On May 2, 2025, the revered Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand officially reopened its portals to devotees, signaling the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra season. The temple was beautifully decorated with 108 quintals of flowers, including 54 exotic varieties sourced from Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and across India. A major highlight this year is the introduction of a daily aarti at the confluence of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, modeled on Varanasi’s famed Ganga Aarti. The idol of Lord Shiva was ceremoniously moved from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to Kedarnath for the summer pilgrimage. (PC: PTI)

In his first remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed a relentless response under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, declaring that every act of terrorism would be avenged. Referring to the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians, Shah warned terrorists not to mistake cowardly strikes for victories, stating, “This is Modi’s India — and revenge will be taken, one by one.” Shah also highlighted strong international backing for India’s fight against terrorism. Visiting Srinagar immediately after the attack, Shah met grieving families and pledged that justice would be delivered and terrorism would be wiped out entirely. (PC: PTI)

The BJP has made a notable policy reversal by agreeing to include caste data in India’s upcoming national census—the first such effort since 1931. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the decision reflects the government’s commitment to values and transparency. The move follows state-level caste surveys in Bihar and Karnataka and growing demands for increased reservations. While the BJP earlier resisted caste enumeration, critics and observers see the shift as a tactical response to electoral dynamics and alliance compulsions. Rahul Gandhi called it a win for social justice and a step toward deeper reforms. (PC: The Indian Express)

Marking the 27th birth anniversary of Navy Lt. Vinay Narwal—killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—his widow, Himanshi Narwal, made a heartfelt call for unity. “We don't want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace,” she said at a blood donation camp in Karnal. The newlyweds were honeymooning when Narwal was shot dead by terrorists. Breaking down during tributes, Himanshi urged the nation to remember her husband with prayers, not hate. Organized by a local NGO, the event honored Narwal's bravery and sacrifice, emphasizing a message of communal harmony and resilience in grief. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On May 1, 2025, the West Bengal government faced public backlash after a bizarre error appeared in a newspaper advertisement promoting the newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha. The ad included a map that mistakenly featured a location labeled “Female Vibrators in Digha,” positioned between Amrabati Park and Jagannath Ghat. The blunder coincided with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ₹250 crore temple, modeled after Puri’s Jagannath Temple, was meant to boost tourism. The map error, likely from an unedited screenshot, sparked social media outrage and political criticism over quality control in official materials. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi High Court sharply criticized Baba Ramdev for releasing a new video reiterating his "sherbet jihad" allegations against Rooh Afza, despite previous court orders prohibiting such remarks. Justice Amit Bansal observed that Ramdev appears “not in control of anyone” and “lives in his own world,” finding him in prima facie contempt. The comments, deemed communal and disparaging, claimed proceeds from Rooh Afza support madrasas and mosques. Hamdard’s counsel demanded action, calling it hate speech. Ramdev's lawyer assured the court that all controversial videos would be removed from public platforms within 24 hours to avoid contempt proceedings. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking a judicial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including foreign tourists. The court strongly criticised the petitioners, saying, "Be responsible before filing such PILs. You have some duty towards the country." Justice Surya Kant added, "This is not the time... each citizen has joined hands against terrorism. Don’t make any prayer which can demoralise forces." The bench said judges are not experts in terror investigations and refused the request to appoint a retired judge. The court emphasised unity and support for security forces during this sensitive period. (PC: News18)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted a 3D mapping of Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam as part of its probe into a recent terror attack. Officials said the mapping, based on witness testimonies, aims to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify possible escape routes or hideouts. This advanced forensic technique, previously used in the 2019 Pulwama attack investigation, helps create a detailed visual model of the crime scene. The NIA's revisit highlights the agency’s focus on leveraging technology to ensure accuracy in high-profile terrorism cases. The investigation remains ongoing. ( PC: Hindustan Times )

On April 30, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, a significant shift in government policy. He stated that while the move was a positive step, it must be backed by a clear timeline and dedicated budget to ensure effective implementation. Gandhi also called for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations, arguing it limits opportunities for marginalized communities. Citing Telangana's model caste census, he urged the Centre to adopt a comprehensive approach and reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to social justice. (PC: Mint)    

Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired crucial meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) — the first such "super cabinet" meeting since the 2019 Pulwama attack. The government granted the armed forces complete autonomy to determine the timing and nature of any retaliatory actions. Key decisions included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border, and revamping the National Security Advisory Board with ex-RAW chief Alok Joshi appointed as its new head. Tensions with Pakistan remain high. (PC: India Today)