A leader of India's ruling party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), has come under the for his provocative comments on the Muslim community and spoke of exterminating them. A case has been filed against the leader named Manikanta Narendra Rathod.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 30-year-old posted a video on the social media platform Facebook, where he was seen making communal comments that would disrupt the harmony. As the video went viral, it led to public outrage in the Kalaburagi district, police said.&nbsp;In the video, Rathod can be seen making provocative remarks, he was allegedly asking for a complete extermination of the Muslim community and also urged to kill those accused of 'Love Jihad' within 8 days.&nbsp;He was seen speaking Lambani, a language spoken in the tribal region and doesn't have a script of its own. Rathod also said if the police had not come in 15 minutes in Kalaburagi, it would have been a massacre of Muslims.&nbsp;On social media, his video has received a lot of backlash, and people have asked for the leader's immediate arrest. Following Syed Aleem Ilahi's complaint, an FIR was registered at the Central Police Station (CEN Station).&nbsp;Ilahi took to X, to write, "BJP Chitapur MLA Candidate Manikanta Narendra Rathod has once again crossed all limits of hate and provocation. In a shocking video, he openly threatens the Muslim community, blames the entire community for individual crimes, and calls for mass violence, even saying Muslims should be “finished from the root. He further threatens that “on Bakrid, there will be more human corpses than goats” if his demands are not met.&nbsp;He added, "This is not just a statement, it is a clear incitement to genocide. It’s not politics anymore. It’s hate propaganda and terrorism in the name of politics."&nbsp;Kalaburagi Commissioner of Police Sharanappa S D said they are investigating the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A leader of India's ruling party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), has come under the for his provocative comments on the Muslim community and spoke of exterminating them

A leader of India's ruling party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), has come under the for his provocative comments on the Muslim community and spoke of exterminating them. A case has been filed against the leader named Manikanta Narendra Rathod. The 30-year-old posted a video on the social media platform Facebook, where he was seen making communal comments that would disrupt the harmony. As the video went viral, it led to public outrage in the Kalaburagi district, police said. In the video, Rathod can be seen making provocative remarks, he was allegedly asking for a complete extermination of the Muslim community and also urged to kill those accused of 'Love Jihad' within 8 days. He was seen speaking Lambani, a language spoken in the tribal region and doesn't have a script of its own. Rathod also said if the police had not come in 15 minutes in Kalaburagi, it would have been a massacre of Muslims. On social media, his video has received a lot of backlash, and people have asked for the leader's immediate arrest. Following Syed Aleem Ilahi's complaint, an FIR was registered at the Central Police Station (CEN Station). Ilahi took to X, to write, "BJP Chitapur MLA Candidate Manikanta Narendra Rathod has once again crossed all limits of hate and provocation. In a shocking video, he openly threatens the Muslim community, blames the entire community for individual crimes, and calls for mass violence, even saying Muslims should be “finished from the root. He further threatens that “on Bakrid, there will be more human corpses than goats” if his demands are not met. He added, "This is not just a statement, it is a clear incitement to genocide. It’s not politics anymore. It’s hate propaganda and terrorism in the name of politics." Kalaburagi Commissioner of Police Sharanappa S D said they are investigating the matter.

A leader of India's ruling party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), has come under the for his provocative comments on the Muslim community and spoke of exterminating them

'Exterminate them': BJP Karnataka leader stirs communal tension with provocative remarks against Muslim community

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections remained above the ₹2 lakh crore mark (approx. $24.1 billion) for the second consecutive month in May 2025, registering a robust 16.4 per cent year-on-year growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest data, released by the Ministry of Finance, comes just days before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convenes for its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on 4 June.&nbsp;The total GST revenue stood at ₹2.01 lakh crore ($24.1 billion) in May, compared to ₹1.72 lakh crore ($20.6 billion) in May 2024.&nbsp; &nbsp;This follows a record ₹2.37 lakh crore ($28.4 billion) collection in April 2025. Net revenue after refunds amounted to ₹1.74 lakh crore ($20.8 billion), a sharp 20.4 per cent rise from the ₹1.44 lakh crore ($17.2 billion) collected in May last year.<h2>Import-led growth raises questions on consumption patterns</h2>The growth was driven largely by import-related taxes. GST revenue from imports rose 25.2 per cent to ₹51,266 crore ($6.2 billion), while domestic transactions contributed ₹1.50 lakh crore ($18 billion)—up 13.7 per cent from the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Total refunds issued declined 4 per cent to ₹27,210 crore ($3.26 billion).&nbsp;“The 16 per cent growth in GST collections in the month shows a renewed upward momentum after a few months of growth in the range of 11–12 per cent,” Pratik Jain, Partner at Price Waterhouse &amp; Co LLP, told PTI. “If this growth sustains over the next few months, it might provide a cushion for the government to consider rate rationalisation, on which significant groundwork has already been done,” he added.&nbsp;However, experts warn that the growth pattern is not uniform across India. States like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu posted strong collection growth of 17–25 per cent, while states such as Gujarat and Telangana lagged with growth below 6 per cent, according to M S Mani, Partner at Deloitte India, quoted by PTI.&nbsp;“The average growth across the country does not appear to be uniformly reflected across states, possibly due to sectoral or seasonal factors which require deeper, data-based analysis,” Mani said.<h2>Domestic demand lags, import surge continues</h2>Several tax analysts believe the growth is being powered by imports rather than domestic consumption. Vivek Jalan, Partner at Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP, told PTI&nbsp;that while import-related GST rose nearly 73 per cent, domestic revenue growth was modest in comparison. “This, coupled with the fact that export refunds are not growing correspondingly, reflects the fact that import growth far exceeds export growth,” Jalan explained.&nbsp;EY India’s Saurabh Agarwal also told PTI&nbsp;that similar numbers could be seen in June owing to ongoing geopolitical developments impacting global trade flows.<h2>RBI to weigh strong GST data and soft inflation in June MPC meeting</h2>The strong GST collections—an indicator of sustained economic activity—arrive just as the Reserve Bank of India prepares for its rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, scheduled from 4–6 June.&nbsp; Economists widely expect the six-member panel to deliver a 25-basis point rate cut, reducing the repo rate from 6 per cent to 5.75 per cent, in what could be the third consecutive rate cut in 2025. The move is backed by a steep fall in inflation. India’s consumer price index (CPI) dropped to 3.2 per cent in April, the lowest in nearly five years. This aligns well within the RBI’s flexible inflation targeting framework of 4 per cent ± 2 per cent.&nbsp; According to the RBI’s annual report, “The benign inflation outlook and moderate growth warrant monetary policy to be growth supportive, while remaining watchful about rapidly evolving global macroeconomic conditions.” Market participants and lenders are also anticipating a total of 50 basis points in rate cuts for FY26, which would help lower external benchmark lending rates (EBLR) and reduce borrowing costs for home, auto and personal loans.&nbsp; As GST revenues remain strong and inflation eases, the central bank may find ample headroom to support India’s growth trajectory through accommodative monetary policy.&nbsp;

The most recent GST figures, published by the Ministry of Finance, arrive only days ahead of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gathering for its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) session on 4 June.

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections remained above the ₹2 lakh crore mark (approx. $24.1 billion) for the second consecutive month in May 2025, registering a robust 16.4 per cent year-on-year growth. The latest data, released by the Ministry of Finance, comes just days before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) convenes for its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on 4 June. The total GST revenue stood at ₹2.01 lakh crore ($24.1 billion) in May, compared to ₹1.72 lakh crore ($20.6 billion) in May 2024. This follows a record ₹2.37 lakh crore ($28.4 billion) collection in April 2025. Net revenue after refunds amounted to ₹1.74 lakh crore ($20.8 billion), a sharp 20.4 per cent rise from the ₹1.44 lakh crore ($17.2 billion) collected in May last year. Import-led growth raises questions on consumption patterns The growth was driven largely by import-related taxes. GST revenue from imports rose 25.2 per cent to ₹51,266 crore ($6.2 billion), while domestic transactions contributed ₹1.50 lakh crore ($18 billion)—up 13.7 per cent from the previous year. Total refunds issued declined 4 per cent to ₹27,210 crore ($3.26 billion). “The 16 per cent growth in GST collections in the month shows a renewed upward momentum after a few months of growth in the range of 11–12 per cent,” Pratik Jain, Partner at Price Waterhouse & Co LLP, told PTI. “If this growth sustains over the next few months, it might provide a cushion for the government to consider rate rationalisation, on which significant groundwork has already been done,” he added. However, experts warn that the growth pattern is not uniform across India. States like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu posted strong collection growth of 17–25 per cent, while states such as Gujarat and Telangana lagged with growth below 6 per cent, according to M S Mani, Partner at Deloitte India, quoted by PTI. “The average growth across the country does not appear to be uniformly reflected across states, possibly due to sectoral or seasonal factors which require deeper, data-based analysis,” Mani said. Domestic demand lags, import surge continues Several tax analysts believe the growth is being powered by imports rather than domestic consumption. Vivek Jalan, Partner at Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP, told PTI that while import-related GST rose nearly 73 per cent, domestic revenue growth was modest in comparison. “This, coupled with the fact that export refunds are not growing correspondingly, reflects the fact that import growth far exceeds export growth,” Jalan explained. EY India’s Saurabh Agarwal also told PTI that similar numbers could be seen in June owing to ongoing geopolitical developments impacting global trade flows. RBI to weigh strong GST data and soft inflation in June MPC meeting The strong GST collections—an indicator of sustained economic activity—arrive just as the Reserve Bank of India prepares for its rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, scheduled from 4–6 June. Economists widely expect the six-member panel to deliver a 25-basis point rate cut, reducing the repo rate from 6 per cent to 5.75 per cent, in what could be the third consecutive rate cut in 2025. The move is backed by a steep fall in inflation. India’s consumer price index (CPI) dropped to 3.2 per cent in April, the lowest in nearly five years. This aligns well within the RBI’s flexible inflation targeting framework of 4 per cent ± 2 per cent. According to the RBI’s annual report, “The benign inflation outlook and moderate growth warrant monetary policy to be growth supportive, while remaining watchful about rapidly evolving global macroeconomic conditions.” Market participants and lenders are also anticipating a total of 50 basis points in rate cuts for FY26, which would help lower external benchmark lending rates (EBLR) and reduce borrowing costs for home, auto and personal loans. As GST revenues remain strong and inflation eases, the central bank may find ample headroom to support India’s growth trajectory through accommodative monetary policy.

In May 2025, India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections exceeded ₹2 lakh crore (around $24.1 billion) for the second month in a row, showing a strong year-on-year growth of 16.4 percent.

India’s GST collections cross $24 billion in May: What it signals before RBI policy review

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. A man was chased, cornered, and brutally hacked to death with machetes by seven people inside a bakery in the Koppal district of India’s southern state Karnataka over alleged enmity and a property dispute, officials said on Monday. The brutal incident that took place on Saturday night (May 31) was also captured on camera.The chilling murder took place in a bakery close to Sindhanur Circle, less than a kilometre away from the local police station.&nbsp;The CCTV footage shows the victim, identified as 35-year-old Channappa Husenappa Narinal, a daily-wage labourer, being brutally killed in full public view on Saturday night around 10 pm.The victim was seen screaming and running into the bakery to save himself as some people were thrashing him. The footage shows at least two men attacking him with machetes, while one person hit the victim on his head with a wooden log.&nbsp;As the victim was trying to evade the attack, cut marks were seen on his bare upper body. The attackers struck his neck, head, back, and limbs.The victim ran a full circle in the bakery with the accused closely following and slashing him with machetes. A few seconds later, Narinal managed to run out of the bakery but was tackled by two to three men who stabbed him multiple times till he was motionless. All the accused then fled from the crime scene.&nbsp;Karnataka Police arrested seven people, identified as Ravi, Pradeep, two Manjunaths, Nagaraj, Gautam, and Pramod.Preliminary investigation suggested that an old enmity and a property dispute led to the murder.Senior officials visited the crime spot to assess the situation and probe, and a manhunt has been launched to arrest more people involved in the brutal killing.&nbsp;The police filed a case against all the accused under charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and aiding a crime with common intention.&nbsp; &nbsp;The police believe the attack was premeditated and was a result of an old property dispute.

The victim ran a full circle in the bakery with the accused closely following and slashing him with machetes. A few seconds later, Narinal managed to run out of the bakery but was tackled by two to three men who stabbed him multiple times until he was motionless.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. A man was chased, cornered, and brutally hacked to death with machetes by seven people inside a bakery in the Koppal district of India’s southern state Karnataka over alleged enmity and a property dispute, officials said on Monday. The brutal incident that took place on Saturday night (May 31) was also captured on camera. The chilling murder took place in a bakery close to Sindhanur Circle, less than a kilometre away from the local police station. The CCTV footage shows the victim, identified as 35-year-old Channappa Husenappa Narinal, a daily-wage labourer, being brutally killed in full public view on Saturday night around 10 pm. The victim was seen screaming and running into the bakery to save himself as some people were thrashing him. The footage shows at least two men attacking him with machetes, while one person hit the victim on his head with a wooden log. As the victim was trying to evade the attack, cut marks were seen on his bare upper body. The attackers struck his neck, head, back, and limbs. The victim ran a full circle in the bakery with the accused closely following and slashing him with machetes. A few seconds later, Narinal managed to run out of the bakery but was tackled by two to three men who stabbed him multiple times till he was motionless. All the accused then fled from the crime scene. Karnataka Police arrested seven people, identified as Ravi, Pradeep, two Manjunaths, Nagaraj, Gautam, and Pramod. Preliminary investigation suggested that an old enmity and a property dispute led to the murder. Senior officials visited the crime spot to assess the situation and probe, and a manhunt has been launched to arrest more people involved in the brutal killing. The police filed a case against all the accused under charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and aiding a crime with common intention. The police believe the attack was premeditated and was a result of an old property dispute.

