The Catch Up: 1 May

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 1st of May and here are the headlines.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. Rubio expressed sorrow over the attack and reaffirmed U.S. support in combating terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia. The U.S. had earlier condemned the attack, with officials reiterating their commitment to cooperation with India in counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night, firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a controlled and measured manner. The ongoing violations come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On Tuesday, the DGMOs of both countries held a hotline discussion, during which India warned Pakistan about repeated unprovoked ceasefire breaches. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan continues to provoke along both the LoC and the International Border.

3. Supreme Court Rejects Judicial Probe Plea
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined a plea seeking a judicial probe by a retired judge into the Pahalgam terror attack. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. K. Singh said this was not the time to make demands that could demoralize security forces. They stressed that judges are meant to resolve legal disputes, not investigate terror incidents. The Public Interest Litigation had also requested the formation of a judicial commission. The court, however, emphasized national unity during this “crucial hour” of fighting terrorism.

Communal tensions erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand, after the family of a minor girl filed a rape complaint against a 65-year-old contractor, Usman. The incident allegedly occurred on April 12. The accused was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act. That night, mobs vandalized shops and eateries belonging to the minority community and protested outside a mosque and police station. Videos show shop staff being slapped. Police confirmed the situation is under control, but the incident has inflamed already sensitive communal sentiments in the area.

The United States and Ukraine signed a major agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and uranium. Known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, the deal aims to boost Ukraine’s post-war recovery while attracting global investors. The pact also sends a strong message to Russia, showing the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fund represents a long-term partnership focused on rebuilding Ukraine as a free and prosperous nation.

That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.