India and France have finalized a significant deal. The agreement involves the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal is worth Rs 63,000 crore. These jets will operate from INS Vikrant. The contract includes weapons, training, and support. Deliveries are expected between 37 to 65 months. This acquisition enhances India's maritime capabilities.

The TOI River Dialogues 2025 in Lucknow addressed river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, emphasising Maha Kumbh 2025. Experts highlighted the need for community involvement, focus on smaller rivers, and comprehensive policies. Discussions covered public-private partnerships, technological innovations like drone usage for pollution control, and water management programs to mitigate water crises.

Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 fatalities, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the state assembly, expressing his grief and stating he would not demand statehood at this time. He emphasized that militancy can only be eradicated with the support of the people, not just through force.

A Delhi court has extended the NIA custody of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, by an unspecified number of days. Rana, facing charges including conspiracy and murder, was presented before the NIA Special Court following his extradition from the US.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spilled over into London, marked by escalating protests from both diasporas. An Indian-origin man, Ankit Love, was arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Pakistani High Commission. These incidents follow a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, further straining the already fraught relationship between the two nations, leading to heightened security concerns in London.

Amid escalating tensions, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticized Pakistan, citing ceasefire violations and rhetoric following the Pahalgam terror attack. He asserted Pakistan lags behind India, both economically and strategically.

Robert Vadra, businessman and husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has clarified his earlier remark regarding the Pahalgam terrorist attack. In a Facebook post, Vadra condemned the attack, calling it an «attack on the soul of humanity.» He emphasized his solidarity with India and stated that no justification exists for violence against innocent people.

Congress leader Udit Raj criticised Shashi Tharoor's remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning his allegiance to the party and suggesting he was acting as a BJP spokesperson. Raj challenged Tharoor's comparison of the attack to the intelligence failure in Israel during the Hamas strike. He further inquired about Tharoor's knowledge of terror attacks in America post-9/11.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the United States has called on India and Pakistan to find a responsible solution. The US is closely monitoring the situation and has been in contact with both governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the attack, which targeted tourists. The attack, the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, targeted mostly tourists and was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control for the fourth consecutive night, initiating unprovoked firing in the Poonch and Kupwara districts of Jammu and Kashmir, according to Indian Army officials. This escalation follows a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed.

Class VII NCERT social science textbooks have removed references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate, replaced with chapters on ancient Indian dynasties and «sacred geography.» The revisions, aligning with NEP 2020, aim to incorporate Indian traditions and philosophies, featuring Indian writers and themes in English textbooks while also highlighting government initiatives and constitutional rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish those behind the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing the unity of 1.4 billion Indians as a powerful force against terrorism. He assured justice for the victims' families, promising a strong response to the perpetrators and their supporters.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant predicted the potential split of Pakistan due to Balochistan's independence push, assuring BJP workers of PM Modi's retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. He contrasted India's growing Muslim population and secular harmony with Pakistan's insularity.

Agra police have apprehended Manoj Chaudhary, who claimed to be a 'gau rakshak' and member of Kshatriya Gau Raksha Dal, for allegedly murdering a biryani seller. Chaudhary initially asserted the killing was retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, a claim police dismissed. Authorities believe the crime stemmed from a dispute over the biryani's quality, not vigilantism.

In Tamil Nadu, two ministers, V Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudy, resigned from the cabinet. Governor R N Ravi accepted their resignations following Chief Minister M K Stalin's recommendation. S Muthusamy takes over Balaji's portfolios. S S Sivasankar and R S Rajakannappan get additional charges. T Manothangaraj was re-inducted into the cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday.

Former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Kashmir have launched a new political party called Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front. The party aims to bridge the gap between governance and the grassroots level. Sayar Reshi, a former JeI member, stated the party will participate in all upcoming elections in the Valley.

A patwari from Udhampur district, J&K, was apprehended by the CBI for accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a complainant seeking a land record copy. The patwari had allegedly rejected the complainant's online applications without valid justification and demanded the bribe for processing the fard.

In north Kashmir's Kupwara district, unknown gunmen fatally shot a civilian, Ghulam Rasool Magray, during a power outage late Saturday. The incident occurred outside Magray's home in Kandi Khas, four days after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Authorities have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the killing, while political figures are demanding accountability.

Following the Pahalgam massacre, security forces in Kashmir have intensified their crackdown on terrorism, demolishing nine homes linked to active terrorists since Friday. Three more houses were destroyed overnight using explosives in Shopian, Pulwama, and Bandipora districts.

Tensions flared in London as Indian and Pakistani diaspora groups clashed outside their respective high commissions, triggered by the Pahalgam attack. Demonstrators engaged in heated exchanges, with accusations of abuse leveled against Pakistani protestors. A significant police presence was required to maintain order after a previous day's confrontation and arrest for racial abuse, reflecting escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Yamunanagar Police's CIA-II apprehended two robbers, Rajat alias Rinku and Yatin, after an encounter near Shahpur village. The arrest followed a search for suspects involved in robberies in Sadhaura and Jagadhri. The accused, residents of Marwa Khurd village, had illegal weapons and stolen mobile phones. One suspect escaped, and the injured were hospitalized.

Kashish Kalra, daughter of Gulshan Kalra, achieved 111th rank in the UPSC exam. She received a warm welcome in Yamunanagar. Kashish credited her success to hard work and family support. She emphasized setting goals and consistent effort. Kashish aims to contribute to public service, focusing on health, education, and women empowerment. She highlighted skill development for youth and gender equality.

China voices strong support for Pakistan, urging an impartial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. Wang Yi emphasized understanding Pakistan's security concerns amidst rising tensions with India, while the US President downplayed intervention. Meanwhile, India's NIA intensifies its investigation into the attack, aiming to uncover the conspiracy behind the tragic event.

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.