Members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh organised a torchlight procession in Dhaka on Friday evening to protest against what they described as an insult to Lord Ram. The protest was triggered by reports that a group allegedly vandalised a statue of Lord Ram by placing a shoe on it, an act that sparked outrage among Hindus who viewed it as a serious violation of their religious sentiments.

Student representatives and community leaders gave authorities a 72-hour deadline to arrest those responsible. They stated that if no action was taken, they would submit a formal memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday. They also announced plans to seek meetings with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister, while continuing with rallies and awareness programmes. The march began at 5 PM from the Shahbagh area of Dhaka, with participation from several Hindu organisations and university students. Protesters moved towards the National Press Club carrying torches and raising slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram,” as they expressed solidarity and demanded justice.

The demonstration was connected to earlier unrest in Polash Bari of Gaibandha district, where construction work on a Ram temple was reportedly interrupted. The project involved an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram, which was allegedly targeted by extremist groups who threw shoes at the structure. Although a case was registered, the absence of arrests has increased frustration within the community.

Hindu leaders said they would continue their efforts and expressed their determination to establish Ram temples across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. They stressed that the incident represented a broader concern for the Hindu community rather than an isolated matter. Two additional protest programmes were held in Dhaka. One group organised a human chain outside the National Press Club, while another held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, both calling for action against those involved.

The National Committee for Puja Celebrations also announced a nationwide protest programme, indicating that the issue has gained wider attention among the Hindu community. The incident has intensified discussions around minority rights, religious respect, and the protection of faith communities in Bangladesh. Protesters have stated that further demonstrations could follow if authorities do not take action against those accused.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Newsonair.

Kabul/Islamabad: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply escalated after reports emerged that Afghan forces carried out airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, marking a significant deterioration in already strained relations between the two neighbors. According to regional security sources and media reports, the strikes targeted areas along the border region where militant activity has been reported in recent months. However, there has been no official detailed confirmation from Afghan authorities regarding the scope or outcome of the alleged operation.

The reported airstrikes come amid a series of cross-border incidents involving both countries, including artillery exchanges and aerial operations in border provinces. The Durand Line region has witnessed increased violence as both sides accuse each other of providing space to militant groups operating across the frontier.

Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that militant factions such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are operating from Afghan soil and launching attacks inside its territory. Kabul, meanwhile, has denied these claims and has accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through air operations inside Afghanistan.

The latest development signals a further escalation in already fragile relations, raising concerns about the possibility of sustained military confrontation if diplomatic channels fail to intervene. Analysts say the situation reflects deep mistrust between the two governments, compounded by long-standing disputes over border management and security cooperation.

The Afghanistan–Pakistan border, which stretches over 2,600 kilometers, has remained a frequent flashpoint for clashes, especially since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, both countries have struggled to establish a stable security framework for the region. International observers have expressed concern over the rising tensions, warning that continued escalation could destabilize border communities and further complicate counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

As of now, neither Kabul nor Islamabad has issued a comprehensive official statement confirming full details of the reported strikes. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments in the coming days. Residents in border areas continue to remain on alert amid fears of renewed cross-border violence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has reaffirmed that it will continue its campaign for rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing the authorities of using force against peaceful protesters while failing to address long-standing grievances. In a statement shared on X, the group said its Charter of Demands had previously been acknowledged by both the Government of Pakistan and the PoJK administration. However, it alleged that political parties were now trying to distract from these issues and undermine the movement.

JAAC stated that various political actors had “a plan to suppress the people by deviating from these demands,” claiming that force was being used instead of dialogue. The committee’s demands include ending special privileges for the ruling elite, abolishing Assembly seats reserved for Pakistan-based refugees, ensuring free healthcare and standardized education, building an international airport, and removing job quotas for Pakistan-based refugees in PoJK.

It questioned the use of force against what it described as a peaceful protest movement, asking which part of its demands justified “firing on unarmed civilians.” JAAC also challenged officials who claim progress on implementing its demands, asking them to provide proof of such actions and alleging that those in power often ignore public concerns, especially when their own privileges are affected.

The group further claimed that dozens of its supporters have been killed, hundreds injured, and several others are missing, adding that many of the injured are not receiving proper medical care. Despite these allegations, JAAC reiterated that it would continue its struggle peacefully, stating that it would not compromise on its demands.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/ @JAAC__Official.

Pakistan has presented an 18.77 trillion rupee (about $67.49 billion) budget that reflects a strong rise in defence spending alongside reduced allocations for development projects. The government is trying to meet IMF programme requirements while also managing domestic political pressures, which leaves little room for tax cuts or expanded welfare initiatives.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that defence expenditure will increase to 3 trillion rupees in the upcoming fiscal year starting July, marking an 18% rise from the previous year. In contrast, federal development spending has been limited to 1 trillion rupees, showing a clear shift toward security and debt obligations over infrastructure and social investment.

This rise in defence funding came after discussions with provincial authorities, who agreed to redirect resources toward security, resulting in reduced provincial development budgets. Aurangzeb said the higher defence allocation was aimed at making the country “invincible” amid regional uncertainty. The budget reflects Pakistan’s tight fiscal situation, where debt repayments, military needs, and IMF conditions dominate spending priorities. Tax revenue is expected to reach 15.26 trillion rupees, an 8.2% increase, even though the Federal Board of Revenue has previously missed its targets.

A large portion of revenue is projected from taxes and levies, especially petroleum levies, which are expected to generate 20.60 trillion rupees. Analysts warn that the tax burden will mainly fall on salaried individuals and formal businesses, while sectors like agriculture, retail, and real estate continue to remain lightly taxed due to political influence. The fiscal deficit is projected at 7.02 trillion rupees, with an overall deficit target of 3.6% of GDP after accounting for a provincial surplus. The government has also committed to achieving a primary surplus of 2% of GDP under its IMF agreement, meaning it must collect more than it spends before interest payments.

The budget was delayed by a week and comes at a time of renewed inflationary pressure driven by rising global oil prices linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This has pushed inflation back into double digits after earlier signs of stabilisation. Economic targets for the coming year include 4% growth and 8.2% inflation, compared with 3.7% growth and 6.7% inflation in the previous year.

Pakistan continues to face severe economic challenges after narrowly avoiding default in 2023 and relying on a $7 billion IMF programme. High debt servicing costs, rising defence spending, and external shocks are tightening fiscal space and limiting social spending, with much of the adjustment burden expected to fall on the middle class. The budget reflects a security-focused fiscal strategy driven by external constraints, but it raises concerns about long-term development, inequality, and economic sustainability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
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.