In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians, India has intensified its crackdown on Pakistani digital platforms. The Indian government has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, following his claim that India staged the attack to create regional crisis. This action follows the blocking of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading misleading content. Asif's allegations, amplified by Pakistani users through hashtags like #IndianFalseFlag, have further strained India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar's social media account was withheld in India after he warned of an impending military strike. In his April 30 presser, Mr Tarar claimed he had "credible information" that India is planning a military action in the next 24-36 hours. He also warned of "catastrophic consequences" if the Indian forces initiate an action. The Indian government continues to monitor and counteract online misinformation amid escalating tensions between the two nations. (PC: Associated Press of Pakistan)

Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna has ignited controversy by stating that individuals chanting pro-Pakistan slogans should be "shot dead." This comment follows allegations that Congress supporters shouted "Pakistan Zindabad" in the Vidhana Soudha after Rajya Sabha election results. Three arrests have been made, and a Forensic Science Laboratory investigation is underway. Rajanna also endorsed Uttar Pradesh's stringent law enforcement measures, including demolishing properties of accused individuals, to curb anti-social activities. The BJP has intensified demands for the Congress government's dismissal, citing compromised state security. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised strict action if the allegations are confirmed. The incident has escalated political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the Congress of endangering Karnataka's safety. (PC: Instagram)

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator. The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted. The assault has intensified tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations taking retaliatory diplomatic measures. Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have joined in condemning the attack, emphasizing the need for international cooperation against terrorism.

A tragic stampede occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Jatra at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, resulting in at least six fatalities and over 60 injuries. The incident unfolded amid a large gathering of devotees. Emergency services promptly responded, deploying ambulances and transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane are overseeing the situation. Despite the deployment of approximately 1,000 police personnel and drone surveillance for crowd management, the cause of the stampede remains under investigation. The annual jatra, known for its fire-walking ritual, had attracted thousands of participants. Authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. (PC: Times Content & It’s Goa)

The Indian government has blocked Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, citing legal compliance. This action follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities and was linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Instagram users in India attempting to access these profiles now see a message stating, "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content." The move is part of a broader effort to limit digital content associated with Pakistan, with YouTube also suspending accounts of Pakistani cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi for allegedly spreading provocative content. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed, India has urged the IMF to review its $1.3 billion loan to Pakistan, expressing concerns over potential misuse of funds for defense or debt repayment. India attributes the attack to Pakistan-based militants, a claim Pakistan denies, calling for a neutral investigation. The incident has escalated tensions, leading to diplomatic downgrades, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and border closures. Both nations have engaged in cross-border skirmishes, raising fears of further escalation. The international community, including the U.S., has called for de-escalation and cooperation in addressing terrorism. The IMF's decision on the loan remains pending amid these heightened tensions. (PC: Mint & IMF)

Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the targeting of Kashmiris following the Pahalgam terror attack, warning that such actions deepen the divide between the people and the State. He highlighted that despite widespread condemnation of the attack, Kashmiris face collective punishment, including mass detentions and demolitions. Mirwaiz cited the deaths of Altaf Lali and Ghulam Rasool Magrey, allegedly in custody, and called for investigations. He also criticized the deportation of residents like Abdul Waheed Bhat, whose death during deportation underscored the human cost of such measures. Mirwaiz urged the government to seek genuine peace by engaging with the people rather than resorting to intimidation and repression. (PC: Siasat)

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile’s southern coast in the Drake Passage near Antarctica, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from the Magallanes region as a precaution. Chile's disaster agency SENAPRED confirmed no casualties or infrastructure damage. President Gabriel Boric assured full state support while Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde later announced the alert was being downgraded, though advised citizens to avoid coastal areas. Minor sea-level changes were recorded, with up to 90cm waves possible. The Hydrographic Service said waves would hit Antarctica first, with Chile’s extreme south affected later. Aftershocks continue to be monitored. (PC: AFP)

The Indian Army reported that Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) for the eighth consecutive night, targeting areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation follows the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian side responded proportionately, maintaining operational restraint. The ongoing border tension coincides with Pakistan closing the Wagah-Attari border, leaving hundreds of its nationals stranded in India. Despite past ceasefire commitments, India's military has issued a stern warning via DGMO-level communication, urging Pakistan to halt hostilities. (PC: ANI)

In a landmark military exercise, the Indian Air Force conducted a spectacular "land and go" drill on a 3.5-km stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, and transport aircraft like C-130J showcased day and night operational readiness. A highlight was the rare night landing between 9–10 pm, underscoring the IAF’s advanced combat capabilities. Thousands of spectators, including villagers and schoolchildren, watched the breathtaking manoeuvres. The dual-use expressway, India’s first 24/7 airstrip, is set to bolster national defence and disaster response, with full expressway completion expected by November 2025.