April
The Waqf Amendment Bill dominated political discourse with both NDA allies and opposition preparing for a parliamentary showdown. BJP issued a whip requiring all MPs to attend, while the INDIA bloc unanimously decided to oppose it "tooth and nail." TDP's support came after three of its amendments were accepted.

The Supreme Court delivered a scathing rebuke of Uttar Pradesh's bulldozer demolitions in Prayagraj, calling them "shocking" and ordering ₹10 lakh compensation for affected families, marking a significant judicial intervention against this controversial practice.

International tensions continued with Trump claiming India would make "substantial tariff cuts" ahead of his April 2 "Liberation Day" deadline, contributing to a 1,390-point Sensex crash. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a "Dragon-Elephant tango" partnership with India on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

A fireworks factory explosion in Gujarat's Banaskantha killed 18 workers from Madhya Pradesh.
02.04.2025
Wednesday

Waqf Bill Passage Through Storm

The Waqf Amendment Bill dominated India's media landscape, culminating in its passage in Lok Sabha with 288-232 votes after a marathon 12-hour debate. The day began with Law Minister Rijiju introducing the bill, claiming Parliament itself could have been declared Waqf property without reforms. Home Minister Shah clarified non-Muslims wouldn't serve on Waqf boards but would participate in administrative functions.

The debate peaked dramatically when AIMIM's Owaisi tore a copy of the bill in Parliament, comparing his action to Gandhi's protest. While NDA allies JDU and TDP supported the bill, opposition parties maintained it targeted Muslims.

In other developments, a Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar, killing one trainee pilot and injuring another. International coverage focused on Trump's impending "Liberation Day" tariff announcements, with reports of China planning to increase imports from India in response to US tariffs.
03.04.2025
Thursday

Waqf Bill Showdown Day

The Waqf Amendment Bill dominated coverage as it faced its Rajya Sabha test after passing Lok Sabha the previous night. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the bill, emphasizing "transparency and efficiency" while promising "no interference by non-Muslims" in religious matters.

Opposition leader Kharge challenged the government's double standards, questioning why Muslims aren't on Ram Mandir Trust while non-Muslims serve on Waqf boards. Two JD(U) MPs resigned over their party's support for the bill.

Simultaneous to the parliamentary drama, the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of 25,000 West Bengal teachers, dealing a severe blow to Mamata Banerjee's government. She declared she "can't accept" the judgment but would implement it.

Trump's 26% "discounted" tariff announcement on India continued generating coverage, with officials calling it a "mixed bag, not a setback." Canada retaliated with 25% duties on American vehicles.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 completed its parliamentary journey overnight, passing the Rajya Sabha 128-95 after a marathon debate lasting until 2:30 AM. Prime Minister Modi hailed it as a "watershed moment" for transparency and marginalized communities. By morning, protests erupted across eight states including Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

The bill triggered immediate legal challenges, with Congress MP Mohammad Javed and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi filing separate petitions in the Supreme Court. Political fallout continued with five JD(U) leaders resigning over their party's support.

Meanwhile, PM Modi held his first meeting with Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok, raising concerns about Hindu minorities' safety and cautioning against "vitiating rhetoric" amid strained bilateral relations.

China retaliated against Trump's tariffs by announcing a 34% levy on all US imports starting April 10, prompting Trump to claim "they played it wrong, they panicked."

Legendary actor Manoj Kumar, known as "Bharat Kumar" for his patriotic films, died at 87.
05.04.2025
Saturday

Modi's Sri Lanka Shield Day

President Murmu granted assent to the Waqf Amendment Bill, making it law despite mounting legal challenges. By morning, Tejashwi Yadav vowed to "throw it in the dustbin," while JD(U) attempted damage control with its Muslim base.

PM Modi's Sri Lanka visit dominated coverage throughout the day. He received the prestigious Mitra Vibhushana award and signed seven agreements, including a landmark defense pact. President Dissanayake notably assured India that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against Indian security interests - a clear message to China. India and UAE agreed to jointly develop an energy hub in Sri Lanka, further countering Chinese influence.

