Morning brief: Periyar, Marx photos ‘vandalised’ at JNU, Stalin reacts as students attacked; and all the latest news

Here are today's top news, analysis, and opinion. Periyar, Karl Marx photos 'vandalised' at JNU; Stalin reacts as students attacked The Left-led JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) on Monday alleged that members of the RSS-affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad vandalised the portraits of Periyar, Bhagat Singh, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Karl Marx, Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule and several other icons installed on the university campus. Vladimir Putin will undergo a new treatment in early March.

Op Sindoor: Special train from Jammu arrives in Delhi with students, tourists, army families

A special train evacuated hundreds of students, tourists, and army families from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi amid missile strikes and drone attacks, with passengers expressing fear and relief while escaping the conflict-ridden region.

Rajasthan: Barmer on red alert amid India-Pak tensions; advisory issued

Barmer, Rajasthan, issued multiple red alerts amid India-Pakistan tensions. Authorities ordered market closures, residents to stay home, and implemented strict security measures following reported drone attacks near the border.

All about Fatah-II: Pakistan's indigenous precision missile

Pakistan launched Fatah-II, an advanced guided artillery rocket, amid escalating military tensions with India. Both countries exchanged fire after Indian attacks on Pakistani air bases and drone sightings, heightening regional conflict and potential military confrontation.

Haven't slept for 2 days: Border residents in Rajasthan anxious yet confident in Army

Residents in Rajasthan's border areas expressed anxiety over recent drone attacks from Pakistan, but their confidence in the Indian Armed Forces remains strong after successful mid-air interceptions. Blackouts and sirens were enforced, with no reported harm. Locals noted improved communication and preparedness compared to past conflicts, highlighting the effectiveness of current defense measures.

In Parliament, Khawaja Asif says 'madarsa students are Pakistan's second line of defence': Watch

Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif claims madrassa students are the nation's "second line of defence," making controversial remarks in Parliament amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, while also citing social media as evidence for military claims.

Early morning explosions heard near army sites in Srinagar, Uri, Baramulla

Multiple explosions occurred near army sites in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Uri during early morning hours. Residents reported loud blasts, causing panic. Officials remain silent on the incidents, with some areas experiencing shelling and residents migrating to safer locations.

Omar Abdullah slams IMF over loan to Pakistan as it intensifies airstrikes: ‘It's using it to…’

Omar Abdullah criticizes IMF's $2.4 billion loan to Pakistan, claiming it reimburses funds used for attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. India protests the bailout, citing concerns about potential misuse for cross-border terrorism amid ongoing regional tensions.

Deputy collector demoted to tehsildar in Andhra

Supreme Court demoted an Andhra Pradesh deputy collector to tehsildar for disobeying a high court order to stop forcibly demolishing huts in 2014. The court emphasized that no one is above the law and imposed a ₹1 lakh fine.

Stalin to lead rally in TN today to show solidarity with armed forces

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin will lead a solidarity rally in Chennai for Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan's attacks. He aims to support troops, invite public participation, and ensure student safety from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

G7 condemns Pahalgam attack, reacts to India-Pakistan conflict: 'Express our support for…'

G7 strongly condemns the Pahalgam terrorist attack, urging India and Pakistan to show restraint. They call for de-escalation, direct dialogue, and a peaceful resolution, expressing concern over rising tensions and potential military escalation.

India’s green cover grew to 25.17% of geographical area: Report

India reported 25.17% forest and tree cover at the UN Forum, highlighting conservation efforts like the Aravalli Green Wall and mangrove restoration. The country emphasized ecosystem valuation and presented findings from pilot studies on forest services, despite expert concerns about methodology and forest degradation.

AP witnessed sharp rise in alcohol-induced diseases during 2019-24, says report

Andhra Pradesh witnessed a sharp rise in alcohol-related liver, kidney, and neurological diseases from 2019-2024, with patient numbers more than doubling. Young males aged 35-40 were most affected, potentially due to substandard local liquor brands.

SC demotes Andhra Pradesh deputy collector for disobeying court order

Supreme Court demoted an Andhra Pradesh deputy collector to tehsildar for disobeying a high court order. The court emphasized rule of law, imposing a ₹1 lakh fine while considering the official's family welfare and avoiding complete removal from service.

ED to probe money laundering in Andhra liquor scam, SIT issues notices to top officials close to Jagan

ED registered a money laundering case in the ₹3,200-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. SIT issued notices to top officials close to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, investigating alleged bribery and policy manipulation in the state's liquor business.

NOTAMs: 32 airports to remain shut till May 15 across north, west India

32 airports across north and west India will be temporarily closed until May 15, affecting civil flight operations. AAI issued NOTAMs, advising airlines to plan alternate routes. Delhi airport remains operational but warns of potential security-related schedule disruptions.