The victim ran a full circle in the bakery with the accused closely following and slashing him with machetes. A few seconds later, Narinal managed to run out of the bakery but was tackled by two to three men who stabbed him multiple times until he was motionless.

Man hacked to death with machetes in Karnataka bakery, murder captured on CCTV; 7 arrested

A 22-year-old Tanzanian naval cadet is suspected to have drowned in the Kochi backwaters in southern India's Kerala on Sunday (Jun 1) evening. This incident was completely unrelated to his naval training and happened as the cadet reportedly went for a swim in the backwaters at a time when the southwest monsoon conditions were active in the region. The officer cadet, during his one-month break, was holidaying in Kochi city and was supposed to return to his home country afterwards. Naval diving teams have launched a thorough search and rescue operation.The incident took place around 5:30 pm, Sunday. It is said that the Tanzanian cadet had jumped into the backwaters, swum a few times and returned. Later, he again jumped in for a swim but went missing. The backwaters in Kochi are known for strong undercurrents.The cadet was a trainee at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kannur, about 300 km north of Kochi. The Indian Naval Academy, which is Asia's largest, offers ab initio training for the officer cadets of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. As part of India's military diplomacy, cadets from friendly foreign nations are also trained at the INA."An incident of accidental fall of an international trainee in the Ernakulam channel was reported at 1730hrs on 1st Jun 2025. The international trainee was undergoing training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. During the preliminary investigation, it has been ascertained that the trainee was on leave at Kochi en route to his country. A thorough search and Rescupe Ops has been launched in the area by Naval diving teams," read a statement from the Defence Spokesperson, Kochi . &nbsp;

 The officer cadet, during his one-month break, was holidaying in Kochi city and was supposed to return to his home country afterwards. Naval diving teams have launched a thorough search and rescue operation.

A 22-year-old Tanzanian naval cadet is suspected to have drowned in the Kochi backwaters in southern India's Kerala on Sunday (Jun 1) evening. This incident was completely unrelated to his naval training and happened as the cadet reportedly went for a swim in the backwaters at a time when the southwest monsoon conditions were active in the region. The officer cadet, during his one-month break, was holidaying in Kochi city and was supposed to return to his home country afterwards. Naval diving teams have launched a thorough search and rescue operation. The incident took place around 5:30 pm, Sunday. It is said that the Tanzanian cadet had jumped into the backwaters, swum a few times and returned. Later, he again jumped in for a swim but went missing. The backwaters in Kochi are known for strong undercurrents. The cadet was a trainee at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kannur, about 300 km north of Kochi. The Indian Naval Academy, which is Asia's largest, offers ab initio training for the officer cadets of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. As part of India's military diplomacy, cadets from friendly foreign nations are also trained at the INA. "An incident of accidental fall of an international trainee in the Ernakulam channel was reported at 1730hrs on 1st Jun 2025. The international trainee was undergoing training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. During the preliminary investigation, it has been ascertained that the trainee was on leave at Kochi en route to his country. A thorough search and Rescupe Ops has been launched in the area by Naval diving teams," read a statement from the Defence Spokesperson, Kochi .

&nbsp;The officer cadet, during his one-month break, was holidaying in Kochi city and was supposed to return to his home country afterwards. Naval diving teams have launched a thorough search and rescue operation.

Tanzanian Naval cadet drowns in Kochi backwaters; search ops underway

Several areas in Delhi-NCR were hit by a massive dust storm, and then heavy rain lashed parts of the national capital on Sunday (June 1), bringing respite from heat at the peak of summer.&nbsp;A forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted dust or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning in Delhi on Sunday.The heavy rain has made the weather pleasant in Delhi and the surrounding areas of the national capital region. People who had been enduring intense heat in summer have finally got significant relief.&nbsp;The minimum temperature of the national capital region on Sunday was recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees above the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).&nbsp; &nbsp;The IMD predicted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunder and lightning during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 38 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity in NCR was recorded at 56 per cent.&nbsp;As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality was recorded in the “moderate” category at 9 am on Sunday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198. According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’. &nbsp;Earlier, on Saturday, rain lashed parts of Delhi and NCR as the weather department issued an orange alert, warning of downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.&nbsp;&nbsp;A temperature drop of up to 9 degrees Celsius from normal was witnessed in Delhi after rain and thunderstorms on Saturday. The national capital has witnessed record rainfall that has provided respite from the heatwave conditions that are normally prevalent in the month of May.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi: Rain lashes parts of the national capital Take a look! (Source: ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MonsoonMayhem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MonsoonMayhem</a> <a href="https://t.co/Chzytys870">pic.twitter.com/Chzytys870</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1929151708762153096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The minimum temperature of the national capital region on Sunday was recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees above the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

Several areas in Delhi-NCR were hit by a massive dust storm, and then heavy rain lashed parts of the national capital on Sunday (June 1), bringing respite from heat at the peak of summer. A forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted dust or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning in Delhi on Sunday. The heavy rain has made the weather pleasant in Delhi and the surrounding areas of the national capital region. People who had been enduring intense heat in summer have finally got significant relief. The minimum temperature of the national capital region on Sunday was recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees above the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD predicted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of thunder and lightning during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 38 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity in NCR was recorded at 56 per cent. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality was recorded in the “moderate” category at 9 am on Sunday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198. According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’. Earlier, on Saturday, rain lashed parts of Delhi and NCR as the weather department issued an orange alert, warning of downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. A temperature drop of up to 9 degrees Celsius from normal was witnessed in Delhi after rain and thunderstorms on Saturday. The national capital has witnessed record rainfall that has provided respite from the heatwave conditions that are normally prevalent in the month of May.

The minimum temperature of the national capital region on Sunday was recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees above the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).&nbsp;

Rain lashes Delhi-NCR after dust storm, brings respite from heat

Consumers in India’s aviation and hospitality sectors received much-needed relief on Sunday as jet fuel and commercial LPG prices were cut for the third consecutive month.&nbsp;&nbsp;The revision reportedly comes amid a persistent decline in global crude benchmarks, signalling broader shifts in the international oil economy and easing cost pressures for fuel-reliant industries. &nbsp;According to a PTI-cited report, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in India were slashed by 2.82 per cent, or ₹2,414.25 per kilolitre (~$28.90), bringing the price in Delhi down to ₹83,072.55 per kl (~$995).&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly, the price of commercial LPG, used extensively in hotels and restaurants, was reduced by ₹24 per 19-kg cylinder (~$0.29), with revised prices now at ₹1,723.50 in Delhi (~$20.63) and ₹1,647.50 in Mumbai (~$19.72).<h2>What it means for flyers, food businesses, and fuel consumers in India</h2>This downward revision is expected to reduce operational costs for Indian airlines, where fuel makes up nearly 40 per cent of total expenditure.&nbsp; &nbsp;With travel peaking during the summer holiday season, this move could improve margins for airlines or potentially lead to lower fares, though no official comment has been issued by carriers so far. &nbsp;In the hospitality and food services sector, the cut in commercial LPG prices will bring some cost relief to restaurants, cafés, and catering units across India that continue to battle inflationary pressures and volatile demand cycles.&nbsp;According to PTI, the ATF price cuts in April (6.15 per cent), May (4.4 per cent) and now June (2.82 per cent) have collectively rolled back most of the fuel price hikes from early 2024, marking a welcome breather for the aviation sector.<h2>Global Trade tension weighs on oil demand outlook</h2>While Indian consumers are seeing local benefits, the root of these price cuts lies in a softening of global crude oil benchmarks, which have dipped due to a dampened demand outlook.&nbsp;&nbsp;As PTI notes, “international oil prices have softened in the last couple of months as the global trade war eroded the outlook for fuel demand.”&nbsp;Escalating trade tensions between major economies, especially China and the US along with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties have pushed down global oil prices, allowing oil-importing countries like India to pass on the benefits.<h2>Retail fuel prices remain unchanged for Indian households</h2>Despite these cuts, domestic LPG prices in India remain unchanged, holding at ₹853 per 14.2-kg cylinder (~$10.21). In fact, April saw a ₹50 hike (~$0.60) in household LPG rates, a cost still being borne by Indian households.&nbsp;Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices have been frozen since a ₹2 per litre cut (~$0.024) in March 2024, ahead of the general elections.&nbsp; &nbsp;Petrol continues to retail at ₹94.72 per litre (~$1.13) in Delhi, while diesel is priced at ₹87.62 (~$1.05). &nbsp;State-run fuel retailers, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), adjust prices of ATF and LPG on the first of every month, based on global fuel averages and currency exchange rate, as per PTI.&nbsp; &nbsp;Prices still vary from state to state depending on local VAT and taxes. &nbsp;The three consecutive cuts in jet fuel and LPG prices signal temporary relief, but analysts warn of continued volatility in the global oil markets.&nbsp; &nbsp;With Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, demand stagnation in China, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the outlook for stable oil prices remains uncertain. &nbsp;Nonetheless, Indian businesses, especially those in aviation, logistics, and hospitality are seeing tangible gains from the ongoing softness in global energy markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether this turns into sustained consumer relief or merely a temporary dip before another rally will depend on global policy moves and geopolitical shifts in the months ahead.&nbsp;

The cut coincides with lessening cost constraints on industries that depend on gasoline and more significant changes in the global oil industry.

Consumers in India’s aviation and hospitality sectors received much-needed relief on Sunday as jet fuel and commercial LPG prices were cut for the third consecutive month. The revision reportedly comes amid a persistent decline in global crude benchmarks, signalling broader shifts in the international oil economy and easing cost pressures for fuel-reliant industries. According to a PTI-cited report, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in India were slashed by 2.82 per cent, or ₹2,414.25 per kilolitre (~$28.90), bringing the price in Delhi down to ₹83,072.55 per kl (~$995). Similarly, the price of commercial LPG, used extensively in hotels and restaurants, was reduced by ₹24 per 19-kg cylinder (~$0.29), with revised prices now at ₹1,723.50 in Delhi (~$20.63) and ₹1,647.50 in Mumbai (~$19.72). What it means for flyers, food businesses, and fuel consumers in India This downward revision is expected to reduce operational costs for Indian airlines, where fuel makes up nearly 40 per cent of total expenditure. With travel peaking during the summer holiday season, this move could improve margins for airlines or potentially lead to lower fares, though no official comment has been issued by carriers so far. In the hospitality and food services sector, the cut in commercial LPG prices will bring some cost relief to restaurants, cafés, and catering units across India that continue to battle inflationary pressures and volatile demand cycles. According to PTI, the ATF price cuts in April (6.15 per cent), May (4.4 per cent) and now June (2.82 per cent) have collectively rolled back most of the fuel price hikes from early 2024, marking a welcome breather for the aviation sector. Global Trade tension weighs on oil demand outlook While Indian consumers are seeing local benefits, the root of these price cuts lies in a softening of global crude oil benchmarks, which have dipped due to a dampened demand outlook. As PTI notes, “international oil prices have softened in the last couple of months as the global trade war eroded the outlook for fuel demand.” Escalating trade tensions between major economies, especially China and the US along with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties have pushed down global oil prices, allowing oil-importing countries like India to pass on the benefits. Retail fuel prices remain unchanged for Indian households Despite these cuts, domestic LPG prices in India remain unchanged, holding at ₹853 per 14.2-kg cylinder (~$10.21). In fact, April saw a ₹50 hike (~$0.60) in household LPG rates, a cost still being borne by Indian households. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices have been frozen since a ₹2 per litre cut (~$0.024) in March 2024, ahead of the general elections. Petrol continues to retail at ₹94.72 per litre (~$1.13) in Delhi, while diesel is priced at ₹87.62 (~$1.05). State-run fuel retailers, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), adjust prices of ATF and LPG on the first of every month, based on global fuel averages and currency exchange rate, as per PTI. Prices still vary from state to state depending on local VAT and taxes. The three consecutive cuts in jet fuel and LPG prices signal temporary relief, but analysts warn of continued volatility in the global oil markets. With Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, demand stagnation in China, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the outlook for stable oil prices remains uncertain. Nonetheless, Indian businesses, especially those in aviation, logistics, and hospitality are seeing tangible gains from the ongoing softness in global energy markets. Whether this turns into sustained consumer relief or merely a temporary dip before another rally will depend on global policy moves and geopolitical shifts in the months ahead.

Following a drop in global crude benchmarks, jet fuel and commercial LPG costs in India's aviation and hospitality industries fell 3.2% for the third consecutive month.&nbsp;

Jet fuel and LPG prices in India slashed as global oil tension continues to rise

Sharmishta Panoli, a Social media influencer was arrested by the Kolkata police from Gurugram in Haryana on Friday (May 30) night. The arrest was made for allegedly uploading a video &nbsp;on social media that had communal overtones.&nbsp;In the video that went viral, Panoli allegedly made communal remarks while accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor. According to the police, her video “derogatory and disrespectful" in nature was aimed at a particular religious community.&nbsp;Later, Panoli, after facing backlash with many users even writing threatening comments on Instagram, deleted the video social media and issued an apology.&nbsp;However, a complaint had already been lodged against her in Kolkata and notices were issued to her and her family.&nbsp;When repeated attempts to serve legal notices failed, the Kolkata police approached the court and a warrant was issued against Panoli and she was arrested.&nbsp;Panoli was produced before the Alipore CJM Court which sent her to judicial custody for two weeks.&nbsp;Who is Sharmishta Panoli?&nbsp;Sharmishtha Panoli is 22 years of age and studies law at the Pune Law University. She has been active on social media for a while and has a strong following on her Instagram. Her public Instagram handle has over 93k followers.&nbsp;On 14 May 2025, she posted a video in response to a Pakistani social media user questioning India's position on the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people based on their religion.&nbsp;In the clip, that went viral Panoli criticised Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent on Operation Sindoor that India carried out against terror camps in Pakistan.&nbsp;After facing backlash Panoli deleted the video and wrote, “I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody. So anybody is hurt, I'm sorry… Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public posts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the video that went viral, Panoli allegedly made communal remarks while accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor.