The trade war escalated as Trump told Americans to "hang tough" through difficult times ahead while claiming China was "hit harder." Reports emerged of Trump negotiating potential tariff reductions with India before the April 10 deadline.
Ram Navami celebrations dominated coverage, with Ram Lalla receiving the special "Surya Tilak" in Ayodhya as sunbeams illuminated the deity's forehead for four minutes amid traditional rituals. Approximately 500,000 devotees gathered while 200,000 diyas illuminated the city.

PM Modi inaugurated the Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, Asia's first vertical lift railway sea bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India. The engineering marvel raises 22 meters in five minutes to allow ships to pass beneath. Modi also visited Ramanathaswami Temple and viewed Ram Setu from his aircraft.

Political tensions emerged when Modi criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin for skipping the event and challenged Tamil leaders who "don't sign in Tamil" despite championing the language. P. Chidambaram countered by suggesting Modi consult "first-year economics students" regarding central fund allocations.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed in Parliament the previous day, received President Murmu's formal assent, even as legal challenges reached the Supreme Court.
07.04.2025
Monday

Trump's Tariff Quake Day

Global markets collapsed in response to Trump's tariffs, with the Sensex plunging 3,000-4,000 points and Nifty dropping over 1,000 points, erasing ₹19 lakh crore in investor wealth. The market decline dominated headlines throughout the day, connecting to previous days' trade tensions between the US and China.

By early afternoon, the government announced a ₹2 per liter hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel, though clarified retail prices wouldn't increase as oil companies would absorb the costs. Shortly after, LPG cylinder prices increased by ₹50 for both general consumers and Ujjwala beneficiaries.

Trump escalated tensions by threatening China with additional 50% tariffs unless it revoked its 34% levy within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court rejected 26/11 Mumbai attack suspect Tahawwur Rana's plea against extradition to India, clearing his path for transfer from Los Angeles.
Markets rebounded sharply from yesterday's crash with the Sensex rising 1,700 points, recovering from Trump's tariff shock. By noon, the White House confirmed implementation of 104% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective from April 9, escalating the US-China trade war despite China's vow to "fight to the end."

The Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict restraining governors' powers, declaring that Tamil Nadu's Governor acted illegally by indefinitely withholding 10 bills. The Court ruled that governors cannot sit on legislation passed by elected assemblies, effectively approving the pending bills.

The newly amended Waqf Act came into force, triggering violent protests in West Bengal's Murshidabad where demonstrators torched vehicles and clashed with police. The Supreme Court scheduled hearings on legal challenges to the Act for next week.

In Rajasthan, four persons received life sentences for the 2008 Jaipur serial blasts that killed 71 people.
09.04.2025
Wednesday

The Tariff Pendulum Day

The trade war escalated dramatically throughout the day. Trump's 104% tariff on China and 26% on India took effect in the morning, prompting China to respond with an 84% tariff on US goods. By evening, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries while increasing China's tariff to 125%.

The Reserve Bank of India cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, its second consecutive reduction, offering relief to borrowers amid the tariff turbulence.

India approved a Rs 63,000 crore deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine jets from France, strengthening naval capabilities. The government also terminated Bangladesh's transshipment facility following Prime Minister Yunus's increasing engagement with China.

26/11 Mumbai attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana was extradited from the US, with his special flight expected to land in Delhi tomorrow. He will be held in Tihar jail and face trial for his role in the attacks.
10.04.2025
Thursday

Tahawwur Rana's Return Day

26/11 Mumbai attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana was extradited from the US to India, with exhaustive coverage dominating the news cycle. After landing at Delhi's Palam Airport, Rana was formally arrested by the NIA under anti-terror laws and produced before a special court, where prosecutors sought 20 days of custody.

Trump's tariff strategy continued evolving, with yesterday's dramatic 90-day pause for most countries while increasing China's tariff to 125% generating significant analysis. China responded by calling for negotiations "based on mutual respect" while refusing to back down, and the EU announced it would similarly pause its retaliatory measures for 90 days.

