QUICKREADS

Four Cs enables us to harness power of culture: PM Modi at G20 meet
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the efforts of G20 cultural ministers to shape a G20 action plan with tangible outcomes. Speaking via video link at the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting, Modi highlighted the importance of culture, creativity, commerce, and collaboration in building a compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful future. He also discussed India’s efforts to preserve and revitalize its cultural heritage, including using technology to make cultural sites more tourist-friendly and mapping the country’s cultural assets and artists. Modi emphasized the role of heritage in economic growth and diversification and announced a new initiative to support traditional artisans.

Cannot compel states to adopt National Education Policy: Supreme Court
Supreme Court refuses to compel states to adopt National Education Policy, dismissing a petition seeking implementation in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala. Court can only intervene if fundamental rights are violated, emphasizing state autonomy in education policy.

Punjab government mobilizes ministers to border districts to review emergency services
In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Punjab government is enhancing security by dispatching ten cabinet ministers to border districts for an emergency services review. Residents in Amritsar are advised to stay indoors and keep lights off for safety. This follows recent incidents, including the Indian Army shooting down two Pakistani drones amid ongoing artillery exchanges.

Security beefed up at Delhi's vital installations amid soaring tensions with Pakistan
Heightened security measures were implemented in Delhi following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as the latter targeted border areas with drones and missiles. Police increased vigilance at vital installations and crowded areas, canceled personnel leaves, and conducted vehicle checks. This response follows India's thwarting of multiple Pakistani military attempts to strike various locations, amid ongoing military operations.

Delhi airport issues advisory as 24 airports remain shut amid India-Pakistan tensions
Delhi airport remains operational amid India-Pakistan tensions. Some flights delayed due to airspace changes and security measures. 24 airports closed in northern and western India as a precaution. Enhanced security checks implemented across the country.

Blackouts imposed, advisories issued in Punjab amid growing tensions with Pakistan
Punjab and J&K imposed blackouts in border districts following intense Pakistan cross-border attacks. Multiple drone and missile strikes were neutralized by Indian forces. Tensions escalated, with one civilian killed and five injured in J&K.

1947 India Pakistan war to Operation Sindoor: A look at the conflict so far
India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars since 1947, primarily over Kashmir. Conflicts include wars in 1948, 1965, and 1971, with numerous border skirmishes. Recent tensions involve terror attacks, surgical strikes, and military confrontations, with periodic attempts to de-escalate.

Schools closed, sirens go off: All about what's happening in Indian border towns as Pakistan escalates tensions
Indian forces neutralized 50 drones targeting 15 border cities in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Air raid sirens blared, causing blackouts. Schools closed and border states remain on high alert amid escalating military tensions.

University professor in Chennai suspended for criticising Operation Sindoor
A Chennai university suspended an assistant professor for criticizing Operation Sindoor on WhatsApp, posting about civilian casualties in Pakistan. The university cited "unethical activities" in her suspension, with a BJP leader calling for her blacklisting from other institutions.

Woman killed as Pakistan resorts to artillery shelling along LoC
Pakistani artillery shelling along the Line of Control killed a woman and injured five others in Jammu and Kashmir. India repelled multiple drone and missile attacks, neutralizing over 45 drones and intercepting Pakistani missiles with minimal casualties.

Early morning blast sound in Jammu triggers sirens, blackout after Pakistan's overnight airstrikes
An early morning blast in Jammu triggered sirens and a blackout after overnight Pakistani airstrikes. India intercepted eight missiles, neutralized drone attacks along the border, and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, with no casualties reported.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah rushes to Jammu after India foils Pakistan's drone attacks
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rushed to Jammu after India successfully foiled Pakistan's drone attacks. Sirens blared Thursday night. Schools closed until Monday, with a potential extension pending situation assessment on Monday afternoon.

SC issues contempt notices over vacancies in NCR pollution control boards
Supreme Court issued contempt notices to NCR states' chief secretaries over massive vacancies in pollution control boards, with Delhi having 55% posts unfilled. Court directed states to fill positions by September, emphasizing the critical role of these boards in fighting pollution.

DMK gen secy Duraimurugan alloted law ministry in reshuffle
DMK leader Duraimurugan receives law ministry in cabinet reshuffle, replacing S Regupathy. This follows recent resignations of ministers Senthil Balaji and K Ponmudi, with CM Stalin redistributing key portfolios among party members.

3 police commandos killed in combing ops
Three Greyhounds commandos were killed and three injured in an IED explosion by Maoists during a combing operation in Telangana's Mulug district. The attack occurred in dense forest areas, with an exchange of fire leading to the Maoists' retreat.

TDP MP seeks CBI probe into YSR Congress-era liquor scam
TDP MLA Kesineni Shivanath seeks CBI probe into a ₹3,200 crore liquor scam during the previous YSRCP government, citing public outrage and demanding transparency, while SIT continues its investigation and has already arrested four people.