The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also paid homage to the 26 lives lost in the brutal incident in 2025. 

Shiv Sena (UBT), while showcasing their strong opposition against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, burnt a symbolic effigy to condemn the attack with cross-border links that ripped through the quaint Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on this day last year.

The protest in Jammu was led by the Jammu Kashmir Shiv Sena (UBT) President Manish Sahni. The protesters carried a coffin draped in green and decorated with replicas of the Pakistan flag and marched in the city area amid intense sloganeering against the neighbouring country.

The agitators raised slogans such as "Pakistan Hai-Hai" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" before setting the symbolic coffin on fire amid chants of "Aatankwadiyon ki pehchaan, Pakistan, Pakistan.”

Unique protest by Shiv Sena (UBT)

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Sahni said, "We took out a rally carrying a coffin of Pakistan, which sponsors terrorism. It was meant to send a strong message to Pakistan against its continued support for terrorism."

“This coffin represented Pakistan-backed terrorism. It was our direct and final warning to Pakistan to desist from such activities. Or else, the entire Pakistan will face the consequences,” he added.

Victim`s wife recalls pain as Pahalgam terror attack marks one year

As the nation remembers the Pahalgam terror attack, marking one year since the deadly incident that claimed 26 lives, Aishanya Dwivedi, wife of Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the attack, shared her emotional account and expressed deep anger over the incident.

Speaking to ANI about her personal loss and the impact on families of victims, she said, "My anger for Pakistan is very personal; they hit my life at a point where my life had finished. Now it is just an individual who is alive."

Dwivedi also expressed her strong views on relations with Pakistan, saying, "We will always say that there should be no talks with Pakistan or anything else, not even sports."

At the same time, she acknowledged broader geopolitical realities, stating, "Coming to reality, you and I are very insignificant to understanding the steps formed in geopolitics. Geopolitics is way too vast for our understanding. I know our PM loves our country a lot. If some steps need to be taken that are good for our nation at a geopolitical level, we understand. Our anger is justified, but their steps are justified too at their level."

Reiterating her message, she said, "I have just one message for Pakistan – this is no longer the country that stays silent and tolerates incidents. Our defence system is really strong and knows how to stand against terrorism."

Reflecting on the pain of remembrance, she added, "Remembering it a year later is still very tough for me."

(With PTI and ANI inputs)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Wednesday that there were attempts to hush up the case, but those attempts were foiled by the police.

The alleged sexual assault reportedly took place at a private homestay in Kutta village, Ponnampet taluk, news agency IANS reported. The incident came to light after a delay.

According to police sources, the woman had checked into the homestay named `Devi Villa` on April 19, when she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man identified as Vrujesh Kumar, a native of Jharkhand.

Following a complaint, a case was registered at the Kutta Police Station. The accused, Vrujesh Kumar, has been arrested by the police.

In connection with the same incident, the homestay owner, Vishal, has also been taken into custody on charges linked to the case, officials confirmed.

Karnataka homestay assault: Accused arrested, cover-up allegations surface

Police have stated that a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Responding to the development, Parameshwara said, “As soon as the matter came to light, the police arrested the accused. Further action will be taken as per the law.”

“It appears that after the incident, there were attempts to cover it up. But once the police received information, they acted promptly and gathered details,” he added.

“Action must be taken accordingly. Whoever is running such establishments as homestays must have proper licensing. We have already laid down SOPs on what needs to be followed to operate a homestay. If such incidents occur in violation of those norms, legal action must be taken,” he further stated.

“Such incidents do not send a good message about the state or society. Especially when outsiders or foreigners are involved, it reflects on our society and our country. That is why strict action is necessary, and we are taking it,” the state home minister added.

In March 2023, a group of tourists, including an Israeli woman, an Indian homestay operator, and three male tourists, were stargazing near the Tungabhadra canal in the Hampi region (Vijayanagara district, Karnataka). During the night, they were allegedly attacked by a group of men. The assailants reportedly assaulted the male tourists and pushed them into the canal. Two women, including the Israeli tourist, were allegedly gang-raped during the attack. The accused were caught and charged under sections related to gang-rape, attempt to murder, robbery, and criminal conspiracy under the IPC. A court in Karnataka has handed down the death penalty to three men convicted in the horrific case.

(With IANS inputs) 

Mumbai, Thane likely to see light rain

Mumbai and Thane are expected to receive light rainfall amid hot and humid conditions. Meanwhile, districts such as Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Jalgaon are under yellow alert, with thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30–40 kmph likely at isolated places.

Multiple districts under `yellow` alert this week

A wider set of districts is expected to experience active pre-monsoon conditions over the coming days. These include Raigad, Nashik, Dhule, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, and Jalna.

These regions are likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds (30–60 kmph), and light to moderate rainfall.

Warning for western Maharashtra

Parts of western Maharashtra, including Pune and surrounding ghat areas, along with Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur, have been placed under a yellow warning for the next few days until Saturday, April 25.

These areas may experience repeated thunderstorms, moderate rainfall, strong winds and even hailstorms in isolated locations, making them among the most weather-affected regions in the state.

Coastal belt: Humid conditions with scattered rain

The coastal districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg will see fluctuating weather, including light rain or thundershowers, particularly during afternoons and evenings, along with persistent humidity.

Palghar is expected to remain mostly dry despite being part of the coastal belt.

North Maharashtra: Mixed weather pattern

Districts such as Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Jalgaon will see a mix of conditions, like early thunderstorms or light rain in some areas, several dry days, especially in Nandurbar and Jalgaon and gradual reduction in rainfall activity toward the end of the five-day period.

