Intelligence agencies warned of a potential attack on tourists near Srinagar before the Pahalgam massacre, prompting increased security measures. Despite these efforts, terrorists struck, aiming to disrupt a symbolic event and instill fear. The attack also highlighted concerns about advanced weaponry and the need to avoid equating tourism with peace, while authorities addressed public concerns and halted controversial counter-terror tactics.
The Central government has approved a grant of Rs 291.15 crore for Uttarakhand to bolster disaster mitigation in Joshimath, following Chief Minister Dhami's request. This financial aid aims to support reconstruction and safety measures in the subsidence-affected Himalayan town.
CRPF jawan Munir Ahmed has been dismissed for concealing his marriage to a Pakistani national, a move considered a threat to national security. Ahmed, serving with the 41st battalion, was terminated without inquiry after it was discovered he married Menal Khan via video call and failed to report her visa overstay.
The Uttarakhand government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has established the «District Disaster Resource Network» to enhance the Char Dham Yatra experience. Rudraprayag is the first district to have its own mobile network, offering free WiFi to devotees. This network proved crucial during a disaster in July 2024, aiding rescue efforts and communication when other networks failed.
Prime Minister Modi and Angolan President Lourenco convened in New Delhi, reaffirming India's dedication to strengthening ties with Angola and the broader African continent. Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, traditional medicine, and cultural exchange. Modi emphasised India's commitment to decisive action against terrorism.
On World Press Freedom Day, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticized the BJP-led Union government for allegedly suppressing journalism and diminishing press freedom in India. He highlighted India's low ranking of 151 in the Global Press Freedom Index, accusing the BJP of silencing dissenting voices through raids and imprisonment of reporters.
Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Prime Minister Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to decisive action against terrorism and its supporters. He expressed gratitude to Angola for their support in combating cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the shared view that terrorism poses a significant threat to humanity.
Iftkhar Ali, a Jammu and Kashmir policeman, and his eight siblings narrowly escaped deportation to Pakistan after a court intervention. Ali, who has served in the police force for 27 years, believes the deportation notice was a conspiracy stemming from a land dispute. The family's citizenship status remains pending despite being admitted as permanent residents in the late 1990s.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is unlikely to attend Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expected to represent India. This decision occurs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Russia had initially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the event.
Pakistan has expressed concerns over a potential military response from India following the Pahalgam terror attack, citing intelligence suggesting an «imminent threat of kinetic action.» Pakistan's UN ambassador warned that obstructing Indus waters would be considered an act of war, vowing retaliation. On April 24, PM Modi pledged strong action against those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.
Amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has withheld the X account of Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, after he accused India of planning military action. This action follows a similar block on Pakistan's defense minister's account and a ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading misinformation.
Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader, urged Prime Minister Modi to reconsider the reservation cap after the caste census data is available, emphasizing the need for social justice and proportional representation. He highlighted the potential for the census to reveal significant underrepresentation of OBCs and EBCs, advocating for inclusivity in both political representation and the private sector, which benefits from public resources.
Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistan's planned surface-to-surface ballistic missile test is viewed by New Delhi as a reckless provocation. Indian officials perceive this as a dangerous escalation, especially with recent ceasefire violations along the LoC. Despite issuing multiple NOTAMs, Pakistan has yet to conduct any missile firings, raising concerns about escalating tensions further.
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, effective immediately. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the decision on May 2, citing national security and public policy concerns.
A tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Goa during the Shree Devi Lairai jatra has resulted in the death of at least six people and injuries to over fifteen others. Authorities have initiated an emergency response, with the injured being shifted to nearby hospitals. The cause of the stampede is currently unknown, and investigations are underway as the chief minister assesses the situation.
For nine consecutive days, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting proportionate responses from the Indian Army. The unprovoked small-arms fire targeted areas including Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor.
Charanjit Singh Channi, a Congress MP, ignited controversy by questioning the veracity of India's surgical strikes in Pakistan, stating he found no evidence of them. The BJP strongly condemned Channi's remarks, accusing him of disrespecting the armed forces and politicizing national security.
After a 22-year legal battle, the Supreme Court has declared stamp vendors as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This landmark decision stemmed from a 2003 case where a vendor charged Rs 2 extra for a stamp paper.
The road transport ministry is planning to introduce a negative points system on driving licenses for traffic violations, potentially leading to suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders. This initiative aims to improve road safety, as current fines haven't been effective. The plan also includes mandatory driving tests for license renewals if traffic rules have been violated.
In a tragic incident in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, a pickup truck carrying wedding guests overturned, resulting in the death of four Indore residents and injuries to eight others. The accident occurred in the Madagan area of Sironj, claiming the lives of the groom's sister, brother-in-law, and two cousins. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced financial assistance for the victims' families.
A Delhi court has issued a notice to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others in a money-laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper. The court emphasized the importance of the right to be heard for a fair trial, especially under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Supreme Court overturned the acquisition of Bhushan Power & Steel by JSW, directing liquidation due to legal and regulatory violations. JSW's Rs 19,700 crore plan was rejected, with the court citing delayed payments and dishonest intentions. The resolution professional failed in their duties, and the committee of creditors didn't protect creditor interests, impacting public sector banks.
The Union law ministry has ordered the transfer of seven high court judges, including four from Karnataka HC to Gujarat, Orissa, Kerala, and Madras HCs. Seven new permanent judges were appointed to the Gujarat HC, increasing its strength to 39. Allahabad HC has the highest number of vacancies, with 72 posts vacant out of a sanctioned strength of 160.
Following Pakistan's airspace restrictions for Indian airlines, several European carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and SWISS, are now avoiding Pakistani airspace. This rerouting, prompted by safety concerns and NOTAMs indicating unavailable airways, adds up to an hour to flight times for routes like Munich-Delhi and Rome-Delhi, as airlines prioritize passenger and staff safety.
India is escalating its efforts against Pakistan, urging international bodies like the IMF to re-evaluate financial aid due to alleged support for terrorism. New Delhi seeks a review of IMF loans, including a recent $1.3 billion climate resilience loan, and is engaging with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, intelligence reports indicate that numerous Pakistani terrorists have retreated from launchpads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to deeper locations within POK and Pakistan. This withdrawal comes amid fears of retaliatory strikes by Indian forces, reminiscent of the 2019 surgical strikes.
Amidst ongoing border tensions, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to bolster its surveillance capabilities by acquiring three High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) aircraft. These unmanned 'pseudo-satellites' will operate in the stratosphere, providing persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The IAF has issued a request for information, aiming for delivery within 18 months.
Congress celebrates Rahul Gandhi's persistent advocacy for a caste census, claiming it forced the Modi government's hand after 11 years of resistance. The party plans to amplify its role in achieving caste enumeration through rallies and campaigns, pushing for caste quotas in private institutions and the removal of the 50% reservation cap.
An IndiGo ATR aircraft experienced a rare dual engine flameout during a Jaipur to Chandigarh flight amidst heavy rain on Friday. Each engine momentarily failed before auto-ignition restored them. The plane landed safely in Chandigarh and is undergoing inspection. The DGCA has requested a report from the airline regarding the incident.