India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised concerns about the future of water-sharing between India and Pakistan. The 1960 treaty allocated the Indus River’s waters between the two countries, but recent tensions over Kashmir have led to fears that India could divert water from the western rivers. Experts argue it’s nearly impossible for India to stop the flow, as it lacks the infrastructure to hold back vast amounts of water. However, any move to alter the flow, particularly during dry seasons, could deeply affect Pakistan’s agriculture and hydropower resources. (PC: Getty Image)

The sister of Asif Sheikh, one of the terrorists allegedly involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, has labeled him a "mujahideen" amidst the demolition of family homes in Pulwama. Speaking to media, she claimed her family was unaware of his involvement in the attack, asserting their innocence. "We are innocent," she said, detailing how security forces demolished their home. She described witnessing a man in camouflage placing what seemed like a bomb on the house before it was destroyed. Alongside Sheikh’s home, two others, linked to additional suspects involved in the attack, were also demolished in an operation targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members. Sheikh’s family, though linked to a terrorist suspect, denied any knowledge of his activities.

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, Saudi and Iranian officials have made diplomatic moves to mediate. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi offered Tehran’s help to foster understanding between New Delhi and Islamabad, citing the cultural ties between the nations. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan reached out to both Indian and Pakistani counterparts to discuss the situation. These diplomatic interventions aim to de-escalate the conflict after India’s allegations of cross-border links to the attack, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a bold response to the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-based militants, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and halted the flow of Indus River water to Pakistan. A formal notice has been served to Islamabad, ending all treaty obligations including data sharing and consultations. India will now increase dam capacity to store water along the Indus basin. The move, termed an "act of war" by Pakistan, could severely impact its agriculture. India cites continued cross-border terrorism as justification. Additional steps include expelling diplomats, canceling visas, and shutting key land transit posts with Pakistan. (PC: India Today)

Amid the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, local guide Nazakat Ahmed Shah emerged as a hero, saving the family of Chhattisgarh BJP worker Arvind Agrawal. “Nazakat hugged my daughter and my friend’s son, saving their lives,” said Agrawal. “He then rushed them to safety before going back to rescue my wife.” Nazakat recounted, “I asked everyone to lie down and guided the children through a gap in the fencing.” He later drove them to Srinagar. Tragically, his cousin, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, was killed while helping tourists. “This attack is on our hearts,” Nazakat said, urging stronger security for Kashmir’s tourism. (PC: The Indian Express)

Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in north Sikkim on Thursday, stranding around 1,000 tourists in the hill stations of Lachen and Lachung. Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia confirmed that 1,500 stranded tourists were rescued Friday morning after spending the night in police stations, gurudwaras, ITBP camps, and with locals. Roads were severely damaged near Munshithang and Lima, halting access from Chungthang. The district administration has cancelled all travel permits to north Sikkim until further notice and urged tour operators to avoid the region. Lachen, badly hit in the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, had only recently reopened to tourists. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a decisive move, over 10,000 Indian security personnel have encircled Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, marking the largest operation against Naxalites to date. Home Minister Amit Shah issued a stern ultimatum: "Surrender or perish," emphasizing the government's aim to eradicate the insurgency by early 2026. The Naxalite movement, rooted in a 1967 uprising, has significantly waned, with fatalities among rebels increasing in recent months. Authorities have reduced affected districts from 96 in 2010 to 45 in 2023, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure and social programs. A new surrender policy is also underway to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society. (PC: Facebook)

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that laws enacted by Parliament, such as the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, are presumed constitutional and cannot be stayed without substantial grounds. The Act, which introduces non-Muslims into Waqf boards and enhances government oversight, has sparked controversy. Critics argue it infringes on Muslim rights and could lead to the seizure of historic religious properties. Multiple petitions challenge its validity, prompting the Supreme Court to halt certain provisions and seek the government's response. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the necessity of implementing the Act, stating that non-compliance would be unconstitutional. The debate continues amid concerns over religious autonomy and property rights. (PC: Live Law)

Delhi court has sentenced social activist Medha Patkar to five months' simple imprisonment and imposed a ₹10 lakh fine in a 23-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. The court found Patkar's remarks labeling Saxena a "coward" and alleging his involvement in hawala transactions as defamatory and intended to tarnish his reputation. While acknowledging Patkar's age and health, the court deemed her actions deliberate and malicious, rejecting her plea for probation. The sentence is suspended for one month to allow for an appeal. This case stems from a long-standing legal battle between Patkar and Saxena dating back to 2000. (PC: Down to Earth)

In a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, 26 lives were lost, including local pony handler Syed Adil Hussain Shah. Adil, the family's sole breadwinner, was killed while shielding tourists and attempting to disarm an attacker. His father, Syed Hyder Shah, expressed profound grief and pride: "I am alive only because of that pride." Adil's mother lamented the loss of their provider, recalling his daily earnings of ₹300 that sustained the family. Despite their sorrow, the Shah family honors Adil's bravery and humanity. His sister, Ravisa, shared that Adil had planned to return home early that day, feeling unwell, a return that never happened. (PC: Hindustan Times, The Times of India & India Today)