Sharmishta Panoli, a Social media influencer was arrested by the Kolkata police from Gurugram in Haryana on Friday (May 30) night. The arrest was made for allegedly uploading a video on social media that had communal overtones. In the video that went viral, Panoli allegedly made communal remarks while accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor. According to the police, her video “derogatory and disrespectful" in nature was aimed at a particular religious community. Later, Panoli, after facing backlash with many users even writing threatening comments on Instagram, deleted the video social media and issued an apology. However, a complaint had already been lodged against her in Kolkata and notices were issued to her and her family. When repeated attempts to serve legal notices failed, the Kolkata police approached the court and a warrant was issued against Panoli and she was arrested. Panoli was produced before the Alipore CJM Court which sent her to judicial custody for two weeks. Who is Sharmishta Panoli? Sharmishtha Panoli is 22 years of age and studies law at the Pune Law University. She has been active on social media for a while and has a strong following on her Instagram. Her public Instagram handle has over 93k followers. On 14 May 2025, she posted a video in response to a Pakistani social media user questioning India's position on the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people based on their religion. In the clip, that went viral Panoli criticised Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent on Operation Sindoor that India carried out against terror camps in Pakistan. After facing backlash Panoli deleted the video and wrote, “I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody. So anybody is hurt, I'm sorry… Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public posts.”

In the video that went viral, Panoli allegedly made communal remarks while accusing Bollywood actors of remaining silent on Operation Sindoor.

Who is Sharmishta Panoli, the social media influencer arrested for her video on Operation Sindoor?

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also a part of the Modi government's anti-terror all-party delegation to foreign countries has again come out hard at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism.&nbsp;Addressing the Indian community in Algeria as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, Owaisi &nbsp;said Pakistan gave special treatment to the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, while he was in jail.&nbsp;He went a step further and said, Lakhvi had become a father while officially being incarcerated in Pakistan.&nbsp;"There was this one terrorist called Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi – no country in the world would allow a terrorist who’s facing a terror charge (come out of jail). But he became a father to a son while sitting in prison. However, the trial progressed immediately when Pakistan was put on the Grey List (of FATF)," said Owaisi.&nbsp;The Hyderabad MP also urged world leaders to bring Pakistan back to the FATF Grey list, while calling it the epicentre of Takfirism - a concept in which fellow Muslims are declared kafirs, leading to their excommunication and often resulting in violence.&nbsp;“Pakistan is the epicentre of Takfirism and there is no difference in ideology between the terrorist groups in Pakistan and Daesh and Al-Qaeda. They believe that they have a religious sanction, which is completely wrong. Islam does not allow the killing of any person, and unfortunately, that is their ideology," he said.&nbsp;“Once you bring Pakistan back in the Grey List, we will see a decrease in terrorism in India. We’ll see killings coming down. We have the 2018 experience when Algeria and other countries helped India,” he added.&nbsp;Pakistan had been in the Financial Action Task Force Grey list three times — from 2008 to 2010, 2012 to 2015 and from 2018 to 2022. However, in 2022 Pakistan was removed from the Grey list. But India is now advocating putting Pakistan back on the list after 26 people were killed in Pahalgam on April 22 by terrorists having links to Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hyderabad MP also urged world leaders to bring Pakistan back to the FATF Grey list, while calling it the epicentre of Takfirism.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who is also a part of the Modi government's anti-terror all-party delegation to foreign countries has again come out hard at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. Addressing the Indian community in Algeria as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, Owaisi said Pakistan gave special treatment to the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, while he was in jail. He went a step further and said, Lakhvi had become a father while officially being incarcerated in Pakistan. "There was this one terrorist called Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi – no country in the world would allow a terrorist who’s facing a terror charge (come out of jail). But he became a father to a son while sitting in prison. However, the trial progressed immediately when Pakistan was put on the Grey List (of FATF)," said Owaisi. The Hyderabad MP also urged world leaders to bring Pakistan back to the FATF Grey list, while calling it the epicentre of Takfirism - a concept in which fellow Muslims are declared kafirs, leading to their excommunication and often resulting in violence. “Pakistan is the epicentre of Takfirism and there is no difference in ideology between the terrorist groups in Pakistan and Daesh and Al-Qaeda. They believe that they have a religious sanction, which is completely wrong. Islam does not allow the killing of any person, and unfortunately, that is their ideology," he said. “Once you bring Pakistan back in the Grey List, we will see a decrease in terrorism in India. We’ll see killings coming down. We have the 2018 experience when Algeria and other countries helped India,” he added. Pakistan had been in the Financial Action Task Force Grey list three times — from 2008 to 2010, 2012 to 2015 and from 2018 to 2022. However, in 2022 Pakistan was removed from the Grey list. But India is now advocating putting Pakistan back on the list after 26 people were killed in Pahalgam on April 22 by terrorists having links to Pakistan.

The Hyderabad MP also urged world leaders to bring Pakistan back to the FATF Grey list, while calling it the epicentre of Takfirism.

'Terrorist Lakhvi became father sitting in Pakistani prison': Owaisi exposes Pak sponsored terrorism in Algeria

As the monsoon arrives in various parts of India, several areas in Assam, Kerala, and other places have become waterlogged due to heavy rainfall.<h2>Guwahati faces severe waterlogging</h2>In Assam's Guwahati, severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall has started affecting normal life. On Saturday (May 31), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that in the last 24 hours, at least five people, including children, have died as the rainfall triggered landslides in the Kamrup area.As per the ASDMA, the preliminary report suggests that urban flooding had impacted three districts – Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Dakar--impacting five revenue circles and around 10,150 people. Meanwhile, three landslide incidents were also reported in the span of 24 hours. The agency has warned that continued downpours in Guwahati could lead to waterlogging, slow traffic movement, and increased risk of trees falling and localised landslides.<h2>Heavy rain lashes Kerala</h2>Heavy rains on Friday (May 30) have increased the water level of the Kakkad river, leading to waterlogging in parts of the coastal city, reports ANI.A red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on Saturday (May 31). An orange alert was issued for the rest of the districts.Strong winds and rainfall are expected to persist for the next two to three days. In a statement, the IMD said, "Strong westerlies likely to continue at lower tropospheric levels over Kerala and the Lakshadweep region during the next 2-3 days. Under the influence of these, widespread rainfall activity with scattered Heavy rainfall to Very Heavy rainfall with isolated Extremely Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur over Kerala on 29th &amp; 30th May 2025. Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over Kerala on 31st May, 1st and 2nd June 2025."<h2>Red alert issue in Sikkim</h2>Meanwhile, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, IMD issued a red alert on Saturday as heavy rains raised the water level in the Teesta River to potentially dangerous levels.The Indian weather agency has warned of possible floods and landslides in Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts.Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, and emergency services have been activated. In anticipation of unforeseen emergencies, disaster response teams have also been put on standby in all affected districts.

On Saturday (May 31), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that in the last 24 hours, at least five people, including children, have died as the rainfall triggered landslides in the Kamrup area.

As the monsoon arrives in various parts of India, several areas in Assam, Kerala, and other places have become waterlogged due to heavy rainfall. Guwahati faces severe waterlogging In Assam's Guwahati, severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall has started affecting normal life. On Saturday (May 31), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that in the last 24 hours, at least five people, including children, have died as the rainfall triggered landslides in the Kamrup area. As per the ASDMA, the preliminary report suggests that urban flooding had impacted three districts – Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Dakar--impacting five revenue circles and around 10,150 people. Meanwhile, three landslide incidents were also reported in the span of 24 hours. The agency has warned that continued downpours in Guwahati could lead to waterlogging, slow traffic movement, and increased risk of trees falling and localised landslides. Heavy rain lashes Kerala Heavy rains on Friday (May 30) have increased the water level of the Kakkad river, leading to waterlogging in parts of the coastal city, reports ANI. A red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on Saturday (May 31). An orange alert was issued for the rest of the districts. Strong winds and rainfall are expected to persist for the next two to three days. In a statement, the IMD said, "Strong westerlies likely to continue at lower tropospheric levels over Kerala and the Lakshadweep region during the next 2-3 days. Under the influence of these, widespread rainfall activity with scattered Heavy rainfall to Very Heavy rainfall with isolated Extremely Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur over Kerala on 29th & 30th May 2025. Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over Kerala on 31st May, 1st and 2nd June 2025." Red alert issue in Sikkim Meanwhile, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, IMD issued a red alert on Saturday as heavy rains raised the water level in the Teesta River to potentially dangerous levels. The Indian weather agency has warned of possible floods and landslides in Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, and emergency services have been activated. In anticipation of unforeseen emergencies, disaster response teams have also been put on standby in all affected districts.

On Saturday (May 31), the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that in the last 24 hours, at least five people, including children, have died as the rainfall triggered landslides in the Kamrup area.

India's monsoon wreaks havoc: 5 dead in Assam, red alerts in Kerala and Sikkim

The Indian military has confirmed the loss of fighter jets in its recent standoff with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were gunned down.&nbsp;General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces confirmed the news in an interview to Bloomberg at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (May 31).&nbsp;Speaking to the Bloomberg TV, General Anil Chauhan without giving the number of fighter jets downed in clashes with Pakistan in May, said “What is important is that, not the jet being down, but why they were being down."&nbsp;Calling the Pakistan's claims of shooting down six Indian warplanes “absolutely incorrect,” he further said, “The good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and flew all our jets again, targeting at long range."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India’s military confirmed for the first time that it lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan in May. Anil Chauhan, chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces, spoke to Bloomberg TV on Saturday, while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in… <a href="https://t.co/9y3GW6WJfn">pic.twitter.com/9y3GW6WJfn</a>&mdash; Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/BloombergTV/status/1928710859389391158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is not the first time India has refuted Pakistan's claims of downing 6 Indian fighter jets during the recent standoff.&nbsp;On May 11, in a press briefing of the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Air Marshal AK Bharti had said, "We are in a combat situation, there will be losses... question should be, have we achieved our objective, to target terror camps? The answer is a thumping yes. All our pilots are back home'."

General Anil Chauhan called the claims made by Pakistan of shooting down six Indian fighter planes absolutely incorrect.

The Indian military has confirmed the loss of fighter jets in its recent standoff with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were gunned down. General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces confirmed the news in an interview to Bloomberg at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (May 31). Speaking to the Bloomberg TV, General Anil Chauhan without giving the number of fighter jets downed in clashes with Pakistan in May, said “What is important is that, not the jet being down, but why they were being down." Calling the Pakistan's claims of shooting down six Indian warplanes “absolutely incorrect,” he further said, “The good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and flew all our jets again, targeting at long range."

General Anil Chauhan called the claims made by Pakistan of shooting down six Indian fighter planes "absolutely incorrect."

Operation Sindoor: India dismisses claims Pakistan downed six fighter jets, but confirms losses

India is seeing an uptick in COVID 19 cases in the last few weeks. According to the latest data released by the ministry of health and family welfare, active Covid cases in the country have climbed to 2,710, as of May 30. This is a rise of 511 new cases from the previous day.&nbsp;A total of seven deaths have also been recorded, which puts the toll at 22 since January 1, 2025, to 22, as per the ministry of health and family welfare data.&nbsp;Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are the worst hit with 1,147 of the total Covid cases being registered in Kerala alone. While the number for Maharashtra is 424 and Delhi 294, followed by Gujarat that has registered 223 active cases.&nbsp;Other states where Covid cases are rising are Tamil Nadu (148 cases), Karnataka (148) and West Bengal 116 cases.&nbsp;In total 22 deaths have also been reported across the country since January 2025. Maharashtra, with 7 deaths has recorded the highest numbers, followed by Kerala where five people have died due to Covid. The national capital has recorded 2 deaths.&nbsp;While &nbsp;a total of 1,170 people have been either been cured or discharged for Covid during the same period.&nbsp;The sudden surge of Covid-19 cases in India has prompted several states to strengthen their monitoring systems.&nbsp;JN.1 variant more contagious than earlier variants?&nbsp;In India the JN.1 variant is the most dominant one leading to over 50 per cent of the total cases reported.&nbsp;According to researchers and scientists, the JN.1 variant is more contagious than previous variants as it targets the nose and throat reported the Times of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;As it affects the upper respiratory tract, oral secretions as droplets spread the infection as they carry enough viral load.&nbsp;However, there is no indication that the virus is more transmissible or causes more severe disease compared to earlier Covid &nbsp;variants.&nbsp;Is the fresh Covid surge concerning?&nbsp;Though, the COVID 19 cases have been increasing, it is not as high as the last two years. However, the recent cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months.&nbsp;&nbsp;There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months. &nbsp;

Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are the worst hit with Kerala recording the highest number of COVID 19 cases

India is seeing an uptick in COVID 19 cases in the last few weeks. According to the latest data released by the ministry of health and family welfare, active Covid cases in the country have climbed to 2,710, as of May 30. This is a rise of 511 new cases from the previous day. A total of seven deaths have also been recorded, which puts the toll at 22 since January 1, 2025, to 22, as per the ministry of health and family welfare data. Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are the worst hit with 1,147 of the total Covid cases being registered in Kerala alone. While the number for Maharashtra is 424 and Delhi 294, followed by Gujarat that has registered 223 active cases. Other states where Covid cases are rising are Tamil Nadu (148 cases), Karnataka (148) and West Bengal 116 cases. In total 22 deaths have also been reported across the country since January 2025. Maharashtra, with 7 deaths has recorded the highest numbers, followed by Kerala where five people have died due to Covid. The national capital has recorded 2 deaths. While a total of 1,170 people have been either been cured or discharged for Covid during the same period. The sudden surge of Covid-19 cases in India has prompted several states to strengthen their monitoring systems. JN.1 variant more contagious than earlier variants? In India the JN.1 variant is the most dominant one leading to over 50 per cent of the total cases reported. According to researchers and scientists, the JN.1 variant is more contagious than previous variants as it targets the nose and throat reported the Times of India. As it affects the upper respiratory tract, oral secretions as droplets spread the infection as they carry enough viral load. However, there is no indication that the virus is more transmissible or causes more severe disease compared to earlier Covid variants. Is the fresh Covid surge concerning? Though, the COVID 19 cases have been increasing, it is not as high as the last two years. However, the recent cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months. There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months.

Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are the worst hit with Kerala recording the highest number of COVID 19 cases

COVID 19 cases in India near 3k, toll rises to 22 with Kerala reporting highest numbers

Sixty-seven people have died in India's Karnataka as heavy rainfall, 150 per cent above normal levels, floods the state. The alarming data was revealed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a review meeting on Friday (May 30).<h2>Above normal rainfall</h2>Karnataka, during the pre-monsoon (between March and May), usually gets 108 mm of rainfall. However, this year, until May 29, the southwest Indian state saw 270&nbsp;mm of rainfall, about 150 per cent above normal rainfall.During the review meeting with all district commissioners and Zilla Panchayat chief executives, Siddaramaiah noted that all 31 districts of Karnataka received above-normal showers. "Rainfall in the month of May is the highest in 125 years", he said.The high rainfall has impacted a total of 2,252 villages, leading to flooding and landslides; around 1,702 houses have been damaged. Siddaramaiah told the review meeting that ample funds were available to "compensate for house damages"."There's no shortage of funds to compensate for house damages. There's Rs 1,000 crore available under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF)," he said.The Karnataka CM promised ₹1.25 lakh compensation for families who have lost their houses to the rainfall."For homes that are completely damaged, the government will provide a compensation of Rs 1.25 lakh. Such families will get a new house built for them, for which DCs need to take the initiative," he said.The Indian state has gram panchayat-level task forces to lead natural disaster relief work. Siddaramaiah said that "If all of them work in tandem, precautionary measures can be taken".Directing DCs and CEOs to visit affected areas and oversee relief efforts, he warned them that action would be taken if they were tardy in clearing lake encroachments. Karnataka has 41,849 lakes, of which 14,533 are under encroachment, reports Deccan Herald."Despite having directed in the previous meeting that all lakes must be surveyed to identify encroachments, the progress achieved is below expectation," Siddaramaiah said. "Clearing encroachments would result in easy flow of water," he said.

Karnataka, during the pre-monsoon (between March and May), usually gets 108 mm of rainfall. However, this year, until May 29, the southwest Indian state saw 270 mm of rainfall, about 150 per cent above normal rainfall.

Sixty-seven people have died in India's Karnataka as heavy rainfall, 150 per cent above normal levels, floods the state. The alarming data was revealed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a review meeting on Friday (May 30). Above normal rainfall Karnataka, during the pre-monsoon (between March and May), usually gets 108 mm of rainfall. However, this year, until May 29, the southwest Indian state saw 270 mm of rainfall, about 150 per cent above normal rainfall. During the review meeting with all district commissioners and Zilla Panchayat chief executives, Siddaramaiah noted that all 31 districts of Karnataka received above-normal showers. "Rainfall in the month of May is the highest in 125 years", he said. The high rainfall has impacted a total of 2,252 villages, leading to flooding and landslides; around 1,702 houses have been damaged. Siddaramaiah told the review meeting that ample funds were available to "compensate for house damages". "There's no shortage of funds to compensate for house damages. There's Rs 1,000 crore available under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF)," he said. The Karnataka CM promised ₹1.25 lakh compensation for families who have lost their houses to the rainfall. "For homes that are completely damaged, the government will provide a compensation of Rs 1.25 lakh. Such families will get a new house built for them, for which DCs need to take the initiative," he said. The Indian state has gram panchayat-level task forces to lead natural disaster relief work. Siddaramaiah said that "If all of them work in tandem, precautionary measures can be taken". Directing DCs and CEOs to visit affected areas and oversee relief efforts, he warned them that action would be taken if they were tardy in clearing lake encroachments. Karnataka has 41,849 lakes, of which 14,533 are under encroachment, reports Deccan Herald. "Despite having directed in the previous meeting that all lakes must be surveyed to identify encroachments, the progress achieved is below expectation," Siddaramaiah said. "Clearing encroachments would result in easy flow of water," he said.

Karnataka, during the pre-monsoon (between March and May), usually gets 108 mm of rainfall. However, this year, until May 29, the southwest Indian state saw 270&nbsp;mm of rainfall, about 150 per cent above normal rainfall.

Karnataka rains: 67 dead as state receives 150% above normal rainfall

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir on Friday (May 30), while addressing the families of those who succumbed to Pakistani shelling, he said the government will construct more bunkers to safeguard border villages.&nbsp;As India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan engaged in cross-border firing. During these shellings, the people from border villages had to pay the price, and what ensued led to casualties on both sides of the border.&nbsp;Shah spoke of building more bunkers to safeguard villagers residing in border areas, he said, “More than 9,500 bunkers were constructed in the border areas, and these bunkers played a major role in protecting the lives of the people. Many more will be built by the central government.”&nbsp;A fortnight after the Pahalgam attack when Pakistan did not take any action against the terror camps, India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. "We have sent a message that India will not tolerate any attack on innocent civilians or Indian armed forces, and every attack will be responded to with more precision and accuracy," the Home Minister assured.&nbsp;He continued, "Pakistan targeted the civilian areas in J&amp;K, and Poonch suffered the most damage. For the first time, firing was done on Poonch post-independence. The entire world is condemning the attack by Pakistan. The Indian armed forces gave a befitting reply by destroying nine Pakistani air bases and as a result, they had to come forward for a ceasefire."&nbsp;"This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of the crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation. We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists." In his address, he assured the families of security with government jobs but that in no way can compensate for the void in their lives. He said, "This is a sign that the J&amp;K government, central government and the nation's sentiments are with you."

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir on Friday (May 30), while addressing the families of those who succumbed to Pakistani shelling, he said the government will construct more bunkers to safeguard border villages.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir on Friday (May 30), while addressing the families of those who succumbed to Pakistani shelling, he said the government will construct more bunkers to safeguard border villages. As India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan engaged in cross-border firing. During these shellings, the people from border villages had to pay the price, and what ensued led to casualties on both sides of the border. Shah spoke of building more bunkers to safeguard villagers residing in border areas, he said, “More than 9,500 bunkers were constructed in the border areas, and these bunkers played a major role in protecting the lives of the people. Many more will be built by the central government.” A fortnight after the Pahalgam attack when Pakistan did not take any action against the terror camps, India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. "We have sent a message that India will not tolerate any attack on innocent civilians or Indian armed forces, and every attack will be responded to with more precision and accuracy," the Home Minister assured. He continued, "Pakistan targeted the civilian areas in J&K, and Poonch suffered the most damage. For the first time, firing was done on Poonch post-independence. The entire world is condemning the attack by Pakistan. The Indian armed forces gave a befitting reply by destroying nine Pakistani air bases and as a result, they had to come forward for a ceasefire." "This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of the crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation. We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists." In his address, he assured the families of security with government jobs but that in no way can compensate for the void in their lives. He said, "This is a sign that the J&K government, central government and the nation's sentiments are with you."

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir on Friday (May 30), while addressing the families of those who succumbed to Pakistani shelling, he said the government will construct more bunkers to safeguard border villages.

'More bunkers will be built to safeguard border villages': Amit Shah assures

India's economic growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) has significantly slowed, with GDP expanding by only 6.5 per cent, the weakest pace in four years.&nbsp;&nbsp;This decline from the previous year’s 9.2 per cent reflects a combination of domestic challenges, including fiscal stress, slower consumer spending, and external economic pressures. The government has faced difficulties in meeting its fiscal targets, and quarterly growth numbers indicate a downward trajectory almost throughout the fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The economy grew at 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY25.<h2>Weakening growth and fiscal deficit pressures</h2>India's growth slowdown was more pronounced in the first three quarters of FY25, with the economy expanding at 6.7 per cent in Q1 FY25, 5.4 per cent in Q2, and 6.2 per cent in Q3. The Q4 growth of 7.4 per cent helped somewhat, but the overall annual growth was still significantly below expectations.&nbsp;Several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, faced headwinds, contributing to the deceleration.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Indian government is grappling with an increasing fiscal deficit, which reached alarming levels in FY25. Despite fiscal consolidation efforts, India's fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at&nbsp;₹15.77 lakh crore ($184.29 billion), slightly higher than the ₹15.70 lakh crore ($183.47 billion) estimated for the year, according to the provisional data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on May 30.This widening deficit is primarily driven by higher-than-expected government expenditure, especially on welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and energy subsidies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been forced to intervene, transferring a larger-than-expected dividend to the government to ease some of the fiscal pressures. This has provided some short-term relief, but the overall fiscal situation remains precarious.&nbsp;<h2>Risks and future projections</h2>The outlook for India’s economy in FY26 remains uncertain, with risks to growth continuing to mount. A key concern is the ongoing global economic volatility, which has affected trade and investment flows into India.&nbsp;&nbsp;With slower growth in major economies like the US, Europe, and China, the Indian economy faces challenges in sustaining high growth in exports and attracting foreign investments into the country.Additionally, geopolitical tensions and the continued impact of conflicts across the globe have further added to global instability, making it more difficult for emerging economies like India to maintain robust growth.&nbsp;Inflation has remained persistently high throughout FY25. Although the RBI has cut interest rates in an attempt to curb inflationary pressures, the cost of food and fuel has continued to rise, limiting the purchasing power of the consumers and dampening overall demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;The government has been working to contain inflation by implementing various supply-side measures, but the persistent price pressures and strain on global supply chains are expected to remain a challenge in the near future.&nbsp;Looking ahead, India's growth prospects will largely depend on the government's ability to balance fiscal responsibility with necessary spending on infrastructure, social welfare, and job creation. The country will also need to focus on addressing structural issues such as labour market inefficiencies and bottlenecks in key sectors to drive future growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the long-term potential of the Indian economy remains strong, immediate challenges require careful management of fiscal policy, inflation, and external factors that may hinder recovery. &nbsp;

Business & Economy: The government has struggled to meet its fiscal targets, with quarterly growth numbers showing a downward trajectory. 

India's economic growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) has significantly slowed, with GDP expanding by only 6.5 per cent, the weakest pace in four years. This decline from the previous year’s 9.2 per cent reflects a combination of domestic challenges, including fiscal stress, slower consumer spending, and external economic pressures. The government has faced difficulties in meeting its fiscal targets, and quarterly growth numbers indicate a downward trajectory almost throughout the fiscal year. The economy grew at 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY25. Weakening growth and fiscal deficit pressures India's growth slowdown was more pronounced in the first three quarters of FY25, with the economy expanding at 6.7 per cent in Q1 FY25, 5.4 per cent in Q2, and 6.2 per cent in Q3. The Q4 growth of 7.4 per cent helped somewhat, but the overall annual growth was still significantly below expectations. Several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, faced headwinds, contributing to the deceleration. Meanwhile, the Indian government is grappling with an increasing fiscal deficit, which reached alarming levels in FY25. Despite fiscal consolidation efforts, India's fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at ₹15.77 lakh crore ($184.29 billion), slightly higher than the ₹15.70 lakh crore ($183.47 billion) estimated for the year, according to the provisional data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on May 30. This widening deficit is primarily driven by higher-than-expected government expenditure, especially on welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and energy subsidies. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been forced to intervene, transferring a larger-than-expected dividend to the government to ease some of the fiscal pressures. This has provided some short-term relief, but the overall fiscal situation remains precarious. Risks and future projections The outlook for India’s economy in FY26 remains uncertain, with risks to growth continuing to mount. A key concern is the ongoing global economic volatility, which has affected trade and investment flows into India. With slower growth in major economies like the US, Europe, and China, the Indian economy faces challenges in sustaining high growth in exports and attracting foreign investments into the country. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and the continued impact of conflicts across the globe have further added to global instability, making it more difficult for emerging economies like India to maintain robust growth. Inflation has remained persistently high throughout FY25. Although the RBI has cut interest rates in an attempt to curb inflationary pressures, the cost of food and fuel has continued to rise, limiting the purchasing power of the consumers and dampening overall demand. The government has been working to contain inflation by implementing various supply-side measures, but the persistent price pressures and strain on global supply chains are expected to remain a challenge in the near future. Looking ahead, India's growth prospects will largely depend on the government's ability to balance fiscal responsibility with necessary spending on infrastructure, social welfare, and job creation. The country will also need to focus on addressing structural issues such as labour market inefficiencies and bottlenecks in key sectors to drive future growth. While the long-term potential of the Indian economy remains strong, immediate challenges require careful management of fiscal policy, inflation, and external factors that may hinder recovery.

