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The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday expressed regret after an "inadvertent drop" of a non-explosive aerial store from one of its aircraft caused property damage in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district. According to Indian media, a heavy metallic object fell from the sky, striking the home of Manoj Sagar and damaging two outer rooms. Shivpuri’s Superintendent of Police, Aman Singh Rathor, confirmed that four occupants of the house were unharmed. “Police and administrative teams are at the scene,” Rathor said. In a statement posted on X, the IAF said it had launched an inquiry into the incident and regretted the damage caused. Separately, senior police official Prashant Sharma said the exact origin of the object would be confirmed following an investigation. He described the item as "extremely solid" with visible burn marks. "The Gwalior airbase has been contacted, and an expert team is expected to arrive to ascertain the nature and source of the object," Sharma added. Pakistan ready for ‘neutral investigation’ into Pahalgam attack, says PM Shehbaz Sharif The incident came as tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack earlier this week in India-occupied Kashmir. In Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, gunmen opened fire on visitors, killing at least 26 people — mostly men from different parts of India, along with one individual from Nepal — and injuring 17 others. Responding to India's allegations, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) urged New Delhi to avoid its "reflexive blame game" and condemned what it described as the "cynical, stage-managed exploitation" of the Pahalgam incident to advance political aims. With inputs from India Today

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed his willingness to allow a "neutral investigation" into the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 people, including a Nepalese national, were killed. The attack, among the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has prompted strong diplomatic and security measures from the Indian government against Pakistan, which has been accused of providing support to the handlers and backers of the terrorist group involved. Indian military alleges Pakistani troops fired across Kashmir border for 2nd night Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sharif said Pakistan is open to participating in a "credible" probe, reports NDTV. "The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation," Sharif said. The Resistance Front (TRF), considered a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Sinovac hosts "Open Day for International Media" to showcase global collaboration Pakistan has repeatedly been accused of sheltering and financing terror outfits engaged in cross-border operations. Indian intelligence reports suggest that Adil Ahmed Thoker, a key suspect in the attack, crossed over into Pakistan, received military training from terror groups there, and infiltrated into India six years later along with several Pakistani militants. "Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Sharif further said. His comments come a day after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the New York Times that Pakistan was "ready to cooperate" with "any investigation which is conducted by international inspectors."    

The Indian military on Saturday accused Pakistani forces of firing on Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region for a second straight night, amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following a deadly attack on Indian tourists. In a statement, the Indian army said soldiers at multiple Pakistani posts opened fire overnight across the LoC, prompting Indian troops to respond with small arms fire. The Indian military labeled the firing as “unprovoked” and reported no casualties. This follows a similar incident reported on Friday, when Indian forces claimed they were targeted with small arms fire in the Gurez sector the previous night. ICE is reversing the termination of legal status for international students around the US There was no immediate response from Pakistan, and the claims have not been independently verified. Both countries have a history of blaming each other for initiating border clashes in the contested Himalayan region. The escalation comes in the wake of Tuesday’s attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India labeled the incident a terrorist attack and blamed Pakistan for supporting it. Pakistan, however, denied involvement, and a little-known group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility. The attack was the worst against civilians in the region in years and has triggered heightened tensions. India and Pakistan, who each claim Kashmir in full and have fought two wars over it, have since taken retaliatory measures. India suspended a longstanding water-sharing treaty on Wednesday, shut down the only operational land border crossing, and announced all Pakistani visas would be revoked by Sunday. In response, Pakistan canceled Indian visas, closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, and halted bilateral trade. Travelers from both countries began returning home through the Wagah border near Lahore on Friday. Iran to ink $4b oilfields deal with Russia Islamabad also issued a stern warning, saying any attempt by India to stop or divert river waters would be treated as an “act of war.” The move threatens to worsen water shortages in parts of Pakistan already facing drought conditions. India maintains that all militant activity in Kashmir is backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies, asserting instead that the insurgency reflects a local struggle for independence among Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population.    

