A political spat has erupted between National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Barrage project on Wullar Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The exchange turned bitter after Abdullah suggested resuming work on the decades-old project, citing the Centre’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Abdullah questioned whether the suspension of the IWT opened the door to complete the Tulbul project, which he claimed would improve navigation on the Jhelum River and enhance power generation downstream. However, Mufti criticised the idea as "irresponsible" and "dangerously provocative", warning it could further inflame India-Pakistan tensions and harm the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a sharp rebuttal, Abdullah accused Mufti of being more interested in appeasing certain quarters across the border and scoring “cheap publicity points” than acknowledging that the IWT was a “historic betrayal” of J&K’s interests. He said he would continue to oppose the treaty, calling it a denial of the region’s rights over its own water resources.

The war of words intensified as Mufti alleged historical hypocrisy by referring to NC founder Sheikh Abdullah’s shifting political stance. She defended the PDP’s consistent position and accused the NC of political opportunism.

Responding, Abdullah dismissed the attack as “cheap shots” and vowed to “rise above the gutter” into which the conversation had descended. He affirmed his commitment to advocate for the people’s right to utilise their natural resources.

The debate has highlighted not only longstanding disagreements over water rights and the IWT but also the deeply personal and political rivalries that continue to define J&K’s volatile political landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the Indian Air Force Station in Adampur, Punjab, just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following four days of high-intensity cross-border strikes. The visit came in the aftermath of Pakistan’s failed attempt to strike Adampur during the night of May 9-10, in retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan had claimed it destroyed India’s S-400 air defence system in Adampur using hypersonic missiles launched from JF-17 fighter jets. Indian defence officials strongly denied the claim, asserting that all incoming threats were effectively neutralized.

Sharing images of his interaction with air warriors, PM Modi posted on X: “It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces.”

The visit follows Modi’s address to the nation on Monday where he lauded the military for its precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India targeted and destroyed nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating over 100 militants belonging to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Modi declared that Operation Sindoor signals a new strategic doctrine for India, affirming that counter-terrorism operations will now be swift, cross-border, and uncompromising. “This is the new normal,” he said.

The Prime Minister also condemned Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism, citing senior Pakistani military officers’ participation in funerals of slain terrorists as clear proof of state support.

The ceasefire agreement reached last Saturday paused military hostilities, but India has warned that any further provocation will be met with immediate and decisive action.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra has urged American businesses to invest in India, highlighting the country’s robust economic performance and policy stability amid global uncertainties. Speaking at the US-India Economic Forum in Washington, D.C., hosted by CII and USISPF, Malhotra said India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with expected GDP growth of 6.5% in FY 2024–25.

“India is a beacon of stability — monetary, political, and financial — and continues to offer long-term value for global investors,” Malhotra said. He cited India’s consistent policy environment, resilient macroeconomic fundamentals, and a forward-looking, rules-based governance ecosystem as strong enablers of growth.

He pointed to India's economic leap from the tenth-largest to the fifth-largest economy in just a decade, with nominal projections soon placing it third globally. "Our ambition is to become a developed nation — Viksit Bharat — by 2047, marking 100 years of independence," he said.

Malhotra stressed that India’s financial sector is strong and vibrant, with commercial banks showing high resilience, solid profitability, and manageable NPAs. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) also remain healthy, with bank credit growth holding steady at 12%.

He invited US companies to explore opportunities in India’s sunrise sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, electric mobility, and space technology. India’s rise as a global SaaS hub, especially in generative AI, adds to its appeal, he noted.

“India is not just an investment destination, but a long-term partner in shared prosperity,” Malhotra emphasized. “Come, collaborate, innovate, and grow with us.”

The RBI Governor’s address sought to build momentum around India's growing role in global supply chains and economic leadership, presenting a compelling case for strategic US-India economic ties.

India has strongly condemned the alleged abduction and brutal killing of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent leader of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. In a firm message issued on Saturday, the Indian government called on the interim administration in Dhaka to fulfill its constitutional duty of ensuring the safety and protection of minority communities, particularly Hindus.

Violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during recent anti-Waqf protests has taken a grim turn, with preliminary investigations suggesting the involvement of suspected miscreants from across the Bangladesh border. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly in possession of an initial intelligence brief pointing to possible cross-border instigation in the flare-up.

Three individuals have died as a result of the clashes and subsequent arson that gripped the area earlier this week. Hundreds of homes and shops were damaged or torched, forcing many residents to flee. Over 200 arrests have been made so far, though tensions remain high and the local population continues to live in fear.

The unrest was not confined to Murshidabad alone. On Sunday, violence broke out in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) reportedly clashed with police during a protest rally. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into a street battle.

Viral videos from the Bhangar clashes showed dramatic scenes: police motorbikes set ablaze, a police bus overturned with its windows shattered, and a heavy deployment of riot control forces trying to contain the chaos. Protesters were seen hurling stones and makeshift weapons, while police responded with lathi charges and tear gas.

Security agencies are now investigating whether the violence in both districts is connected and if external elements are coordinating efforts to destabilize the region. Intelligence officials have flagged concerns over growing radicalisation and the exploitation of religious grievances for political mobilization.

With both districts bordering Bangladesh and having a history of communal sensitivity, central and state authorities are on high alert. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed, and a high-level meeting is expected to take place this week to review the situation.

The renewed alliance between the BJP and AIADMK, announced by Home Minister Amit Shah with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, marks a significant political realignment in Tamil Nadu. While the BJP has struggled in the state, this alliance grants it immediate access to AIADMK's voter base and organizational network ahead of next year’s Assembly election.

Beyond state politics, the more immediate and strategic impact lies in the Rajya Sabha. The BJP-led NDA, already holding a commanding majority in the Lok Sabha, is poised to consolidate its strength in the Upper House as well. With AIADMK’s four Rajya Sabha MPs joining the NDA bloc, the alliance now has 123 MPs—crossing the current majority mark of 119 in a House with 236 active members.

The strength could soon rise to 124 if the AIADMK secures the seat of outgoing PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss. Adding support from six nominated MPs and one independent, the NDA’s tally reaches 131. Further gains are likely, with one seat from Andhra Pradesh expected to go to ally TDP, and up to four nominated seats likely favoring the ruling party. When Jammu and Kashmir elections are held, the BJP could add one or two more seats.

This growing majority positions the BJP to pass crucial bills more easily—most notably, the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, expected to be introduced in the upcoming session. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill’s recent passage showcased the BJP’s ability to secure issue-based support from parties like BJD and YSR Congress, whose MPs often vote independently.

For the first time since 2014, the BJP-led NDA may enjoy a clear and stable majority in both Houses—dramatically enhancing its legislative firepower.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday announced that it has issued possession notices for immovable assets worth ?661 crore, attached in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe against Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper.

The ED, in an official statement, said that notices directing the vacation of the premises were affixed on Friday at three key locations: the iconic Herald House at ITO in New Delhi, AJL’s property in Bandra, Mumbai, and its building on Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow.

The central agency took the action under Section 8 and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These properties were provisionally attached by the ED in November 2023, marking a significant development in the politically sensitive investigation.

The money laundering case pertains to transactions involving AJL and Young Indian Private Limited (YI), which owns AJL. The ED alleges that assets worth hundreds of crores were acquired through financial irregularities linked to the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.

Young Indian is controlled by top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, each holding a 38% stake in the company. The ED’s probe revolves around the alleged acquisition of AJL's properties by YI for a fraction of their market value, using funds that the agency claims were misappropriated.

With these possession notices, the ED has moved a step closer toward taking control of the properties, even as the matter remains under legal scrutiny. The action could have wider political ramifications, especially given the involvement of senior Congress leadership.

The Congress party has previously dismissed the case as “political vendetta,” while the ED maintains it is following due legal process.

