After the devastating recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and a foreign tourist from Nepal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a firm and strong stand against Pakistan. The BCCI announced that India will not play any sort of bilateral cricket with Pakistan, showcasing the nation’s outrage and grief after the incident.
BCCI’s strong stand against Pakistan
Vice-President of BCCI Mr. Rajeev Shukla said that, Board is aligned with the Indian government’s stance, stating, “We will not play any bilateral cricket against Pakistan.” This decision highlights the commitment of BCCI towards national sentiments and while condemning terrorism.
The Pahalgam attack is the deadliest attack on Indian civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that took place back in 2008, was claimed by a terrorist group named Kashmir Resistance, believed to be a disguise for bigger groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen which operates from the land of Pakistan. Indian authorities have always accused Pakistan of supporting and encouraging cross-border terrorism, a claim that is denied by Pakistan.
India’s response to the attack
Consequently, India has adopted a series of diplomatic measures which include severing relations with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and closing the main land border crossing at Attari. Furthermore, these steps demonstrate India’s unwavering stance with regard to terrorism and its supporters.
This action was taken in concordance with the sentiments shared by the former cricketers as well as the general population of the country. This action taken by the BCCI illustrates the complex relationship between sports and the politics of national security, with sporting officials taking action to serve the interests of the nation. ‘As the nation grieves the tragic loss of countless lives, this decision sends a powerful statement against terror and those who plan such atrocities,’ notes an unnamed insider.
Tribute during the IPL match
In a gesture, the BCCI also paid tribute to the victims of Pahalgam attack during the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, observing a moment of silence and giving out their Condolences to the families in these difficult times.
The Pahalgam attack has not only made diplomatic relations difficult but also impacted cultural and sporting ties between the two countries India and Pakistan. The BCCI’s decision shows the broader national sentiment and the collective solution to combat terrorism in all its forms.
As the nation continues to struggle with the aftermath of the attack, the BCCI’s stance explains the unity and determination of whole India to stand against terrorism and uphold its values on all fronts, including sports.
Neighbouring Planets To Faraway Galaxies, NASA Shares Stunning Pics To Celebrate Hubble Telescope’s 35th Anniversary
On April 24, 2025, NASA celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, an instrument that has changed our understanding of the universe. To mark this milestone, NASA released a series of exceptional images showcasing some celestial wonders from our solar system to galaxies present at a distance.
A Legacy of Exploration
Since its launch aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has spent more than thirty years capturing the clearest and most high resolution images of the universe. His unparalleled views of space have aided in the discovery of the birth and behavior of stars, galaxies, and even the continual expansion of the universe! Hubble is placed right above the Earth’s atmosphere, allowing unrivaled access and views of space.
Celebrating a Milestone
Hubble’s capabilities are unparalleled, and as recently as May 2023, NASA released four new images of Hubble’s most notable captures**
Mars : December of 2024 brought a new era for capturing the ‘Red Planet’. Hubble was able to showcase his ultraviolet capabilities by revealing a glimpse of Mars that had thin water-ice clouds encasing it and covering it with an icy appearance.
Planetary Nebula NGC 2899: Quite a sight! The dying star sprinkled radiation mixed with blue, green and orange to create what looked like a butterfly floating in space.
Rosette Nebula:The footprint of the ever expanding region for star formation shows hydrogen gas interlaced clouds glowing with light. Not just that, but the hydrogen gas itself can also be seen as the silhouette against the body of stars showcasing the furious birth of star. Absolutely stunning.
Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 5335: The breathtaking sight of the galaxy filled with new-star systems clustered in the arms going in circular motion is striking. The new flesh to the galaxies is crushed in the middle where it’s covered in the vibrant glowing blue. Midwest United States.
NASA and ESA organized various programs and events related to Hubble’s achievements. They included organizing interactive web applications, materials for download, and social media activities with a daily output of images taken by the Hubble for the public to gaze at.
Looking Ahead
As Hubble continues its mission, it works simultaneously with new observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope, continuously expanding our cosmic horizons. The 35th anniversary serves not only as a celebration of previous accomplishments but also as an inspiration for future projects into the mysteries of the universe.
