The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror network has suffered another significant setback with the death of one of its top commanders, Maulana Salman Azhar, who was reportedly killed under highly suspicious circumstances in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Azhar, recognized as a close aide to the group’s founder, Masood Azhar, died after being struck by an unidentified vehicle earlier this week.
The incident has sparked widespread speculation, largely because it mirrors a growing trend of high-profile militants dying in unexplained circumstances across Pakistan. Local reports suggest the collision resulted in immediate fatality, yet there has been no official statement or detailed investigation launched by Pakistani authorities regarding the identity of the driver or the motive behind the event. This "hit-and-run" narrative has become a frequent headline for terrorist operatives in the region, leaving many observers to question whether these incidents are the result of internal power struggles or orchestrated operations by unknown actors.
Salman Azhar was considered a critical pillar of the Jaish-e-Mohammed organization, frequently linked to the group’s anti-India propaganda campaigns and long-term operational planning. His death comes on the heels of a long-standing decline for the organization, which has been under intense pressure since mid-2025 following reports of major strikes against the families and inner circles of top-tier leadership. By neutralizing key figures like Azhar, the organization’s ability to coordinate large-scale activities is significantly hampered, creating a leadership vacuum that is increasingly difficult to patch.
Regional security experts view this as a potential turning point for the terror infrastructure operating within Pakistan. The recurring, unexplained nature of these deaths suggests that the security bubble once enjoyed by these militants is rapidly disintegrating. As the organization grapples with the loss of a key commander, intelligence agencies and geopolitical analysts are closely monitoring whether this will lead to further fragmentation of the group or a recalibration of their future strategies.
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The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on Congress leader Pawan Khera’s plea seeking anticipatory bail in a case related to allegations involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. The case stems from claims that she allegedly possessed multiple passports and had undisclosed properties abroad.
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar heard the matter in detail. During the hearing, Khera’s legal team argued that denying anticipatory bail would defeat the very purpose of protecting an individual from arrest before trial. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Khera, submitted that the allegations against him are matters to be examined during trial and that arrest at this stage would be unnecessary and would cause humiliation. He also pointed out that several sections invoked in the case are bailable in nature and do not mandate arrest.
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, strongly opposed the plea. He alleged that Khera circulated fake and doctored copies of the Chief Minister’s wife’s passports and claimed that he has been evading arrest while continuing to post videos and make public statements containing false accusations. The government maintained that his conduct justified rejection of anticipatory bail.
Khera has challenged the April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court, which had refused to grant him anticipatory bail. The case was originally filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Telangana High Court had granted Khera a short-term transit anticipatory bail. However, the Supreme Court later stayed that order and directed him to approach the Gauhati High Court for relief. The apex court has now reserved its decision, which is awaited.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
India’s LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat said, highlighting progress in next-generation strike systems during ANI’s National Security Summit 2.0. The Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile is being developed for the Indian Navy’s coastal defence needs. It is a hypersonic glide weapon capable of hitting both stationary and moving targets and can carry multiple types of payloads. It uses indigenous avionics and high-precision sensors.
The missile follows a quasi-ballistic path and can reach speeds up to Mach 10, with an average cruising speed of around Mach 5 during its glide phase. Its low-altitude, high-speed, and highly manoeuvrable flight makes it difficult for enemy radar systems to track. It uses a two-stage solid fuel booster, after which it separates and transitions into an unpowered glide phase to hit targets with terminal guidance.
Kamat said India is developing both hypersonic glide and hypersonic cruise missiles, with the glide version being more advanced. He explained that cruise missiles rely on scramjet engines for powered flight, while glide missiles are boosted first and then glide unpowered toward targets. He also indicated that trials for the glide variant are expected soon.
He added that India’s future conventional missile force will likely include ballistic and cruise missiles across multiple ranges, along with hypersonic systems, to enable flexible strike options. Short-range systems like Pralay are close to induction, while some strategic missiles may be adapted for tactical roles.
India has made significant progress in hypersonic technology in recent years, including successful tests of long-range hypersonic missiles, scramjet propulsion systems, and ground-based engine trials. These developments place India among a small group of nations advancing in hypersonic weapon capabilities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Delhi on Thursday for detailed discussions on defence cooperation and key regional and global issues, including the current situation in West Asia. Singh said he was happy to welcome Crosetto and held extensive talks covering a wide range of strategic topics. He noted that both sides discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation under India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative as well as Italy’s defence collaboration framework. The two ministers also exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026–27, aimed at enhancing military engagement between the armed forces of both countries.
Italian Defence Minister paid tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi and reviewed the Guard of Honour. His first official visit to India highlights the growing intent of both nations to deepen their defence partnership and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in defence production and industry.
The India–Italy defence relationship has steadily expanded over the years, including areas such as joint training, service-to-service exchanges, naval cooperation, port calls, maritime security, and defence equipment trade. Both countries had earlier signed a Defence Cooperation agreement in 2023, which provided a structured framework for strengthening bilateral defence ties.
This visit also comes amid broader developments in India’s engagement with the European Union. Earlier in 2026, India and the EU signed a landmark Security and Defence Partnership, marking a significant step in institutionalising cooperation between the two sides. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, space security, counterterrorism, and defence technology.
During the recent India–EU Summit, leaders from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation. They welcomed the new partnership, which is expected to further enhance coordination on regional and global security challenges while opening new opportunities for defence and industrial collaboration.
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India has strengthened its ties with CARICOM by deploying the Aarogya Maitri portable healthcare system in Jamaica under its humanitarian assistance framework. The initiative, led by the National Security Council Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs, highlights India’s focus on rapid, tech-driven medical support for partner countries. The modular system, inspired by innovations like the BHISHM Cube, is designed for quick deployment during disasters to provide emergency medical care, diagnostics, and stabilization in difficult conditions. RailTel Corporation and Green Genome India Pvt Ltd have supported the rollout, contributing expertise in logistics, technology, and field healthcare operations. Officials say the initiative reflects India’s broader effort to build long-term healthcare cooperation, disaster resilience, and capacity building across CARICOM nations, positioning healthcare as a key element of its humanitarian diplomacy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
In Destination Anywhere Melanie Oliveiro talks with Kimberly Lynn a travel content creator known as wholistictraveler on Instagram and TikTok. Lynn shares her experiences traveling through Egypt including visits to its oases sand dunes and salt lakes.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Justin McCurry reports on Japan’s prime minister known for her interest in heavy metal music and her proposal to revise the nation’s pacifist constitution. His coverage highlights political and cultural dimensions of her leadership and the broader debate over Japan’s defense policies and constitutional reform efforts in modern times and its implications for regional security and international relations today globally.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.
Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.
In “Culture Club,” Melanie Oliveiro explores the beauty product industry through a conversation with Joyce Tirindelli, a 20-something, third-generation CEO of the Italian skincare brand World of Beauty. Tirindelli shares how she was prepared for leadership and now oversees a portfolio of over 200 products that are vegan, Halal-certified, and environmentally friendly. She also discusses the brand’s expansion strategy in Southeast Asia, a region expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
