India Briefs UAE, Japan on "Operation Sindoor" and Pakistan-Backed Terror
Indian all-party delegations have initiated a global outreach to countries including Japan and the UAE, briefing them on "Operation Sindoor" and persistent cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. Led by MPs Sanjay Jha and Shrikant Shinde respectively, the delegations aim to articulate India's stance on self-defense and garner international support against state-sponsored terrorism. This follows India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and involves engagement with several Asian nations.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Pakistan Expels Indian Official After India's Move
Pakistan has expelled an Indian High Commission staffer, a retaliatory measure after India declared a Pakistani official persona non grata for alleged involvement in espionage. This marks the second such expulsion by India within a week. The tit-for-tat actions escalate diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Pakistan ordering the Indian staffer to leave within 24 hours, mirroring India's earlier directive to the Pakistani official.
Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Fatally Shot Near Jewish Museum in Washington DC
Two Israeli Embassy employees, a man and a woman, were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. US Homeland Security confirmed the deaths. Israeli officials have described the incident as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism. The shooting occurred as the staffers were exiting the museum, prompting an investigation by US authorities. This event has heightened security concerns for diplomatic missions.
Security Forces Engage Terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar; Search Operation Underway
An exchange of fire occurred between security forces and suspected terrorists in the Shingpora area of Chhatru in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday. The gunfight began during a search operation launched following a tip-off about terrorist presence. Additional troops have been deployed to the area, and the operation is ongoing to neutralize the terrorists. The engagement highlights the continued security challenges in the region.
ED Raids Premises Linked to Karnataka Home Minister in Gold Smuggling Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting ongoing raids at premises associated with Karnataka's Home Minister as part of a probe into a significant gold smuggling case. The ED initiated a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case based on complaints from the CBI and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) regarding a larger gold smuggling racket. These raids signify a major development in the investigation into illicit gold trafficking potentially involving high-profile political figures.
Trump Again Claims He "Settled" India-Pakistan Conflict Through Trade
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated his assertion that he resolved a recent conflict between India and Pakistan, attributing the settlement to trade dynamics. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade." This remark repeats a previous claim by the US President regarding his role in de-escalating tensions between the two South Asian nations.
Delhi Ramps Up Yamuna Clean-Up with 32 Real-Time Water Quality Monitors
The Delhi government is set to install 32 real-time water quality monitoring stations along the Yamuna river and drains flowing into it. This initiative is part of its commitment to cleaning the polluted river. These stations will provide continuous data on water quality, enabling authorities to track pollution levels effectively and assess the impact of clean-up measures. The move aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the Yamuna rejuvenation efforts.
Over 200 Houses Gutted in Massive Fire in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun; One Injured
A devastating fire swept through a village in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun district, destroying approximately 200 houses and leaving many families homeless. While initial reports were conflicting, official sources confirmed one person sustained burn injuries, but fortunately, no fatalities occurred. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation as emergency services work to provide relief and assistance to those impacted by this large-scale destruction of property.
India Showcases Tea Heritage at UN for International Tea Day
India hosted a special event at the United Nations headquarters in New York to commemorate International Tea Day. The event highlighted the rich aromas and flavors of popular Indian teas, showcasing the beverage's cultural significance and its contribution to empowering communities involved in tea cultivation and production. This diplomatic initiative aimed to promote Indian tea globally and underscore its economic and social importance on an international platform.
India Thwarts Pakistani Missile Attack During "Operation Sindoor"; Golden Temple Targeted
India's S-400 missile defence system successfully intercepted an alleged nuclear-capable Shaheen missile fired by Pakistan during "Operation Sindoor." The Indian Army also revealed that its Air Defence systems, including AKASH missiles and L-70 guns, foiled Pakistani attempts to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other Punjab cities with missiles and drones, safeguarding key national and religious sites.
Foreign Secretary to Brief Parliamentary Panel on India-Pakistan Tensions, "Operation Sindoor"
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to provide a comprehensive briefing to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Monday. Chaired by Shashi Tharoor, the committee will be updated on the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, including "Operation Sindoor," and current foreign policy developments. The briefing aims to detail India's strategic and diplomatic responses to the heightened regional tensions.
Eight Arrested Across North India for Allegedly Spying for Pakistan's ISI
Authorities have arrested eight individuals across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on charges of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The accused, including a YouTuber and a UP businessman, were reportedly sharing sensitive information, such as details of air force stations. These arrests, following increased surveillance after the Pahalgam terror attack, mark a significant counter-espionage operation.
Former UCO Bank CMD Subodh Kumar Goel Arrested in ₹6,200 Crore Loan Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Subodh Kumar Goel, former Chairman and Managing Director of UCO Bank, on money laundering charges. His arrest is linked to an alleged bank loan fraud exceeding ₹6,200 crore involving Kolkata-based Concast Steel and Power Limited. Goel was taken into custody from his New Delhi residence on May 16 as part of the ongoing investigation.
Supreme Court Mandates Full, Equal Pension for All Retired High Court Judges
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that all retired high court judges, including additional judges, are entitled to a full and equal pension and other retiral benefits. This judgment applies the 'One Rank One Pension' principle to the judiciary, ensuring parity irrespective of their retirement date, length of service, or mode of entry into the high courts.
India and Maldives Sign 13 MoUs to Boost Development and Connectivity
India and the Maldives have inked 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for various High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under Indian grant assistance. Signed on Sunday, these agreements aim to enhance ferry services with an MVR 100 million grant, expand maritime connectivity, and uplift community livelihoods in the Maldives, strengthening bilateral ties through developmental cooperation.