Month: May 2025

Pakistan’s proposed testing of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles this week has escalated tensions with India and is being perceived in New Delhi as a “reckless act of provocation”. Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 civilians, hostilities between India and Pakistan have ramped up considerably with almost daily incidents of gun fire exchange along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following India’s diplomatic countermeasures since the terror attack–which included the suspension of Indian visas for Pakistani nationals, a directive to reduce staff at the Pakistani High Commission, and the closure of the Attari border–Pakistan has been consistently issuing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) threatening missile test launches in the region as a show of force.

Sources told ANI that Pakistan was preparing to test fire surface to surface ballistic missiles which would be perceived in New Delhi as a “reckless act of provocation and a dangerous escalation in its hostile campaign against India.” The sources also went on to say that the planned missile test in such volatile conditions was a “desperate attempt to whip up tensions with India.”

Since the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan issued the first NOTAM on the night of April 23 with less than 24 hour notice for test firing, however, no ballistic missile firing was observed. Soon thereafter notifications were issued on April 26th-27th of firing by Pakistani Naval ships off the coast of Karachi, however, no firing drills were conducted. After two non-attempts, Pakistan repeated a third attempt on April 30th- May 2nd of firings close to India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, but again, no firings were conducted.

With continuous exchange of gunfire on the border in Jammu and Kashmir and the dangerous ratcheting up of tensions by Pakistani politicians sabre-rattling, this fourth provocation of a proposed surface to surface missile test by Pakistan has the potential of dramatically escalating tensions with India. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth assured that a time-bound investigation would be conducted in the Nainital rape case and that the accused would face stringent punishment.

The state’s top cop also assured that law and order in Nainital was under control, with additional police deployed at sensitive locations.

Speaking to ANI, DGP Seth said, “On 30th April, an incident of rape with a minor girl in Nainital came to light. Immediately, an FIR was registered in the matter. The accused had been arrested and sent to jail. Police have taken all measures to protect the victim and her family. We will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a time-bound manner and the accused gets a stringent punishment.”

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the family of the rape victim from Nainital on Friday and assured them of his full support.

“In view of the seriousness of the Nainital rape case, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has spoken to the victim’s family over the phone and consoled them deeply. The Chief Minister assured all possible help to the affected family and said that the state government stands firmly with the victim and her family,” as per an Uttarakhand CMO release.

Chief Minister Dhami also vowed that the culprits would face the strictest punishment

“The Chief Minister said that the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances and they will be given the strictest punishment. He talked about ensuring a quick investigation and speedy justice in the case. He said that the state government will impose strict punishment on the criminal who committed this inhuman act. We all stand with the victim with full sympathy,” the release read.

On Thursday, National Commission for Women condemned the horrific crime reported from Nainital involving the alleged rape of the girl.

“The National Commission for Women strongly condemns the horrific crime reported from Nainital involving the rape of a Class 7 girl. NCW has taken cognizance and Hon’ble Chairperson has sent a letter to the DGP of Uttarakhand to ensure swift action, victim support, and a time-bound, fair investigation,” NCW posted on X.

Tension gripped the city after a girl was allegedly raped in Uttarakhand’s Nainital. Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Narayan Meena on Thursday said that the accused was arrested and the situation is under control. (ANI)

Veteran actor Anil Kapoor’s mother, Nirmal Kapoor, passed away at the age of 90.

She breathed her last peacefully on Friday, May 2, after being admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

On Friday evening, Kapoor was seen arriving at Nirmal’s residence in an ambulance carrying her mortal remains. He was joined by his brother Sanjay Kapoor, sister Reena Kapoor, and nephew Arjun Kapoor.

Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Shikhar Pahariya, and Boney Kapoor were also spotted at the Kapoor residence. Other celebs, including Ananya Panday, Javed Akhtar, Rani Mukerji, Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, and Veer Pahariya, visited the family to offer condolences.

Nirmal Kapoor’s funeral will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 11:30 AM at Vile Parle Crematorium, Pawan Hans, S.V. Road, Mumbai, as per the details shared by the Kapoor family.

Nirmal was the wife of the late film producer Surinder Kapoor and mother to four children — Boney, Anil, Sanjay, and Reena Kapoor Marwah. In addition to being the mother of four talented and good-looking children, she was also the grandmother of several celebrities, including Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Harsh Vardhan Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Anshula Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Mohit Marwah. (ANI)

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the Goa Medical College (GMC) to meet the victims injured in the Shirgaon stampede. The incident occurred during the annual Lairai Devi jatra at the Shirgaon temple, resulting in 6 deaths and over 50 injuries.

