Month: April 2025

In a significant diplomatic outreach, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday evening, exchanging views on recent developments between Pakistan and India, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and efforts to maintain peace.

During the phone call, Dar briefed Araghchi on the latest tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, highlighting Pakistan’s perspective on the unfolding events. He also expressed appreciation for Iran’s “constructive and responsible approach” toward managing the delicate situation between the two neighbouring countries.

The Iranian foreign minister, while clarifying Tehran’s position, conveyed his regret over the rising tensions in the region. Araghchi emphasised the importance of “restraint and patience by both sides” in order to manage the crisis effectively. He reiterated Iran’s strong and friendly relations with both Pakistan and India, underlining Tehran’s commitment to peace and stability. Araghchi further declared Iran’s readiness to extend its “goodwill efforts” to help reduce tensions and promote regional stability.

The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement is the deep-rooted civilisational and cultural ties that Iran shares with both India and Pakistan. India and Iran, in particular, maintain a contemporary relationship strengthened by centuries-old historical connections, high-level exchanges, robust trade and commercial cooperation, and thriving people-to-people interactions.

Trade remains a vital link between India and Iran, with India ranking among Iran’s top five trading partners in recent years. Key Indian exports to Iran include rice, tea, sugar, pharmaceuticals, manmade staple fibres, electrical machinery, and artificial jewellery. In return, India imports products such as dry fruits, inorganic and organic chemicals, and glassware from Iran.

Cultural exchanges also remain strong, with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Tehran playing an active role in promoting ties since its establishment in 2013. Tourists from both countries continue to visit major destinations across India and Iran, reinforcing the enduring bonds that span generations and geographies. (ANI)

The Requiem Mass for Pope Francis has begun, with the main service starting at 10 am (local time) in Rome. A Requiem Mass is a special Catholic prayer held for someone who has passed away.

World leaders including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, are attending the funeral.

From India, President Droupadi Murmu, along with Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Minister of State George Kurian, along with Goa’s Deputy Speaker, Joshua De Souza, are attending the funeral.

Earlier on Friday evening, the Vatican formally ended the lying in state of Pope Francis, sealing his coffin during a private religious ceremony inside St. Peter’s Basilica after three days of public mourning attended by around 250,000 visitors, CNN reported.

Pope Francis, who was the first pontiff from Latin America and the first from the Jesuit order, had requested simpler funeral rites. In keeping with his wishes, his body was placed in a single wooden coffin, foregoing the traditional triple-layered coffins of cypress, lead, and oak that had been used in previous papal funerals.

The rite was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who oversees funeral arrangements following the death of a pope. Farrell, a Dublin-born cleric and naturalised American citizen, previously served as Bishop of Dallas.

Other church officials, including a Venezuelan archbishop, a Brazilian prelate, and the personal secretaries of Pope Francis, assisted him. Cardinal Roger Mahony, retired Archbishop of Los Angeles, who has faced criticism over his handling of clerical abuse cases, also participated, according to the Vatican press office. Some of the late pope’s family members were present for the ceremony, reported CNN.

The coffin sealing ceremony was conducted in private, featuring short hymns, spoken prayers, and a moment of silent reflection. Cardinal Farrell placed a white silk veil over the pope’s face and sprinkled the body with holy water, following Vatican protocol. The pope’s pallium, coins minted during his pontificate, and a deed summarising the main events of his papacy were placed inside the coffin before it was sealed. The rite concluded with a hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Following the ceremony, the Vatican announced that a prayer vigil would be maintained through the night by the Chapter of St. Peter’s Basilica, ahead of the funeral Mass scheduled for Saturday morning. The funeral, which will begin at 10 am local time (4 am ET) on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, will also mark the start of the Novendiales — nine days of mourning during which daily funeral Masses are held at the basilica. (ANI)

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to all media platforms to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.

The advisory has come days after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

“In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations,” said the advisory issued on Sunday.

“Specifically: No real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel,” it added.

The advisory said the past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting.

“During the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests,” it said.

It noted that media, digital platforms, and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security.

“Apart from the legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces,” the advisory said.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has earlier already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021). Rule 6(1)(p) states that “No programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes”.

The advisory said that such a telecast is in violation of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and is liable for action.

“Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operation and movement by the security forces in the nterest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government till such operation concludes,” it said.

“All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in service of the nation,” it added.

The government has said that the terrorists responsible for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. Opposition parties have expressed their full support for the government in any action against perpetrators of the terror attack.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed.