Extreme weather persisted across India, with Delhi and Rajasthan experiencing temperatures above 46°C while parts of Bihar suffered 31 deaths from thunderstorms and lightning strikes. In sports, Delhi Capitals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an IPL match.
The extradition of 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana dominated early coverage, with newspapers showing images of him shackled during handover to NIA. His interrogation began at a high-security facility where he reportedly evaded questions by claiming memory lapses. S. Jaishankar called it "a big step in justice for 26/11 victims."

The US-China trade war escalated dramatically, with China retaliating against Trump's 145% tariffs by imposing 125% tariffs on US goods. Xi Jinping called on the EU to "resist unilateral bullying," while filing a WTO lawsuit. Despite global market turbulence, Indian markets defied trends with Sensex surging 1,300 points.

In domestic politics, BJP and AIADMK announced an alliance for 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. Waqf law protests turned violent in West Bengal's Murshidabad with stone-pelting and train blockades, prompting BSF deployment. Severe dust storms hit Delhi-NCR, causing flight diversions and one death.
Protests against the Waqf Amendment Act in West Bengal's Murshidabad escalated dramatically, with violence claiming three lives, including a father and son hacked to death by a mob. The Calcutta High Court ordered deployment of central forces, with the Centre dispatching 300 BSF personnel plus five additional companies to the region. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the law would not be implemented in Bengal.

The Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict setting a three-month deadline for Presidents to decide on bills, ending governors' "pocket veto" powers. Following this ruling, Tamil Nadu immediately notified 10 Acts that had been pending with the governor.

In the ongoing Tahawwur Rana investigation, NIA reportedly identified a "Dubai man" who knew about the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed a Russian missile struck an Indian pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv.

Trump partially retreated in the tariff standoff, exempting smartphones, computers and electronics from global tariffs.
13.04.2025
Sunday

Exodus Day in Murshidabad

The violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act intensified, with reports of approximately 500 people fleeing their homes to seek refuge in schools in neighboring Malda district. Refugees alleged houses were burned and water supplies poisoned. The death toll reached three, with over 150 arrests made and paramilitary forces deployed.

Political blame-shifting accelerated throughout the day. BJP claimed Hindus were being targeted, while a TMC minister blamed BSF for the deaths. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Mahmood Madani questioned if "only Muslims would be blamed" for the violence.

In Karnataka, a man accused of murdering a 5-year-old girl after an attempted rape was killed in a police encounter, generating extensive coverage.

Other developments included Mayawati forgiving her nephew Akash Anand after his public apology, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi sparking controversy by asking students to chant "Jai Shri Ram," and DRDO showcasing a 30KW laser-based anti-drone weapon system.
Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi's arrest in Belgium dominated coverage, with details emerging of his failed attempt to escape to Switzerland. Belgium confirmed India's extradition request as ED-CBI teams prepared to travel there. Choksi's lawyer claimed he has cancer and cannot be transported.

Violence over the Waqf Amendment Act continued across West Bengal, spreading from Murshidabad to South 24 Parganas, where ISF protesters clashed with police, torching vehicles. CM Mamata warned against vigilantism while refugees began returning to Murshidabad.

A human interest story captured media attention when PM Modi met Rampaal Kashyap, gifting shoes to the devotee who walked barefoot for 14 years awaiting Modi's premiership.

Terror suspect Tahawwur Rana's interrogation continued with NIA questioning him 8-10 hours daily. He requested only a pen, paper, and Quran while allegedly seeking information about Indian legal procedures.
The Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, alleging they acquired ₹2,000 crore worth of assets for just ₹50 lakh. Congress announced nationwide protests at ED offices in response.

Ram Mandir and several UP district headquarters received bomb threats via email, prompting security concerns and evacuations.

The aftermath of Murshidabad violence continued with reports claiming Bangladeshi miscreants instigated the Waqf protests. UP CM Yogi Adityanath made inflammatory remarks saying "kicks are needed for those who don't listen to words."

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin formed a high-level committee to examine state autonomy amid tensions with the Centre, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph.

