Amid the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, local guide Nazakat Ahmed Shah emerged as a hero, saving the family of Chhattisgarh BJP worker Arvind Agrawal. “Nazakat hugged my daughter and my friend’s son, saving their lives,” said Agrawal. “He then rushed them to safety before going back to rescue my wife.” Nazakat recounted, “I asked everyone to lie down and guided the children through a gap in the fencing.” He later drove them to Srinagar. Tragically, his cousin, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, was killed while helping tourists. “This attack is on our hearts,” Nazakat said, urging stronger security for Kashmir’s tourism. (PC: The Indian Express)

Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in north Sikkim on Thursday, stranding around 1,000 tourists in the hill stations of Lachen and Lachung. Mangan SP Sonam Detchu Bhutia confirmed that 1,500 stranded tourists were rescued Friday morning after spending the night in police stations, gurudwaras, ITBP camps, and with locals. Roads were severely damaged near Munshithang and Lima, halting access from Chungthang. The district administration has cancelled all travel permits to north Sikkim until further notice and urged tour operators to avoid the region. Lachen, badly hit in the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, had only recently reopened to tourists. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a shocking admission, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confessed to the country's involvement in supporting terrorist outfits. In an interview with Sky News, Asif stated, "We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades and the West, including Britain." His remarks come amid heightened tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack and has taken firm diplomatic steps in response, including suspending SAARC Visa exemptions, halting the Indus Waters Treaty, and closing the Attari check post. (PC: AP)

A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, predominantly tourists. In response, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar to assess security measures and visit the attack site. An all-party meeting in New Delhi saw unanimous support for decisive action against terrorism, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi backing the government's stance. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani military attaches, demanding Pakistan cease support for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan retaliated by halting all trade with India, expelling Indian diplomats, and closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led these decisions following a national security committee meeting. (PC: Wikipedia)

Indian airlines, notably Air India and IndiGo, are incurring higher fuel costs and extended flight durations due to Pakistan's airspace closure following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistani elements—a claim Pakistan denies. In retaliation, India suspended a key river water-sharing treaty, prompting Pakistan to ban Indian airlines from its airspace until May 23. New Delhi airport, a major international hub, is significantly affected, with flights to destinations like New York, Dubai, and Baku experiencing notable delays. These detours not only escalate fuel expenses, already comprising about 30% of operational costs, but also reduce cargo capacity, compounding challenges in India's aviation sector, including delayed aircraft deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

India's intelligence agencies have uncovered a complex terror network orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) with assistance from Hamas. This network spans from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Dhaka, aiming to destabilize India's internal security. Key developments include Hamas leaders attending a terror summit in PoK, meetings with Bangladeshi military officials, and plans to exploit Bangladesh's territory to infiltrate India. Kolkata has been identified as a primary target, with ISI and Hamas strategizing potential attacks involving hostage situations and aerial assaults. In response, India has established elite counter-terrorism units equipped with advanced weaponry and rapid deployment capabilities. The situation underscores the evolving nature of regional security threats and the necessity for heightened vigilance. (PC: Epthinktank & AFP)

In a decisive move, over 10,000 Indian security personnel have encircled Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, marking the largest operation against Naxalites to date. Home Minister Amit Shah issued a stern ultimatum: "Surrender or perish," emphasizing the government's aim to eradicate the insurgency by early 2026. The Naxalite movement, rooted in a 1967 uprising, has significantly waned, with fatalities among rebels increasing in recent months. Authorities have reduced affected districts from 96 in 2010 to 45 in 2023, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure and social programs. A new surrender policy is also underway to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society. (PC: Facebook)

Toyosi Osideinde, a 30-year-old British financial adviser and extreme travel enthusiast, embarked on an 11-day trip to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, seeking unique experiences. Having previously visited high-risk countries like Iraq and Syria, he entered Afghanistan via Pakistan, navigating tight security and Taliban scrutiny. During his stay, he explored Afghan life and noted surprising signs of social freedom for women under Taliban rule. Unexpectedly, he developed a romantic relationship with a Taliban member serving as his hotel security guard, bonding over meals and watching "Gossip Girl," despite a language barrier. Their brief but intense relationship was marked by emotional and physical intimacy. Toyosi plans further ventures to Ukraine and Georgia, continuing his passion for exploring politically volatile regions. (PC: The Tribune)

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all state Chief Ministers to identify Pakistani nationals within their jurisdictions to facilitate visa cancellations. The Centre has revoked all existing visas for Pakistani nationals, effective April 27, with medical visas valid only until April 29. Additionally, Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been ordered to leave India within 48 hours. These measures follow the government's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and close the Attari-Wagah border crossing. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that these actions are in response to the attack, which targeted civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: The Economic Times)

Pakistan has abruptly closed its airspace to Indian airlines amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. IndiGo acknowledged disruptions to several international flights, urging passengers to check flight status and explore rebooking or refund options. Air India announced that flights to or from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East will take extended alternative routes, providing helpline numbers for affected passengers. The sudden restriction, without prior notice, has left airlines scrambling to manage schedules and offer alternate arrangements. Flights typically passing through Pakistani airspace en route to the Middle East or Europe are expected to experience increased durations and connectivity issues. (PC: Wikipedia & The Financial Times)