Category: India

India and Russia signed agreement on S-400 missiles in 2018, in defiance of the US’s threat to impose sanctions under 2017’s Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

India has requested additional S-400 missiles from Russia following the success of the air defence missile system in the recent military tension with Pakistan, said sources, adding that Moscow has responded in the “affirmative”.
Bought in defiance of US pressure, the S-400 missiles successfully neutralised swarm of drones unleashed by Pakistan to compensate for the humiliation inflicted by Operation Sindoor. The success validated Modi government’s decision to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of Rs 35,000 crore. The deal was signed in New Delhi in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018.
The agreement was signed in defiance of the US’s threat to impose sanctions under 2017’s Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

India refused to budge under US pressure, with Modi govt asserting strategic autonomy and its right to determine national security priorities.

Russia delivered the S-400 system in December 2021. Three squadrons of S-400 are fully operational along the borders with Pakistan and China.
The air defence system constitute a crucial component of India’s aerial shield that also comprises the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) grid, Barak-8 missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles and DRDO’s anti-drone devices.
Barak-8 missiles, S-400 Triumph air defence systems, Akash surface-to-air missiles and indigenously developed anti-drone equipment were tested in the recent military tension with Pakistan. All of them passed the test successfully, thwarting Pakistan’s attempts to hit 15 Indian cities on Wednesday night.
Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj using missiles and drones. Every single one of those missiles was neutralised and none reached its intended target, the sources said.
“The Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumph systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, and DRDO’s anti-drone technologies came together seamlessly to create an aerial shield that held firm,” said a source, according to news agency PTI.
These platforms, combined with the strategic deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, demonstrated India’s capability to project power with surgical precision.
“India didn’t stop at defending. It retaliated with speed and precision. Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Armed Forces strike deep into Pakistani territory, destroying an HQ-9 air defence unit in Lahore and damaging key radar infrastructure,” the source said.
The Pakistani military targeted the Indian cities in response to India’s Operation Sindoor under which nine terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir were hit. Over 100 terrorists, including the mastermind of IC-814 plane hijacking, were killed in the operation.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/operation-sindoor-india-wants-more-drone-slayer-s400-request-sent-russia-nods-yes-article-151631058

Linwood Riddick, an 80-year-old, graduated with a BA in Music from South Carolina State University, fulfilling a lifelong dream. His heartwarming graduation video has gone viral, inspiring countless people online. Read more to know the details.

Education has no age limit. At any stage in life, you can learn, unlearn, and educate yourself—it knows no boundaries. This was proudly proven by an elderly man whose inspiring story is now going viral on social media. The uplifting moment shows 80-year-old Linwood Riddick graduating with a BA in Music from South Carolina State University, leaving the internet in tears.
The heartwarming video, shared by Billie Jean Shaw on Instagram, captures Riddick smiling proudly as he graduates. The caption read, “Today, 80-year-old Linwood Riddick graduated from South Carolina State University with a BA in Music. Mr. Riddick put his college education on hold to serve in the military, and at that time, segregation also posed challenges. He made a promise to himself that he was going to walk across that stage before he left this earth. He drove 45 minutes every day to attend classes—no excuses!”
The joy on his face in the video says it all—he did it, for himself, and he is truly proud.

The video has since gone viral, with the internet showering Mr. Riddick with support and admiration. One user wrote, “This made my eyes well up with tears! I’m so happy for him! It’s never too late!” Another added, “I love to see our elders go back and finish their programs after life derailed them in their youth.”

A third user remarked, “This is a testament that you’re not too old, it’s not too late, and the standard can be shifted. Do what drives you—for yourself and the people who inspire you. Congrats, good sir!”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/he-promised-hed-graduate-before-he-died-80-year-old-man-fulfills-his-dream-his-smile-says-it-all-watch-article-151632933

While India waged a war on Pakistan-sponsored terror through Operation Sindoor, her so-called Quad allies ghosted her in real time. US President Donald Trump’s diplomacy visibly turned the Quad from a strategic alliance into a WhatsApp group chat, leaving messages unread. The Quad’s silence is bizarre as Pakistan is nothing more than a frontline Chinese province, and the grouping was formed with an eye on China.

The India-US relationship was sold to us as a geopolitical bromance, a grand alliance of democracies, a bulwark against authoritarian China, and a potential trade tango. Enter Donald J. Trump, who wears unpredictability like a badge. Bereft of nuance, he mistakes grating his own greatness for diplomacy. His track record of alienating allies like Britain, Canada, Europe, and Japan in his first 100 days is well-documented. Now, it’s India’s turn.

Trump’s latest unthought-through utterances have ruffled New Delhi’s feathers, exasperated its diplomats, and left the “strategic partnership” resembling a WhatsApp group where the admin posts cringe memes and members wonder whether to exit the group or ignore the ludicrous quotes on rosebuds.

DEAL DROLL

In his attempt to claim credit for the fragile de-escalation after days of hot battle between Indian and Pakistani armed forces, Donald Trump has left a mess. He did help broker the deal but broke the news before India and Pakistan could, denying India a chance to inform her citizens about the pause in hostilities.

Worse, he declared that India and Pakistan would negotiate at a neutral venue and offered to mediate on Kashmir, a proposal, even from friends, India firmly rejects. Trump is considered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “friend”. Of course, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests when it comes to international politics.

Two days later, as Modi prepared to address the nation on Operation Sindoor’s success, Trump boasted he had brokered the deal by dangling trade concessions to coax India. “I said we’re gonna do a lot of trade with you guys, let’s stop it,” he crowed, with the finesse of a villain in a David Dhawan film. A diplomatic facepalm followed, not just in New Delhi but also in Washington DC. The ceasefire was a bilateral decision, not American arm-twisting, though the US might have facilitated it. Trump’s claims of using trade to bring peace were as grounded as his hair in a storm.

Undeterred, he doubled down, reoffering to mediate on Kashmir, a notion India has rebuffed since Bill Clinton’s 1990s overtures. India’s stance on Kashmir is as clear as a Himalayan stream: it’s a bilateral matter, and third parties can take a hike. Trump’s proposal was less an olive branch than a grenade lobbed into India’s calibrated foreign policy. By amplifying Kashmir globally, he irked New Delhi and handed Pakistan’s PR machine a free hit.

THE QUAD CONUNDRUM

If Trump’s ceasefire claims were a diplomatic gaffe, his silence on India’s security concerns was a betrayal. India’s recent military strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps, a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, received no support from the Quad — the US, Japan, Australia, and India — united to counter China. No endorsements, no tweets, not even a nod. It was as if India had texted “wyd?” to its Quad mates and been left on read.

This silence stings, given the Quad’s billing as a counterweight to China’s Pacific posturing. The US State Department’s tepid call for “restraint” from both India and Pakistan felt like a cop-out, equating a terrorism victim with its perpetrator. Trump’s rhetoric risks reintroducing the India-Pakistan hyphenation New Delhi has worked hard to erase. The clash stemmed not from a dispute but a terrorist attack on Indian soil. India’s response targeted terrorist infrastructure, not Pakistan itself.

The Quad’s reticence raises a thorny question: Is India the alliance’s overlooked partner, trotted out to counter China but sidelined when push comes to shove? Trump’s “America First” dogma, with its transactional lens, leaves India wondering if it’s a valued ally or a pawn on his MAGA chessboard. Critics point to India’s neutral stance on Russia’s Ukraine war as sowing doubts about its reliability. Yet, India’s pragmatism has indirectly benefited the West by keeping global crude oil prices in check.

Pakistan is nothing but a frontline state of China. And China was waging a proxy war against India, while battle-testing its military hardware.

That’s why the silence of the Quad, formed with an eye on China, is especially jarring.

TRADE TENSIONS

Then there’s the elusive India-US trade deal. The US has been pushing for lower tariffs on agricultural, tech and automobile exports. Negotiations were progressing. Until Trump’s ceasefire boasts threw a spanner in the works. By claiming he used trade as leverage, he painted India as a pushover, undermining Modi’s tough-negotiator image. Indian officials, wary of Trump’s protectionist streak, now fear he’ll demand concessions to flaunt his deal-making prowess.

India enjoys a $30 billion surplus, according to the US Trade Representative’s office. Trump, who views deficits as personal slights, has long griped about India’s “high tariffs” (ignoring steep US tariffs on Indian steel). India has retaliated with heavier tariffs on US steel, and negotiators are now “reassessing” the deal’s timeline, cautious of a partner who treats diplomacy like a reality TV cliffhanger.

A PARTNERSHIP IN PERIL

It took 25 years of hard work by successive governments in Delhi and DC to turn the India-US ties from one of suspicion to one of strategic partnership. Trump’s fiddling puts those years of diplomacy at stake.

Trump has introduced an element of mistrust in the India-US partnership, brimming with promise till a week ago. If Washington wants India as a credible counterbalance to China, it must ditch the theatrics and show respect. New Delhi, meanwhile, must assert its autonomy while nudging the US to act like a mature ally. Expecting this President to act like a mature man is not expecting much, is it?

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-crasefire-united-states-strategic-partnership-donald-trump-quad-grouping-2724105-2025-05-13

In a post on X, the MIB wrote, “As India fights propaganda, the disinformation campaign of Pakistan aimed at discrediting India’s legitimate response to terrorism gets exposed to the world.”

While India executed precision strikes under “Operation Sindoor”, Pakistan launched a parallel war — one of lies and false narratives, The Ministry of Broadcasting and Information said.
In a post on X, the MIB wrote, “As India fights propaganda, the disinformation campaign of Pakistan aimed at discrediting India’s legitimate response to terrorism gets exposed to the world.”
In a 50-sec video, sharing multiple fact-checks, India brought to light several instances shared on social media that have been debunked.

Among the false claims were one alleging that India attacked a site in Afghanistan, another claiming that India hit the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan’s Punjab, and yet another asserting that Pakistan destroyed India’s S-400 system and fighter jets — all of which were debunked by India.

“Terrorism and treachery: the foundation of Pakistan’s propaganda,” the MIB said.
Earlier, India dismissed claims on Pakistan social media about “Operation Sindoor”, saying the neighbouring country has unleashed a “full-blown disinformation offensive” with “lies” and digital theatrics to control the narrative.
A series of posts by the Press Information Bureau’s Fact-Checking Unit said pro-Pakistan social media handles were sharing old photos of crashes of IAF aircraft and claiming they were shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on Wednesday.

“Beware of old images shared by pro-Pakistan handles in the present context,” PIB FactCheck said in a post on X.
“The video being shared is from February 2025 and depicts the crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage 2000 aircraft near Shivpuri, Gwalior, which occurred during a routine training mission,” it said, referring to social media posts by pro-Pakistan handles about a fighter jet clash.
Officials had said that following India’s decisive strike under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan has unleashed a full-blown disinformation offensive — a desperate attempt to shift the focus and control the narrative with a barrage of lies and digital theatrics. Pro-Pakistan social media handles and even influential political figures are deliberately spreading fake news, fabricating stories of miraculous military victories and heroic retaliation that simply do not exist, the officials said.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pakistan-propaganda-files-exposed-india-thwarts-all-attempts-of-disinformation-video-article-151619309

Bijapur superintendent of police Jitendra Yadav said that detailed information regarding the operation will be shared during a press briefing on Wednesday

The Chhattisgarh police on Monday said they have recovered the bodies of 31 suspected Maoists during ‘Operation Sankalp’ in the dense forests surrounding the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. It is not clear when the Maoists were killed. Bijapur superintendent of police Jitendra Yadav said that detailed information regarding the operation will be shared during a press briefing in Bijapur on Wednesday.

Police said they have identified 20 of the 31 deceased Maoists and 11 of the 20 identified bodies have been handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations and completion of other legal formalities.

“The identification process for the remaining 11 bodies is underway. Once the process is complete, their bodies will also be returned to their respective families,” said a statement issued by the Bijapur police.

