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Indian strike on Pakistan is worst fighting between neighbours in over 2 decades

India revoked most of its visas that have been issued to Pakistani nationals

Indian security force personnel stand guard near the site of a fighter jet crash in Wuyan in India-administered Kashmir’s Pulwama district May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali

International news via Reuters:

India struck nine Pakistani sites on Wednesday that it said comprised “terrorist infrastructure”, two weeks after 26 people were killed in an attack in Indian Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed Islamabad for.

Islamabad says six locations were targeted and eight people killed. 

As the nuclear-armed rivals, who have fought three wars in the past, intensify firing and shelling across their de-facto border in Kashmir, here is a chronology of major military and diplomatic escalations in their troubled relationship since 1999. 

May–July 1999:

India and Pakistan fight an undeclared war in the Kargil region of Kashmir after Pakistani army-backed irregulars occupy Indian posts on the Line of Control (LoC) or the ceasefire line. India pushes back after intense fighting. The U.S. pressures Pakistan to withdraw.

December 2001:

Heavily armed attackers target India’s parliament building in New Delhi, killing nine people. India blames Pakistan-based Islamist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The two countries come to the brink of a fourth war.

November 2008:

Ten heavily armed attackers target major landmarks across Mumbai, including two luxury hotels, a Jewish centre and the main train station, killing 166 people. India pauses all dialogue with Pakistan, resuming them briefly years later under a structured peace process.

January 2016:

Attackers disguised as soldiers storm an Indian Air Force base near the Pakistan border, exchanging fire with Indian forces who, backed by tanks and helicopters, battle for more than 15 hours before wresting back control of the compound.

All five assailants and at least two guards are killed in the attack.

India says the attackers came from Pakistan, while Pakistani authorities condemned the raid. Peace talks, briefly revived in 2015, stall again.

September 2016:

Eighteen Indian soldiers are killed in an attack on an army base in Uri in Indian Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for the attack and responds with “surgical strikes” across the LoC on what it calls terrorist launchpads.

Pakistan denies that any incursion had occurred on its territory.

February 2019:

A suicide bomber kills 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir. India conducts air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan. 

Pakistan responds with air strikes of its own and shoots down an Indian aircraft. India also claims to have shot down a Pakistan plane but this was not confirmed. The standoff de-escalates following international pressure.

August 2019:

India revokes Kashmir’s special status, scrapping a constitutional provision that allowed the state of Jammu and Kashmir to make its own laws. Pakistan downgrades diplomatic ties and suspends trade.

April 2025:

Twenty-six men are killed after Islamist assailants target Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir. India blames Pakistan-backed groups; Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral probe.

India suspends the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that regulates water-sharing from the Indus river and its tributaries, while Pakistan suspends all trade with India including through third countries. 

Both countries close airspace to each others’ airlines and India revokes most visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Complied by Surbhi Misra; Editing by YP Rajesh and Raju Gopalakrishnan

Bermuda Tonight – 7 May 2025

Community safety updates clarify rumors about an injured suspect and encourage reporting for medical help.

The public works budget shows slow road repairs due to asphalt plant delays, with $5 million allocated for resurfacing.

Lifeguard initiatives receive $800,000 for training.

Housing developments get $7.5 million for refurbishments.

Education reform funding increases for school transformation.

Asthma awareness is promoted, and the weather improves.

Local athletes excel in track and field.

Home Affairs Minister discusses renewable energy at CREF 2025 in Miami, Florida

The 17th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum runs from the 7th-9th of this month

Clean energy is a hot button issue, globally—especially in the Caribbean region. Bermuda joins island nations and territories to our south in a meeting of the minds… This week’s Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum in Miami, Florida brings together policymakers, developers, and investors across the energy, climate, finance and technology sectors. 

Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne is in attendance, and says that she looks forward to sharing knowledge with regional government ministers.

Speaking with Bermuda Broadcasting on the first day of the event, Minister Lightbourne also shared what’s coming down the proverbial pipeline for Bermuda with regard to renewable energy.

