Category: India

Pakistani hackers have targeted multiple Indian websites including Army Public School sites and military-affiliated platforms following last week’s Pahalgam terror attack. The hackers defaced pages with Pakistani flags and provocative messages about Kashmir. Indian cyber-security systems detected the intrusions and restored affected sites. These cyber attacks come amid escalating tensions after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack that killed 26 people.READ FULL

India declared Pakistani military officials persona non grata following a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. After a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, India announced five measures: expelling Pakistani military diplomats, closing the Attari border crossing, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, canceling visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals, and reducing diplomatic staff at both high commissions from 55 to 30 personnel.READ FULL

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti apologized to the nation following Tuesday’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. Leading a protest march in Srinagar, she condemned the violence as “an attack on Kashmiriyat” and called it “the most cowardly thing.” Mufti urged the government to quickly apprehend the perpetrators and expressed solidarity with grieving families, stating that all Kashmiris shared in their pain.READ FULL

A 26-year-old Indian Navy Lieutenant, Vinay Narwal, was killed in a terrorist attack while vacationing in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The officer, who had married just days earlier, was among several victims in the incident that also claimed five tourists from Maharashtra. Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack, promising justice. Home Minister Shah has initiated a high-level security review while security forces have launched a search operation for the perpetrators.READ FULL

Six Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district on Monday. The firefight began around 5:30 AM in the Lugu Hills area when CoBRA commandos of the CRPF engaged the insurgents. Two INSAS rifles, a self-loading rifle, and a pistol were seized during the operation. The exchange of fire was reportedly still ongoing, with no injuries reported among security personnel.READ FULL

Indian Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Boston on Saturday for a visit to Brown University in Rhode Island. During his stay, he’ll interact with faculty, students, and members of the Indian diaspora community. This marks Gandhi’s second US trip in recent months, following a September 2024 visit where he spoke at universities in Dallas and Washington D.C. and met with Indian Overseas Congress members.READ FULL

A digital marketing executive candidate was caught off guard during an interview with a real estate company when asked to calculate the Cost Per Lead for selling 74 flats from a Rs 100 crore inventory to Nagpur’s population of 400,000. Despite attempting to answer, the candidate later realized a better approach using conversion rates. They expressed frustration at facing such a complex question for a position offering only Rs 5 lakhs per annum, matching their current salary despite promises of better compensation.READ FULL

Google suspended 2.9 million advertiser accounts and removed 247.4 million ads in India during 2024 for policy violations. Globally, the company removed 5.1 billion ads and suspended over 39.2 million accounts. Google enhanced its AI tools to detect fraud, focusing on combating AI-generated impersonation scams, resulting in 700,000 permanent account suspensions and a 90% reduction in such scam reports.READ FULL

India successfully tested satellite-based internet during aid operations in earthquake-hit Myanmar, using OneWeb Eutelsat technology. This marked India’s first real-time deployment of such services, with the Indian army connecting within 24 hours. OneWeb has received authorization to launch commercial satellite broadband in India but awaits spectrum allocation from the Telecom department before beginning operations nationwide.READ FULL

A thief stole Rs 2.45 lakh from a shop in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, but left behind a letter addressing the owner as “Jujar Bhai.” The letter sought forgiveness for stealing on Ram Navami, explained the thief was deeply in debt with creditors visiting daily, and promised to return the money within six months. The thief, claiming to be a neighbor, took only what was needed and left Rs 38,000 behind.READ FULL

India’s Supreme Court will consider urgent hearings on petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which regulates Muslim religious properties. The law, recently approved by Parliament and signed by President Murmu, faces opposition from Muslim organizations and opposition parties who claim it infringes on religious freedoms. The government defends it as promoting transparency and accountability. Multiple petitions including from MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind are pending review.READ FULL

US national Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to the vulnerable Sentinelese tribe. Police and tribal welfare officials inspected the island by boat to search for items he reportedly left behind, including soft drinks. The 24-year-old had meticulously planned his visit and had previously attempted to reach the island. He also allegedly illegally recorded the Jarawa tribe during an earlier visit to the Andaman Islands.READ FULL

