Morning Digest: Kin of victims raise poor security after Pahalgam terror attack; RCB ends home losing streak with 11-run win over RR, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

Pahalgam terror attack: Gloom gives way to rage as kin of victims raise poor security

As the mortal remains of victims who were killed in the April 22 terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam reached their homes on Thursday (April 24, 2025), the relatives raised questions on the absence of any security presence in the area frequented by thousands of tourists. As many as 26 people were killed in the terror attack targeted at male tourists who were singled out based on their religion.

J&K parties term Pahalgam terror attack an assault on Kashmiriyat, idea of India

Putting up a joint face in the wake of deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (April 24, 2025) chaired an all-party meet in Srinagar and passed a joint resolution terming the terror attack “a direct assault on the values of Kashmiriyat and the idea of India, a symbol of unity, peace, and harmony in the region”.

BSF jawan detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing border

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the Punjab border and talks are on between the two forces to secure his release, officials said on Thursday (April 24, 2025).

Russian strike on Kyiv kills 12 in biggest attack on Ukrainian capital since last summer

Russia pounded Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones Thursday (April 24, 2025), killing at least 12 people in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July and drawing a rare rebuke of Moscow from U.S. President Donald Trump just as peace efforts were coming to a head.

Israeli airstrike kills at least 44 people in Gaza, hits a police station

An Israeli airstrike hit a police station in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday (April 24, 2025), killing at least 10 people, local health authorities said, and Israel’s military said it had struck a command centre of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad groups.

No ongoing talks with U.S. over tariffs, says China

China on Thursday (April 24, 2025) denied any suggestion that it was in active negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over tariffs, saying that any notion of progress in the matter was as groundless as “trying to catch the wind.”

Pahalgam terror attack: Speculation picks up on possible punitive strikes targeting terrorists

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Thursday, with widespread expectations of possible punitive strikes by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. This follows several diplomatic measures targeting Pakistan, which responded with counter measures, even while the militaries of both countries remain on high alert.

Brace for longer flights to Gulf, Europe and the U.S. as Pakistan shuts airspace

Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace for all Indian airlines will force domestic carriers to take longer routes to destinations in the Gulf region, Europe, the U.K., and North America, which is likely to lead to a spike in airfares.

Pahalgam terror attack: Tourists taken to meadow without police permission, government informs all-party meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an all-party meeting on Thursday (April 24, 2025) in the wake of the terror attack at Pahalgam, where 26 men were gunned down by terrorists on Tuesday (April 23, 2025). In their briefing, officials from the Home Ministry and the Intelligence Bureau informed that there was no police permission to open the Baisaran meadow where the incident occurred.

Pahalgam terror attack: India to explore ‘never considered’ options on Indus Waters Treaty

India will explore “options that it has never considered” under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). These could include withdrawing from talks on evolving a new ‘Dispute Resolution Mechanism’, change the design of its hydropower electric projects to allow it to store greater quantities of water and deploy ‘draw down flushing’ of its reservoirs, a senior official told The Hindu on condition of anonymity.

IPL 2025 RCB vs RR | Hazlewood’s class helps Royal Challengers pull off first home win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s nightmare run at home finally came to an end with an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals in their IPL clash in Bengaluru on Thursday (April 24, 2025). RCB’s first win at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season came after a worrying three straight defeats at the venue.

Published - April 25, 2025 06:36 am IST