Nandamuri Balakrishna ‘Overjoyed’ After Receiving Padma Bhushan

 Nandamuri Balakrishna ‘Overjoyed’ After Receiving Padma Bhushan

Veteran Telugu actor and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna was presented India’s third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The ceremony recognized his five decades of contributions to Indian cinema and public service. (Nandamuri Balakrishna 'Overjoyed' After Receiving Padma Bhushan, Nandamuri Balakrishna reacts to getting Padma Bhushan award ...)

Speaking to ANI afterward, Balakrishna said, “I am overjoyed. I am thankful to my fans. I also thank the Government of India.” He went on to note the scope of his support network—“I have 4,500 registered fans from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha and beyond”—and expressed heartfelt gratitude to each one. (Nandamuri Balakrishna reacts to getting Padma Bhushan award ..., What Is Nandamuri Balakrishna's First Comment After Padma ...)

Reflecting on the timing of the award, Balakrishna remarked that while many felt he merited the Padma honour earlier, “the timing is right because I’ve delivered four hit films, it’s been 15 years since I became Chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, and I have completed 50 years as an actor.” (Nandamuri Balakrishna reacts to getting Padma Bhushan award ..., Padma Bhushan Award: Balakrishna Expresses Gratitude)

Alongside Balakrishna, the 2025 Padma Bhushan list included Tamil star Ajith Kumar, acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and playback singers Arijit Singh and Jaspinder Narula, underscoring the award’s recognition of diverse artistic achievements. (Nandamuri Balakrishna reacts to getting Padma Bhushan award ...)

On the work front, Balakrishna was last seen in the action drama Daaku Maharaj and is slated to reprise his dual roles in Boyapati Srinu’s forthcoming Akhanda sequel, continuing a career marked by both box-office success and community service. (Nandamuri Balakrishna reacts to getting Padma Bhushan award ...)

Here’s the latest on the sharp uptick in India–Pakistan tensions following the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025:

 Here’s the latest on the sharp uptick in India–Pakistan tensions following the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025:

Cross-Border Flare-Up
Since the ambush in Pahalgam that killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists, both sides have exchanged fire along the Line of Control. India’s Border Security Force reports several skirmishes as it hunts the militants, while Pakistan’s military says it has taken “strategic measures” in anticipation of any Indian action. (India, Pakistan trade gunfire as tensions rise over deadly Kashmir ..., Pakistan defence minister says military incursion by India is imminent)

Political and Diplomatic Fallout

• India’s Response: New Delhi has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and expelled Pakistan’s military attaché. Hard-line groups in India are demanding further retaliation and boycotts of Pakistani goods. ('Pakistan is the root of the problem': Kashmir attack stokes anger in India, Pakistan defence minister says military incursion by India is imminent)

• Pakistan’s Stand: Islamabad denies any role in sponsoring the attack and condemns India’s treaty suspension as an “act of war.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that a military incursion by India is “imminent,” even as Pakistan appeals for a neutral investigation. (Pakistan defence minister says military incursion by India is imminent)

Regional and Global Reactions
China has urged both sides to exercise restraint, while the United States maintains quiet diplomatic channels but has stopped short of direct intervention. Several Gulf states and the UK have offered to mediate, though neither Islamabad nor New Delhi has formally accepted outside facilitation. (Pakistan defence minister says military incursion by India is imminent)

What’s Next?
Analysts fear that continued tit-for-tat measures—trade suspensions, border closures, and diplomatic downgrades—could spiral unless both governments agree to at least a temporary ceasefire. With the two nations still technically at war over Kashmir since 1947, any misstep risks broader escalation between these nuclear-armed neighbours.

