Chase Masterson

Amid escalating tensions, the IAF chief briefed PM Modi on operational readiness, including long-range fighter sorties and heightened air defense. This meeting, following a similar briefing from the Navy chief, underscores India's preparedness for potential punitive strikes against Pakistan. The IAF is conducting regular combat air patrols and increasing operational readiness platforms, with Rafales equipped for swift action.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a destroyed terrorist hideout, including IEDs and wireless sets. This discovery follows a recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting heightened security measures across the state with increased checkpoints and deployments.

​The uncertainty created by Trump is guaranteed to slow world growth. India cannot escape the consequences even though it will be less hard hit than others.

The Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to announce the squad for the England tour in May, with captaincy a key point of discussion. While Rohit Sharma's recent performance and Jasprit Bumrah's injury raise questions, the BCCI is considering Shubman Gill for a leadership role, potentially as vice-captain.

Gold futures opened higher at Rs 93,271/10 grams, while silver saw a slight increase to Rs 94,145/kg. Prices previously declined due to optimism surrounding US-China trade talks and a stronger dollar.

Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that the caste system should be dismantled to promote national unity has evoked both surprise and suspicion. In its centenary year, is the RSS willing to walk the talk or is it all a ploy to blunt the opposition attempt to make caste census its main election plank in Bihar?

Ray Dalio, who predicted the 2008 crisis, warns that mishandled economic policies, particularly Trump's tariffs, could push the U.S. into a recession. He likens the tariffs' disruptive implementation to destabilizing the production system. Despite a tariff pause, Goldman Sachs estimates a significant chance of a recession within the next year, highlighting growing economic uncertainty.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have strongly criticized the Congress, accusing the grand old party of demoralizing the Indian armed forces after Ajay Rai's "toy Rafale jet" comment was amplified by Pakistani media. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit out at the Congress, calling it a deliberate act of cooperation with Pakistan.