Reports from reliable sources indicate that Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has taken refuge in a nuclear bunker at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, following his sudden absence from public view since April 24. This development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and has been squarely blamed on Pakistan by Indian authorities.

The Pahalgam massacre, described as a calculated act of terror, has drawn a fierce response from India’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who vowed a “befitting reply” to the attack. According to India Today, India is weighing both diplomatic and military options, similar to its responses following the Uri and Pulwama attacks in 2016 and 2019, respectively. The attack, which targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran area—often called the “mini Switzerland” of Kashmir—has reignited long-standing animosities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Adding to the volatile situation, a separate incident on April 25 saw the Indian Air Force accidentally drop a non-explosive aerial store near Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, during a routine operation. While no casualties were reported, the incident has further heightened regional security concerns, potentially contributing to General Munir’s decision to seek shelter in a fortified bunker. Sources suggest that the Pakistani military leadership may be anticipating a strong Indian retaliation, given the historical precedent of cross-border skirmishes following such attacks.

The Kashmir conflict, a territorial dispute dating back to the 1947 partition of India, has seen multiple wars between India and Pakistan, including major conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1999, all initiated by Pakistan, according to historical accounts. The region remains a flashpoint, with recent ceasefire agreements, such as the one in 2021, proving fragile in the face of recurring violence. Analysts note that General Munir’s retreat to a nuclear bunker could signal fears of an imminent Indian military response, possibly in the form of a limited war—a scenario Pakistan’s military establishment has long prepared for but hoped to avoid.

Pakistan’s military has faced increasing domestic pressure, with General Munir’s leadership reportedly growing unpopular amid internal dissent and economic challenges. The Pahalgam attack, which Indian officials allege involved Pakistan’s SSG commandos posing as terrorists, has further strained relations. India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in retaliation has been dubbed an “act of war” by Pakistan, escalating the diplomatic standoff, as reported by NDTV.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches with bated breath, wary of the potential for escalation between two nuclear powers. For now, General Munir’s reported retreat to a nuclear bunker underscores the gravity of the crisis, raising questions about Pakistan’s next move—and India’s response—in this longstanding and volatile conflict.

President Droupadi Murmu of India visited St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Friday to pay her respects to His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. The President laid a wreath at the Basilica, joining over 130 foreign delegations, including 50 heads of state, in honoring the late pontiff during a solemn state funeral ceremony.

Pope Francis’ body was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 to lie in state for three days, allowing thousands of mourners from around the world to bid farewell. The setting inside the Basilica was marked by its grandeur and reverence, with Latin chants echoing through the halls as red-hatted cardinals, bishops in violet capes, and Swiss Guards in their iconic striped uniforms accompanied the proceedings. President Murmu, dressed in a traditional blue sari, placed flowers near the Pope’s body, which was displayed in a simple wooden coffin draped in red, reflecting the late Pope’s wishes for a humble farewell.

Pope Francis, known for his emphasis on simplicity, had revised papal funeral rites in 2024 to focus on his role as a pastor and disciple of Christ rather than a worldly leader. These changes, as explained by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal liturgical ceremonies, aimed to express the Church’s faith in the risen Christ more deeply. The revisions stripped away elaborate rituals, opting for a more modest ceremony, a stark contrast to the pomp seen in previous papal funerals, such as that of Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.

The funeral mass for Pope Francis is scheduled for April 26, to be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, marking the culmination of a global outpouring of grief for a pontiff who led the Catholic Church through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. President Murmu’s presence at the Basilica underscored India’s respect for Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and humility, as well as the strong diplomatic ties between India and the Vatican.

In a disturbing cyber incident, the official website of the Army College of Nursing was hacked on Friday, just days after the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The attack has been linked to the Pakistan-based hacker group “Team Insane PK,” known for targeting Indian digital infrastructure in the past.

The hackers defaced the homepage of the college’s website with an inflammatory message invoking the controversial two-nation theory, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan at a time of heightened diplomatic strain.

According to official sources, the Army College of Nursing functions as an autonomous institution under the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES). The institution is expected to coordinate with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to investigate and recover from the breach.

Escalating Tensions Post Pahalgam Attack

This cyber attack follows India’s strong response to the April 22 terror attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistan’s defence attachés. India also revoked most Pakistani visas and gave non-citizen Pakistani nationals 72 hours to leave the country.

Pakistan retaliated by suspending key bilateral agreements and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, further deepening the diplomatic standoff.

History of Cyber Attacks

Team Insane PK has a notorious track record of launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and defacing websites of Indian institutions. Their previous targets include government portals, educational institutions, and private businesses.

The group first gained widespread attention in 2024 after hacking into the website of popular food chain Burger Singh, reacting to a promotional code titled “FPak20.” Not only did they deface the site, but they also created a digital graffiti wall mocking the company’s marketing choices.

