Three days after the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Srinagar on Friday, April 25, to extend support and assess the situation.

Rahul Gandhi met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Srinagar residence to discuss the aftermath of the tragedy. He also visited an Army hospital in the city, where he met an injured survivor and interacted with the families of the victims.

Speaking to the media, Gandhi described the attack as a “terrible tragedy” aimed at sowing division in society.

“I came here to understand the ground reality and offer help. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have unitedly condemned this heinous act and stand with the nation. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones. The entire country is standing together,” he said.

Gandhi emphasized that the united Opposition has condemned the attack and pledged full support for any measures the government deems necessary. “The terrorists’ intent was to fracture our society, but we must stand united to defeat their agenda. It’s disheartening to see some people targeting Kashmiris elsewhere in the country. We must come together to fight this despicable act and eradicate terrorism,” he urged.

Accompanied by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, MLAs Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Tariq Hameed Karra, and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, Gandhi also met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan.

The Office of the LG posted on X, stating, “Discussed various aspects of the heinous Pahalgam terror attack with Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders.” Gandhi assured both the Chief Minister and the LG of his party’s unwavering support in addressing the crisis.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Udhampur to review the security situation at the Northern Command headquarters. He was briefed on the situation along the Line of Control in the Poonch-Rajouri sectors and areas south of the Pir Panjal ranges, as security forces remain on high alert following the attack.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit underscores a call for unity and resilience, urging the nation to stand firm against attempts to disrupt harmony in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy by alleging that India “staged” the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, while admitting that Pakistan has supported terrorist groups for decades at the behest of the US, Britain, and other Western nations.

In an interview with a British news channel, Asif warned that India’s response to the attack could precipitate an “all-out war” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, urging the international community to be alarmed by the prospect of such a conflict.

Asif claimed that Pakistan’s military is “fully prepared” to counter any Indian aggression, promising a “measured response” to any provocation. “If India launches an all-out attack, it will lead to an all-out war with catastrophic consequences,” he said, emphasizing the dangers of a clash between two nuclear powers.

While expressing hope for a diplomatic resolution, he accused India of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack to create a regional crisis.

“Delhi’s reaction was predictable. We believe this was staged to stir trouble, especially for Pakistan,” he stated, without providing evidence. When pressed to clarify, Asif doubled down, asserting, “Absolutely, India creates such situations,” though he added that Pakistan’s government has unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms.

Addressing Pakistan’s history of supporting terrorism, Asif made a startling admission: “For three decades, we did the dirty work for the United States, Britain, and the West. That was a grave mistake. If we hadn’t joined the wars against the Soviet Union and post-9/11, Pakistan’s record would have been spotless.”

He acknowledged the heavy toll this involvement has taken on Pakistan, citing it as a reason for the country’s tarnished reputation.

India has not yet officially responded to Asif’s provocative remarks. Following the Pahalgam attack, New Delhi announced stringent measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, closing the Attari Integrated Check Post, and revoking SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme privileges for Pakistani nationals, who were given 48 hours to leave. The strength of diplomatic missions in both countries was also reduced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that the perpetrators and their conspirators would face severe consequences, asserting that the resolve of 1.4 billion Indians would dismantle terrorism’s remaining strongholds.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on April 25, 2025, at 10:43 a.m. He was 84. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, hailing him as a luminary of Indian science and education.

ISRO announced that his body would be kept at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) on April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the public to pay their last respects.

Dr. Kasturirangan, who served as ISRO’s fifth chairman from 1994 to 2003 and as Secretary of the Department of Space for over nine years, left an indelible mark on India’s space programme during his four-decade career.

He played a pivotal role in landmark missions, serving as project director for India’s first experimental earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I and II, and leading the development of the first operational Indian Remote Sensing satellite, IRS-1A.

As director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, he oversaw the creation of advanced spacecraft, including the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2), IRS-1A, IRS-1B, and scientific satellites like IRS-P3 and P4.

Under his chairmanship, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was operationalised, and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) achieved its first successful flight test.

His leadership saw the launch of the world’s finest civilian satellites, IRS-1C and 1D, and the development of second- and third-generation INSAT satellites, cementing India’s position among the elite space-faring nations. ISRO credits his efforts with elevating India’s global standing in space technology.

A recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Kasturirangan earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Bombay University and a Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1971.

Beyond ISRO, he served as a Rajya Sabha member and was part of the Planning Commission during the UPA government. More recently, he chaired the drafting committee for the National Education Policy 2020 and led the steering committee for the National Curriculum Framework.

His 2013 Kasturirangan Committee report identified 59,940 sq. km of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, influencing conservation efforts across six states.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Modi described Dr. Kasturirangan as a “towering figure” whose visionary leadership propelled India’s space programme to new heights and earned global acclaim.

“His dedication to innovation and ambitious satellite launches will inspire generations. His contributions to education and policy will remain etched in our nation’s history,” Modi said.

Dr. Kasturirangan’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a scientist, policymaker, and nation-builder will continue to guide India’s aspirations in space and beyond.