THE HEADLINES:
- Security beefed up across Kashmir valley after terror attack in Pahalgam; Army, CRPF, and J&K Police launch Joint combing Operation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns New Delhi, cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit; holds review meeting with External Affairs Minister and top officials.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds high level security review meeting in Srinagar.
- US President calls up Prime Minister Modi and assures full support; UN Secretary General and World leaders condemn the ghastly terror attack.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals defeat Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets in Lucknow.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, security across the Kashmir Valley has been increased manifold after killing of several tourists in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam yesterday. The location of the attack is around 85 kilometres from Srinagar, in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Special forces, sniffer dogs and other technical intelligence means have been deployed to track down the attackers. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar will be briefed by local formation commanders in Srinagar today on the present security situation in the Valley.
The frisking operations in Srinagar, and other tourist places like Gulmarg and Sonamarg have been intensified. Security has been increased to prevent any potential incidents. Top security sources said that the final figure of those killed is being compiled as rescue and identification efforts continue.
Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah held a high level review meeting with senior officials in Pahalgam.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar last evening, is visiting Pahalgam today to have first hand account of the situation. He will also visit the injured people in hospital. The joint combing operation by Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police is underway in the region. Meanwhile, the trade and industry, religious and educational associations have called for Kashmir shutdown today against the killings of the tourists in Pahalgam. TARIQ RATHER, Akashvani News, Srinagar.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi a short while ago, cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit in view of the Terrorist Attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Modi who was on a two day visit to the country, cancelled his further engagements in Jeddah. Immediately on his arrival, Mr Modi took a brief meeting at the airport and took stock of the situation with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials.
Meanwhile, indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan, briefing media on the Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia, said that the Crown Prince, condemned the terror attack and offered any help to India in this regard.
Mr Khan said that the two leaders also welcomed the progress made by the Joint High-Level Task Force on Investments.
Despite the shortened trip, Prime Minister’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had several key outcomes. A report:
“Despite the shortened trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia resulted in several key outcomes. Four important agreements were signed during the bilateral engagements. These includes a Memorandum of Understanding between Saudi Space Agency and India’s Department of Space, another on healthcare cooperation between Saudi Ministry of Health and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a pact between the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee and India’s National Anti-Doping Agency, and a postal cooperation agreement between Saudi Post and India Post.
The bilateral discussions were described as fruitful, substantive, and forward-looking. The two leaders reviewed full spectrum of cooperation, covering energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was also discussed, with both sides reaffirming their shared vision and commitment to accelerating the work on the initiative.
A significant outcome of the visit was the expansion of the Strategic Partnership Council from two to four committees, underscoring the growing depth of bilateral ties. VINOD KUMAR, AKASHVANI NEWS, JEDDAH.”
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Airlines including Air India and Indigo are operating special flights from Srinagar today in view of the prevailing situation after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. In a social media post, Air India and Indigo said that they are operating two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai today. The J&K government has set up round the clock Emergency Help Desk for tourists in Srinagar and Anantnag. The emergency control room at Srinagar is – 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651 and ADC Srinagar’s helpline is 7006058623. The District Administration Anantnag Control Room Helpline is – 01932222337, 7780885759; 9697982527 and 6006365245.
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President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Terming it as shocking and painful, the President said, it is a dastardly and inhuman act which must be condemned unequivocally. The President said, attacking innocent citizens is utterly appalling and unpardonable. She expressed condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. In a social media post, Mr Dhankhar said that such acts of violence are reprehensible and deserve our strongest condemnation.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, their evil agenda will never succeed. He also expressed his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the injured to recover at the earliest.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Leaders across party lines have strongly condemned the terror attack. Union Minister and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, has said Narendra Modi Government follows a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and those involved in this heinous act will not be spared. Defence Minister Rajanth Singh said, the dastardly attack on innocent civilians is an act of cowardice. Information and Broadcasting. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also condemned the cowardly attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
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Leaders across the globe have condemned yesterday’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. U.S. President Donald Trump called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed deep condolences for the loss of innocent lives and assured full U.S. support to help bring the attackers to justice.
“U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, currently in India with his family, also expressed sorrow over the attack, calling it heartbreaking. Earlier White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Mr. Trump had been briefed on the attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences. He said, the brutal crime has no justification whatsoever.
The UAE and Iran have also strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in social media post that , Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed solidarity with the government and people of India.
Moreover, UN Spokesperson said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He said, attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances.
The Secretary General of Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah. He strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost. The Prime Minister commended the firm stand of Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence. Chirag Jha, News Desk.”
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heat wave conditions in isolated pockets over East Madhya Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha during the next 4 days. The weather agency predicted heavy rainfall over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura today. Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall expected over Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh,Yanam, Rayalaseema, Kerala, Mahe, Tamilnadu Puducherry and Karaikal during the next 7 days.
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Meanwhile in Bihar, heat wave conditions are prevailing in many parts including the southern region. The maximum temperature in Gaya hovered around 43 degree Celsius yesterday which was highest in the state. The Met Department has sounded an alert for heat wave conditions for the next two days in several parts of the state.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES:-
- All papers have widely covered the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on their front pages. The Hindustan Times headlines” Terrorists open fire on tourists in J&K meadow; 26 feared dead, Terrorists kill tourists in Kkashmir headlines The Indian Express. The papers add that the attack took place at famed meadow Baisaran near Pahalgam, foreigners among those reported killed and Lashkar Proxy group TRF claims responsibility. PM Modi cuts short his Saudi Arabia trip and returns to India.
- The Hindu headlines “Vance calls for closer India-US relations, The Times of India states “JD hardsells US energy, defence parts, asks India to lower non tariff walls”.
- The story with pictures of a Prayagraj woman who topped the Civil Service examination is covered on the front page by all newspapers. The Asian Age says, “Shakti Dubey tops UPSC exam: 3 women in top 5”.
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In IPL T20 Cricket, chasing a target of 160 runs, Delhi Capitals defeated hosts Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow last night. Earlier, put in to bat, Lucknow Super Giants posted 159 runs for the loss of six wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Today, Sunrisers Hyderabad will clash with Mumbai Indians in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad at 7.30 pm.
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The six-member Indian Aerobic Gymnastics team has left for Tokyo to participate in the Suzuki Aerobics Gymnastics World Cup 2025, which will be held from April 25 to 27. The prestigious event is organized by the Federation International de Gymnastics (FIG) and the International Aerobics Federation, Japan.
Coaches Shashank Bidiwal from Gujarat and SP Singh from Jammu & Kashmir will accompany the team, along with Dr. Makarand Joshi and Yamanam Ranjan, who are serving as team head and judges.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Security beefed up across Kashmir valley after terror attack in Pahalgam; Army, CRPF, and J&K Police launch Joint combing Operation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns New Delhi, cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit; holds review meeting with External Affairs Minister and top officials.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds high level security review meeting in Srinagar.
- US President calls up Prime Minister Modi and assures full support; UN Secretary General and World leaders condemn the ghastly terror attack.
- In IPL Cricket, Delhi Capitals defeat Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets in Lucknow.
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