On April 3, one woman Maoist was killed in the same operation, which is yet to be identified.

Earlier, on April 24, three women Maoists were gunned down in the same region, and a significant cache of weapons, explosives, and other materials was seized.

The operation in the area, named “Operation Sankalp”, started on April 21.

“So far, we have good operational outcomes in the ongoing anti-naxal operations in South -West Bastar. All security forces are safe and fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure Bastar region. As the operation is currently in progress, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time for security reasons. Authorised authorities will share further information at an appropriate time,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

People familiar with the matter said that more than 280,00 troops were inducted in the operation and since April 21. around 35 encounters have taken place.

“We have recovered more than 400 IEDs and around 40 weapons along with approximately 2 tonnes of explosive materials,” said a police officer.

The operation, described as one of the largest counter-insurgency missions in Bastar, involves around 28,000 personnel from various units, including Chhattisgarh Police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and its elite CoBRA unit.

Authorities launched the offensive following intelligence inputs about the presence of top Maoist leaders, including those from the Telangana state committee and the heavily armed ‘battalion number 1’—regarded as the strongest military wing of the Maoists.

According to police, the Karregutta hill range serves as a stronghold for the battalion. Intelligence reports suggest that several senior cadres have been either killed or critically injured during the operation.

So far, hundreds of Maoist hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed, and large quantities of explosives, detonators, food supplies, and daily-use items have been recovered.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/31-maoist-bodies-recovered-in-op-sankalp-on-chhattisgarh-telangana-border-cops-101747059504365.html

Modi address to nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India’s recent military actions against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir under ‘Operation Sindoor’. He emphasised that this operation represents a new policy for India.

PM Modi warned Pakistan that it will not tolerate any “nuclear blackmail”. “We have created a new normal. India will not sit quietly if threatened. India will not sit quietly if terror attacks are carried out on its soil. We will hit back, on our terms and conditions,” PM Modi said. He further said that this new Bharat will not tolerate any “nuclear blackmail”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first address to the nation since Operation Sindoor, stated that terrorist hubs such as Bhawalpur and Muridke served as “universities of global terrorism,” adding that nearly all major terrorist attacks worldwide, including 9/11 and several major attacks in India, can be traced back to these locations.
“When Indian missiles and drones attacked those sites in Pakistan, it was not just the buildings of the terrorist organisations but their courage also shook. Terrorist sites like Bahawalpur and Muridke were the universities of global terrorism. All big terrorist attacks in the world, including 9/11 or big terrorist attacks in India, are somehow or the other connected to these terrorist sites…” PM Modi said in a televised address.
Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed who were involved in the hijacking of IC-814 and the Pulwama blast, were eliminated during the May 7 Operation Sindoor.

A rattled Pakistan targeted military installations and border cities in India with swarm of drones and missiles. A majority of them were intercepted by the India air defence system. India retaliated to Pakistan’s escalation by firing air-to-surface missiles with its jets and destroyed 11 military air bases across Pakistan in a coordinated, precision-led campaign.

He also called out Pakistan for using terrorists as strategic assets.
“For the past two and a half to three decades, the masterminds of terror were roaming freely in Pakistan, openly plotting against India — and India eliminated them in one swift strike,” PM Modi said.
In a stern message to Pakistan, he said India “will not differentiate between the government which is under the influence of terrorists and the handlers of terrorists.

The flight 6E2045 from Delhi to Amritsar returned to the national capital after being airborne for sometime, as per information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

Amritsar IndiGo flight (6E 2045) returned to Delhi due to blackout SOP and suspected drone activity in Amritsar, Punjab on Mayy 12. In now widely shared viral video, netizens shared videos and screenshots show the IndiGo flight doing u-turn just near Bhatinda.

In the video, the flight announcement about the airplane taking a U-turn to Delhi can be clearly heard, and passengers are seen seated calmly while some standing near the seats as they listen to the update.

According to report in PTI, The flight 6E2045 from Delhi to Amritsar returned to the national capital after being airborne for sometime, as per information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

The report also mentioned the flight had to return as the Amritsar airport was closed due to the precautionary blackout.

Meanwhile, IndiGo cancelled its flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar and Rajkot for May 13.

“In light of the latest developments and with your safety as our utmost priority, flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot are cancelled for 13th May 2025,” IndiGo said in a post on X at 23:38 hours on Monday.

Earlier in the evening , A notice from the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar informed residents that a siren would signal the start of the blackout. People were told to switch off lights, stay away from windows and remain calm.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/video-delhi-amritsar-indigo-flight-6e-2045-makes-u-turn-mid-air-amid-sudden-blackout-in-amritsar

In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned Pakistan that it will not tolerate any “nuclear blackmail”. PM Modi’s message came a day after India and Pakistan declared ceasefire following a nearly four-day conflict between the two nations.

On the nights of May 9 and 10, in three shot hours, the armed forces had destroyed 11 bases including those at Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari and Jacobabad, said Air Marshal Bharti.

The armed forces said today that all its pilots are “back home safe” after the air strikes on Pakistani air bases and other crucial targets. Asked about Pakistan’s claim that they have downed two Indian jets at a press conference this evening, the officers refused to comment saying it is still a combat situation.

On Friday, Pakistan had claimed one of its Made In China fighters had downed two Indian jets. India has not commented at the time.

Asked about the matter today, Air Marshal AK Bharti said, “Would not like to comment as we are still in air combat situation. It will be advantage for adversary. We have achieved our objectives. All our pilots are back home”.Through the operation, India wanted to pass on the message that for terrorists who target India, there is no safety. To Pakistan, it was a clear signal that its support to terrorists and attacks on Indian soil, will come at a high cost.

On the nights of May 9 and 10, in three shot hours, the armed forces had destroyed 11 bases including those at Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari and Jacobabad, said Air Marshal Bharti.

Also, various ammunition depots and bases like Sagodha and Bholari that housed F-16s and JF-17 fighter jets were hit. This, he said, led to destruction of 20 per cent infrastructure of Pakistan’s Air Force.

Pakistan’s Bholari Air Base was also bombed, in which more than 50 people — including Pakistan’s squadron leader Usman Yousuf and four airmen were killed. Pakistan’s fighter jets were destroyed, he added.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/all-indian-pilots-back-home-air-force-on-operation-sindoor-8388226#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

India’s Operation Sindoor aims to reshape ties with Pakistan by raising costs for cross-border terrorism, achieving military and psychological objectives.

India set a new normal in dealing with terrorism emanating from Pakistan using Operation Sindoor that is not yet over, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday, adding that New Delhi’s ferocious but proportionate response forced Islamabad’s hand.

India’s actions, which had clear military, political and psychological objectives, made it clear to both Pakistan and international interlocutors that New Delhi’s response to cross-border terrorism will raise costs for backing and financing terror groups based in Pakistan that have been involved in attacks over the decades, the people said.

“The actions taken by India are aimed at creating and setting a new normal in the relationship. It is not business as usual. Pakistan and the world will have to get used to this new normal because India has had enough,” a person said.

The developments came a day after the two countries reached an understanding on halting military actions, after four days of escalating conflict involving drones, missiles and long-range weapons had raised fears of a full-blown war.

Within 15 minutes of concluding the first set of military strikes on terrorist infrastructure at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir between 1.04am and 1.30 am on May 7, the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) informed his Pakistani counterpart that the attacks were directed only at terror groups and the Indian side was ready to talk, the people, familiar with the intricacies of Operation Sindoor, said on condition of anonymity. The first strikes were in response to the April 22 terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir.

There was no response from the Pakistani side and the people said Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued clear instructions to the armed forces – India’s retaliation to any action by the Pakistani military should be “bigger and stronger”.

One of the people quoted Modi as saying, “Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega (If they fire bullets, we will respond with cannons).”

India achieved the military objective of Operation Sindoor, which was to destroy the targeted terrorist infrastructure, within half an hour of the launch of its strikes on May 7, and the political objective, which was to raise the cost of backing cross-border terrorism, the people added.

Noting that the government has spoken of having a strategy of striking terrorists within Pakistan – or as one person put it, “ghar me ghus ke marenge (kill them in their homes) – the people said this too had been achieved. “The terrorists were struck in the heartland of Pakistan, not at the border,” a second person said.

“The cost of terrorism has increased. The Indus Waters Treaty is linked to the cross-border terrorism and it will be held in abeyance as long as terrorism from Pakistan continues,” the second person said.

The people said the cost for Pakistan’s backing of terrorism will rise proportionately and while terrorism may not end with the latest strikes on groups deep within Pakistan, India will respond to every act of terrorism. The Indian side also called the bluff of Pakistan’s deterrence, and the Line of Control (LoC), the international border or Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will not protect the terrorists, they said.

The people said these factors set Operation Sindoor – launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians – apart from the surgical strikes across the Line of Control after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the air strike on Balakot in Pakistan’s Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa province after the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian troops.

“The Indus Waters Treaty survived three wars and a four-decade-long campaign of cross-border terrorism. Essentially, the point is that Pakistan cannot carry on with cross-border terrorism while expecting cooperation in areas of its own choosing,” the first person said.

After India’s initial strikes on terror infrastructure early on May 7, Pakistan attacked Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10, triggering progressively stronger responses from the Indian side that targeted Pakistani military facilities ranging from air defence systems to radar sites and command and control centres, the people said. Pakistan’s “most ambitious and wide-ranging attacks” were on May 10, when they attempted to strike 26 military locations with heavier calibre weapons, even though the Indian side repeatedly said there was no intention to escalate, the people said.

It was then that the Indian side decided to raise the military cost for Pakistan and the armed forces responded with “hellfire” by striking eight of Pakistan’s main airbases, including Chaklala, Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Chunian and Sialkot, with precision weapons, the first person said. The damage caused by these strikes was extensive and the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase was devastated, he said.

After four days of intense confrontations involving drones, missiles and long-range weapons, the DGMOs of the two sides reached an understanding on halting military actions on Saturday afternoon.

“The Pakistanis stopped not because the Americans called them and told them to — in very nice English. They stopped because things were falling down on them from the sky. And making a very loud noise,” the second person said.

The people also said that the ceasefire was arrived at on India’s terms and wasn’t forced on New Delhi. The cessation of hostilities was announced by US President Donald Trump around 5.30pm on Saturday and confirmed by India half an hour later, though Pakistan violated the understanding for about three hours on Saturday night. The ceasefire largely held on Sunday.

The strikes and counter-strikes of May 10 showed the stark difference in the technological capabilities and precision weapons of the two sides, and the force of the Indian response showed the Pakistani side that this was not going to be a “winning proposition”, the people said.

The people also explained the rationale behind India’s choice of the nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) where terrorist infrastructure was targeted, particularly the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) main “markaz” or base at Bahawalpur, the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) stronghold at Muridke, both in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and bases of groups such as Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Ansar at Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK.

“One thing that joins all these facilities together is that they are intimately tied to the Pakistani deep state’s complicity with and sponsorship of terrorism over a long period. These facilities, the organisations that they house, the terrorists that are based there, they all have a long track record of activity against India,” the first person said.

The JeM base at Bahawalpur was among the first three targets struck on May 7 and it was hit with the “most potent weapon available”, the people said, recalling JeM founder Masood Azhar’s link to several brazen attacks in India since he formed the group after being freed from an Indian jail along with two terrorists in exchange for the passengers of the hijacked flight IC-814 in 2000. These attacks included the assault on India’s Parliament in December 2001.

The JeM and LeT bases were also chosen because of the long-standing links between these groups and Pakistan’s military and intelligence, especially in the context of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India, the people said.

In purely psychological terms, the people said, the Indian side wanted to send across the message to the terror groups that “no place is safe”, and India’s armed forces are capable of going deep into “Pakistani territory in the mainland and hitting targets that are identified with their security establishment”.

