On April 30, 2025, a tragic wall collapse at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, claimed the lives of 8 devotees and injured several others. The incident occurred around 2:30 AM during the annual Chandanotsavam festival as devotees queued for 'Nijaroopa Darshan'. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are suspected to have caused the newly built wall near a ₹300 ticket queue line to collapse. Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities responded swiftly. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief and ordered an investigation and compensation for victims' families. (PC: The Hindu)  

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence inputs. The alert comes amid rising tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 Indian tourists—an incident India blames on Pakistan-based militants. Pakistan has denied involvement and accused India of fabricating pretexts for escalation. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistan seeks peace, any Indian aggression would be met with a strong response, escalating regional concerns of potential conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: AFP)  

The United Kingdom and India are nearing the final stage of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after resolving 25 out of 26 major negotiation points during high-level talks in London. The deal, which has been in negotiations since January 2022, aims to boost bilateral trade through reduced tariffs and enhanced market access for key sectors like automobiles, whisky, and food products. Outstanding issues include India's demand for exemption from the UK’s upcoming carbon border tax and relief on national insurance for Indian workers. A formal agreement is expected during a future Modi-Starmer meeting. (PC: Getty Images)

On April 29, 2025, Pakistan’s military announced it had shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter that allegedly crossed into Pakistani-controlled airspace in the Bhimber sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives—mostly Indian tourists. India blames Pakistan-based militants for the attack, while Pakistan denies involvement. The shootdown adds to the already volatile situation along the Line of Control, as both nations remain on high military alert. Global powers, including the U.S., have urged restraint and renewed dialogue between the nuclear neighbors. (PC: Arab News)    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mark J. Carney on becoming Canada’s new Prime Minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi emphasized the importance of shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties between India and Canada. He expressed optimism about working with the new leadership to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The message comes after a period of diplomatic tension caused by Trudeau’s allegations against India in 2023. With Carney’s election, there is renewed hope for improving India-Canada relations and opening new avenues for collaboration. (PC: AP)

A massive fire broke out at Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata around 8:15 p.m., claiming the lives of 14 people. The blaze spread quickly through the building, trapping several guests and staff. Firefighters managed to rescue multiple individuals and bring the situation under control after hours of effort. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma confirmed the casualties and said a special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident. Preliminary findings suggest possible violations of fire safety norms. The tragedy has sparked concerns over fire preparedness and safety compliance in city establishments. (PC: NDTV)  

Following the deadly terror ambush on Indian Army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has authorized the armed forces to take any necessary action in response. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terror groups, claimed the lives of four soldiers and injured several others. In a high-level security review, PM Modi directed top officials to ensure the perpetrators face strong retaliation. He reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and expressed solidarity with the armed forces, granting them full operational freedom to counter future threats from across the border.  

Three people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a hair salon near Vaksala Square in Uppsala, Sweden, on Tuesday. The attack occurred on the eve of the Walpurgis spring festival, prompting chaos in the city center. Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots before people fled in panic. The suspect escaped the scene on a scooter and remains at large. Authorities have launched a homicide investigation and cordoned off a large area. The incident follows a rise in gun violence across Sweden, prompting renewed calls for stricter firearm laws from the right-wing government. (PC: Reuters)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. In separate conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Guterres emphasized the need to avoid conflict and pursue justice through legal channels. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military officials, and closing the Attari land post. Pakistan warned of an “act of war” and hinted at an Indian military incursion. India has given its armed forces operational freedom to respond decisively to the attack. (PC: AP)

Mark Carney, newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, is expected to usher in a reset in India-Canada relations, distancing his leadership from the strained legacy of Justin Trudeau. Carney's Liberals have secured 168 seats, just shy of a majority, while the influence of pro-Khalistani NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has waned. With Singh's party weakened, Carney’s pragmatic approach and recognition of India’s economic significance could help rebuild trust and bolster trade ties. His campaign rhetoric emphasized a break from Trudeau-era policies, raising hopes in New Delhi for a diplomatic "Carneyval" after the chill of recent years. (PC: India Today)