1. PM Modi gives ‘complete freedom’ to armed forces to act against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack; US Reaches Out to India and Pakistan
2. ‘Baseless’: Govt Sources Reject Pakistan’s Allegations Against India Amid Pahalgam Tensions
3. With Mark Carney’s win, India looks to reset ties, will appoint envoy to Canada ‘soon’
4. Ultra & Alpine Quest—technologies that keep Pakistani terrorists, especially LeT, going in J&K
5. India says bilateral trade talks with US seeing ‘positive progress’

What Else

1. UN Chief Speaks With Jaishankar, Pakistan PM Amid Tensions Over Pahalgam: ‘Important to Pursue Justice…’
2. BSF Lodges Protest with Pakistan Rangers
3. Pahalgam attack: Nearly 50 tourist spots in Kashmir shut amid security concerns
4. Pahalgam terror attack: Centre exempts many more from repatriation to Pakistan
5. Mob Lynching in Karnataka: 15 Arrested Over Cricket Dispute
6. SC refuses former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s plea for bail, suspension of sentence in 1990 custodial death case
7. Harvard under fire for hosting Pakistan conference after Pahalgam terror attack
8. BR Gavai appointed Chief Justice of India with effect from May 14
9. Amid row over Oppn’s ‘gayab’ barb at Modi, Bhagwat makes rare visit to PM’s home. Pahalgam discussed
10. IOS Sagar concludes port call at Port Louis, set to undertake EEZ surveillance with Mauritius
11. Pakistan Side On Escalating Tensions with India: I&B Minister Tarar warns of Indian military action within 24-36 hours
12. Pakistan Lawmakers demonstrated unity on national security issues
13. DG ISPR presents ‘irrefutable’ evidence of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan
14. UN experts urge Pakistan to address human rights violations in Balochistan
15. IMF to decide on $1.3bn Pakistan bailout tranche at May 9 meeting
16. Pakistan Army claims to have shot down an Indian spy quadcopter along LoC
17. Bangladesh: Financial crisis hit Bangladesh as banks stop circulating new currency
18. Bangladesh decides to provide ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine, discusses with UN on conditions

PM Modi gives ‘complete freedom’ to armed forces to act against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack

• PM Modi chaired a high-level security meeting with key officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• During the meeting, PM Modi granted the Indian armed forces “complete operational freedom” to respond to the attack.
• Operational Freedom: The PM’s decision allows the armed forces to decide the mode, timing, and target of India’s response.
• PM Modi expressed faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian armed forces and reaffirmed the national resolve to deal a “crushing blow to terrorism.”
• Investigation and Suspects: The J&K Police have released sketches of three suspects linked to the attack and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakhs for information about them.
• The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later denied involvement. (more)
• Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a high-level meeting with paramilitary forces and security organizations, but the agenda wasn’t disclosed. (more)
• International Reactions: The League of Arab States strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with Secretary-General Ahmed Aboulgheit expressing solidarity with India and condoling the loss of innocent lives.
• Pahalgam Attack Sparks Tensions in Kashmir: The aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack has led to intensified security measures in Jammu and Kashmir.
• While the demolition of houses belonging to suspected terrorists was halted following strong opposition from regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the crackdown on terror supporters continues.
• Security forces have demolished 10 houses linked to militants from groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, sparking protests in areas like Pulwama due to collateral damage to neighboring homes.
• Additionally, 36 residences of suspected terrorists were raided in Srinagar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• Meanwhile, the Line of Control (LoC) remains tense, with unprovoked firing from Pakistan reported for the fourth consecutive day in Kupwara and Poonch districts.
• Indian troops have responded effectively to these provocations (more)
• These international reactions highlight the global concern about terrorism and the need for collective action against it.
• Background: A recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in the loss of at least 27 lives. The incident has sparked a strong response from the Indian govt.
• Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar acknowledged on the floor of the house that Pakistan had successfully removed the name of LeT’s proxy TRF from a UNSC statement, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, implicitly confirming support for the group.
• Next Steps: PM Modi is set to convene a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to further discuss the situation.
• The govt has vowed to pursue the terrorists and ensure they face severe punishment.

