Abbas Alizada

The Congress party faces familiar challenges as controversial statements from its leaders on the Pahalgam terror attack spark backlash. These remarks, questioning the attack's motives and intelligence failures, have forced the party to distance itself and clarify its official stance. The BJP has seized on the comments, accusing Congress of echoing Pakistan's narrative and demanding accountability from party leaders.

India has finalized a significant deal with France, procuring 26 Rafale-Marine jets for approximately Euro 7 billion. Deliveries are scheduled from mid-2028 to 2030, enhancing the Indian Navy's capabilities, especially for aircraft carrier operations. This acquisition aims to counter China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean, providing a substantial boost to India's maritime air power.

With major powers distracted by other crises, analysts say India is interpreting the expressions of support by many countries for its pursuit of justice as a green light for any measures it takes

The ceasefire along the Line of Control with Pakistan is increasingly strained, escalating beyond Kashmir to the Jammu region following the Pahalgam massacre. Despite this, the situation hasn't reached the intensity of pre-2021 artillery duels. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with PM Modi to discuss potential military responses, including limited punitive strikes against Pakistan, as ceasefire violations rise.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old prodigy, etched his name in IPL history by becoming the youngest centurion. Representing Rajasthan Royals, he blazed his way to a century in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans at the Swaiman Singh Stadium. The record of fastest century in IPL belongs to former West Indies batter Chris Gayle, who had brought up his triple figure mark in 30 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors in April 2013.

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that 'Court of Kazi', 'Darul Kaja Kajiyat', and 'Sharia Court' lack legal standing, rendering their declarations, including fatwas, non-binding and unenforceable. This reiteration came while the court addressed a Muslim woman's maintenance plea, overturning lower court decisions that denied her support based on assumptions about second marriages and dowry demands.

There’s no need to stamp out public debates over what New Delhi should do post-Pahalgam. Politics will inform some debates. That’s natural. Debates, in fact, can be useful as govt considers options

Elon Musk expressed his disappointment that humans haven't reached Mars yet, despite SpaceX's efforts. He referenced the rapid progress from the first flight to the moon landing, highlighting the current delay in space exploration.

A Delhi court has extended the NIA custody of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, by 12 days. The NIA sought the extension to confront Rana with evidence and investigate the conspiracy's full extent, citing non-cooperation. Rana's plea for telephonic access to his family was dismissed due to concerns about jeopardizing the ongoing investigation.