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Pakistan calls India’s move on Indus Waters Treaty as an act of war

The committee concluded by asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against any misadventure, urging the international community to take note of India’s provocative actions.

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In a sharp escalation of tensions following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office issued a stern warning on Thursday, April 24, 2025, declaring that any attempt to disrupt water flows to Pakistan would be considered an “act of war.”

The statement came after a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which outlined a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines and a complete halt to all trade activities with India.

The NSC, attended by senior civilian and military leaders, addressed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. While unequivocally condemning the violence, Pakistan rejected India’s attempts to attribute the attack to it, dismissing such claims as “frivolous” and lacking credible evidence.

The committee reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that Kashmir remains an unresolved dispute, emphasizing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as recognized by UN resolutions.

It accused India of perpetuating violence through state oppression, demographic changes, and the marginalization of minorities, particularly Muslims, citing recent legislative moves like the Waqf Bill as evidence of systemic persecution.

Pakistan’s strongest rebuke was reserved for India’s announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between the two nations, surviving three wars. The NSC underscored that the agreement contains no provision for unilateral suspension and described water as a “vital national interest” for Pakistan’s 240 million people.

“Any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s rightful share of water under the treaty, or to usurp the rights of a lower riparian state, will be treated as an act of war and met with a comprehensive response across all domains of national power,” the statement read.

In response to India’s measures, Pakistan announced a sweeping suspension of all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Pact, accusing India of violating international norms and fostering terrorism. The Wagah border post was ordered closed immediately, with cross-border transit halted, though those with valid endorsements may return by April 30, 2025.

Pakistan also revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims, and instructed Indians in Pakistan to leave within 48 hours. Indian defence, naval, and air advisors in Islamabad were declared persona non grata and given until April 30 to depart, with their posts deemed annulled. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will see its staff reduced from 55 to 30 by the same date.

Further, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or -operated airlines and suspended all trade with India, including third-country trade routed through Pakistan. The NSC accused India of exploiting the Pahalgam attack to advance a narrow political agenda, pointing to the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Indian Navy officer in Pakistan’s custody, as evidence of India’s alleged state-sponsored terrorism. It also criticized India’s “irresponsible warmongering” through state-controlled media, warning that such rhetoric fuels regional instability.

The committee expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives in Pahalgam but labeled India’s retaliatory measures—announced on April 23—as unilateral, unjust, and politically driven. It argued that India’s narrative of victimhood obscures its own role in regional violence, including alleged extraterritorial assassinations exposed by Pakistan and other nations. Pakistan vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for terrorism and to respond firmly to any threats to its sovereignty.

Reaffirming its commitment to counter-terrorism, the NSC highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices as a frontline state against terrorism, having endured significant human and economic losses. It called on India to abandon its “reflexive blame game” and take responsibility for its security failures in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee concluded by asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against any misadventure, urging the international community to take note of India’s provocative actions.

As the region braces for heightened tensions, Pakistan’s measures signal a deepening rift with India, with both nations adopting hardline stances in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy.

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Amit Shah praises Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Nation above post

Amit Shah hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, saying BJP places the nation and students above any position while highlighting the government’s commitment to examination reforms.

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Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.

In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.

Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms

Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.

He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister

Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.

Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.

Resignation follows NEET controversy

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.

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Assam flood death toll rises to 66, over 6.5 lakh people still affected

Assam’s flood situation improved slightly on Saturday, but more than 6.54 lakh people remain affected in six districts. Four fresh deaths have pushed the state’s flood toll to 66.

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Assam floods

The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Saturday, though the disaster continued to impact more than 6.54 lakh people across six districts. Four more deaths were reported during the day, taking the total number of fatalities in this year’s floods to 66.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three of the latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar district, while one person lost their life in Charaideo.

The number of affected people declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts on Friday to 6,54,800 across six districts on Saturday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall situation.

Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district

Among the affected districts, Sivasagar continues to be the worst hit, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with around 1.9 lakh affected residents, while more than 1.3 lakh people remain affected in Jorhat.

The other districts still facing flood-related challenges are Dibrugarh, Golaghat and Nagaon.

Relief operations continue across affected areas

The ASDMA said the state administration is operating 274 relief camps and aid distribution centres across the affected districts. Around 18,902 displaced people are currently taking shelter at these facilities.

The latest daily bulletin also stated that floodwaters have inundated 810 villages across the state, while 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage.

Rivers flowing above danger level

The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several areas.

Authorities said the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, and officials continue to closely monitor the situation.

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India News

UP Government forms new SIT led by 3 IPS officers to probe Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new SIT led by three IPS officers to investigate the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya following Supreme Court directions.

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Ram Mandir

The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Kiran S, with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members, to investigate the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

The move comes after directions from the Supreme Court, which sought a reconstituted investigation team to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations.

The newly formed SIT is expected to continue the investigation and submit a status report before the Supreme Court on July 27.

Senior IPS officers to lead the probe

According to the state government, the investigation will now be supervised by senior IPS officers.  The revamped SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the alleged embezzlement of temple donations and carrying the investigation forward.

The Supreme Court had observed that criminal investigations and technical examination of theft-related cases are more effectively handled by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the SIT under senior IPS leadership.

Probe to continue under court supervision

The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of offerings (chadhava) donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation and will review the SIT’s status report at the next hearing.

Authorities are expected to continue examining evidence collected during the earlier stages of the investigation as the newly constituted SIT proceeds with the case.

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