Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car bomb explosion outside his home in Balashikha, Moscow, officials confirmed. The Investigative Committee stated the blast came from an IED packed with pellets in a parked Volkswagen Golf. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, though Kyiv has not officially responded. Gen Moskalik, a key figure in the 2015 Minsk talks, is the latest senior Russian to be targeted. The bombing coincided with US envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow and renewed discussions on a potential peace deal. Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks on Ukraine claimed three lives overnight. (PC: AP)

Following the brutal Islamist terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressed solidarity with India. Condemning the attack, Gabbard tweeted support for India's efforts to trace and punish the perpetrators. Her statement follows similar condemnations by US President Donald Trump and State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Trump also called Prime Minister Modi, expressing condolences and reaffirming US-India unity against terrorism. India has vowed to bring the attackers and their backers to justice, as global support for India intensifies in the wake of the horrific act. (PC: India Today)

In a startling revelation, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja M Asif admitted, “We did the dirty work for the US and the West,” acknowledging Islamabad’s decades-long support to terrorist groups during the Soviet-Afghan war and post-9/11 operations. Speaking to Sky News, he called it a “mistake” and said Pakistan “suffered because of that.” The confession comes days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Hafiz Saeed’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, deepening concerns about Pakistan’s continuing role in sheltering and sponsoring terror against India. 

Toyosi Osideinde, a 30-year-old British financial adviser and extreme travel enthusiast, embarked on an 11-day trip to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, seeking unique experiences. Having previously visited high-risk countries like Iraq and Syria, he entered Afghanistan via Pakistan, navigating tight security and Taliban scrutiny. During his stay, he explored Afghan life and noted surprising signs of social freedom for women under Taliban rule. Unexpectedly, he developed a romantic relationship with a Taliban member serving as his hotel security guard, bonding over meals and watching "Gossip Girl," despite a language barrier. Their brief but intense relationship was marked by emotional and physical intimacy. Toyosi plans further ventures to Ukraine and Georgia, continuing his passion for exploring politically volatile regions. (PC: The Tribune)

US President Donald Trump has condemned Russia's missile attacks on Kyiv that left at least 12 civilians dead. In a fiery Truth Social post, he wrote, “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Speaking alongside Norway’s Prime Minister, Trump said the US is applying “a lot of pressure” on both Moscow and Kyiv but didn’t provide details. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling the strikes “impudent,” urged greater international pressure on Russia. Despite Trump’s urgent plea, the conflict appears far from resolution, with fears of further escalation growing.

Kyiv faced its deadliest Russian assault in nine months as missiles and drones pounded the capital for 11 hours, killing at least 12 and wounding 90. The attack damaged multiple neighborhoods, forcing families into shelters. President Zelenskyy cut short a South Africa visit, calling the bombardment one of Russia’s “most outrageous.” U.S. President Donald Trump issued rare criticism of Putin, urging him to “STOP!” as peace talks remain deadlocked. The Ukrainian military reported over 200 weapons used in the assault. European leaders condemned Moscow, citing the strike as further proof of Russia’s disregard for peace efforts. (PC: AP)

In response to India’s strong retaliatory measures following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan's National Security Committee will convene on Thursday. The high-level meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will include the country’s top civilian and military leadership. India, citing cross-border involvement, suspended the Indus Water Treaty, downgraded diplomatic ties, and closed the Attari border ICP, among other actions. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the meeting aims to frame an appropriate response. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, deepening tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. (PC: Reuters)

A fierce gunbattle erupted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday, a day after 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Security forces have reportedly trapped a top commander of The Resistance Front (TRF), the group behind the massacre, in the Tangmarg area. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt in Baramulla, killing two terrorists and recovering arms, ammunition, and Pakistani currency. This intensified crackdown comes amid nationwide outrage and grief over the Pahalgam attack, with high-level security reviews being conducted by top leaders, including PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. (PC: PTI)

In a rare and powerful show of public grief and protest, the Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday following the brutal killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam. The attack, the deadliest on civilians in recent years, drew widespread condemnation across political and religious lines. Shops, schools, and transport were shut, with Srinagar's streets eerily deserted. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced ex gratia payments for victims and vowed justice. Muslim leaders and mainstream parties joined in the call for peace and solidarity, condemning the attack as un-Islamic and barbaric. (PC: Reuters)

Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a young Navy officer, was among the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, just six days after marrying schoolteacher Himanshi. The couple had planned a Swiss honeymoon, but visa delays led them to scenic Pahalgam. Their photo, captured amid the aftermath, went viral, symbolizing the heartbreak of the tragedy. Himanshi, still wearing bridal bangles, called her brother to share the devastating news. The couple married on April 16 in Mussoorie. Lt Narwal’s body has been brought to Delhi and will be taken to Karnal. Families, once celebrating love, are now mourning an unimaginable loss. (PTI)