Times of India

In a significant admission, Russia confirmed North Korean military personnel are fighting alongside its forces in Ukraine, validating claims from Zelenskyy and South Korea. Valery Gerasimov reported to Putin that North Korean soldiers provided substantial support, operating under a strategic alliance. Putin praised his forces' success in the Kursk region.

In J&K's Anantnag, Shahzada Bano's house was demolished after her son, Adil Hussain Thoker, was named a suspect in the Pahalgam attack. Adil's family claims no contact since 2018, when he left for an exam. Bano pleads for his surrender. Security forces searched the home before demolition, detaining Adil's father, brothers, and cousins. Neighbors recall Adil as a dedicated student.

Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, FBI Director Kash Patel assured India of continued support, echoing sentiments from top US leaders like President Trump and Vice President Vance. They condemned the attack and reaffirmed solidarity with India in combating terrorism.

Mumbai Indians, riding on a four-game winning streak, face Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL mid-table clash. Both teams are tied at 10 points, battling for a top spot. Mumbai's key players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are in top form, while Lucknow relies on their overseas stars.

Photos circulating on social media purportedly show Donald Trump sleeping during Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, sparking online criticism. Trump was seated alongside Melania Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite the controversy, Trump shared images from the funeral on Truth Social and met with Zelenskyy, commenting on the situation in Ukraine.

A massive explosion and fire at Iran's Shahid Rajaei port resulted in 14 fatalities and over 750 injuries. The incident, reportedly linked to a shipment of missile fuel chemicals, occurred near Bandar Abbas during nuclear negotiations with the US.

Sunny Deol's film Jaat saw a rise in earnings on its third Saturday. It earned Rs 1.25 crore, a jump from Friday's Rs 85 lakh. The film faces competition from Akshay Kumar's Kesari Chapter 2. Jaat's total box office collection is Rs 82.85 crore. Sunny Deol has confirmed Jaat 2, promising it will be even better.

Donald Trump has urged for free passage for American military and commercial ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act immediately. He highlighted the US's historical involvement in these waterways. This comes amid disruptions to Suez Canal traffic due to Houthi rebel attacks and escalating US military actions against them.

Despite a recent terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists, Pahalgam is gradually welcoming visitors again. Tourists are returning, drawn by the area's beauty and the absence of travel restrictions. Locals and security personnel are supportive, and businesses are offering discounts. While Baisaran meadow remains closed, other attractions are open, signaling a slow return to normalcy for the picturesque resort town.

Citing past security breaches like the Kargil War and the 26/11 attack, the Centre has issued a strong advisory to media outlets, urging restraint in reporting defence operations. The advisory aims to prevent real-time coverage and source-based reporting that could compromise national security, especially amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack.

Indian authorities have identified fifteen local Kashmiri overground workers (OGWs) as suspects in facilitating the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Electronic surveillance revealed their potential involvement in logistics and arms procurement from Pakistan. Three prime suspects are detained, with police seeking two others.

The UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, but Pakistan, supported by China, worked to dilute the statement's phrasing. Unlike the Pulwama attack condemnation, which urged cooperation with the Indian government, the Pahalgam statement only mentioned "all relevant authorities." This change followed tough negotiations, with Pakistan likely seeking to avoid giving India leverage in investigations.

In Aligarh, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2023 murder of his 55-year-old father-in-law, stemming from a property dispute. The victim's 11-year-old son's testimony, placing the accused with his father before his death, proved crucial in the conviction. While the son-in-law was convicted, his associates were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The Enforcement Directorate seized Rohan Harmalkar's house after finding property documents worth Rs 600 crore. Harmalkar, an independent candidate in 2022, identified unattended properties, often with deceased owners or those living abroad. He then allegedly used impersonation and forged documents to sell these properties to clients, mainly from Delhi-NCR and Haryana, at below-market prices.

Aligarh jail celebrated a remarkable 100% success rate as five inmates cleared their UPMSP board exams. Yogesh Pandey and Dharmendra Kumar passed the high school exams, while Netrapal Singh, Vishal Kumar, and Rajesh Kumar cleared the intermediate examinations. Prison officials expressed joy, highlighting the positive impact of education within the jail walls, offering a glimmer of hope for the inmates.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that while non-violence is integral to Indian culture, taking action against a hostile neighbor like Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam terror killings, is a 'dharma'.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, retracted its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, attributing it to a cyber intrusion. This denial follows international acceptance of India's stance that LeT, backed by Pakistan, was behind the attack. Security sources dismiss the retraction as a ludicrous damage control attempt by Pakistan's ISI to evade accountability.

Pahalgam police are re-verifying pony guides and locals. This follows the Baisaran meadow attack on April 22. Initial tourist statements and social media videos prompted the action. Twenty pony handlers are being questioned. Hundreds of pony owners were called for verification. Police are also verifying shawl sellers, Maggi vendors, and villagers near Baisaran. Even local police are recording statements.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian called PM Modi, condemning the Pahalgam attack. Gulf nations are working to ease tensions between India and Pakistan. Leaders emphasized rejecting terrorism and ensuring justice for the perpetrators, with India briefing diplomats on Pakistan's alleged role in cross-border terrorism.

In a historic move, Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple's chief priest, Mahant Prem Das, will break a 300-year-old tradition by visiting the Ram temple. This unprecedented event, permitted by religious bodies, will see Mahant Das leave Hanuman Garhi on April 30th in a grand procession featuring elephants, camels, and Naga Sadhus.