Hemant K Gaur

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, intelligence reports indicate that numerous Pakistani terrorists have retreated from the launchpads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to deeper locations within POK and Pakistan. This withdrawal comes amid fears of retaliatory strikes by the Indian forces, reminiscent of the 2019 surgical strikes.

A tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Goa during the Shree Devi Lairai jatra has resulted in the death of at least six people and injuries to over fifteen others. Authorities have initiated an emergency response, with the injured being shifted to nearby hospitals. The cause of the stampede is currently unknown, and investigations are underway as the chief minister assesses the situation.

General Asim Munir’s speeches may target India, but his deeper battle is unfolding at home — against Pakistan’s civilian order. As echoes of General Zia’s Islamist legacy grow louder, Munir’s ambition appears to be more than just strategic posturing. Is Pakistan headed for another military takeover, cloaked in religion and nationalism?

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader, urged Prime Minister Modi to reconsider the reservation cap after the caste census data is available, emphasizing the need for social justice and proportional representation. He highlighted the potential for the census to reveal significant underrepresentation of OBCs and EBCs, advocating for inclusivity in both political representation and the private sector, which benefits from public resources.

A tragic stampede at the Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Goa's Shirgao village resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to at least 30 others. Health officials confirmed the fatalities and reported that several of the injured are in critical condition, requiring specialized treatment at Goa Medical College. The state government has initiated an emergency response, providing medical assistance and closely monitoring the situation as authorities investigate the cause of the incident.

India is escalating its efforts against Pakistan, urging international bodies like the IMF to re-evaluate financial aid due to alleged support for terrorism. New Delhi seeks a review of IMF loans, including a recent $1.3 billion climate resilience loan, and is engaging with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

If a national count starkly demonstrates that powerful chieftains of social groups are no guarantee for their base’s economic empowerment, these netas’ political influence may go down

The Trump administration ended duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, effective May 2, 2025. This closes a loophole used by e-commerce giants and illicit goods traffickers, potentially raising prices for American consumers. The move mirrors India's 2020 crackdown on Chinese 'gift' imports evading taxes.

Charanjit Singh Channi, a Congress MP, ignited controversy by questioning the veracity of India's surgical strikes in Pakistan, stating he found no evidence of them. The BJP strongly condemned Channi's remarks, accusing him of disrespecting the armed forces and politicizing national security.

While home advantage is significant in many sports, its impact in the IPL is debatable. Factors like familiarity and crowd support are often nullified by diverse team compositions. Despite strong home records of teams like CSK and MI, recent seasons show a decline in home wins, sparking debate about pitch conditions and the extent of home advantage in the league.