Security has been intensified across major jails in Jammu and Kashmir following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror strikes. High-risk facilities like Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu and Srinagar Central Jail, which house several top terrorists and their associates, are under enhanced surveillance. The CISF, which took over jail security in 2023, held high-level reviews with top officials to bolster measures. The alert comes amid the ongoing probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed. Investigators suspect more terrorists are hiding in South Kashmir and remain capable of launching further coordinated attacks. (PC: India Today )

India has temporarily blocked the flow of water from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River, escalating tensions with Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The move, although within the limits of the Indus Waters Treaty, is seen as a warning to Islamabad. The Baglihar dam, a run-of-the-river hydro project in Jammu and Kashmir, cannot store water long-term but highlights India's shift in strategy. The government is reportedly considering similar actions at the Kishanganga project. Following the killing of 26 people in Pahalgam, India has pledged a strong response, blaming Pakistan-backed groups for the attack. (PC: NDTV)

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have busted a major terror hideout in Poonch’s Surankot sector, just days after the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. In a joint operation, the Army and J&K Police recovered five IEDs—three hidden in tiffin boxes and two in steel buckets—along with radio sets, communication gear, and blankets from the Hari Marote village forest area. The operation follows a crackdown across the Valley, targeting terrorist networks. Meanwhile, Pakistan continued unprovoked ceasefire violations across the LoC for the 11th consecutive day, drawing a proportionate response from the Indian Army. (PC: ANI)

A Khalistani-organised parade in Toronto’s Malton Gurdwara has drawn international condemnation after displaying caged effigies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. The parade also demanded the deportation of 800,000 Hindus from Canada and featured anti-Hindu rhetoric and Khalistan flags. Shared widely on social media, the event was slammed by Hindu groups and Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman, who questioned Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stance on extremist activity. Critics called it “blatant anti-Hindu hatred” and warned it echoed past terrorist threats, including the 1985 Air India bombing linked to Khalistani separatists.

More than two million fans gathered on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach for a free Lady Gaga concert—her largest ever. The city-funded event aimed to boost the local economy by an estimated $100 million. Part of her “Mayhem” album promotion, Gaga dazzled fans with hits like Poker Face, Bad Romance, and Abracadabra. A heavy security presence, including 5,000 officers, drones, and facial recognition, ensured safety. Gaga paid tribute to Brazil with themed outfits and heartfelt messages, telling fans, “Monsters never die.” Fans travelled from across the country, creating an unforgettable night filled with music, emotion, and unity. (PC: Getty Images)

A recent anti-Hindu parade at Toronto's Malton Gurdwara has ignited concerns about rising Khalistani extremism in Canada. Video footage shared by journalist Daniel Bordman showed participants demanding the deportation of 800,000 Hindus. The event follows the third vandalism attack on Surrey's Lakshmi Narayan temple, where pro-Khalistan graffiti was found. Critics are questioning if newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney will take a firmer stance than Justin Trudeau. Bordman accused authorities of neglecting growing hate crimes, raising alarm over Canada's political will to confront extremist threats targeting minority communities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Imtiyaz Ahmed, a 23-year-old from Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was detained by police over alleged links to a Lashkar-e-Taiba sleeper cell. Authorities claim that during an operation to identify a militant hideout, Ahmed attempted to escape by jumping into the Vaishow stream, resulting in his drowning. Drone footage purportedly shows him leaping into the fast-flowing water. Contrarily, Ahmed's family alleges custodial death, asserting he was killed while in police custody. The incident has ignited public outrage, with political leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti, demanding a judicial probe. The circumstances surrounding Ahmed's death remain contentious, highlighting ongoing tensions and concerns over custodial practices in the region.

On May 4, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offered Russia’s assistance in helping India and Pakistan resolve escalating tensions over the Kashmir region. In conversations with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and earlier with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Lavrov emphasized the need for a political settlement, particularly in light of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed at least 26 people. The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted its readiness to mediate, contingent on mutual interest from both Islamabad and New Delhi. This development comes amid longstanding conflict in Muslim-majority Kashmir, which has been the source of numerous wars, insurgencies, and diplomatic crises between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: PTI)

Equity indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade on Monday amid sustained foreign fund inflows, a sharp drop in crude oil prices, and firm trends in the US markets. The 30-share BSE benchmark gauge climbed 386.95 points to 80,888.94, while the NSE Nifty surged 114.05 points to 24,460.75. Major gainers included Adani Ports, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finserv, TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Power Grid, HCL Tech, Titan, and Tata Motors. Kotak Mahindra Bank fell nearly 6% after reporting a 7.57% decline in consolidated net profit to ₹4,933 crore for Q4 FY25, primarily due to elevated stress in the microlending book. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹2,769.81 crore on Friday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dropped 3.65% to $59.05 a barrel. (PC: PTI)

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir uncovered a terror hideout in Surankote, Poonch, days after the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26. In a joint operation, the Army and J&K Police recovered five IEDs—three hidden in tiffin boxes and two in steel buckets—along with communication equipment and other material. The bust is part of a broader crackdown to dismantle terror networks following the April 22 massacre. Large-scale raids, detentions, and demolitions are underway across the Valley. Authorities say the goal is to preempt further attacks and eliminate the support systems aiding cross-border terrorism in the region. (PC: India Today)