QUICKREADS

Maharashtra ATS arrests Pune man from Raigad district over Naxal links
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Prashant Jalinder Kamble, a 44-year-old man with alleged Naxalite links, in Raigad district. Wanted since 2011 for an "Urban Naxal" case, Kamble had been hiding for years while teaching tribal children. He was declared absconding by the court, and following his arrest, he was remanded to ATS custody until May 13.

Modi picked name for counterterror op
Prime Minister Modi named the counterterror operation "Operation Sindoor" and closely monitored strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, crediting armed forces for precise action against terrorists in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.

2021 saw almost 2 million extra deaths, shows MHA data
India recorded nearly 2 million excess deaths in 2021, with official Covid-19 death tolls significantly underestimating the pandemic's impact. The Sample Registration System report reveals a crude death rate spike, indicating substantially higher mortality compared to previous years.

Centre extends tenure of CBI director by 1 year
The government extended CBI director Praveen Sood's tenure by one year, despite a lack of consensus in a high-powered committee. The extension deviates from the standard two-year norm and follows an earlier ordinance allowing flexible tenure extensions.

India’s outreach to US in focus after strikes in Pakistan
India launched precision strikes on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, focusing diplomatic efforts on the US. President Trump and officials expressed solidarity while maintaining neutrality, urging both nations to avoid escalation and keep communication open.

How India is fighting Pakistan’s disinformation campaign
India counters Pakistan's online disinformation campaign following military strikes, with fact-checkers debunking fake news about military victories, captured soldiers, and doctored images. Government and independent units work round-the-clock to verify information and combat propaganda spread through social media.

Why India zeroed in on hubs of terror
India targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan, striking locations supporting anti-India terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. These facilities, often concealed in government buildings, served as training centers, launch pads, and indoctrination sites for terrorists planning attacks in India.

Fact check: Gaza photos falsely shared as attack on Sialkot, Pakistan
India conducted precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam massacre. Misinformation circulated falsely using Gaza photos, but the operation targeted specific camps without civilian casualties.

9 terror camps bombed to smithereens in 26 minutes
Indian forces bombed 9 terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan in 26 minutes, targeting key terrorist training facilities in response to the Pahalgam attack. Operation Sindoor was precise, avoiding collateral damage, and demonstrated India's military capability.

Sindoor serves justice: India strikes at 9 terror locations in Pakistan, PoK
India conducted precision strikes on nine terror locations in Pakistan and PoK, targeting terrorist infrastructure in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. The 26-minute Operation Sindoor hit bases of LeT and JeM, with no civilian casualties, escalating bilateral tensions.

Ban on taking horses and mules on Kedarnath route continues
The ban on horses and mules for the Kedarnath pilgrimage continues after 14 animals died from an infectious virus. Local operators and organizations have requested an extension. A team of 22 doctors is monitoring the situation, and unhealthy animals will be barred from the route. Healthy animals must test negative for viruses before being allowed to operate.

Pakistan: Reserve the right to respond at a time, place, manner of choosing
Pakistan condemned India's military strikes on terrorist sites, reserving the right to respond at its chosen time and manner. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed retaliation, claiming 26 killed and 46 injured across six locations, and called for national unity.

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts to Indian Operation Sindoor strike against terror: 'We will...'
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif vows retaliation after India's Operation Sindoor strike on nine terror camps, killing 26. Pakistan condemns the action as "unprovoked" and promises to take revenge, warning of potential escalation in tensions.

Railway Ministry directs all zones to ensure prime condition of engine ACs
The Railway Ministry has instructed its 17 zones to undertake a month-long initiative to ensure the air conditioning systems in train engines are functioning properly to combat summer heat. The ministry emphasizes improving working conditions for staff to enhance safety. The All India Loco Running Staff Association has welcomed this move, hoping for future AC installations in all locomotives.

Mock drills in India: Sirens, blackouts, evacuations amid Pakistan standoff
India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills amid rising tensions with Pakistan, involving strategic blackouts in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Patna. The exercise tested emergency preparedness through sirens, power cuts, and evacuation procedures across multiple states.

Govt clears conversion of 2.1 lakh square metres of leasehold land into ownership for Maha Metro
The Maharashtra government has approved the conversion of over 2.1 lakh square metres of leasehold land to ownership for Maha Metro, facilitating commercial use for affordable housing, hospitals, and educational institutions. This decision will support metro projects in Nagpur, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, enabling Maha Metro to generate funds for loan repayments and operational costs.