Times of India

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.

Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding Additional District Judge Amit Verma's inability to write judgments. The court directed that Verma, from Kanpur Nagar, undergo three months of training at the Judicial Training and Research Institute in Lucknow. This decision came after the judge dismissed an amendment application with a brief, unsubstantiated order.

Following the Pahalgam attack, Gujarat police launched a large-scale operation targeting illegal Bangladeshi residents, resulting in the arrest of 890 individuals in Ahmedabad and 134 in Surat. Four detainees are suspected of criminal links, including potential al-Qaida connections. Authorities are expediting deportation procedures and investigating the source of fraudulent documents used by the detainees.

India has announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June 2025, after it was suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19. The pilgrimage will accommodate 750 pilgrims through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This move is part of broader efforts to rebuild ties with China, including discussions on trans-border river cooperation and people-centric services.

The government is considering mandating anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for all two-wheelers exceeding 50cc to enhance safety and reduce accidents. Experts emphasize ABS and helmet use to protect vulnerable riders, who constitute a significant portion of road fatalities. Road safety experts also highlight the need for better transport planning and dedicated lanes to improve two-wheeler safety.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating a throat-slitting gesture by a Pakistani diplomat towards Indian protesters in London, who were demonstrating against a terror attack. The Pakistani high commission organized a counter-protest, escalating tensions with loud music and provocative signs. Amidst the chaos, arrests were made, and Indian protesters felt unfairly targeted by the police, alleging biased treatment.

A sudden surge in the Jhelum river, allegedly due to India's unnotified water release from the Uri Dam, has triggered chaos in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This abrupt discharge led to a water emergency in Hattian Bala, forcing residents to evacuate. Pakistani authorities have condemned the action as a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, escalating tensions between the two nations.

A de-weeding operation at Bengaluru's Madiwala Lake uncovered a shocking amount of waste, including a refrigerator. The Jaldost team, using NAL's technology, has removed over 20 tonnes of garbage. Locals criticize BBMP's waste management and lack of lake monitoring. NAL highlights the potential for biomass reuse, but BBMP's slow waste removal raises concerns about environmental neglect.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the J&K government has deployed ministers to various states to address reports of threats and attacks against Kashmiris. These ministers are meeting with chief ministers and other officials to coordinate assistance and ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and business communities.

Union minister Piyush Goyal asserted that incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack will persist unless all Indians prioritise patriotism and nationalism. He affirmed India's capability to respond strongly, emphasising that such acts won't deter the nation's spirit. Goyal expressed confidence in the swift resumption of Kashmir tourism and the continuation of the Amarnath Yatra, highlighting India's resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Rain interrupted the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens, halting KKR's chase of 202. If the match is washed out, both teams will share a point. Punjab Kings posted 201/4, powered by half-centuries from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, before Kolkata's bowlers fought back to restrict them in the final overs.

Following the Pahalgam attack, President Trump's remarks on India-Pakistan relations have sparked debate. His statement that they'll "figure it out" has been interpreted as either neutrality or tacit approval for India to act. While some see it as acknowledging historical religious tensions, others, like analyst Christine Fair, view it as a signal for India to address Pakistan's actions.

Prabhsimran Singh made history for Punjab Kings, becoming the first uncapped batter to surpass 1000 IPL runs. His explosive 83 against KKR, alongside Priyansh Arya's 69, propelled PBKS to a formidable 201/4. Prabhsimran's milestone and Arya's impressive debut season solidify Punjab's top order as they pursue their first IPL title.

Pakistani health authorities are taking emergency measures to secure pharmaceutical supplies after trade ties with India were suspended. DRAP is exploring alternative sources in China, Russia, and Europe for raw materials and essential medicines. The PPMA has urged the government to exempt the pharmaceutical sector from the trade ban to avoid shortages of life-saving drugs.

Delhi Capitals boast a strong spin attack with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Vipraj Nigam, while RCB relies on Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. RCB's spin coach praises Krunal's evolved action and Suyash's ability to turn the ball and deceive batters. Both teams are vying for the top spot in the points table, making their upcoming clash crucial.