• Reuters

• Al Jazeera

• The Guardian

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to a series of retaliatory measures and raising concerns about potential conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. (Indian military says Pakistani troops fired at positions along the border in disputed Kashmir, 2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes - Wikipedia)

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🔥 Key Developments

1. Pahalgam Attack and Immediate Fallout

The attack, claimed by the militant group Kashmir Resistance—believed to be linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba—has been described as the deadliest in the region since 2008. In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has denied involvement and has taken reciprocal actions, including expelling Indian diplomats and suspending trade and airspace access for Indian flights. (Kashmir attack: terrorists 'will face justice' after 26 deaths, India test-fires missiles as tensions rise with Pakistan after Kashmir attack, Terrorism in Kashmir is pushing India and Pakistan to the brink of war)

2. Military Escalation

Both countries have reported exchanges of gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. India has conducted missile tests and increased military presence in the region, while Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and emphasized its nuclear capabilities. (India test-fires missiles as tensions rise with Pakistan after Kashmir attack)

3. Water Dispute Intensifies

India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised fears of a "water war," as the treaty governs the distribution of crucial river waters between the two countries. Pakistan relies heavily on these waters for agriculture and electricity. Any attempts by India to divert water flows are considered by Pakistan as acts of aggression. (Are India and Pakistan on the cusp of war over water?, 2025 India–Pakistan diplomatic crisis, Panic in Pakistan as India vows to cut off water supply over Kashmir)

4. International Reactions

The United Nations has called for restraint from both sides. While global powers have expressed concern, there has been limited direct intervention. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation if diplomatic solutions are not pursued. (Terrorism in Kashmir is pushing India and Pakistan to the brink of war, India test-fires missiles as tensions rise with Pakistan after Kashmir attack)

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🧭 Outlook

The current crisis underscores the fragility of India-Pakistan relations and the potential for rapid escalation. Both nations face internal pressures that may influence their foreign policy decisions. The international community's role in mediating and encouraging dialogue will be crucial in preventing further deterioration of the situation.

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For a visual overview of the escalating tensions, you may find the following video informative:

(Pakistan Deploys JF-17, Fears Indian Retaliation After ...)

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On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to over 20 others.

  On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to over 20 others. This incident stands as the deadliest civilian massacre in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. (2025 Pahalgam attack)

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🔍 The Attack: What Happened

Around 3 p.m., five armed militants, dressed in military-style uniforms and equipped with AK-47s and M4 carbines, emerged from the dense pine forests surrounding Baisaran Valley—a popular tourist destination accessible only by foot or horseback. They opened fire on a group of tourists, predominantly targeting male Hindu visitors. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants asked victims to recite Islamic verses and checked for circumcision to identify non-Muslims before executing them at close range. A local pony operator, Syed Adil Hussain, was killed while attempting to protect the tourists. (2025 Pahalgam attack)

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🕵️‍♂️ Investigation and Perpetrators

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to Indian government policies allowing non-locals to settle in Kashmir. However, TRF retracted its claim four days later, alleging a communications breach. (2025 Pahalgam attack)

Indian intelligence agencies have identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, as the mastermind behind the attack. Investigations have linked the assailants to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, Pakistan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, releasing sketches of three suspects and announcing a ₹60 lakh reward for information leading to their capture. (2025 Pahalgam attack)

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🌍 Domestic and International Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a "heinous act" and vowed justice for the victims. The Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani diplomats, accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. Pakistan denied involvement and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace. (At least 26 tourists shot dead in Kashmir 'terror attack' after gunmen opened fire at beauty spot as manhunt launched, 2025 Pahalgam attack)

International leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with India. (Militants kill at least 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir)

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📉 Impact on Tourism and Economy

The attack has severely impacted tourism in Kashmir, a region that had seen a resurgence in visitors, with over 3 million tourists in 2024. Following the incident, mass cancellations occurred, and airlines added return flights as tourists scrambled to leave. Local businesses, heavily reliant on tourism, expressed despair over the economic impact, describing the summer season as ruined. (Kashmir killings shatter Modi's tourism success in troubled region)

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🧭 Looking Ahead

The Pahalgam attack underscores the persistent instability in the region and the challenges in ensuring the safety of civilians and tourists. As investigations continue and security measures are intensified, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threats posed by militant groups and the complexities of the Kashmir conflict.

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• AP News

• Reuters

• New York Post