Brazilian police arrested two people over an alleged bomb plot targeting Lady Gaga’s free concert in Rio de Janeiro, attended by over 2.1 million fans. Authorities say the suspects planned to attack the LGBTQ community using homemade explosives during the show, which went ahead without incident. The suspects spread hate online and posed as fans to lure youth into violent networks. Raids were conducted across multiple states, but no explosives were found. Lady Gaga and her team were unaware of the threat until after the event, though tight security was in place. Officials cited religious and extremist motives behind the plot. (PC: The Guardian)

The UN Security Council will convene today to address escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India attributes the attack to the Islamic Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, halted visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelled diplomats. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Shimla Agreement, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and expelling Indian diplomats. Border skirmishes have since intensified. Pakistan has requested the UNSC meeting to discuss what it terms India's "aggressive actions," including the treaty suspension. The meeting, under Greece's presidency, aims to address the deteriorating regional stability. (PC: Wikipedia & India Today)

India has intensified its crackdown on Pakistani imports, placing customs on high alert to intercept goods rerouted through third countries like the UAE, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Despite negligible official trade, approximately $500 million worth of Pakistani products—including fruits, textiles, and leather—are entering India via repackaging and relabeling. The government’s May 2 directive bans all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, aiming to further strain Pakistan’s already vulnerable economy. This move follows the 2019 withdrawal of Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation status and the imposition of a 200% customs duty, which drastically reduced bilateral trade. Authorities emphasize that “terror and trade” cannot coexist, reinforcing national security priorities. (PC: AFP & Deccan Chronicle)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), spanning multiple sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. Unlike previous localized incidents, these violations are now widespread. The Indian Army has responded promptly and proportionately to these provocations. Notably, sectors like Kupwara and Akhnoor have experienced near-daily ceasefire breaches. This escalation marks a significant shift from past patterns, indicating a broader strategy by Pakistan to destabilize the region. The situation remains tense, with both nations on heightened alert. (PC: Al Jazeera)

At the CII Partnership Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's preference for equal partnerships over unsolicited guidance, subtly addressing European nations. He highlighted India's ascent to the fifth-largest global economy and its ambition for further growth through robust international collaborations. Jaishankar underscored the necessity of domestic advancements in manufacturing and infrastructure to enhance India's global credibility. He noted that India's political stability and modernization efforts make it an attractive partner worldwide. Recent engagements, such as hosting Germany's largest overseas business event and the integration of the African Union into the G20 during India's presidency, exemplify India's expanding global influence and commitment to fostering equitable international relationships.

Israel is calling up tens of thousands of reservists to increase its military actions in Gaza. The army says it wants to put more pressure on Hamas and free the 59 hostages still held there. The fighting started again in March after a ceasefire ended, and talks for a new deal have failed. Many people in Israel are protesting, asking the government to stop the war and make a deal to bring hostages home. Aid groups warn of a growing crisis in Gaza, with little food or medicine. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels threaten more attacks on Israel in response.

Intelligence sources have warned of possible terror attacks on high-security jails in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar Central Jail and Kot Bhalwal Jail, where high-profile terrorists are lodged. The alert follows the NIA’s questioning of two overground workers linked to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. Security has been ramped up, with CISF chief RS Bhatti holding urgent meetings with the security grid. The April 22 attack, reportedly rescheduled due to PM Modi's canceled visit, has intensified Indo-Pak tensions, leading to diplomatic and logistical fallout, including airspace closure and border pact terminations. (PC: PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday declared, “What you desire will certainly happen,” in response to growing public calls for retaliation after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Singh added, “It is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country,” reinforcing India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. His remarks follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi granting the armed forces full operational freedom. Pakistan, accused of backing the April 22 attack, has put its forces on high alert and warned India against any "misadventure." Diplomatic pressure is mounting globally for both sides to exercise restraint. (PC: ANI)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, experts urge caution against emotion-fueled calls for war with Pakistan. Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, emphasized the need for strategic planning and national preparedness before any military action. Strategic analyst Sushant Sareen warned of the immense cost of a full-scale war, including missile strikes on major cities. He also questioned Russia’s reliability as a strategic ally. Sareen supported India’s ban on Pakistani YouTube channels, citing the need to curb propaganda and protect national interests in what he called “extraordinary circumstances.”

Fresh CCTV footage from Pahalgam shows terrified tourists, including children and elderly individuals, fleeing the market area minutes after a brutal terror attack at Baisaran meadow on April 22. The attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, left 26 tourists dead. Vehicles carrying injured victims were also seen in the footage, offering crucial evidence for investigators. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has interrogated over 100 locals, including a shopkeeper who went missing on the day of the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vowed a strong response, assuring the nation that India will act firmly against its enemies.