The people also pointed to the evidence that emerged following the attack on Muridke of senior Pakistani military and civilian officials attending the funeral of people killed at the LeT’s sprawling base on the outskirts of Lahore.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/objectives-achieved-india-sets-new-normal-in-fighting-terror-101746990958752.html

PM Modi’s directive ahead of Operation Sindoor was clear, it was to crush the terror networks. With the Markaz already flattened, there are others who are next in line.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the armed forces to ground the terror networks inside Pakistan into dust before they went ahead with Operation Sindoor earlier this week. According to news agency PTI, which cited its own sources, PM Modi said this with reference to terror groups that Pakistan shelters.

These terrorists were responsible for the slaughtering of 26 innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22.

India launched Operation Sindoor in response and demolished nine terror hubs deep inside Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) striking bases of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Pakistan’s army, which often shelters and backs these terrorists, launched an offensive which was thwarted effectively by Indian forces, resulting in the deaths of 40 Pakistani soldiers.

Sources speaking to the news agency said: “Markaz has been ground to dust, others are next in line. No place in Pakistan is safe for terrorists. Nobody is untouchable, everyone is touchable”.

Indian armed forces destroyed LeT Markaz Taiba, Markaz Subhan Allah and other terror camps. Some of these camps were funded by Osama Bin Laeda, 9/11 conspirator and also trained Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists who carried out the deadly 26/11 attacks and the attacks on the Parliament in 2001.

“Psychological message sent was that the new normal is not business as usual any longer,” the sources said. “Response to Pahalgam was three pronged military, political and psychological and all three have been achieved”.

“On this occasion, we have gone after the head of the snake and not foot soldiers. Operation Sindoor has sent a message to terrorists, which is no matter where you are in Pakistan we will hit you,” they further added.

Pakistan’s director general of military operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart on Saturday noon requesting a ceasefire. However, even after the ceasefire was reached, Pakistani forces breached the truce pact and sent drones to border districts and also shelled and engaged in firing along the LoC and the International Border (IB).

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/mitti-mein-mila-do-pm-modis-directive-to-armed-forces-before-operation-sindoor-9332810.html

Several netizens started trolling Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday, a day after he announced India and Pakistan reached a ‘bilateral understanding’ amid ongoing tensions.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made his account private on Sunday after several social media users started trolling him and his daughters. Several politicians and former diplomats came out in his support.

The IAS Association also expressed its support and said that it stands in solidarity with Misri.

“The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, and his family. Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service,” wrote the IAS Association on X.

Earlier, former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao also backed Misri and wrote on X, “It’s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification . Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down.”

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav termed it as “shameful and disgraceful”.

“It is extremely sensitive, disgraceful, shameful, objective and unfortunate that some antisocial-criminal elements against a very big officer of the country and his family are openly breaking all the limits of abusive words but to protect their respect neither BJP government nor any of their ministers Talking any action against those who come and post such unwanted posts. Such posts and statements break the morale of honest officers who are dedicated to the country day and night,” he wrote on X.

He also demanded that the BJP government investigate it.

“We open demand to the BJP government that all of these should be investigated immediately and the full bureau of all e-payment accounts should be removed from their social media accounts and bank accounts. ED, CBI, CYBER SECURITY and other investigation agencies should be implemented today and find out what forces are working behind them and what foreign forces are these anti-national people taking money and disturbing peace in the country. Want to do,” he said.

Vikram Misri on Saturday announced that India and Pakistan reached a ‘bilateral understanding.’ However, hours later, there was a breach from Pakistan’s side. Addressing a brief later, Misri said that India takes “very serious note of these violations”.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/politicians-diplomats-rally-in-support-of-vikram-misri-after-online-trolling-of-foreign-secy-9332874.html

The Indian Armed Forces have already issued a strong warning to Pakistan against any future ceasefire violations.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit on Sunday refuted a series of misleading claims circulating on social media, including viral reports falsely claiming that drones have been spotted at some places in Jammu and Kashmir.

The false claim, now viral on social media, holds significance as India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire arrangement on Saturday after 100 hours of military action across land, air, and sea.

“Social media posts claim that drones have been spotted in certain areas of Jammu & Kashmir,” PIB Fact Check wrote on X, urging users to stay alert against fake reports.

Just hours after both nations agreed to a truce on Saturday, the Pakistan army violated it along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) at multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, as well as parts of Punjab and Rajasthan.

The Indian Armed Forces retaliated effectively.

Notably, the Indian Armed Forces have issued a strong warning to Pakistan against any future ceasefire violations.

“Something repeated tonight, subsequently or later, in this regard, I must inform all of you that the Chief of Army Staff has earlier today conducted a security review and has granted full authority to our army commanders for counteractions in the kinetic domain in case of any violation by Pakistan,” said Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, during a press conference on Sunday.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/drone-activity-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amid-truce-deal-govt-fact-checks-viral-claim-9332871.html

The press conference was addressed by Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt.-General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Air operations Air Marshal AK Bharti, and Director-General Naval Operations (DGNO) Vice Admiral AN Pramod.

India’s armed forces on Sunday held a joint press conference on the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ in eliminating terror targets deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
The press conference was addressed by Director-General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt.-General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Air operations Air Marshal AK Bharti, and Director-General Naval Operations (DGNO) Vice Admiral AN Pramod.

Air Marshal AK Bharti said that India struck Pakistani airbases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front in a coordinated and calibrated manner.

Pakistan Army lost close to 35-40 of its personnel between May 7-10, when India launched retaliatory counterstrikes responding to its aggression, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said in a special press briefing on Sunday.

He also said that the Operation Sindoor was conceptualised with a clear military aim to punish the perpetrators and planners of terror and to destroy their terror infrastructure.

“Our aim on the 7th of May was to target terrorists and their infrastructure, not any other infrastructure, especially not Pakistani civilian or military establishments, and we achieved this with precision. However, on the evening of 7th May, we were subjected to a wave of Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small drones, which targeted both our civilian and military areas. They were successfully intercepted. While three drones managed to land, they caused minimal damage,” he said.

“On the night of 8-9 May, they (Pakistan) flew drones and aircraft into our airspace all across the borders and made largely unsuccessful attempts to target numerous military infrastructure. Violations on the LoC by Pakistan also commenced yet again and precipitated into fierce engagements,” the Army further stated.

Air Marshal AK Bharti said that India struck Pakistani airbases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front in a coordinated and calibrated manner.

“The bases we struck include Chaklala, Rafiqui, and Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad,” he pointed out.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/operation-sindoor-indias-retaliatory-strikes-killed-3540-pakistani-soldiers-between-may-710-says-army-dgmo-video

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 against the terror hideouts inside Pakistan and POK in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. Indian forces destroyed major terror infrastructure in precision strikes.

The Indian Navy was all in readiness and was fully capable of striking select targets at sea and on land, including Karachi, when India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, Vice Admiral AN Pramod said on Sunday.

“Our forces remained forward deployed in the Arabian Sea in a decisive posture with full readiness and capacity to strike select targets in sea and on land, including Karachi at the time of our choosing,” Vice Admiral AN Pramod said during a joint media briefing of all three forces on Operation Sindoor.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 against the terror hideouts inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The Army and the Air Force launched precision strikes from the air and from the ground and destroyed large swathes of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, as the Navy remained on standby.

The senior Navy official also said that the forward deployment of the naval force compelled Pakistan to stay in a defensive posture, mostly inside harbours or very close to the coast, which the Indian forces monitored continuously.

“The Indian Navy maintained seamless maritime domain awareness throughout the duration and was entirely aware of the locations and movement of Pakistani units,” he added.

Vice Admiral AN Pramod also further reiterated that India’s response to the Pakistani aggression has been measured, proportionate, non-escalatory and responsible since the beginning.

Notably, the Navy conducted live-firing drills, launch tests, and combat operational drills in the Arabian Sea in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, after the government vowed “unimaginable punishment” to the perpetrators.

“Within 96 hours of the terrorist attack, the Navy tested and refined tactics and procedures at sea during multiple weapon firings in the Arabian Sea, revalidating the crew, armament, equipment and platform readiness to deliver various ordnance on selected targets precisely,” the Navy said in a statement posted on X.

ll three forces, including the Navy, were ready to rain fire on the enemy ever since several top government leaders, including PM Modi, vowed a befitting reply to the dastardly attack.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/targets-at-sea-and-on-land-including-karachi-navy-operation-sindoor-pakistan-2723209-2025-05-11

According to a post on X by the Barmer district collector, the residents have been advised to stay indoors and observe a blackout.

Drone activity has been spotted in Rajasthan’s Barmer on Sunday, a day after India and Pakistan reached an understanding on a ceasefire along the border.

According to a post on X by the Barmer district collector, the residents have been advised to stay indoors and observe a blackout.

Earlier, a precautionary blackout was imposed in Jaisalmer, Barmer and other border areas in Rajasthan on Sunday night in the wake of Saturday’s violation by Pakistan of an understanding reached with India following four days of military confrontation.

The measure was put in place in Barmer at 8 pm, while it started at 7.30 pm in Jaisalmer.

Sometime after the blackout, there were reports that some red lights, suspected to be of drones, were spotted in the sky in Barmer. The security forces are already on alert in all the border areas.

A similar panic was triggered in the border areas Saturday night after the terms of the understanding between India and Pakistan to stop all military actions were violated by the neighbouring country. However, normal activities resumed on Sunday, with markets reopening.

Indian Forces’ warning to Pakistan on ceasefire violations

The Indian Armed Forces have given a stern warning to Pakistan regarding any ceasefire violations, whether today or in the future.

“Something repeated tonight, subsequently or later, in this regard, I must inform all of you that the Chief of Army Staff has earlier today conducted a security review and has granted full authority to our army commanders for counteractions in the kinetic domain in case of any violation by Pakistan,” Lt General Rajiv Ghai, DGMO, said in the press conference on Sunday.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drone-activity-spotted-in-rajasthans-barmer-blackout-announced-101746978121952.html

Within hours of ceasefire announcement, things heat up in Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district

Within hours of the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, reports of shelling started coming in along the Line of Control in Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday night.

While defence officials did not comment on the development, police confirmed that the shelling began around 8:30 pm.

Within ten minutes, sirens started blaring in Udhampur, followed by a complete blackout, while residents said they heard loud sounds.

Earlier in the day, the Border Security Force destroyed a terrorist launch pad in Pakistan’s Sialkot district opposite Akhnoor sector, even as Pakistan continued targeting the civilian population in Jammu province with artillery shelling and loitering munitions.

“On May 9, from about 2100 hrs, Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing on BSF posts in the Jammu Sector. BSF responded in a commensurate manner, causing widespread damage to the posts and assets of the Pakistan Rangers along the International Boundary,” an official statement here.

“The terrorist launchpad at Looni, district Sialkot, opposite Akhnoor area, was completely destroyed by the BSF,” it said, reiterating BSF’s “resolve to protect India’s sovereignty is unshaken”.

A BSF sub-inspector was, however, killed and seven others injured in cross-border shelling. “We salute the supreme sacrifice made by BSF braveheart sub-inspector Md Imteyaz in service of the nation on May 10 during cross-border firing along the International Boundary in RS Pura area, District Jammu,” the BSF said.

“While leading a BSF border outpost, he gallantly led from the front,” it said. “DG BSF and all ranks offer their deepest condolences to his family”.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-counts-its-losses-jkas-officer-bsf-sub-inspector-among-6-dead-9995394/

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and the tri-services chiefs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chairing a high-level meeting at his residence on Sunday with the top defence establishment.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and the tri-services chiefs.

The meeting took place amid an uneasy calm on the borders with Pakistan, where no fresh ceasefire violations have been reported.

Silence prevailed in the night after Pakistan violated the ceasefire while expressing a commitment to adhere to it on Saturday.

The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, and New Delhi said India and Pakistan have worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had categorically said that India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and will continue to do so.

Though Pakistan, which had urged the US to broker peace after India’s hammering, also announced a ceasefire, it went back to its tactics and violated the same. India was quick to retaliate, following which Pakistan stopped sending drones and missiles into Indian territory.

