Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday vowed a strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22. Speaking at the Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav in Delhi, Singh said, “As Defence Minister, it is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country.” He added, “Under PM Modi’s leadership, what you desire will certainly happen.” His remarks come after PM Modi’s high-level security meeting where the armed forces were given full freedom to plan a response. Singh also highlighted India’s strength in both military might and spiritual heritage. (PC: ANI)

Tension erupted outside a NEET exam centre in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, as Brahmin community members protested the alleged removal of sacred threads (Janivara) from candidates. The protest was sparked after student Shripad Patil was reportedly made to remove his thread at St. Mary’s School before entering the exam hall. Videos showed demonstrators confronting officials, accusing them of disrespecting religious sentiments and violating government norms. This follows a similar incident during April’s CET exam. Despite prior instructions, fresh claims surfaced that several Brahmin students were again forced to remove or cut their threads, prompting widespread outrage and calls for accountability. (PC: ANI)

Days before the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 lives, intelligence agencies had warned of a potential terrorist attack targeting tourists in and around Srinagar. Despite heightened security in the Zabarwan foothills and combing operations in areas like Dachigam and Nishat, the attack occurred in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. Investigations reveal that four terrorists, including two from South Kashmir, orchestrated the assault. These individuals had traveled to Pakistan via the Attari border, where they received training and possibly herded tourists to the attack site. Security agencies are now focusing on identifying the remaining perpetrators and understanding the lapses that led to this tragedy. (PC: PTI)

On May 4, 2025, an Air India flight (AI139) en route from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi following a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, allegedly carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The missile struck close to Terminal 3, creating a crater and injuring four people. In response, Air India suspended flights to Tel Aviv until May 6. The Houthis claimed the strike was in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold.” Investigations and security reviews are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

A stampede broke out during a festival in Goa, causing injuries to several attendees. Goa's tourism official downplayed the severity of the incident, stating, "A minor incident happened at the same site during last year’s fest." This remark highlights the recurring nature of such incidents at the event's venue. Authorities are now investigating both occurrences to implement better safety protocols for future festivals. The government has assured that measures will be taken to avoid similar events in the future to ensure public safety. (PC: PTI)

Petitioners opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, have strongly disputed the Centre’s claim of a 116% increase in waqf properties since 2013, arguing that the statistics are based on incorrect or misrepresented data. In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, they clarified that the reported rise includes properties previously registered, now updated on the Waqf Asset Management System of India (WAMSI), not newly acquired ones. The petitioners also raised concerns about the potential impact of the Act on waqf properties, urging the Court to stay its implementation due to potential constitutional issues. (PC: HT PRINT)

A tragic stampede occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra festival on Saturday, leaving six people dead and around 50 injured. The incident happened in the early morning hours as tens of thousands of devotees gathered for the event, which includes the traditional fire-walking ritual known as 'Agnidivya'. The stampede was triggered when people standing on a slope lost balance and fell, leading to panic and chaos. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured were rushed to hospitals. Prime Minister Modi and CM Sawant expressed condolences, and an inquiry is underway. (PC: The Hindu)

Days before the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Indian intelligence agencies had flagged potential targeting of tourists near Srinagar, particularly in hotels on the outskirts in the Zabarwan range. This led to heightened security and combing operations in areas like Dachigam and Nishat. Despite these measures, the operation was called off on April 22, the day of the attack. Officials suggest that terrorists aimed to disrupt Prime Minister Modi's planned visit to flag off the first train from Katra to Srinagar last month, which was postponed due to weather. The attack involved two local terrorists mingling with tourists and two Pakistani terrorists executing the killings. (PC: PTI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has obtained crucial voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Rana, currently facing extradition from the U.S., is accused of aiding Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley in planning the attacks. These samples will be analyzed to strengthen evidence linking him to the plot. The move is part of India’s continuing efforts to secure justice for one of its deadliest terror attacks. (PTI)

On May 1, 2025, Hindu activist Suhas Shetty was brutally hacked to death by a gang in Mangaluru’s Kinnipadavu village. CCTV footage captured the gruesome attack in which Shetty, a key accused in the 2022 Fazil murder case, was ambushed while traveling with others. He died at AJ Hospital. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the arrest of eight suspects and seizure of weapons and vehicles used. The BJP has demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), calling the murder communal in nature. VHP held a bandh in protest, heightening regional tensions and public outcry. (PC: HT File)