Iran is set to sign a $4 billion energy agreement with Russian companies to jointly develop seven oilfields, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced on state television on Friday. The deal marks a significant step in Tehran and Moscow’s efforts to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors as both face mounting Western sanctions. “The deal aims to develop seven Iranian oilfields in cooperation with Russian firms,” Paknejad said, underscoring the growing energy alliance between the two countries. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Iran and Russia have increasingly aligned, strengthening cooperation in areas such as defence, banking, agriculture and energy, reports Al Jazeera. In January, the two countries formalised their partnership by signing a strategic treaty aimed at deepening bilateral relations. Friday’s agreement is viewed as part of a broader push to dismantle existing barriers in their collaboration. It also comes at a time when Iran is seeking renewed momentum in nuclear negotiations with the United States, set to resume in Oman on Saturday. Houthi rebels shoot down 7 US Reaper drones worth $200 million in recent weeks Tehran recently held consultations with key allies Moscow and Beijing ahead of the talks. Paknejad met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on Thursday, who serves as President Vladimir Putin’s liaison with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The meeting took place amid growing tensions within OPEC+—the bloc of OPEC members and allied producers led by Russia—over proposals to raise oil production for a second straight month in June. This push for increased output highlights internal disputes over quota compliance and coincides with renewed US pressure to curb Iranian oil exports.

India officially notified Pakistan of its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, citing violations by Islamabad. According to a letter from India’s Secretary of Water Resources, Debashree Mukherjee, addressed to her Pakistani counterpart Syed Ali Murtaza, Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir undermines India’s treaty rights. "The principle of honoring treaties in good faith is fundamental. However, what we are witnessing is Pakistan’s ongoing cross-border terrorism aimed at the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," Mukherjee stated in the letter. India blames Pakistan for Kashmir attack, suspends historic water treaty Meanwhile, Panun Kashmir, a group representing displaced Kashmiri Pandits, has called on the central government to issue a travel advisory for Kashmir. The organization warned that the situation in the Valley is “far from normal,” and highlighted the heightened risk faced by tourists, particularly Hindus. Source: With input from news agency

Dhaka, Apr 24 (UNB): The Kashmir dispute remains one of the longest-running and most complex territorial conflicts in South Asia with both India and Pakistan laying full claim to the region—despite each controlling only a portion of it. Here are some of the key milestones that have shaped the decades-long conflict: 1948: The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 47, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of troops, and a plebiscite to decide Kashmir’s future. However, deep-rooted disagreements between India and Pakistan prevented its enforcement. 1950: The Indian Constitution granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status under Article 370, offering the region significant autonomy and self-governance—marking a defining moment in the constitutional history of the state. 1980s–1990s: A separatist insurgency surged, fueled by widespread local discontent and increasing demands for either full independence or integration with Pakistan. The armed rebellion triggered decades of violence and heavy military presence in the region. 1999: Tensions peaked once again with the Kargil War, an armed conflict along the Line of Control that further strained Indo-Pak relations and spotlighted the volatility of the Kashmir issue on the global stage. 2019: In a landmark—and controversial—move, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, revoking Kashmir’s autonomy. A sweeping security lockdown followed, accompanied by mass detentions of political leaders and communication blackouts. 2024: Regional elections were held for the first time since the revocation of autonomy, leading to the formation of a new local government. While New Delhi appointed a lieutenant governor to oversee administrative matters, many Kashmiris continue to push for broader autonomy within India’s federal framework. Source: Al Jazeera