India categorically said that Pakistani drones were sighted and intercepted in various locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, parts of Gujarat, and Barmer in Rajasthan. Blackouts had to be reimposed in several border areas.

India said Pakistan violated the ceasefire, adding that the armed forces were giving an “adequate and appropriate response”.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a late-night press briefing on Saturday, stressed that India has taken “very, very serious notice of these violations.”

We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and handle the situation with seriousness and responsibility. The armed forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation and have been given strict instructions to deal strongly with any repetition of border violations along the International Border and the LoC,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modis-key-meet-with-defence-officials-day-after-ceasefire-agreement-8385442

PIL argues that the term ‘Operation Sindoor’ embodies national grief and military valor, and its commercial use undermines the dignity of martyrs and the sentiments of their families

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the filing of multiple trademark applications for the term ‘Operation Sindoor’, which is the name of India’s ongoing military operation against Pakistan.

Soon after the Government of India made the name of the operation public, a number of applicants including Reliance had moved the Trademark Registry seeking exclusive rights under Class 41, which covers entertainment, education, cultural and media services.

This led to public outrage, with Reliance eventually withdrawing its application.

At present, 11 other entities or persons have applied for the registration of the mark in their favour.

Now, a lawyer has moved the Supreme Court alleging that such attempts to seek the trademark registration for the military operation name seek to exploit public sentiment and the nation’s grief for commercial gain.

The petitioner Dev Ashish Dubey is a practicing advocate based out of Delhi. He has filed the plea through advocate Om Prakash Parihar.

The plea states that ‘Operation Sindoor’, which was initially undertaken to avenge the killings of tourists in Pahalgam, holds deep emotional value, especially for the families of martyred soldiers. It further states that the name symbolizes the sacrifice of widows — metaphorically linked with “sindoor,” a traditional mark of marriage in India.

It adds that such attempts to seek trademark registration of the name is not only insensitive but also in direct violation of Section 9 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, which prohibits registration of terms likely to hurt public sentiment or that lack distinctiveness in a commercial context.

Thus, the petitioner has urged the apex court to restrain the authorities from proceeding with such trademark registration so as to prevent the commercialization of a name associated with national sacrifice and military valor.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/pil-filed-supreme-court-against-attempts-trademark-operation-sindoor

This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations and we take very very serious note of these violations.

India confirmed Pakistan violated the ceasefire, which was agreed upon earlier today, after drones were spotted and explosions were heard in Jammu and Kashmir. Both countries had agreed upon a ceasefire on land, sea and air, which was to be in effect from 5 pm today.

Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, said, the ground forces are keeping a strong vigil and appropriate steps are being taken.

Full Statement Of Foreign Secretary

For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations, and we take very, very serious note of these violations. We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-ceasefire-violationnews-live-updates-read-indias-full-statement-on-ceasefire-violations-by-pakistan-8382562#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

As the IMF approved a loan of USD 1 billion for Pakistan, India has flagged to the multilateral agency the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds by Islamabad for “state-sponsored cross border terrorism”.

As the IMF approved a loan of USD 1 billion for Pakistan, India has flagged to the multilateral agency the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds by Islamabad for “state-sponsored cross border terrorism”.

In a post on social media platform X, the ministry of information and broadcasting said that “as an active and responsible member country, India raised concerns over the efficacy of IMF programs in case of Pakistan given its poor track record, and also on the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds for state-sponsored cross border terrorism”.

As the IMF approved a loan of USD 1 billion for Pakistan, India has flagged to the multilateral agency the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds by Islamabad for “state-sponsored cross border terrorism”.

In a post on social media platform X, the ministry of information and broadcasting said that “as an active and responsible member country, India raised concerns over the efficacy of IMF programs in case of Pakistan given its poor track record, and also on the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds for state-sponsored cross border terrorism”.

It further said that Pakistan has been a prolonged borrower from the IMF with a very poor track record of implementation and of adherence to the IMF’s program conditions.

The statement followed soon after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday approved the immediate disbursement of about USD 1 billion to Pakistan under the ongoing Extended Fund Facility.

In a statement, the Washington-based global lender said its Executive Board concluded the initial review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

“This decision allows for an immediate disbursement of around USD 1 billion (SDR 760 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about USD 2.1 billion (SDR 1.52 billion), the agency said.

India opposed the IMF’s proposal to extend fresh loans of USD 2.3 billion to Pakistan, saying they could be misused for financing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-raises-concern-over-imfs-1-billion-loan-to-pakistan-cites-risk-of-misuse-for-state-sponsored-cross-border-terrorism

Three Pakistan Air Force bases– Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Punjab’s Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Punjab’s Chakwal– were targeted in the strikes

India launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan in the wee hours of Saturday, hitting the cities of Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi and three Air Force bases, defence sources told CNN-News18.

Multiple blasts were heard in cities of Pakistan– two in Rawalpindi, one each in Lahore and Islamabad. Three Air Force bases– Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi Airbase in Punjab’s Shorkot, and Murid Airbase in Punjab’s Chakwal– were also targeted in the strikes.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry confirmed India’s attack on Nur Khan Airbase, Rafiqi Airbase but claimed all Pakistani Air Force (PAF) assets are safe.

The Pakistan government said there have been no casualties or material losses in the attack.

According to sources, India used air-to-surface missiles and drones in the strikes. Pakistan lost major air assets in the attack and they could not start their machines, they added.

The Indian strikes came hours after Pakistan launched a fresh drone strike at 26 locations in India on Friday amid escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Indian forces also intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by Pakistan, sources said.

Top government sources said India launched retaliatory strikes after Pakistan made multiple attempts to attack Indian Army bases and civilian areas.

“Terror dens were attacked for the crime done by terror groups by killing innocent Indians. We didn’t attack Pakistan military installations or civilian areas. Pakistan’s attempts since yesterday were criminal acts. They tried multiple attacks on Indian army bases. They also attacked Indian civilian areas. Their crime list is very big. India is making only custom match attacks,” sources added.

Earlier on Thursday night, India shot down around 300-400 drones launched by Pakistan at 36 locations in the northern and western parts of the country. Some members of a family were injured in the attack in Ferozpur, Punjab, the only known injuries in the attacks carried out after darkness fell. All the states that border Pakistan were under a blackout.

The defence ministry said the situation was under “close and constant watch”, and that there was no cause for panic. It said the Indian armed forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-launches-counter-drone-strike-on-pakistan-hits-islamabad-lahore-rawalpindi-9330876.html

Over 200 Indian missions across the world have been active since India and Pakistan locked horns, with envoys in major countries giving on-record interviews for maximum impact

Diplomacy—the quiet force behind treaties and the glue that holds global order together—often works behind the scenes to keep the world from unravelling. While military wars command headlines with their optics and immediate impact, diplomatic wars are equally critical, waged in conference rooms, through strategic negotiations, and behind closed doors where the balance of power is subtly shaped.

It is this diplomatic acumen that India has showcased as it engages once again with its old rival, Pakistan, in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people—mostly tourists—were shot dead by cross-border terrorists as they vacationed in the serene Baisaran Valley.

Just as generals lead armies on the battlefield, India’s diplomats have been manoeuvring through complex political landscapes since the country launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK to avenge Pahalgam. A stunned Pakistan retaliated by launching unprovoked attacks on India’s border cities, though the attempts were thwarted by India’s robust air defence systems and alert forces.

In an effort to win global support as well as expose Pakistan’s duplicity on the war against terror, Indian envoys across the world have been reaching out to local governments as well as media outlets.

Over 200 Indian missions across the world have been super active since India and Pakistan locked horns, with envoys in major countries giving on-record interviews, especially in UK and United States, to ensure maximum impact.

Other diplomats in missions are also meeting their counterparts at mission and government levels for individual briefings. The aim is to counter any false narrative in newspapers and TV media immediately so that the upper hand that India has vis-à-vis Pakistan is maintained.

This was witnessed recently when Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, called out the Pakistan Army for giving state funerals to proscribed terrorists, adding that India will respond “proportionally and in exactly the same light” if the neighbour escalates hostilities.

Speaking to Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, Doraiswami help up a photograph of US-sanctioned terrorist Hafiz Abdul Rauf leading the funeral prayers for terrorists killed in India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ as uniformed Pakistan Army men joined in. “If you are going to give terrorists state funerals, what does that make of your system? Everybody knows that for the last 30 years, Pakistan has used this as a means of sub-critical warfare against India. If the international community really wants to be able to look at it and worry about it, the simple solution is to tell Pakistan it has an opportunity for an off-ramp,” he said.

The Indian envoy said it was Pakistan-sponsored terror groups that originally escalated tensions by killing innocents in Pahalgam on April 22 while India’s strikes in Pakistan were “precise, targeted, reasonable and moderate”. “We made it abundantly clear that the object of this exercise was clearly to avoid military escalation,” he said. “A fact that was actually acknowledged – in a left-handed way of course – by the Pakistani side in terms of their own statements, which said the airspace hadn’t been violated.”

Doraiswami’s views were echoed by Indian ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra who, in an interview with CNN, said India is at war with terrorism and terrorists backed by Pakistan. “We took out terror factories at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). We were very cautious and careful to target only those who were responsible for the killings. The original escalation was on April 22, when they killed 26 innocent civilians, including a Nepali national,” Kwatra said.

He added: “The strikes were intended to hold the terrorists accountable and deliver justice to the victims. Pakistan’s subsequent military action is them saying that they stand with the terrorists.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/how-indias-200-missions-across-the-world-are-turning-up-diplomatic-heat-on-pakistan-ws-kl-9329873.html

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, announcing the cancellation of all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot until midnight on May 10, 2025.

Air India has announced that all flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended until May 25, 2025, amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

In a travel advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), Air India stated, “Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 25th May 2025. Customers holding valid tickets for travel till 25th May 2025 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations.”

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, announcing the cancellation of all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot until midnight on May 10, 2025.

The advisory, posted on IndiGo’s official X handle, assured passengers that the airline would provide updates through official channels and assist with any changes to travel plans.

Mumbai International Airport issued a passenger advisory stating that it remains operational but warns of longer wait times due to enhanced security protocols.

Passengers were advised to arrive early, cooperate with security personnel, and follow official channels for accurate information.

“Passengers are encouraged to cooperate with security and airport personnel, follow Ahmedabad Airport’s social media channels for accurate and timely information, and reach out to their airline for precise details,” the advisory read.

Akasa Airlines and SpiceJet also issued similar advisories on X, urging passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure due to increased security measures. “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure,” Akasa Airlines stated.

These developments come amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with reports of firing by the Pakistan army across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri, Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, violating the ceasefire.

Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7th), targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

This operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-suspends-tel-aviv-flights-until-may-25-8375570

In its latest travel advisory, the airport said, “Delhi Airport operations are normal at present”.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport resumed normal operations in the early hours of Saturday and issued an advisory to passengers amid heightened security preparedness due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

In its latest travel advisory, the airport said, “Delhi Airport operations are normal at present. However, due to changing airspace conditions and increased security measures as per orders from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, some flight schedules might be impacted, and security checkpoint processing times could be longer.”

The airport operator issued the advisory to passengers, which includes, “Stay informed with updates from their airlines. Follow hand baggage and check-in luggage rules. Arrive early to allow for potential delays at security checks. Cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth processing. Check flight status via their airline or the official Delhi Airport website.”

“We encourage all passengers to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified content,” the advisory added.

Earlier, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across Northern and Western India for all civil flight operations.

The NOTAM is effective from May 9, 2025, to May 14, 2025(which corresponds to 0529 IST on 15th May 2025), due to operational reasons.

The list of 32 airports include Adhampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise and Uttarlai.

Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, drones were spotted at 26 locations ranging from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south, along both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), defence sources said on Friday.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-airport-resumes-normal-operations-issues-travel-advisory-to-passengers-8376251

The Indian Navy has initiated retaliatory measures in the Arabian Sea following unprovoked attacks from Pakistan, targeting Indian military stations in Jammu and surrounding areas. India successfully neutralised these threats using various defence capabilities, ensuring no casualties were reported.

The Indian Navy has started retaliatory operations in the Arabian Sea against multiple targets in Pakistan after an unprovoked escalation by the neighbouring nation late on Thursday night, sources have said.
This comes after India neutralised Pakistan’s attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones. The threats, however, were “swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established standard operating procedures (SOPs),” a defence ministry spokesperson said.

“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today,” a defence ministry spokesperson said.

India remains “fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” said the defence ministry after Pakistan’s failed attack attempts.

Sirens and numerous explosions were reported in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla and Kupwara and several other places as the Indian military carried out a massive night aerial vigil along the border with Pakistan.
“No casualties or material losses were reported,” the official said.
Pakistan’s fresh attempts to target Indian military installations came less than 24 hours after a similar attempt early on Wednesday.
Early Thursday morning, the Indian defence systems had successfully intercepted a similar aerial attack. Pakistan tried to hit multiple targets in northern and western India using drones and missiles.
Pakistan “attempted to engage a number of military targets in… Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles,” as per a PIB statement.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday reiterated that India’s response had been “precise, measured and calibrated,” but Pakistan retaliated by trying to hit Indian military installations and civilians.
Misri also called out Pakistan over its claims of escalation by India, saying that it was Islamabad that began the escalation with the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-navy-in-action-mode-to-counter-pakistans-offensive-article-151594685

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply as Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting Indian military and civilian sites. In response, India executed a precise counteroffensive, successfully neutralising threats, including shooting down a Pakistani F-16 jet. Here’s the latest update on India-Pakistan escalating tensions.

Pakistan on Thursday night escalated tensions by launching a barrage of missiles and drones targeting multiple civilian and military sites across India. In response, India, until now focused on precise and restrained retaliatory strikes, delivered a proportionate counteroffensive. Pakistan reportedly lost five fighter jets, including an F-16, as India targeted strategic locations in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot. Earlier, on May 7, India had carried out precision strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aiming to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border.
Rattled by India’s anti-terror operation, Pakistan went on an offensive on May 7-8, attempting to “engage a number of military targets” in multiple areas in northern and western India. India’s air defence systems shot these down, the ministry said.

On Thursday early morning, India gave a proportionate reply to Pakistan’s offensive as it hit Pakistan air defence systems, neutralising one at Lahore. Later in the evening, Pakistan once again provoked India by targeting Jammu and other parts of Northern India, leading to India launching an all round offensive.
Indian Navy also swung into action as it went for a retaliatory operations in the Arabian Sea against multiple targets in Pakistan. India neutralised Pakistan’s attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is reported to have told an all-party meeting that at least 100 hardcore terrorists and their associates were killed in the Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Air Defence has neutralised drones launched by Pakistan at Jammu airport, officials confirmed to Times Now, adding no casualties were reported. The Pakistani action comes hours after its bid to target 15 Indian cities was thwarted by the Indian armed forces.
According to sources, eight missiles were intercepted near Jammu. “All neutralised,” they said.
The attack also caused a blackout at the Vaishno Devi shrine. Similar disruptions were reported in Srinagar, where power outages were triggered amid heightened security.

“Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not—Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces,” SP Vaid, Former DGP of J&K, wrote on X.

Besides Jammu, Pakistan targeted Udhampur, Akhnoor and Pathankot.
This is the second failed attack from Pakistan. Yesterday, S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile systems downed drones and missiles used by the Pakistan military to hit military targets in Northern and Western India. The targets were successfully neutralised in the operation.

As the Ministry of Defence(MoD) reiterated that any attack on military sites in India will invite a “suitable response”, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the choice of de-escalation is with Pakistan as it escalated the situation with the Pahalgam terror attack and that India only responded to it through ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is reported to have told an all-party meeting that at least 100 hardcore terrorists and their associates were killed in the Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor.
At another event, he assured the nation that no limit will become an obstacle for the Government in protecting India’s sovereignty. “We are fully prepared for such responsible responses in the future as well.”
In a press statement, the MoD said that on the night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/operation-sindoor-india-neutralises-pakistans-drone-attack-in-jammu-article-151593089

Pakistan has targeted military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International boundary, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff wrote in a post on X.

Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke with the Director Generals of border guarding forces to assess the situation.

Amit Shah also talked to the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) regarding airport security.

Pakistan has targeted military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International boundary, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff wrote in a post on X.

Indian Armed Forces have successfully neutralised the attack and no loss has been reported.

“Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu & Kashmir, targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic & non-kinetic means,” Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said.

Pakistan Army has violated ceasefire and resorted to firing across the Line of Control. They have targeted Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

They also fired eight missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia, and all were intercepted and blocked by air defence units, defence sources said.

The sources said visuals over Jammu remind one of exactly a Hamas-style attack on Israel, like multiple cheap rockets.

Pakistan Army is operating and behaving like a terrorist organisation, Hamas. Last month, ISI and Hamas met in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Explosions were heard as Indian air defence intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard, and flashes were seen in the sky. A complete blackout has been enforced in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and Jalandhar, Punjab. Blackouts have also been enforced in Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar, Jalandhar.

India had responded to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor, in which terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pok was targeted through precision strikes. India also said that any attack on military installations will invite a suitable response.

It said that this morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. The Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan’s. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.

The Defence Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that on the night of May 7, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles.

“These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,” the statement said.

It said today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.

The statement said Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amit-shah-speaks-to-chiefs-of-border-guarding-forces-as-tensions-rise-after-operation-sindoor-8366960

Meanwhile, several airlines have issued travel advisories, asking passengers to reach airports at least three hours before their flight due to enhanced security checks. Passengers are also being advised to carry valid government-approved photo ID cards.

The Fact Check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that claims on social media about a ban on entry to airports across India are false.

In a post on X, the Fact Check unit in a post wrote, “Fake News Alert . Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned #PIBFactCheck. This claim is #FAKE.The government has taken no such decision.”

Meanwhile, several airlines have issued travel advisories, asking passengers to reach airports at least three hours before their flight due to enhanced security checks. Passengers are also being advised to carry valid government-approved photo ID cards.

Akasa Airlines posted on X: “Travel Update: Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only 1 handbag weighing up to 7 kgs will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks prior to boarding.

“To save time, we encourage you to check in online on http://akasaair.com or our mobile app. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to welcoming you aboard the Akasa experience.” Akasa Air added in its official statement.

SpiceJet also issued a similar advisory, writing:

“Travel Update: In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/government-busts-fake-news-about-airport-entry-ban-amid-india-pakistan-tensions-8366738

Pakistani troops resumed firing across the Line of Control (LoC), including Kupwara and Uri, early Friday morning. This came after Indian army foiled Pakistani military’s attempts to target 15 cities in northern and western India, using drones and missiles, on Thursday night.

The drone and missile attacks by the neighbouring country were reported in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to activate the defence systems, sirens and enforce a complete blackout in most areas. Sources said a Pakistan F-16 was shot down by the Indian forces although an official confirmation is awaited.

Early on Wednesday, India unleashed 24 missiles in 25 minutes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives on April 22.

Operation Sindoor : Air Siren Warning Sounded In Chandigarh, Residents Advised To Stay Indoors

There were about 5,000 beggars on the city streets a year ago before the administration launched a campaign, they said.

Indore has become the country’s first beggar-free city, officials said on Thursday.

There were about 5,000 beggars on the city streets a year ago before the administration launched a campaign, they said.

“Indore has become the country’s first beggar-free city,” district magistrate Ashish Singh told reporters Beggars in the city were rehabilitated by helping them find employment while children involved in begging were enrolled in schools, he said.

“The campaign we launched for the elimination of begging has itself become a model. It has been recognised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and also a World Bank team,” Singh added.

Indore is one of the 10 cities where the Union ministry has started a pilot project to eliminate begging.

District program officer of the Women and Child Development Department, Ramnivas Budholia, said the campaign against begging was launched in February 2024.

There were about 5,000 beggars in the city, including 500 children, he said.

“In the first phase, we ran an awareness campaign. Then the beggars were rehabilitated. We also found many beggars who used to come to Indore from Rajasthan to beg,” said Budholia.

Begging as well as giving money to beggars or buying anything from them has been banned in the city, and so far three FIRs have been registered for violations, he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indore-has-become-indias-first-beggar-free-city-says-district-magistrate-8366167

In a post on X, Chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani said, “Honoured to deepen our partnership with Bhutan. We are committed to a greener and more prosperous future. Thank you @PMBhutan @tsheringtobgay for your trust and vision.”

Chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, on Thursday, thanked Prime Minister of Tshering Tobgay after Adani Group and the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) of Bhutan signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects in Bhutan jointly.

In a post on X, Chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani said, “Honoured to deepen our partnership with Bhutan. We are committed to a greener and more prosperous future. Thank you @PMBhutan @tsheringtobgay for your trust and vision.”

The MoU was signed in Thimphu by DGPC’s MD Dasho Chhewang Rinzin and Adani Green Hydro Ltd’s COO (PSP & Hydro) Naresh Telgu in the presence of the Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Lyonpo Gem Tshering and other dignitaries.

As part of this collaboration, Adani will ensure reliable power offtake and integration with India’s commercial power markets, further reinforcing Bhutan’s role in the regional energy trade.

The partnership is strongly backed by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India, underscoring a shared vision for clean energy growth and economic integration.

The MoU builds on the ongoing partnership for the 570/900 MW Wangchhu Hydropower Project, in which DGPC will hold a majority 51 per cent stake and Adani will hold 49 per cent.

The broader 5,000 MW initiative will encompass additional hydropower and pumped storage projects to be identified, Detailed Project Reports prepared, and taken forward for implementation in phases.

This initiative also aligns with Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Roadmap, which aims to achieve and additional 20,000 MW of generation capacity by 2040.

The roadmap prioritises diversification into solar and geothermal energy, and also encourages strategic partnerships to attract investment and innovation.

In a further milestone, DGPC and Adani also initialled the Shareholders’ Agreement for the Wangchhu Project, marking significant progress in their collaborative efforts to advance Bhutan’s hydropower sector.

DGPC is Bhutan’s premier hydropower developer, has decades of experience in managing the nation’s renewable energy resources. It plays a pivotal role in Bhutan’s clean energy journey, contributing to both domestic energy security and sustainable development. Through such partnerships, DGPC is also helping to strengthen Bhutan’s position in regional energy cooperation.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/adani-group-signs-pact-with-bhutans-druk-green-power-corporation-for-5-000-mw-of-hydropower-project-8365937

Several states have announced emergency measures, including blackouts, school closures, and the cancellation of official leaves.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as the two countries continue to exchange fire, several emergency measured have been announced in north Indian states. Blackouts have been imposed, schools have been closed and official leaves have been cancelled in several states.

These heightened security measures come as India thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to attack three military bases in India. Indian forces made sure that Pakistan’s attempts caused no losses. However, it did lead to loud explosions being heard in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and several other towns in J&K and Punjab overnight on Friday.

Border states on high alert

In Punjab, that shares a 532-km border with Pakistan and was a target of Pakistani drone and missile attacks which India thwarted, has emerged as a critical zone. All police leaves have been cancelled in Punjab and schools in six border districts have been shut down: Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran. Blackouts were also enforced Thursday evening in districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.

“All districts near the border have been placed on high alert,” said Punjab minister Aman Arora. “The role of the Punjab government becomes extremely crucial during any military tension.”

Neighboring Haryana has followed suit by cancelling leaves of police personnel and health department officials. Authorities have directed all officers to remain at their respective district headquarters, ready for any emergency.

The Delhi government has also scrapped leave for all employees and initiated preparedness drills across districts. District magistrates are reviewing health and disaster readiness in the national capital.

