Politics

In a recent development, BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut retracted a provocative social media post about former US President Donald Trump’s comments on Apple’s manufacturing strategy in India, following a direct request from BJP national president JP Nadda. Ranaut’s original post speculated on Trump’s unease over Apple’s expansion in India, drawing sharp comparisons with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deleted content stirred diplomatic sensitivities, prompting swift intervention.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored Pakistan’s ongoing economic turmoil during an address to Army personnel in Srinagar, drawing a vivid contrast between India’s financial resilience and Pakistan’s dependence on international bailouts. Invoking a memorable line from Amitabh Bachchan’s film Kalia, Singh remarked that wherever Pakistan appears, a line of aid seekers invariably follows.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he will not personally attend the upcoming peace negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, a summit also absent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump. Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov alongside senior military and intelligence officials. Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s delegation, accusing Moscow of undermining the process and called for intensified sanctions. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed its delegation will be headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

In a significant development, Pakistan has expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with India over concerns relating to the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following India’s recent suspension of the agreement. The move, triggered by escalating cross-border terrorism, marks a rare diplomatic opening from Islamabad despite its continued assertion that India’s action is illegal and unilateral. India, however, remains steadfast, citing changing circumstances including security threats and environmental factors as justification.

In a significant counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian security forces neutralized three militants believed to be affiliated with the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. The gunfight unfolded in the Awantipora region of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, specifically in the Nader and Tral areas. Drone surveillance footage captured the militants moments before the firefight, providing critical intelligence to ground teams.

Purnam Kumar Shaw, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier stationed in Punjab, has been repatriated to India nearly three weeks after he was detained by Pakistan Rangers for inadvertently crossing the International Border on April 23, 2025. His return through the Attari Joint Check Post followed heightened bilateral tension stemming from a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Shaw’s detention drew widespread attention and concern, including appeals from his family and political leaders.

In a high-stakes geopolitical drama that unfolded over a tense weekend, India executed a series of targeted precision strikes against key Pakistani military installations, catalyzing a swift de-escalation and ceasefire agreement. The strikes followed a late-night warning call from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alerting him to intelligence forecasting a potential dramatic escalation in cross-border hostilities.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of Parliament. The call, echoed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, seeks urgent deliberation on three critical developments: the Pahalgam terror attack, India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, and the recently announced ceasefire.

In a striking turn of regional geopolitics, Pakistan observed a national day of thanksgiving following a sudden and high-stakes ceasefire agreement with India. The move came after a series of retaliatory military exchanges along the border threatened to spiral into wider conflict. Termed “Youm-e-Tashakur,” the observance was declared to offer religious thanks, recognize the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces, and celebrate what leaders described as a moment of national resilience.

In a dramatic turn of events, a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has drawn international attention—not least because former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claimed a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the truce. While Islamabad openly lauded Washington’s influence, New Delhi has been swift to clarify that the accord was achieved through bilateral dialogue, without external mediation. Trump, never one to shy from the spotlight, also pledged to expand trade relations with both countries and offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir conflict.