The Congress party is pressing the Centre for answers regarding the alleged loss of fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, during Operation Sindoor, citing CDS General Anil Chauhan's remarks. They question the circumstances of the ceasefire with Pakistan and demand clarity on the Pahalgam terror attack.
Led by Supriya Sule, an all-party delegation concluded a visit to South Africa, emphasizing shared values of peace and non-violence inspired by Gandhi and Mandela. The delegation addressed the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting India's unified stance against terrorism. Manish Tewari underscored India's resolve to protect its interests against cross-border terrorism.
Following Operation Sindoor and heightened tensions with Pakistan, India dispatched multi-party delegations to 33 nations, including Japan and the UAE, to brief them on the situation. In the UAE, discussions with Emirati leaders centered on combating terrorism. In Japan, officials expressed support for India's anti-terror stance.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar affirmed that terrorists themselves validated 'Operation Sindoor,' highlighting India's decisive military action against terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba following the Pahalgam killings. The operation targeted terror facilities across Pakistan, sending a strong message that terrorism would be punished, as confirmed by the terrorists' own acknowledgment of losses.
Rahul Gandhi announced in Vijayanagara that the Karnataka government will grant ownership rights to one lakh families, addressing the issue of land ownership without formal rights. He contrasted the Congress model of governance, which focuses on social welfare and direct financial assistance, with the BJP's approach.
Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticised the government for allegedly informing Pakistan before strikes on terror infrastructures, questioning the potential security risks. He also attacked PM Modi over Donald Trump's claim of brokering a ceasefire, alleging a secret deal. Rahul Gandhi has also questioned Jaishankar on the same issue, while MEA has refuted the Congress's claims, calling them a misrepresentation of facts.
Assam continues its crackdown on alleged anti-national activities following the Pahalgam terror attack, with three more arrests bringing the total to 68. Chief Minister Sarma affirmed the operation targets anyone involved in pro-Pakistan or anti-India actions. Authorities are closely monitoring online platforms and will act against content deemed harmful to national security, ensuring legal consequences for those deemed traitors.
Justice Bela M Trivedi, the eleventh woman on the Supreme Court, retired after three-and-a-half years, prompting courtroom tributes and criticism of the SCBA for denying her a formal farewell. CJI Gavai openly disapproved of the SCBA's stance, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal lauded her contributions, highlighting her empathy and significant role in the judiciary.
Mehbooba Mufti has criticized Omar Abdullah's call to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project amidst India-Pakistan tensions. She deemed his statements irresponsible, emphasizing that J&K needs peace, not actions risking further conflict. Abdullah suggested resuming the project, suspended due to Pakistani objections under the Indus Water Treaty, now that the treaty is in abeyance.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram expressed uncertainty about the INDIA bloc's future, acknowledging its current 'frayed' state while emphasizing the possibility of revival. He highlighted the BJP's formidable organizational strength and its influence over institutions.
The Supreme Court reprimanded Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his "irresponsible" remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, emphasizing that individuals in constitutional roles must exercise caution, especially during sensitive operations like Operation Sindoor. Shah's comments, suggesting the Prime Minister sent a "terrorists' sister" to harm them, led to widespread condemnation and a High Court order for an FIR against him.
Following 'Operation Sindoor,' Prime Minister Modi convened a high-level meeting to bolster national security. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi emphasised seamless coordination among ministries for operational continuity. He directed secretaries to review emergency response and communication protocols. Ministries are enhancing internal processes to address evolving threats and ensure readiness for any contingency.
Shashi Tharoor stated that Pakistan faced tough questions regarding terrorism and Lashkar-e-Taiba at a recent UNSC closed-door meeting following the Pahalgam attack. Despite Pakistan's attempt to raise the issue, member countries focused on LeT's role and the threat of terrorism. Tharoor anticipates a general call for peace but no specific resolutions due to potential vetoes from China.
President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, assuring Russia's support in combating terrorism and emphasizing the need for justice. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Russia partnership.
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition questioning Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship. A BJP worker from Karnataka, S Vignesh Shishir, filed the petition. He alleged Gandhi possessed dual citizenship, making him ineligible to contest elections. The court had previously granted the Home Ministry time to verify information from the UK.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale questioned IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over alleged inaction against BJP-affiliated social media accounts. He accused these accounts of posting hateful comments targeting the wife of the Navy officer killed Lt Vinay Narwal in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 after she appealed for communal harmony.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticizes European nations for their inconsistent stances on global issues. He emphasizes India's need for partners rather than those who preach without practicing. Jaishankar highlights Europe's need for a reality check. He recalls past statements on managing relations with China. He also points out the EU's contrasting responses to the Russia-Ukraine war and India-Pakistan tensions.
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India has imposed stringent measures against Pakistan, halting all imports and suspending mail services. Pakistani vessels are now barred from Indian ports, and Indian ships are prohibited from visiting Pakistani ports. These actions mark a significant escalation in response to identified cross-border linkages and aim to ensure national security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is unlikely to attend Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expected to represent India. This decision occurs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Russia had initially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the event.
Amid escalating tensions, India has blocked Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's YouTube channel, intensifying its crackdown on misinformation. This action follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack and targets Pakistani political figures, sportspersons, and media outlets. The government aims to counter anti-India propaganda by blocking channels spreading fake news about sensitive topics like the Indian Army and Kashmir.
A new study published in the journal Temperature reveals that over 35,000 deaths in India from 2001 to 2019 were caused by extreme heat and cold exposure. Most victims were working-age men, with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh reporting the highest fatalities. Researchers stress the urgent need for heat and cold action plans amid rising temperature extremes.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the national census, while criticizing the BJP and RSS for their historical opposition to reservation. He accused them of creating confusion for political gains, emphasizing the Congress party's long-standing demand for a caste census, as highlighted in their previous letter to the Prime Minister.
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