On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack struck the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—popularly known as “Mini Switzerland.” In this horrific incident, 26 innocent tourists lost their lives when armed militants opened fire in an open meadow, leaving people with no natural cover or place to escape. Panic spread rapidly as visitors tried to flee the sudden assault.
Amid the chaos, Nazakat Ali, a 30-year-old local tourist guide and shawl trader, played a crucial role in saving lives. He was guiding a group of 11 tourists from Chhattisgarh who had come for a peaceful vacation in the mountains. On that day, Nazakat had taken them to Baisaran Valley, where he was also casually recording social media videos near a zip-line area when the attack unexpectedly began.
At first, Nazakat thought the sound of gunfire might be an encounter between security forces and militants. However, he quickly realized that civilians were being targeted. Acting swiftly, he instructed the tourists to lie down and stay silent. Using his deep knowledge of the terrain and hidden forest routes, he then led them through dense woodland paths for nearly seven kilometers until they safely reached Pahalgam.
During the evacuation, it was discovered that two women from the group were still missing in the forested area. Showing remarkable courage, Nazakat returned to the danger zone and successfully rescued them as well. Tragically, Nazakat also lost a close relative in the attack—his maternal cousin Syed Adil Shah, who was among those killed.
A year later, Nazakat was honored in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in the presence of state officials and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for his bravery and quick thinking. During the event, he was presented with a medal and flowers in recognition of his heroic actions. Nazakat reflected on the incident and noted that despite the tragedy, tourism in Kashmir is gradually recovering. He expressed hope, saying that many locals like him are ready and willing to welcome visitors again with warmth and safety.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was heard by the Delhi High Court on April 22, 2026, alleging widespread black marketing of LPG cylinders in Delhi at prices reaching up to ₹5,000. The court, however, refused to take up the matter and advised the petitioner to approach the government with his concerns.
The plea, filed by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Mittal, claimed that although an LPG cylinder normally costs around ₹1,000, it was being sold illegally at much higher rates due to a severe shortage. He also alleged that gas exports were continuing despite limited domestic supply. Mittal further pointed out that even the Delhi High Court canteen had recently experienced a gas shortage, suggesting the issue was affecting multiple sectors.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia declined to intervene, noting that the canteen issue had already been resolved and that the government was addressing supply-related concerns. The court emphasized that matters such as supply management, preventing hoarding, and controlling black marketing fall under executive responsibility rather than judicial intervention. It also stated that courts cannot issue directions that are impractical or impossible to enforce, including a complete halt on black marketing or hoarding practices.
Regarding the allegation of gas exports, the Bench observed that such economic and policy decisions are within the government’s domain and not subject to judicial interference. The petition was ultimately dismissed, with the court allowing the petitioner to submit a representation to the authorities for appropriate consideration and action. Amid concerns over fuel availability due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) clarified that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, strongly condemning it as a “cowardly” act and stating that India will “neither forget nor forgive the criminals responsible.” In a post on X, she expressed deep grief over the killing of innocent and unarmed civilians, calling the incident a “crime against humanity.” She reaffirmed that the nation stands united against terrorism and violence, adding that the martyrs will always be remembered and the perpetrators will never be forgiven.
Priyanka Gandhi wrote that the entire country salutes those who lost their lives in the attack and reiterated that India has always opposed terrorism in all forms and will continue to do so in the future. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid homage to the victims on the first anniversary of the attack. He said that India will always honour the sacrifice of those killed and will never forgive those responsible for what he described as a dastardly act. He also expressed that the pain of the victims’ families is shared by the entire nation.
The statements were made as India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. The attack targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, where 26 civilians were killed. The incident had shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation across the country.
India later launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Reports stated that multiple terror camps linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed, and over 100 terrorists were eliminated in the strikes.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Hidayat Bhutto, UK and Europe Organiser of the World Sindhi Congress, strongly condemned the incident and accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism in a statement. Expressing grief, Bhutto told ANI, “We remember with profound sadness and unequivocal condemnation the innocent lives that were brutally taken, and the families whose lives have been forever marked by grief and loss.”
He said the attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating in South Asia, alleging that Pakistan’s support for non-state actors has played a major role in regional instability. According to him, “Pakistan's alleged role in supporting cross-border terrorism remains a persistent and deeply concerning factor in regional instability,” adding that multiple international reports have suggested such groups receive training, funding, and logistical assistance enabling attacks in India and Afghanistan.
Bhutto also referred to global terrorism assessments, noting Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Terrorism Index as evidence of deeper systemic concerns. He further pointed out remarks by Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which have acknowledged past associations with militant organisations, increasing international scrutiny.
He warned that continued tolerance of such groups has fuelled cycles of violence and mistrust, weakened global counter-terrorism efforts, and allowed extremist networks to expand. Calling for action, Bhutto urged a firm and coordinated global response, stating that only a lawful, consistent, and accountable approach can dismantle these networks and prevent future attacks.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation after reportedly testing positive for a recreational drug, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirming formal proceedings following notification from the ICC. The issue has also affected his planned participation in England’s T20 Blast with Surrey, which has now been cancelled despite earlier approval from the PCB. Reports suggest the test may be linked to the recent T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, where he played for Pakistan. Nawaz continues to play domestic cricket in the Pakistan Super League while the ICC has yet to make an official statement.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews travel content creator Chelsea Yap, who shares insights from her solo trip to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Yap reflects on her six-day yoga and meditation experience at the Suan Sati Retreat and discusses the effectiveness of its sustainability initiatives. She also highlights her other travel experiences, which she documents through snapshots on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @offbeatsingaporean.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews the co-founders of W:RLD, a new menswear label from Singapore created for modern men in hot, fast-moving urban environments. Lucas Yong and Roger Poon share the inspiration behind starting the brand and how they teamed up with other co-founders to bring W:RLD to life. They also discuss the pieces in their debut collection, including blazers, trousers, shirts, and T-shirts, which are crafted using advanced fabric technologies designed to regulate heat, moisture, and odour.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Donald Trump continues to provoke strong reactions from his critics, yet they rarely seem to affect him politically. The bigger question now is whether his own MAGA supporters are beginning to turn away. Amid controversies involving the Epstein files, his actions regarding Iran, and a recent post viewed by some as blasphemous—showing him portrayed as Jesus—there are growing signs of tension within his base. Jonathan Freedland discusses with Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramírez the series of scandals surrounding Trump, increasing criticism from prominent MAGA figures, and what it could mean when a personality-driven movement starts losing faith in its central figure.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
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Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
