India News Highlights: Major Events Shaping the Nation (April 20–26, 2025)

Last week (April 20–26, 2025) was eventful for India, marked by major developments in diplomacy, infrastructure, healthcare, and the environment.
From rising tensions with Pakistan and record-breaking heatwaves to technological triumphs and urgent civic challenges, every piece of news holds its own significance.
Here’s a detailed, human-centered look at the top non-entertainment news that shaped India last week.

India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Deadly Terror Attack in Pahalgam

India-Pakistan relations took a sharp downturn following a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. On April 22, militants opened fire on tourists, tragically killing 26 people — including 25 Indians and one Nepali national.

The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, the Indian government accused Pakistan of backing terrorism and announced strong retaliatory measures:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital 1960 water-sharing agreement.

• Expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and cancellation of visas for Pakistani citizens.

• Closure of border crossings and heightened military alertness along the Line of Control (LoC), where heavy gunfire was exchanged.

Pakistan denied any involvement and responded by closing its airspace to Indian flights and withdrawing from the Shimla Agreement.

This fresh wave of hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has caused serious international concern, with calls for restraint and dialogue.

Severe Heatwave Sweeps Across Northern India, Raising Alarms

• Northern India reeled under an intense early-season heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 46°C (114°F) in places like Barmer, Rajasthan.
  The unusual heat claimed at least 19 lives in Bihar, mostly due to heat-related storms.

• Meteorologists warn that the heatwave was not just an isolated incident but a reflection of growing climate change impacts.
  Such extreme weather threatens public health, strains power supplies, affects water availability, and jeopardizes crop yields — adding to the burdens on farmers already struggling with economic hardships.

• States have issued health advisories, urging citizens to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and take preventive measures against heatstroke.

India Shines at Global Economic and Energy Summits

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's impressive economic and renewable energy progress during major events such as India Energy Week 2025 and the Global Investors Summit.

Key achievements discussed:

• India is now the world's fifth-largest economy, with ambitions to become a $5 trillion economy by the end of 2025.

• Solar energy capacity has increased by 32 times over the past decade, positioning India as the third-largest solar power producer globally.

• States like Madhya Pradesh are emerging as promising hubs for the electric vehicle industry, attracting significant foreign and domestic investments.

These developments underscore India's growing global influence and its commitment to a greener, self-reliant economy.

Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over New Waqf Amendment Act

• West Bengal’s Murshidabad district witnessed deadly violence linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Clashes broke out between opposing groups, leading to three deaths, several injuries, and widespread property damage.

• The situation escalated so severely that the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central paramilitary forces to restore law and order. More than 400 people were displaced during the unrest, further deepening the region's communal tensions.

• This incident highlighted the deep sensitivities surrounding religious property laws and the urgent need for careful, inclusive policymaking.

Global Investors Reconsider India Amid Regulatory and Geopolitical Risks

While India’s market potential remains attractive, global corporations are increasingly cautious.
Big players like Apple have explored moving production lines from China to India, but concerns about India's regulatory unpredictability are growing.

Two major issues are making headlines:

• Taxation fears: Past experiences with retrospective taxes (like those faced by Vodafone and Cairn Energy) still haunt international investors.

• Geopolitical instability: The escalating tensions with Pakistan and internal unrest could make companies hesitant to fully commit large investments.

Experts suggest that while India’s economic story is strong, creating a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment is essential to truly unlock its potential.

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Achieves Major Milestone

• India’s ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project hit a new milestone last week, with 85% of the construction work completed. This 1,386-km-long expressway is set to reduce travel time between Delhi and Mumbai to just 12 hours, boosting trade, tourism, and logistics.

• Officials confirmed that key stretches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are now operational, and the entire corridor is expected to open by December 2025. This mega-infrastructure project is seen as a game-changer for India’s road connectivity and economic development.

ISRO Successfully Tests Human-Rated Vikas Engine for Gaganyaan

• India's space dreams got a big boost as ISRO successfully conducted another crucial test of the human-rated Vikas engine, designed for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

• This test, conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu, was aimed at ensuring maximum reliability for sending Indian astronauts to space in 2025–2026. Experts said the successful trial keeps India firmly on track to join the elite club of nations capable of independent human spaceflight.

India Launches 'Mission 5000' to Combat Tuberculosis

In a significant healthcare move, India announced Mission 5000, aiming to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in 5000 critical blocks across the country by 2027 — ahead of the global target of 2030.

The government will focus on improving:

• Early diagnosis using AI-based tools

• Nutrition and support for TB patients

• Public awareness campaigns across rural and urban areas

Wheat Procurement Hits Record High Despite Weather Woes

• Despite unexpected hailstorms and unseasonal rains damaging crops in parts of Punjab and Haryana, India's wheat procurement for 2025 has reached an impressive 23 million tonnes already — a record pace.

• The government agencies, like Food Corporation of India (FCI), stepped up procurement operations to ensure that farmers do not suffer financially. This ensures stable food grain reserves for the country and strengthens the buffer stock for public distribution.

India Strengthens Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats

Amid growing concerns of cyberattacks from foreign actors, India launched its first-ever National Cyber Command Center in Bangalore last week.

This center will:

• Monitor cyber threats 24/7

• Coordinate quick responses across government sectors

• Work closely with international partners on cybersecurity intelligence

Officials stressed that as India digitizes faster than ever, protecting critical infrastructure like banking, defense, and healthcare has become a top priority.

Supreme Court Seeks Report on EVM Tampering Allegations

• The Supreme Court of India last week demanded a full report from the Election Commission on fresh allegations related to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering ahead of the upcoming state elections.

• A petition filed by activists raised concerns over irregularities observed during mock polls.
  The court has emphasized that free and fair elections are the "soul of democracy" and ordered a strict verification mechanism to regain public trust.

Bengaluru Faces Acute Water Crisis

• India’s tech capital, Bengaluru, is battling an alarming water shortage, with lakes drying up and groundwater levels plummeting.

• Reports suggest that at least 40% of the city's apartments have had to rely on water tankers.
  Civic authorities are rushing to find alternative sources, including treated wastewater reuse, but the situation highlights long-term urban planning challenges tied to climate change.

Indian Railways Introduces First Hydrogen-Powered Train Prototype

Last week, Indian Railways unveiled the prototype of its first hydrogen-powered train — a big step towards greener, sustainable travel.

This new train, called "Vande Metro Hydrogen," is expected to:

• Reduce carbon emissions by 30–40%

• Lower operational costs

• Offer quieter, smoother travel experience

It will be tested on shorter routes before wider deployment. If successful, India will join countries like Germany and Japan in leading hydrogen rail technology.

Last week showcased India’s blend of rapid progress and emerging challenges. From giant leaps in space and green energy to critical warnings from environmental and security fronts, the country's journey remains dynamic and complex. Each headline is a reminder of India's resilience, ambition, and the crucial need for sustainable, inclusive growth as it marches towards a future of greater global influence.

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