Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the next nationwide census will include caste enumeration for the first time in decades, marking a significant policy development in India’s approach to social data collection. This inclusion aims to generate detailed insights into the socio-economic conditions of various caste groups, enabling more targeted welfare schemes and informed policy decisions. The move responds to growing political and public pressure for greater transparency and social justice. While hailed by proponents of equity, the decision also sparks debate over the risks of deepening caste-based divisions. (PC: The Hindu)  

Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer known for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack investigation, has been appointed as the new Mumbai Police Commissioner, replacing Vivek Phansalkar who retired on April 30, 2025. Bharti has previously served as Joint CP (Law & Order), Additional CP (Crime), ATS Chief, and Mumbai’s first Special Commissioner of Police. His close ties with CM Devendra Fadnavis have raised political concerns, but his appointment is expected to bring experienced leadership to the city’s police force. (PC: India Today)

On April 30, 2025, a tragic wall collapse at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, claimed the lives of 8 devotees and injured several others. The incident occurred around 2:30 AM during the annual Chandanotsavam festival as devotees queued for 'Nijaroopa Darshan'. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are suspected to have caused the newly built wall near a ₹300 ticket queue line to collapse. Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities responded swiftly. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief and ordered an investigation and compensation for victims' families. (PC: The Hindu)  

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)