India's economic growth for FY25 has slowed to 6.5%, the weakest pace in four years, due to domestic challenges such as fiscal stress, slower consumer spending, and external economic pressures.&nbsp;

India's GDP growth slows to 6.5% in FY25 amid fiscal and global headwinds

Vigilance officials in the Indian state of Odisha recovered over INR 20 million in cash along with other valuables from a government engineer's residence. While the officials were investigating, the person in question was throwing bundles of Rs 500 from the window, a video of which has gone viral.&nbsp;The government employee has been identified as Baikuntha Nath Sarangi. The amount recovered is suspected to be part of his disproportionate income; the officials are conducting searches both at his residence and office.&nbsp;

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"The anti-corruption wing of the Odisha Police raided the residences and the office of Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer, Plan Roads, RW Division, Odisha, Bhubaneswar," a statement said as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;INR 10 million was recovered from his house in Bhubaneswar and over another INR 10 million from his residence at Angul, said an official.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-illegal-alien-who-threatened-to-shoot-precious-president-donald-trump-in-the-head-arrested-trump-assassination-who-isramon-morales-reyes-1748573275869">'Illegal alien' threatens to shoot 'precious president' Donald Trump in the head, arrested</a> “On seeing the vigilance officers, Sarangi threw bundles of cash in ₹500 denomination through the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar. The cash was recovered in the presence of witnesses," another official added.&nbsp;Search warrants were issued by Special Judge and simultaneous raids were conducted by vigilance team. Probably, what led Sarangi to rain cash from his window.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-only-god-can-judge-me-trump-ally-marjorie-taylor-greene-gets-into-internet-feud-with-musk-s-grok-ai-1748259171625">'Only God can judge me': Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene gets into internet feud with Musk's Grok AI</a>&nbsp;An official highlighted the houses he owned; the team located his two-storeyed bungalow in Karadagadia, Angul, and apartments in Bhubaneswar and at Siula, Pipili in Puri district. The vigilance team searched the engineer's ancestral property along with his relatives' homes in Angul district.&nbsp;

Vigilance officials in the Indian state of Odisha recovered over INR 20 million in cash along with other valuables from a government engineer's residence. 

Vigilance officials in the Indian state of Odisha recovered over INR 20 million in cash along with other valuables from a government engineer's residence. While the officials were investigating, the person in question was throwing bundles of Rs 500 from the window, a video of which has gone viral. The government employee has been identified as Baikuntha Nath Sarangi. The amount recovered is suspected to be part of his disproportionate income; the officials are conducting searches both at his residence and office.

Vigilance officials in the Indian state of Odisha recovered over INR 20 million in cash along with other valuables from a government engineer's residence.&nbsp;

Odisha government employee throws cash from window as vigilance officials raid property; INR 20 million recovered

An audio clip of a government doctor allegedly instructing his colleague to kill a patient suffering from Covid-19 during the pandemic in 2021, when hospitals were crowded with patients and resources were scarce, has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;In the clip, the accused, Shashikant Deshpande, who was then additional district surgeon at the Udgir Government Hospital in Latur, &nbsp;is heard giving the instruction to Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre. Deshpande can be heard saying “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman." Dange responds to the instruction saying that oxygen support had already been reduced.&nbsp;However, the patient, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), recovered from the disease.&nbsp;A complaint was filed in this regard by Fatima's husband Gaussoddin after which the Udgir city police registered an FIR against Deshpande on May 24 under legal provisions for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and other offences, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;Deshpande's mobile phone has been seized by the police for investigation and a notice has been issued to him. &nbsp;The police is also recording his statement, said inspector Dilip Gade.&nbsp;The authenticity of the audio clip that has gone viral is also being verified by the police.&nbsp;"He is out of district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry," Gade was quoted as saying by the news agency.&nbsp;The woman was admitted as an inpatient at the government hospital in Udgir on April 15, 2021. She was hospitalised for 10 days before recovering and being discharged. &nbsp;

However, the patient, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), recovered from the disease.

An audio clip of a government doctor allegedly instructing his colleague to kill a patient suffering from Covid-19 during the pandemic in 2021, when hospitals were crowded with patients and resources were scarce, has gone viral on social media. In the clip, the accused, Shashikant Deshpande, who was then additional district surgeon at the Udgir Government Hospital in Latur, is heard giving the instruction to Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre. Deshpande can be heard saying “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman." Dange responds to the instruction saying that oxygen support had already been reduced. However, the patient, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), recovered from the disease. A complaint was filed in this regard by Fatima's husband Gaussoddin after which the Udgir city police registered an FIR against Deshpande on May 24 under legal provisions for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and other offences, reported news agency PTI. Deshpande's mobile phone has been seized by the police for investigation and a notice has been issued to him. The police is also recording his statement, said inspector Dilip Gade. The authenticity of the audio clip that has gone viral is also being verified by the police. "He is out of district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry," Gade was quoted as saying by the news agency. The woman was admitted as an inpatient at the government hospital in Udgir on April 15, 2021. She was hospitalised for 10 days before recovering and being discharged.

However, the patient, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), recovered from the disease.

Maharashtra doctor instructed colleague to kill Covid patient during 2021 pandemic

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kashmir's Poonch where he addressed the kin of victims of Pakistani shelling. This as the two countries were engaging in cross-border fighting.&nbsp;The dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam shook the country and what ensued after led to casualties on both sides of the border.&nbsp;While talking about the bunkers to safeguard villagers residing in border areas, he said, “More than 9,500 bunkers were constructed in the border areas and these bunkers played a major role in protecting the lives of the people. Many more will be built by the central government.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists...&quot; says India&#39;s Minister of Home Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmitShah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmitShah</a>. Source: ANI <a href="https://t.co/oEI78Bij5H">pic.twitter.com/oEI78Bij5H</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1928357477072130215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A fortnight after the Pahalgam attack when Pakistan did not take any action against the terror camps, India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. "We have sent a message that India will not tolerate any attack on innocent civilians or Indian armed forces, and every attack will be responded to with more precision and accuracy," the Home Minister assured.&nbsp;He continued, "Pakistan targeted the civilian areas in J&amp;K, and Poonch suffered the most damage. For the first time, firing was done on Poonch post-independence. The entire world is condemning the attack by Pakistan. The Indian armed forces gave a befitting reply by destroying nine Pakistani air bases and as a result, they had to come forward for a ceasefire"&nbsp;"This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of the crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation. We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists."&nbsp;In his address, he assured the families of security with government jobs but that in no way can compensate for the void in their lives. He said, "This is a sign that the J&amp;K government, central government and the nation's sentiments are with you."

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kashmir's Poonch where he addressed the kin of victims of Pakistani shelling. This as the two countries were engaging in cross-border fighting.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kashmir's Poonch where he addressed the kin of victims of Pakistani shelling. This as the two countries were engaging in cross-border fighting. The dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam shook the country and what ensued after led to casualties on both sides of the border. While talking about the bunkers to safeguard villagers residing in border areas, he said, “More than 9,500 bunkers were constructed in the border areas and these bunkers played a major role in protecting the lives of the people. Many more will be built by the central government.”

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is in Kashmir's Poonch where he addressed the kin of victims of Pakistani shelling. This as the two countries were engaging in cross-border fighting.

'Showed the world they are sheltering terrorists': Amit Shah on India targeting terror camps in Pakistan

After May 7, when the first civil defence mock drill was held, security agencies are set to conduct second such exercise named Operation Shield on May 31, across 5 states bordering Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, announced the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement on Thursday (May 29).&nbsp;What is Operation Shield about?&nbsp;The large-scale drill schedule to happen on May 31 is focused on enhancing readiness against potential hostile attacks. The heightened tensions with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people has forced the government to take such measures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-variant-jn1-covid-virus-is-more-contagious-but-is-it-a-cause-for-worry-1748410451237">COVID 19 variant JN.1 is more contagious, but is it a cause for worry?</a>&nbsp;The drill to take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence will help identify key preparedness gaps that the defence forces came across, post May 7 drills in high-risk areas.&nbsp;What will the drill include?&nbsp;The mock drill is scheduled to be conducted on 31 May from 5:00 PM onwards, according to the press release. Five states that include Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan will take part in the drill.&nbsp;Air Raid warning systems, complete blackouts, evacuation in case of an enemy attack, activation of hotlines between the Air Force and the Civil Defence Control rooms, augmentation of medical teams in case of mass injuries are some of the drills that will be conducted during Operation Shield.&nbsp;Simulated drone attacks on military stations and evacuation drills are also planned.&nbsp;The drills will also involve General/Silent recall of Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers, stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers. Deployment of Border Wing Home Guards and mobilisation of Indian Army will also be undertaken.&nbsp;The mock drills were first planned for Thursday but the government postponed it for May 31, citing administrative reasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The drill to take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence will help identify key preparedness gaps that the defence forces came across

After May 7, when the first civil defence mock drill was held, security agencies are set to conduct second such exercise named Operation Shield on May 31, across 5 states bordering Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, announced the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement on Thursday (May 29). What is Operation Shield about? The large-scale drill schedule to happen on May 31 is focused on enhancing readiness against potential hostile attacks. The heightened tensions with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people has forced the government to take such measures. Also Read: COVID 19 variant JN.1 is more contagious, but is it a cause for worry? The drill to take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence will help identify key preparedness gaps that the defence forces came across, post May 7 drills in high-risk areas. What will the drill include? The mock drill is scheduled to be conducted on 31 May from 5:00 PM onwards, according to the press release. Five states that include Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan will take part in the drill. Air Raid warning systems, complete blackouts, evacuation in case of an enemy attack, activation of hotlines between the Air Force and the Civil Defence Control rooms, augmentation of medical teams in case of mass injuries are some of the drills that will be conducted during Operation Shield. Simulated drone attacks on military stations and evacuation drills are also planned. The drills will also involve General/Silent recall of Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers, stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers. Deployment of Border Wing Home Guards and mobilisation of Indian Army will also be undertaken. The mock drills were first planned for Thursday but the government postponed it for May 31, citing administrative reasons.

The drill to take place under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and coordinated by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence will help identify key preparedness gaps that the defence forces came across.

What is 'Operation Shield' that India will conduct in five states bordering Pakistan on May 31?

Iran on Thursday (May 29) responded to India's query about missing nationals, stating that they are coordinating with relevant judicial authorities and updating the Indian Embassy accordingly. This comes after India on May 28, confirmed that three Indians — identified as Yogesh Panchal, Mohammad Sadeeque, and Sumeet Sud — had travelled to Iran for business purposes between December 2024 and early January 2025 and are now missing. "The case concerning the disappearance of three Indian nationals is being followed up by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities. The Embassy of the Republic of India in Tehran is also being kept informed of the proceedings within the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran through coordination with the Consular Affairs Department," the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said in a post on X.&nbsp; Additionally, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in its press briefing on Thursday said that the Iranian side is cooperating and the Indian Embassy is extending all possible help. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also&nbsp;raised the issue with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Ravanchi during a recent diplomatic engagement in New Delhi.&nbsp;“We are in touch with the Iranian authorities for locating them, their safety and security, and their eventual return home. We are receiving good cooperation from the Iranian side and we are also in touch with the families of the missing people. We are extending all possible help...”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The case concerning the disappearance of three Indian nationals is being followed up by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities. The Embassy of the Republic of India… <a href="https://t.co/Gs7elOjejL">https://t.co/Gs7elOjejL</a>— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/Iran_in_India/status/1927976400646197309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has warned Indian citizens against “unauthorized individuals or illegal Indian agencies”.&nbsp;“Given the nature of this incident, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to be deceived by the promises of unauthorized individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel to other countries.”, read a post on X by Iran's embassy in India.<h2>What happened?</h2>The families of the three missing men have expressed grave concern and fear of their possible detention by Iranian security forces. The three men are residents of Sangrur, Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab. As per reports, they are missing since May last year. They took a flight from Delhi and were supposed to reach Australia on a work permit. However, the agents took them to Iran under the pretext of a temporary stay there. The family of the missing men allege that they have been kidnapped.&nbsp;

Iran responded to India's query about 3 missing nationals stating that they are coordinating with relevant judicial authorities and updating the Indian Embassy accordingly

Iran on Thursday (May 29) responded to India's query about missing nationals, stating that they are coordinating with relevant judicial authorities and updating the Indian Embassy accordingly. This comes after India on May 28, confirmed that three Indians — identified as Yogesh Panchal, Mohammad Sadeeque, and Sumeet Sud — had travelled to Iran for business purposes between December 2024 and early January 2025 and are now missing. "The case concerning the disappearance of three Indian nationals is being followed up by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities. The Embassy of the Republic of India in Tehran is also being kept informed of the proceedings within the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran through coordination with the Consular Affairs Department," the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said in a post on X. Additionally, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in its press briefing on Thursday said that the Iranian side is cooperating and the Indian Embassy is extending all possible help. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also raised the issue with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Ravanchi during a recent diplomatic engagement in New Delhi. “We are in touch with the Iranian authorities for locating them, their safety and security, and their eventual return home. We are receiving good cooperation from the Iranian side and we are also in touch with the families of the missing people. We are extending all possible help...”

Iran on Thursday (May 29) responded to India's query about missing nationals, stating that they are coordinating with relevant judicial authorities and updating the Indian Embassy accordingly.

