Pahalgam attack: Hit-back set to be calibrated, short of full-fledged conflict

Chhattisgarh government sources reported the successful reclamation of a section of the Koragutta Hills in Bijapur from Maoist forces after a nine-day operation, where counter-Naxal troops hoisted the national flag at 5,000 feet. Although key Maoist leaders like Hidma and Damodar were initially contained, they escaped into Telangana due to insufficient monitoring by local special forces. The CPI (Maoist) then issued a statement calling for a time-bound ceasefire and peace talks, urging civil society to...

NEW DELHI: The Indian government has announced a nationwide caste census, reversing its previous stance against such enumeration, citing political manipulation by opposition-ruled states. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, welcomed the decision as a victory and called for a timeline for implementation, while others emphasized the necessity of caste data for social justice and policymaking. The decision has been framed as a response to public demand and is seen as crucial ahead of upcoming elections,...

Apple CEO Tim Cook informed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that advanced robotics technology is crucial for relocating iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. This discussion follows Apple's temporary exemption from heightened tariffs on Chinese imports, which could have inflated iPhone prices. While Apple is diversifying production, with 20% of iPhones now assembled in India, Cook aims to develop U.S. manufacturing, emphasizing the need for skilled technicians and framing this shift as part of a broader AI...

SummaryThe Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking an investigation into the death of Uttar Pradesh gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who died of a heart attack in prison last year. The court ruled that the petition, initially filed while Ansari was alive, lacked grounds for continuation posthumously and advised his son, Umar Ansari, to approach the Allahabad High Court for further legal action. Mukhtar Ansari, a controversial figure with a long criminal history, had significant political influence...

Supreme Court's Directive on Digital KYC AccessibilityOn Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India mandated changes to the digital Know Your Customer (KYC) process to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and facial disfigurements. The bench, led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, emphasized that digital access is integral to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, urging that all governmental and financial platforms be made universally...

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are struggling at the bottom of the IPL table with only two wins in nine matches, facing Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk in a crucial match that could impact their playoff hopes. MS Dhoni's return as captain has not reversed CSK's fortunes, and they will rely on emerging players like Ayush Mhatre against a stronger PBKS lineup featuring in-form players like Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen. The pitch at MA Chidambaram...