1. Amid suspense over response to Pahalgam, Modi govt announces caste census. Oppn claims victory
2. US Calls for India-Pakistan De-escalation, Direct Communication
3. Pakistan Army Giving Cover To Terrorists Amid Fears of Indian Action: News18, Citing Sources
4. We’ve shown we can pressure BJP, now we want a timeline—Rahul on Centre’s caste census announcement
5. Modi Govt revamps NSA Board, new members with unique skill sets added for fresh impetus

What Else

1. Whoever did it, wherever they are, they have to pay—Rahul on Pahalgam; asks PM to act ‘now’
2. President of Angola to visit India from May 1-4 on first state visit in 38 years
3. Pahalgam terror attack: India closes airspace for all Pakistani flights
4. Top BRICS diplomats call for rejecting double standards in fighting against terrorism
5. India ‘warns’ Pakistan against unprovoked ceasefire violations as military chiefs dial hotline
6. Shaurya Chakra awardee’s mother served repatriation notice won’t have to leave, has passport—J&K Police
7. Trump administration cancels 4,000 student visas over criminal offenses
8. Pakistan won’t initiate but will respond strongly to any Indian escalation: Dar
9. Pak PM seeks US’s help in urging India to ‘dial down Pahalgam attack rhetoric’
10. Pakistan ISI chief appointed as National Security Adviser
11. Bangladesh: Chinmoy Krishna Das granted bail, after more then 5 months detaintion
12. ‘We live in a world constantly threatened by war’, CA Yunus
13. Dhaka in touch with Naypyidaw, Arakan Army

Amid suspense over response to Pahalgam, Modi govt announces caste census. Oppn claims victory

• The Modi Govt has announced that caste enumeration will be included in the next census, a decision made amid opposition demands and ahead of Bihar elections. Key points:
• PM Modi, who has been holding back-to-back security meetings with his Cabinet ministers and top defence brass, ended with caste enumeration.
• Government’s Decision: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) approved the caste survey inclusion in the census.
• Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the decision demonstrates the govt’s commitment to societal values and interests.
• Opposition’s Reaction: Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned the timing, suggesting “headline management.”
• Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders hailed the announcement as a victory.
• State-level Caste Surveys: Bihar conducted a caste survey in 2023 and published findings.
• Telangana conducted a caste survey last year, finding 56.32% of the population belongs to Backward Castes.
• The Karnataka Congress Govt conducted a caste survey in 2015, but the report remains unpublished.
• Expert Views: Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa supported including a caste survey in the census for credibility.
• Vaishnaw criticized state-level surveys, saying they create doubts in society and should be replaced by a transparent, nationwide census. [And this built a trust in society?]
• The govt hasn’t announced a start date for the census, which was postponed in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Background: Caste data hasn’t been included in any census since Independence.
• The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) enumerated caste data, but figures were never made public.
• The Modi-led NDA govt previously opposed the caste census, citing operational difficulties and potential data distortion. (more)

US Calls for India-Pakistan De-escalation, Direct Communication

• U.S. Secretary Rubio speaks to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urges India to ‘work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia’, on Wed
• The secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.
• He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia, said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
• US secy tells Pakistan PM to ‘work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia’
• Today, Secretary Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia.
• The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on Apr 22 in Pahalgam. [already done]
• Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.
• The Secretary urged Pakistani officials’ cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack, said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. (more)
• [Rubio’s message subtly echoes Pakistan’s narrative: de-escalate, investigate, and condemn – a diplomatic cadence that seems to resonate with Islamabad’s expectations.]

