On International Labour Day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge greeted workers and raised concerns about their struggles under the current government. He criticized the reduction in MNREGA funding, opposed the Labour Code for increasing working hours and easing worker dismissals, and highlighted the issue of unemployment and lack of income growth.
The BJP has criticized the Congress party regarding the inclusion of caste-based enumeration in the upcoming census, questioning their historical inaction. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused former PM Nehru of opposing caste-based reservations, leading to the discontinuation of caste census after 1931.
External affairs minister Jaishankar discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising the need for justice against those responsible. Rubio conveyed condolences and reaffirmed US commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation with India. Tensions are escalating along the LoC with increased ceasefire violations, prompting India to consider retaliatory measures.
Tensions escalate as Pakistani forces violate ceasefire along the LoC for the seventh consecutive night, prompting a proportionate response from the Indian Army. Amidst this, the US attempts to de-escalate tensions following a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Donald Trump downplays tariff impact, and a Karnataka bus driver faces probe for offering namaz during duty hours.
The Indian government's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census has ignited political debate, with the BJP and opposition Congress both vying for credit. While Congress claims it as a victory for Rahul Gandhi's advocacy, the BJP highlights Congress's historical opposition to caste-based census. The move aims to gather data on caste distribution for informed policy-making.
Pakistani forces have engaged in unprovoked firing across the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive day, prompting a proportionate response from the Indian Army in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. This ceasefire violation occurred despite recent talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of both nations, where India warned Pakistan against such actions.
The Supreme Court has requested the central government's response to an NGO's claims of 58 illegal clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies at an Ahmedabad hospital. These trials allegedly lacked the mandatory ethical committee, violating New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
Chhattisgarh security forces have reportedly cleared Maoists from Koragutta Hills, a Naxal stronghold bordering Telangana, after a nine-day operation. While top Maoist leaders like Hidma allegedly escaped into Telangana due to lapses in border security, Chhattisgarh plans to establish security camps in the area.
The Indian government's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census aims to consolidate Hindu unity and counter attempts to divide the population along caste lines. Sources suggest the move, following discussions between PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, intends to prevent the splintering of the OBC-Dalit-Muslim coalition.
The BJP and NDA allies celebrated the Modi government's decision to conduct a caste enumeration in the upcoming census, framing it as a historic move towards social equality. Leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and J.P. Nadda praised the decision's potential to empower backward classes and promote inclusion.
Following the Pahalgam attack, a government directive has led to the expulsion of numerous Pakistani nationals, primarily women married to Indian men, creating emotional turmoil at the Attari-Wagah border. Sara Khan, a new mother, was forced to leave despite her recent C-section and her baby's Indian citizenship. Other families face separation, highlighting the human cost of the policy.
Following the Pahalgam massacre, India is considering punitive military actions against Pakistan, focusing on long-range strikes without crossing the LoC. The Indian Army has been authorized to respond decisively to terrorism, with plans in place for calibrated responses.
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and emerging Pakistan links, the Centre has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Former RAW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as chairman, leading a team of 14 experts from diverse fields. This reconstitution aims to strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Kashmiri Pandit organisation, KPSS, has threatened mass migration from Kashmir Valley if immediate security isn't provided around their settlements and religious sites. Citing intelligence reports of imminent danger from TRF, KPSS President Sanjay Tickoo demanded community-specific protection.
Pakistan received an official warning about a potential Indian military offensive, leading to heightened tensions and claims of airspace violations. Amidst denials of involvement in a terrorist attack and accusations of escalating tensions, both sides face domestic pressures and international calls for dialogue. With authorized operational freedom for forces and family relocations, the risk of conflict looms large.
Pakistan has vehemently denied India's accusations regarding the Pahalgam attack, asserting that any aggression, including water diversion or military action, would be met with a strong response. Pakistani officials presented what they claimed was evidence of India's orchestrated narrative, accusing New Delhi of stoking regional instability with false claims.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, ISI and the Pakistan government have heightened security for Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, fearing a covert operation. Former Special Service Group commandos have been assigned to his protection, with increased security at his residences. Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate has also threatened retaliation for the Pahalgam killings, vowing to target a high-value individual in Pakistan.
India has prohibited Pakistan-registered aircraft, including military planes, from using its airspace, effective from midnight April 30-May 1 until May 23, 2025. This restriction applies to all aircraft registered in Pakistan or operated by Pakistani entities, covering all Indian airspace regions.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami have welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. Adityanath believes this move will bring social justice and data-driven governance.
Drawing inspiration from Keynes's warning against clinging to outdated notions, the article provocatively suggests a future where a booming India could manage a stagnant Britain. This non-military arrangement, driven by economic self-interest, envisions India revitalizing British growth while preserving its political system and royal traditions. The proposal highlights existing Indo-British ties and the potential for mutual benefit.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Jagannath Dham Temple in Digha amid political controversy. The BJP criticized the temple's state funding, calling Banerjee a «fake Hindu» and accusing her of minority appeasement. TMC leaders defended the project, questioning the BJP's definition of Hinduism. The Rs 250 crore temple project, envisaged by Banerjee in 2018 and built over 20 acres, was personally overseen by the chief minister who visited the site twice in the run-up to the inauguration.