Pramod Sawant mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to inquire about the situation and assured central assistance.

Speaking about the incident, Pramod Sawant said, “Six people died in the stampede, and over 50 people have been injured. After getting the information, I went to the spot. The injured are being treated in the hospital…More than 50,000 people participate in the Jatra every year. This is an unfortunate incident. PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident. He also assured to provide assistance from the Centre.”

Sawant also informed that an investigation into the incident is underway, led by the SP North and the Collector. The state government has cancelled all official programs for the next three days.

“We are taking care of the treatment of the injured…SP North and the Collector are conducting an investigation of the incident…We are cancelling all Govt programs for the next 3 days in the state…,” the Chief Minister said.

Also, Goa’s Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane said that the health department has taken measures to ensure proper care and monitoring of the patients, including setting up a dedicated ICU and appointing nodal officers to oversee the situation.

Taking to social media, X, Vishwajit Rane wrote, “In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on standby until the situation stabilises.”

“A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC for super-speciality care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted at Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged. 10 patients are currently serious and under observation in the casualty at GMC. Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient. GMC and Health services, including 108 has also been instructed to remain on high alert. MS from GMC and Asilo, have been appointed as nodal officers to monitor the situation closely. We will keep you regularly updated,” the post further reads.

Rane also assured that immediate and comprehensive steps are being taken to manage the situation. Health services, including 108, are on high alert, and nodal officers from GMC and Asilo are overseeing the situation. (ANI)

Prince Harry has said he “would love reconciliation” with the members of the Royal family and voiced deep disappointment over the UK High Court’s ruling on his security arrangements, which he says now makes it “impossible” for him to bring his wife and children back to the United Kingdom, CBS News reported.

“I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point…I miss parts of the UK, of course I do. And I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show, you know, my children,” Harry said.

Since stepping down as a senior member of the royal family in 2020, Harry has lived in California with his wife, Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet. The removal of his automatic security entitlement followed that decision.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales dismissed his appeal to the process by which that protection was withdrawn, a decision Harry described as devastating, reported CBS News.

“This is, at the heart of it, a family dispute. And it makes me really, really sad that we’re sitting here today, five years later, where a decision that was made, most likely – in fact, I know – to keep us under their roof,” Harry said.

“But then once they realised that that wasn’t going to work, once they realised that, you know myself, my wife, my kids are happier outside of the institution, then please just look at the facts. Look at the risks. Look at the threat. Look at the impact. If anything was to happen to me, my wife or my father’s grandchildren – if anything was to happen to them – look where the responsibility lies, you know? So this is a duty of care that has been completely thrown out the window,” he added.

The court acknowledged that the committee responsible for royal security, Ravec, had deviated from established policy when deciding to remove Harry’s full-scale protection. However, it concluded the committee had acted “sensibly” in light of his particular circumstances.

According to Harry, a safe return to the UK is now only possible if he is formally invited by the royal family, as such invitations trigger appropriate security arrangements. He suggested that decisions surrounding his protection were shaped by an effort to pressure his family into returning to the royal fold, CBS News reported.

“Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020, and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back. But then when you realise that didn’t work, do you not want to keep us safe?” he said. “Whether you’re the government, the royal household, whether you’re my dad, my family – despite all of our differences – do you not want to just ensure our safety?”

Harry also said he remains estranged from his father, King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile,” he said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the foundation of Viksit Bharat rests on four key pillars that are the poor, farmers, youth, and women’s empowerment.

“The foundation of a developed India rests on four key pillars–the poor, farmers, youth, and women’s empowerment. These pillars remain central to their government’s policies, with special priority given to farmers’ welfare,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a rally in Amravati.

He highlighted that to reduce the financial burden on farmers, the Government of India has spent nearly Rs 12 lakh crore over the past 10 years to provide affordable fertilisers.

PM remarked that thousands of new and advanced seed varieties have been distributed to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity.

The PM said that under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers in Andhra Pradesh have received claim settlements worth Rs 5,500 crore.

“Additionally, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, more than Rs 17,500 crore has been directly transferred to the accounts of lakhs of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring financial support for their livelihoods,” he added.

Emphasising that India is rapidly expanding irrigation projects across the country, along with launching river-linking initiatives to ensure water reaches every farm and farmers do not face water shortages, PM Modi underlined that with the formation of the new state government, the Polavaram Project has gained fresh momentum.

PM Modi stated that millions of people in Andhra Pradesh will see their lives transformed by this project. He reaffirmed that their government is fully supporting the state government to accelerate the completion of the Polavaram Project.

