf course in Sterling, Virginia, Trump said, "I would love to see that war end. I have settled eight wars and actually nine, and it looks like we could have ten, but I would love to make that the tenth. I would love to see it end between Russia and Ukraine."

"It would be nice. I would like to see it stop," he added, referring to the ongoing conflict and the possibility of extending the brief, three-day ceasefire arrangement, which he had announced earlier.

Earlier, Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the temporary truce coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations commemorating the then-Soviet Union's role in World War II.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire would take place from May 9 to 11 and would include a suspension of "all kinetic activity" between the two countries.

"I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II," the post read.

Trump, speaking to reporters, further described the Russia-Ukraine war as "the worst thing since WW2 in terms of lives", claiming that "25,000 young soldiers [are killed] every month" without providing evidence for the figure.

On the three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the US President said both sides had agreed to pause hostilities.

"I asked President Putin and President Zelenskyy, and both readily [agreed]. We have a little period of time where they are not going to be killing people," he said.

He further expressed support for extending the ceasefire period, stating, "Yes, I would like to see a big extension [of the ceasefire between the two countries]."

In his post, the US President expressed hope that the temporary halt in hostilities could mark "the beginning of the end" of the ongoing war, which entered its fifth year in February 2026, following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Trump stated that the request for the temporary truce was made directly by him and noted that the agreement will also include a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 prisoners from each side.

"This Ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prison swap of 1,000 prisoners from each Country. This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard-fought war," the post added.

The US President further noted that the discussions are currently underway aimed at permanently ending the war, which he described as the "biggest" since World War II.

"Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day. Thank you for your attention to this matter," the US President added

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on May 10 and 11, during which he will attend the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav and inaugurate Sardar Dham in Vadodara, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said.


Sanghavi told ANI, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving in Jamnagar on the night of the 10th. The people of Jamnagar are gathering to welcome the respected Prime Minister, who has led the BJP to a resounding victory in various states across the country."


He further expressed the excitement people have about their scheduled visit.


"Everyone is filled with enthusiasm and excitement. He will arrive in Somnath on the morning of the 11th for the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav. A road show has been planned for the PM in Somnath, followed by darshan and puja of Lord Shiva. The Prime Minister will be present at the inauguration of the Sardar Dham in Vadodara that evening. Following the inauguration ceremony, the people of Vadodara are preparing to welcome the Prime Minister. They have also organised a mega road show. All of Gujarat is eager to welcome the Prime Minister," said Deputy CM.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared an op-ed ahead of his proposed visit to the Somnath Temple on May 11, reflecting on the temple's civilisational significance and paying tribute to those who protected and restored it over centuries.


In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Wrote an OpEd about my forthcoming visit to Somnath on 11th May and why this day will always be important with respect to Somnath and the greatness of our civilisation. Also paid homage to every person who endured all sorts of challenges yet always protected Somnath and restored its glory."


In the op-ed, the Prime Minister said the upcoming visit would mark 75 years since the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. Modi recalled attending the Somnath Swabhiman Parv earlier this year, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, and described Somnath's journey as one "from ruin to renewal" or "from Vidhvans to Srijan.

A 62-year-old man from India, who later became a US citizen, is facing denaturalization proceedings after it emerged that he conspired to defraud investors of USD 2.5 million and did not disclose this information to the federal authorities here.
Debashis Ghosh is a naturalized US citizen whose last known residence is in Cook County, Illinois. He entered the United States multiple times on various non-immigrant visas beginning as early as 1991 and became a US citizen in 2012.

Ghosh is among 12 individuals against whom the US Department of Justice announced it has filed denaturalization actions in various US district courts. The 12 individuals are accused of serious offences, including providing material support to a terrorist group, committing war crimes and sexually abusing a minor.

The US Justice Department said that before Ghosh naturalized, he conspired to defraud investors of USD 2.5 million intended for the construction of an aircraft maintenance facility.

After naturalising, Ghosh continued the fraudulent scheme, misrepresenting the location and safekeeping the investor funding. In his 2012 naturalization application and interview, Ghosh claimed that he had never committed a crime for which he had been arrested.

The denaturalization complaint against Ghosh alleges that he is subject to denaturalization because during the period in which he was statutorily required to demonstrate good moral character, he committed a crime involving moral turpitude, committed unlawful acts that adversely reflected on his moral character, and falsely testified about his crime.

Additionally, Ghosh willfully misrepresented the material fact of his crime during his naturalization proceedings.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the citizenship of a naturalised US citizen may be revoked and the certificate of naturalization cancelled, if the naturalisation was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.

"Individuals implicated in committing fraud, heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, or expressing support for terrorism should never have been naturalized as United States citizens," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

"The Trump administration is taking action to correct these egregious violations of our immigration system. Those who intentionally concealed their criminal histories or misrepresented themselves during the naturalization process will face the fullest extent of the law."

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division said the department continues to file denaturalization actions at record speeds to restore integrity in the naturalisation process.

"The disturbing criminal histories confirm these individuals should have never received the privilege of US citizenship. We remain committed to leveraging every tool available under the law to pursue those who obtain their US citizenship unlawfully," he said.