'Do not be deceived...': Iran says investigating case of 3 missing Indians, warns people against 'illegal travel agents'

Vietnam’s electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast Auto Ltd. is reportedly in talks to raise up to $200 million (₹1,660 crore) from Indian state-owned banks. According to Bloomberg, VinFast is preparing to enter the Indian market, the world’s third-largest car market.&nbsp;Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India are among the lenders currently engaged in discussions with VinFast for the loan, as quoted by Bloomberg. This would be the company’s first time tapping Indian financial institutions.&nbsp;The loan, part of VinFast’s initial $500 million investment plan for India, could be structured either in Indian rupees or as foreign currency through the external commercial borrowing (ECB) route. The terms are yet to be finalised and may change, the report added.&nbsp;A VinFast spokesperson told Bloomberg, “VinFast is currently in discussions with potential partners in India, including financial institutions, to support its operations in the market.” Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India have not responded to emailed queries, as reported by Bloomberg.<h2>VinFast prepares to launch Tamil Nadu plant</h2>VinFast has reportedly set June 30 as the launch date for its new EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. Ahead of the rollout, the company is finalising its local distribution network.&nbsp;Bookings for the VF6 and VF7 models are reportedly expected to begin in the coming weeks, while its compact EV, the VF3, will open for bookings in 2026.&nbsp;As per Bloomberg, pricing details for the Indian&nbsp;market have not yet been disclosed, but VinFast is expected to position its vehicles competitively in the budget-conscious segment.&nbsp;This strategic move into India comes as VinFast pulls back from its earlier ambitions in North America and Europe, citing high logistics and operational costs.&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, VinFast’s founder and CEO Pham Nhat Vuong told shareholders of parent company Vingroup JSC in April that the company will now focus on Vietnam and key Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.&nbsp;VinFast also expects to open its Indonesia plant by October 2025 and is targeting deliveries of more than 200,000 vehicles in Vietnam this year.&nbsp;Vuong, who has already infused nearly $1 billion of his wealth into the company since 2023, has pledged another $2 billion through 2026 to fund global expansion. Vingroup has further committed up to $1.4 billion in loans to support the automaker’s operations, as reported by Bloomberg.<h2>India emerges as an EV magnet for global automakers</h2>VinFast is the latest in a growing wave of global EV manufacturers turning to India for expansion. Tesla is currently exploring the Indian market and is reportedly in talks with the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra to set up a plant, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD and South Korea’s Hyundai are also reportedly pushing deeper into India’s EV space.&nbsp;India’s electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), EV sales in India rose 49 per cent year-on-year in FY24, crossing 1.5 million units. Electric vehicles now account for 6.4 per cent of total vehicle sales in the country.&nbsp;Government incentives such as production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, reduced import duties for EVs, and a national target of achieving 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 are making India an increasingly attractive destination for electric mobility investments.<h2>VinFast’s India strategy signals shift in global priorities</h2>VinFast’s entry into India reportedly underscores its strategic pivot away from saturated and cost-heavy Western&nbsp;markets toward high-growth, price-sensitive regions in Asia.&nbsp;Backed by strong financial commitments from both Vuong and Vingroup, the company is accelerating efforts to carve a niche in India’s evolving EV landscape.&nbsp;As competition intensifies and policy tailwinds continue to boost adoption, India is fast becoming a battleground for global EV players, and VinFast wants in.

Business & Economy: This is the company's first time tapping Indian financial institutions for a loan, part of its $500 million investment plan for India. The terms are yet to be finalized.

Vietnam’s electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast Auto Ltd. is reportedly in talks to raise up to $200 million (₹1,660 crore) from Indian state-owned banks. According to Bloomberg, VinFast is preparing to enter the Indian market, the world’s third-largest car market. Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India are among the lenders currently engaged in discussions with VinFast for the loan, as quoted by Bloomberg. This would be the company’s first time tapping Indian financial institutions. The loan, part of VinFast’s initial $500 million investment plan for India, could be structured either in Indian rupees or as foreign currency through the external commercial borrowing (ECB) route. The terms are yet to be finalised and may change, the report added. A VinFast spokesperson told Bloomberg, “VinFast is currently in discussions with potential partners in India, including financial institutions, to support its operations in the market.” Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India have not responded to emailed queries, as reported by Bloomberg. VinFast prepares to launch Tamil Nadu plant VinFast has reportedly set June 30 as the launch date for its new EV manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. Ahead of the rollout, the company is finalising its local distribution network. Bookings for the VF6 and VF7 models are reportedly expected to begin in the coming weeks, while its compact EV, the VF3, will open for bookings in 2026. As per Bloomberg, pricing details for the Indian market have not yet been disclosed, but VinFast is expected to position its vehicles competitively in the budget-conscious segment. This strategic move into India comes as VinFast pulls back from its earlier ambitions in North America and Europe, citing high logistics and operational costs. According to Bloomberg, VinFast’s founder and CEO Pham Nhat Vuong told shareholders of parent company Vingroup JSC in April that the company will now focus on Vietnam and key Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. VinFast also expects to open its Indonesia plant by October 2025 and is targeting deliveries of more than 200,000 vehicles in Vietnam this year. Vuong, who has already infused nearly $1 billion of his wealth into the company since 2023, has pledged another $2 billion through 2026 to fund global expansion. Vingroup has further committed up to $1.4 billion in loans to support the automaker’s operations, as reported by Bloomberg. India emerges as an EV magnet for global automakers VinFast is the latest in a growing wave of global EV manufacturers turning to India for expansion. Tesla is currently exploring the Indian market and is reportedly in talks with the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra to set up a plant, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD and South Korea’s Hyundai are also reportedly pushing deeper into India’s EV space. India’s electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), EV sales in India rose 49 per cent year-on-year in FY24, crossing 1.5 million units. Electric vehicles now account for 6.4 per cent of total vehicle sales in the country. Government incentives such as production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, reduced import duties for EVs, and a national target of achieving 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 are making India an increasingly attractive destination for electric mobility investments. VinFast’s India strategy signals shift in global priorities VinFast’s entry into India reportedly underscores its strategic pivot away from saturated and cost-heavy Western markets toward high-growth, price-sensitive regions in Asia. Backed by strong financial commitments from both Vuong and Vingroup, the company is accelerating efforts to carve a niche in India’s evolving EV landscape. As competition intensifies and policy tailwinds continue to boost adoption, India is fast becoming a battleground for global EV players, and VinFast wants in.

Vietnam's electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast Auto Ltd., is in talks to raise up to $200 million from Indian state-owned banks, including Central Bank of India and Union Bank of India.&nbsp;

VinFast seeks $200 million loan from Indian banks as it gears up for EV debut

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit highlighted that 'terrorism is not a cost-effective business'. His comments were directed at Pakistan for letting terror camps flourish on its soil.&nbsp;He made a bold statement about how fostering terrorism has a hefty price to pay, he said, “Terrorism is not a cost-effective business; one may have to pay a heavy price, and Pakistan has an idea of this.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I believe that the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are our own, part of our family. We have full faith that our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today, will also return to the mainstream of India someday,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajnathSingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajnathSingh</a> Source:ANI <a href="https://t.co/dISLFJkcwZ">pic.twitter.com/dISLFJkcwZ</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1927970586049028402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added, "We have recalibrated our engagement and scope of dialogue with Pakistan."Reiterating the country's stance on terrorism and restricted engagement with neighbouring Pakistan, he added, "We have redesigned and refined our strategy and response against terrorism. If we speak, it will be only on terrorism and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), if not for these issues, then there won't be any engagement."&nbsp;He also mentioned how he believes the people of PoK want to reunite with India. "I believe that the people of PoK are our own, part of our family. We have full faith that our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today, will also return to India someday."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/are-nuclear-weapons-safe-with-a-rogue-nation-like-pakistan-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-raises-doubt-9070913">Are nuclear weapons safe with a 'rogue' nation like Pakistan, questions Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a>&nbsp;Not too long ago, on May 15, during the defence minister's visit to Kashmir where he interacted with the soldiers, he said, "The whole world has seen how irresponsibly Pakistan has threatened India. Today, from the land of Srinagar, I want to raise this question: whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation. I believe that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit highlighted that 'terrorism is not a cost-effective business'.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit highlighted that 'terrorism is not a cost-effective business'. His comments were directed at Pakistan for letting terror camps flourish on its soil. He made a bold statement about how fostering terrorism has a hefty price to pay, he said, “Terrorism is not a cost-effective business; one may have to pay a heavy price, and Pakistan has an idea of this.”

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit highlighted that 'terrorism is not a cost-effective business'.

'Terrorism is not a cost-effective business': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hints at hefty price Pakistan paid

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise across the world, including India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there SARS-CoV-2 virus has been active globally since mid-February 2025 and the number has only been increasing.&nbsp;What causes a little concern is that the Covid positivity test rate has reached 11%, which is the highest since July 2024, according to the WHO data. India's active Covid cases stood at 1,010 on May 27 with numbers only rising further.&nbsp;WHO Covid update&nbsp;Two Covid-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are behind the surge in numbers.&nbsp;However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as “Variants Under Monitoring”, not as “Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest”.&nbsp;“Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level,” the WHO said.&nbsp;The NB.1.8.1, according to WHO poses low public health risk globally but has the capability to increase transmissibility and immune evasion as it carries spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I.&nbsp;So far there is no evidence of both the variants causing more severe disease or higher mortality compared to previous strains.&nbsp;However, the recent Covid cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months. There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months.&nbsp;Covid cases in India&nbsp;Total coronavirus cases in India reached 1010 on May 27 with the bulk of cases reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Kerala alone has recorded 400 cases, while spike has also been observed in Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Chandigarh reported its first death due to Covid on Wednesday (May 28). A 40-year-old patient died due to the virus at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. The patient originally was from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp;

The recent Covid cases are a departure from the regular respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise across the world, including India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there SARS-CoV-2 virus has been active globally since mid-February 2025 and the number has only been increasing. What causes a little concern is that the Covid positivity test rate has reached 11%, which is the highest since July 2024, according to the WHO data. India's active Covid cases stood at 1,010 on May 27 with numbers only rising further. WHO Covid update Two Covid-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are behind the surge in numbers. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as “Variants Under Monitoring”, not as “Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest”. “Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level,” the WHO said. The NB.1.8.1, according to WHO poses low public health risk globally but has the capability to increase transmissibility and immune evasion as it carries spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I. So far there is no evidence of both the variants causing more severe disease or higher mortality compared to previous strains. However, the recent Covid cases are a departure from typical respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months. There has been a slight deviation, the virus is now showing its capabilities of spreading and causing illness even during the summer months. Covid cases in India Total coronavirus cases in India reached 1010 on May 27 with the bulk of cases reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Kerala alone has recorded 400 cases, while spike has also been observed in Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Meanwhile, Chandigarh reported its first death due to Covid on Wednesday (May 28). A 40-year-old patient died due to the virus at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. The patient originally was from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh.

The recent Covid cases are a departure from the regular respiratory virus behaviour, which usually increases during colder months.

WHO Covid update urges precaution but says not a cause for worry

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an address, said that the people of PoK (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) are our brothers, whose separation he attributed to geography and politics.&nbsp;While speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit, the defence minister also made a bold statements about how fostering terrorism has a hefty price to pay. Talking about the terror outfits in Pakistan, he said, “The business of terrorism is not cost-effective; one may have to pay a heavy price, and Pakistan has an idea of this.”

"I believe that the people of PoK are our own, part of our family. We have full faith that our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today, will return to India someday."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-only-2-water-left-in-dams-pm-modi-highlights-demerit-of-key-clause-in-indus-water-treaty-1748350516044">'Only 2% water left in dams...': PM Modi highlights demerit of key clause in Indus Water Treaty</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;He added, "We have recalibrated our engagement and scope of dialogue with Pakistan."&nbsp;Reiterating the country's stance on terrorism and restricted engagement with neighbouring Pakistan, he said, "We have redesigned and refined our strategy and response against terrorism. If we speak, it will be only on terrorism and PoK, if not for these issues, then there won't be any engagement."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-warns-pakistan-new-india-is-not-tolerant-of-terrorism-it-retaliates-9075130">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan 'new India is not tolerant of terrorism, it retaliates'</a>&nbsp;India has been ramping up its ‘Make in India’ programme, which is encouraging homegrown initiatives. The country aims to produce more in the country, trying to reduce imports. Singh said, “Under the AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) project, there is a plan to develop five prototypes, which will later go into series production."&nbsp;He further added, "This decision should be considered a milestone in the history of the Make in India program”

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an address, said that the people of PoK are our brothers, whose separation he attributed to geography and politics.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an address, said that the people of PoK (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) are our brothers, whose separation he attributed to geography and politics. While speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit, the defence minister also made a bold statements about how fostering terrorism has a hefty price to pay. Talking about the terror outfits in Pakistan, he said, “The business of terrorism is not cost-effective; one may have to pay a heavy price, and Pakistan has an idea of this.”

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an address, said that the people of PoK are our brothers, whose separation he attributed to geography and politics.

