The Union government informed the Supreme Court that a 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act, which removed the bar on enforcing rights over unregistered waqfs, led to a significant increase in Waqf Board properties nationwide. Properties surged from 2,07,394 to 8,72,870, and the area expanded from 18.
The Supreme Court has mandated a fresh investigation into the 2022 death of Ziaul Rahman, overturning previous court orders that applied a lesser charge. Citing the autopsy report detailing 14 injuries, the SC has directed that murder charges be framed. The court has given Uttar Pradesh six weeks to complete the trial and appoint a special prosecutor.
India is set to finalize a significant Rs 63,887 crore deal with France on Monday for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, primarily for the INS Vikrant. The agreement, encompassing 22 single-seat and four twin-seat Rafale-M jets, includes weapons, training, and maintenance support.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has directed Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to hunt down all perpetrators and supporters involved.
Sudeep Neupane, a 27-year-old Nepali citizen, was tragically killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Mistaken for an Indian Hindu, he was shot before he could clarify his nationality. His body was repatriated to his hometown in Butwal, Nepal, after a journey across India.
Jammu and Kashmir administration demolished the houses of three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. The houses belonged to Adil Hussain Thoker, Asif Sheikh, and Ahsan Sheikh. Authorities ensured no family members were inside during the demolitions. This action aims to deter local terrorism and support for terror. The administration warns of further consequences for those who join terror ranks.
Congress attributed the Pahalgam attack to security and intelligence failures, highlighting the targeting of Hindus as a Pakistan-orchestrated attempt to incite unrest. The party criticized the BJP for allegedly exploiting the tragedy to create division and demanded accountability from the Modi government, emphasizing the need for effective counter-measures beyond symbolic gestures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed state Chief Ministers to enforce the immediate revocation of various visa categories for Pakistani citizens, excluding long-term, diplomatic, and official visas. CMs are tasked with identifying and ensuring the departure of affected individuals by specific deadlines in late April. Stricter actions are to be taken against those who overstay, including detention and deportation.
India has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately, and revoked most existing visas following the Pahalgam attack. Exceptions include diplomatic, official, and long-term visas. Pakistani citizens holding other visa types must leave India by specific deadlines in late April, or face legal action under the new Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025.
Following the Pahalgam massacre, the ceasefire along the Line of Control is showing signs of strain, with small arms fire reported across multiple locations since Thursday night. The Indian Army has responded effectively to Pakistani firing, with heightened alert levels and increased fighter sorties by the IAF. Military options for punitive strikes against Pakistan are under consideration.
Jammu and Kashmir police have detained a pony service provider, Aiyaz Ahmad Jungal, following a viral video where a tourist alleged he questioned her about her religion. The tourist claimed this occurred during a mule ride in Pahalgam, two days before the terror attack.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack and advice from the Omar Abdullah-led government, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has convened a special J&K assembly session on April 28. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi met with Sinha, urging decisive action to bring the attackers to justice. The National Conference had formally requested the special session after the recent attack.
Security forces have intensified search operations across six districts of the Jammu division to locate terrorists believed to be hiding in forest areas. This follows a gunfight in Udhampur where a Special Forces soldier was killed. Combing operations are underway in Kishtwar, Rajouri, Kathua, and Poonch, with heightened efforts to sanitize the Kathua-Samba region after recent encounters.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a roadside bomb attack in Quetta, resulting in the deaths of ten Pakistani military personnel and injuries to three others. The attack, which targeted a bomb disposal squad vehicle in the Margat area, involved a remote-controlled improvised explosive device.
