Following a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists and an intelligence officer, former U.S. President Donald Trump phoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences and condemn the violence. Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating, “Deeply saddened by the news from Kashmir. The U.S. stands strongly with India.” World leaders including Vladimir Putin, and governments of Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, and the UAE also condemned the attack.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced that the terms of a trade agreement between India and the United States have been finalized following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We want partners who are committed to producing things together with America—not just facilitating imports and exports,” Vance emphasized. He added that while U.S. partners may not need to replicate everything the U.S. does, they should share core objectives.

At least 26 tourists were killed in a gun attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with many others injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the death toll is still being verified and described it as one of the worst attacks on civilians in recent memory. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who has since traveled to Srinagar for an emergency meeting.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a prolonged movement to repeal the Wakf Amendment Act 2025, comparing the struggle to the farmers’ protest. Addressing Prime Minister Modi, he said, “He is not even worthy of the dust under Babasaheb Ambedkar’s feet.”
Owaisi claimed that within just one month of the law coming into effect, over 500 Wakf properties in Uttar Pradesh had already been declared as government property. “This is just the beginning,” he warned.
He argued that this amendment is part of a broader pattern of unconstitutional measures being imposed on the Muslim community, citing examples like the triple talaq law, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the expansion of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and now, the push for a Uniform Civil Code.

Following campus protests in support of Palestine, the U.S. canceled the visas of 327 international students last month, permanently banning them from reentering the country. Indian Congress leader Jairam Ramesh revealed that 50% of those affected were Indian nationals. He criticized the decision as opaque and alarming, highlighting that many of the targeted students had spoken out against U.S. support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Petitioners in India’s Supreme Court sought a stay on the Waqf Act, but the court declined to issue one. However, the justices considered issuing an interim order with three key points. The move was postponed after the central government’s legal representatives requested more time to present their explanation. The matter will be heard again on Thursday.

The proposed interim directives include:
1. No land or institution currently declared as Waqf property can be declassified as non-Waqf during the pendency of the case.
2. District Magistrates may investigate Waqf-related properties but cannot issue any binding orders.
3. Members of Waqf Boards and Councils must be Muslim, although non-Muslims may join only by virtue of holding specific offices.

A World Population Review study listed the top 10 most hated countries globally, with China at the top and India in 10th place. India’s rising religious tension, treatment of minorities, and internet censorship have hurt its global image. Border disputes and internal unrest further fuel this negative perception. China is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, suppression of freedoms, and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The U.S., Russia, North Korea, and Israel also appear in the top five.

In a shocking incident in Telangana’s Kamareddy district, police were seen dragging a Dalit activist nearly naked during a protest on Ambedkar Jayanti. The activist, associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was attempting to put up a banner featuring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar when clashes erupted. A viral video shows the man being forcibly pulled away wearing only his undergarments. Police later claimed the protestors blocked roads and ignored warnings, prompting their intervention.

A disturbing incident in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked public outrage after a Muslim woman was forcibly stripped of her hijab and harassed in public. The victim, Farheen, was traveling on a motorcycle with her Hindu companion, Sachin, when a group of men stopped and assaulted them. A viral video shows a man forcibly removing her hijab, while others hurled abuses and physically assaulted both individuals. Six people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on Monday and rapidly gained traction on social media.

Police in Assam’s Cachar district baton-charged a protest against recent amendments to the Waqf law. Protesters responded by pelting stones, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). A senior police officer told PTI, “Some 300-400 people blocked roads without permission. When we tried to clear the area, some attacked us with stones. We had to use mild force.” A case has been filed, but no arrests have been made. Protesters claim the amended law discriminates against Muslims and demanded its repeal.

Violent protests over India’s controversial Wakf Amendment Bill in Murshidabad led to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The central government has deployed troops in the region. Muslim communities argue the bill undermines their right to manage over $14 billion in Wakf assets and threatens India’s secular framework. Rahul Gandhi warned of wider communal implications, while West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee vowed not to implement the “black law” in her state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the controversial anti-Waqf law will not be implemented in her state, rejecting legislation seen as targeting the Muslim community. She questioned the justification for violence and warned that those inciting unrest will face consequences. Mamata accused certain political parties of exploiting religion for political gain and urged citizens not to fall for such provocations. Protests against the Waqf law are spreading across India, including in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a sweeping campaign to identify and seize thousands of allegedly disputed Waqf properties. In Muzaffarnagar, over 300 individuals were issued legal notices and fined ₹200,000 each for wearing black armbands during Friday prayers in protest against the law.

Murshidabad’s Suti police station area witnessed renewed unrest over the amended Wakf law. Protesters attempted to block the national highway, prompting police intervention. Hindustan Times reported that some protesters threw bombs and stones at police officers, injuring several. In response, police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, eyewitnesses claimed only stones were thrown during the clash.

Heavy rainfall since Wednesday has led to the deaths of at least 100 people across parts of India and Nepal. In Bihar, the state’s disaster management department confirmed at least 64 fatalities from rain-related incidents. In Uttar Pradesh, more than 20 people have died, while Nepal reported at least 8 deaths due to lightning strikes and flooding. India’s Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

Authorities in India have sparked controversy by issuing a notice banning loudspeaker use at mosques during prayer times on the day of Hanuman Jayanti processions. The notice, signed by the SHO of Gandhinagar police station, has drawn criticism. Police later claimed the notice was “misworded” and intended as a request for cooperation rather than a directive. However, they warned that failure to comply could lead to further action.