Riya Writes

  Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | April 30, 2025 – What began as a sacred celebration turned tragic when a wall collapse at the historic Simhachalam temple claimed the lives of eight devotees and left several others injured during the annual Chandanotsavam festival . The mishap took place in the early hours of Wednesday, dampening what is typically one of the most spiritually significant events in the region. A Sacred Gathering Turns Fatal The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam witnessed a large influx of devotees who had gathered for the revered Nijaroopa Darshan —a rare, once-a-year glimpse of the deity without sandalwood paste. The event draws thousands from across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states. At around 2:30 AM , just as the festival crowds began building, a newly constructed wall adjacent to the queue line collapsed near a shopping complex close to the Ghat Road from the Simhagiri Bus Stand. The sudden failure of the structure caught devotees...

  In the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken swift and serious action by convening two of the government’s most critical decision-making bodies—the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA). The meetings held on April 30, 2025, signal a heightened state of alert and strategic recalibration at the highest levels of government. First High-Level Security Review Since Pulwama The CCS meeting marked a significant moment, being the first such security review since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, includes the ministers of Defence, Home Affairs, Finance, and External Affairs, among others. The committee gathered to assess the current security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, evaluate intelligence inputs, and discuss potential retaliatory and preventive measures. The CCS focused not only on the Pahalgam at...

India’s civilian awards, the Padma Awards , are a mark of the nation’s deep respect for the contributions made by its citizens and foreign nationals in various disciplines. Instituted in 1954, these awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan , Padma Bhushan , and Padma Shri . Each year, the awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan . In 2025 , a total of 139 individuals were recognized for their outstanding service in fields such as arts, literature, science, public affairs, medicine, sports, social work, and trade and industry. This year’s list features a balanced mix of eminent personalities and unsung heroes from across the country and abroad. Padma Vibhushan 2025 – For Exceptional and Distinguished Service The Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian award. This year, 7 recipients were honored, including posthumous awards. Recipient Field State/Country D. Nag...

Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has not only been making waves with his explosive performances on the field but is also earning admiration from Indian cricket icons MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. In a recent interaction disclosed by RR’s team manager Romi Bhinder, Vaibhav’s encounters with the two legends of Indian cricket revealed touching moments of encouragement and respect. Dhoni’s Humble Compliment It was during a match in Guwahati that Suryavanshi had a memorable meeting with former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni. Known for his composed demeanor and sharp cricketing instincts, Dhoni affectionately referred to the young talent as “the baby” of the team. But his words carried far more weight than just affection. “You got the baby in your team,” Dhoni remarked to Bhinder. “The baby is showing great shots like a matured player.” This was more than a compliment—it was a recognition from one of the greatest finishers the game has seen. Bhinder noted that Dhon...

 The Indian government is taking swift action to address the challenges arising from Pakistan’s recent decision to close its airspace to Indian airlines. This move, seen as part of rising tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack, has impacted several international flight routes and increased operational hurdles for carriers. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu assured that the government is closely working with Indian airlines to minimize disruptions for passengers. Efforts are underway to recalibrate flight plans, manage longer travel times, and contain additional costs resulting from detours around Pakistani airspace. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have issued advisories encouraging airlines to communicate transparently with passengers about delays and changes. Airlines such as IndiGo have already offered full refunds and free rebooking options to affected travelers, prioritizing customer ...

 Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following Pakistan’s decision to close its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines and suspend all trade with India. This sharp response follows India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. India has blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the attack, prompting a series of retaliatory measures against Islamabad. The decision to shut down airspace is expected to impact several international flights and comes amid a broader diplomatic standoff. Pakistan has also ordered Indian military advisers stationed at its High Commission to leave by April 30, while India has reciprocated by expelling Pakistani defence personnel. Further, the Attari-Wagah checkpost — a vital route for bilateral and third-country trade — has been closed, and special visa services for Pakistani nationals entering India have been suspended. Paki...

  In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Indian government has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for its alleged support of cross-border terrorism. ​ Following a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined five significant steps: ​ Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty : India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, demanding that Pakistan cease its support for terrorism. ​ Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border Checkpost : The Attari Integrated Checkpost, a key transit point between India and Pakistan, has been closed. Pakistani nationals currently in India with valid endorsements are permitted to return through this route before May 1. ​ Revocation of Visas for Pakistani Nationals : I...