Economic news brought relief as the Sensex surged 1,750 points after Trump hinted at pausing auto tariffs, and IMD predicted above-normal monsoon at 105% with no El Niño threat.
16.04.2025
Wednesday

Day of Waqf Amendment Scrutiny

The Supreme Court began hearing 73 petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, with lawyer Kapil Sibal arguing it violates religious freedom. The Court pointedly asked if Muslims would be allowed on Hindu religious boards, while expressing concern about violence triggered by the law. Chief Justice Khanna proposed no denotification of "waqf by user" properties, suggesting serious consequences could follow.

The ED chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case triggered Congress protests nationwide, with allegations they acquired ₹5,000 crore assets through a "criminal conspiracy." Robert Vadra faced questioning in a separate Gurugram land case with Priyanka Gandhi showing support.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the central government of orchestrating Murshidabad violence, claiming UP and Bihar videos were being used to defame Bengal. Two children were injured after mistaking a bomb for a ball in the violence-affected region.

Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals in IPL's first super over of the season.
17.04.2025
Thursday

Waqf Amendment Act Freeze Day

The Supreme Court issued a significant interim order on the Waqf Amendment Act, freezing new appointments to Waqf boards and halting denotification of "waqf by user" properties until the next hearing on May 5. The Centre requested and received a 7-day period to file its response.

Vice President Dhankhar escalated institutional tensions by describing Article 142 as a "nuclear missile against democratic forces" and criticized the judiciary for acting like a "super parliament," claiming courts cannot direct the President.

India delivered a stern response to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's "two-nation theory" remarks, stating that Kashmir's only relation with Pakistan is "the vacation of PoK."

Russia denied responsibility for attacking an Indian pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv, blaming Ukrainian missiles instead.

A shooting at Florida State University left one dead and several injured, while fugitive terror suspect Happy Pasia, wanted for 14 attacks in Punjab, was captured in the US.
India issued a stern diplomatic rebuke to Bangladesh for its comments on West Bengal violence, telling it to "focus on protecting own minorities" first. This follows Bangladesh's first diplomatic talks with Pakistan in 15 years, where it demanded a formal apology and $4.3 billion in reparations for the 1971 genocide.

The constitutional power struggle intensified as Kapil Sibal countered Vice President Dhankhar's criticism of judicial overreach by citing Indira Gandhi's acceptance of a single judge's disqualification ruling.

Prime Minister Modi spoke with Elon Musk about potential technology collaboration ahead of Tesla's expected India entry.

Security concerns emerged with FBI confirming terror suspect Happy Passia's links to Pakistan's ISI and Khalistani groups following his US arrest for involvement in 14 Punjab grenade attacks.

West Bengal Governor Bose visited Murshidabad violence victims in Malda despite CM Mamata Banerjee's objections, potentially escalating political tensions.
A building collapse in Delhi's Mustafabad claimed 11 lives, with rescue operations continuing throughout the day. The incident dominated morning headlines.

By mid-day, institutional tensions escalated dramatically as BJP MP Nishikant Dubey claimed the Supreme Court was "responsible for inciting religious war" over Waqf Board issues, suggesting Parliament should be closed if courts make laws. BJP leadership later distanced itself from these remarks.

India issued a strong diplomatic rebuke to Bangladesh over the murder of a Hindu leader, demanding protection for minorities amid what it termed "systematic persecution."

Maharashtra politics witnessed potential reconciliation between estranged Thackeray cousins, with Uddhav and Raj hinting at setting aside differences - "our quarrels are small, Maharashtra is bigger."

In international news, Putin announced a 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, though Ukrainian officials claimed Russian shelling continued.
The murder of former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash dominated news cycles, with his wife emerging as the prime suspect. His body was found in a pool of blood at their Bengaluru residence.

BJP officially distanced itself from MP Nishikant Dubey's controversial remarks against the Supreme Court regarding Waqf Board rulings, though Dubey escalated tensions by calling former Election Commissioner SY Quraishi a "Muslim Commissioner."