'Geographically and politically separated': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says people of PoK will return to India

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Amarnath Yatra commencing on July 3 is one of the major concerns for the security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Conducting the Yatra peacefully and without any untoward incident remains the top priority of the government and security forces across the Union Territory.&nbsp;Preparations are underway at both the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra at Baltal base camp in Sonamarg and Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, Anantnag. The base camps used to be tent structures put up till last year but this year proper structures have been made for the Yatris to stay. Work is going on day and night to complete the structures to make the stay of Yatris comfortable.&nbsp;The government of Jammu and Kashmir is also hopeful that Yatris will come in huge numbers this year and could be seen as a start of revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;''The Yatra is starting, and We are hopeful for meeting the Bholenaath, a lot of people will come and once they go back from here they will tell everyone that Kashmir is peaceful and beautiful, '' said Farooq Abdullah, President, JKNC.&nbsp;All the government departments have been meeting and coordinating with each other for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The key issues discussed include security and traffic management, accommodation for pilgrims, yatra registration facilities, sanitation and fire safety measures.&nbsp;Security measures have also been beefed-up across the Highway connecting the routes to both the Base camps in Anantnag and Ganderbal district. Jammu and Kashmir Government will establish a digital Hi-tech Command Control Centre for real-time surveillance of the Amarnath Yatra routes. This will help the government to regulate the Yatra in a smooth manner.&nbsp;''Our effort will be that Yatra passes off peacefully and the Yatris who come for Puja should complete the Yatra and go back peacefully and that's our effort always and will always be, '' said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister J&amp;K.&nbsp;The Hi-tech Command Control Centre will have around 60 people from around 20 government departments working day and night. The departments working in the Hi-tech Command Control Centre will include Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, NDRF, SDRF, Health, PHE, PDD, Telecom and many others.&nbsp;There will be dozens of PTZ High Definition 360-degree view cameras placed all through the routes from base camps till the cave. Dozens of static cameras will be placed at strategically important places from both Baltal and Nunwan base camps.&nbsp;In case of any natural disaster, teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, SDRF, BSF and CRPF will be deployed at all the critical junctures for both the routes so that help can reach out to Yatris as soon as possible in case of any emergency.&nbsp;All the registered Yatris taking the pilgrimage will be provided with the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) . This is to make sure that all the Pilgrims are tagged and while they take the journey, the authorities would know their exact locations. &nbsp;

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is also hopeful that Yatris will come in huge numbers this year and could be seen as a start of revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the Amarnath Yatra commencing on July 3 is one of the major concerns for the security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Conducting the Yatra peacefully and without any untoward incident remains the top priority of the government and security forces across the Union Territory. Preparations are underway at both the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra at Baltal base camp in Sonamarg and Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, Anantnag. The base camps used to be tent structures put up till last year but this year proper structures have been made for the Yatris to stay. Work is going on day and night to complete the structures to make the stay of Yatris comfortable. The government of Jammu and Kashmir is also hopeful that Yatris will come in huge numbers this year and could be seen as a start of revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. ''The Yatra is starting, and We are hopeful for meeting the Bholenaath, a lot of people will come and once they go back from here they will tell everyone that Kashmir is peaceful and beautiful, '' said Farooq Abdullah, President, JKNC. All the government departments have been meeting and coordinating with each other for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The key issues discussed include security and traffic management, accommodation for pilgrims, yatra registration facilities, sanitation and fire safety measures. Security measures have also been beefed-up across the Highway connecting the routes to both the Base camps in Anantnag and Ganderbal district. Jammu and Kashmir Government will establish a digital Hi-tech Command Control Centre for real-time surveillance of the Amarnath Yatra routes. This will help the government to regulate the Yatra in a smooth manner. ''Our effort will be that Yatra passes off peacefully and the Yatris who come for Puja should complete the Yatra and go back peacefully and that's our effort always and will always be, '' said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister J&K. The Hi-tech Command Control Centre will have around 60 people from around 20 government departments working day and night. The departments working in the Hi-tech Command Control Centre will include Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, NDRF, SDRF, Health, PHE, PDD, Telecom and many others. There will be dozens of PTZ High Definition 360-degree view cameras placed all through the routes from base camps till the cave. Dozens of static cameras will be placed at strategically important places from both Baltal and Nunwan base camps. In case of any natural disaster, teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, SDRF, BSF and CRPF will be deployed at all the critical junctures for both the routes so that help can reach out to Yatris as soon as possible in case of any emergency. All the registered Yatris taking the pilgrimage will be provided with the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) . This is to make sure that all the Pilgrims are tagged and while they take the journey, the authorities would know their exact locations.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is also hopeful that Yatris will come in huge numbers this year and could be seen as a start of revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Preparation for Amarnath Yatra starts in J&K, security a top priority for the government

The month of June, one of the hottest summer months for India is going to be cooler this year compared to the previous years. According to the India Meteorological Department, above normal rainfall is expected over the country as a whole during the monsoon season (June to September) 2025.&nbsp;In a press briefing on Tuesday, the IMD upgraded its forecast, saying the country will get 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall in the June-September season.&nbsp;June to be cooler&nbsp;June is expected to be a wet month as more than 108 per cent of average rain is forecast for the entire country. This will lead to cooler weather and lesser number of heatwave conditions.&nbsp;"Since there will be above-normal rains in June, the number of heatwave days in June is likely to be below normal. We are not expecting many heatwave days in June now," said IMD Director General Dr M Mohapatra.&nbsp;Some areas of southern peninsula and north west and north east India, though, could observe marginal drop in rainfall amounts.&nbsp;"During June to September 2025, normal to above normal rainfall is very likely over most parts of the country except some areas of Northwest and East India and many areas of Northeast India where below normal rainfall is very likely," IMD said in a statement.&nbsp;Southwest Monsoon advancement&nbsp;Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than its usual onset of June 1 bringing heavy rain to the coastal area. This was its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009.&nbsp;Now, the conditions are favourable for further advancement of the southwest monsoon in other parts of the country. In the next 2-3 days it will cover, some more parts of Maharashtra, remaining parts of Karnataka, some more parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, most parts of westcentral and some more parts of North Bay of Bengal and remaining parts Northeastern states and some parts of West Bengal and Sikkim, said the IMD. &nbsp;

In a press briefing the IMD upgraded its forecast, saying the country will get 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall in the June-September season.

The month of June, one of the hottest summer months for India is going to be cooler this year compared to the previous years. According to the India Meteorological Department, above normal rainfall is expected over the country as a whole during the monsoon season (June to September) 2025. In a press briefing on Tuesday, the IMD upgraded its forecast, saying the country will get 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall in the June-September season. June to be cooler June is expected to be a wet month as more than 108 per cent of average rain is forecast for the entire country. This will lead to cooler weather and lesser number of heatwave conditions. "Since there will be above-normal rains in June, the number of heatwave days in June is likely to be below normal. We are not expecting many heatwave days in June now," said IMD Director General Dr M Mohapatra. Some areas of southern peninsula and north west and north east India, though, could observe marginal drop in rainfall amounts. "During June to September 2025, normal to above normal rainfall is very likely over most parts of the country except some areas of Northwest and East India and many areas of Northeast India where below normal rainfall is very likely," IMD said in a statement. Southwest Monsoon advancement Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than its usual onset of June 1 bringing heavy rain to the coastal area. This was its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009. Now, the conditions are favourable for further advancement of the southwest monsoon in other parts of the country. In the next 2-3 days it will cover, some more parts of Maharashtra, remaining parts of Karnataka, some more parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, most parts of westcentral and some more parts of North Bay of Bengal and remaining parts Northeastern states and some parts of West Bengal and Sikkim, said the IMD.

In a press briefing the IMD upgraded its forecast, saying the country will get 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall in the June-September season.

India weather update: June to receive above normal rain, set to be cooler with fewer heatwaves

In a bid to strengthen India’s aerial combat prowess further and boost indigenous defence production, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the “execution model” for implementing a major indigenous project to develop India’s fifth-generation, stealth fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;Only a few countries—the United States, Russia, and China—have fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and Su-57.&nbsp;The Defence Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his nod to the AMCA Programme Execution Model.“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the ministry said.&nbsp;India has been pursuing the ambitious AMCA project to develop a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to enhance its aerial combat capabilities.<h2> AMCA and Tejas LCA to form backbone of the IAF</h2>&nbsp;The AMCA, along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is expected to form the backbone of the IAF in the coming decades.India operates only 31 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42, and at least eight squadrons are likely to retire over the next decade, and hence the AMCA programme becomes a critical priority.Fifth-generation fighter jets are known for their stealth, superior situational awareness, advanced sensors, and integrated battle network capabilities.&nbsp;They can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners and avoid enemy radar detection, qualities that give them an edge over earlier-generation jets.&nbsp;The defence ministry added that companies from the private sector are invited to participate in the project. “They can bid either independently or as a joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country,” the ministry statement said.&nbsp;The development comes after Operation Sindoor and the government’s resolve for bolstering India’s air power further, as China continues to arm Pakistan and now accounts for over 80% of Islamabad’s arms imports.&nbsp;<h2>CCS granted in-principle approval to AMCA programme last year</h2>&nbsp;Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted in-principle approval to the AMCA programme. The estimated development cost of the AMCA project stands at approximately Rs 15,000 crore.&nbsp;The IAF has long advocated for the AMCA programme, given its long-term strategic requirements and the absence of a fifth-generation fighter jet in its current fleet.&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s confidence in the AMCA initiative received a major boost following the successful development of the LCA Tejas. Developed by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas has proven to be a capable platform for air combat and offensive missions, with secondary roles in reconnaissance and anti-ship operations.&nbsp;The IAF is also in the process of acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for around USD 18 billion to enhance its operational readiness. The MRFA deal is considered one of the largest military procurement programmes globally in recent years.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Major milepost towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AatmanirbharDefence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AatmanirbharDefence</a>. Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> has cleared <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMCA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AMCA</a> Programme Execution Model to be executed by Aeronautical Development Agency through Industry partnership. This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise,… <a href="https://t.co/foAFAfPjAS">pic.twitter.com/foAFAfPjAS</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1927295727048225271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fifth-generation fighter jets are known for their stealth, superior situational awareness, advanced sensors, and integrated battle network capabilities. They can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners and avoid enemy radar detection.

In a bid to strengthen India’s aerial combat prowess further and boost indigenous defence production, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the “execution model” for implementing a major indigenous project to develop India’s fifth-generation, stealth fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force. Only a few countries—the United States, Russia, and China—have fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and Su-57. The Defence Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his nod to the AMCA Programme Execution Model. “In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the ministry said. India has been pursuing the ambitious AMCA project to develop a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to enhance its aerial combat capabilities. AMCA and Tejas LCA to form backbone of the IAF The AMCA, along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is expected to form the backbone of the IAF in the coming decades. India operates only 31 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42, and at least eight squadrons are likely to retire over the next decade, and hence the AMCA programme becomes a critical priority. Fifth-generation fighter jets are known for their stealth, superior situational awareness, advanced sensors, and integrated battle network capabilities. They can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners and avoid enemy radar detection, qualities that give them an edge over earlier-generation jets. The defence ministry added that companies from the private sector are invited to participate in the project. “They can bid either independently or as a joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country,” the ministry statement said. The development comes after Operation Sindoor and the government’s resolve for bolstering India’s air power further, as China continues to arm Pakistan and now accounts for over 80% of Islamabad’s arms imports. CCS granted in-principle approval to AMCA programme last year Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted in-principle approval to the AMCA programme. The estimated development cost of the AMCA project stands at approximately Rs 15,000 crore. The IAF has long advocated for the AMCA programme, given its long-term strategic requirements and the absence of a fifth-generation fighter jet in its current fleet. India’s confidence in the AMCA initiative received a major boost following the successful development of the LCA Tejas. Developed by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas has proven to be a capable platform for air combat and offensive missions, with secondary roles in reconnaissance and anti-ship operations. The IAF is also in the process of acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for around USD 18 billion to enhance its operational readiness. The MRFA deal is considered one of the largest military procurement programmes globally in recent years.

Fifth-generation fighter jets are known for their stealth, superior situational awareness, advanced sensors, and integrated battle network capabilities. They can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners and avoid enemy radar detection.

Indian govt approves plan for indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighter jet as China arms Pakistan

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi said during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait on Monday that Pakistan must be re-included in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list since it is involved in sponsoring terror groups against India through money laundering and hawala transactions in the Middle East and might use the $2 billion IMF loan to support its military and terror groups.&nbsp;Owaisi, who is part of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda for global outreach against terrorism, stressed that tighter financial scrutiny is needed against Pakistan and said, “Pakistan must be brought back in the FATF grey list. The importance of the FATF grey list is that there will be huge scrutiny on that nation when you do money transactions.”&nbsp;“It is a fact that Pakistan uses the Middle East hawala or money laundering to sponsor terror groups against India...bringing Pakistan in FATF is very important because...the 2 billion loan which the IMF is giving will be used by the Pakistani military,” Owaisi added.&nbsp;<h2>‘India has a larger Muslim population than Pakistan’</h2>&nbsp;Owaisi further said Pakistan's attempts to raise religious issues to target India have no merit, as India has a larger Muslim population.“Pakistan can’t take up this issue (of religion) and say that they are Muslims. In India, there is a larger Muslim population, and we (Indian Muslims) are more sincere than them,” Owaisi said.&nbsp;Besides Owaisi and Baijayant Panda, the delegation includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu MP, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and diplomat Harsh Shringla.&nbsp;The delegation is briefing international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria.The multi-party delegation, consisting of seven groups led by one MP each, has been initiated to counter global misinformation and highlight India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.&nbsp;Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad said Pakistan has a habit of spreading false information.Baijayant Panda asserted that India will no longer remain silent in the face of terrorism from Pakistan and will respond strongly. Panda also demanded that Pakistan must end terrorism on its soil and stop spreading misinformation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | During an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, &quot; Pakistan must be brought back in FATF grey list. Importance of FATF grey list is that there will be huge scrutiny on that nation when you do money transactions. It is a fact that… <a href="https://t.co/KuUrZCreYm">pic.twitter.com/KuUrZCreYm</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1927120763296841809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is part of an all-party delegation to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria, further said Pakistan's attempts to raise religious issues to target India have no merit, as India has a larger Muslim population.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi said during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kuwait on Monday that Pakistan must be re-included in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list since it is involved in sponsoring terror groups against India through money laundering and hawala transactions in the Middle East and might use the $2 billion IMF loan to support its military and terror groups. Owaisi, who is part of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda for global outreach against terrorism, stressed that tighter financial scrutiny is needed against Pakistan and said, “Pakistan must be brought back in the FATF grey list. The importance of the FATF grey list is that there will be huge scrutiny on that nation when you do money transactions.” “It is a fact that Pakistan uses the Middle East hawala or money laundering to sponsor terror groups against India...bringing Pakistan in FATF is very important because...the 2 billion loan which the IMF is giving will be used by the Pakistani military,” Owaisi added. ‘India has a larger Muslim population than Pakistan’ Owaisi further said Pakistan's attempts to raise religious issues to target India have no merit, as India has a larger Muslim population. “Pakistan can’t take up this issue (of religion) and say that they are Muslims. In India, there is a larger Muslim population, and we (Indian Muslims) are more sincere than them,” Owaisi said. Besides Owaisi and Baijayant Panda, the delegation includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu MP, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and diplomat Harsh Shringla. The delegation is briefing international partners on India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. The multi-party delegation, consisting of seven groups led by one MP each, has been initiated to counter global misinformation and highlight India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad said Pakistan has a habit of spreading false information. Baijayant Panda asserted that India will no longer remain silent in the face of terrorism from Pakistan and will respond strongly. Panda also demanded that Pakistan must end terrorism on its soil and stop spreading misinformation.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is part of an all-party delegation to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria, further said Pakistan's attempts to raise religious issues to target India have no merit, as India has a larger Muslim population.