Innovation Unit highlight ‘capability gaps’ in the Education Reform Unit

The Ministry of Education agreed to a near $1million increase to their budget this year which includes costs of travel, accommodation insurance and printing/design

Overseas consultants are costing the taxpayer 2.5-million this year with the ongoing public education reform.

However, Innovation Unit have pointed to ‘capability gaps’ in the Education Reform Unit, and that the local reform body needs “more not less support”.

I.U. also states that each of the Signature Transformation Teams has had instability or changes in leadership.

During a post-budget briefing yesterday, Education Minister Senator Crystal Caesar was pressed by media on their progress in implementing a new curriculum as part of wider education reform on the island – a process which began in 2020.

Innovation Unit Australia and New Zealand, the company hired by the government to lead public education reform, saw their budget increased substantially for this year to $2.5million – up from $1.6 million last year.

Since starting their consultancy in March 2020, Innovation Unit will have been paid more than $8.3 million by the end of this year.

Bermuda Broadcasting asked why such a significant increase to the Innovation Unit’s contract to justify the revised fee.

Minister of Education, Senator Crystal Caesar told media during a post-budget briefing, “It was what was specifically called for when the contract negotiations happened at that time.

“We needed their services and that was what was negotiated so, that we could get value for money.”

In I.U.’s agreed statement of work for the period January to December this year, they noted,“the IU has consistently been asked to undertake more delivery work than proposed.

“This proposal considers an approach that focuses more heavily on preparing the system to be able to govern, lead and deliver continuing transformation at the proposed date for the Educational Authority to be fully operational.”

The development and implementation of an Education Authority was priced at $69,500. 

However, that figure pales in comparison to the single highest line item – $523,000 for travel, accommodation insurance, design and printing costs, none of which have previously been paid for by the Government.

The IU also will receive ‘a small increase’ to day rates for each team member.  

These rates, they claim, are still that of a registered charity and significantly lower than that of a commercial consulting agency.

Listing contextual factors, the I.U. explained, “An Education Reform Unit that, whilst growing, has not been at full capacity or stability since its inception, has continued to have capability gaps and has new members that have had little or nothing to do with reform to date and are at the stage of needing more not less support.”

Furthermore, they noted, “no school is yet to complete a full cycle of transformation and each of the Signature Transformation Teams has had instability or changes in leadership.”

The other highest costs of the agreement are attached to Parish Primary School Transformation at just over $450,000, Signature school transformation at $343,000 and Project Management at $290,000.

The IU agreement also lists detailed objectives to reach within the next two years with continued sustainability.

The PLP platform initiative said it aims to transition away from overseas consultants and for Bermudian educators to fill those roles in future – an objective the Ministry states it intends to work towards.  

Meantime, the Education Reform Unit has facilitated a new course with Middle and senior school teachers on develop the new Senior Seminar course for Year 9 students to help prepare them for senior education teaching a blend of hard and soft skills.  

Education Reform Team Leader Lisa DeSilva recently said, “This initiative, still a work in progress, reflects a shared commitment with teachers and school leaders to provide students with a strong foundation of transferable skills that support both academic success and personal growth.” 

The Education Reform is considered a major overhaul of the public schools system including the consolidation of primary schools, one per parish and three senior school signature schools plus a school for exceptionalities. 

For the full ‘Education Reform in Bermuda’ agreement, view below:

Waldron Back in the Bike at Hoosier Park

Harness Racing: Bermudian takes 3rd in Pace Class in Indiana

Kiwon Waldron made his return to the sulky at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Indiana, participating in a busy schedule of qualifying races across both the Trot and Pace disciplines, as well as a regular race. 

Waldron participated in Race 9, in the Pace Class. Driving Miki’s Big Guy, he secured a solid third-place finish, crossing the line in 1 minute, 54 and two-fifths of a second. 

Waldron’s return to racing at Hoosier Park saw him gain valuable experience across a range of horses and classes, marking a positive step back into competitive action. 