Pakistan Army Giving Cover To Terrorists Amid Fears of Indian Action: News18, Citing Sources

• Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed 26 lives on April 22.
• According to sources, the Pakistan Army has been put on high alert and is working with terror groups along the Line of Control (LoC).
• The army is reportedly providing cover to terrorists amid rising concerns over potential retaliation from India.
• Crucial assets have been moved to undisclosed locations, and border posts are being sensitized on troop movement.
• The 10 Corps, with 19 brigade formations, is handling all terror groups along the LoC.
• There’s speculation that top terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed may have been relocated to unknown locations.
• India has already downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and shut down the Attari land-transit post.
• The Indian Army has responded swiftly to the Pakistan Army’s firing along the LoC. (more)

We’ve shown we can pressure BJP, now we want a timeline—Rahul on Centre’s caste census announcement

• Rahul Gandhi hailed the govt’s decision to include caste enumeration in the next census, crediting Congress’s pressure.
• He demanded a timeline for the census and implementation of its findings.
• Rahul wants to go beyond the caste census, pushing for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations and implementation of Article 15(5) for reservations in private educational institutions.
• He suggested Telangana’s caste survey as a blueprint and offered Congress’s help in designing the census, emphasizing a “people’s census” with stakeholder consultations.
• Rahul sees caste census as a new development paradigm, focusing on the representation and participation of marginalized communities. (more)
• Union Cabinet’s caste count announcement a ploy to divert attention from terror attack: AAP
• The Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of diverting attention from the Pahalgam terror attack by focusing on caste count.
• AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP for sidestepping the terror issue and instead discussing caste census.
• They demanded decisive action against terrorists and suggested reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• The BJP responded by attributing AAP’s claims to “frustration from electoral defeat”.
• The AAP supports a caste count but believes the terror attack should not be forgotten.
• The party’s allegations reflect the ongoing political tensions between the two parties (more)

Modi Govt revamps NSA Board, new members with unique skill sets added for fresh impetus

• The Indian Govt has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) with a new chairman, former R&AW chief Alok Joshi, and six new members.
• The board’s primary function is to provide long-term analysis and policy recommendations on national security issues to the National Security Council, headed by the Prime Minister.
• Military Representatives:
• Air Marshal P.M. Sinha: Former Western Air Commander with over 4,500 hours of flying experience and expertise in planning air operations.
• Rear Admiral Monty Khanna: A submariner and former assistant military adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
• Lt Gen A.K. Singh: Former Southern Army Commander who led the South Command until June 2024.
• Intelligence and Diplomacy Experts:
• Rajiv Ranjan Verma: Former Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau.
• Manmohan Singh: A 1988-batch IPS officer with experience handling the Punjab issue.
• B. Venkesh Varma: Former Indian envoy to Russia.
• The revamped NSAB aims to enhance India’s national security decision-making with a team of seasoned experts. (more)

Whoever did it, wherever they are, they have to pay—Rahul on Pahalgam; asks PM to act ‘now’

• Rahul Gandhi demanded decisive action from the Centre against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying the Prime Minister “must not waste time”.
• He called for “martyrs’ status” for the victims and assured full support from the Opposition for any action taken by the government.
• Gandhi also emphasized that those responsible must “pay a price” for the attack.
• The Congress party had earlier faced backlash for some leaders’ flippant remarks and a social media post criticizing the PM’s response, prompting the party to issue an order advising leaders to follow the official line. (more)

President of Angola to visit India from May 1-4 on first state visit in 38 years

• The President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lopes, will visit India from May 1-4, on his first state visit in 38 years.
• He’ll be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, officials, and business leaders. Key events include:

• Ceremonial Welcome: A ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 3
• Talks with Leaders: Discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to boost diplomatic and economic relations
• Business Event: Participation in a business event on May 4 to promote investment and trade ties
• MoUs and Agreements: Signing of multiple agreements to strengthen bilateral relations in areas like energy, defense, and trade.
• The visit coincides with the 40^th anniversary of India-Angola diplomatic relations, expected to further strengthen their partnership. (more)