[Expect decisive action. India’s resolve is unwavering.]

• US Reaches Out to India and Pakistan: The US is engaging with both countries to de-escalate Kashmir tensions. The US Secretary will speak with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, encouraging restraint and preventing further escalation.

‘Baseless’: Govt Sources Reject Pakistan’s Allegations Against India Amid Pahalgam Tensions

• The Indian govt has strongly condemned the Pakistan army and its media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), for spreading misinformation and fabricating allegations in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Govt sources described the claims as part of a “malicious campaign” aimed at defaming India and diverting attention from Pakistan’s history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
• The alleged possession of explosives, drones, and cash by the suspect was dismissed as fabricated.
• India demanded credible evidence to substantiate these serious allegations, calling the names of Indian Army officers cited by ISPR “unverified and likely fabricated.”
• Pakistan’s Provocations: In a press briefing, Pakistan’s ISPR Chaudhry alleged that the arrested terrorist was trained in India and linked to cross-border terrorism.
• However, no verifiable evidence was provided to support these claims.
• The accusations were described by Indian officials as a “classic case of projection,” highlighting Pakistan’s role as a safe haven for globally proscribed terrorist entities like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• India urged the international community, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to hold Pakistan accountable for its systemic failures to curb terrorism.
• Officials emphasized that incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack are stark reminders of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. (more)

With Mark Carney’s win, India looks to reset ties, will appoint envoy to Canada ‘soon’

• India is likely to appoint a new high commissioner to Canada soon, aiming to reset ties between the two countries after Mark Carney’s victory in the Canadian federal election.
• Carney has expressed interest in improving relations with India, describing them as “incredibly important”.
• This development comes after a strained period following former PM Justin Trudeau’s allegations linking Indian officials to the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• Diplomatic Reset: India and Canada aim to strengthen their partnership, with PM Modi congratulating Carney on his victory.
• Previous Tensions: The countries have not had a high commissioner in each other’s missions since Oct last year due to tensions over Trudeau’s allegations.
• New Approach: Carney’s approach differs from Trudeau’s, focusing on mutual respect to handle relationship strains.
• Trade Opportunities: Canada seeks to diversify trade amid US tariffs, with India being a significant market. (more)

Ultra & Alpine Quest—technologies that keep Pakistani terrorists, especially LeT, going in J&K

• Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling to track terrorists due to their sophisticated communication methods.
• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists are using encrypted devices called “Ultra,” suspected to be of Chinese origin, to transmit information via radio networks.
• These devices can be connected to regular mobile phones and allow for encrypted text messages, voice notes, and videos.
• The challenge for security forces is that while they can detect the Ultra signal, they can only pinpoint the location to a 5-10 km radius, making it difficult to track the terrorists.
• Additionally, terrorists are using tactics like storing messages in outboxes and briefly switching on handsets to avoid detection.
• To navigate through dense forests, terrorists are using open-source apps like Alpine Quest, which allows for offline mapping and navigation.
• Security forces have recovered Ultra devices during encounters but are unable to crack the encryption, limiting their ability to gather technical intelligence.
• The use of these advanced communication tools is believed to be supported by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with LeT being directly funded and controlled by the ISI.
• This has made it challenging for security forces to disrupt terrorist operations in the region (more)

UN Chief Speaks With Jaishankar, Pakistan PM Amid Tensions Over Pahalgam: ‘Important to Pursue Justice…’

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people.
• Guterres expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and offered his support for de-escalation efforts.
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar appreciated the UN chief’s condemnation of the attack and reiterated India’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.
• Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani military attaches, and shut down the Attari land-transit post.
• Pakistan rejected India’s actions, warning of “an act of war” if water flow is stopped. (more)
• [The UN’s track record in preventing escalations is limited, as evident in ongoing conflicts like Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, as well as past atrocities like the Rwandan Genocide. To regain credibility, the UN must adapt and improve its conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.]