Pakistan must be included in the FATF grey list again, says Owaisi

An explosion occurred in Naushera village in the Amritsar rural district in Punjab on Tuesday (May 27). SSP Amritsar Rural, Maninder Singh said that a person was seriously injured in the attack. Police later confirmed that the injured person was a member of a terrorist organisation and further investigation in the matter is underway. The village is close to Pakistan border and comes under the Kambo police station limits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Border Range) Satinder Singh, while speaking to news agency ANI, said, “The person who was injured has died. He is a member of a terrorist organisation and he had come to retrieve the explosive consignment...We have received a lot of clues...Further investigation is underway...Babbar Khalsa and ISI is active in Punjab and most likely, he is a member of Babbar Khalsa...”&nbsp;SSP Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh had earlier said that the area of explosion is an abandoned area. He added that police has record that anti-national elements use the area to retrieve their consignments. "We suspect that he is one of the accused who came to retrieve the consignment and due to mishandling of an explosive, he was injured...Our FSL teams are on the way…" he added.&nbsp;(This is a developing story)

An explosion occurred in Naushera village in the Amritsar rural district in Punjab and a suspected terrorist was killed

An explosion occurred in Naushera village in the Amritsar rural district in Punjab on Tuesday (May 27). SSP Amritsar Rural, Maninder Singh said that a person was seriously injured in the attack. Police later confirmed that the injured person was a member of a terrorist organisation and further investigation in the matter is underway. The village is close to Pakistan border and comes under the Kambo police station limits. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Border Range) Satinder Singh, while speaking to news agency ANI, said, “The person who was injured has died. He is a member of a terrorist organisation and he had come to retrieve the explosive consignment...We have received a lot of clues...Further investigation is underway...Babbar Khalsa and ISI is active in Punjab and most likely, he is a member of Babbar Khalsa...” SSP Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh had earlier said that the area of explosion is an abandoned area. He added that police has record that anti-national elements use the area to retrieve their consignments. "We suspect that he is one of the accused who came to retrieve the consignment and due to mishandling of an explosive, he was injured...Our FSL teams are on the way…" he added. (This is a developing story)

An explosion occurred in Naushera village in the Amritsar rural district in Punjab and a suspected terrorist was killed

Suspected Babbar Khalsa terrorist killed in blast in Amritsar, probe underway

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (May 26) expressed his desire to talk to India to resolve issues between the two countries. This comes as India reached out to various countries around the globe in a bid to expose Pakistan-based terrorism. The Pakistani PM said that he wants peace and is ready to talk on Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty and terrorism. &nbsp;Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif in Tehran said, "We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism,” he said. &nbsp;The Pakistani PM also said that Islamabad wants peace, but did not speak on his country's support to terrorists. "If they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely," he said.&nbsp;Pakistan's PM Sharif also met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In a measured response to the India-Pakistan conflict, Khamenei in a post on X said, “We're pleased at the cessation of conflicts between Pakistan and India, and we hope the disputes between the two countries will be resolved.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We&#39;re pleased at the cessation of conflicts between Pakistan and India, and we hope the disputes between the two countries will be resolved.&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1927050648308129973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India says ‘terror and talks can't go together'</h2>However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first statement after Operation Sindoor, made it clear that dialogue with Pakistan will be limited to the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. &nbsp;"Terror and talks cannot happen at the same time. Terror and trade cannot take place. Blood and water cannot flow together. I want to tell the international community that if there will be talks between India and Pakistan, it will only be on terrorism and POK," PM Modi had said.<h2>Pak PM's visit to “friendly nations”</h2>Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a four-nation trip this week to seek support from allied nations against India’s Operation Sindoor. He visited Turkey and met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In what is being seen as an unusual move, Field Marshal Asim Munir accompanied Pakistani PM as he held bilateral talks with the Turkish counterpart. The Pakistani delegation that also includes Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar will also visit Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his desire to talk to India to resolve issues between the two countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (May 26) expressed his desire to talk to India to resolve issues between the two countries. This comes as India reached out to various countries around the globe in a bid to expose Pakistan-based terrorism. The Pakistani PM said that he wants peace and is ready to talk on Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty and terrorism. Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif in Tehran said, "We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue and the water issue, through negotiations and are also ready to talk to our neighbour on trade and counter-terrorism,” he said. The Pakistani PM also said that Islamabad wants peace, but did not speak on his country's support to terrorists. "If they accept my offer of peace, then we will show that we really want peace, seriously and sincerely," he said. Pakistan's PM Sharif also met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In a measured response to the India-Pakistan conflict, Khamenei in a post on X said, “We're pleased at the cessation of conflicts between Pakistan and India, and we hope the disputes between the two countries will be resolved.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (May 26) expressed his desire to talk to India to resolve issues between the two countries.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif 'ready to talk' with India, brings up Kashmir, Indus Treaty during meeting in Iran

A family hailing from India's Dehradun was found dead in a car parked about 200 km away in Panchkula. The family of seven allegedly died by suicide, this after consuming poison.&nbsp;Prima facie, it appears as though they entered a suicide pact. The bodies of all seven were found locked in a car parked on the road outside a house in Sector 27 of Panchkula. The forensic team reached the spot and collected samples for investigation.&nbsp;The deceased include Praveen Mittal (42), his parents, wife, and three children. Reports suggest Mittal was under heavy debt and the family had come to attend a religious discourse in Bageshwar Dham.The police also recovered a suicide note from the spot and are currently investigating the case.&nbsp;Himadri Kaushik, DCP, Panchkula, said, "We received information that six people have been brought to Ojas Hospital. When we reached here, we found out that they are all dead. Another person was brought to the Civil Hospital, Sector 6; he has also been declared dead."&nbsp;She added, "Prima facie, it looks like a matter of suicide. All the investigating officers are at the spot. All of the deceased are family members." Disclaimer: Help is available. Speak with someone today<h2>iCALL</h2>Assistance available in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, and MalayalamHours: Mon—Sat, 10 AM—8 PM<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=suicide+helpline+india&amp;sca_esv=286dcc3e3e4e435f&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enIN1035IN1035&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMTk3cMmnJN_9wUdj8MkeqDXN5bMg%3A1748336392101&amp;ei=CH81aMn8Bc6N4-EP66eB-AM&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJoOXMpMONAxXOxjgGHetTAD8Q4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=suicide+helpline+india&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiFnN1aWNpZGUgaGVscGxpbmUgaW5kaWEyBRAAGIAEMgsQABiABBiRAhiKBTILEAAYgAQYkQIYigUyCxAAGIAEGJECGIoFMgUQABiABDIIEAAYgAQYxwMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYFhgKGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeSLcMUIsDWJsLcAF4AJABAJgBxQGgAfAHqgEDMC42uAEDyAEA-AEBmAIGoAKMCMICDhAAGIAEGJECGMkDGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYkgMYywHCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICChAAGIAEGBQYhwKYAwCIBgGSBwUwLjUuMaAHwSyyBwUwLjUuMbgHjAg&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp#">Call - 9152987821</a><a href="http://icallhelpline.org/">Official website</a> &nbsp;

A family hailing from India's Dehradun was found dead in a car parked over 200 km away in Panchkula. 

A family hailing from India's Dehradun was found dead in a car parked about 200 km away in Panchkula. The family of seven allegedly died by suicide, this after consuming poison. Prima facie, it appears as though they entered a suicide pact. The bodies of all seven were found locked in a car parked on the road outside a house in Sector 27 of Panchkula. The forensic team reached the spot and collected samples for investigation. The deceased include Praveen Mittal (42), his parents, wife, and three children. Reports suggest Mittal was under heavy debt and the family had come to attend a religious discourse in Bageshwar Dham. The police also recovered a suicide note from the spot and are currently investigating the case. Himadri Kaushik, DCP, Panchkula, said, "We received information that six people have been brought to Ojas Hospital. When we reached here, we found out that they are all dead. Another person was brought to the Civil Hospital, Sector 6; he has also been declared dead." She added, "Prima facie, it looks like a matter of suicide. All the investigating officers are at the spot. All of the deceased are family members." Disclaimer: Help is available. Speak with someone today iCALL Assistance available in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, and Malayalam Hours: Mon—Sat, 10 AM—8 PM Call - 9152987821 Official website

A family hailing from India's Dehradun was found dead in a car parked over 200 km away in Panchkula.&nbsp;

Family of seven found dead inside a car in Panchkula, suicide suspected

India views China as its 'primary adversary' and regards Pakistan as an 'ancillary security problem to be managed', according to the United States Defence Intelligence Agency’s Worldwide Threat Assessment 2025.&nbsp;The report, released days after cross-border clashes between the two neighbouring nations in early May, outlines the shifting defence priorities of the Indian government during the rising regional tensions.&nbsp;&nbsp;"India views China as its primary adversary and Pakistan more an ancillary security problem to be managed, despite cross-border attacks in mid-May by both India’s and Pakistan’s militaries", the report said.<h2>Main Report</h2>“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defence priorities will probably focus on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing New Delhi’s military power,” the report added.&nbsp;Despite a military confrontation between India and Pakistan in mid-May, the DIA noted in their report that India’s strategic focus remains fixed on China. It further referenced India’s continuing investment in the modernisation of it's military, highlighting the testing of the nuclear-capable Agni-I Prime medium-range ballistic missile, the Agni-V MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle), as well as it's second commissioning of a second nuclear-powered submarine to reinforce its nuclear triad and 'bolster its ability to deter adversaries'.&nbsp;India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which was carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', led to days of hostilities involving artillery, missiles and drones between 7 and 10 May. “Following a late April terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi conducted missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities in Pakistan,” the report said. A ceasefire was in place as of 10 May.&nbsp;Contrary to the observations about India, the report noted that Islamabad continues to regard India as an 'existential threat' and is focusing on developing battlefield nuclear weapons to offset India’s conventional military advantage.<h2>India's focus on bilateral cooperation</h2>The assessment also highlighted India’s growing defence diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes bilateral cooperation, multilateral engagement in groups such as the ASEAN, Quad, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and continued promotion of its 'Made in India' initiative to develop a self-reliant domestic defence sector aimed at modernising the military.&nbsp;While both, India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 on disengagement in Depsang and Demchok, the DIA noted the fundamental border dispute remains unresolved.&nbsp;

"India views China as its primary adversary and Pakistan more an ancillary security problem to be managed, despite cross-border attacks in mid-May by both India’s and Pakistan’s militaries", the report said.

India views China as its 'primary adversary' and regards Pakistan as an 'ancillary security problem to be managed', according to the United States Defence Intelligence Agency’s Worldwide Threat Assessment 2025. The report, released days after cross-border clashes between the two neighbouring nations in early May, outlines the shifting defence priorities of the Indian government during the rising regional tensions. "India views China as its primary adversary and Pakistan more an ancillary security problem to be managed, despite cross-border attacks in mid-May by both India’s and Pakistan’s militaries", the report said. Main Report “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defence priorities will probably focus on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing New Delhi’s military power,” the report added. Despite a military confrontation between India and Pakistan in mid-May, the DIA noted in their report that India’s strategic focus remains fixed on China. It further referenced India’s continuing investment in the modernisation of it's military, highlighting the testing of the nuclear-capable Agni-I Prime medium-range ballistic missile, the Agni-V MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle), as well as it's second commissioning of a second nuclear-powered submarine to reinforce its nuclear triad and 'bolster its ability to deter adversaries'. India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which was carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', led to days of hostilities involving artillery, missiles and drones between 7 and 10 May. “Following a late April terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi conducted missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities in Pakistan,” the report said. A ceasefire was in place as of 10 May. Contrary to the observations about India, the report noted that Islamabad continues to regard India as an 'existential threat' and is focusing on developing battlefield nuclear weapons to offset India’s conventional military advantage. India's focus on bilateral cooperation The assessment also highlighted India’s growing defence diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes bilateral cooperation, multilateral engagement in groups such as the ASEAN, Quad, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and continued promotion of its 'Made in India' initiative to develop a self-reliant domestic defence sector aimed at modernising the military. While both, India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 on disengagement in Depsang and Demchok, the DIA noted the fundamental border dispute remains unresolved.