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Amit Shah Recalls Paramilitary on Leave, Warns of Emergency Prep After India’s Airstrikes in Pakistan

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Amit Shah Recalls Paramilitary on Leave, Warns of Emergency Prep After India’s Airstrikes in Pakistan 2

Following India’s precision missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday directed the chiefs of all paramilitary forces to immediately recall personnel currently on leave. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

According to sources, Shah is in continuous coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, instructing them to relocate civilians living along the border to safer zones. He also emphasized the urgent need to prepare bunkers for emergency shelter in case of cross-border escalation.

The Home Minister reviewed the national internal security situation and instructed top security officials to maintain high alert and tighten surveillance across sensitive areas. His orders are part of a broader readiness strategy following India’s military response to the Pahalgam massacre, which has drawn sharp reactions from Pakistan, including threats of retaliation.

Calling the airstrikes a firm response to the “brutal killings of innocent people,” Shah reiterated the Modi government’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism. He stated that Bharat will not hesitate to respond strongly to any act of aggression and remains fully committed to uprooting terrorism from its very foundations.

As regional tensions flare, India’s paramilitary forces are being fortified, and border security measures are being intensified to protect the nation from any potential fallout.

Operation Sindoor: India Strikes 9 Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoK, Sharif Cries ‘Act of War’

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Operation Sindoor: India Strikes 9 Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoK, Sharif Cries 'Act of War' 4

In a decisive military retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including key hubs of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The strikes were carried out with precision missiles and were described by the Ministry of Defence as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”

Among the targets were JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and LeT’s base in Muridke, both located in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The operation was launched two weeks after 26 people, including one Nepali national, were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir—an incident that triggered widespread outrage in India and globally.

The defence ministry clarified that no Pakistani military facilities were hit, underscoring India’s deliberate and restrained approach. “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the official statement read. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had previously granted the military full operational freedom, closely monitored the strikes.

Following the attacks, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” warning of a “befitting reply.” The Pakistan Army confirmed that the missiles targeted areas in Kotli, Muzaffarabad (PoK), and Bahawalpur, though claimed Indian jets did not enter their airspace.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry declared that their air force jets were airborne and vowed retaliation “at a time and place of its own choosing.” Despite this, Indian defence forces remain on high alert along the border.

India also reached out to several key international players, including the US, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, to brief them on the scope and rationale behind the strikes. Sources indicated that senior Indian officials explained the precision and restraint exercised in targeting only terror infrastructure.

The Indian Army posted “Justice is Served” on social media, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” in a bold statement of national pride.

The strikes are a part of India’s broader commitment to hold those responsible for terrorism accountable. As Modi had earlier vowed, those behind the Pahalgam massacre would face punishment “beyond their imagination.”

Amid Pakistan Tensions, MHA Orders Nationwide Mock Drills to Tackle ‘New and Complex Threats’

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Amid Pakistan Tensions, MHA Orders Nationwide Mock Drills to Tackle 'New and Complex Threats' 6

In response to growing national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7. The directive comes amid what the government describes as “new and complex threats” emerging in the current geopolitical climate, particularly tensions with Pakistan.

A letter issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards outlines a series of measures to be implemented during the drill. These include activating air-raid sirens, clearing bunkers and trenches, educating civilians on protective civil-defence protocols, simulating blackouts, and camouflaging critical infrastructure.

The exercise will also test hotline and radio links with the Indian Air Force, as well as the operational readiness of control rooms. Planned down to the village level, the drills aim to gauge the preparedness and coordination of local and state-level civil defence systems.

All 244 categorised civil defence districts will participate, with involvement from civil defence wardens, home guards, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers, and students. The ministry stressed that full-scale participation is crucial for effective evaluation of emergency protocols.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has chaired multiple high-level meetings since the April 22 attack in South Kashmir that killed 26 people—mostly tourists—has vowed to hunt down those responsible. He declared that the perpetrators and conspirators will be punished “beyond their imagination” and that justice will be pursued “to the ends of the earth”.

Luxury Bus Overturns in Raigad: One Dead, 26 Injured, Driver Flees After Crash

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Luxury Bus Overturns in Raigad: One Dead, 26 Injured, Driver Flees After Crash 8

A 30-year-old man lost his life and 26 others were injured when a private luxury bus overturned on a slope at Karnala in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, police reported on Monday. The incident occurred while the bus was en route from Mumbai to the Konkan region, carrying 49 passengers onboard.

According to officials, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. The deceased has been identified as Amol Talwadekar, a resident of Rajapur. Of the 49 passengers, 26 sustained various injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

In a shocking turn, the bus driver fled the scene immediately after the accident but was later detained by the Raigad police. Authorities are investigating whether negligence or overspeeding played a role in the tragic crash.

