The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegation that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar alerted Pakistan before Operation Sindoor. MEA clarified that Pakistan was warned at the early phase after the operation's commencement, countering the misrepresentation of facts.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the 'e-Rupi' system, a digital payment initiative for farmers, alongside four agricultural policies aimed at boosting the state's agricultural sector. The e-Rupi system will provide farmers with direct subsidy payments via e-vouchers for purchasing essential supplies.
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known as Travel With Jo, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. A video from an Iftar dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi shows her familiarity with Pakistani officials. Investigators claim she shared classified information after being connected with Pakistani intelligence during visits to Pakistan in 2023.
Asaduddin Owaisi urges the Indian government to seize the opportunity presented by spontaneous anti-Pakistan protests in Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack. He advises PM Modi and Amit Shah to embrace Kashmiris by ensuring their rights and protection, while simultaneously confronting Pakistan's destabilizing activities. Owaisi is also part of an all-party delegation for diplomatic outreach against cross-border terrorism.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Rahul Gandhi to exclude a Congress MP from Assam, allegedly Gaurav Gogoi, from a delegation meant to expose Pakistan's terrorism. Sarma alleges Gogoi has Pakistan links through his spouse and a prolonged stay in the country, raising concerns about national security and the MP's ability to effectively criticize Pakistan given these alleged connections.
Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, has been arrested. She is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, known as “Travel with Jo,” allegedly contacted Pakistani officials through messaging apps. Authorities claim her actions violated the Official Secrets Act. She is accused of posing a threat to national security. Investigations are currently underway.
Shashi Tharoor's inclusion in the Operation Sindoor outreach program has sparked controversy, with the Congress party distancing itself from his pro-government stance on the India-Pakistan issue. Despite Congress suggesting other names, the government chose Tharoor to lead the delegation. In the recent past, Tharoor’s unflinching support for the government during the India-Pakistan standoff has raised eyebrows within his party.
Shashi Tharoor addressed his inclusion in an all-party delegation despite not being nominated by the Congress, stating the government chose who they deemed fit. He affirmed his commitment to the role, dismissing political undertones. This situation sparked reactions, with Congress leaders making veiled criticisms and the BJP questioning the Congress's motives for excluding Tharoor.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he is «honoured» by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation, adding that when national interest is involved, he will «not be found wanting.»
Amidst political dynamics, Congress nominated four leaders for an all-party delegation, excluding Shashi Tharoor, despite his selection to lead the Operation Sindoor briefing. Jairam Ramesh shared the Congress's nominees, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized national unity by including Tharoor in a separate delegation to convey India's firm stance against terrorism to key partner nations.
Following the announcement of an all-party delegation to address Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, BJP criticized Congress for omitting Shashi Tharoor from their initial list. BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of disliking party members who support India's position. The controversy arose after Congress proposed names like Syed Naseer Hussain, whose supporter allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans, sparking further debate.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded Operation Sindoor as India's most profound cross-border strike against terrorism, drawing parallels to the US operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden. He emphasized the precision of the strikes, targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba strongholds across the International Border. This operation followed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, prompting a firm response from Prime Minister Modi.
Following Operation Sindoor, the Centre has formed seven all-party delegations, led by figures like Shashi Tharoor and Ravi Shankar Prasad, to convey India's firm stance against terrorism to key partner nations. These delegations, comprising MPs from across the political spectrum, will visit countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The Congress party lauded the Centre's decision to appoint Shashi Tharoor to lead a delegation of MPs to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on international platforms, citing a perceived «talent vacuum» within the BJP.
Indian Army's air defence units swiftly deployed along the western front, successfully neutralizing over 600 Pakistani drones and repelling the rest during 'Operation Sindoor'. A multi-layered air defence network, integrating legacy weapons with indigenous systems like Akash and Akashteer, showcased unmatched precision and thwarted Pakistan's attempts to overwhelm India's air defence grid. This operation demonstrated India's enhanced AD preparedness.