ACMA President Shradha Suri Marwah noted that auto parts, already subject to 25% tariffs under Trump’s March 26 order, are exempt from the April 2 “Liberation Day” initiative. The association remains hopeful for favorable bilateral negotiations. Meanwhile, MP Shashi Tharoor warned the tariffs could harm both Indian exporters and American manufacturers who rely on Indian components, expressing hope for better trade agreements before October.READ FULL

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was interrupted by protesters during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College, who raised issues of post-poll violence and a college scandal. Banerjee handled the disruption calmly and confidently, addressing the protesters directly. The audience supported her, and the protesters were eventually asked to leave, allowing her to complete her speech successfully.READ FULL

Shiv Sena workers vandalized a Mumbai hotel after comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Deputy CM Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” during a show. The party demanded Kamra’s arrest, with MP Naresh Mhaske threatening serious consequences and claiming Kamra was paid by former CM Uddhav Thackeray. Meanwhile, opposition leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned the state’s law and order situation as Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel announced plans to file a police complaint.READ FULL

India has significantly reduced medical visa issuance to Bangladeshis – from 5,000-7,000 to fewer than 1,000 daily – amid worsening relations after Sheikh Hasina fled to India. This reduction has created an opportunity for China, which is increasing medical cooperation with Bangladesh, including organizing treatment visits and considering opening a friendship hospital in Dhaka. Relations between Bangladesh and China are strengthening as Muhammad Yunus prepares to meet President Xi.READ FULL

A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday killed 18 people, including 11 women and 5 children, with over a dozen injured. The tragedy occurred when crowds rushed to board trains headed for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The incident involved passengers from multiple delayed trains congregating on platforms 12-14. Prime Minister Modi expressed distress, and the Railway Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.READ FULL

French economist Thomas Piketty urged India to impose wealth and inheritance taxes, arguing that the country’s top 1% now control 22.6% of national income. He suggested a 2% wealth tax could raise 2.73% of GDP. However, India’s chief economic adviser opposed the idea, and the government has consistently rejected wealth and inheritance taxes, citing potential impact on middle-class families.READ FULL

The Indian parliament was disrupted for the second consecutive day as opposition lawmakers protested over the Adani controversy and other issues, leading to adjournment of both Houses. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after brief proceedings, while the Rajya Sabha was suspended amid protests. Speaker Om Birla’s attempts to conduct Question Hour were unsuccessful as opposition members rushed to the Well, shouting slogans despite his appeals.READ FULL

At least 31 people were killed and ten injured when a bus plunged into a 200-meter deep gorge in India’s Uttarakhand state this morning. The accident occurred around 8:00 AM local time in Almora district, with 22 passengers dying on the spot and nine others succumbing during hospital transfer. Some Indian media sources report the death toll at 36. Emergency responders are continuing search operations at the site while authorities investigate the cause.READ FULL

MS Dhoni has been named Jharkhand’s brand ambassador for the upcoming state assembly elections. He has allowed the Election Commission to use his image to promote voter participation under the SWEEP program. The elections for 81 assembly seats will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23. BJP has allied with AJSU, JD(U), and LJP, while JMM leads the opposition alliance.READ FULL

Indian security forces killed five Maoist rebels, including three women, during a clash in Maharashtra’s jungles. The incident comes amid intensified government efforts to end the decades-long Naxalite insurgency, which has claimed over 10,000 lives. Interior Minister Amit Shah recently warned rebels to surrender or face an “all-out” assault, aiming to end the movement by 2026.READ FULL

Seven people, including a doctor and six laborers, were killed in a terrorist attack at a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Five others were injured. The attack occurred just days after Omar Abdullah took oath as chief minister following recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.READ FULL

An explosion occurred near a CRPF school in Delhi’s Rohini at 7:47 am Sunday, damaging the school wall, nearby shops, and parked vehicles. No injuries were reported. Forensic teams, Delhi Police’s special cell, and NSG commandos are investigating the cause. The incident follows recent bomb threats to schools across India, though any connection remains unclear.READ FULL

A Mumbai court granted bail to Bhavesh Bhinde, the main accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse that killed 17 people in May. Bhinde’s lawyer argued the incident was an “act of God” due to unexpected wind speed. The defense also claimed Bhinde wasn’t the firm’s director when the hoarding was installed. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing evidence of Bhinde’s involvement. The collapse occurred during sudden dusty winds and unseasonal rains, with allegations that the hoarding was illegally placed on railway land.READ FULL