Goa Stampede Tragedy: Temple Committee Ignored Police Orders on CCTV, Barricades Before Deadly Festival

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Goa Stampede Tragedy: Temple Committee Ignored Police Orders on CCTV, Barricades Before Deadly Festival 10

In a shocking revelation following the tragic stampede at Shree Lairai Temple in Goa that left six people dead and over 70 injured, officials confirmed that the temple committee failed to act on police directives issued ahead of the annual festival. Despite being clearly instructed to install CCTV cameras at all major points and arrange for crowd control barricades, the committee did not implement the safety measures.

According to the minutes of a pre-event meeting held on April 30, the Goa Police, district authorities, and temple committee members, including its president Dinanath Gaonkar, discussed security protocols. The police explicitly advised the installation of CCTV systems at entry and exit points, crowded areas, and near the temple’s core premises, as well as setting up a control room with police assistance. The committee was also urged to erect barricades for regulated queues and assist in crowd management.

However, in the wake of the tragedy, the temple committee claimed they were unable to act on the recommendations due to insufficient time, stating that installing cameras would have taken at least 10–15 days. Gaonkar further added that they avoided using barricades because of past incidents where devotees were injured.

The stampede, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday during the popular annual festival in Shirgao village, has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability. The temple authorities have now deposed before the fact-finding committee investigating the incident, submitting all relevant details—yet questions remain on why basic safety protocols were not enforced despite explicit warnings.

Terror Plot Foiled: IEDs Hidden in Tiffin Boxes Found in J&K Forest Hideout

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Terror Plot Foiled: IEDs Hidden in Tiffin Boxes Found in J&K Forest Hideout 12

In a significant breakthrough, security forces busted a terrorist hideout deep in the forested region of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, seizing five ready-to-use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets, officials said on Monday.

The hideout, located in the Suranthal area of Surankote, was discovered late Sunday evening during a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group. Officials confirmed that all IEDs—ranging from half a kilogram to five kilograms—were safely destroyed on the spot in a controlled detonation, effectively foiling a potential terror attack in the region.

The seized explosives were cunningly concealed, with two packed inside steel buckets and three others in tiffin boxes. Apart from the IEDs, forces also recovered two wireless sets, five packets of urea, a five-litre gas cylinder, binoculars, woollen caps, blankets, trousers, and utensils—indicating prolonged hideout activity and operational readiness.

The recovery comes at a time of heightened security concerns in the border district, reinforcing the constant threat posed by cross-border terrorism and sleeper cells operating in the region.

Priyanka Gandhi Claims Victory as Centre Agrees to Caste Census, Credits Rahul’s Push

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Priyanka Gandhi Claims Victory as Centre Agrees to Caste Census, Credits Rahul’s Push 14

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has welcomed the Centre’s announcement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, calling it a step taken under immense public pressure and the result of sustained advocacy led by her brother, Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters during her two-day visit to Wayanad, she said, “There was strong public demand for this, and people supporting the cause have worked hard. My brother raised this issue consistently last year, even as the BJP mocked him and rejected the idea.”

Priyanka emphasized that Rahul Gandhi remained firm despite facing ridicule in Parliament, and the eventual acceptance of caste-based data collection showed the impact of people’s voices across the country.

She expressed hope that the government would now conduct the caste census transparently and with accurate data collection, ensuring it serves its intended purpose.

Saket Gokhale Slammed with ₹50 Lakh Defamation Penalty as Delhi HC Rejects Plea

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Saket Gokhale Slammed with ₹50 Lakh Defamation Penalty as Delhi HC Rejects Plea 16

In a strong rebuke to TMC MP Saket Gokhale, the Delhi High Court on Friday refused to recall its earlier order directing him to pay ₹50 lakh in damages to former diplomat and UN official Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri for defamation. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav dismissed both Gokhale’s application to review the decision and his request to condone a delay of over 180 days in approaching the court.

“We can’t help you. We have to reject both the applications,” the court stated, adding that no valid explanation was offered for the delay.

Puri had filed the defamation suit in 2021, accusing Gokhale of publishing false and reckless allegations about her financial affairs, particularly regarding an apartment she owned in Geneva. The court, in a judgment dated July 1, 2024, ruled in Puri’s favour, ordering Gokhale to publicly apologise and pay ₹50 lakh in damages. Additionally, he was barred from making or publishing any further defamatory content about her on social media or electronic platforms.

Puri was represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh and the law firm Karanjawala & Co., while the court’s decision further solidifies her legal victory in a high-profile social media defamation battle.

