MNS Party Workers Allegedly Threaten Pune Man Over Social Media Post
A man in Pune has reportedly been threatened by workers affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party due to a social media post. The specific content of the post and the nature of the threats were not immediately clear. This incident raises concerns regarding political intolerance and the intimidation of individuals for expressing their views online. The event highlights ongoing friction over freedom of expression in the region, with further details on the police response and investigation awaited.
Aparshakti Khurana to Make Tamil Cinema Debut in Sci-Fi Thriller
Hindi film actor Aparshakti Khurana is set to make his debut in Tamil cinema with the crime thriller 'ROOT – Running Out of Time'. Known for roles in 'Stree' and 'Jubilee', Khurana will star alongside Tamil actor Gautham Karthik. The film, currently shooting in Chennai, is described as a high-concept blend of emotional drama, science fiction, and suspense. Khurana expressed his excitement about exploring new territory and connecting with a new audience through this unique and challenging project.
India and US to Sign New 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
India and the United States will sign a new 10-year defence partnership framework later this year, the Pentagon announced following a phone call between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth. The agreement aims to significantly expand strategic and defence ties, building on progress in military exchanges, training, and defence industry collaboration. The ministers also discussed major pending US defence sales to India and expediting the delivery of GE jet engines for India's Tejas aircraft.
India Signals Firm Anti-Terror Stance at Quad Meeting in Washington
Following a Quad foreign ministers' meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India's recent 'Operation Sindoor' conveyed with “great clarity” that it will act decisively against terrorism. The joint Quad statement strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack and called for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Jaishankar emphasized that India has a right to defend itself and expects partners to understand this position, reinforcing the country's assertive stance on cross-border terrorism on a major international platform.
Three Indian Nationals Abducted by Militants in Mali
Three Indian nationals employed at a cement factory in Kayes, Mali, have been abducted during a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. An Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, has claimed responsibility for the wave of assaults across the West African nation. India's Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the act and urged the Malian government to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the hostages. The Indian embassy is in contact with local authorities and the victims' families.
Ghana Confers National Honour on PM Modi During State Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra. The award recognizes Modi's statesmanship and global leadership. During the visit, the first by an Indian PM in three decades, the two nations elevated their ties to a 'comprehensive partnership' and signed several MoUs to enhance cooperation in culture and standards certification. The visit underscores India's strengthening diplomatic engagement with African nations.
Ferry Sinks Near Bali, Leaving at Least 4 Dead and Dozens Missing
A ferry carrying 65 people sank late Wednesday while en route from East Java to Bali, Indonesia. At least four people are confirmed dead and around 30 remain missing, according to the country's search and rescue agency. Rescue operations are underway for the 31 known survivors, but efforts are being hampered by strong currents and winds. The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members. Such accidents are frequent in the Indonesian archipelago due to lax safety standards.
Annual Amarnath Yatra Begins Under Stringent Security Measures
The annual Amarnath Yatra has officially commenced, with the first batches of pilgrims setting off from the twin base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal in Kashmir. Nearly 6,000 pilgrims began the journey towards the high-altitude cave shrine. The 38-day pilgrimage is taking place amidst a massive security deployment involving thousands of police and paramilitary personnel, along with aerial surveillance, to ensure the safety of the devotees. The yatra is a significant religious event drawing pilgrims from across the country.
Odisha Government Seeks Public Help in Puri Stampede Investigation
The Odisha government has issued a public notice seeking information, including video footage, regarding the recent deadly stampede at Puri's Gundicha Temple. The incident, which occurred during a Rath Yatra ceremony, killed three people and injured 50. The appeal is part of an administrative inquiry led by the Development Commissioner, which aims to conduct a transparent investigation into the tragedy's cause, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The final report is due within 30 days.
Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Halted After Monsoon Landslide
The pilgrimage to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand was temporarily suspended on Thursday after heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Munkatiya near Sonprayag. The landslide completely blocked the route to the Himalayan temple, forcing the administration to halt the yatra as a precautionary measure. State Disaster Response Force personnel were deployed to rescue pilgrims who were trapped while returning from the shrine. The incident highlights the increased risks of travel in the region during the monsoon season.
Deepika Padukone to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actor Deepika Padukone is set to become the first Indian actress to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced she is part of the Walk of Fame's Class of 2026. The prestigious honour recognizes her significant contributions to the entertainment industry and her growing global influence. Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut in 2017, will be felicitated alongside other international stars like Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, and Rami Malek.
US Announces Israel Agrees to Terms for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that during this period, diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Egypt would aim to permanently end the war. Trump warned Hamas that this is the best deal they will receive and urged them to accept it, stating the situation would otherwise worsen. The announcement comes amid ongoing, but stalled, negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and increase humanitarian aid.
Quad Nations Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demand Justice
The foreign ministers of the Quad nations—the US, India, Australia, and Japan—issued a joint statement strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Meeting in Washington DC, the group called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers to be brought to justice without delay. While not naming Pakistan directly, the statement explicitly mentioned the need to combat "cross-border terrorism" and urged all UN members to cooperate with authorities to ensure accountability.
Union Health Ministry Refutes Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths
India's Union Health Ministry has officially stated there is no scientific link between COVID-19 vaccines and a recent rise in sudden deaths. The clarification follows comments from Karnataka's Chief Minister linking the two. The Ministry cited extensive studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS which concluded that vaccines do not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death. It attributed these deaths to factors like genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications, warning against misinformation that could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
Two Chinese Nationals Charged in US with Espionage Activities
The US Department of Justice has charged two Chinese nationals, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, with acting as illegal agents for China's Ministry of State Security. They are accused of engaging in espionage, including photographing a US Navy base, organizing a cash drop for an intelligence asset, and attempting to recruit members of the US military. The case, unsealed in San Francisco, highlights what American officials describe as China's sustained effort to infiltrate the US military and gather intelligence.