 BSF Lodges Protest with Pakistan Rangers

• The Border Security Force has issued a strict advisory to its jawans to be extra cautious during border patrols after a jawan, PK Shaw, was detained by Pakistan Rangers on Apr 23 for inadvertently crossing the international border near Punjab’s Firozpur.
• The BSF has instructed its personnel to avoid crossing the border and asked farmers working near the border to be vigilant.
• Despite several attempts, Pakistan has not responded to flag meetings for Shaw’s release.
• An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident, and the BSF has protested to the Pak Rangers. (more)

Pahalgam attack: Nearly 50 tourist spots in Kashmir shut amid security concerns

• Nearly 50 public parks and tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir have been shut down as a precautionary measure following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
• The closed spots include popular tourist destinations like Dooshpathri, Kokernag, Duksum, and Bangus Valley.
• The shutdown is a blow to the local tourism industry, but officials prioritize the safety of locals and visitors.
• Tensions between India and Pakistan have increased, with both countries exchanging measures against each other, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines. (more)

India says bilateral trade talks with US seeing ‘positive progress’

• India and the US have made significant progress in their bilateral trade agreement discussions, aiming to conclude the first phase by Fall 2025.
• The talks covered various issues, including tariffs and non-tariff barriers, with a focus on achieving “early mutual wins” and strengthening supply chain integration.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that India’s open approach to trade and fewer non-tariff barriers make it an attractive partner, and the country is likely to be one of the first to finalize a trade deal with the US.
• In-person sectoral engagements are planned for late May. (more)

Pahalgam terror attack: Centre exempts many more from repatriation to Pakistan

• The Indian government has exempted certain categories of Pakistani citizens from deportation, including:
• Pakistani Hindus who have applied for Long Term Visas: Those with pending applications will not be deported.
• Hindu migrants eligible for LTVs but haven’t applied yet: They are exempted if they apply immediately.
• Muslim women married to Indian citizens and applying for LTVs: They are not required to leave the country.
• The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Jodhpur granted LTVs to 362 Pakistani Hindu migrants in India.
• However, there are reportedly 10,000 Pakistani Hindus with pending LTV applications, some of which have been pending for over two years.
• The Indian govt had initially set a deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country, but some have been allowed to stay on due to various exemptions.
• The authorities are processing the applications and ensuring that those eligible for exemptions are not deported. (more)

Mob Lynching in Karnataka: 15 Arrested Over Cricket Dispute

• A man was beaten to death by a group over a dispute during a cricket match in Mangaluru, Karnataka.
• The victim allegedly shouted “Pakistan Zindabad,” sparking the assault.
• 15 people have been arrested, with more suspects being sought.
• The police have registered a case under murder charges, which could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Home Minister G Parameshwara assured a thorough investigation, appealing for peace and harmony in the state.
• The incident has sparked condemnation, with Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directing strict action against the culprits. (more)

SC refuses former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s plea for bail, suspension of sentence in 1990 custodial death case

• The Supreme Court has directed an expedited hearing for former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s appeal in a 1990 custodial death case, while rejecting his plea for interim bail and suspension of his life sentence.
• Bhatt was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the district Sessions Court in 2019 for the alleged torture of Prabhudas Vaishnani, who died 10 days after being released on bail.
• The court noted that there’s no ground to enlarge Bhatt on bail, but will fast-track the appeal hearing.
• Bhatt’s lawyers argued that the conviction was unsustainable due to lack of direct medical evidence linking him to the alleged torture. (more)

Harvard under fire for hosting Pakistan conference after Pahalgam terror attack

• Harvard University’s South Asia Institute, funded by Indian billionaire Laxmi Mittal, has distanced itself from a “Pakistan conference” after Indian students reacted with anger.
• The students criticized the event for whitewashing state-enabled terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.
• Pakistan’s finance minister and ambassador to the US attended the conference, aimed at rejuvenating Pakistan’s diminishing footprint in US academia.
• The Institute claimed it only provided “some support” and removed the conference from its website.
• Pakistan vowed to restore its academic presence, including defunct chairs like the Quaid-e-Azam chair at Columbia University. (more)

