Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday lauded Operation Sindoor, emphasizing Prime Minister Modi's firm message to challenging neighbors and the global community that terrorism will face consequences. Speaking at Goa Raj Bhavan, he highlighted India's confident stance and the international recognition of its armed forces' capabilities during the strategic operation.

A soldier died in a gunfight with terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, named 'Op Trashi,' is ongoing in Chhatru. Joint forces initiated it after intelligence about 3-4 Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists. Operations intensified after the Pahalgam attack on tourists. India responded with strikes in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir but paused after Pakistan requested a ceasefire. Security operations continue.

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the Allahabad high court for adjourning a bail plea 27 times in a case involving Lakshya Tawar, accused of cheating and forgery. The apex court granted Tawar bail, closed the high court proceedings, and issued notice to the CBI regarding the repeated adjournments.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik and five others in the Kiru hydropower corruption case. This follows a 2022 request from the J&K government for a CBI inquiry into irregularities in awarding civil contracts worth ₹2,200 crore for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project.

The central government has announced a 4% reservation in central government housing for Divyangjans, reflecting a commitment to empowerment and an inclusive India. This initiative aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, aiming to ensure fair access and promote universal accessibility for people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

The Supreme Court criticized the Enforcement Directorate regarding Tasmac raids. The court stated that the ED is exceeding its boundaries. It stayed proceedings after the ED raid on the state-run liquor retailer. The court questioned the ED's authority to raid Tasmac, citing federal principles. The ED has been given two weeks to respond. The case involves alleged financial misconduct.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in Rajasthan, asserted India's firm stance on national security and counterterrorism, highlighting the recent Operation Sindoor where armed forces destroyed terrorist bases within 22 minutes. He ruled out dialogue and trade with Pakistan, focusing solely on reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Modi warned against continued terror exports, threatening to block water flow and dismissing nuclear threats.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to promptly carry out relief work in districts affected by storms and hailstorms, ensuring immediate aid for victims and assessing crop damage. While reviewing the Covid-19 situation, he emphasized vigilance due to the JN.1 subvariant's global spread, ordering heightened alert levels in medical facilities and preparations for seasonal diseases.

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India-Pakistan relations have deteriorated significantly. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, leading Pakistan to put the Simla Agreement on hold. Operation Sindoor, a decisive military response, targeted terror infrastructure inside Pakistan, followed by Indian airstrikes on Pakistani airbases.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticized Prime Minister Modi's silence regarding President Trump's repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted he used trade negotiations to halt 'Operation Sindoor,' a claim India refutes.

Mumbai experienced over 60 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, causing significant disruption. A viral video showed garbage-filled, waterlogged streets in areas like SakiNaka, sparking outrage over waste management. Social media users criticized authorities for inadequate drainage. The IMD forecasts continued rains, with high and low tides expected. Moderate rainfall was recorded across the city and suburbs.

India's UN mission hosted an International Tea Day event, emphasising tea's role in economic empowerment and sustainable development. Ambassador Harish highlighted the industry's support for millions of livelihoods, particularly for women in rural India. Discussions addressed challenges like climate change impacting small-scale farmers, with calls for innovation and climate-smart practices to ensure the industry's future.

Banu Mushtaq, a longtime women’s rights advocate and Kannada writer, won the 2025 International Booker Prize for Heartlamp, a collection of short stories drawn from decades of listening to the silences and struggles of Indian women. In this conversation with TOI’s Jaya Bhattacharji Rose, she shares why she writes, how pain becomes protest, and what her win means for voices from the margins

The Delhi high court has dismissed an order to prosecute a husband under Section 377 for «unnatural» sex with his wife, citing the marital rape exception and contradictions in the wife's statements. The court emphasized that Section 377 doesn't apply to non-penile-vaginal intercourse within marriage, especially without explicit lack of consent.

The Madras high court has temporarily halted a provision allowing the Tamil Nadu government to appoint vice chancellors in state universities, despite the government's opposition. This stay stems from a petition arguing the amendments conflict with UGC regulations and the constitutional distribution of powers.

Delhi-NCR experienced a sudden weather change on Wednesday evening. A severe hailstorm with heavy rainfall hit the region. Strong winds and dust affected visibility in the capital. The weather department reported wind speeds of 60-70 kmph. A cyclonic circulation over Haryana is influencing the weather. This followed intense heat, with the heat index reaching 50.

Delhi experienced a powerful thunderstorm with wind speeds reaching 60–70 km/h, causing traffic disruptions and flight delays. The storm, triggered by a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and nearby areas, followed a day of extreme heat where the heat index soared to 50.2°C.

Pakistan and China agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan. India consistently opposed this move due to construction in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This trilateral meeting occurred after Operation Sindoor. New Delhi raised concerns over terror infrastructure funded by Pakistan. Afghanistan's inclusion raises concerns for India, given existing border issues with China and Pakistan.

India has vehemently denied Pakistan's accusations of involvement in the deadly suicide bombing that targeted a school bus in Balochistan's Khuzdar district. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, expressing condolences while dismissing Pakistan's claims as a diversion from its own internal issues and reputation as a hub of terrorism.

Alka Lamba, All India Mahila Congress chief, pledged Rs 2,500 monthly for deprived women in Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan wins, backing Tejashwi Yadav's 'Mai Behan Maan' scheme. Lamba criticized the NDA for neglecting women's welfare, promising immediate implementation post-election, similar to Congress initiatives in other states. BJP countered, accusing the alliance of misleading voters.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh accused BJP of exploiting the Murshidabad violence for political gain, contrasting it with BJP's alleged failure to prevent the Pahalgam terror attack. He praised Mamata Banerjee's government for its swift response to the Murshidabad unrest, including arrests and compensation.

India achieved a significant victory against left-wing extremism with the killing of top Maoist leader Basavaraju in Chhattisgarh. Simultaneously, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following a school bus bombing in Balochistan, while the ED's money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi gained momentum with daily court hearings scheduled.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma after the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The court noted that the CJI had already forwarded the in-house inquiry report and the judge's response to the President and Prime Minister. The petitioners were directed to seek redressal from appropriate authorities before approaching the court again.