A number of others sustained injuries. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government has announced a series of measures, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, in a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday attacked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav by putting up posters for not visiting Kanpur native Shubham Dwivedi’s residence, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

The poster reads “Sharam karo Akhilesh Yadav ji. Khoonkhaar apradhi Mukhtar Ansari ki maut par dikha rahe samvedana. Terrorist attack main shikar hua Hindu Shubham Dwivedi ke ghar jaane main kyu khatam hogai bhavnai? Faraq hai saaf shayad, Terrorist se rishta hain khaas, Hinduo se itni nafrat kyun? Pouchta hai Hindu samaj?”

On April 24, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the family of Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur, who was one of the 26 innocent victims who lost their lives in the attack.

Expressing his condemnation, Adityanath termed the attack a cowardly act and emphasised that such incidents would not be tolerated in India.

“On April 22, a terrorist attack took place in J&K’s Pahalgam in which one person from Kanpur was killed. Shubham Dwivedi got married two months ago, and he was killed in the terror attack there. This is a very cowardly attack by the terrorists and shows that terrorism is on its last breath… This type of incident is not acceptable in a country like India… The actions of the central government will put the last nail in the coffin of terrorism,” he said, adding that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already inspected the areas affected by the attack, and further steps will be taken to address the issue of terrorism,” CM Yogi said.

On meeting with the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi, Adityanath expressed his condolences and assured them that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators of the attack.

“I have met with the family of Shubham Dwivedi… The family is in grief. I pray the soul rests in peace. The country stands with them. I also assure you that the accused in this horrific incident will not be spared, and stringent action will be taken against them,” he stated.

Shubham Dwivedi, the only son of his parents, was among the 26 victims of the terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, which left several others injured, has shaken the nation, with numerous leaders and organisations condemning the violence.

Earlier on April 22, terrorist attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured. (ANI)

In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and as part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism and its ecosystem, Anantnag Police, in close collaboration with the Army, CRPF and other security forces have launched extensive search and cordon operations across the district.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

As part of these operations, numerous raids were conducted at various locations throughout the district. Day and night search operations are underway with heightened vigilance. So far, around 175 suspects have been detained for questioning to dismantle the support networks aiding terrorist activities.

To further enhance security, additional Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been established across the district to monitor suspicious movements and ensure public safety.

Moreover, Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs), ambushes, and intensified patrolling have been launched, particularly in high-density forest areas, to flush out any possible terrorist presence and secure the district.

The Anantnag Police said that, along with its partner security forces, it remains committed to maintaining peace and thwarting any attempts to disrupt normalcy in the district. The police have solicited public cooperation and advised citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police establishment.

Also, the security forces have been placed on high alert in the Rajouri region in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The security forces are conducting thorough checks of vehicles on the highway, with a focus on suspicious activity along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway.

The forces are deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incidents

On Friday, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, for the first time following the Pahalgam terror attack, reached Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar and reviewed the security situation of the Union Territory.

The Indian Army Chief General was also briefed on the actions being taken by the formations against terrorists inside their own territory and the Pakistan Army’s attempts to violate the ceasefire along the LoC. (ANI)

After the closure of Pakistan airspace for Indian carriers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday issued a set of advisory guidelines to airlines to ensure effective passenger handling.

A copy of the guidelines accessed by ANI states, “Due to recent developments involving international airspace closures and overflight restrictions, airline operations have been impacted by the significant rerouting of international and regional flights.”

“Increased block times compared to scheduled durations. Possibility of technical halts enroute for operational or fuel requirements.”

“In light of the above, all airline operators are directed to implement the following passenger-handling measures to ensure transparency, compliance, and passenger welfare that include pre-flight passenger communication. Airlines shall ensure that all passengers are proactively informed about the change in routing due to airspace restrictions. Revised total expected travel time (departure to arrival). The possibility of a technical stop at an intermediate airport.”

“Clarify that the stop is operational in nature. Passengers will generally remain onboard during such stops. This information must be communicated at check-in, boarding gates, and, where feasible, through SMS/email alerts,” it reads.

Airlines must ensure that catering uplift is revised based on the actual expected block time, including technical halt. This includes adequate meals and beverages for the full duration. Additional hydration and dry snacks. Special meals as per manifest requests.

Operators shall ensure medical kits and first-aid resources onboard are sufficient for extended operations. Validate that alternate or technical halt airports have emergency medical support and ground ambulance availability, if required. Brief cabin crew on managing passenger fatigue, discomfort, or medical incidents.