Pahalgam terror attack: India closes airspace for all Pakistani flights

• India has closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines, effective immediately, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
• The restriction applies to both civilian and military aircraft, as per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Indian government.
• Airspace Closure: India has barred Pakistan Airlines from using its airspace, while Pakistan had earlier closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
• Visa Revocation: India has revoked visas for all Pakistani nationals, instructing them to leave the country within 72 hours.
• Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the over six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty, a significant diplomatic escalation.
• Border Closure: The Attari-Wagah border has been closed immediately.
• Staff Reduction: India plans to reduce staff at both high commissions in India and Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s Response:
• Visa Cancellation: Pakistan has canceled visas for Indian nationals.
• Trade Suspension: Pakistan has suspended trade with India.
• Simla Agreement: Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, which established the Line of Control (LoC).
• Defense of Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan’s foreign minister has vowed to defend the treaty, asserting that every drop of water is theirs by right. (more)

Top BRICS diplomats call for rejecting double standards in fighting against terrorism

• BRICS foreign ministers have called for zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering it.
• They emphasized that terrorism shouldn’t be linked to any religion, nationality, or ethnic group, and those involved must be held accountable.
• The ministers strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that all acts of terrorism are “criminal and unjustifiable”.
• This declaration follows their meeting in Rio de Janeiro on April 28-29, where they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and international law.
• They urged collective action against terrorism, promoting a unified approach to address global security threats. (more)
• India-Pakistan tensions: Where does the EU stand? The European Union has urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue amid rising tensions following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed over two dozen tourists.
• EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni emphasized the need for a peaceful solution rooted in dialogue, especially after such attacks.
• He called for open communication channels between the two nations to reduce tensions and avoid measures that could undermine regional stability.
• The EU’s appeal comes as India and Pakistan exchange warnings of imminent attacks, and both sides have taken significant military measures. (more)

India warns Pakistan against unprovoked ceasefire violations as military chiefs dial hotline

• India and Pakistan engaged in a routine hotline conversation between their Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The conversation comes after Pakistan’s unprovoked ceasefire violations, including small-arms fire across the LoC in Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors, as well as in Baramulla and Kupwara districts.
• The Indian Army responded proportionately to these violations.
• Ceasefire Violations: Pakistan has committed 13-14 ceasefire violations this year, with recent incidents involving small arms fire.
• Border Tensions: The LoC and International Border have seen heightened tensions since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
• DGMO Talks: The weekly hotline conversation between India and Pakistan’s DGMOs aims to manage tensions and prevent escalation.
• Military Preparedness: Both countries’ militaries remain on high alert, with India cautioning Pakistan against further aggression. (more)

Shaurya Chakra awardee’s mother served repatriation notice won’t have to leave, has passport—J&K Police

• The Baramulla district administration issued a repatriation notice to Shameema Akhtar, mother of slain Shaurya Chakra awardee Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, due to mistaken identity.
• Her name was similar to another woman’s, but Akhtar holds an Indian passport, which was discovered after the notice was sent.
• The police later clarified that reports of her repatriation were “false and baseless”.
• Akhtar’s family has lived in India for over 40 years, and her son, Basit Maqsood, stated they have no relatives in Pakistan and wish to stay in India, where her son sacrificed his life fighting terrorists. (more)

Trump administration cancels 4,000 student visas over criminal offenses

• The Trump administration has revoked visas of 4,000 international students in its first 100 days, primarily targeting those involved in serious crimes.
• The affected students, mostly from Asia and the Middle East, were implicated in offenses such as arson, assault, robbery, human trafficking, child endangerment, domestic abuse, and DUI.
• Over 90% of the students faced serious charges, with more than 500 accused of assault.
• The initiative, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to enforce immigration laws strictly.
• Some students have already left the US, while others face deportation. This move is part of the administration’s broader immigration enforcement efforts (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan won’t initiate but will respond strongly to any Indian escalation: Dar

• Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned of a strong response if provoked amid rising tensions with India.
• He condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations while accusing India of supporting terrorism in Pakistan.
• Dar questioned the Pahalgam incident’s investigation, citing irregular FIR registration and a lack of evidence linking Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s Stance: Condemns terrorism, denies involvement in the Pahalgam incident, and demands an independent investigation.
• Accusations Against India: India is accused of supporting terrorism in Pakistan, glorifying assassination campaigns, and sponsoring terrorism.
• Tensions and Response: Pakistan warns of a strong response if provoked, emphasizing defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Military Readiness: Pakistan’s armed forces are alert and ready to respond decisively.
• International Mediation: AJK President calls for international mediation to de-escalate the situation.
• Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability while warning of potential consequences if tensions escalate.
• Pakistan criticizes India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it unilateral and illegal.
• The situation remains volatile, with both countries exchanging fire along the Line of Control and engaging in diplomatic efforts to manage tensions.
• Pakistan has shot down Indian drones and detected Rafale fighter jets near the LoC.
• The international community is urged to play a mediating role in Kashmir’s long-term future. (more)

Pak PM seeks US’s help in urging India to ‘dial down Pahalgam attack rhetoric’

• Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested the US’s help in urging India to “dial down its rhetoric” following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
• Sharif, in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accused India of “escalatory and provocative behaviour” and urged the US to impress upon India to “act responsibly”.
• This comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, with India granting its armed forces “complete operational freedom” to respond to the attack.
• Pakistan has warned of a decisive response to any aggression and claims to have “credible intelligence” that India plans to launch a military strike.
• The US has encouraged both countries to de-escalate tensions and cooperate on investigating the attack.
• The situation remains volatile, with both nations engaging in diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis. International attention is focused on preventing further escalation. (more)

Pakistan ISI chief appointed as National Security Adviser

• Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence, Lieutenant Gen Mohd Asim Malik, has been appointed as Pakistan’s new National Security Adviser (NSA), according to media reports.
• Sources confirmed that Lt Gen Malik has been given the NSA position as an additional charge.
• A formal notification regarding his appointment has also been issued.
• He was appointed as the head of the ISI in Sept 2024.
• His latest assignment places him at the centre of Pakistan’s national security policy at a time of heightened regional tensions and evolving internal and external security dynamics. (more)

Bangladesh: Chinmoy Krishna Das granted bail, after more then 5 months detaintion

• The High Court in Bangladesh has granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote, in a sedition case.
• The court, comprising Justice Md Atoar Rahman and Justice Md Ali Reza, passed the order on April 30, 2025.
• Das was arrested on Nov 25, 2024, for allegedly disrespecting the national flag.
• A sedition case was filed against him and 19 others on October 31, 2024. The bail was granted after Das’s lawyer argued that he was ill and suffering in jail without trial. (more)

‘We live in a world constantly threatened by war’, CA Yunus

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of military preparedness while advocating for peace.
• Visiting the Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker, he acknowledged the threat of war globally and the need for readiness.
• Referring to tensions between India and Pakistan, Yunus stressed that war is expensive, but preparation is crucial.
• He honored Air Vice Marshal A K Khandker, a key figure in Bangladesh’s Liberation War, after whom the base was recently renamed.
• Yunus commended the Bangladesh Air Force’s contributions to national security, symbolizing trust and resilience. (more)

Dhaka in touch with Naypyidaw, Arakan Army

• Bangladesh is engaging with Myanmar’s junta govt and the Arakan Army, a non-state actor controlling 80% of Rakhine state, to discuss stability, humanitarian aid, and Rohingya repatriation.
• National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman stated that Bangladesh supports the UN’s humanitarian aid efforts, which could help stabilize Rakhine and facilitate Rohingya repatriation.
• The UN will deliver aid under its supervision, and discussions are ongoing. Bangladesh has agreed in principle to the UN’s proposal for a humanitarian passage with certain conditions.
• The UN office in Bangladesh emphasized that cross-border assistance requires agreement between the two govts.
• With 1.3 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh, the country is working towards a solution, including participation in a high-level UN conference on Rohingyas in New York in September.
• The UN remains concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine (more)