The Prime Minister noted that raw materials such as cement, steel, and transportation services benefit significantly from large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthening multiple industries.

He stressed that infrastructure development directly benefits India’s youth, creating more employment opportunities.

He remarked that thousands of young people in Andhra Pradesh are gaining new job prospects through these ongoing infrastructure projects.

Emphasising that over the past 10 years, India has focused extensively on physical, digital, and social infrastructure, PM Modi highlighted that India is now among the fastest-modernizing infrastructure nations in the world, and Andhra Pradesh is benefiting significantly from this progress.

PM Modi noted that thousands of crores worth of road and rail projects have been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, accelerating its development.

“Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a new era of connectivity, which will enhance district-to-district links and improve connectivity with neighbouring states”, he stated, stressing that farmers will find it easier to access larger markets, and industries will benefit from improved logistical efficiency.

PM Modi also highlighted that the tourism and pilgrimage sectors will also gain momentum, making key religious sites more accessible.

He cited the Renigunta-Naidupeta Highway as an example, stating that it will significantly ease access to the Tirupati Balaji shrine, allowing devotees to visit Lord Venkateswara Swami in much less time.

The Prime Minister inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

PM Modi noted that the capital of ‘Indralok’ was named Amaravati, and it is no coincidence that Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, adding that the city will be one where the dreams of the youth will get fulfilled.

“Amravati was the name of the capital of Indralok, and it is not merely a coincidence that Amravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is a sign of the establishment of ‘Swarna Andhra’. ‘Swarna Andhra’ will strengthen the pathway for a Viksit Bharat and Amravati will empower the vision of ‘Swarna Andhra’,” PM Modi said.

Further, the Prime Minister said that the centre has extended all possible assistance for the construction of Amaravati from 2014 to 2019.

“NTR garu envisioned a vibrant and developed Andhra Pradesh. Together, let us strive to transform Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh into a leading growth engine for the nation. It is our responsibility to fulfill the cherished dream of NTR garu,” the PM said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was in Kerala and dedicated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore to the nation in Thiruvananthapuram.

Addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya, the Prime Minister highlighted that three years ago, in September, he had the privilege of visiting the revered birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.

He expressed his joy that a grand statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been installed in the Vishwanath Dham complex in his parliamentary constituency, Kashi.

PM Modi emphasised that this installation stands as a tribute to the immense spiritual wisdom and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.

He further highlighted that he also had the honour of unveiling the divine statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister noted that today marks another special occasion as the doors of the Kedarnath temple have been opened to devotees.

Prime Minister Modi underscored that Adi Shankaracharya, originating from Kerala, established monasteries in different corners of the country, awakening the consciousness of the nation.

PM Modi highlighted the vast ocean, rich with immense possibilities, standing on one side, while on the other, nature’s breathtaking beauty adds to the grandeur.

Amidst all this, he emphasised that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has now emerged as a symbol of new age development. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and the entire nation on this remarkable achievement.

Underscoring that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has been developed at a cost of Rs 8,800 crore, the Prime Minister remarked that the capacity of this transhipment hub will triple in the coming years, enabling the smooth arrival of some of the world’s largest cargo ships.

He pointed out that 75 per cent of India’s transhipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports, leading to significant revenue loss for the country.

Emphasising that this situation is now set to change, PM Modi asserted that India’s money will now serve India, and the funds that once flowed outside the country will now generate new economic opportunities for Kerala and Vizhinjam’s people. (ANI)

While addressing a plea concerning the death penalty handed down by an Indonesian court to three Indian nationals, the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Indian Consulate in Indonesia to take necessary measures to ensure that the convicted individuals receive proper legal representation and appropriate assistance in pursuing appellate remedies.

Additionally, the Consulate has been instructed to facilitate communication between the convicted individuals and their families in India.

Advocate Ashish Dixit, Standing Counsel for the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), accepted the notice on behalf of the respondents and requested time to obtain instructions in the matter.

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, scheduled the next hearing for May 6, 2025, and directed the MEA to engage with the Indonesian government diplomatically to protect the rights of the Indian nationals under applicable international conventions or bilateral agreements, if any.

The case involves a petition filed by the spouses of three Indian nationals–Raju Muthukumaran, Selvadurai Dinakaran, and Govindasamy Vimalkandhan–who were sentenced to death by an Indonesian court for narcotics-related offences.

According to the plea, the three men were employed at a shipyard when they were detained by the Indonesian Narcotics Department for possession of narcotics.