Interior and eastern regions face heatwave risk

In contrast, eastern districts including Nagpur, Akola, Amravati and Chandrapur are expected to remain largely dry, with heatwave conditions likely at isolated places.

Other districts such as Bhandara, Gondia, Buldhana, Washim and Gadchiroli are not under any major weather warning.

IMD advisory 

-IMD has advised citizens to take precautionary measures against hot weather conditions while going outside during the peak hours of the day.
-The weather bureau has warned of heat cramps and rash during peak hours of the day.

Precautions suggested 

-Avoid prolonged heat exposure.
-Stay hydrated. Drink sufficient water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
-Wear light weight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes.
-Cover your head: use a wet cloth, hat or umbrella while going out during peak hours.
-Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours.
-Schedule strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day.
-Increasing the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities.
-Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures. If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor/ hospital immediately.
-Farmers are advised to continue irrigation activities.

The platform is based on Unitree’s 4.3-foot-tall G1 hardware. The boars largely ignored the robot and dispersed, underscoring the limits of the demonstration. 

The field unit is a modified G1 with visible add-ons: a backpack, knee pads, helmet lights and a skateboard rig. 

The software includes an adaptive conversational system that mixes proprietary tools with off-the-shelf components to produce dynamic, unscripted replies during live interactions. 

Prior tests include an endurance trek where the robot logged 130,000 steps across the Altay snowfield in -47.4°C.

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"The master of a container ship reported that the vessel was approached by one IRGC gunboat... that then fired upon the vessel, which has caused heavy damage to the bridge. No fires or environmental impact reported," the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre stated.

It added that the incident took place 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman and that all crew members were safe.

According to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the vessel was sailing under a Liberian flag and "had been informed it had permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz".

However, Iranian news agency Tasnim said the ship had "ignored warnings from Iran`s armed forces".

In a separate incident, a cargo ship eight nautical miles west off Iran was fired upon and brought to a halt in the water.

Panama-flagged vessel halted after coming under fire near Strait of Hormuz

It was not immediately clear who had targeted the vessel.

"A master of an outbound cargo ship reports having been fired upon and is now stopped in the water. Crew are safe and accounted for. There is no reported damage to the vessel," UKMTO said.

Vanguard identified it as the Panama-flagged containership Euphoria, which it said was "transiting outbound of the Strait of Hormuz".

"It remains unclear whether she has resumed transiting," the firm said.

Marine Traffic data showed that the ship was headed from Jebel Ali port in the UAE to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

Shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been heavily restricted by Iran since the start of the war with Israel and the United States, while the US military is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the truce between the two countries would be extended after it first took effect on April 8.

The US president posted on social media Tuesday that he would "extend the Ceasefire" until Iran came up with a proposal to end the conflict. However, he "directed our Military to continue the Blockade".

(With AFP inputs)

As per the official statement, the shoot was conducted at Mandale Metro Station, along with an ad filmed inside an operational metro train, under the provisions of the MMMOCL Premises Hiring Policy for Events, including Film Shoots. 

This improvising initiative by the MMRDA reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging metro infrastructure as a multi-dimensional urban asset beyond its primary mobility function. 

Revenue from commercial advertisement shoots aims at reducing fares

According to MMRDA officials, the activity has generated a revenue of Rs 20.35 lakh (including GST), reinforcing MMRDA’s focused push towards strengthening Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) streams. This forms a critical component of the authority`s long-term strategy to enhance financial resilience while progressively reducing dependence on fare-based income.

Data shared by MMRDA shows steady growth in revenue from premises hiring for video shoots and related activities:

•    FY 2024–25: Rs 20.41 lakh 

•    FY 2025–26: Rs 25.96 lakh 

•    FY 2026–27 (current): Rs 20.35 lakh 

Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) streams include

•    Telecom services 

Advertisements at Metro Station

•    Advertisements on trains

•    EV Charging Stations

•    Kiosks on Stations

•    Commercial Film / Ad Shooting

• Station Naming and Branding Rights

Highlighting the broader vision, MMRDA stated that metro stations, with their modern infrastructure and operational efficiency, offer ideal settings for film shoots, advertisements, and digital content production. The authority has also invited filmmakers and production houses to explore collaboration opportunities through a structured and streamlined approval process.

As part of its proactive outreach, Maha Mumbai Metro has further extended an open invitation to production houses, filmmakers, and content creators to explore its world-class infrastructure for transport-centric shoots and commercial collaborations. 

Backed by structured policies and streamlined approval mechanisms, the ecosystem aims at enabling seamless execution while maintaining operational integrity.

Speaking about this initiative, Metropolitan Commissioner MMRDA and Chairman Maha Mumbai Metro Dr Sanjay Mukherjee (IAS) said, “We are reimagining metro infrastructure as a multi-dimensional urban asset. By driving Non-Fare Box Revenue through such initiatives, we are building a financially sustainable system that supports affordable mobility while delivering a richer, more integrated commuter experience.”

The Prime Minister also conveyed to the civil servants that governance must be grounded in compassion and that those who bear the responsibility of public service must themselves be the finest examples of lifelong learning. The letters, written on April 20, a day ahead of Civil Services Day, were issued in 12 languages - Hindi, English, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil - ensuring wider reach across Ministries, Departments, States and Union Territories.

Modi said the 21st century is a time of great challenges as well as opportunities and trends are changing every day, new technologies are emerging and new innovations are constantly happening.

He said both the citizens and the world have great expectations from the country. "It is important that the government`s services and work culture are tuned to make the maximum out of this historic era. Making learning a lifelong habit through the use of platforms such as the iGOT Karmayogi platform is important in this regard. You are choosing to be better so that Bharat can be better," he said. Addressing the civil servants as `Karmayogi`, the Prime Minister said he has written the letter to them at a very special time, as in many parts of India, it is a festive season.