Rajasthan tightens security

Rajasthan, with over 1,000 km of international border, has imposed stringent blackouts in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, ranging from 9 pm to 4 am. Schools have been closed in five western districts, and red alerts issued in Sri Ganganagar. Drone flights and firecrackers have been banned in several areas, while flight operations at Bikaner, Kishangarh, and Jodhpur airports have been suspended till May 10.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-pakistan-attack-news-are-schools-open-tomorrow-check-which-states-have-announced-a-holiday-on-may-8-101746725522448.html

A loitering munition is a type of precision weapon that hovers over a target area to locate and strike targets, often autonomously or under human control, before being expended

India on Thursday issued a strict warning to Pakistan to “not act in a childish way” after the neighbour, on the back foot after Operation Sindoor, tried to enter the Indian airspace multiple times. Top government sources told CNN-News18 that with its “circus in the air”, Pakistan is proving again that it supports terror fronts.

The warning comes as India, for the second day in a row, penetrated Pakistani air defence. “The air defence system of Pakistan has been found so wanting that India has been able to dispatch drones into Pakistan’s biggest cities, including Lahore and Rawalpindi,” sources said. The May 7 attack on terrorist bases was also enabled by a penetration of Pakistani air defence, raising serious questions about the ability of Pakistan to wage a war with India.

“Pakistan sent loitering munitions at night in an attempt to damage our radars and attack India. However, the Air Force was ready and brought them down,” the sources said, adding that on the reports of shells being recovered from Lahore, “India just responded to Pakistan fire”.

They added: “With the help of robust air defence systems, we have managed our borders and avoided any confrontation. Jaish and Lashkar dens were attacked because they were in Pakistani shelter and had inflicted unlimited damage on the Kashmiri people,” the sources said, stressing that India had shown considerable restraint and refrained from striking civilian areas or military installations under Operation Sindoor—unlike Pakistan’s attack on civilians, especially minority Sikhs, in Poonch.

The Indian Army, in a statement, confirmed the development. “On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks.”

“Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.

Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt.

Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.”

WHAT IS LOITERING MUNITIONS?

Explaining how a loitering munition works, the sources said: “It is like a Kamikaze drone that goes and blasts in enemy territory.” Simply put, a loitering munition is a type of precision weapon that hovers over a target area to locate and strike targets, often autonomously or under human control, before being expended.

Loitering munitions combine the features of a drone and a missile. Unlike a missile that is launched directly at a target, a loitering munition is deployed into an area where it can fly or “loiter” for an extended period while searching for a target. It can be manually controlled or use onboard sensors and algorithms to identify potential targets (such as vehicles, personnel, or radar installations). Once a target is selected, the munition dives into it and explodes on impact, destroying both itself and the target.

On Thursday, social media was abuzz with images of remnants of Pakistani weapons found in India’s border states, especially Punjab. Indian authorities also recovered debris from a PL-15E missile in Hoshiarpur, the export version of the PL-15 missile used by China.

Top government sources, meanwhile, haven’t ruled out the possibility of a follow-up to Operation Sindoor, saying the first strike was just part of a long trail of possibly many more strikes, depending on the ground situation.

At the first press meeting after Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “We will be ready to retaliate to any misadventure from Pakistan.” India has been closely monitoring the situation on ground since Operation Sindoor as there have been multiple unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the border.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/dont-act-in-childish-way-india-warns-pakistan-against-circus-in-air-after-op-sindoor-ws-kl-9328525.html

Operation Sindoor: 10 family members of Jaish chief Masood Azhar were killed in the Indian strikes against terror camps in Pakistan.

In a massive achievement, India neutralised Abdul Rauf Azhar — operational head of Jaish-e-Mohammed and mastermind of IC-814 hijacking, in Operation Sindoor in Pakistan’s Punjab province, officials said on Thursday.

In the Punjab province, the Indian armed forces carried out strikes in Bahawalpur and Muridke, destroying the headquarters of Jaish and Lashkar — the two terror outfits that have spilled Indian blood and inflicted injuries upon India for several years.

“Among those reported eliminated is Abdul Rauf Azhar — operational head of Jaishe-Mohammad, mastermind of the IC-814 hijacking, and a central figure in international jihadist networks,” the officials said.

Abdul Rauf Azhar is the brother of UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar. Sources said yesterday that the Indian strikes had killed 10 family members of Masood Azhar in the Bahawalpur strikes, including his sister and brother-in-law. The Jaish terrorist released a statement confirming their elimination.

“Rauf Azhar’s role in orchestrating the IC-814 hijacking directly facilitated the release of Omar Saeed Sheikh, a key Al-Qaeda operative who went on to kidnap and murder Daniel Pearl, an American-Jewish journalist with the Wall Street Journal. Pearl’s brutal execution in 2002 shocked the conscience of the world and remains a defining example of the global threat posed by state-protected terror networks,” officials said.

Abdul Rauf Azhar was among those who hijacked the Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in December 1999 when en route from Kathmandu to Delhi. The flight was hijacked by five terrorists of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and taken to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Masood Azhar had to be released as part of the swap of passengers on the aircraft.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/abdul-rauf-azhar-mastermind-of-ic-814-hijacking-killed-in-operation-sindoor-strikes-in-pakistan-9328542.html

The Indian government asked X to block the accounts in country ‘subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees’.

Social media platform X said on Thursday that it has started blocking 8,000 accounts in India following executive orders from the government.

In a post on X’s Global Government Affairs handle, the platform said it received executive orders from the Indian government requiring it to block over 8,000 accounts in the country “subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees”.

“The orders include demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users. In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India’s local laws. For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts,” X said.

It further said that to comply with the orders, it will withhold the specified accounts in India alone.

“We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian government’s demands. Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content…” X said the decision is not an easy one, but “keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians’ ability to access information”.

“We believe that making these executive orders public is essential for transparency — lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision-making. However, due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time,” it said.

X said it is exploring all possible legal avenues available to the company.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/x-blocks-8000-accounts-in-india-after-executive-orders-from-govt-9329402.html

The meeting — which the Cabinet secretary, senior PMO officials, and secretaries from key ministries, including Defence, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Power, Health, and Telecommunications, attended — reviewed national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in light of recent developments concerning national security.

The day after “Operation Sindoor”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with the secretaries of government departments and ministries on Thursday and called for “fool-proof functioning” of essential systems.

The meeting — which the Cabinet secretary, senior PMO officials, and secretaries from key ministries, including Defence, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Power, Health, and Telecommunications, attended — reviewed national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in light of recent developments concerning national security.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/pm-modi-tells-secretaries-to-keep-vital-systems-running-3532339

As a precautionary and strategic move, the Navy deployed its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, near the Karwar coast in the Arabian Sea, bringing it closer to Pakistani waters as a stern warning. INS Vikrant can carry up to 40 combat aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and two squadrons of Kamov Ka-31 helicopters.

In a powerful show of strength and preparedness, the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, headquartered in Mumbai, is on high operational alert amid India’s Operation Sindoor, launched against Pakistan after it’s continuous provocation.

According to an Aaj Tak report, as a precautionary and strategic move, the Navy deployed its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, near the Karwar coast in the Arabian Sea, bringing it closer to Pakistani waters as a stern warning.

About INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant is the pride of the Indian Navy and a major force multiplier. With a displacement of 45,000 tonnes, the aircraft carrier measures 262 meters in length and 59 meters in width. It is capable of carrying up to 40 combat aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and two squadrons of Kamov Ka-31 helicopters.

Indian forces intercepted multiple aerial threats, shooting down at least five Pakistani jets, including an F-16. In response to Pakistan’s coordinated drone and missile attacks, India’s air defence systems, notably the S-400, promptly neutralised threats. Authorities implemented power shutdowns in several areas to enhance radar efficiency amid escalating tensions and suspected bombings.

India’s air defence system successfully repelled a major Pakistani offensive late Thursday night, intercepting multiple aerial threats aimed at military and civilian sites across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. According to Times Now sources, Indian forces shot down at least five Pakistani fighter jets, including one F-16.
The F-16 was reportedly shot down in Jaisalmer as India’s air defence system was activated following a barrage of missiles and drone attacks by Pakistan. Pakistan also lost 2 JF-17S fighter jets and an AWACS surveillance aircraft. Furthermore, one unidentified jet was also brought down.

In a second wave of aggression within 24 hours, Pakistan launched a coordinated drone and missile attack late Thursday night, targeting critical military and civilian sites across northern and western India. The offensive aimed at high-value locations such as Jammu airport, an army base in Udhampur, and civilian areas including a university campus and cantonments in Akhnoor, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, and Jaisalmer. Drones were also detected over the Kutch region in Gujarat, intensifying the conflict.
India’s air defence network, including the S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra,” responded promptly, neutralising the threats. Two drones were successfully shot down near Jammu University.

In a precautionary move, authorities enforced power shutdowns across several regions — including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan — to maximise radar efficiency and air defence readiness. “Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected,” posted former J&K DGP SP Vaid on X.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-air-defence-wipes-out-pakistans-air-raid-1-f-16-2-jf-17s-and-awacs-destroyed-article-151594544

The officials have also seized Rs 50 lakh recovered from a receiver of this watch. The accused passenger, aged 47, was intercepted after his arrival from Hong Kong on Sunday.

A man from Hong Kong was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport here for smuggling into the country a luxury watch worth Rs 83 lakh, the customs department said on Wednesday.

The officials have also seized Rs 50 lakh recovered from a receiver of this watch. The accused passenger, aged 47, was intercepted after his arrival from Hong Kong on Sunday.

“The total market value of the watch was found to be approximately Rs. 83,00,000. The said passenger admitted that the foreign-origin watch was brought from Hong Kong to Delhi to avoid paying customs duty,” the department said in a post on X.

During interrogation, the passenger admitted to previously smuggling four watches, with their total value found to be approximately Rs 2.5 crore, it said.

Further investigation led to the interception of two Indian receivers who admitted to having received smuggled watches worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore from the same passenger, the customs department said.

“Upon further probe, one Indian receiver/buyer of the smuggled watch was found in possession of Rs 50 lakhs in cash. The receiver/buyer admitted that the cash was brought as a partial payment for the smuggled watch.

“He further admitted to being in regular contact with the two receivers and confirmed his involvement in the purchase and handover of smuggled watches to his clients in India,” it said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/hong-kong-citizen-held-at-delhi-airport-for-smuggling-rs-83-lakh-luxury-watch-3529872 

The announcement came against the backdrop of India’s armed forces destroying nine terrorist infrastructures, including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a 25-minute-long missile and drone strike early on Wednesday.

Air India and Air India Express have offered free rescheduling of tickets or full refunds on cancellations for armed forces personnel who have bookings with the airlines.

The announcement came against the backdrop of India’s armed forces destroying nine terrorist infrastructures, including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a 25-minute-long missile and drone strike early on Wednesday.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/air-india-air-india-express-offer-free-rescheduling-refunds-for-armed-forces-amid-military-ops

In a post on X, the Indian Army stated that the camp, which was used as control centre for revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. was destroyed at 1:11 AM on 07 May 2025.

The Indian army’s official X handle has posted another video of ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan with specific details about Target 3- Mehmoona Joya Terrorist Camp in Pakistan’s Sialkot. It provided details on how, when, and why the Mehmoona Joya terrorist camp at Pakistan’s Sialkot located 12 km from the Line of Control (LoC) in PoJK, was targeted.

In a post on X, the Indian Army stated that the camp, which was used as control centre for revival of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. was destroyed at 1:11 AM on 07 May 2025.

