India’s First Mock Drill since 1971 to be held Nationwide on May 7
In a historic move, the Government of India has scheduled a nationwide mock drill for May 7, 2025 the first such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In light of rising tensions with Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued urgent directives for states to prepare their civil defence systems. The upcoming drill aims to assess and strengthen the country's readiness in the event of a hostile attack.
India’s First Mock Drill since 1971 to be held Nationwide on May 7
In a historic move, the Government of India has scheduled a nationwide mock drill for May 7, 2025 the first such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In light of rising tensions with Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued urgent directives for states to prepare their civil defence systems. The upcoming drill aims to assess and strengthen the country's readiness in the event of a hostile attack.
Maldives President Muizzu Breaks record with 15-hour Press Meet
In a landmark media event, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set a new global record for the longest press conference by a head of state, addressing reporters continuously for nearly 15 hours. The extensive session, held on Saturday, began at 10:00 a.m. local time and concluded well past midnight, surpassing the previous record of 14 hours set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019. The record-breaking press meet comes amid growing scrutiny of Muizzu’s administration and his
Maldives President Muizzu Breaks record with 15-hour Press Meet
In a landmark media event, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu set a new global record for the longest press conference by a head of state, addressing reporters continuously for nearly 15 hours. The extensive session, held on Saturday, began at 10:00 a.m. local time and concluded well past midnight, surpassing the previous record of 14 hours set by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019. The record-breaking press meet comes amid growing scrutiny of Muizzu’s administration and his
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate with Continued LoC Firing, UN Talks
The tense standoff between India and Pakistan continues to escalate as cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) entered its 12th straight night. In response to the deteriorating situation, the United Nations Security Council began closed-door consultations after Pakistan formally raised the issue, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to express concern. This prolonged stretch of unprovoked firing from Pakistani posts has targeted Indian Army positions in
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate with Continued LoC Firing, UN Talks
The tense standoff between India and Pakistan continues to escalate as cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) entered its 12th straight night. In response to the deteriorating situation, the United Nations Security Council began closed-door consultations after Pakistan formally raised the issue, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to express concern. This prolonged stretch of unprovoked firing from Pakistani posts has targeted Indian Army positions in
Russia condemns Pahalgam attack, Putin supports India amid Pakistan’s probe proposal
In a firm show of support to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended full solidarity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 25 tourists and a local resident were killed. This powerful condemnation from the Russian leader came shortly after Pakistani authorities suggested that international players like Russia or China could assist in probing the incident. Putin’s statement, made during a phone call with Modi, clearl
Russia condemns Pahalgam attack, Putin supports India amid Pakistan’s probe proposal
In a firm show of support to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended full solidarity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 25 tourists and a local resident were killed. This powerful condemnation from the Russian leader came shortly after Pakistani authorities suggested that international players like Russia or China could assist in probing the incident. Putin’s statement, made during a phone call with Modi, clearl
Immigration Costs May Rise Sharply Under New GOP Proposal Targeting Asylum and Work Permits
House Republicans have unveiled a legislative proposal that could significantly raise the costs associated with legal immigration in the United States. Central to the plan is a provision that would require individuals applying for asylum to pay a fee of $1,000, a notable shift in policy given that such applications have traditionally been exempt from high costs due to the vulnerable status of asylum seekers. In addition, the proposal includes a $500 fee for work authorization permits, to be rene
Immigration Costs May Rise Sharply Under New GOP Proposal Targeting Asylum and Work Permits
House Republicans have unveiled a legislative proposal that could significantly raise the costs associated with legal immigration in the United States. Central to the plan is a provision that would require individuals applying for asylum to pay a fee of $1,000, a notable shift in policy given that such applications have traditionally been exempt from high costs due to the vulnerable status of asylum seekers. In addition, the proposal includes a $500 fee for work authorization permits, to be rene
Mother’s Day 2025: Date, history and global significance
Every year, the world takes a special moment to celebrate the selfless love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers and motherly figures through Mother’s Day. Though mothers deserve to be cherished every day, this occasion offers an opportunity to show appreciation for their efforts in nurturing families and building lives. From grandmothers and guardians to foster moms and nannies, this day is for all those who take on the role of a mother. In a world driven by schedules and deadlines,
Mother’s Day 2025: Date, history and global significance
Every year, the world takes a special moment to celebrate the selfless love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers and motherly figures through Mother’s Day. Though mothers deserve to be cherished every day, this occasion offers an opportunity to show appreciation for their efforts in nurturing families and building lives. From grandmothers and guardians to foster moms and nannies, this day is for all those who take on the role of a mother. In a world driven by schedules and deadlines,
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: 11 Nights of Firing Post Pahalgam Terror Attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. In what is now being described as one of the worst attacks on tourists in recent memory, 26 people, including a Nepali national, were gunned down in the Baisaran Valley, a scenic hilltop location often called “Mini Switzerland” for its lush landscapes and popularity among travelers. Since the day after the attack, the