He said the atmosphere is filled with the enthusiasm of Rongali Bihu, Vishu, Puthandu, Poila Boishakh, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti and Baisakhi. Modi said these festivals are about hope, renewal and new beginnings. "At such a time, you have become a part of a festival of learning and growing - the `Sadhana Saptah`. I congratulate you for being a part of this unique effort that brings together civil servants across the length and breadth of India," he said.

The Prime Minister said he would like to express his deepest appreciation for the civil servants` passion for service, which enabled them to be a part of this effort. He said it reflected an unwavering faith, remarkable spirit and unparalleled dedication to strengthening the journey towards a `Viksit Bharat`. "I have always believed that such platforms are essential for personal growth and for enhancing our professional capacities," he said.

Modi said discovering something new is among the finest things in life, and one has to keep that spirit of enquiry alive. "It is with this principle that we launched Mission Karmayogi. Yes, on one hand, it was about training and learning new things.

"But, at the same time, it was a reaffirmation that a government must serve the citizens to the best of its abilities, that governance must be grounded in compassion and that those who bear the responsibility of public service must themselves be the finest examples of lifelong learning," he said.

The Prime Minister said all civil servants must remember that earlier the yardstick was to be better than the past, but now, it should be to evaluate all the efforts based on the aim of creating a developed nation by 2047. "The speed, scale, direction and intensity of our efforts must be guided by this vision...The principle of `Nagrikdevo Bhava` must be at the heart of every decision," he said.

Modi said the iGOT Karmayogi platform, on which the civil servants are learning now, is India`s largest and most ambitious effort to "transform the human capital of our government and you are at its core." "I was told that the three objectives of Sadhana Saptah were: becoming tech ready, understanding our traditions and achieving tangible outcomes grounded in citizen centricity," he said.

The prime minister said these are indeed noble principles and when these threads are woven into a single fabric, governance becomes modern, rooted in culture and firmly rooted in `Jana Seva`. "I have experienced that commitment to continuous learning is a source of positive energy. I am sure you will agree that we live in an era where keeping oneself updated and up-skilled is no longer optional," he said, adding that committing to constant learning is the only way to be ahead of the curve.

"Over a period of one week, your zeal and Sadhana have been commendable. I am confident that this collective learning movement has ignited a new energy within our civil services. What has made me very happy is the scale of Sadhana Saptah 2026," he said.

During Sadhana (Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement) Saptah (April 2-8), civil servants across the country participated in structured capacity-building programmes designed to build competencies required for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Prime Minister said it is a delight to see this being marked on an unprecedented scale of engagement, recording over 3.1 crore course completions by over 46 lakh learners, of whom about 33.4 lakh learners completed more than four hours of learning. "I urge you to continue breaking the silos within your departments. We must move away from the old mindset of working in isolation and embrace a `whole-of-government` approach," he said.

Remember, Modi said, the progress of India is the sum of the collective victories across every state and every department. "Let the spirit of team building you practised this week become the permanent culture of your office. Use the digital tools and data-driven insights you have explored to make governance more efficient and citizen-centric. My best wishes for your journey ahead," he said. 

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The Mizan news agency of Iran`s judiciary announced the execution of Mehdi Farid, who was allegedly working for the Israeli intelligence agency, news agency AP reported. 

The report described Farid as working for a "sensitive state organisation" and passing information to the Israeli spy agency. It also said that Farid was convicted in Iran`s Qom province.

Human rights activists have long said that Iran convicts people in closed-door trials without allowing defendants to properly defend themselves.

There have been multiple executions of alleged spies recently, as well as protesters and those affiliated with an Iranian exiled opposition group.

Trump extends Iran ceasefire; Hormuz blockade continues

Amid the ceasefire talks between the US, Israel, and Iran, the latest development reports say that US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran and ordered the continuation of the naval blockade, stating that Tehran must first present a “unified proposal” before any further talks can proceed. 

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s leadership and due to internal divisions within Iran’s government.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” the US President stated.

“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade… and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.

The announcement came just hours before the two-week ceasefire was set to expire, leaving the next round of peace talks in uncertainty.

Following the extension, US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit to Islamabad for the second round of negotiations with Iran. A White House official confirmed that the trip would not proceed as Washington awaits clarity from Tehran. 

(With inputs from AP)

The two-day conference, beginning on Wednesday (April 22), is intended to advance detailed military planning under a multinational framework following a proposed ceasefire agreement.

"The planning talks will take place at the UK`s Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, North London," the press release stated.

The Ministry of Defence said the initiative builds on diplomatic momentum following an international summit in Paris last week, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, which brought together representatives from 51 countries.

"The work is part of the UK and French leadership of a multinational coalition to reopen the Strait. The sessions will advance military plans to reopen the Strait, as soon as conditions permit, following a sustainable ceasefire agreement," the press release stated.

At the Paris summit, leaders reportedly called for the immediate reopening of the strategic waterway and agreed on establishing a defensive multinational mission focused on maritime security.

"At the Summit, they called for the unconditional, unrestricted, and immediate re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz and confirmed the establishment of an independent and strictly defensive multinational mission to protect merchant vessels, reassure commercial shipping operators and conduct mine clearance operations," the press release stated.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the urgency of translating diplomatic consensus into operational planning.

"Today`s multinational planning conference matters. The task, today and tomorrow, is to translate the diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait and support a lasting ceasefire. I am confident that, over the next two days, real progress can be made," Healey said, according to the press release.

He added that global economic stability and trade depend heavily on secure maritime routes.

