National News

Military strategist John Spencer says India won Operation Sindoor. He says India destroyed terrorist infrastructure. India demonstrated military superiority. The operation unveiled a new national security doctrine. Spencer notes India's response was overwhelming yet controlled. He adds India handled the crisis without international mediation. India enforced its doctrine on sovereign terms. The operation redefined strategic equation.

In a tragic incident in Haryana's Rohtak district, a retired Army man and his two sons died inside a clogged sewer manhole while attempting to clear a blocked drain at their residence in Majra village. Lakshman initially slipped into the manhole, followed by Mahabir and Deepak in a rescue attempt, but all three succumbed, likely due to toxic gases.

Security forces concluded a 21-day anti-Maoist operation in Karreguttalu Hills. Thirty-one Maoist bodies were recovered. The operation scattered the Maoist command. Amit Shah called it the biggest assault on Maoists. Forces faced difficult terrain. They cleared caves housing arms manufacturing units. The operation busted a major Maoist stronghold. Disjointed Maoist formations are taking shelter in different places.

Following outrage over tribal welfare minister Vijay Shah's remarks on Col Sofiya Qureshi, Madhya Pradesh BJP initiated damage control. A delegation visited Col Qureshi's family, and BJP national president JP Nadda sought a report. Shah, after being summoned by party leaders, expressed regret, claiming his words were twisted and offered multiple apologies if he hurt anyone's sentiments.

Following Türkiye and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Indian tourism to these nations has plummeted. Travel agencies report widespread cancellations and a halt in new bookings due to public anger over perceived hostile actions. The shift reflects a growing sentiment that tourism revenue should not support countries seen as opposing India, leading travelers to explore alternative destinations.

“The concept of a concert economy is an innovative idea. We have the infrastructure here… Here, we can host international-level cultural events,” the Chief Minister announced

Veteran Bollywood director Tinu Anand faces backlash from animal lovers after threatening to harm stray dogs in his Mumbai neighborhood. Anand's WhatsApp message, expressing fear and anger towards barking dogs, included a threat to beat them with a hockey stick.

Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba temples in Kolhapur enforce modest attire guidelines for devotees

Pakistan has appealed to India to reconsider its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, citing the dependence of millions on the regulated water. India, however, remains firm on its decision, taken in response to terrorist activities, asserting that changed circumstances and Pakistan's actions warrant a reevaluation of the treaty.

Rahul Gandhi is set to hold a press conference addressing concerns following the India-Pakistan conflict pause. The Congress Working Committee, chaired by Gandhi, criticized the government's silence, deeming it "inexplicable and unacceptable," especially after US President Trump's announcement and alleged trade pressure. The party also demanded accountability for the "intelligence failure" in Pahalgam.

Donald Trump's renewed interest in mediating between India and Pakistan coincides with a recent deal between Pakistan's Crypto Council and World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency venture with Trump family ties. This partnership, involving figures like Zachary Witkoff, raises questions about potential connections between the crypto deal and Trump's shift in stance on the Indo-Pak conflict.

Jewish advocacy groups are urging Alphabet shareholders to reject a proposal demanding an investigation into Google's Project Nimbus. The proposal, set for a vote at the company's annual meeting scheduled to be held on June 6, 2025, targets Alphabet's contracts with the Israeli government. Late last year, Google fired over 20 employees after protests over Project Nimbus.

Violent clashes erupted in Barasat, West Bengal, leaving at least three police officers injured, one seriously, after a social media post allegedly supporting Pakistan triggered outrage. Nazir Hossain, accused of uploading the controversial Facebook post, was arrested. Thirteen others were detained for inciting violence and attacking police during the ensuing protest.

BSF constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, held in Pakistan for 22 days after inadvertently crossing the Punjab border, was released Wednesday. The handover at Attari-Wagah followed tense diplomatic efforts amid Operation Sindoor. Shaw's family in Bengal rejoiced, with his pregnant wife Rajni expressing immense relief. His return coincided with a Pakistani soldier crossing back into Pakistan from Rajasthan.

A Hong Kong-flagged tanker, MT Siren II, arrived near Paradip port with crude oil. The tanker had twenty-one Pakistani crew members. Security agencies prevented them from disembarking as a precaution. The vessel is carrying oil for the Indian Oil Corporation refinery. Other crew members from India and Thailand faced no restrictions.

Operation Sindoor showcased the success of India's indigenous defense industry, with BrahMos missiles, Akash air defense systems, and D4 anti-drone systems playing crucial roles. These Made-in-India weapons effectively countered Pakistani threats, boosting confidence in domestic manufacturing. While India's defense exports are rising, the nation still relies on arms imports, particularly from Russia, France, Israel, and the US.

Nagpur's Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has successfully tested its anti-drone system, "Bhargavastra," in Odisha. The system can launch 64 micro rockets in a single burst to neutralize drone swarms and disrupt UAVs. This indigenous system will establish a two-layered drone defense, utilizing unguided micro-rockets for broad impact and micro-missiles for precise targeting, enhancing protection against drone attacks.

“E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to national laws,” says Pralhad Joshi

India successfully conducted strikes against terror hubs, bypassing Pakistan's air defenses. The Indian Air Force also thwarted multiple retaliatory missile and drone attacks. Indigenous air defence network played a crucial role during the hostilities. The armed forces are on high alert, maintaining operational readiness. India is adhering to the bilateral understanding to cease military action.