24-Hour Snapshot of News That Shaped the Nation

India’s Top Headlines:

India is a land of constant motion where every day brings stories that spark conversations stir emotions and shape the future. In the last 24 hours from April 25 to April 26, 2025 the country has been buzzing with news spanning politics, tragedy, sports and more. This article dives into the most gripping headlines offering a clear and engaging look at what’s happening across India. Written in simple words this is your guide to the events that made waves today.

Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The biggest story dominating headlines is the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir which occurred on April 22, 2025. The attack claimed 26 lives mostly tourists in a brutal assault at Baisaran Valley. In the last 24 hours India has taken bold steps in response. The government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty a 1965 agreement with Pakistan aiming to stop water flow from the Indus River to Pakistan. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil stated “Not even a drop of water will go to Pakistan” signaling a major shift in India’s stance.

India also downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan asking all Pakistani nationals in India to leave immediately. Reports from the Attari border show Pakistani citizens lining up to return home. Meanwhile Indian forces engaged in fresh encounters in Jammu and Kashmir with security forces preparing a list of 14 local terrorists linked to the attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe releasing sketches of suspected attackers.

The attack has fueled public outrage and political debates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high level meeting to plan retaliation while Gujarat detained over 1,024 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants some suspected of terror links. Posts on X reflect anger with many calling for strong action against Pakistan.

Space Scientist K. Kasturirangan Passes Away

India mourned the loss of Dr. K. Kasturirangan a renowned space scientist and former ISRO chief who passed away in Bengaluru on April 25, 2025 at age 84. Kasturirangan who also served as a Rajya Sabha member and shaped India’s education reforms was celebrated for his role in advancing India’s space program. His work on satellite technology and education policies left a lasting mark. Leaders across the country including Prime Minister Modi, paid tributes calling him a “visionary” who took “space to the people.” His death marks the end of an era for Indian science.

Crime and Tragedy Strike Communities

Several tragic incidents grabbed attention over the past day. In Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district three girls and a woman were gang raped by six adults and a minor in a forest on April 25, 2025. The victims were returning from a wedding when the attack occurred sparking outrage and calls for justice. Police are investigating and the incident has raised concerns about women’s safety in rural areas.

In Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh a “metal object” from an Indian Air Force aircraft crashed into a house on April 25, 2025 causing severe damage but no injuries. The incident has raised questions about military safety protocols with authorities yet to clarify the object’s origin.

On the Delhi Mumbai Expressway in Haryana a speeding van killed seven sanitation workers including six women on April 25, 2025. Four others were critically injured. The accident has highlighted the dangers faced by roadside workers and prompted demands for stricter traffic enforcement.

Political and Legal Developments

Politics remained a hot topic. The Supreme Court warned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over remarks about freedom fighter Veer Savarkar staying a defamation case against him. The court’s sharp words “Is this the way you treat freedom fighters?” underscored the sensitivity of historical figures in Indian politics.

In West Bengal the National Commission for Women (NCW) alleged a “complete breakdown” of governance in Murshidabad after protests over the Waqf Amendment Act. The NCW described the situation as causing “severe and long lasting” trauma for women with over 220 arrests reported. The central government defended the Waqf law as “secular” in the Supreme Court rejecting claims of bias.

In a lighter political note Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane stirred controversy by urging Hindus to ask shopkeepers’ religion before buying a remark tied to the Pahalgam attack’s fallout. His statement drew criticism for fueling division.

Sports and Entertainment Highlights

Sports fans were glued to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. On April 25, 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in a thrilling match, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Former captain Suresh Raina criticized CSK’s auction strategy, saying MS Dhoni’s absence from key decisions hurt the team.

In entertainment superstar Rajinikanth surprised fans by boarding an economy class IndiGo flight for a film shoot in Kerala. A viral video of him chatting with passengers sparked praise for his humilit with excitement building for his upcoming films Coolie and Jailer 2.

Other Notable Stories

Several other stories shaped India’s news cycle:

• DRDO’s Scramjet Success: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a ground test of a scramjet engine for over 1,000 seconds a milestone in hypersonic technology.

• Education Updates: The NCERT introduced revised textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7 and 8 based on the 2023 National Curriculum Framework aiming to modernize education.

• Pope Francis Mourned: India declared three days of state mourning after Pope Francis’s death with President Droupadi Murmu paying homage at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

• Stock Market Dip: The Sensex fell 589 points amid border tensions reflecting economic jitters tied to the Pahalgam attack’s fallout.