Pakistan has called for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, denying any involvement and expressing concerns about escalating tensions. Pakistan's defence minister dismissed claims of Lashkar-e-Taiba's involvement, stating the outfit is contained. Amidst rising tensions, Pakistan welcomed Iran's offer to mediate, reaffirming its desire for regional peace and condemning terrorism.

Karnataka minister TB Thimmapur's remark, dismissing religious motives in the Pahalgam terror attack, ignited a political firestorm. His statement, contradicting victims' accounts, was seen as an attempt to downplay intelligence failures. The BJP strongly condemned the Congress, accusing them of shielding Pakistan and insulting the victims, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified his stance on avoiding immediate war with Pakistan.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor acknowledged lapses in security intelligence regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. He emphasised focusing on the bigger picture, drawing parallels with Israel's intelligence failure on October 7. Tharoor suggested addressing accountability after resolving the present crisis, highlighting India's measures against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the Indian Army has intensified security measures by providing specialized training to Village Defence Groups (VDGs) in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. This initiative aims to bolster security along sensitive border areas, equipping local communities with essential skills in weapon handling and tactical response.

China is expected to avoid direct involvement in India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, despite its alliance with Pakistan, according to Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita. While acknowledging strategic interests, he emphasized China's focus on geopolitical and economic factors. Kalita also highlighted regional security challenges, particularly along the Bangladesh border.

Rumors of a reunion between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray gain traction as both Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS leaders acknowledge the need to address organizational alignment and personal relationships. Recent statements suggest a willingness to reconcile after 20 years, driven by challenging political circumstances and poor electoral performances.

Following the deadly Pahalgam attack, authorities in Shopian demolished the home of a suspected terrorist involved in the incident. Simultaneously, Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the LoC, prompting a response from Indian forces. The NIA has taken over the Pahalgam attack investigation, while Russia acknowledged North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine.

A Global Trade Research Initiative report reveals that over $10 billion worth of Indian goods annually reach Pakistan through indirect channels, utilizing ports in Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. These intermediary ports facilitate transshipment, where goods are relabeled to circumvent trade restrictions. Recent diplomatic tensions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, are expected to further impact commercial exchanges.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's remarks against India. Sarma stated that such statements disrespect Bilawal's family sacrifices. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. This action follows a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the decision.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh criticized Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's remarks on the Indus water treaty, dismissing them as futile. Ghosh highlighted Pakistan's history of violating agreements and emphasized that discussions are over, advocating for action. India has responded by halting the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari post.

Citing past security breaches like the Kargil War and the 26/11 attack, the Centre has issued a strong advisory to media outlets, urging restraint in reporting defence operations. The advisory aims to prevent real-time coverage and source-based reporting that could compromise national security, especially amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack.

Despite a recent terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists, Pahalgam is gradually welcoming visitors again. Tourists are returning, drawn by the area's beauty and the absence of travel restrictions. Locals and security personnel are supportive, and businesses are offering discounts. While Baisaran meadow remains closed, other attractions are open, signaling a slow return to normalcy for the picturesque resort town.

In Aligarh, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2023 murder of his 55-year-old father-in-law, stemming from a property dispute. The victim's 11-year-old son's testimony, placing the accused with his father before his death, proved crucial in the conviction. While the son-in-law was convicted, his associates were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, but Pakistan, supported by China, worked to dilute the statement's phrasing. Unlike the Pulwama attack condemnation, which urged cooperation with the Indian government, the Pahalgam statement only mentioned «all relevant authorities.» This change followed tough negotiations, with Pakistan likely seeking to avoid giving India leverage in investigations.

A mazaar, estimated to be at least 50 years old and situated within the Govt Doon Medical College and Hospital in Dehradun, was demolished late Friday night. The demolition was carried out by civic agency teams and district administration officials, supported by a strong police presence.

The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the state government and KEA regarding a PIL alleging that CET exam centers in Bidar, Shivamogga, and Dharwad forced candidates to remove their Janivara (sacred thread). The petitioner, Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha, claims students were mistreated during the math exam and barred from entering if they refused.

Indian authorities have identified fifteen local Kashmiri overground workers (OGWs) as suspects in facilitating the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Electronic surveillance revealed their potential involvement in logistics and arms procurement from Pakistan. Three prime suspects are detained, with police seeking two others.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that while non-violence is integral to Indian culture, taking action against a hostile neighbor like Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam terror killings, is a 'dharma'.

Aligarh jail celebrated a remarkable 100% success rate as five inmates cleared their UPMSP board exams. Yogesh Pandey and Dharmendra Kumar passed the high school exams, while Netrapal Singh, Vishal Kumar, and Rajesh Kumar cleared the intermediate examinations. Prison officials expressed joy, highlighting the positive impact of education within the jail walls, offering a glimmer of hope for the inmates.

The Enforcement Directorate seized Rohan Harmalkar's house after finding property documents worth Rs 600 crore. Harmalkar, an independent candidate in 2022, identified unattended properties, often with deceased owners or those living abroad. He then allegedly used impersonation and forged documents to sell these properties to clients, mainly from Delhi-NCR and Haryana, at below-market prices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a virtual event distributing employment letters to over 51,000 new recruits, emphasized the crucial role of government employees in bolstering India's internal security. His address, following the Pahalgam attack and amid concerns about Pakistan's destabilizing efforts, urged the new recruits to dedicate themselves to strengthening the nation's economy, infrastructure, and the lives of workers.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian called PM Modi, condemning the Pahalgam attack. Gulf nations are working to ease tensions between India and Pakistan. Leaders emphasized rejecting terrorism and ensuring justice for the perpetrators, with India briefing diplomats on Pakistan's alleged role in cross-border terrorism.

Pahalgam police are re-verifying pony guides and locals. This follows the Baisaran meadow attack on April 22. Initial tourist statements and social media videos prompted the action. Twenty pony handlers are being questioned. Hundreds of pony owners were called for verification. Police are also verifying shawl sellers, Maggi vendors, and villagers near Baisaran. Even local police are recording statements.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, retracted its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, attributing it to a cyber intrusion. This denial follows international acceptance of India's stance that LeT, backed by Pakistan, was behind the attack. Security sources dismiss the retraction as a ludicrous damage control attempt by Pakistan's ISI to evade accountability.

Rajani, the pregnant wife of BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw held in Pakistan, is traveling to Firozpur to seek information about his situation after he accidentally crossed the border. Concerned about a photo of her blindfolded husband and lack of communication, she plans to escalate her search to Delhi if needed.

The government is considering mandating anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for all two-wheelers exceeding 50cc to enhance safety and reduce accidents. Experts emphasize ABS and helmet use to protect vulnerable riders, who constitute a significant portion of road fatalities. Road safety experts also highlight the need for better transport planning and dedicated lanes to improve two-wheeler safety.

India has announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June 2025, after it was suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19. The pilgrimage will accommodate 750 pilgrims through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This move is part of broader efforts to rebuild ties with China, including discussions on trans-border river cooperation and people-centric services.

Following the Pahalgam attack, Gujarat police launched a large-scale operation targeting illegal Bangladeshi residents, resulting in the arrest of 890 individuals in Ahmedabad and 134 in Surat. Four detainees are suspected of criminal links, including potential al-Qaida connections. Authorities are expediting deportation procedures and investigating the source of fraudulent documents used by the detainees.

Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding Additional District Judge Amit Verma's inability to write judgments. The court directed that Verma, from Kanpur Nagar, undergo three months of training at the Judicial Training and Research Institute in Lucknow. This decision came after the judge dismissed an amendment application with a brief, unsubstantiated order.