India's Ministry of Culture has issued a legal notice to halt the auction of the Piprahwa gems, scheduled for 7 May in Hong Kong by Sotheby’s. These ancient relics, including amethysts, pearls, and gold, were discovered in 1898 by British landowner William Claxton Peppé in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. Found alongside the cremated remains of the Buddha, dating back to 240–200 BC, they hold immense religious significance. The ministry deems the auction unethical and a violation of Indian and international laws, demanding repatriation and a public apology. Legal action is threatened if the auction proceeds. Sotheby’s acknowledges the notice and is reviewing the matter. (PC: Sotheby's)

India is actively working to reinstate Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, citing new evidence of Islamabad's alleged support for terrorism. This move aims to hinder Pakistan's access to International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasizes the need for Pakistan to take "credible, verifiable, irreversible, and sustained" actions against terrorism and its financing. Despite Pakistan's removal from the grey list in October 2022, India maintains that scrutiny must continue. In response, Pakistan has criticized India's stance as "preposterous and unwarranted," accusing India of politicizing FATF deliberations. India, however, is intensifying efforts to present evidence at global forums to expose Pakistan's alleged illicit activities. (PC: CNBC)

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed strong support for India. He condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of terrorism" and assured that the U.S. would "do everything we can" to assist India in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Johnson emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India partnership in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability. He also highlighted the need for international collaboration to prevent such attacks in the future. The Pahalgam attack, targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, has drawn widespread international condemnation and intensified calls for global action against terrorism. (PC: Reuters)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently urged India to exercise restraint during key national security events, including the 2019 Pulwama attack, the abrogation of Article 370, and the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Following the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 civilians were killed, Guterres condemned the violence but did not address the attackers' targeting based on religious identity. His statements, often referencing the 1972 Simla Agreement, have been perceived by New Delhi as biased, especially when made from Islamabad. The Indian government views Guterres' remarks as misrepresenting internal matters and continues to focus on counterterrorism efforts, particularly in response to threats from Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A tragic boat accident off the coast near San Diego, California, has left three people dead, four injured, and seven missing. Among the missing are two Indian children, while their parents are being treated in hospital. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has offered full support to the affected family. The capsized vessel, suspected to be used by migrants, overturned early Monday morning. Authorities found 18 life vests, damaged equipment, and personal belongings at the site. Multiple agencies, including the US Coast Guard, are conducting search operations. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. (PC: NDTV)

In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that claimed over two dozen Hindu tourists, Pakistan's Army Chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has adopted a more public and assertive stance. Breaking from his traditionally reserved demeanor, Munir addressed troops atop a tank during military exercises, warning that any Indian military action would be met with a "swift, resolute and notch-up response." His comments, including referring to Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein," have intensified tensions with India, which considers Kashmir an integral part of its territory. Munir's hardline position reflects both his intelligence background and a strategic move to reinforce military authority amid Pakistan's internal political and economic challenges. International actors, including the U.S., U.N., and China, have urged both nations to de-escalate the situation. (PC: The Telegraph)

In a closed-door session, the UN Security Council questioned Pakistan regarding the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths, primarily Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based group. Pakistan denied involvement, citing internal dissent. The incident escalated tensions, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling diplomats, and closing borders. Pakistan responded by suspending the Simla Agreement and conducting missile tests. Both nations have increased military readiness, with skirmishes along the Line of Control. The UN Secretary-General urged restraint, while Iran and Russia offered mediation. The situation remains volatile, with international concerns over potential escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: AP & Wikipedia)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, warning that any military confrontation between the two nations could escalate uncontrollably, posing a catastrophic threat to both countries and the world. He emphasized the necessity for both nations to engage in serious dialogue and ensure full respect for human rights in all territories. Guterres reiterated the availability of UN's good offices to facilitate peaceful solutions, highlighting that certain problems lack military resolutions. His remarks come amid heightened tensions following India's revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, which led Pakistan to downgrade diplomatic ties and expel the Indian high commissioner. (PC: The Tribune)

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir has warned that Pakistan will respond with "full military might" if its sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened. His statement came after the attack, in which 26 civilians were killed by terrorists suspected to be linked to Pakistan. General Munir emphasized that while Pakistan seeks peace, it will protect its national prestige and people’s well-being at all costs. Tensions have risen further with India’s diplomatic measures and military preparedness in response to the attack. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Pakistani cyber groups have targeted Indian defence websites in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Sensitive data, including login credentials of military personnel, was potentially compromised, according to the Indian Army. Attackers, operating under the handle ‘Pakistan Cyber Force,’ defaced the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited's website, which has since been taken offline for an audit. Other attacks on military-related websites were also foiled. The Army’s cybersecurity framework swiftly neutralized the threats, and ongoing monitoring is being conducted to prevent further breaches. Authorities are strengthening digital defenses in response to the increasing cyber threats. (PC: India Today )