President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Terming it as shocking and painful, the President said it is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. The President said, Attacking innocent citizens is utterly appalling and unpardonable. She expressed condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. In a social media post, Mr Dhankhar said that such acts of violence are reprehensible and deserve our strongest condemnation.          Prime Minister Modi said, those behind the heinous act will not be spared and will be brought to justice. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, their evil agenda will never succeed. He also expressed his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the injured to recover at the earliest. Mr Modi added that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.           Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Leaders across party lines have strongly condemned the terror attack. Union Minister and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda has said the Narendra  Modi Government follows a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and those involved in this heinous act will not be spared. He said the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation. Defence Minister Rajanth Singh said the dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice and highly reprehensible.      I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also condemned the cowardly attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Bihar Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, Union Minister and LJP (R) Chief Chirag Paswan, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav have also condemned the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister was originally expected to return tonight. Our West Asia correspondent reports that, despite the shortened trip, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had several key outcomes. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of cooperation, covering energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was also discussed, with both sides reaffirming their shared vision and commitment to accelerating work on the initiative. Four important agreements, including in the areas of space, health and anti-doping, were signed during the bilateral engagements. A significant outcome of the visit was the expansion of the Strategic Partnership Council from two to four committees, underscoring the growing depth of bilateral ties.   The two leaders also welcomed the progress made by the Joint High-Level Task Force on Investments. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing in a wide range of sectors in India, including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology and fintech.   Prime Minister Modi also expressed his appreciation to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the care and support extended to the 2.7 million-strong Indian diaspora living in the Kingdom.

Dr. Saroj Senapati, a distinguished educator from West Bengal, has recently been awarded the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation. This accolade highlights his remarkable contributions to education, particularly in his capacity as an Assistant Professor at Annapurna Memorial College of Education. Dr. Senapati's unwavering commitment to creating a vibrant learning atmosphere and his focus on student achievement have distinguished him as a prominent figure in the educational landscape. His passion for teaching and dedication to his students have not only earned him respect but have also made a significant impact on the academic community. With over 11 years of experience in the educational field, Dr. Senapati has built a reputation as an inspiring teacher who motivates both his students and fellow educators. His innovative teaching strategies, combined with a profound understanding of educational theories, have transformed the learning experiences of many students. By fostering an engaging and interactive classroom environment, he has empowered learners to reach their full potential, encouraging them to think critically and creatively. This approach has not only enriched the educational journeys of his students but has also contributed to the overall growth and development of the institution he represents. The recognition of Dr. Saroj Senapati through the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is a fitting tribute to his dedication and passion for education. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to inspire a culture of learning extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. As he continues to shape the minds of future generations, his influence resonates throughout the educational community, fostering an environment where growth and curiosity thrive. This award not only acknowledges his significant achievements but also serves as a reminder of the positive change he has brought to the field of education, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

The Supreme Court today has not issued any interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 while hearing a batch of petitions challenging it. The Centre asked for more time to prepare its argument on the three points raised by the apex court. The Apex Court will now hear the matter tomorrow.   A Bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, on how “waqf by user” can be disallowed, as many will not have the requisite documents to get such waqfs registered.    The three-judge bench considered passing an interim order on the petitions challenging the new Waqf Act. The bench raised three key points. It said, the properties declared by Courts as Waqf should not be de-notified, whether they are by “waqf-by-user” or “waqf by deed”, while the Court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025.    The Court further said it will order that provision of the Amendment Act, as per which a Waqf property will not be treated as a Waqf while the Collector is conducting an inquiry whether the property is Government land, will not be given effect to. The Court also said it will order that all Members of the Waqf Boards and Central Waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members.   However, the interim order that the court suggested did not pass today. The Court finally decided that arguments will continue tomorrow. CJI Khanna at the end of the hearing, expressed concern over the violence that has broken out in West Bengal against the amendments to the Waqf Act.

In a major anti-drug operation, the Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, seized over 300 kilograms of methamphetamine worth 1,800 crore rupees. Acting on specific intel, the Coast Guard intercepted a vessel near the International Maritime Boundary Line during a night operation. The suspects dumped the narcotics into the sea and fled into international waters. While the boat escaped, ICG teams recovered the drugs. The consignment was brought to Porbandar for investigation.

Maharashtra is celebrating the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with great fervour. Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Raj Bhavan. He then, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, offered floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar and the Akhand Bhim Jyoti at Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar. The Governor and the Chief Minister also planted a sapling at the site and visited an exhibition of rare photographs of Dr. Ambedkar. They were accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan said that India is a strong democratic nation today, upholding the principle of equality, thanks to the invaluable contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in giving the nation its Constitution. In a separate programme, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Speaking at the event, Mr Fadnavis stated that Dr. Ambedkar was the visionary who brought about social, cultural, and economic transformation in the country, eradicating age-old malpractices with the powerful tool of the Indian Constitution. He also highlighted the deep connection Dr. Ambedkar shared with the city of Mumbai. The birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is being commemorated across Maharashtra with a variety of programmes and initiatives.

