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)

A cultural and political dispute has emerged between West Bengal and Odisha over the legacy of the Jagannath Temple. West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is overseeing the construction of a ₹250 crore Jagannath temple in Digha, near the Odisha border, aiming for inauguration on April 30, 2025. This initiative has drawn criticism from Odisha, where the original 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri is facing structural concerns, including cracks in its boundary wall. Odisha's BJP and BJD parties are blaming each other for the damage, attributing it to unauthorized construction activities. The situation has intensified regional tensions, with both states asserting cultural claims over the Jagannath heritage. (PC: Stylin Campers & Scroll)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport, marking a significant advancement in India's maritime infrastructure. Strategically located near international shipping routes, the port is poised to handle one million containers annually, surpassing even Singapore. This deep-water multipurpose seaport is expected to attract substantial investments and generate numerous job opportunities, bolstering the nation's economic growth. The inaugural vessel 'Zhen Hua 15' is set to dock at Vizhinjam port on October 15. With its container transshipment capabilities and proximity to major shipping lanes, Vizhinjam is envisioned as a game-changer for Kerala's infrastructure and development. The project underscores India's commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and global trade presence. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India revoked visas of Pakistani nationals and closed the Attari-Wagah border. After nearly 24 hours of silence, Pakistan reopened the border on May 2, allowing 125 Pakistanis and 15 Indians to cross. Many stranded individuals, including elderly visitors, faced uncertainty during the closure. India had expressed readiness to facilitate their return, but Islamabad's initial non-response led to confusion. The border closure was part of India's broader measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani diplomats, in response to the attack. The situation underscores heightened tensions between the two nations. (PC: Trip Advisor & Travelsetu)

The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham reopened on May 2 at 7:00 AM, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, had been closed for six months due to winter. The reopening ceremony featured Vedic rituals, resonant chants of "Har Har Mahadev," and the showering of 40 quintals of flower petals, creating a divine atmosphere. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife Geeta Dhami attended the event, offering prayers and distributing prasad to devotees. The Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedar had journeyed from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to Kedarnath ahead of the opening. This annual pilgrimage, significant in Hinduism, continues until October-November, drawing devotees worldwide.

On May 2, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct take-off and landing drills on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Advanced fighter jets, including Rafale and Jaguar, will participate in the exercise, assessing the expressway's viability as an alternative runway. This marks the first airstrip in India designed for both day and night fighter landings. High-level security measures are in place for the event. The exercise aims to enhance the IAF's operational readiness and flexibility in utilizing non-traditional airstrips during emergencies. The Ganga Expressway, upon completion, will be one of the longest expressways in India, further bolstering the country's defense infrastructure. (PC: Defence News India)

In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, the United States has reaffirmed its strong support for India. President Donald Trump expressed deep condolences and solidarity, stating, "The United States stands strong with India against terrorism." Vice President JD Vance, currently visiting India, also extended sympathies, emphasizing the beauty and resilience of the Indian people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, assuring that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The incident has intensified India's counterterrorism efforts and highlighted the robust India-US partnership in combating terrorism. The international community, including Saudi Arabia and the UK, has also condemned the attack and expressed support for India. (PC: Reuters)

On April 22, 2025, five terrorists attacked tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 28 and injuring over 20. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to Indian settlement policies, but later retracted. Victims, primarily Hindus, were targeted based on religion; a Christian tourist was also killed. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, leading to heightened Indo-Pak tensions, including airspace closures and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Prime Minister Modi authorized military leaders to determine India's response. The U.S. urged de-escalation while supporting India's right to self-defense. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly condemned the attack, and Muslim organizations denounced the violence, emphasizing it contradicts Islamic principles. (PC: Reuters & India Today)