In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Indian government has overhauled the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the NSAB. The reconstituted seven-member board includes retired senior officials from the military, police, and foreign services, such as Air Marshal PM Sinha, Lt Gen AK Singh, Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, Rajiv Ranjan Verma, Manmohan Singh, and B Venkatesh Varma. This strategic move aims to bolster India's national security framework and address cross-border terrorism threats. (PC: Business Today)  

The April 22 Pahalgam attack, where militants killed 25 tourists and a local pony handler, has plunged Kashmir into turmoil. India's crackdown includes mass detentions, home demolitions, and expulsion of Pakistanis, intensifying fear among Kashmiris. Tourism, a vital economic pillar, has collapsed; adventure tour operator Ashiq Nabi reports halted expeditions and widespread job losses. Taxi driver Rameez Ahmad faces days without passengers, highlighting the sector's devastation. The attack, the deadliest in 25 years, has escalated India-Pakistan tensions, with both nations exchanging accusations. Kashmiris, caught in the crossfire, grapple with uncertainty and disrupted livelihoods, yearning for peace amid the geopolitical strife. (PC: Reuters)

A Delhi court has issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused in the National Herald money laundering case, granting them the right to be heard before the court decides on taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet. The court emphasized that under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the accused have a special right to be heard at this stage. The Enforcement Directorate did not oppose the issuance of the notice, supporting the principle of a fair trial. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on May 8, where the court will decide on taking cognisance of the chargesheet. (PC: India Today)

  A devastating terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people, including Hindu and Christian tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists, sparking a severe diplomatic standoff. In retaliation, India revoked the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and sealed border crossings. Pakistan denied involvement and countered by suspending the Shimla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian flights. Escalating cross-border tensions have led to increased skirmishes along the Line of Control, with international agencies urging de-escalation. (PC: AP)    

In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed hope that the incident would not affect cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. Rizwan emphasized that players like Virat Kohli are part of his cricketing family and urged that politics should not interfere with sports. The attack has intensified tensions between the two nations, leading to cross-border firing and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and revocation of Pakistani nationals' visas. Despite calls from figures like Sourav Ganguly to sever cricketing ties, the BCCI maintains its stance of boycotting bilateral tournaments with Pakistan. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Rising geopolitical friction in South Asia is endangering the region’s cricket schedule, particularly affecting the India-Bangladesh series and the 2025 Asia Cup. India's planned August tour to Bangladesh is under review after offensive comments made by a retired Bangladeshi military officer sparked diplomatic strain. Additionally, the Pahalgam terror attack—blamed by India on Pakistan—has intensified New Delhi’s refusal to play in Pakistan, which is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy. A ‘hybrid model’ for these tournaments, involving neutral venues like the UAE, is being considered to salvage cricket ties amid escalating cross-border hostility. (PC: Times of India)

The Jammu Municipal Corporation's website recently experienced a significant cyberattack, resulting in the theft of critical data. This breach has raised serious concerns about the cybersecurity measures in place for municipal digital infrastructure. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has directed all departments to conduct security audits of their websites and applications through CERT-In empanelled agencies within a month. This move aims to bolster defenses against such cyber threats and ensure the protection of sensitive information. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols across governmental digital platforms to prevent future breaches and safeguard public data. (PC: VAR India)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 civilians, India is seeking to re-list Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 'grey list'. This move aims to curb financial flows supporting terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan was previously on the grey list from June 2018 to October 2022, which hindered its foreign investments. India also plans to challenge the International Monetary Fund’s $7-billion aid package to Pakistan, citing fund diversion for terror activities. To proceed, India requires backing from other FATF members during the plenary sessions held thrice yearly. These actions are part of India's broader strategy to counter cross-border terrorism and its financing. (PC: Wikipedia)

India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has requested government approval to lift the 30% investment cap on Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) in short-term sovereign debt. Introduced in 2022 to promote trade settlements in rupees and support the rupee's internationalisation, SRVAs allow foreign banks to hold rupee balances in India through domestic banks. Currently, account holders can invest only up to 30% of their balances in securities with maturity under one year. The RBI argues that this restriction hinders short-term liquidity management and discourages broader participation in the SRVA program. Removing the cap could attract more foreign interest and strengthen rupee-denominated trade. The proposal is pending approval from the finance ministry. As of December 2024, SRVAs had a collective balance of ₹134.55 billion ($1.6 billion), with 156 accounts established by 123 banks from 30 countries. Recent RBI measures include allowing foreign branches of Indian banks to hold rupee accounts and Indian exporters to maintain foreign currency accounts abroad. (PC: Reuters)

During the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled jab at the Opposition INDIA bloc. Highlighting the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Modi remarked their attendance would cause "sleepless nights to many." The ₹8,867 crore port, developed by Adani Ports under a Public-Private Partnership model, is India's first deep-water container transshipment hub, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign ports. Since commencing operations in July, it has handled approximately 250 container ships. Modi emphasized India's maritime growth, noting the nation ranks among the top three globally for seafarers, with port capacities doubling and turnaround times decreasing by 30% over the past decade. (PC: India Today)