The ministry of home affairs on Monday instructed several states to conduct civil defence mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, to improve readiness for potential hostile attacks amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. These drills include activating air raid sirens, training civilians in civil defence, implementing blackout protocols, camouflaging infrastructure, and updating evacuation plans.

Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that the caste system should be dismantled to promote national unity has evoked both surprise and suspicion. In its centenary year, is the RSS willing to walk the talk or is it all a ploy to blunt the opposition attempt to make caste census its main election plank in Bihar?

Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken several actions against Pakistan. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Wagah-Attari border. Diplomatic ties were downgraded, and Pakistani diplomats were declared persona non grata. Visas for Pakistani nationals were revoked, and airspace was closed. Trade and shipping ties have been suspended.

Rohit Sharma presented Mohammed Siraj with his T20 World Cup winning ring, as Siraj had missed the official ceremony during the BCCI's Naman Awards. Sharma acknowledged Siraj's vital role in India's victorious T20 campaign. The customized ring features the player's name, jersey number, and an Ashok Chakra, commemorating India's first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

New Delhi can make Islamabad pay by following BCCI’s approach. Use its bigger market. Take away Pak’s textile exports by reconfiguring the sector here. Or insert ‘not in/to Pakistan’ clauses in defence & FDI deals

Ray Dalio, who predicted the 2008 crisis, warns that mishandled economic policies, particularly Trump's tariffs, could push the U.S. into a recession. He likens the tariffs' disruptive implementation to destabilizing the production system. Despite a tariff pause, Goldman Sachs estimates a significant chance of a recession within the next year, highlighting growing economic uncertainty.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia soon. This visit occurs amidst reports of Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine, mostly for Russia. Some fighters are returning with harrowing experiences. Ukraine accuses China of supplying Russia with war materials. China denies any state involvement. The situation poses a challenge for Xi, balancing support for Russia with avoiding direct military engagement.