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia marked a significant moment in India’s foreign relations, as he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to reaffirm and expand the “strategic and trusted” partnership between the two nations. During the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the “limitless possibilities” for cooperation, spanning energy, infrastructure, innovation, and technology. Modi described Saudi Arabia as a “trusted friend and strategic ally” and lauded MBS’s leadership and the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and boost global partnerships. A key focus of the talks included exploring joint ventures in refineries and petrochemicals, as well as assessing the feasibility of an electricity grid interconnection between the two nations — a move that could significantly enhance energy collaboration. The discussions also underscored both countries' commitment to regional stability and prosperity, with PM Mod...

  Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after delivering his final Easter message. His death occurred at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. Elected in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, he chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his deep empathy for the poor and commitment to humility. ​ Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was known for his progressive approach to controversial issues such as homosexuality, divorce, and the inclusion of women in church leadership. He fostered a more compassionate tone, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay individuals. His commitment to environmental causes was evident in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si , ...

 In a significant political development, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has withdrawn a civil lawsuit filed in 2019 against TTV Dhinakaran, leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). The case, which contested Dhinakaran's use of a party flag resembling that of the AIADMK featuring the image of former leader J. Jayalalithaa, was officially dismissed by a Chennai civil court on April 16, 2025. ​ This legal withdrawal coincides with the AIADMK's recent re-entry into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), following a reconciliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The alliance had previously fractured in 2023 due to disputes between EPS and BJP's Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai. ​ Dhinakaran, who established the AMMK after his expulsion from the AIADMK in 2017, had aligned with the BJP ahead of the last parliamentary elections. Despite this, EPS has consistently opposed the BJP's proposition of a unified AIADMK that include...

 Amid the ongoing National Herald case, the political temperature has risen as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues to investigate the Gandhi family, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, for alleged money laundering linked to the newspaper. The BJP has sharply criticized the Congress for what it describes as the "Gandhi Development Model," which they argue has led to the accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of the Gandhi family. BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, have accused Congress leaders of using their political positions to create a corporate empire, suggesting that the National Herald case is a direct result of this alleged financial manipulation. In contrast, Congress leaders have vehemently rejected these charges, calling them part of a political vendetta aimed at maligning the party and its leadership. They allege that the Modi government is misusing investigative agencies like the ED to suppress opposition and stifle dissent. The ED’s...

 India is poised to receive above-normal rainfall during the 2025 southwest monsoon season, according to a forecast released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This announcement brings hope for a strong agricultural output and relief for regions that have been grappling with water scarcity. The IMD estimates that the country will receive 105% of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall, which stands at approximately 87 cm. The monsoon, a critical weather event that spans from June to September, is essential for India's economy, especially the agriculture sector, which remains heavily reliant on seasonal rains. Agriculture contributes nearly 18% to India’s GDP and supports more than 40% of the population. With 52% of the country’s cultivated land dependent on monsoon rainfall, the forecast is likely to bring optimism to farmers and policymakers alike. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that the current climatic indicators suggest a minimal risk of El Niño de...

 On April 14, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering in Yamunanagar, Haryana, spotlighting India’s transformative journey in the energy sector. In a bold comparison, he recalled the frequent power blackouts under earlier Congress-led regimes and contrasted them with the nation’s current status as a power exporter. Over the past decade, India has not only doubled its power production but also achieved a level of energy surplus that enables it to supply electricity beyond its borders. A Major Leap in Thermal Power At the heart of this progress lies continued investment in modern energy infrastructure. Marking a milestone in this journey, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a new 800-MW ultra-critical thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar. Spread over 233 acres and backed by a massive investment of approximately ₹8,470 crore, this project is set to be completed by March 2029. Once operational, it is expected to boost H...

In a surprising turn of events on April 12, 2025, WhatsApp — the world’s most widely used messaging platform — experienced a massive outage across India and several other regions, leaving millions unable to send messages, update statuses, or access core features of the app. 📱 Disruption Hits Core Messaging Features The outage began in the evening hours, with users quickly taking to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to report issues. According to Downdetector, a real-time outage tracking platform, a surge in problem reports was recorded, with over 81% of Indian users complaining about message delivery failures and 16% reporting issues with the app's overall functionality . 🌍 Global Impact Beyond India The issue wasn't restricted to India alone. Users from the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia also reported being unable to send or receive messages. Reports also emerged of Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta , experiencing partial service disruptions around ...

