At the 8th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized collaborative efforts between the Centre and states to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The meeting focused on strategies for economic growth, poverty eradication, and infrastructure development. However, Chief Ministers from 10 states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, were absent, citing various reasons. NITI Aayog officials expressed concern that non-participation could hinder these states' developmental progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all Chief Ministers were united in their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack last month during the NITI Aayog meeting held in Delhi on Saturday. All leaders extended support to Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at destroying terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK. The meeting underscored the importance of unity in addressing national challenges and implementing reforms. The absence of key state leaders highlighted ongoing tensions between the Centre and certain states, raising questions about cooperative federalism in India's governance. (PC: News 18 & The Hindu)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge took a veiled dig at Operation Sindoor, calling it a series of “chhutput yuddha” (small wars) during a rally in Karnataka. He criticised the government for failing to prevent the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “Had people been warned, 26 innocent lives could have been saved,” Kharge said, questioning why PM Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit silently. He also said, “Our priority is to protect the country, not score political points.” BJP leader Sambit Patra responded sharply, saying, “Calling Operation Sindoor a small war is an insult to our Armed Forces and their bravery.” (PC: PTI)

The Trinamool Congress has nominated its national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, to represent the party in the all-party Operation Sindoor delegation after MP Yusuf Pathan opted out. The delegation is part of India's global outreach against terrorism. The move follows TMC’s objection to the Centre’s unilateral selection of delegates without consulting the party. Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the party, not the Centre, should decide its representative. Abhishek Banerjee reiterated support for the national interest but asserted the party's autonomy in nominations. Operation Sindoor involves global visits to counter terrorism narratives and build international support. (PC: India Today)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on Operation Sindoor were “taken out of context.” He made this statement while briefing the Standing Committee on External Affairs. The clarification came after Rahul Gandhi accused the government of warning Pakistan ahead of India’s retaliatory strike. “The fact is that India had informed Pakistan about the precise strikes after the initial phase of its commencement,” Misri told the committee, according to sources. He also spoke about the operation’s success. Jaishankar’s media clip had triggered political debate, with the Congress targeting the government over national security. (PC: PTI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to exclude Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi from any assignments related to Pakistan. Sarma alleged that Gogoi misled 90 youths by taking them to the Pakistan Embassy, potentially endangering them. He also claimed that Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn, continued to receive a salary from Pakistan, raising security concerns. Gogoi has denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The issue has sparked political tensions, with Sarma demanding Gandhi clarify if Congress MPs are permitted to engage in such foreign interactions. (PC: PTI)

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah will not be removed from his post despite facing criticism for a comment seen as insulting to Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, decided there is no need for Shah to resign since the High Court did not ask for it. Shah’s speech was called offensive by Congress, who claim he insulted Col Qureshi. Shah later said his words were misunderstood. The court has ordered a police case and investigation. CM Yadav said the Congress has no right to speak on this and defended Shah’s position. (PC: PTI)

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut deleted a post about US President Donald Trump after BJP chief JP Nadda asked her to. In her now-deleted post on X, she linked Trump’s remarks on Apple’s India plans to jealousy of Prime Minister Modi. She later wrote, “I regret posting that very personal opinion.” Trump had told Apple CEO Tim Cook he didn’t want the company to expand in India, citing high tariffs. Kangana’s post compared Trump to Modi, calling the Indian PM “the father of all alpha males.” She removed the post from both X and Instagram after Nadda’s request. (PC: India Today)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled a scheduled Kashmir visit after receiving an intelligence alert about a possible terror attack. The alleged intel came three days before the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Kharge criticized the Centre's handling of the alert, questioning the lack of preventive measures despite prior warning. He stated the government admitted to security lapses during an April 24 all-party meeting. Reports also indicate the PM's April 19 Kashmir trip was postponed due to adverse weather. Kharge demanded accountability, highlighting serious gaps in preparedness despite forewarning. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Amaravati as the foundation of Andhra Pradesh’s dreams during a public address at the city’s foundation ceremony. Calling it a "Shakti" that will modernize the state, he said Amaravati would spearhead growth in AI, green energy, and infrastructure. PM Modi praised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his vision and experience in tech-driven development and acknowledged the legacy of NTR. He emphasized the Centre’s support for rapid progress and highlighted Amaravati’s role in shaping a "Viksit Bharat." He said connectivity and innovation would transform the city into a beacon of future development. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Centre’s decision to include a caste census in the next national census, claiming the move aligns with the Congress party’s long-standing vision. He called for a clear timeline and urged the removal of the 50% reservation cap, labeling it an "artificial barrier." Gandhi praised Telangana's model over Bihar’s, proposing it as a national blueprint. He emphasized that the caste census is only the first step toward reshaping India’s development model. The Congress also called for enforcing Article 15(5) to implement reservations in private educational institutions, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive growth and social justice. (PC: India Today)