"International trade, energy security and the stability of the global economy depend on freedom of navigation. By building on our common purpose, strengthening multinational coordination and planning for effective collective action, we can help reopen the Strait, stabilise the global economy and protect our people," he said.

"On behalf of people in Britain and internationally whose security and prosperity depend on their success, we are grateful to the planners for their urgency and expertise. We look forward to the outcome of this work," he added.

The UK and France are working to ensure that the military plan involves as many partners as possible and brings the expertise of each nation together in support of our shared interests, the press release said.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the conference will focus on operational issues, including military capabilities, command and control, and how military forces can deploy to the region. 

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The police have registered nine cases in connection with the allegations. While seven men and a woman have been arrested, one woman is on the run.

Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, while explaining the role of the two women who were arrested earlier, said that the operations and HR head of the unit had allegedly discouraged a victim from submitting a complaint, saying "these things happen" and sided with the accused.

Speculation of foreign funding and involvement of extremist organisation

In a related development, the Nashik court on Wednesday remanded the female operations manager in judicial custody till April 28.

Responding to reports speculating involvement of any extremist organisation or funding from abroad for the accused, the police commissioner said a thorough investigation is underway, and the police have written to the SID, ATS and NIA.

"As and when we get some evidence, we will be able to come to a conclusion about the same," the investigation officer added.

He also highlighted that nine cases registered by the police include a complaint lodged by a male employee of the firm, alleging an attempt at religious conversion and religious harassment at the workplace.

Earlier this week, the police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the complaints lodged by eight female employees, who claimed that senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, while the human resources department ignored their complaints.

Police have arrested eight employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), including seven men and the female operations manager. Another female employee is absconding, according to investigators.

The male accused are identified as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansar, and Shahrukh Sheikh.

TCS officials express concern

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran had termed sexual harassment as "gravely concerning and anguishing", and announced that a thorough investigation is underway under TCS`s Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian to establish the facts and identify individuals responsible for the situation.

(With inputs from PTI)

The opening of Kedarnath Dham took place amid Vedic chants and resonating cheers of "Har Har Mahadev", marking a key moment in the annual pilgrimage season and allowing devotees to offer prayers at one of Hinduism`s most revered shrines.

Devotees from across the country gathered in large numbers to witness the occasion and seek blessings at the sacred temple.

In a letter addressed to the nation, the Prime Minister said, "The Char Dham Yatra has commenced on the sacred soil of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. On April 19, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham opened, and starting today, the pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham begins. On April 23, the portals of Badrinath Dham will also open for devotees."

Describing the spiritual significance of the journey, he said, "This sacred pilgrimage to the four Dhams -- marked by the mere `darshan` of Baba Kedar -- is a magnificent celebration of India`s rich cultural consciousness. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya gave a new direction to Indian culture through his pilgrimages to Badrinath and Kedarnath. Jagadguru Ramanujacharya and Guru Gorakhnath, too, strengthened this rich spiritual tradition through their travels and stays in the region."

The Prime Minister noted that the four Dhams "remain the focal points of our eternal faith" and bring together people from every corner of the country.

"People representing every language, diversity, tradition, and culture come together as one, further realising the spirit of `Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat`. Through this pilgrimage, we expand the scope of our nation`s traditions," he said.

Referring to ancient scriptures, he highlighted that undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is believed to carry immense spiritual merit, equivalent to visiting multiple pilgrimage sites over several years.

Emphasising development, he said that a `Viksit Uttarakhand` is crucial for achieving the broader goal of a `Viksit Bharat`.

"A few years ago, we were all deeply distressed by the calamity that struck at the very doorstep of Baba Kedar. However, today, Uttarakhand is continuously forging ahead on a new path of development. The state is currently setting new benchmarks in the fields of tourism, spirituality, and economic progress," he said.

He added that improved infrastructure has made the pilgrimage more accessible and secure. "Thanks to improved roads, healthcare services, and communication facilities, the overall experience for pilgrims has also significantly improved," he noted.

At the same time, he stressed the need to preserve the region`s ecological balance.

"Efforts are being made to promote tourism while simultaneously safeguarding Uttarakhand`s rich natural heritage. I would also like to urge every pilgrim visiting Uttarakhand to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings throughout this journey. Instead of travelling in private vehicles, please utilise public transport, and support the `Vocal for Local` initiative by purchasing local products," he said.

For the Char Dham Yatra, the Prime Minister urged devotees to follow key principles such as cleanliness, environmental sensitivity, cooperation, and discipline.

"Maintain cleanliness at the Dhams and along the pilgrimage routes. Contribute your share towards keeping the rivers clean. Refrain from using single-use plastics and uphold the sanctity of these holy shrines," he said.

He further called for mindful travel in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. "Undertake your journey with due regard for the fragile ecology of the Himalayas. Contribute to environmental conservation through initiatives such as `Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam`," he added.

Highlighting the broader spirit of the pilgrimage, he said it is "not merely about seeking darshan, but also a means to foster a spirit of service and social harmony".

"Even today, people continue to render selfless service without any discrimination. Initiatives such as `Yatra Marg Seva` inspire us to step forward and assist others," he said.

He also encouraged pilgrims to support local livelihoods. "Prioritise local products during your travels. Support local artisans and businesses, thereby strengthening their livelihoods," he said.

Calling for responsible conduct, he added, "Abide by the rules and regulations of the pilgrimage. Respect the security protocols and conduct yourself as a responsible citizen throughout your journey."

Recalling his personal experience, the Prime Minister said, "I recently had the privilege of visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham myself. The experiences I had there left me deeply overwhelmed. I am confident that all of you, too, will have a truly wonderful spiritual experience during this pilgrimage. I extend my warmest wishes to you all for this sacred journey."

