In a major operation, the Indian Army has destroyed a terrorist hideout in Kupwara, recovering a cache of weapons including five AK-47 rifles. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the army launched a special search operation in the Sedori Nala forest area, which is still underway.

Intelligence agencies have released a list of 14 terrorists, reportedly targeting individuals aiding Pakistan-backed militants within India. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and neutralize local militants.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has imposed restrictions on real-time broadcasting of security operations. Media outlets have been instructed to avoid live coverage of defense activities and troop movements and have been warned against sharing visuals on social media. The ministry stated that these steps are being taken in the interest of national security, citing past instances like the Kandahar hijacking, the Kargil War, and the Mumbai terror attacks where uncontrolled reporting had serious repercussions.

On another front, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. He asserted that Pakistan has nothing to hide on the matter and emphasized that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to protect its sovereignty. Speaking at a ceremony at the military academy in Abbottabad, Sharif warned against politicizing disasters and added that if India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan would respond using its military forces.

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India Cancels Visas Issued to Pakistani Nationals

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the cancellation of all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals. Pakistani citizens currently in India holding these visas have been instructed to leave the country. However, individuals holding authorized Long-Term Visas (LTVs), diplomatic, and official visas are permitted to stay.

Pakistani nationals holding medical visas have been granted an extension until midnight of April 29, 2025. After that, they will not be allowed to remain in India. Additionally, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Punjab has been closed. The Ministry has stated that Pakistani nationals can cross the border through the Attari ICP until April 30, 2025.

In a copyright infringement case related to a song from the movie Ponniyin Selvan 2, renowned music composer AR Rahman has been ordered by the Delhi High Court to deposit ₹2 crore. The issue concerns the song “Veera Raja Veera” from the 2023 film, which was found to bear strong similarities to the famous “Shiva Stuti” composed by the Junior Dagar Brothers, celebrated classical musicians.

The Delhi High Court issued an interim order on Friday after determining that the two compositions were not just “inspired,” but “substantially similar.” Along with Rahman, the film’s co-producers have also been directed to deposit ₹2 crore.

Additionally, the court ordered that credit be given to the Dagar Brothers in all online versions of the film and mandated that Rahman and the other defendants pay ₹2 lakh as legal costs to Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, the plaintiff, within four weeks.

The allegation against Rahman and the production companies — Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions — is that they unlawfully used the “Shiva Stuti”, originally composed by the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar, collectively known as the Junior Dagar Brothers.

The court pointed out the close connection between the two musical works, observing that “Veera Raja Veera” was not merely inspired by “Shiva Stuti” but had undeniable similarities. It further noted that only the lyrics were changed, while the fundamental musical composition remained the same.

The High Court emphasized that authentic musical works, such as those in Hindustani classical tradition, are protected under copyright law, while delivering its interim ruling.

New Delhi – In a setback for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Rouse Avenue Court has refused to issue notices to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The court observed that the charge sheet submitted by the ED was incomplete and directed the agency to furnish additional documents.

The court declined to send notices to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, stating that a clear justification must be presented for issuing such notices. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for May 2.

According to the charge sheet, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, as directors of the company Young Indian, allegedly acquired assets worth approximately ₹2,000 crore from Associated Journals Limited (AJL)—the publisher of the National Herald—for just ₹50 lakh.

Following the investigation, the ED had already attached properties and shares worth ₹751.9 crore belonging to AJL and Young Indian, entities linked to the Congress party.

New Delhi – Social activist Medha Patkar has been granted bail by the Saket Court after being arrested in a defamation case filed by former Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. She was taken into custody by the Delhi Police in connection with the case.

The court had previously ruled on the case last year, ordering Patkar to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh and furnish a bond of ₹25,000. However, she failed to comply with the court’s orders, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.

V.K. Saxena had filed the defamation suit in 2001, alleging that Patkar had made defamatory remarks against him on a TV channel and published derogatory content in a newspaper. The court found Patkar guilty of calling Saxena a coward and accusing him of involvement in hawala transactions—statements that were deemed defamatory and misleading.

Initially, the court had sentenced her to five months’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay ₹10 lakh in damages. However, considering her age and good conduct, the court reduced the punishment and asked her to pay only ₹1 lakh. Her refusal to comply was seen by the court as a deliberate disregard for its judgment, leading to her arrest.

Bengaluru – Former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Friday morning at his residence in Bengaluru.

He served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003, leading the organization for nine years. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.

Dr. Kasturirangan played a key role in the advancement of India’s space sector. He also held important positions such as Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space under the Government of India.

Mumbai – In a significant decision, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved the recognition of the state’s fisherfolk as farmers. With this move, they will now be eligible for a range of benefits traditionally reserved for farmers, including government subsidies under various schemes, insurance coverage, and low-interest loans.

State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane stated that the decision is expected to benefit around five lakh (500,000) fisherfolk across Maharashtra. He emphasized that this recognition could be transformative for their livelihoods.

As part of the benefits, the fisherfolk will now receive electricity at subsidized rates, which will require the state government to allocate an additional ₹69 crore. They will also become eligible for advantages such as the Kisan Credit Card and loan waivers, Rane added.