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.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level security meeting following the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, declared that the Indian armed forces are “free to decide when, how to hit back.” Expressing full confidence in the professionalism of the military, Modi reiterated, “It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism.” He further vowed that those responsible, including their supporters in Pakistan, will face punishment “beyond their imagination.” The meeting included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the armed services, as India considers its strategic and diplomatic responses to the attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level security meeting on April 29, declared that the armed forces have full operational freedom to retaliate following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” Modi stated, as he met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and military chiefs. The PM expressed complete confidence in the forces’ professionalism, granting them autonomy over when, how, and where to strike. India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, hinting at a strong and strategic counter-response ahead. (PC: ANI)

A family from Karnataka had a miraculous escape during the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, where 25 tourists were killed. Pradeep Hegde, his wife Shubha, and their son Siddhant were visiting the valley when gunmen opened fire. Mistaking the first shots for crackers, they soon realized the danger. A bullet grazed Shubha’s hair as she reached for their bag. The family fled amid chaos, aided by a brave horseman who helped them escape. Shubha kept calm, not revealing the close call to her son. Their survival was a mix of courage, quick decisions, and sheer luck. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court, hearing petitions related to the Pegasus spyware controversy, stated on Tuesday that “you can’t compromise or sacrifice the nation’s security.” Justice Surya Kant emphasized, “To have spyware is not wrong… the question is against whom it is used.” The court reiterated that national security interests may justify such tools, though concerns over civilian privacy remain valid. The Solicitor General argued terrorists have no privacy rights, while civilians do. Petitioners are seeking redacted versions of the 2021 probe report that found no conclusive evidence of Pegasus use. The next hearing is scheduled for July 30. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting in New Delhi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The meeting, held at the PM’s residence, focused on assessing response options. India has launched diplomatic and strategic offensives, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and visas to Pakistani nationals. PM Modi vowed the "harshest response" to those responsible, asserting the nation's commitment to justice. A Cabinet Committee on Security meeting is scheduled next to finalize India’s next course of action. (PC: India Today)

A man was lynched during a cricket match in Karnataka’s Mangaluru on Sunday after allegedly shouting “Pakistan Zindabad.” The incident occurred around 3 PM during a local tournament with 10 teams. A scuffle escalated into mob violence, with the victim beaten severely. He later succumbed to internal injuries. Post-mortem confirmed death due to repeated blows, and 10 individuals have been arrested, with more likely. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said an investigation is ongoing. The FIR names 19 people, and police are reviewing CCTV and mobile data. Authorities have vowed strict legal action against those involved in the mob attack. (Hindustan Times)

Muzammil, a zipline operator in Pahalgam, was questioned by the NIA after a viral video showed him chanting "Allahu Akbar" amid a deadly terror attack on April 22. The incident, which claimed 26 lives, sparked online debate after tourist Rishi Bhatt alleged the chant preceded gunfire. NIA sources later clarified the chant was a natural reaction to sudden shock, comparing it to Hindus saying "Hey Ram." Muzammil's brother defended him, stating he fled in fear and had no prior knowledge of the attack. PDP’s spokesperson also emphasized that invoking Allah during crises is cultural, not militant behavior. (PC: India Today)

On April 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of India addressed petitions concerning the alleged misuse of Pegasus spyware. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, observed that while possessing spyware for national security isn't inherently wrong, its deployment against private individuals raises concerns. The court emphasized that national security cannot be compromised, stating, "What is wrong if the country is using the spyware... We cannot compromise or sacrifice the security of the nation." However, it acknowledged the need to protect the privacy rights of civil individuals under the Constitution. The court also noted that the expert committee's report on the matter cannot be made public due to its sensitive nature. (PC: Mint & Sangfor Technologies)