The Army described the Mehmoona Joya terrorist camp as the Key training centre of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Earlier, the army shared specific details regarding “Target 1 – Abbas Terrorist Camp at Kotli” and Target 2 – Gulpur Terrorist Camp In Pakistan’s Kotli.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/operation-sindoor-indian-army-shares-video-explains-how-when-and-why-target-3-mehmoona-joya-terrorist-camp-in-pakistans-sialkot-was-destroyed

Operation Sindoor: Two decorated lady officers from the armed forces briefed the press today on the details of India’s late night strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Their presence proves the pivotal role women are playing in high-level defence operations.

The nation today woke up with the news of Operation Sindoor, which is done in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This mission was codenamed Operation Sindoor.
The strike was followed by a press briefing by India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and the detailed reports of the strike were given by two decorated officers – Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Commander Vyomika Singh. But who are they?
Vyomika Singh is among the few women officers to represent the Indian Armed Forces in a joint media interaction. She has logged more than 2,500 flying hours and has operated on helicopters like Chetak and Cheetah in the toughest of the terrains.

Mock Drill News: During the mock drills, citizens are advised to prepare emergency kits at home with key items that will help during blackouts and in case of medical emergencies.

A letter alleging issues with BrahMos missile components, attributed to a scientist from the DRDO, has been debunked by the Press Information Bureau.

A letter, undersigned by scientist AS Kumar from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is being circulated online claiming a failure in BrahMos missile components. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday issued a clarification that the letter is fake and that there is no scientist named AS Kumar at the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE). The DRDO has issued no such letter on the BrahMos missile, the PIB asserted.
Contrary to the fake letter, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile recently demonstrated a striking range of 800 km during successful tests conducted in the Bay of Bengal. With this enhanced capability, India now has the ability to target virtually any strategic or military installation within Pakistan, according to military analysts, significantly altering the security calculus of the region.

India strikes Pakistan with ‘Operation Sindoor’

These attempts at spreading misinformation come at a time when India launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the intervening night of May 6-7 to avenge the Pahalgam attack. The military strikes struck nine identified sites used to plan and coordinate cross-border attacks on Indian soil.
The nine locations include Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad. Sources state that the locations were chosen strategically, most of which have been consistently used by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to launch attacks on India.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/has-drdo-issued-a-letter-on-failure-of-brahmos-missile-fake-claim-debunked-after-operation-sindoor-article-151582511

Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi explained how the Army, Navy, and Air Force coordinated in the joint operation.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi led the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The pre-dawn air and missile strikes targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing 70 terrorists. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also joined the briefing.

Singh, a decorated helicopter pilot in the IAF, and Qureshi, a senior Army officer, explained how the Army, Navy, and Air Force coordinated in the joint operation.

The Internet is now praising the powerful image of these two senior women officers leading the briefing, while also recalling Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent comments on the “Two-Nation Theory.”

Sharing a clip from the briefing, a user recalled, “Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir says, ‘Hindus & Muslims can’t live together.’ Here, Col. Sophia Qureshi & Wg Cmdr. Vyomika Singh giving the best treatment to Pak-sponsored terrorism. India has proven Pakistan wrong, once again.”

“Col. Sophia Qureshi, Wg. Cdr. Vyomika Singh. That’s my India! Our enemies, beware!” a comment read.

A person wrote, “Two women. Two uniforms. Two faiths. One mission: Service to the nation. Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh leading the Operation Sindoor briefing is more than strategy—it’s a statement. India’s strength lies in unity.”

Posting a picture from the briefing, a user commented, “Operation Sindoor. Colonel Sophia Qureshi. Wing commander Vyomika Singh. This picture is going to haunt Pakistanis for the rest of their lives.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/as-women-in-uniform-brief-on-op-sindoor-netizens-recall-pak-army-chiefs-two-nation-speech-aa-9327220.html

Early Wednesday, in a coordinated military operation, the Indian armed forces launched deep-strike missile attacks on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK

As a tribute to the Indian Army-led strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor,’ locals in Nagpur held a grand torch rally on Wednesday evening.

The rally, which drew hundreds of participants, was organised to honour the armed forces for their response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen, on 22 April.

A video of the event, shared by ANI, shows people waving torches and tricolour while chanting slogans in support of the Indian Army.

Speaking at the rally, one participant said, “The Indian government had promised the countrymen. The Indian Army first attacked by entering, then attacked a second time through air strike and this time we will not only attack PoK, we will kill the terrorists wherever they are hiding.”

He added, “Whenever there was a war with Pakistan, our army always won, but whenever there was a dialogue on the negotiating table, the army always lost. This time the Indian government gave a free hand to the army. The army is ready to eliminate anyone who tries to trouble Indian citizens and this message was given by the Prime Minister.”

Similar celebrations took place in other parts of the country. In Rajasthan’s Bhilwara, residents gathered at the Information Centre Square, lighting fireworks and raising slogans in support of the armed forces.

India’s Response: ‘Operation Sindoor’

Early Wednesday, in a coordinated military operation, the Indian armed forces launched deep-strike missile attacks on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The targets included the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) stronghold in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke — both deep within Pakistan’s Punjab province, over 100 kilometres from the Indian border.

The strikes were described by the government as “measured, non-escalatory, and proportionate.” According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the decision to strike was made due to Pakistan’s continued inaction and failure to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil.

“This was the first such aerial operation conducted by India inside Punjab province of Pakistan since the 1971 war,” Misri said at a press briefing, adding that the action aimed to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice.

India on Wednesday morning targeted terrorist installations, including training camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif, has attributed his country’s claim that its forces downed five Indian jets – including Rafales – during Operation Sindoor to social media reports.

Asif made the bizarre statement during a CNN interview when a journalist asked him if Pakistan had any evidence to prove its claim.

“It is all on social media, and Indian social media, not our social media. The debris of the jets fell on their side. It is all over the Indian media,” he claimed when the journalist pressed for evidence.

India on Wednesday morning targeted terrorist installations, including training camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing scores of terrorists and avenging the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan has acknowledged the attack and the casualties.Later, the fact-checking unit of India’s Press Information Bureau reported that Pakistani social media channels had been sharing an old and unrelated photo of a crashed plane and trying to pass it off as a downed Rafale. It said the image was from a crash in 2021.

“Beware of old images shared by pro-Pakistan handles in the present context! An old image showing a crashed aircraft is being circulated with the claim that Pakistan recently shot down an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur during the ongoing Operation Sindoor. #PIBFactCheck: This image is from an earlier incident involving an IAF MiG-21 fighter jet that crashed in Moga district in Punjab in 2021,” it shared on its X handle.

Asif further said in the interview that Pakistan was trying to avoid a full-fledged war with India.

“There is a possibility of expansion of this conflict into a full-fledged war, which we are trying to avoid,” Asif told CNN.

The attack early Wednesday was a “clear-cut violation, and an invitation to expand the conflict and maybe convert it into something much wider and much more dangerous for the region,” he added.

He, however, said Pakistan is ready for an all-out war.

Asif told Bloomberg Television earlier in the day that Pakistan is ready to wrap up tensions with India if New Delhi de-escalates the situation.

“We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension,” he said.

Pakistan’s top security body on Wednesday said the armed forces have been authorised to undertake retaliation “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing” to avenge the loss of lives in the Indian military strikes.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/social-media-pak-ministers-bizarre-reply-when-asked-for-proof-of-downing-iaf-jets-101746666270469.html

Twenty-seven airports in north, west and central India have been closed for commercial flights, for now till 5.29am Saturday (May 10), report Saurabh Sinha & Manju V.

Indian carriers cancelled a total of 430 flights for Thursday, which was 3% of the country’s total scheduled flights, while Pakistan carriers cancelled 147 flights, 17% of its total scheduled flights. Airspace over Pakistan and the western shoulder of India between Kashmir and Gujarat was free of civilian air traffic as airlines shunned the sensitive zone, showed Flightradar24, which also shared the flight cancellation data. Most foreign carriers stopped using Pakistani airspace, re-routing flights over Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Airports that have been closed are Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Bhuntar, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Gwalior and Hindon, said industry sources. Those that only handle military charters are also closed.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/27-airports-shut-over-400-flights-cancelled-today/articleshow/120976193.cms

Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif claimed Indian soldiers were captured during recent military strikes, a statement that was later debunked and retracted

Pakistan has unleashed a full-blown disinformation offensive in a desperate attempt to shift the focus and control the narrative with a barrage of lies and digital theatrics following India’s decisive strike under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

What started as a focused and effective military operation by the Indian Armed Forces has now spiralled into a chaotic online propaganda war.

Pro-Pakistan social media handles and even influential political figures are deliberately spreading fake news, fabricating stories of miraculous military victories and heroic retaliation that simply do not exist.

In a blatant effort to hijack the narrative and distract from the reality on the ground, Pakistan’s state-affiliated accounts have turned to their familiar playbook: recycling outdated images, misrepresenting old videos, and inventing completely fabricated claims.

Their goal is clear — to flood the information space with falsehoods so quickly and overwhelmingly that it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction. This is not just misinformation; it is a calculated, coordinated campaign designed to distort reality, mislead the public, and manipulate perceptions across the region.

One of the most prominent examples is a viral image falsely claiming that the Pakistan Army had shot down an Indian Rafale jet near Bahawalpur.

The image, however, was debunked by PIB Fact Check, which confirmed that it was actually from a MiG-21 crash in Moga, Punjab, in 2021 — entirely unrelated to current events.

Another brazen piece of misinformation surfaced in the form of a video falsely claiming that the Indian Army raised a white flag and surrendered at Chora Post. This fabricated narrative was amplified by Pakistan’s Minister Attaullah Tarar, who publicly endorsed the claim without a shred of evidence.

By lending official weight to an unverified and clearly false story, Mr Tarar not only misled his own citizens but also actively contributed to the propaganda campaign.

In another misleading post, a video was circulated with the claim that the Pakistan Air Force targeted the Srinagar airbase. In reality, this footage was traced back to sectarian clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, that occurred in early 2024. The video had no connection to Kashmir or any recent airstrike.

A separate rumour claimed that Pakistan destroyed an Indian Brigade Headquarters, a claim that has no basis in fact and has been entirely fabricated, according to defence sources.

Additionally, another old image — this time of a MiG-29 crash in Barmer, Rajasthan, from September 2024 — was recirculated by pro-Pakistan social media handles to imply recent Indian Air Force losses, which did not occur.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also made a baseless claim that Indian soldiers were captured during the recent military strikes, a statement that was later debunked and retracted.

Asif alleged that Indian soldiers had been taken prisoner following Pakistan’s response to India’s Operation Sindoor. However, these claims were promptly dismissed as false, with no evidence to support the assertion of captured soldiers.

The Defence Minister later retracted his statement, acknowledging that no Indian soldiers had been taken into custody.

These incidents reflect a deliberate and coordinated attempt by Pakistan to mislead the media, distort the global narrative, and manipulate public perception in the wake of India’s successful strike under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/after-indias-operation-sindoor-pakistans-propaganda-machine-in-full-swing-8358547#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a summit held Tuesday, said that India’s water will now only flow for its benefit. His remark comes amid India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Amid tensions with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that India’s rivers will now only flow for the nation’s benefit. PM Modi indirectly mentioned the debate over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said that earlier, even water which was India’s right, was flowing out of the country.
“Today, there is a lot of discussion in the media on water. First, even the water that was India’s right was flowing out of the country, but now India’s water will flow for its own benefit, it will stop for India’s benefit and will be of use only to India,” PM Modi said, at ABP’s ‘India at 2047’ Summit. (“Pehle Bharat ke haq ka paani bhi baahar ja raha tha. Par ab Bharat ka paani, Bharat ke haq mein bahega, Bharat ke haq mein rukega or bharat ke hi kaam aayega.”)

The mock drills will be held in 55 locations across Delhi’s 11 districts; here’s the full list

Sixty air raid sirens will blare across Delhi at around 4pm on Wednesday, signalling the start of “Operation Abhyaas”, a nationwide civil defence mock drill that will mobilise thousands of volunteers, police officers, rescue teams and bureaucrats in response to simulated hostile scenarios.

