Big Picture: Lessons from PLA Tawang incursions and China’s global ambitions

Nine days after China sanctimoniously asked India to adhere to 1993-1996 bilateral border agreements and uphold peace and tranquillity on the LAC while opposing India-US military exercises in Auli, the aggressive PLA changed the goal post yet again and transgressed across the border in Tawang sector on December 9. The Indian Army response was quick despite infrastructure hurdles in the area but not before there were injuries on both sides in the ensuing melee.

Clear recommendations of collegium ‘expeditiously’: SC

Supreme Court urges Centre to quickly clear judicial appointments, highlighting massive pendency of over 700,000 criminal appeals. Calls for expeditious filling of sanctioned judge posts and suggests measures like video conferencing and dedicated criminal appeal benches to reduce backlog.

Barber shops reopened after nearly 3-month boycott at village in Koppal: Official

After a three-month social boycott triggered by a dispute between a barber and a Dalit community member, local officials mediated a resolution. Barber shops reopened following a meeting that emphasized equality and opposed untouchability.

Security increased at key infrastructure areas as tension escalates: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka heightens security at critical infrastructure like dams and coastal regions following the Pahalgam incident. Specialized forces deployed, civil defence drills conducted, and coastal patrols intensified. Authorities remain vigilant and prepared for potential threats.

President clears prosecution of Lalu Prasad in land-for-jobs case

President Murmu approved prosecution of Lalu Prasad in land-for-jobs money laundering case. ED filed charges based on CBI's FIR alleging railway recruitment corruption during 2004-09, involving land transfers as bribes.

Indian markets, rupee set to open lower amid ongoing military conflict with Pakistan: Report

India's benchmark indexes are set to open lower on Friday, with the rupee expected to weaken amid rising tensions with Pakistan following drone and missile attacks on military installations in Jammu. Gift Nifty futures indicate a 1.2% drop, reflecting concerns over escalating conflict between the two nations.

Western disturbances bring cool start to May

Western disturbances are bringing an unusually cool, rainy start to May in northwest India, with temperatures 1°C below normal and rainfall significantly exceeding typical levels. Thunderstorms and precipitation are expected to continue until mid-May.

CJI starts process to remove HC judge Varma, writes to Prez, PM

CJI Sanjiv Khanna initiated removal proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma after an in-house committee confirmed cash recovery at his residence. He wrote to the President and PM, seeking potential removal under constitutional provisions.

‘Irresponsible’: SC slams Dubey over remarks on judiciary, CJI

Supreme Court criticizes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for "irresponsible" remarks targeting CJI, deeming them contemptuous but not initiating proceedings. The court emphasized judicial resilience and condemned potential hate speech while dismissing the PIL.

Karnataka HC rejects plea of woman seeking time for her 3 Pakistani children to stay

Karnataka HC rejected a woman's plea to extend her three Pakistani children's stay in India, upholding the government's directive for Pakistani nationals to exit by April 30 due to security concerns following a terror attack.

No Pakistani films, shows, or music on Indian OTTs: Govt

Indian government orders OTT platforms to immediately remove Pakistani content across web series, films, songs, and podcasts, citing national security concerns. The advisory is non-binding but strongly suggests platforms discontinue all media originating from Pakistan.

India only responding to original escalation by Pak: Foreign secy

India responded to Pakistan's original escalation in Pahalgam, targeting terrorist infrastructure in retaliation. Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized India's measured response, warning of further action if Pakistan escalates. Most countries support India's stance, condemning the terror attack.

100 terrorists killed; govt says ops ongoing

India conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan, killing around 100 terrorists. The government emphasized no escalation intent, and opposition parties unanimously supported the military action during an all-party meeting.

Trepidation at Ground Zero of Pak shelling

Pakistani artillery fire along the Line of Control killed 16 civilians, including children, in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Over 200 mortar shells were fired, forcing 90% of residents to flee to safer locations amid intense cross-border shelling.

Pak escalates, India strikes back

India repelled multiple Pakistani strikes across western border states, intercepting missiles and drones. Tensions escalated after India's precision strikes on terror camps in response to the Pahalgam attack. Both nuclear-armed nations engaged in unprecedented military confrontation.

PM stresses alertness, synergy during meeting with secretaries

Prime Minister Modi held a high-level meeting with ministry secretaries, emphasizing coordination, operational readiness, and national security following military action. He stressed alertness, communication protocols, and preparedness to handle potential emerging situations.