In a significant political development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today confirmed that the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections together. The announcement was made at a joint press conference in Chennai, where Mr. Shah was joined by AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and newly appointed Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthiran.

Reiterating the historical strength of the alliance, Mr. Shah recalled the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP-AIADMK combine secured 30 out of 39 seats in the state under the leadership of late J Jayalalithaa. “We are confident that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will achieve a resounding victory in Tamil Nadu,” Shah stated.

He emphasized that the alliance will be based on mutual respect, adding that the BJP would not interfere in AIADMK’s internal affairs. “We may also come up with a common minimum programme, if needed,” Shah said, suggesting flexibility in agenda setting while acknowledging the alliance’s diversity.

On managing the alliance dynamics, Shah remarked humorously, “Let us also do some work. Don’t worry about everything. Leave some concerns to us too,” drawing laughter from the audience.

Shah also addressed the recent leadership change within the BJP, announcing Nainar Nagenthiran as the new state party chief, replacing K Annamalai. He thanked Annamalai for his remarkable organisational contributions and noted that the young leader would now take on responsibilities at the national level.

The alliance comes after a period of estrangement. While the AIADMK and BJP contested the 2021 elections together—where BJP won four seats—the two parties parted ways in 2023. The renewed tie-up now signals a fresh strategic push ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has sparked controversy with his remarks on India’s Northeast. Speaking in China, Yunus described the region as "landlocked" and Bangladesh as its "guardian of the ocean," suggesting potential Chinese economic expansion. The statement has triggered sharp reactions across India.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma denounced the comments as "offensive" and called for enhanced connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of India, advocating stronger road and rail networks to reduce dependence on the strategic “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.

Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Manikya took a more aggressive stance, calling for a reconsideration of historical territorial arrangements. He argued that indigenous tribes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts historically sought integration with India and suggested leveraging their plight for strategic gains.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized Bangladesh’s outreach to China, warning of security risks to India’s Northeast. He accused the central government of neglecting threats from China, citing reports of Chinese settlements in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sanjeev Sanyal, an economic advisor to Prime Minister Modi, questioned Yunus' motives, pointing out that China’s investments in Bangladesh do not justify remarks about India’s Northeast. Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri also condemned the statement, reaffirming formal agreements between India and Bangladesh ensuring access to the Bay of Bengal for the Northeast.

These remarks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and growing Dhaka-Beijing ties. India, which has provided refuge to Hasina, has expressed concerns over recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. As tensions rise, calls for strengthening India’s connectivity and regional influence have intensified.

Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani envisions India’s energy sector undergoing a transformation similar to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which revolutionized digital payments. Speaking to entrepreneurs, he emphasized the growing adoption of rooftop solar panels, enabling households to become both producers and consumers of electricity.

“We are used to buying energy in small amounts, like LPG cylinders. But electricity has always been seen as something supplied by the grid. That is changing,” Nilekani said.

He highlighted a future where every home generates solar energy, stores it in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and trades it seamlessly. “Every home will be an energy producer, seller, and buyer. Just like UPI revolutionized payments, a decentralized energy network will transform power consumption,” he added.

Nilekani believes this shift will create millions of micro-energy entrepreneurs, driving economic innovation and sustainability. Decentralized energy systems, powered by smart grids and digital infrastructure, could reduce dependency on centralized power plants while promoting self-sufficiency.

India has already witnessed the success of UPI, which now facilitates 80% of the country’s retail digital payments. In January alone, UPI transactions surpassed 16.99 billion, with a transaction value exceeding ?23.48 lakh crore. The platform’s ease of use and integration with banks and fintech companies have made it India’s go-to real-time payment system.

Beyond India, UPI is gaining international acceptance, now operational in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius, enabling seamless cross-border payments.

As India moves towards energy decentralization, Nilekani’s vision suggests that digital infrastructure could once again play a pivotal role in transforming another key sector, making energy trading as seamless as mobile payments.