A London-bound Vistara flight from Delhi was diverted to Frankfurt due to a bomb threat received on social media. The flight landed safely, and mandatory security checks are being conducted. Meanwhile, an Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai also received a security alert before departure, leading to passengers being deplaned. These incidents are part of a recent trend where nearly 40 flights operated by Indian carriers have received bomb threats, all of which turned out to be hoaxes.READ FULL

India is set to lead global energy demand growth over the next decade, according to the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2024. Despite aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, coal will remain crucial in India’s energy mix, with 60 GW of new coal power capacity expected by 2030. The report projects significant increases in car ownership, construction, industrial production, and air conditioning use, driving a 35% rise in total energy demand by 2035.READ FULL

Star Health Insurance, a major Indian insurer, has confirmed being hit by a cyberattack that resulted in unauthorized access to company data. While a forensic investigation is underway, reports suggest hackers accessed personal information of 31 million policyholders and 5.8 million insurance claims, allegedly leaking it through Telegram chatbots. The company has filed criminal complaints and sued Telegram and Cloudflare. The Madras High Court has ordered Telegram to block chatbots sharing the leaked data.READ FULL

Villagers in Uttar Pradesh, India, killed the last wolf from a pack that had terrorized the region, killing nine people, mostly children. The pack had attacked over 40 people, prompting a massive hunt involving armed personnel and forestry officials. Five wolves were previously captured. Officials say flooding from extreme rains had forced the wolves into populated areas, disrupting their normal hunting patterns.READ FULL

A major clash between Indian security forces and Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh state’s Abhujmaad forest area resulted in at least 31 militants being killed on Friday. The nine-hour battle occurred when counterinsurgency troops cornered about 50 rebels near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. No casualties were reported among security forces. This marks the deadliest clash this year in the ongoing conflict with Maoist rebels, who fight for indigenous communities’ rights. So far, 171 militants have been killed in Chhattisgarh this year.READ FULL

A Bajrang Dal activist filed a complaint against Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for controversial remarks about Veer Savarkar. The complainant, Tejas Gowda, challenged Rao to provide evidence for his claim that Savarkar consumed beef. Rao had made these comments during the launch of a book about Nathuram Godse, where he discussed the dietary habits and ideologies of Savarkar, Gandhi, and Jinnah. Gowda urged the minister to focus on his health portfolio instead.READ FULL

Voting in the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began today amid tight security. Long queues were reported at polling stations across 26 seats. Prime Minister Modi and opposition leaders urged voters to participate. This is the first assembly election in the region since its special status was revoked in 2019. The election is being held in three phases, with 90 seats up for grabs. Results are expected on October 8.READ FULL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a three-day visit to the United States. He will attend the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by President Biden. Modi will also address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN General Assembly in New York and interact with the Indian diaspora. The visit includes bilateral meetings with world leaders and discussions with US-based CEOs on collaborations in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. This Quad summit marks a farewell for Biden and Japanese PM Kishida’s leadership in the group.READ FULL

Junior doctors in West Bengal have announced a partial withdrawal of their 41-day strike, agreeing to resume emergency and essential services from tomorrow. They will continue to boycott OPD services. The decision comes in light of flood situations in the state and the government meeting some of their demands. The strike was initiated following the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The doctors warn they may resume the strike if all promises are not fulfilled within a week.READ FULL

Indian-administered Kashmir began voting in its first local assembly elections since 2014, following the 2019 revocation of its semi-autonomous status. The election, held under heavy security, is seen as a test of democratic participation rather than policy-making. While many voters hope for local representation, key decisions will remain with New Delhi. The BJP government claims the region’s new status has brought peace and economic growth, but unemployment and resentment over restrictions persist.READ FULL

Arvind Kejriwal, a key opposition leader to Prime Minister Modi, has resigned as Delhi’s chief minister following his recent release on bail in a corruption case. Kejriwal, who was detained in March over alleged liquor license kickbacks, quit to seek a fresh mandate in upcoming Delhi elections. His close associate Atishi will serve as interim chief minister. Kejriwal’s party claims his arrest was politically motivated. The case is part of a wider trend of opposition figures facing criminal probes, which some view as politically driven.READ FULL