Cann Leads Elon University’s Charge at Duke Twilight

800m: Middle-distance runner Shayla Cann raced to a PB of 2:08:58 to take gold

Shayla Cann spearheaded a night of impressive performances for the Elon University Women’s Track and Field team at the Duke Twilight meet, held at the Morris Williams Stadium. Several personal bests were shattered as the Phoenix athletes shone brightly. 

In the highly competitive 800-meters event, Cann, etched her name into the record books with new personal best time. Cann led the Elon charge, crossing the finish line in a blistering 2 minutes and 8.58 seconds. 

This remarkable time not only secured a strong finish in the event but also stands as the second-fastest 800-meter performance in the history of the Elon University program. 

Primary & Middle School Championships Underway

Records fall as Bermuda’s Youth Take Centrestage at the 2025 Interschool Sports Meet at the NSC

The Flora Duffy South Field Stadium at the National Sports Center was ablaze with youthful talent as the 2025 Middle School Track and Field Championships got off to a scintillating start. After a day of fierce competition and record-breaking performances, Whitney Institute sit atop the leaderboard with 139.5 points, closely pursued by Saltus Grammar School with 138 points. Sandys Secondary Middle School is also firmly in contention, just five points further back with 133 points, indicating a thrilling battle for the overall title is on the cards. 

The opening day witnessed two impressive records tumble. Warwick Academy’s prodigious runner Naomi Macguinness shattered the under-12 girls’ 800-metre record, clocking a remarkable time of 2:30.73. Her performance eclipsed the previous record held by Whitney’s Deanne Lightbourne. Not to be outdone, Nadia Henderson from Bermuda High School broke the under-13 girls’ turbo javelin record with a stunning throw of 24.90 meters. This impressive distance surpassed the six-year-old record held by Dellwood’s Dominique Brown by over two metres. Henderson also added to her medal tally with a third-place finish in the shot put. 

Warwick Long Bay crowned by Corona in top 100 list

The ranking was passed down as part of the iconic beer brand’s centennial celebrations

Credit: Corona.com

Warwick Long Bay has been crowned by beer brand, Corona, as one of the world’s most iconic beaches that best represents its “This is Living” expression.

It’s part of a broader global campaign, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the brand that has been synonymous with beach culture since its origins in Mexico in 1925.

Credit: Corona.com

The centennial celebrations saw the curation of a definitive list of the top 100 beaches in the world to visit.

Corona assembled a panel of beach experts, including oceanographers, surfers, free divers, and other nature enthusiasts to build the guide.

According to a media release, “Each beach in the Corona Beach 100 is “Sun Awarded” – rated between one to three suns – and recognizes the locations that embody the true spirit of “This is Living” based on three essential elements: Beachside Culture, Connection to Nature, and Scenic Aesthetics.”

Warwick Long Bay received a rating of two out of three suns, celebrated for its “surreal natural beauty”, “dreamy palm-lined sands”, and “cultural pulse and rhythm.”

Credit: Corona.com

Part of the description on Corona’s website reads, “Bermuda has plenty of ‘perfect’ beaches, but Warwick Long Bay feels more like a secret. Long, wild, and a little off-the-grid, it draws sunrise chasers, slow movers, and anyone looking to unplug. You don’t come here to check your phone — you come to check in with yourself.” 

The profile on the South Shore beach also includes tips for beachgoers, information on the best time of year to visit, as well as its wonders and wildlife.

The overall Beach 100 guide also includes famed hotspots within South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil, as well as some lesser-travelled shorelines, such as Chile’s Punta de Lobos, Iceland’s Stokksnes Beach, and Canada’s Cox Bay Beach.

Clarissa Pantoja, Global VP of Corona said, “For 100 years, Corona has fully embodied the ‘This is Living’ spirit of the beach lifestyle, inspiring people to disconnect from their everyday routine and reconnect with nature and each other.”  

 “Enjoyed by millions around the world today and still growing, Corona will always remain unwavering in its commitment to the beach. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our legacy, but also a call for everyone to embrace their best side – the beach side – both now and for the next 100 years to follow.” 

