A stampede at the Lairai Zatra festival in Goa killed six people and injured over 60 others. Emergency services responded swiftly, with top officials overseeing medical care for the critically injured.
Firing across the Line of Control continued for the ninth consecutive night, with India responding to Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
In Australia, millions of voters are casting their ballots in a general election dominated by concerns over the cost of living and foreign policy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking re-election, facing a strong challenge from Liberal leader Peter Dutton.
Here are the top five stories of the morning:
Six dead, 60 injured in Goa temple stampede
At least six people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in a stampede during the Lairai Zatra festival in Goa’s Bicholim district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured support to Goa’s CM Pramod Sawant after the stampede, urging close monitoring of the injured and pledging central assistance in managing the aftermath. Read full story
Channi questions surgical strikes; BJP slams Congress
Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi questioned the credibility of India’s surgical strikes in Pakistan, saying “nobody came to know” about them. BJP leaders labelled his remarks an insult to the armed forces and accused the Congress of aligning with Pakistan’s narrative. Read full story
Ceasefire violations by Pakistan continue for ninth night
India and Pakistan exchanged fire again along the LoC, marking the ninth consecutive night of skirmishes. No casualties were reported, but civilians in border areas have begun preparing bunkers amid fears of escalation. Read full story
Australia votes amid inflation, Trump tariffs, and climate concerns
Millions of Australians cast their votes in a general election focused on cost of living and foreign policy. PM Anthony Albanese seeks re-election, facing a tough challenge from Liberal leader Peter Dutton, as Trump-era trade tensions loom in the background. Read full story
Court nixes complaint against Gulmarg fashion show
A Srinagar court dismissed obscenity and religious sentiment charges against designers Shivan and Narresh over a Gulmarg fashion show. The judge found the complaint, based on skimpy outfits, lacked legal merit. The court cited procedural and evidentiary shortcomings. Read full story