CJI B R Gavai expressed his disapproval of the Supreme Court Bar Association and the SC Advocates-on-Record Association's decision to boycott Justice Bela M Trivedi's farewell. The boycott was triggered by a divided Supreme Court bench ruling regarding the punishment of an AoR accused of suppressing information in a criminal case, where Justice Trivedi's order differed from her colleague's.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the ecological vulnerability of the Himalayas due to accelerated glacier melt, emphasizing the threat to water security. A study reveals the rapid retreat of Himachal Pradesh's Gepang Gath glacier and the dramatic expansion of its proglacial lake. The study calls for urgent measures, including early warning systems, to prevent potential disasters.
In Prayagraj, a three-and-a-half-year-old nursery student tragically died after allegedly being slapped by a teacher for crying in class. An FIR has been filed against two teachers at Naini police station for culpable homicide. Police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage, and have recorded statements from family and school staff to determine the exact sequence of events.
IIT-Roorkee and other Indian universities cancelled agreements with Turkish counterparts. This decision follows similar moves by JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia. Lovely Professional University also ended collaborations with Turkiye and Azerbaijan. The universities cited national security and pro-Pakistan stances as reasons. The Association of Indian Universities urged a review of partnerships with Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh.
Celebi Airport Services India challenges the revocation of its security clearance in Delhi High Court. The aviation watchdog BCAS took the action citing national security concerns. The firm argues the decision impacts thousands of jobs and investor confidence. Celebi denies any political affiliations and emphasizes its compliance with Indian regulations.
A recent government rule impacted operations of Turkiye's Celebi at nine Indian airports. Existing ground handling agencies stepped in to manage the workload. GMR Group made alternate arrangements at Goa's Mopa airport. Over 10,000 Celebi employees were absorbed by other handlers like Bird Group and AISATS. Operations have stabilized with no major disruptions.
BJP initiated a digital campaign against Pakistan, ridiculing their unsuccessful military response following Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted Pakistan's reliance on misinformation to fabricate victories, sharing a clip of India's 2007 T20 World Cup bowl-out win as a symbolic parallel. Amit Malviya criticized Pakistan's propaganda and Ishaq Dar's misleading statements, which were even debunked by Dawn newspaper.
The Supreme Court resolved a 25-year legal dispute. Iskcon Bangalore gains control of the Hare Krishna temple. The court overturned a Karnataka High Court order. The dispute involved Iskcon Mumbai's claim. The court examined documents and witness statements. It favored Iskcon Bangalore's ownership. The ruling ends a long battle between the two factions.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah's push to restart the Tulbul Navigation Project amid Indus Water Treaty discussions sparked a feud with PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who accused him of «weaponising water.» The leaders clashed over patriotism and regional interests, with accusations of being pro-Pakistan. The project, stalled since 1987 due to Pakistani objections, aims to aid winter power generation.
Following the Pahalgam attack, security forces intensified operations. Six terrorists were killed in Shopian and Tral. The number of local terrorists is now at a record low. Operations took place in forests and villages. Security forces are united in eradicating terrorism. Coordination among agencies is key to success in Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Conference has renewed its call for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, marking their first such demand since the Pahalgam terror attack. This appeal was made in response to PM Modi's greetings to Sikkim on its Statehood Day, with the NC urging the PM to grant J&K its rightful place.
The Tulbul Navigation Project, stalled by Pakistan in 1987, may restart. Experts say it benefits Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah supports reviving the project. The project aims to improve navigation on the Jhelum river. It could also help with flood management and power generation. India believes the project aligns with the Indus Waters Treaty.
Congress leader Udit Raj criticized P Chidambaram for questioning the INDIA bloc's future, suggesting he should contribute more to the party's strength. Chidambaram's doubts about the alliance's cohesion have fueled BJP's criticism, with BJP leaders asserting the opposition coalition lacks a shared vision and is driven by self-interest, further claiming its inevitable downfall.
In a rare move, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) did not hold a farewell for retiring Justice Bela M Trivedi, drawing public criticism from Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. He expressed regret over the SCBA's departure from tradition, praising Justices Sibal and Srivastava for attending despite the decision. “I must deprecate openly, because I believe in speaking plainly,” Chief Justice Gavai said.
Dr. Walter Ladwig characterizes the recent India-Pakistan conflict, sparked by the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, as a pivotal moment in global security. He highlights Operation Sindoor as indicative of India's newly assertive military stance against cross-border terrorism. Ladwig notes the US favoring India, while China remains Pakistan's key military ally, complicating prospects for external mediation.