The operators shall prepare customer service and support readiness, including briefing the call centre and reservations teams on likely delays and schedule disruptions. Establish processes for managing missed onward connections and delay-related assistance. Prepare for compensatory action in case of delays beyond thresholds.

For Intra-Departmental coordination, operators must ensure seamless coordination between the flight dispatch, Commercial, and Customer Support teams, as well as Ground handling and airport operations, Inflight service providers, and Medical vendors at designated alternates. (ANI)

In a massive statewide crackdown, over 550 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were detained in Ahmedabad and Surat for residing in India with forged documents, Gujarat police said on Saturday.

Deportation proceedings will follow once verification and interrogation are complete, said the official.

The coordinated operations were led by multiple law enforcement units, including the Special Operations Group (SOG), Crime Branch, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB), and local police teams. Officials confirmed that all detained individuals were in India without valid documentation and had used fake papers to establish residence.

In Surat, an overnight combing operation carried out jointly by SOG, DCB, AHTU, PCB, and local police resulted in the detention of more than 100 Bangladeshi nationals. “They had entered India illegally and were living in Surat with forged documents. After the investigation, they will be deported to Bangladesh,” said Rajdeep Singh Nakum, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations Group.

A simultaneous operation was carried out in Ahmedabad around 3 am on Saturday. Teams from the Crime Branch, SOG, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Zone 6, and Headquarters detained over 450 individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants. DCP Crime Branch Ajit Rajian confirmed that more than 400 people were taken into custody during the early morning sweep.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Ahmedabad, Sharad Singhal, stated that these actions were taken in compliance with orders from the Home Minister, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director General of Police.

“HM, CP and DGP had directed us that illegal immigrants must be held. The Crime Branch registered two FIRS from April 2024 till now. 127 illegal Bangladeshis were caught and 77 were deported,” he said.

Singhal noted that the latest raid in Ahmedabad was based on intelligence reports indicating a significant number of undocumented immigrants in the Chandola area.

“We had inputs that a huge number of Bangladeshis are residing in the Chandola area… Early this morning, the police carried out a combing operation. We have detained 457 people so far… Deportation will be processed after interrogation…,” he added. (ANI)

In a strong and fearless response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty urged the citizens to spend their next holidays in the state to promote tourism and show terrorists that they are not afraid of them.

While talking to the media at the sidelines of the Lata Deenanath Mageshkar Award 2025 ceremony, Suniel urged the Indian citizens to plan their next holiday in Kashmir and nowhere else.

“Hume nagrik ki taraf se ek hi karna hah, hume ye decide krna hah ki aaj se humaari agli chutti jo hogi, voh kashmir me hi hogi aur kahi nhi hogi. Unko ye dikhana hahi ki hume darr nhi hai, aur vakayi me darr nhi hai (As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared),” said Suniel Shetty.

The ‘Dhadkan’ actor further shared that he called the authorities and said that he is willing to visit Kashmir as a tourist or artist if required.

“Maine khud phone kr ke bola hai ki agar kal aapko lagta hai ki hume vhaa aana hah, tourist ke haisiyat se ya artist ki haisiyat se hume vha shooting krna hai ya ghoomne jaana hai, hum aayenge. (I myself called them and said that if you want us to come there as tourist or as an artist for shooting, we will come),” added Suniel Shetty.

The actor also called for unity among the citizens during the media interaction.

“Right now, we need to stay united. Those who are trying to spread fear and hatred, without falling for their manipulation, we must come together and show them that Kashmir was ours, is ours, and will always remain ours. That’s why the army, the leaders, everyone is involved in this effort,” said Suniel Shetty.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

On Thursday, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack. (ANI)

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has cancelled her upcoming concert in Surat following the tragic terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The concert was part of her All Hearts Tour and was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium.

Shreya, on Friday, took to her Instagram Stories to share the news with her fans through an official note that read, “In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers along with the artist have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show scheduled to happen in Surat this Saturday, April 26th. All ticket holders will receive full refunds, and the amount will be automatically refunded back to your original mode of payment. For any queries, write to events@district.in. Thank you for your understanding.”

The decision comes after the terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed. Several others were left injured.

Earlier, singer Arijit Singh had also cancelled his concert in Chennai, scheduled for April 27, out of respect for the victims and their families. Arijit reshared a similar note from event organisers on his Instagram, announcing the cancellation.

The note read, “IMPORTANT UPDATE. In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers, along with the artist, have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show scheduled to happen in Chennai this Sunday, April 27th.”

The note also assured ticket holders that they would receive full refunds, which would be automatically processed back to their original mode of payment. (ANI)