Digest for 17 September, 2025
Jaish-e-Mohammed Admits Masood Azhar's Family Killed in Indian Strikes
A Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, has admitted in a viral video that terror chief Masood Azhar's family was "torn into pieces" during India's 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7. The precision missile strikes targeted JeM's headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. This rare admission from within the terror group validates the effectiveness of India's counter-terrorism operations, which reportedly killed over 70 terrorists, including Azhar's relatives and associates.
Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid UN Genocide Allegations
The Israeli military has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate as it targets Hamas infrastructure. The operation, involving tens of thousands of soldiers, follows a week of airstrikes on over 850 sites. Concurrently, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing killings, aid blockages, and statements of intent from Israeli leaders. Israel has rejected the UN report as a "distorted and false" libel.
Supreme Court Sets January 2026 Deadline for Overdue Maharashtra Local Body Polls
The Supreme Court has mandated that Maharashtra's long-delayed local body elections must be held by January 31, 2026. Criticizing the State Election Commission (SEC) for failing to meet previous deadlines, the court called this a "one-time concession." Polls for 27 municipal corporations and hundreds of other local bodies have been stalled since 2022 over an OBC reservation dispute, leaving them run by administrators. The ruling aims to restore grassroots democracy for millions of citizens across the state.
Donald Trump Arrives in UK for Historic Second State Visit
US President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for his second state visit, an unprecedented honor for an American leader. The visit includes a lavish banquet and carriage ride hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle and political talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While the British government aims to strengthen the "special relationship" amid trade and security talks, the visit is met with heavy security and planned large-scale protests in London.
Adani Group Files Defamation Suits Against Journalists; Court Issues Notices
The Adani Group has filed criminal defamation complaints against journalists Abhisar Sharma and Raju Parulekar, alleging they spread false information linking the conglomerate to a land allotment case in Assam. A Gandhinagar court has issued notices for them to appear on September 20. The complaints cite a YouTube video and social media posts which the company calls "baseless and misleading." The legal action raises concerns about press freedom and corporate litigation against media professionals in India.