The Telangana state government has officially implemented the Scheduled Caste (SC) Categorisation of Reservations Act 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar today. A government order (GO) has been issued, marking a significant policy decision aimed at addressing long-standing demands from marginalized communities. As per the government order, the 56 Scheduled Caste communities in Telangana have now been divided into three groups to ensure equitable distribution of benefits among the SC sub-groups. The GO has been issued today following consent from the State governor for the Bil,l which was passed by the State Legislature last month. This classification is expected to guide future policies on reservations in education, employment, and political representation. Our correspondent says, the implementation of SC categorisation is seen as a major milestone in Telangana State’s efforts to achieve social justice, especially for communities that have historically been left behind despite belonging to the larger SC category.

Dr. Soma Goho, hailing from West Bengal, has recently been awarded the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation, a recognition that highlights her exceptional work in various fields including Soft Skills training, Entrepreneurship Management, Cognitive Science, and Brain Development. This esteemed accolade is a testament to her dedication and the significant impact she has made in shaping the future of young individuals. Dr.  Soma Goho stands out not just as a professional but as a beacon of inspiration, playing a crucial role in empowering the youth of the nation. Her initiatives in Soft Skills training have transformed how young people perceive their career paths and personal growth. By providing them with vital skills, she enables them to tackle the challenges of today’s job market with confidence and resilience. Furthermore, her expertise in Entrepreneurship Management ignites a sense of innovation and independence among budding entrepreneurs, motivating them to chase their aspirations fearlessly. Dr.  Soma Goho’s influence extends well beyond her primary focus, as she is actively involved in projects that promote advancements in cognitive science and brain development. Through her unwavering commitment to these vital areas, Dr. Soma Goho is not only inspiring individuals but also contributing to the larger vision of national progress. Her work embodies a dedication to nurturing the potential of India’s youth, making her an invaluable asset to society. By fostering skills and knowledge, she is helping to pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Online businesses must remain vigilant against the threat of fraudulent payments, as these scams can significantly impact their operations. A case in point is EPGS PVT Ltd, a company that offers various online services. Recently, an individual named Akshay Kumar Sharma, residing in Ankit Nagar, Sitapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, reached out to this Bangalore-based firm, asserting that he had completed payments for the services he requested. Despite being a skilled designer, Akshay Kumar Sharma exploited his talents for deceitful purposes. He crafted a convincing screenshot of a payment made through a UPI app and presented it as evidence of his transaction. Trusting the authenticity of this document, the company proceeded to deliver the online services he had ordered. Unfortunately, it was only when the accounts department conducted a thorough review that they discovered the payment screenshot was fabricated. Upon realizing the deception, EPGS PVT Ltd promptly halted any further actions related to Sharma's account. However, by that time, he had already managed to receive half of the services he had requested. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of fraud in the online business landscape, highlighting the need for companies to implement robust verification processes to protect themselves from scammers like Akshay Kumar Sharma, who are unfortunately widespread across the country. Online businesses must remain vigilant against the threat of fraudulent payments, as this issue is becoming increasingly prevalent. The case of individuals like Akshay Kumar Sharma serves as a stark reminder of the various scams that plague the online marketplace. Entrepreneurs encounter numerous challenges daily, and it is crucial to bring attention to these fraudulent actors to help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. The rise of online fraud has created a landscape where business owners must be proactive in safeguarding their operations. With scammers constantly devising new tactics, it is essential for entrepreneurs to stay informed and implement robust security measures. By shedding light on the actions of individuals like Akshay Kumar Sharma, the business community can foster a culture of awareness and resilience against such deceptive practices. Moreover, exposing these fraudulent activities not only helps to protect individual businesses but also contributes to a safer online environment for consumers. When the public is made aware of the tactics used by scammers, they become better equipped to recognize and avoid potential threats. Ultimately, collaboration and transparency within the business community are vital in combating online fraud and ensuring a secure marketplace for everyone involved.

The government has said that due to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, the sex ratio at birth has increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24 at the national level. In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi said the scheme was launched in 2015 to address the declining Child Sex Ratio and related issues of the empowerment of girls and women. She said the scheme focuses on creating mindset and behavioural changes towards the girls by informing, influencing, motivating, engaging, and empowering all stakeholders. The Minister said the gross enrollment ratio of girls in the schools at the secondary level has increased from around 75 per cent in 2014-15 to 78 per cent in 2023-24.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the President must decide on State Bills, reserved by Governors for Presidential assent, within three months. The Apex Court set aside Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s decision to withhold assent to 10 pending Bills and, in the process, ruled that the President should also not take more than three months in arriving at a decision on Bills referred by Governors.   The Supreme Court has said it is not undermining the office of the Governor in fixing a timeline for their actions under Article 200, but they must act with due deference to the settled conventions of parliamentary democracy. Article 200 empowers the Governor to give assent to the Bills presented to him, withhold the assent, or reserve it for the consideration of the President.

The Central Government notified the appointment of Justice Arun Palli as Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal took to ‘X’ regarding the appointment Justice Arun Palli. In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the Hon’ble President of India, after consultation with Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, appointed Justice Arun Palli, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. Last week the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended appointment of Justice Palli, a judge of High Court of Punjab & Haryana, as Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Justice Palli was designated as a Senior Advocate on April 26, 2007. He served as Amicus Curiae in various contentious matters before the High Court, addressing diverse subjects and legal propositions before both Division and Full Benches. Justice Palli was elevated to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 28, 2013. Additionally, he has been serving as the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority since May 31, 2023, and was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on October 31, 2023, for a tenure of two years.