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Devotees were seen making their way to the shrine, with the snow-covered landscape adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra on Wednesday said that snowfall this season has been significant even during March and April, drawing excitement among devotees.

"The snowfall this time was heavy even in March and April. Our devotees are very excited to see the snow. I appeal to everyone to be cautious and not take the routes that are not safe for your journey," Mishra told ANI.

Earlier, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said that the administration has tightened security and management arrangements in Kedarnath Dham during the pilgrimage season.

She said that the use of mobile phones, drones, or any cameras for videography has been completely banned within the temple premises.

"In accordance with the guidelines issued this time, making any kind of reels or videography in the temple courtyard is prohibited. The use of mobile phones within our perimeter is also prohibited so that its dignity and sanctity are maintained," SP Tomar told ANI.

The official further said that a mobile counter and locker system has also been established by the temple administration.

"Along with this, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. We have taken action against two drones that were being flown unauthorised. This will continue in the future as well. Therefore, I would request and appeal to everyone not to engage in such unauthorised activities for the sake of the security and sanctity of the Dham," SP Niharika Tomar said.

The administration has urged devotees to follow the rules and help maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.

With the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 19 (Akshaya Tritiya), record numbers of pilgrims have already gathered at the base camps.

Despite the festive air, authorities have issued advisories for devotees to carry heavy woollens, as temperatures remain near freezing due to the recent snow.

As the sun rises on April 22, the echoing sound of conch shells and chants of "Kedar Baba Ki Jai" will mark the end of the six-month winter hiatus, reopening one of India`s most sacred pilgrimage sites to the world.

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The Congress chief paid tributes to those killed in the attack and also saluted the valour and sacrifice of the armed forces, who fought with unbridled determination and fortitude during Operation Sindoor.

"My humble tribute to the 26 citizens who lost their lives during the Pahalgam terror attack on this day in 2025. The nation will never forget nor forgive the sacrifices of innocent citizens. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones," he said in a post on X.

"We also remember our citizens at the border who lost their precious lives due to cross-border shelling. Their sacrifice is etched in the conscience of the nation. The spirit of India stands unbroken, resolute and united against every act of terrorism," Kharge said.

Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out an attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on this day last year, killing 26 innocent people, mostly tourists from across India.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, India carried out a retaliatory military offensive against Pakistan named Operation Sindoor, in which Indian armed forces destroyed military and terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. 

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Speaking to ANI about her personal loss and the impact on families of victims, she said, "My anger for Pakistan is very personal; they hit my life at a point where my life has finished. Now it is just an individual who is alive."

Extending her sentiment to all victims` families, she added, "This is not the case with just me but also with every terror victim`s family."

Dwivedi also expressed her strong views on relations with Pakistan, saying, "We will always say that there should be no talks with Pakistan or anything else, not even sports."

At the same time, she acknowledged broader geopolitical realities, stating, "Coming to reality, you and I are very insignificant to understand the steps formed in geopolitics. Geopolitics is way too vast for our understanding. I know our PM loves our country a lot. If some steps need to be taken which are good for our nation at a geopolitical level, we understand. Our anger is justified, but their steps are justified too at their level."

Reiterating her message, she said, "I have just one message for Pakistan - this is no longer the country which stays silent and tolerates incidents. Our defence system is really strong and knows how to stand against terrorism."

Reflecting on the pain of remembrance, she added, "Remembering it a year later is still very tough for me."

Calling for global action against terrorism, she said, "The entire world should come together to boycott the nation which propagates terrorism. No tolerance against terrorism is very important."

Concluding her statement, she further alleged, "Everyone knows that Pakistan is the one country which supports terrorism. Roots of all terror attacks, in India or elsewhere, are always connected to Pakistan."

The terror attack, carried out in Pahalgam, one of Jammu and Kashmir`s prominent tourist destinations, had shocked the nation after Pakistan-backed terrorists entered a village and killed 26 civilians. The assailants reportedly targeted victims based on their religious identity, drawing widespread condemnation and outrage across the country.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). The Indian armed forces struck multiple terror launchpads linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, significantly damaging their operational capabilities.

The operation triggered retaliatory actions from Pakistan, including drone attacks and cross-border shelling, leading to a brief four-day military escalation. Indian forces responded with precision strikes, reportedly targeting key radar installations in Lahore and areas near Gujranwala.

Following the escalation, both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after communication between their respective Directors General of Military Operations.

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The 30-share BSE Sensex on Wednesday declined by 494.12 points to 78,779.21 in early trade, while the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped by 142.2 points to 24,434.40.

On Tuesday, the Indian equity indices ended on a strong note, with the Nifty closing the weekly expiry session above 24,550, supported by optimism around potential US–Iran peace negotiations and steady domestic earnings momentum.

Market participants are expected to closely track developments in Middle East tensions and crude oil price movements for further cues on market direction, while volatility is expected to continue.

HCL Tech dips by 9 per cent

From the 30-Sensex firms, HCL Tech tumbled nearly 9 per cent after its March quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.

HCL Tech on Tuesday reported a 4.20 per cent on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 4,488 crore for the March quarter of FY26, even as the management flagged a highly volatile demand environment shadowed by tariffs and softened discretionary spends, giving a FY27 growth guidance of 1-4 per cent.

Top gainers and losers

Amid heightened volatility in equity markets, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank and Asian Paints were among the major laggards, while NTPC, Hindustan Unilever, Trent and Tata Steel were among the gainers.

FIIs offload equities worth Rs 1,918 crore

The concerning global situation has also been a heavy sell-off: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) on Tuesday offloaded equities worth Rs 1,918.99 crore, according to exchange data.