McNiven Takes IOD Series A Lead in Bermuda Race Week 

With 10 points, Bermudian tops the leaderboard after 5 races

The Bermuda International Invitational Race Week Regatta has shifted its focus to the elegant International One-Design (IOD) Series A fleet, continuing to deliver captivating competition on the island’s renowned waters. 

After five races in the tightly contested series, it is Bermuda’s own Bill McNiven who has emerged as the early leader. With sailors now able to discard their worst performance, McNiven’s consistent showing has propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. Despite an initial fifth-place finish in the opening race, McNiven has since found his rhythm, securing impressive finishes of third, second, third, and another second in today’s races. This consistent form leaves him with a net score of just 10 points. 

However, the competition remains fierce. Canada’s Ted Murphy, who sailed an excellent race to victory today, sits just one point behind McNiven in second place with 11 net points. Murphy’s win will undoubtedly give him confidence as the series progresses. 

Hockey Men Fall to Venezuela Despite Battling Effort 

Field Hockey CAC Qualifiers in Mexico

Bermuda’s Men’s Field Hockey team faced a determined Venezuela side in their third match of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament, hoping to bounce back from their previous defeat. However, despite a battling performance, they succumbed to a 3-0 loss. 

This result leaves Bermuda with a record of one win and two defeats in the qualifying tournament. While the team showed glimpses of their potential, they will need to regroup quickly and address the areas for improvement as they continue their quest for a place in the CAC Games. 

Wet weather expected; residents urged to stay alert

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible localised flooding may impact motorists

File photo

Residents are being warned over unsettled weather conditions that are forecast to begin this afternoon.

The Ministry of National Security advised the public to stay alert as the bouts of bad weather move in over the island.

A government spokesperson stated, “Periods of heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are expected, with conditions possibly continuing into early Thursday morning. The chance of thunderstorms is particularly significant and may lead to brief but intense downpours.”

“The BWS advises that the latest model data suggests 0.5 to 1 inches of rainfall accumulation during this period. However, there could be up to an inch more in localised heavy showers or thunderstorms.

“While impacts are not expected to exceed those typical of heavy rain events, localised flooding is likely in known flood-prone areas.

“This could affect residential and commercial properties and cause temporary travel disruptions, especially during the Thursday morning commute.”

Residents were also reminded that heavy rainfall can increase risk on the roads by worsening potholes or creating new ones.

“Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution during and after the weather event, as deteriorating road conditions can pose a hazard,” added the government spokesperson.

Government works to reach solution with fishermen

Minister Jache Adams consults the fishing community on ocean management

The Government of Bermuda issued the following media release.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative ocean management following a high-level meeting recently between the Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, and representatives of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda (FAB).

The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, included Allan Bean, FAB President, and Jamie Walsh, FAB Secretary.

Minister Adams was joined by Permanent Secretary Kirk Outerbridge and Dr. Tammy Warren, Senior Marine Resources Officer from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Minister described the meeting as a “meaningful step forward” in honouring the Government’s public promise to enhance consultation with the fishing community.

That pledge followed the Government’s decision earlier this year to pause the implementation of the proposed Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a key part of the broader Blue Prosperity Plan (BPP).

“We are serious about striking the right balance between environmental protection and economic sustainability,” said Minister Adams. “Our fishermen are not just stakeholders. They are stewards of the sea, and their experience is essential in shaping fair, workable marine policy.”

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged their shared interest in a healthy ocean environment. The FAB agreed with many of the Blue Prosperity Plan’s long-term goals while raising concerns about specific elements, particularly the proposed designation of 20 per cent of Bermuda’s waters as fully protected marine areas, prohibiting all fishing activity.

Discussions focused on alternative fisheries management tools, as well as the need to improve marine enforcement and strengthen the collection of catch data — a recurring concern for both FAB and DENR.

Minister Adams noted, “We understand that no conservation strategy will succeed without strong enforcement and quality data. Our aim is to reach a solution with the fishermen on these issues, before designating any additional protected areas”