Burger Singh had responded to the incident with humor and resilience, posting on social media that they were “not losing sleep” over the hack and had kept the graffiti live for a day as a tongue-in-cheek “open mic night for hackers.”

Ongoing Investigation

Security experts warn that such cyber attacks are not just digital pranks but a form of hybrid warfare, especially when orchestrated in the aftermath of high-profile terror incidents. The CERT-In team is expected to initiate a thorough probe to trace the origin of the attack and bolster cybersecurity measures for other defence-linked institutions.

The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest breach, but sources suggest the incident will be raised in ongoing cyber defence strategy reviews.

In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation and review counter-terror operations underway in the region.

During his visit, General Dwivedi was briefed by senior military officials at the 15 Corps Headquarters. Sources said the Army Chief was updated on the ongoing operations to eliminate the terrorists behind the April 22 attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, which targeted civilians, primarily tourists.

According to reports, General Dwivedi was also apprised of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistani troops reportedly initiated small arms firing earlier today. The Indian Army responded swiftly and effectively. “There were no casualties,” officials confirmed.

The attack took place while U.S. Vice President JD Vance was on a visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Saudi Arabia, adding a sensitive international dimension to the incident.

Following the attack, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert and multiple search operations have been launched across south Kashmir to neutralise the terrorists. Security has also been ramped up along the LoC in view of increased ceasefire violations.

In addition to military measures, the central government has taken significant diplomatic steps:

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
• Declaration of Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They have one week to leave India.
• Reciprocal withdrawal of Indian military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
• Removal of five support staff from both high commissions.

“The posts of Service Advisors stand annulled,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, underlining India’s strong stance.

Meanwhile, massive public protests have erupted across several cities, with demonstrators demanding strong retaliatory action against Pakistan. The government’s response reflects both a military and diplomatic recalibration of ties with the neighboring country, amidst heightened tensions.

The Indian Army continues to operate with increased vigilance, while political and strategic circles assess long-term countermeasures in light of the attack.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a visit to the Dot On Target Division to evaluate its operational preparedness and combat readiness. The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and excellence in military operations.

During his review, Lt. Gen. Singh commended the division for its exceptional professionalism, technology-driven approach, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The Dot On Target Division, part of the prestigious Sapta Shakti Command, has been actively engaged in rigorous training exercises to ensure mission readiness, reflecting the Army’s broader modernization efforts.

Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, who assumed command of the South Western Command on July 1, 2024, brings a wealth of experience from his 37-year military career, including significant roles in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Western Front. His leadership aligns with the Indian Army’s ongoing transformation, which has gained momentum since 2023, focusing on technology integration, operational efficiency, and self-reliance in defence.

The Indian Army’s modernization initiatives include the adoption of advanced surveillance systems, streamlined logistics, and the procurement of cutting-edge equipment like 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators to enhance capabilities amid evolving security challenges, such as the India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh since 2020. Additionally, programs like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the establishment of ‘Army Cells’ at technical institutions underscore the Army’s push for indigenization under the ‘Atmanirbharta’ vision.

The Dot On Target Division’s focus on combat readiness and tactical superiority highlights the Indian Army’s preparedness to address contemporary warfare challenges, ensuring it remains a formidable force on the global stage. The visit by Lt. Gen. Singh reinforces the Army’s dedication to training hard and fighting hard, as it continues to adapt to the demands of modern military operations.

The Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) concluded their first-ever Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi, held from April 23 to 24, 2025. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the growing defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral military ties.

The talks focused on formulating an Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which includes key initiatives such as the Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq, military training, and education programs. Both nations explored opportunities for domain expert exchanges and engagements in areas of mutual interest. A particular emphasis was placed on collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies to boost interoperability and capability development between the two forces.

The discussions took place in a formal setting, with senior military officials from both sides engaging in detailed deliberations. The event also featured symbolic gestures of partnership, including the exchange of mementos and a group photograph of the delegations, underscoring the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.

This initiative builds on the momentum of the inaugural India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq,’ which was held in Rajasthan in February 2024. The AAST aligns with India’s broader defense modernization goals, encapsulated in the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ and ‘Decade of Transformation’ frameworks, which prioritize the integration of advanced technologies and strategic partnerships. For Saudi Arabia, the talks reflect its ongoing efforts to diversify defense collaborations beyond traditional Western allies, focusing on regional partners like India to enhance long-term security and interoperability.

The event underscores the deepening ties between New Delhi and Riyadh, driven by shared interests in regional stability, counterterrorism, and technological advancement. As both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia, this collaboration is poised to strengthen their strategic alignment and foster greater cooperation in the defence sector.