Global markets 

Along with the Indian markets, South Korea`s benchmark Kospi and Hong Kong`s Hang Seng index also traded lower. However, Japan`s Nikkei 225 index and Shanghai`s SSE Composite index were quoted in positive territory.

Nifty outlook

As per Bajaj Broking, the Nifty index on Tuesday formed a bullish candlestick pattern with a higher high and higher low, highlighting the continuation of the up move. The index is in the process of sustaining above its 50-day EMA. 

An expert from Bajaj Broking said, “Bias remains positive above last Wednesday`s gap-up area of 23,850 - 24,100. The index is expected to maintain a positive bias and gradually head towards 24,700 - 24,800 levels, being the confluence of the 200-day EMA and the 61.8 per cent retracement of the entire decline from 26,373 to 22,183.”

Extending condolences to the bereaved families, PM Modi said the nation stood united in grief and firm in its resolve that India would never yield to terrorism or allow terrorist designs to succeed.

On Wednesday, India marks one year of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists gunned down 26 innocent tourists after identifying their religion, in one of the most brutal incidents targeting civilians in recent years.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss."

"As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to any form of terror. The heinous designs of terrorists will never succeed," he added.

Remembering the innocent lives lost in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack on this day last year. They will never be forgotten. My thoughts are also with the bereaved families as they cope with this loss.

As a nation, we stand united in grief and resolve. India will never bow to…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2026

Earlier in the day, the Indian Army took to social media and warned that any misdeeds against the nation would be met by a response.

Army reiterates justice pledge on Pahalgam anniversary, recalls Operation Mahadev

In a post on X, the Army said, “For acts against India, the response is assured. Justice will be served. Always.”

For acts against #India, the response is assured.

Justice will be served. Always.#SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst pic.twitter.com/w6PRIpp0bM

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 22, 2026

It also shared a photo showcasing Operation Mahadev, with the tagline: “It was only a matter of time” in red colour, referring to the intense manhunt and neutralisation of the terrorists involved in the attack.

Operation Mahadev was launched immediately after the April 22 attack. It involved extensive searches in difficult Himalayan terrain near Dachigam/Mahadev Ridge, culminating in the elimination of the three main perpetrators.

The Indian armed forces scanned over 300 sq kilometres of treacherous terrain for 93 days and eventually neutralised the terrorists.

A day ahead of the anniversary, the Indian Army reiterated its firm commitment to justice and issued a strong warning that any breach of the “boundaries of humanity” would invite a decisive response.

In a strongly-worded post on its X handle, the Indian Army said, “When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united.”

When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive.

Justice is Served.

India Stands United.#SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst pic.twitter.com/rtgYu9Hg11

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 21, 2026

‘India does not forget’

The post was accompanied by a visual message stating “Some boundaries should never be crossed,” featuring a map of India marked with red ‘sindoor’ powder, symbolising the Army’s decisive action against terrorists under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The image also carried the message “India does not forget,” underlining the country’s resolve and unity.

The Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22, 2025, when 26 people were killed in a brutal massacre targeting tourists. The attack was carried out by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion, forcing them to recite the Islamic ‘kalima’ to identify non-Muslims. Among those killed were 25 tourists and one local pony ride operator who tried to save the tourists.

Several victims were newly married, and many were shot at close range in front of their families.

In response to the attack, Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 6 and 7, carrying out what officials described as a focused, measured and non-escalatory military action targeting high-value terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

Ceasefire followed strikes, drone intrusions after Operation Sindoor

Following the operation, Pakistan responded with drone activity and shelling over the next week, targeting civilian and religious sites and schools.

India subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes, including on radar installations in Lahore and facilities near Gujranwala.

After sustaining significant damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart, urging a stop to military action. This led to a ceasefire understanding between the two sides on May 10, 2025.

Despite the ceasefire, there were continued attempts involving waves of UAVs and small drones entering Indian civilian and military areas. These intrusions were intercepted, and the Indian armed forces responded firmly, with field commanders authorised to take appropriate action in case of any violations.

‘Operation Sindoor’ was a significant demonstration of India’s military and strategic capability, combining both military and non-military measures.

The operation successfully neutralised terrorist threats, deterred further aggression and reinforced India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism while maintaining strategic restraint.

(With IANS, PTI, and ANI inputs)

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP: pic.twitter.com/ATdRyY1qqK

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2026

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s leadership and due to internal divisions within Iran’s government.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” the US President stated.

“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade… and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.

The announcement came just hours before the two-week ceasefire was set to expire, leaving the next round of peace talks in uncertainty.

Following the extension, US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit to Islamabad for the second round of negotiations with Iran. A White House official confirmed that the trip would not proceed as Washington awaits clarity from Tehran.

Iran rejects US terms, accuses Washington of ceasefire violation

Iran has not confirmed its participation in the talks and has demanded that the US lift the blockade as a precondition for returning to negotiations, according to reports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of breaching the truce, saying, “Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” and added that “striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation.”

Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, welcomed the extension. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for “graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.”

On his personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Sharif said: “With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict. I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.”

On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.

With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 21, 2026

Despite the extension, tensions remain high. Earlier in the day, Trump warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail.

“Well, I expect to be bombing… the military is raring to go,” he said in an interview.

US blockade tightens grip as 28 vessels turned away

The US has maintained pressure through a sweeping maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports and oil shipments. Officials say at least 28 vessels have been ordered to turn around or return to port since the blockade began on April 13.

Iran has responded with threats to escalate. Reports citing Iranian media said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the blockade remains and could “break the blockade by force, if necessary.”