BR Gavai appointed Chief Justice of India with effect from May 14

• President Draupadi Murmu has appointed Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52^nd Chief Justice of India, effective May 14, 2025.
• He will succeed current CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retires on May 13 and will serve for six months until his retirement on Nov 23, 2025.
• Notably, he will be the second Chief Justice from a Scheduled Caste community, following Justice KG Balakrishnan.
• Justice Gavai has been a judge in the Supreme Court since 2019 and has presided over significant cases, including the 2016 demonetisation scheme and the Electoral Bond Scheme.
• His father, RS Gavai, was a former Governor of Bihar and Kerala. (more)

Amid row over Oppn’s ‘gayab’ barb at Modi, Bhagwat makes rare visit to PM’s home. Pahalgam discussed

• RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat met with PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Modi’s residence, discussing India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The meeting focused on granting the Indian armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide the mode, targets, and timing of the attack.
• The leaders also discussed post-response measures, and the RSS pledged to support the govt in dealing with the crisis.
• The meeting highlights the govt’s efforts to present a united front in addressing the terror attack and the seriousness with which India is approaching the diplomatic and military challenge. (more)

IOS Sagar concludes port call at Port Louis, set to undertake EEZ surveillance with Mauritius

• The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar visited Port Louis, Mauritius, from April 26-28, 2025, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.
• During the port call, the ship’s Commanding Officer met with the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two maritime forces.
• The crew participated in joint activities, including meeting with the Mauritius Coast Guard Commandant to strengthen cooperation.
• Joint EEZ surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard
• Knowledge exchange and interactions with the Mauritius Police Force (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Side On Escalating Tensions with India: I&B Minister Tarar warns of Indian military action within 24-36 hours

• Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claims India is planning military action against Pakistan within 24 to 36 hours, citing “credible intelligence reports”.
• Tarar made these remarks in a video statement, released at an unusual time, 0126 hrs (local time) — warning that any aggression would be met with a strong response.
• He rejected India’s narrative on the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, saying Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for over two decades and condemning it in all forms.
• Tarar emphasized that Pakistan offered an independent investigation into the attack, but India chose confrontation instead.
• He warned that the international community would hold India responsible for any escalation. (more)

Pakistan Lawmakers demonstrated unity on national security issues

• The Pakistani Senate recently discussed the rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace while warning that any Indian aggression would be met with a forceful response.

• United Stance on National Security: Lawmakers demonstrated unity on national security issues, with all political parties passing a unanimous resolution.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Pakistan has initiated diplomatic engagement with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, the UK, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Hungary, to highlight India’s actions and intentions.
• Indus Waters Treaty Concerns: Dar expressed concern that India might use the Pahalgam incident as a pretext to suspend or withdraw from the treaty, which could have severe consequences.
• International Support: China and Turkey have taken clear positions on the matter, with China’s foreign minister assuring Pakistan of continued support.
• Dar spoke to 4 FMs: Bahrain FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Kuwait FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Hungary FM Péter Szijjártó, and UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• Reactions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf:

• Support for Govt Actions: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar reiterated the party’s full support for govt decisions in response to India’s actions.
• Condemnation of India’s Media Ban: Gohar condemned India’s ban on Pakistani news channels, calling it a projection of a false narrative internationally.
• Call for Unity: PTI Senator Ali Zafar emphasized that politics must take a back seat amid rising tensions, and the nation should stand united.
• Current Situation: India and Pakistan have exchanged diplomatic reprisals, with India suspending a long-standing water-sharing treaty and closing its main land border with Pakistan.
• International Community’s Response: The US has expressed support for India, while Pakistan has formally raised objections to a joint statement condemning the Pahalgam attack.
• The situation remains volatile, with both countries asserting their positions and preparing for potential escalation. (more, more)

DG ISPR presents ‘irrefutable’ evidence of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan

