The 2025 Human Development Report recognises India as a burgeoning «AI powerhouse,» showcasing significant AI skills penetration and improved talent retention. Notably, 20% of Indian AI researchers now stay in the country, a stark contrast to 2019. The report emphasises AI's potential to revitalise development, with surveys indicating widespread optimism about its impact on productivity and job creation.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen, Indian Armed Forces initiated 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes were described as focused and non-escalatory, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.

Following India's 'Operation Sindoor' against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, IndiGo Airlines reports flight disruptions. Airspace changes over northern India are causing delays and cancellations for flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner. Indian air defence units along the border are on high alert amid heightened tensions.

Mumbai's municipal corporation is set for elections after three years under state-appointed administration, a period marked by significant infrastructure projects like road repairs costing ₹12,000 crore and rising liabilities. Former corporators lament the lack of accountability and neglect of local issues, while preparations for the upcoming polls are underway, with parties aiming to increase their representation and address citizen grievances.

Calcutta High Court expressed concern over lawyers' political alignment and declining court decorum during a hearing on alleged police overreach in the Murshidabad violence case. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh observed that lawyers' power seems to stem from outside the courtroom, leading to heated exchanges. He refused to entertain the plea, directing it to a division bench already addressing Murshidabad violence-related cases.

The Supreme Court has instructed the road transport ministry to release the «Road Accidents in India 2023» report by August, emphasizing the need for timely publication within six months of each calendar year's end for its utility. Concerns are raised by road safety experts regarding delays in publishing crucial accident data, hindering effective interventions. The National Crime Records Bureau is also yet to release its 2023 report.

The Maldives is amending existing defense agreements with India to safeguard its sovereignty, according to Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. He clarified that the 74 Indian soldiers previously stationed in the Maldives were unarmed and have been repatriated. These actions follow President Muizzu's pledge to review agreements and ensure national sovereignty, addressing concerns raised by the opposition.

In a historic move, IIT Roorkee has dismissed Professor Zillur Rahman from his position in the department of management studies after a PhD student filed a sexual harassment complaint against him. Following an internal inquiry and opportunities for Rahman to present his case, the Board of Governors approved his dismissal. This marks the first instance of such action in the institute's history.

Unseasonal rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds have tragically resulted in 17 deaths across Gujarat in the past 24 hours. The severe weather, impacting 168 talukas, caused fatalities due to lightning, electrocution, and structural collapses. Amreli and Bhavnagar experienced heavy rainfall and fierce winds, providing relief from the heat but causing significant damage to crops like mango, onion, sesame, and bajra.

In a tragic incident near the Line of Control in Kupwara, an Army vehicle accident resulted in the death of two soldiers and injuries to two others. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge after the driver lost control. This unfortunate event follows a similar accident in Ramban just two days prior, where three Army personnel lost their lives.

A passenger bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including an Army soldier on leave, and left over 40 individuals injured. The bus, en route from Ghani to Mendhar, veered off course and plunged into a deep gorge, prompting immediate rescue efforts by locals, police, Army, and CRPF personnel.

Following the Pahalgam attack, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti voiced concerns over large-scale detentions in J&K, fearing a message of collective punishment. Mehbooba highlighted that thousands of civilians have been taken into custody, with over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 PSA detentions reported, urging a review of this approach to avoid deepening the trust deficit.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's recent diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, including meetings with Pakistani leaders, centered on mediating the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Despite India's reluctance to accept third-party mediation, Iran is positioning itself as a regional conciliator, leveraging its ties with both nations to push for de-escalation.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife of having links to Pakistan, alleging suspicious travels and activities. Sarma claims Gogoi visited Pakistan personally for 15 days, while his wife made multiple trips accompanied by Pakistani officials. Gogoi has dismissed the allegations as petty politics, accusing Sarma of involving his family.

Mallikarjun Kharge alleged PM Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit after an intelligence report warned of an attack and questioned why security wasn't reinforced for civilians if there was intelligent inputs. The BJP strongly condemned Kharge's remarks, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's narrative and demanding an apology.

Indian ambassador Akhilesh Mishra strongly criticized The Irish Times for its editorial on the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing it of downplaying terrorism and echoing narratives that support its perpetrators. Mishra highlighted the editorial's failure to condemn the attack unequivocally and its criticism of PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant change in India's water policy, stating that the nation's water resources will now be exclusively utilized for national benefit and not allowed to flow outside the country. This declaration follows the government's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan's attempt to raise India-Pakistan tensions at a closed-door UN Security Council meeting failed to gain traction. Council members urged bilateral resolution and accountability for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, suspected to involve Lashkar-e-Taiba. Concerns were raised about Pakistan's nuclear rhetoric and missile tests.

India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill, focusing on the designated 'civil defence districts' some of which house sensitive installations. This exercise, amidst heightened tensions following a recent terror attack, aims to simulate wartime scenarios, testing air raid protocols and evacuation plans.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly refuted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, labeling it «absurd and misguided.» The MEA spokesperson accused Pakistan of manipulating the OIC to issue a self-serving statement, rejecting any interference in India's internal matters.

Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das faces further legal trouble as a Bangladeshi court orders his arrest in four new cases related to obstructing police duties and assaulting lawyers. Simultaneously, a higher court has suspended his bail in a sedition case stemming from allegations of hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag during a rally.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused external elements of instigating violence in the state, urging people to resist divisive agendas promoted by the BJP and religious fundamentalists. Speaking in Murshidabad, she asserted that the Waqf Act would not be implemented in Bengal, appealing for calm amidst potential protests.

Amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan plans to increase its defence budget by 18%. India, a major military power, spends significantly more but faces resource allocation challenges. With China's support for Pakistan and its own growing military strength, India confronts a two-front challenge. Recent actions include ceasefire violations, mock drills, and nuclear modernization, highlighting the complex security landscape.

BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla accuses Congress leaders of acting as «content creators for Pakistan» amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam massacre. He criticizes Charanjit Singh Channi's questioning of the surgical strike and Ajay Rai's mocking of the Rafale jets. Poonawalla's remarks come after Congress leaders questioned intelligence on terror activity in Kashmir, further fueling the political clash.

Amidst political clashes, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of prior knowledge of the Pahalgam terror attack, triggering BJP's sharp rebuke. India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence drill on May 7. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee blamed outsiders for inciting violence. In international news, Germany's AfD party demanded fresh elections.

The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concerns about police officers routinely copy-pasting witness statements into charge sheets, even in serious criminal cases, cautioning that this «dangerous culture» could benefit the accused. The court has directed the Maharashtra government to issue guidelines for recording witness statements and appointed an amicus curiae to suggest improvements to investigation quality.

Shashi Tharoor stated that Pakistan faced tough questions regarding terrorism and Lashkar-e-Taiba at a recent UNSC closed-door meeting following the Pahalgam attack. Despite Pakistan's attempt to raise the issue, member countries focused on LeT's role and the threat of terrorism. Tharoor anticipates a general call for peace but no specific resolutions due to potential vetoes from China.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has criticized the extensive security crackdown following the Pahalgam terror attack, labeling it a «collective punishment.» In a letter to LG Manoj Sinha, she expressed concern over the reported 3,000 arrests and 100 PSA detentions.

Amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan is set to significantly increase its defense budget by 18%, exceeding Rs 2.5 trillion. This decision, driven by consensus between major political parties, comes after India announced punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.