Iranian state media (IRIB) reported that Iran has rejected the US conditions for negotiations and described Trump’s extension of the ceasefire as unilateral. IRIB quoted Trump as saying the decision came at the request of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran has received signs indicating that the United States may be ready to end the naval blockade. However, he formally urged the UN to press the US to immediately and unconditionally release the Iranian commercial vessel Touska, along with its crew and their families.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, Iravani raised “urgent concern” over what he described as ongoing violations of international law by the United States, including the deliberate targeting of Iranian commercial ships.

He detailed the capture of the Touska in the Sea of Oman near Iran’s coast a day earlier, calling it a “hostile and unlawful act” involving “coercion, intimidation, and reckless endangerment of the lives of the ship’s crew and their families.” Iravani described the seizure as “maritime piracy” and a dangerous escalation.

The diplomatic standoff has left both sides in a holding pattern, with the ceasefire extended but no clear path to negotiations.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted global energy markets, particularly due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for oil shipments that carries a significant share of global crude supply.

(With inputs from IANS and ANI)

The White House did not offer any additional updates on the possibility of in-person meetings. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan`s request while awaiting a "unified proposal" from Tehran, even as the U.S. military maintains its blockade of Iranian ports. 

The move comes as the White House put on hold Vice President JD Vance`s planned trip to Pakistan for a second round of truce talks with Iran, which has balked at further discussions. But Trump warned that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump made the announcement as ceasefire talks looked increasingly uncertain with a two-week truce set to expire on Wednesday. Both countries had said they were prepared to resume fighting if no deal is reached. Trump said he would "extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."

Iran has yet to decide whether to join the negotiations in Pakistan, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said earlier Tuesday, and will only take part if Tehran believes the discussions would yield results. Since the war started, fighting has killed at least 3,375 people in Iran and more than 2,290 in Lebanon. Additionally, 23 people have died in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Fifteen Israeli soldiers in Lebanon and 13 US service members throughout the region have been killed.

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The action was announced by the US Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, which said those designated are based in Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions aim to disrupt supply chains supporting Iran`s military capabilities.

According to the Treasury, the move comes as the United States continues efforts to deplete Iran`s ballistic missile stockpiles, while Tehran is attempting to rebuild its production capacity. Officials said Iran has increasingly relied on Shahed-series one-way attack drones to target US interests and allies, including critical energy infrastructure in the region.

"The Iranian regime must be held accountable for its extortion of global energy markets and indiscriminate targeting of civilians with missiles and drones," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Under President Trump`s leadership, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury will continue to follow the money and target the Iranian regime`s recklessness and those who enable it," he said.

The action builds on the implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, under which Washington has directed agencies to restrict Iran`s ballistic missile programme, counter its development of both asymmetric and conventional weapons, and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The policy also seeks to block the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from accessing resources that sustain its activities.

Officials said the latest move marks the fifth round of nonproliferation-related designations imposed by the US Department of the Treasury following the reimposition of sanctions and restrictions on Iran by the United Nations on September 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance`s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks with Iran has been put on hold after Tehran did not respond to the US proposals, according to a US official familiar with the matter on Tuesday, as cited by The New York Times. Iran, meanwhile, said it has not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States.

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Rani Hooda Ahlawat, caretaker of the visually impaired, said the visit was undertaken with devotion and hope.

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“Kulti used to be the hub of iron ore production, but the Mamata Banerjee government has brought it to its knees. We will take the iron city back to its glory, stop illegal mining, impose effective bans on the pollution-creating sponge iron production and create job opportunities,” Shah said.

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The approval by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet clears a final set of hurdles for many arms sales, including Japanese-developed warships, combat drones and other weapons.

China criticised the change, but it was welcomed by Japan’s defence partners like Australia and attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe.

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Mexican authorities said the incident occurred at the popular archaeological site when a man opened fire, killing a Canadian woman before taking his own life. 

Officials recovered a firearm, a bladed weapon, and live ammunition from the scene. At least 13 people were injured in the attack, with eight remaining hospitalised. Several victims sustained gunshot wounds.

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It utilised its Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite to detect organic molecules in clay-rich sandstone, including nitrogen and sulfur-bearing molecules that are similar to the raw material that helped spur life on Earth. Curiosity plopped down on Mars on August 6, 2012.

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In a letter sent on Tuesday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, Ambassador Iravani raised "urgent concern" over what he described as ongoing international law violations by the United States, including the deliberate targeting of Iranian commercial ships. Iravani detailed the incident involving the Touska, stating that US forces had captured the vessel in the Sea of Oman near Iran`s coast a day earlier, calling the move a "hostile and unlawful act."

"This attack involved coercion, intimidation, and reckless endangerment of the lives of the ship`s crew and their families," he added. He highlighted the serious legal and security concerns, stating that the seizure of the civilian vessel amounted to a clear violation of core principles of international law, including the fundamental prohibition on aggression.

"The deliberate intimidation and psychological terror inflicted on the crew and their families further aggravate the severity of this act. Such conduct amounts to maritime piracy and represents a dangerous escalation that severely threatens the safety and security of vital shipping routes," he said. Iravani further stated that the incident bears all the characteristics of aggression as outlined in a relevant UN General Assembly resolution, and also represents a breach of the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 7.

"This action poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, further destabilising an already fragile situation," he said. The envoy said Iran firmly condemns the move as unlawful and urged the UN to take swift and decisive action by clearly denouncing the attack, holding those responsible accountable, and pressing the United States to release the vessel and everyone on board.

