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)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that the UK will be among the hardest hit by the escalating global trade war, primarily due to new U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. The IMF slashed the UK's 2025 growth forecast from 1.6% to 1.1%, citing heightened inflation, rising energy costs, and increased borrowing expenses. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington to negotiate reductions to the 10% baseline tariff on UK goods, with steel, aluminum, and car exports facing an additional 25% levy. Despite potential tariff relief, the IMF cautions that global economic spillovers and domestic challenges, including inflation and energy prices, will continue to weigh heavily on the UK's economy. (PC: Supply Chain Brain)

At least seven tourists were injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, located in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. Gunfire was reported in the area, prompting an immediate response from security forces, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police. The popular tourist destination, accessible only on foot or horseback, was swiftly cordoned off as an operation was launched. Initial reports suggest the attack was targeted at civilians. Authorities are continuing combing operations, and the situation remains tense. The incident raises fresh concerns over security in the Valley amid the upcoming tourist season.

US Vice President JD Vance announced that India and the US have finalised the terms of reference for trade negotiations, laying the foundation for a future trade agreement. Speaking during his India visit, Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "tough negotiator" and praised his leadership. The announcement comes after a temporary pause on Trump-era tariffs. Vance emphasized that the US seeks partnership, not to preach, and acknowledged Modi’s popularity, joking that his approval ratings made him jealous. The development marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic and strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies. (PC: India Today)

In a shocking incident on Tuesday, terrorists attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Initial reports confirm that at least five people have sustained injuries. The assault occurred in a remote area, making it difficult for security forces to reach the site promptly. Authorities are working to secure the area and evacuate the injured. Additional forces have been deployed, and the situation remains tense. The identities and nationalities of the injured tourists have not been disclosed yet. A search operation is underway to trace the attackers and secure the region. (PC: PTI)

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 local time in St Peter’s Square. The service will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and held outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica. Images released by the Vatican show Pope Francis lying in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with a papal mitre and rosary. His body will be moved to St Mary Major for burial after the funeral. Numerous world leaders, including Trump, Macron, and Zelensky, have confirmed their attendance to pay respects to the late Pontiff. (PC: Reuters)

On April 21, 2025, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 scheduled to fly from Orlando to Atlanta caught fire during pushback at Orlando International Airport. The fire originated from the tailpipe of one engine, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation. All 282 passengers and 12 crew members safely exited the aircraft using emergency slides, with no injuries reported. Airport firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. Delta Airlines apologized for the incident, emphasizing passenger safety, and arranged an alternative flight for the affected travelers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. This event adds to recent aviation safety concerns in the U.S.