Political realignment signals emerged with potential reconciliation between Thackeray cousins Uddhav and Raj after 20 years of separation, with BJP expressing openness to their reunion ahead of Mumbai municipal elections.

Flash floods in Jammu's Ramban district caused significant damage, killing three people and destroying over 40 homes.

International tensions appeared with reports of Khalistani extremists attacking a Gurudwara in Canada and Bangladesh potentially seeking Interpol's help regarding former PM Sheikh Hasina.
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Delhi with his Indian-origin wife Usha and three children for a four-day visit, receiving a ceremonial welcome before visiting Akshardham temple. His afternoon meeting with PM Modi focused on bilateral trade amid US tariff tensions, with both leaders highlighting "significant progress" on a trade pact and Modi reportedly mentioning looking forward to Trump's India visit later this year.

The morning was dominated by news of Pope Francis' death at 88 in Vatican City, with India announcing three days of state mourning. Vatican doctors later confirmed stroke and heart failure as causes of death.

The Karnataka ex-DGP murder case developed further with police revealing gruesome details about his wife allegedly throwing chili powder in his eyes before stabbing him, with property disputes cited as motivation.

Eight Naxalites, including a million-rupee bounty leader, were killed in a Bokaro security operation.
A major terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir dominated the day's news cycle, with reports evolving from initial accounts of a few injuries to reports of 26-28 deaths, including foreign tourists. The attackers reportedly asked victims' religious identities before firing, with TRF (a Lashkar-e-Taiba front) claiming responsibility. Home Minister Amit Shah flew to Srinagar, while PM Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to India.

Earlier in the day, gold prices crossed the ₹1 lakh per 10 gram milestone for the first time amid global economic uncertainties. UPSC civil services results were announced with Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj securing the top position.

The institutional tensions between judiciary and legislature continued as Vice President Dhankhar declared "Parliament is supreme" and "no authority is above it," while Delhi High Court reprimanded Baba Ramdev for his "sharbat jihad" comments against Rooh Afza.
The aftermath of yesterday's Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists dominated the news cycle. Prime Minister Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and returned to Delhi, immediately holding meetings with NSA Doval and other security officials.

Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site, while sketches and photos of suspected terrorists were released, showing they belonged to The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate. Security forces engaged in gunfights with terrorists in Kulgam, where a top TRF commander was reportedly trapped.

By evening, following a 2.5-hour Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, India announced five significant diplomatic measures against Pakistan: suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, declaring Pakistani military attachés persona non grata, revoking visas for Pakistani nationals with a 48-hour departure ultimatum, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and offering a ₹20 lakh reward for information about the terrorists.
24.04.2025
Thursday

Modi's Iron Fist Promise Day

Prime Minister Modi addressed the Pahalgam terror attack with his strongest rhetoric yet at a Bihar rally, promising punishment "beyond imagination" for perpetrators and vowing to "identify, track and pursue terrorists to the ends of the earth." India took unprecedented diplomatic measures, revoking all Pakistani visas and ordering nationals to leave within 72 hours. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.

At an all-party meeting chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the government admitted to security lapses, noting tourists accessed Baisaran meadow without proper police permission. Opposition parties, including Congress led by Rahul Gandhi, pledged full support for any government action.

Military preparations heightened with the Indian Navy conducting missile tests and Air Force executing "Aakraman" exercises with Rafale and Su-30 aircraft, suggesting possible future strikes on terrorist infrastructure.
25.04.2025
Friday

Day India Cuts Indus Water Flow

Following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, India escalated its response by implementing a three-phase plan to stop Indus water flow to Pakistan. Home Minister Amit Shah directed all chief ministers to identify and deport Pakistani nationals residing in India.

Security forces demolished homes of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists linked to the attack. Army Chief visited Kashmir to review operations as Pakistani forces conducted "speculative firing" across the Line of Control, with Indian retaliation. A significant search operation began in Kathua after a woman reported spotting four suspected terrorists.

