The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all media platforms, including TV channels and digital media, to refrain from live coverage of defence operations and troop movements, citing national security concerns. The advisory stresses adherence to existing laws and cautions that premature disclosure can aid hostile elements and jeopardize security personnel. Referencing incidents like Kargil, 26/11, and the Kandahar hijacking, the ministry urged responsible reporting. Channels were reminded of Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, warning of action against violations and emphasizing briefings should only come from authorized officials. (PC: iStock)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation into the recent Pahalgam terror attack, following a notification from the Union Home Ministry. The attack, which occurred in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to several others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to India and convened a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site, met with survivors, and vowed strict action against the perpetrators. Security has been intensified across the region, and a shutdown was observed in Kashmir to mourn the victims. The NIA team is conducting a thorough assessment of the attack site to collect forensic evidence and assist in identifying those responsible. (PC: News18 & Hindustan Times)

Google Maps captured a bizarre sight in Musashino, Tokyo—eight individuals wearing giant pigeon masks. These "pigeon people" were actually writers from a Japanese blog, who staged this scene after learning Google's Street View camera would pass by. Wearing coordinated outfits and oversized pigeon heads, they waited for a Google worker carrying a camera. The photo quickly went viral, sparking wild online speculation and reactions ranging from amusement to fear. The scene, resembling something from a fictional movie, is now a legendary example of how Google Street View often captures strange, frozen moments across the world. Similar oddities have also surfaced elsewhere, like in Norway’s forests. (PC: Times of India)

Hamas has expressed willingness to negotiate a five-year ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the one-time release of all remaining hostages, an official told AFP. The move comes as Hamas leaders prepare to meet mediators in Cairo. Previously, Hamas rejected a partial Israeli proposal offering a 45-day truce for 10 hostages. The group demands a complete Israeli withdrawal, prisoner swaps, and urgent humanitarian aid access. Israel insists on hostage returns and Hamas's disarmament. The ongoing war, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has claimed over 51,000 Palestinian lives and left 58 hostages still held in Gaza.

Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) after the Pahalgam terror attack, residents in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district are restoring underground 'Modi bunkers' for safety. Villagers in Salotri and Karmarha, near Pakistani military posts, are clearing and stocking shelters built under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Once forgotten during calm periods, these bunkers are now vital again. Locals expressed strong support for the Indian army and condemned the terror attack, pledging readiness to assist the forces. Security forces remain on high alert, with authorities urging civilians to stay vigilant and prepared for any escalation. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A senior Pakistan Army officer in London, Colonel Taimur Rahat, sparked outrage after being caught on video making a threatening throat-slit gesture towards protesters outside the Pakistan High Commission. Over 500 Indian and Jewish community members gathered peacefully to condemn the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Protesters accused Pakistan of supporting terror groups and demanded UK government action. Organisers called the gesture "provocation" and slammed the High Commission for playing celebratory music during the protest. Indo-Jewish groups also expressed solidarity with India, linking the Pahalgam attack to global Islamist radicalisation threats.

A massive blast rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing four and injuring at least 516 people, state media reported. The explosion coincided with the third round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman. Authorities said several containers at the port exploded, but the exact cause remains unclear. Social media showed smoke clouds, damaged buildings, and chaos. The Israel Defense Forces denied involvement despite the port’s proximity to an IRGC naval base. Officials confirmed the blast did not affect nearby oil facilities. Rescue efforts are ongoing as talks between Iran and the US continue.

Russia has said it is ready to hold peace talks with Ukraine without any preconditions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Saturday. President Vladimir Putin conveyed the message to US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Moscow on Friday. However, US President Donald Trump, after earlier expressing hope for a peace deal, later voiced doubts about Putin’s intentions. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said recent missile attacks on civilian areas made him question if Russia truly wanted peace, hinting at possible new sanctions. "Too many people are dying!" Trump wrote, urging tougher action if needed. (PC: Reuters)

Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking a centuries-old Vatican tradition. Over 200,000 mourners, including 54 world leaders and 12 royals, gathered to bid farewell to the first Latin American Pontiff, who died at 88. His funeral began with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin was carried out to thunderous applause. Pope Francis had requested a simple tomb outside the Vatican walls. His final message, posted hours before his death, called for global peace and reminded the world, "Christ is risen! Life, not death, defines our existence." (PC: Reuters)

Cricket legend Steve Waugh believes China could become a major force in world cricket as the sport moves towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Speaking at an exclusive event at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, hosted by Manish Tiwari, Waugh said, "As soon as cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics was announced, China started building a team. They are serious about winning gold."   Waugh, who was interviewed by Manish Tiwari during the evening, explained how T20 cricket is changing the game. "T20 is massive now. It’s billions of dollars, and it’s growing every day," he said. "Test cricket will survive, but T20 will dominate. Players will soon be contracted mainly to franchises. Test matches might even need special permissions."   He also shared his thoughts on how countries like Saudi Arabia and the USA are investing heavily in cricket. "It’s exciting," Waugh said. "The game is reaching new parts of the world, and the Olympics will take it even further."   While the future of cricket was the highlight of the start of the evening, the conversation soon turned to Waugh’s deep connection with India. Manish Tiwari introduced him warmly as "Steve Da," a name given by the children at Udayan Home in Kolkata.   "When Manish called me Steve Da, it felt special," Waugh said, smiling. "India is like a second home. The people, the culture, the passion — it stays with you forever."   Waugh spoke fondly about his many trips to India, not only as a cricketer but also as a photographer and humanitarian. He described India as "the best place in the world for photography," and recalled how one of his photos from Rajasthan won a World Photography Award. "In India, you really can't take a bad photo," he joked.   The evening then moved to Waugh’s charity work, both in India and Australia. Speaking about the Steve Waugh Foundation, he shared a powerful story of a young boy who could not walk or talk but, after receiving therapy supported by the foundation, went on to win two Paralympic gold medals.   "It’s great when you see lives being changed," Waugh said. "You realize how much impact you can have by simply getting involved and giving people a chance."   Waugh also reflected on how he helped inspire other cricketers to take up charity work in India. "Back then, not many sportspeople were doing it," he said. "But I think seeing someone take the first step made others realize they could too."   The event was supported by State Bank of India (UK), Rainforest Water, Aaj Tak, and NDTV 24x7. The sponsors were later thanked by the organizers for making the special evening possible.   Manish Tiwari closed the session by saying, "Steve Waugh’s story is not just about cricket. It’s about leadership, humility, and using your fame to make a real difference."