Subsequently, they were convicted and sentenced to death under Indonesian law, as per the judgment of the Tanjung Balai Karimun District Court dated April 25, 2025.

The petitioners, wives of the convicted individuals, contend that their husbands are the sole breadwinners of their families and lack the financial means to pursue the prescribed appellate remedy in Indonesia.

They further highlight that the limitation period for filing an appeal is extremely strict, necessitating urgent legal action following the judgment. (ANI)

Bollywood actress Esha Deol shared an adorable throwback photo of her parents, Dharmendra and Hema Malini, to celebrate the couple’s marriage anniversary.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Esha shared a photo which featured Dharmendra and actress Hema Malini sitting together.

Hema Malini donned a beautiful and elegant pink saree while Dharmendra wore a shirt and pants for the occasion.

Another snap featured a movie poster of the couple titled ‘Jugnu’, which was released in 1973. It was directed by Pramod Charavorty.

While sharing the photos, the ‘Dhoom’ actress wrote, “Happy anniversary mamma & papa. You are my world. Love you”

Married in 1980, Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s union has stood the test of time. Over the years, they have built a family, raising two daughters – actress Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Despite their long and successful careers in Bollywood, the couple has remained grounded, nurturing a family centred on love and respect.

Dharmendra, even today, remains an influential and beloved figure in the Indian film industry. He continues to enjoy a massive fan following, thanks to his iconic roles in numerous classic films.

He was last seen in the movie ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. (ANI)

Pakistan has been ranked 101 out of 158 countries in the 2025 Illicit Trade Index, raising serious concerns about its economic environment and ability to attract investment, according to a report by The News International.

The country’s struggle with illegal trade is resulting in an alarming annual revenue loss of Rs 751 billion, with the tobacco sector alone accounting for Rs 300 billion of this deficit.

These findings were presented in a new report titled “Pakistan’s Battle Against Illicit Trade: An Analysis of Challenges and Pathways to Resilience,” released jointly by the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) and the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) on Thursday.

The report highlights five key sectors driving these losses: Tobacco (Rs 300 billion), petroleum products like petrol and diesel (Rs 270 billion), tires and lubricants (Rs 106 billion), pharmaceuticals (Rs 60-65 billion), and tea (Rs 10 billion).

Pakistan scored 44.5 on the Illicit Trade Index, falling below the global average of 49.9.

Pakistan’s performance across six dimensions of the Index can be gauged by the highest score observed in Trade, Customs and Borders (75.4), indicating relatively strong border controls and customs management mechanisms. However, Supply Chain Intermediaries (25.9) and Sectoral Illicit Trade Indicators (29.3) score notably low, pointing to serious vulnerabilities in internal trade networks and sector-specific compliance. Moreover, moderate scores in Taxation and Economic Environment (47.3), Regulatory Framework and Enforcement (46.4) and Criminal Enablers of Illicit Trade (42.7) suggest systemic weaknesses in policy implementation and enforcement capacity, The News International reported.

Overall, the findings suggest that while Pakistan is making some progress at the borders, much deeper reforms are needed within the country’s internal trade, regulatory, and enforcement systems to curb illicit trade and support sustainable economic development. (ANI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a flypast on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

The Air Force conducted take-off and landing exercises on a 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip in Shahjahanpur, part of the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

It showcased its operational readiness with take-off and landing exercises with its advanced fighter and transport aircraft, including the Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage.

The exercise is being organised to assess the expressway’s potential as an alternative runway during war or national emergencies.

According to a statement released on Thursday, “This will be the first airstrip in the country designed to support day and night landings of fighter aircraft, making it a strategic asset for defence preparedness. It will also serve as the Air Force’s training and rehearsal base.”

Around 250 CCTV cameras have been installed on both sides of the airstrip to ensure comprehensive security. In preparation for the air show, the Indian Air Force has taken over operational control of the airstrip, with personnel from the Air Force and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) coordinating efforts.

According to the district administration, the air show will be conducted in two phases–during the day and at night–to test the strip’s night landing capabilities. Fighter jets will perform low fly-pasts at an altitude of just one meter, followed by landing and take-off drills. The exact sequence will be repeated from 7 PM to 10 PM.

However, the Ganga Expressway is the first in Uttar Pradesh and nationwide to offer night landing capabilities. This advancement will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s ability to conduct operations around the clock.

This exercise marks a crucial step in reinforcing India’s defence preparedness. Leveraging strategic infrastructure, such as the Ganga Expressway, underscores a new era of civil-military synergy and enhances the nation’s military strategy. (ANI)