The US intelligence chief pledged to help India hunt down those responsible, calling it an "Islamic terrorist attack." Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi visited Srinagar, stating "terrorists cannot divide society" and "India must stand united." Meanwhile, the Center plans to restrict access to over 60 tourist spots in Kashmir that were part of its "normalcy" narrative.
Following days of escalating tensions, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif softened his stance, offering to participate in a "neutral investigation" of the Pahalgam attack. This contrasted with earlier threatening rhetoric from Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto who warned "either water or blood will flow in the Indus."

India intensified security operations across Kashmir, demolishing seven homes of terrorists currently hiding in Pakistan through controlled explosions. The NIA was assigned to investigate the Pahalgam attack as security forces detained 175 people in Anantnag district.

Border villages reported cleaning "Modi bunkers" and harvesting crops early amid fears of conflict. Indian media were instructed not to cover military movements. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated it was "the king's duty to punish" while supporting government actions.

In international developments, Iran's President called PM Modi to condemn the attack, as an explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port injured over 700 people.
27.04.2025
Sunday

The Day of Modi's Justice Promise

Prime Minister Modi addressed the Pahalgam attack in his Mann Ki Baat radio program, promising justice and stating "every Indian's blood is boiling." The NIA investigation revealed attackers trekked 22 hours through forests and were supported by 15 local cadres.

Security forces demolished at least ten terrorists' houses in Kashmir. Indian Navy conducted anti-ship missile tests in the Arabian Sea, sending an "anytime, anywhere" message amid heightened tensions.

China backed Pakistan's call for an "impartial investigation" involving Russia and China, while closely monitoring the India-Pakistan situation. Pakistani Railway Minister threatened nuclear weapons use, claiming "130 nuclear bombs ready for India."

The deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave India expired today, with hundreds crossing the Attari-Wagah border. Those remaining face potential three-year imprisonment and fines.

Tourists began returning to Pahalgam despite the recent attack, signaling gradual return to normalcy.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met PM Modi for 40 minutes following Pakistan's fourth consecutive day of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. India responded with two significant decisions: banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading "misinformation" against India and the Army, and finalizing a ₹63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Navy.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made an emotional address in the Assembly, deferring statehood demands and reading out names of Pahalgam attack victims. A disturbing video emerged showing a tourist ziplining during the attack, with witnesses claiming the operator shouted "Allahu Akbar" before gunfire began, prompting NIA summoning for questioning.

Pakistan's Defense Minister claimed an Indian military incursion was "imminent" and placed their forces on high alert, while reports indicated terrorists were being moved from launch pads to army bunkers in PoK.
Prime Minister Modi chaired a crucial 90-minute defense meeting with service chiefs, NSA Doval, and Defense Minister Singh, granting military "complete operational freedom" to determine "targets, timing, and mode" of response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Intelligence identified the attack's mastermind as former Pakistani commando Hashim Musa, allegedly sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Authorities closed 48-80 tourist sites across Kashmir following intelligence about potential retaliatory attacks and activated sleeper cells. India banned Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif's X (Twitter) account after nuclear threats.

In Canada, Mark Carney's Liberal Party won federal elections, defeating pro-Khalistani NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Carney took a swipe at Trump in his victory speech, referencing "American betrayal."

Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Modi requesting a special parliamentary session on the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing national unity.
Following the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan's continued ceasefire violations along the LoC, India escalated responses throughout the day. Prime Minister Modi chaired multiple security meetings, including with Army Chief Dwivedi, Foreign Minister Jaishankar, and NSA Doval. By afternoon, India announced closure of its airspace to Pakistani aircraft until May 23.

Simultaneously, Modi's cabinet made a significant domestic policy shift by approving caste enumeration in the next national census. This decision, coming before Bihar elections, prompted opposition claims of victory, with Rahul Gandhi offering help in designing the census while demanding removal of the 50% reservation cap.

The government also restructured its National Security Advisory Board, appointing a former RAW chief as chairman. Meanwhile, Indian media extensively covered potential military targets in Pakistan, including Hafiz Saeed's Lahore hideout, revealed through exclusive imagery from India Today.
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