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: 11 Nights of Firing Post Pahalgam Terror Attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. In what is now being described as one of the worst attacks on tourists in recent memory, 26 people, including a Nepali national, were gunned down in the Baisaran Valley, a scenic hilltop location often called “Mini Switzerland” for its lush landscapes and popularity among travelers. Since the day after the attack, the
Air India explores Indian stopovers on US routes amid Pakistan airspace ban
Air India is actively considering introducing domestic technical stops for its North America-bound flights from Delhi to manage the rising operational costs brought on by the ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace. According to people familiar with the developments, the airline may route some of its services through Indian cities such as Mumbai or Ahmedabad instead of making technical halts in Europe, which have proven to be significantly more expensive. The Tata Group-ow
Air India explores Indian stopovers on US routes amid Pakistan airspace ban
Air India is actively considering introducing domestic technical stops for its North America-bound flights from Delhi to manage the rising operational costs brought on by the ongoing closure of Pakistan’s airspace. According to people familiar with the developments, the airline may route some of its services through Indian cities such as Mumbai or Ahmedabad instead of making technical halts in Europe, which have proven to be significantly more expensive. The Tata Group-ow
F-1 students file class action lawsuit over SEVIS policy changes by US immigration agencies
A group of 351 international students, many of whom are Indian nationals, have filed a second-amended class action lawsuit in a US district court, challenging actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Department of State (DOS) that they say unlawfully terminated their student immigration records and revoked their visas without due process. The lawsuit, which has been filed in the Northern District of Georgia, centers on the claim that the federal agencies implemen
F-1 students file class action lawsuit over SEVIS policy changes by US immigration agencies
A group of 351 international students, many of whom are Indian nationals, have filed a second-amended class action lawsuit in a US district court, challenging actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Department of State (DOS) that they say unlawfully terminated their student immigration records and revoked their visas without due process. The lawsuit, which has been filed in the Northern District of Georgia, centers on the claim that the federal agencies implemen
India Bans All Imports from Pakistan Amid Tensions After Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a significant escalation of tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has announced a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Commerce, comes in the wake of mounting national security concerns and is seen as part of a broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and economically on the global stage. The notification issued by the Indian government clearly states that "direct or indirect
India Bans All Imports from Pakistan Amid Tensions After Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a significant escalation of tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has announced a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Commerce, comes in the wake of mounting national security concerns and is seen as part of a broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and economically on the global stage. The notification issued by the Indian government clearly states that "direct or indirect
Exclusive: Major Global Airlines Voluntarily Avoid Pakistani Airspace Amid India-Pak Tensions
In a significant development affecting international aviation routes, many of the world’s leading airlines have begun voluntarily avoiding Pakistani airspace, even though they are not officially banned from using it. This move comes in response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have resulted in mutual airspace restrictions. While Indian and Pakistani carriers are officially barred from using each other’s airspace, several Western carriers are taking proa
Exclusive: Major Global Airlines Voluntarily Avoid Pakistani Airspace Amid India-Pak Tensions
In a significant development affecting international aviation routes, many of the world’s leading airlines have begun voluntarily avoiding Pakistani airspace, even though they are not officially banned from using it. This move comes in response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have resulted in mutual airspace restrictions. While Indian and Pakistani carriers are officially barred from using each other’s airspace, several Western carriers are taking proa
Ireland penalizes TikTok over GDPR violations and China data transfers
TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has come under major regulatory fire in Europe. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees privacy enforcement for TikTok within the European Union, has imposed a substantial fine of €530 million ($601.3 million) for transferring personal data of European users to China in violation of the EU’s strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ruling marks on
Ireland penalizes TikTok over GDPR violations and China data transfers
TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has come under major regulatory fire in Europe. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees privacy enforcement for TikTok within the European Union, has imposed a substantial fine of €530 million ($601.3 million) for transferring personal data of European users to China in violation of the EU’s strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ruling marks on
US walks diplomatic tightrope as India-Pakistan tensions rise after terror attack
In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, prompting global reactions. The United States, a key diplomatic player in South Asia, has opted for a carefully measured approach, attempting to walk a diplomatic tightrope in order to maintain strategic neutrality while subtly leaning towards India's concerns over terrorism. While President Donald Trump’s administration has historicall
US walks diplomatic tightrope as India-Pakistan tensions rise after terror attack
In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, prompting global reactions. The United States, a key diplomatic player in South Asia, has opted for a carefully measured approach, attempting to walk a diplomatic tightrope in order to maintain strategic neutrality while subtly leaning towards India's concerns over terrorism. While President Donald Trump’s administration has historicall
Global Diplomacy in Overdrive as Jaishankar Speaks to 24 Nations After Pahalgam Terror Attack
In the days following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, India has launched an intense diplomatic campaign to spotlight Pakistan’s alleged involvement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been at the forefront of this effort, engaging with leaders and diplomats from around the world to build pressure and rally support. According to his public posts and government sources, Jaishankar has spoken to representat