• Pakistan’s military claims it has “irrefutable evidence” of Indian-sponsored terrorism, days after India accused Pakistan of the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
• Director-General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that India operates terror networks in Pakistan, supplying explosives to target civilians and security forces.
• A terror suspect, Abdul Majeed, was arrested with 2.5 kg of explosives and an Indian drone, having communicated with Indian handlers.
• The ISPR chief revealed 4 Indian Army officers involved in terrorism coordination, instructing terrorists to cause civilian casualties. (more)

UN experts urge Pakistan to address human rights violations in Balochistan

• UN human rights experts expressed concern over Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures in Balochistan, citing excessive and harmful impacts.
• They urged respect for international law, accountability for enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The experts condemned the conflation of human rights advocacy with terrorism, restricting freedoms, and internet blackouts.
• They called for stronger measures to prevent rights violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide remedies to victims.
• The experts also urged a review of laws and practices to ensure respect for international human rights law and address grievances in Balochistan that may fuel violence. (more)

IMF to decide on $1.3bn Pakistan bailout tranche at May 9 meeting

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to decide on a crucial $1.3 billion bailout package for Pakistan on May 9. Here’s what you need to know:
• IMF Meeting: The IMF’s Executive Board will meet on May 9 to discuss the staff-level agreement with Pakistan under its 37-month bailout program.
• Loan Amount: If approved, Pakistan will gain access to approximately $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), bringing total disbursements to around $2 billion.
• Economic Projections: Downgraded to 2.6% for the current fiscal year from 3%, but expected to rise to 3.6% in 2025-26.
• Inflation: Forecast at 5.1% for the current fiscal year, projected to increase to 7.7% in 2025-26.
• Current Account Deficit: Expected to be 0.1% of GDP ($400 million), increasing to 0.4% of GDP in 2026.
• Unemployment Rate: Projected to remain at 8% in 2025, decreasing to 7.5% in 2026.
• Recent Developments: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, reaffirming the govt’s commitment to reforms in key sectors.
• The Pakistan Stock Exchange saw a significant recovery, driven by optimism surrounding the IMF loan, with the KSE-100 index surging 808 points.
• Pakistan has requested China to boost its currency swap line by 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), in addition to the existing 30 billion yuan swap line (more)

Pakistan Army claims to have shot down an Indian spy quadcopter along LoC

• Pakistan’s military shot down an Indian quadcopter drone that crossed into its airspace near the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhimber district.
• The drone was attempting surveillance activities when Pakistani troops intercepted and brought it down.
• This incident highlights the army’s professionalism and defensive readiness amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the Pahalgam attack.
• Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, while India has suggested possible cross-border links without providing evidence.
• The tensions have escalated to the point where India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting retaliation from Pakistan (more)

Bangladesh: Financial crisis hit Bangladesh as banks stop circulating new currency

• Bangladesh is facing an economic crisis under the interim govt led by Muhammad Yunus, with banks struggling to circulate new currency notes.
• The notes feature the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, causing hesitation in releasing them into the market.
• As a result, citizens are experiencing financial losses, and banks are flooded with old, torn notes.
• The central bank has instructed banks to suspend exchanging fresh notes instead of re-circulated notes, leading to a shortage of new notes.
• This crisis emerged after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year (more)

Bangladesh decides to provide ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine, discusses with UN on conditions

• Bangladesh has agreed in principle to establish a humanitarian corridor to Rakhine State in Myanmar to provide aid to civilians affected by the conflict, following a request from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
• The decision was made after the UN warned of a looming humanitarian crisis and potential famine in Rakhine, which could lead to another mass exodus of people to Bangladesh.
• However, security analysts have raised concerns about the decision, citing potential security risks, including the possibility of aid being intercepted by the Arakan Army or used as a conduit for drugs and illegal weapons.
• They also emphasized the need for consensus among conflicting parties in Rakhine and dialogue within Bangladesh’s political arena before finalizing the decision.
• The Govt is now discussing conditions with the UN for implementing the humanitarian corridor (more)