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Thursday after a deadly attack in Kashmir killed 26 people, prompting New Delhi to launch a diplomatic offensive against Islamabad and suspend a landmark water-sharing treaty that had withstood wars and border skirmishes for over six decades. India accused Pakistan of backing the assault in Kashmir’s tourist town Pahalgam, which shattered claims of calm in the disputed region and fuelled demands for a strong response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced late Wednesday that several Pakistani diplomats were asked to leave the country. In a statement issued Thursday, India's foreign ministry said all visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked with effect from Sunday. It also advised Indians citizens not to travel to Pakistan, reports AP. India increases security in Kashmir following tourist attack In a reciprocal move, Indian diplomats are being withdrawn from Pakistan. Both countries agreed to cut diplomatic staff from 55 to 30, effective May 1, and the only functioning land border crossing between the nations will be closed. Besides, Indian Prime Minister Modi vowed harsh action, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth,” he declared in a public rally on Thursday. “We will pursue them to the ends of the earth,” said Modi, who was later in the day scheduled to head an all-party meeting with opposition parties to brief them on the government’s response to the attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan rejected the accusations and called India’s actions rash and baseless. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the country’s National Security Committee to chart out a response to India’s diplomatic and strategic retaliation. According to Radio Pakistan, the top civil and military leadership are attending the emergency meeting, reviewing measures in response to “India’s hastily taken, impulsive and impractical water measures.”

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely referred to as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” recently turned 36 while still in a coma—nearly 20 years after a tragic car accident rendered him unconscious. As reported by Roya News, the prince was a military college student in 2005 when he sustained a severe brain injury in a road accident. Since then, he has remained in a coma, kept on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. A member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Al-Waleed is the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and the grandson of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz. Although he isn’t in the direct line of succession, he is a great-nephew of the current monarch, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Despite medical advice to withdraw life support, Prince Al-Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, has consistently chosen to maintain his son's care, holding onto hope for a miracle recovery. “If God wanted him to die that day, he would have,” he once said, standing firm in his decision. In 2019, there were reports that the prince exhibited minor movements, such as raising a finger or slightly turning his head, but he never regained full consciousness. His condition recently resurfaced on social media as supporters marked his birthday on April 18, sharing images of him surrounded by family members, reports the Indian Express . Prince Al-Waleed remains a symbol of enduring hope for many in the kingdom, even as he continues his decades-long coma.

A powerful earthquake struck Turkey on Wednesday, shaking buildings across Istanbul and prompting residents to evacuate. According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the tremor occurred at 12:49pm local time (09:49 GMT) in the Marmara Sea near the Silivri district, registering a preliminary magnitude of 6.2. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Although there were no immediate reports of serious damage, the tremor caused widespread alarm in Istanbul, which straddles both Europe and Asia along the Bosphorus strait. One person was reportedly injured after jumping from a balcony in panic, broadcaster TGRT reported. The incident took place during a public holiday, and authorities have launched post-quake assessments. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X that field inspections were underway and extended his well wishes to those affected. AFAD has urged residents to avoid entering any damaged structures.

NEW DELHI (AP/UNB) — A brutal gun attack on a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir left at least 26 dead and more than a dozen wounded on Tuesday, marking the region’s deadliest civilian assault in years. The shooting took place in the picturesque town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Police labeled it a “terror attack,” blaming militants opposed to Indian rule, although no group has claimed responsibility yet. The massacre unfolded while U.S. Vice President JD Vance was visiting India, drawing grim parallels to a 2000 massacre of 36 Sikhs that occurred just before ex-President Bill Clinton's arrival. Kashmir, long mired in conflict, has seen a string of deadly militant attacks over the past 25 years, including: March 2000: 36 Sikhs killed in Chittisinghpora hours before Clinton's India visit.August 2000: 32 pilgrims killed in an attack on the Amarnath Yatra.October 2001: Suicide bombing at Jammu-Kashmir Assembly kills 36.May 2002: 36 civilians and army personnel killed in Kaluchak during Rocca’s India visit.March 2003: 24 minority Hindus murdered in Nadimarg.September 2016: 19 soldiers killed in Uri army base attack.February 2019: 40 paramilitary troops killed in Pulwama suicide bombing.June 2024: Nine pilgrims killed in a bus attack en route to a Hindu shrine.This latest bloodshed adds to the long and tragic history of violence in the disputed Himalayan territory, where insurgents have waged a decades-long fight against Indian rule.