Global Diplomacy in Overdrive as Jaishankar Speaks to 24 Nations After Pahalgam Terror Attack
In the days following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, India has launched an intense diplomatic campaign to spotlight Pakistan’s alleged involvement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been at the forefront of this effort, engaging with leaders and diplomats from around the world to build pressure and rally support. According to his public posts and government sources, Jaishankar has spoken to representat
Amit Shah Vows Revenge: Every Terrorist Behind Pahalgam Attack Will Be Hunted Down
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his first public remarks following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, issued a stern warning to the perpetrators and reaffirmed the Indian government’s unwavering resolve to root out terrorism. Addressing an event in New Delhi today, Shah declared that those responsible for killing 26 civilians on April 22 would be “hunted down” and held accountable. The Home Minister was speaking at a ceremony to unveil a sta
Amit Shah Vows Revenge: Every Terrorist Behind Pahalgam Attack Will Be Hunted Down
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his first public remarks following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, issued a stern warning to the perpetrators and reaffirmed the Indian government’s unwavering resolve to root out terrorism. Addressing an event in New Delhi today, Shah declared that those responsible for killing 26 civilians on April 22 would be “hunted down” and held accountable. The Home Minister was speaking at a ceremony to unveil a sta
Pahalgam Terror Aftermath: SC Rips Into Plea, Backs Forces With Sharp Rebuke
The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticized a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people mostly civilians. The petition, filed by Fatesh Kumar Shahu, Mohammad Junaid, and Vicky Kumar, was met with firm resistance from the bench, which questioned the timing and intent behind the plea. Justice Surya Kant expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Is this the way you want
Pahalgam Terror Aftermath: SC Rips Into Plea, Backs Forces With Sharp Rebuke
The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticized a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people mostly civilians. The petition, filed by Fatesh Kumar Shahu, Mohammad Junaid, and Vicky Kumar, was met with firm resistance from the bench, which questioned the timing and intent behind the plea. Justice Surya Kant expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Is this the way you want
Mark Mobius Goes 95% Cash – Warns of 6-Month Global Market Risk, Bets Big on India
Veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has shifted nearly all of his investments into cash, citing ongoing global trade tensions and market uncertainty. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Mobius said that he currently has around 95% of his funds in cash, declaring that “cash is king” as the global economy navigates unstable trade dynamics. Mobius, who has over three decades of experience investing across developing markets and co-founded Mobius Capital P
Mark Mobius Goes 95% Cash – Warns of 6-Month Global Market Risk, Bets Big on India
Veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius has shifted nearly all of his investments into cash, citing ongoing global trade tensions and market uncertainty. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Mobius said that he currently has around 95% of his funds in cash, declaring that “cash is king” as the global economy navigates unstable trade dynamics. Mobius, who has over three decades of experience investing across developing markets and co-founded Mobius Capital P
US Visa Appointment Updates 2025: Wait Time Insights for Indian Applicants
The United States government has updated global visa appointment wait time estimates effective April 25, 2025. This update offers clarity for visa applicants by sharing both the average interview wait times from the previous month and the projected timeline for the next available appointment. These changes aim to help travelers and applicants better plan their schedules when applying for non-immigrant visas. In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, b
US Visa Appointment Updates 2025: Wait Time Insights for Indian Applicants
The United States government has updated global visa appointment wait time estimates effective April 25, 2025. This update offers clarity for visa applicants by sharing both the average interview wait times from the previous month and the projected timeline for the next available appointment. These changes aim to help travelers and applicants better plan their schedules when applying for non-immigrant visas. In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, b
PM Modi Chairs Key Security Meetings After Pahalgam Terror Attack; India's Firm Stand Against Pakistan
India’s top security and political leadership gathered for back-to-back high-level meetings on Wednesday to discuss the country’s evolving strategy following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. With tensions rising between India and Pakistan, the government’s response has included hard-hitting diplomatic and policy-level decisions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prim
PM Modi Chairs Key Security Meetings After Pahalgam Terror Attack; India's Firm Stand Against Pakistan
India’s top security and political leadership gathered for back-to-back high-level meetings on Wednesday to discuss the country’s evolving strategy following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. With tensions rising between India and Pakistan, the government’s response has included hard-hitting diplomatic and policy-level decisions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prim
U.S. changes policy: visa cancellation results in instant legal status termination
A recently surfaced internal immigration memo has sparked concern among legal experts and international education communities. The document outlines an expanded framework in which visa revocation is now considered direct grounds for the termination of legal status for international students in the United States. This move redefines the relationship between a visa’s validity and a foreign student’s legal status and grants immigration authorities broader enforcement powers.
U.S. changes policy: visa cancellation results in instant legal status termination
A recently surfaced internal immigration memo has sparked concern among legal experts and international education communities. The document outlines an expanded framework in which visa revocation is now considered direct grounds for the termination of legal status for international students in the United States. This move redefines the relationship between a visa’s validity and a foreign student’s legal status and grants immigration authorities broader enforcement powers.