Newsmakers Achievers Awards 2025 Set to Honour India’s Changemakers in 17th Edition

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Newsmakers Achievers Awards 2025 Set to Honour India's Changemakers in 17th Edition 18

The 17th edition of the Newsmakers Achievers Awards 2025, presented by Afternoon Voice, is set to take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Rangswar, Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point, Mumbai, from 6:00 PM onwards. The annual event recognises individuals from diverse fields who have made significant contributions to society through their exceptional work and leadership.

This year’s ceremony will witness the presence of Shri Ram Lal Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as the Chief Guest, and Shri Uday Samant, Minister for Industries & Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, as the Guest of Honour.

Among the most anticipated highlights of the evening are the Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be presented to:

  • Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, renowned music composer and singer
  • J. V. Pawar, veteran Dalit Panther and literary icon
  • Smita Jayakar, acclaimed film and television actress
  • Anu Agarwal, former actress and wellness advocate
  • Zilla Bai Vasave, tribal reformer and social worker

Other prominent awardees include Ranjit Savarkar (Best Author), Sandeep Tamgadge (IPS) (Best IPS Officer), Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar (IAS) (Best IAS Officer), Col. Prabhat Sood (Retd.) (Defence Services Contribution), Ananth Mahadevan (Best Film Director), Prashant Damle (Best Theatre Artist), Dinesh Vijan (Best Film Producer), and H.E. Mr Sven Ostberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai.

The event will also confer Special Jury Awards to Dr Nandita Pathak, a noted social entrepreneur, and Maya Rambahadur Lama for her exemplary work in the social sector.

In addition to the names mentioned above, many more awardees from diverse sectors, including journalism, public service, politics, healthcare, arts, business, and social reform, will also be felicitated.

Organised annually by Afternoon Voice, Mumbai’s leading English daily, the Newsmakers Achievers Awards is a one-of-a-kind platform that honours unsung heroes and celebrated personalities alike. A self-funded parallel media initiative, Afternoon Voice is known for its independent editorial voice and commitment to people-centric journalism. The newspaper also runs vocational training programmes for budding journalists and promotes citizen journalism as part of its outreach.

The award is the brainchild of Dr Vaidehi Taman, editor-in-chief of Afternoon Voice, who has consistently worked to spotlight individuals making a difference across sectors such as media, governance, social welfare, public service, business, arts, and culture.

The evening promises a confluence of dignitaries, celebrities, civil servants, social activists, and media leaders, making it one of the most prestigious and inclusive recognition platforms in India.

‘Devmanus’ Review: Murder, Masala, and Morality Collide in a Saree-Soaked Thriller

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'Devmanus' Review: Murder, Masala, and Morality Collide in a Saree-Soaked Thriller 20

If Alfred Hitchcock had spent a summer sipping cutting chai in rural Maharashtra while binge-watching Vadh, he might have dreamed up something like Devmanus. Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, this Marathi crime drama, a remake of the 2022 sleeper hit, offers a wild concoction of murder, morality, and middle-class mayhem—seasoned with a generous dash of emotional ras and spicy cinematic masala.

Mahesh Manjrekar delivers a restrained and haunting performance as Keshav, shedding his usual swagger for creaky slippers, a permanently furrowed brow, and the aura of a man marinated in despair. Opposite him, Renuka Shahane brings luminous strength as Laxmi, a sari-weaving goddess whose sighs carry more weight than most monologues.

But it’s Siddharth Bodke’s Dilip who steals scenes with peak sleaze—gold chains, slimy grins, and an aura of ghee-soaked menace. When he demands Keshav pimp out a neighbour to clear a debt, you instinctively want to leap through the screen and clobber him with a thesaurus full of curses. Keshav responds with cinematic flair—cue murder and a deliciously messy fallout.

What follows isn’t a tight crime thriller but more of a morality play dressed in a Lavani costume, complete with mythological metaphors, a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, and a glitter-bomb dance number by Sai Tamhankar that feels delightfully chaotic. It’s inconsistent at times, but undeniably fun.

The screenplay occasionally trips into melodrama, yet the sharp dialogues and Subodh Bhave’s portrayal of a morally ambiguous inspector keep the momentum lively. The climax packs a twist—not quite Nolan-level, but enough to make you mutter a satisfied “Oho!” while reaching for another chakli.

Devmanus may not be flawless, but it’s bursting with flavour. Picture a pressure cooker of simmering guilt, suppressed rage, and sharp social critique—ready to whistle its way into your guilty pleasures list. Watch it for Manjrekar’s transformative act, Shahane’s poise, and a plot that asks: how saintly can a “man of God” remain when the world around him crumbles?

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