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A day before the truce was due to expire, Trump on Tuesday indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan`s leadership, even as a new round of peace talks remained on hold. Pakistan had planned to host the next round of negotiations, but the White House shelved Vice President JD Vance`s planned trip to Islamabad after Iran rebuffed efforts to restart the dialogue.

Pakistan had urged an extension of the truce due to uncertainty surrounding the second round of talks, which are still expected to be held later this week. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had said on Tuesday that the ceasefire was scheduled to end at 4:50 am PST on April 22. Following Trump`s announcement extending the ceasefire, Prime Minister Sharif thanked the US president in a post on X.

Sharif said, "On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course." The Pakistan prime minister said that with the "trust and confidence reposed in (it), Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict".

"I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive `Peace Deal` during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict," he added. Trump said the ceasefire would remain in place until Tehran submitted a "unified proposal" and discussions were concluded "one way or the other".

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.

"I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded, one way or the other," the US president said. However, there was still no clarity on the date of the next round of talks. Pakistan has taken elaborate security measures, including deploying more than 10,000 security personnel, in preparation for the proposed negotiations.

The first round of US-Iran talks held on April 11 and 12 failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting a flurry of diplomatic efforts by host Pakistan to cool tensions and revive hopes for another round of dialogue. Amid the uncertainty over the talks, Pakistan`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged the two sides to extend the two-week ceasefire and give diplomacy a chance. The Iran war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes.

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The court filing does not explain how the property, which it estimates to be worth over 127 million Hong Kong dollars ($16 million), is linked to Lai’s crimes. 

The government previously announced that it was seeking asset forfeitures in the case.

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As part of President Donald Trump`s push to boost defense spending to USD 1.5 trillion in the 2027 budget, the Pentagon wants to triple spending on drones and related technology to more than USD 74 billion and invest over USD 30 billion into more critical munitions, including missile interceptors, whose stockpiles have become critically low during the Iran war.

Military officials said the spending blueprint was developed before the conflict in the Middle East. They also did not discuss how much they will request in additional funds for the war, which would be on top of what the White House is seeking to boost defense spending in the next budget year.

"The overlap, you`ll see, is the request for munitions, which is something we always need," Jules Hurst III, acting undersecretary of defense and the Pentagon`s comptroller, told reporters at a briefing. "We always need to increase our magazine depth. But outside of that, there aren`t any operational costs in here from Iran."

Heavy investment in drone warfare

The missile interceptors whose numbers are under the most strain are the Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, air defense systems.  The THAAD system is designed for defeating medium-range ballistic missiles, while the Patriot system is for taking down short-range ballistic missiles and crewed aircraft. However, they both also were used to shoot down cheap Iranian drones.

The USD 30 billion budget item also would aim to purchase long-range Precision Strike Missiles and Mid-Range Capability missile systems used by the US Army. The budget proposal would allocate nearly USD 54 billion for military drones and related technology, as well as USD 21 billion for weapons systems designed to take down enemy drones.

Drones and other unmanned vehicles have emerged as a key weapon in the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and top Pentagon officials say the US must significantly increase its funding of both drones and counter-drone systems. "Drone warfare is rapidly reshaping the modern battlefield," Hurst said. "This budget is the largest investment in drone warfare and counter drone technology in U.S. history."

As part of the 2027 budget, the Pentagon also intends to grow the military by 44,500 troops, or more than 2%, spend more than $2 billion on operations on the U.S.-Mexico border and make the largest shipbuilding request since 1962.

Dramatic increase in the Navy`s Tomahawk missiles

While officials said the budget was developed before operations began in Iran, it featured major jumps in many of the missiles that have been used in the conflict. One of the most dramatic increases was in the choice for the Navy to increase of its purchase of the Tomahawk cruise missile from 55 missiles last year to 785 in this year`s budget. The long-range cruise missile was heavily used in Iran and led to concerns from experts that the military was using it much faster than it could replenish its stocks.

Vice Adm. Ben Reynolds, the Navy`s budget boss, wouldn`t say if he expected all 785 Tomahawk missiles to be delivered within the year. He acknowledged that weapons production capacity "is absolutely the challenge" and, in the case of the Tomahawk, he said the Navy expects Raytheon - the company that makes it - "to invest very heavily now to be able to ramp up production."

The services also are addressing the difficulty in producing the advanced munitions favored by the military by slowly shifting toward more basic weapons. Major Gen. Frank Verdugo, the Air Force`s budget chief, said the Air Force wants to invest USD 600 million to develop "affordable" munitions as part of an effort to move away from "small numbers of exquisite weapons toward a future where we can overwhelm an adversary with sheer volume."

Trump-endorsed battleship is missing

The Navy said it would be buying 18 more warships using more than $65 billion - a 46% increase from the previous year. However, the Trump-endorsed battleship that was announced to great fanfare last year is not in this year`s budget, according to the briefing. Instead, the Navy is planning to pay for the first battleship in next year`s budget.

The military`s spending proposal also lacked money for repairing US bases in the Middle East, which Hurst said would be part of a future request.x"Part of it is we would assess what our posture should be in the Middle East," Hurst told reporters. "We have to make sure we understand what we want to construct in the future. We might change how we build bases in the Middle East based on this conflict."

Budget echoes Biden-era priorities, expert says

If approved by Congress, the budget would provide the largest level of defense funding in inflation-adjusted dollars in US history, said Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. Harrison said the spending appears more aligned with former President Joe Biden`s national defense strategy than Trump`s.

"This is a budget that is trying to build a force capable of sustaining U.S. presence and security commitments around the world - a force that`s capable of fighting major wars against countries like Russia and China," Harrison said. The Trump administration`s strategy document put the priority on homeland defense and was largely silent on Russia and did not say much about China, Harrison said.

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