  Rana's Arrival in India Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is set to land in Delhi on Thursday afternoon. He is being flown in on a special flight following his extradition from the United States, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of justice for the horrific 2008 attacks. Upon arrival, Rana is expected to be taken to Tihar Jail under heavy security. Authorities have heightened security outside Delhi’s Patiala House Court, where he is likely to be produced. Paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police have been deployed, ensuring strict checks and physical frisking of visitors to prevent any security threats.. High-Level Security and Interrogation Plans Ahead of Rana’s arrival, top Indian officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, convened a high-level meeting to finalize security arrangements and interrogation plans. The interroga...

 President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, embarked on a historic visit to Lisbon, Portugal, where she was honored with the prestigious ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon. This momentous occasion marked a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Portugal, especially as both nations celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Strengthening Bilateral Relations President Murmu’s visit underscored the growing partnership between India and Portugal, highlighting areas of collaboration in technology, innovation, and knowledge-based economies. Her interactions with Portuguese leaders reinforced the mutual commitment to furthering economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations. Key Highlights of President Murmu’s Visit Receiving the City Key of Honour President Murmu was presented with the ‘City Key of Honour’ at a grand ceremony at Lisbon City Hall. She expressed deep appreciation for Lisbon’s commitment to cultura...

 Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has come under fire for his remarks regarding a molestation incident in Bengaluru. On Monday, he stated that such incidents "tend to happen" in a big city like Bengaluru, a comment that has sparked widespread criticism and debate. Minister’s Remarks and Police Response Speaking about the shocking incident in Bharati Layout, Suddaguntepalya , where a woman was groped on the street by an unidentified man, Parameshwara emphasized that legal action would be taken against the perpetrator. He also directed the police to increase beat patrolling to prevent such incidents in the future. However, his statement that incidents like these are inevitable in big cities has not gone down well with many. Critics argue that such comments downplay the severity of crimes against women and reflect a lack of urgency in addressing the issue. Incident Details and Public Outrage The disturbing incident, which took place in the early hours of April 3 , wa...

 India has extended a significant humanitarian gesture to Myanmar by delivering 442 metric tonnes of food aid as part of its ongoing Operation Brahma. This relief effort follows the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, resulting in over 3,100 fatalities and widespread destruction. Operation Brahma: India’s Humanitarian Effort In response to the catastrophe, India swiftly launched Operation Brahma to provide critical assistance, including Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical support. Within 24 hours of the earthquake, India delivered the first tranche of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Myanmar. On April 6, a naval ship carrying 442 metric tonnes of essential food supplies arrived at Thilawa Port, located about 400 kilometers south of the quake’s epicenter. The consignment was officially handed over to Yangon Region's Chief Minister U Soe Thein by India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abh...

 India and Sri Lanka are set to unveil a series of measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including digitalization, energy, and defense, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Modi’s visit, following his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, marks a significant moment as he becomes the first foreign leader to be hosted by Dissanayake since his election victory. Grand Welcome for PM Modi Upon his arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday evening, PM Modi was received with full diplomatic honors. A delegation of six Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, was present to welcome him, showcasing the importance Sri Lanka places on its relationship with India. Strengthening Bilateral Ties The visit is expected to result in the finalization of seven agreements, spanning multiple sectors. The most anticipated among them is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on def...

 US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 26% reciprocal tariff on India has raised concerns among Indian exporters. While this move presents short-term challenges, it also comes with potential advantages. There are at least three key silver linings for India amidst these tariffs. 1. Comparative Advantage Over Competitors The impact of tariffs is best understood in a comparative framework. While the 26% tariff on India may seem steep, it is significantly lower than the tariffs imposed on key competitors in the global market. The US has announced a universal 10% base tariff applicable to all countries from April 5, followed by an additional country-specific reciprocal tariff from April 9. For India, after the initial 10% base tariff, a 16% additional tariff will be applied, bringing the total to 26%. However, India fares better compared to China (34%), Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%), and Thailand (36%). With lower tariff rates than these major competitors, Indian export...

 The Indian Parliament is currently engaged in a heated debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 , a legislative proposal that seeks to introduce significant changes to the governance of waqf properties , which have been donated by Indian Muslims over centuries. Government’s Justification for the Bill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has put forward the bill, arguing that it will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the management of waqf properties. These assets, which include mosques, madrassas, shelter homes, and vast tracts of land, are overseen by waqf boards , making them some of the largest landholders in India. According to government estimates, India has at least 872,351 waqf properties spanning more than 940,000 acres , with a total valuation of approximately ₹1.2 trillion ($14.22 billion) . Federal Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju , who presented the bill in the Lok Sabha , emphasized that it includes multiple recommendations from the...