The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all media platforms, including TV channels and digital media, to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and troop movements, citing national security concerns. The advisory stresses adherence to existing laws and cautions that premature disclosure can aid hostile elements and jeopardize security personnel. Referencing incidents like Kargil, 26/11, and the Kandahar hijacking, the ministry urged responsible reporting. Channels were reminded of Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, warning of action against violations and emphasizing briefings should only come from authorized officials. (PC: iStock)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation into the recent Pahalgam terror attack, following a notification from the Union Home Ministry. The attack, which occurred in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to several others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to India and convened a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site, met with survivors, and vowed strict action against the perpetrators. Security has been intensified across the region, and a shutdown was observed in Kashmir to mourn the victims. The NIA team is conducting a thorough assessment of the attack site to collect forensic evidence and assist in identifying those responsible. (PC: News18 & Hindustan Times)

Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand, urging immediate measures to protect Kashmiri students and business communities after rising incidents of harassment following the recent terror attack. The governor assured full cooperation, according to ANI. Meanwhile, Kashmiris across India have reported facing evictions, threats, and even physical violence in the aftermath. Many students, particularly in Haryana, have returned home fearing for their safety. Calls for urgent action have intensified as organizations highlight the need for stronger protections for Kashmiris nationwide.

Jammu and Kashmir leader Omar Abdullah has firmly rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for a "neutral and transparent" investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. Abdullah criticized Pakistan’s initial reaction, highlighting that Islamabad first denied the incident and even accused India of fabricating the attack. He questioned the credibility of Pakistan’s sudden change of stance and dismissed the probe proposal as insincere. The Pahalgam attack has significantly worsened India-Pakistan relations, triggering diplomatic expulsions and the suspension of key treaties amid growing accusations over cross-border terrorism.(PC: India Today)

On April 26, 2025, a devastating explosion occurred at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the Sattur area of Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. The blast resulted in the deaths of two workers and left three others injured. The explosion is suspected to have originated during the chemical mixing process, a critical stage in firecracker production. The impact of the blast was so severe that it flattened several rooms within the facility. Emergency response teams, including local police and fire services, swiftly arrived at the scene to assist the injured and initiate rescue operations. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to assess compliance with safety regulations at the facility. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety standards in the firecracker manufacturing industry in Tamil Nadu, which has experienced similar tragedies in the past. (PC: ANI)  

After India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, it is strategically advancing key hydropower projects—Kishanganga, Ratle, and Pakal Dul—in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects are being developed to assert greater control over the western rivers and strengthen India’s energy security. The Pakal Dul (1,000 MW) and Ratle (850 MW) hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River are critical to this shift. While Pakistan has raised objections, India is focusing on using these river assets for regional power generation and geopolitical leverage. This move signals a major strategic recalibration in the region’s already tense water-sharing dynamics. (PC: PTI)

On April 22, 2025, the peaceful meadow of Baisaran in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed a devastating terror attack that killed 26 people and injured over 20. Militants from The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, ambushed tourists and locals, reportedly targeting individuals based on religion. The sudden violence turned the scenic valley into a site of horror, deeply shaking residents and authorities. Following the attack, security was tightened across Kashmir, and tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, resulting in diplomatic expulsions and increased military vigilance along the Line of Control. (PC: The Hindu)  

Nationalist Congress Party SP Chief Sharad Pawar urged caution following the Pahalgam terror attack, stressing that India must carefully consider any retaliatory actions against Pakistan. He warned of the potential for further escalation, with Pakistan unlikely to remain silent. The recent violence in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists, prompting India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrade diplomatic relations, and impose travel restrictions. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian flights. Pawar also noted the strategic impact of this airspace closure, which would increase travel costs and disrupt flight routes. (PC: Pune Mirror)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, the Jammu and Kashmir administration demolished the houses of five terrorists across Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama. Among them, Shahid Ahmed Kuttey's house in Shopian's Chotipora village was razed. Explosives detonated during searches at the residences of Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives Adil Hussain Thoker and Asif Sheikh. Adil had reportedly received terror training in Pakistan in 2018. Houses of Haris Ahmad and Ahsan ul Haq Sheikh, both trained in Pakistan, were also destroyed. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the security situation amid increased ceasefire violations by Pakistan, to which Indian forces responded with small arms; no casualties were reported. (PC: Hindustan Times & YouTube)

The Central Government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2023, arguing the law is constitutionally valid and not violative of any fundamental rights. In its affidavit, the Centre stated that: (1) Waqf by user was never a legally accepted principle; (2) inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards ensures better transparency and governance; (3) the Act does not infringe on religious freedom; and (4) the challenge is politically driven. The government warned that halting the law would disrupt legislative authority and governance of Waqf properties. (PC: OP India)