The drill will recreate a range of emergencies—from air raids and urban fires to casualty evacuations and temporary hospital setups—with an aim to test the national capital’s wartime readiness and civilian resilience. As part of the exercise, Delhi will see coordinated action at over 55 locations, five in each of the city’s 11 districts, officials aware of the plan said.

The event, organised under the aegis of the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), is part of a larger national plan to enhance civil defence preparedness in 244 towns and districts across India. A planning meeting on Tuesday brought together Delhi’s 11 district magistrates, officials from the Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), civil defence units, home guards, police, fire services, hospitals, and other civic bodies.

One of the DMs said the chosen drill sites span a mix of locations — markets, residential complexes, hospitals, and schools — to ensure all critical sectors are covered. Each district will deploy at least 100 Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs), alongside police, fire officials, medics, and disaster response teams.

“The drill will begin with the sirens warning of an incoming air raid. This will trigger blackout procedures, communication with the Indian Air Force, activation of control rooms, and evacuation protocols,” said an official involved in planning. “The idea is to mimic a multi-layered crisis and test our coordinated response, not just as a formality but as a show of serious preparedness.”

Further, an official said a brief blackout has been planned at 7pm in the city. However, till late evening, officials part of the planning process did not confirm whether the blackout will be limited only to vital installations and buildings or will spread across the Capital.

The scenarios will simulate emergency evacuations, urban search and rescue operations, triaging of “casualties”, and sheltering civilians in temporary bunkers or demilitarised zones. In some cases, civilians will be guided to underground spaces like subways or reinforced structures, depending on availability.

“Operation Abhyaas is both a precautionary drill and a demonstration of intent—that civil preparedness is as crucial as military strategy in national security,” the official cited above added.

Teams across the Capital’s districts have been instructed to identify and prepare safe buildings and demilitarised zones for mock evacuations.

At least one hospital, government office, market and residential complex has been earmarked in each district, with the occupants being briefed hours before the exercise.

In parallel, the Delhi government has launched a large-scale safety training campaign in schools. Around 500–700 schools will participate, where DDMA and civil defence officials will teach students shelter protocols and emergency preparedness. These drills will occur earlier in the day, ahead of the main 4pm drill.

According to internal planning documents, accessed by HT, a total of 660 schools — 550 private and 110 government — along with 40 market and civilian locations, have been selected for this special training. The Delhi government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) and DMs have been instructed to coordinate the sessions.

Educational institutions and youth groups such as NCC, NSS and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are also participating, as part of a broader effort to instill civic defence awareness among young citizens.

“The inclusion of students in Operation Abhyaas reflects a long-term strategy to build a culture of preparedness,” said another official. “Over 500 schools and colleges will be involved in some form.”

Officials, however, were keen to stress that the drill will not disrupt daily life. Markets, banks, schools and public transport will operate normally. Only the drill locations will be impacted. “The public should not panic. This is a preparedness exercise, not a real emergency,” an officer said.

A senior Delhi Police officer said a dedicated control room at the police headquarters on Jai Singh Road—the C4i (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) centre—will monitor the situation citywide. “The C4i room is connected to over 1,500 CCTV cameras installed before the G20 summit and will track movements, monitor suspicious activity, and coordinate with civil defence command centres,” the officer said.

Control rooms have been activated at multiple nodes across the city. Situation reports will be filed hourly from each district and compiled at the state war room for submission to the office of the Director General of Civil Defence. This feedback will help refine civil defence protocols and inform future policies.

The city is also preparing for long-term infrastructure upgrades. “It was decided to procure around 500 sirens to be installed permanently across Delhi to augment our air raid warning capabilities,” said an official part of the meeting with DMs.

A district-level officer said each government department has been assigned specific tasks for the drill. Once the sirens are sounded, emergency functionaries will treat mock casualties at the site, move them to designated hospitals, and guide civilians to bunkers or safe zones. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and standard operating procedures have been distributed to all volunteers.

An official overseeing the preparedness efforts said that while Delhi is familiar with disaster management during events like earthquakes and fires, Operation Abhyaas adds a crucial wartime preparedness dimension. “It forces us to rethink civilian safety protocols in conflict-like scenarios—how to maintain order, how to shelter civilians, how to support large-scale evacuations. These are questions we need to be ready to answer.”

Senior officials emphasized that the drill is not only a demonstration of coordination between government agencies, but also a signal to the public. “In a city like Delhi, with its geopolitical significance, civil defence must be seen as a shared responsibility. From schoolchildren to senior bureaucrats, everyone must be equipped to respond,” said a senior officer.

Feedback from the drill will feed into a larger review by MHA and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which will consider further changes in policy, training, and infrastructure.

“The idea is to create a sustainable, repeatable model for other cities as well,” said a planning official. “This is the most comprehensive civil defence rehearsal in recent history—and its success will shape the country’s preparedness posture for years to come.”

The mock drill also draws on the statutory authority of the Civil Defence Act, 1968, and related frameworks such as the Defence of India Rules, the Geneva Conventions Act of 1960, and the Union War Book of India. These laws and regulations form the backbone of India’s civil defence doctrine. The operation also aligns with international humanitarian standards under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols.

Here’s the full list of location where drills will be held across Delhi’s 11 districts:

North Delhi: G3S Cinema Mall, Sector 11, Rohini; Rohini Sector 18-19 Metro Station; Babu Jag Jivan Ram Hospital Jhangirpuri; M2K Victoria Garden, Azadpur; The Maan School, Holambi Khurd.

South Delhi: Select Citywalk Mall, Saket; Birla Vidya Niketan School Pushp Vihar; Sitaram Bharatiya Instititue of Science & Research, Mehrauli; Anupam Apartment, Saket; District Court Complex, Saket.

East Delhi: Maharishi Valmiki College of Education; Scope Minar; DM East Office; Kondli market; Sahyog Apartment, Mayur Vihar Phase-1.

West Delhi: District Magistrate’s office and MCD East Zone Office, Raja Garden; Rajouri Garden J-Block Market; DLF Capital Greens, Moti Nagar; SKV Mundka; DDU Hospital Hari Nagar

North West Delhi: Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh; House no. 156, Village Madanpur Dabas; City Centre Mall, Sector10 Rohini; Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalya Bus Stand, Main Chowk Bawana Road; DDA office Madhuban Chowk

Sindoor, which traditionally signifies the marital status of Hindu women, serves as a poignant reference to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre

The codename ‘Operation Sindoor’, under which India responded to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack by striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), carried a message that was both emotionally resonant and symbolically heroic.

The Indian Armed Forces struck selective terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, reportedly from where terrorist attacks against India were orchestrated, under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Sindoor, or vermillion, traditionally signifies the marital status of Hindu women and serves as a poignant reference to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, where terrorists targeted and killed men—some newly married—based on their religion.

It also holds symbolic pride, as a sindoor tilak is worn by warriors heading into battle.

“A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched OPERATION SINDOOR, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted,” a statement issued by the Indian Army said.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’ was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to symbolically reflect India’s response to the Pahalgam attack.

Operation Sindoor: A Symbolic Name

Two weeks ago, on April 22, an image of a Hindu woman sitting in silent shock beside her husband’s lifeless body spread widely across social media, becoming a powerful symbol of the devastating militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 civilian lives.

The woman, Himanshi Narwal, had been married for less than a week to 26-year-old naval officer Vinay Narwal. The couple was on their honeymoon when Vinay was tragically shot dead based on his religion, turning their celebration into an unimaginable tragedy.

Himanshi’s emotional scene, including a viral video of her saying goodbye to her husband’s coffin, became widely known in the aftermath of the attack.

The power of the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ lies in its ability to humanise the victims and survivors of the Pahalgam massacre, ensuring their sacrifices aren’t reduced to only statistics.

While Pakistan and their sponsored terror groups have a long past of harming Indian civilians, the Indian forces have exercised all sensibilities to limit its retaliatory strikes to terror camps.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Armed Forces struck nine sites in Pakistan and PoK, all reportedly being categorised as terror bases affiliated to Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/why-indias-pahalgam-retaliation-was-named-operation-sindoor-the-significance-and-symbolism-9326501.html

The Indian military struck selective terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, reportedly from where terrorist attacks were orchestrated, under the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’.

India Strikes Pakistan FAQs: The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes using advanced weapon systems, including loitering munitions, on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people on April 22.

The Indian military struck selective terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, reportedly from where terrorist attacks were orchestrated, under the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’.

“A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed,” India’s Ministry of Defence said.

India Hits Pakistan: What Happened

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Armed Forces struck nine sites in Pakistan and PoK, all being categorised as terror bases affiliated to Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the Ministry of Defence said.

The ministry added that the operation was launched in response to the “barbaric” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indian nationals and a Nepali citizen.

Targeted Sites In Pakistan, PoK

The Pakistani military confirmed that Indian missiles had struck multiple locations inside Pakistani territory, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh and Muzaffarabad, according to a report by Dawn.

“Some time ago from now, the cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air,” said Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during a late-night press briefing.

CNN-News18 has accessed the first visuals from Muzaffarabad, showing a building reduced to rubble following an Indian airstrike that reportedly targeted a terror base in retaliation for the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam.

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif said that Indian strikes targeted five locations in the country, adding that Islamabad will respond to the strikes with full force.

“The treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished. Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack — a resolute response is already underway.”

World Leaders React

Moments after Indian missiles targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor, US President Donald Trump responded, expressing hope that the conflict would “end very quickly.”

“It’s a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They’ve been fighting for a long time. They’ve been fighting for many, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly,” Trump said.

Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

What Next?

As the Indian military struck terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, the Islamabad leaders vowed to respond with full force, with the Pakistani PM saying that the country “reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack.”

Meanwhile, India has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7 aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and public awareness.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-strikes-pakistan-what-happened-what-it-means-and-whats-next-faqs-answered-9326477.html

The strike called by the Indian forves on all the nine targets has been successful, sources further revealed. The Indian forces had selected the location for strikes with the intent of targeting top Jaish e Muhammed and Lashkar leadership for their role in sponsoring terrorist activities in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has beenconstantly monitoring the Operation Sindoor throughout the night, sources said to ANI.

The strike called by the Indian forves on all the nine targets has been successful, sources further revealed. The Indian forces had selected the location for strikes with the intent of targeting top Jaish e Muhammed and Lashkar leadership for their role in sponsoring terrorist activities in India.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Indian Army launched the Operation Sindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed,” said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry, these steps come in response to the “barbaric” Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government reiterated its commitment to hold those responsible accountable.

Precision strike weapon systems from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including loitering munitions, were employed in Operation Sindoor, which successfully targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), sources confirmed to ANI.

The coordinates for the attacks were provided by intelligence agencies, and the strikes were carried out entirely from Indian soil. The Indian forces selected these locations with the intent of targeting key Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba leadership, responsible for sponsoring terrorism in India, sources added.

Despite India’s precision strikes on terror targets, Pakistan violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhimber Gali area, just hours after the operation. The Indian Army is responding “appropriately in a calibrated manner,” officials confirmed.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-monitors-operation-sindoor-overnight-as-indian-forces-successfully-strike-9-terror-camps-in-pakistan-and-pojk

India’s strikes on the terror camps came in retaliation against the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. First visuals from after the attack captured explosions, blackouts and rescue work in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A big explosion, blackout in some parts and debris of a damaged building lying around were seen in the first visuals after India struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of its post-midnight Operation Sindoor.

A purported clip from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir showed a big explosion with people on their two-wheelers gawking at it.

India’s strikes on the terror camps came in retaliation against the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Lashkar headquarters and Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar’s hideouts were among the nine targets, sources told India Today TV.

Hours after the strikes, the Indian Army said that Pakistan resorted to arbitrary firing, including artillery shelling from posts across the Line of Control, and three civilians were killed in the firing.

According to sources, among terror camps targeted were Bahawalpur and Mudrike in Pakistan, which are home to the headquarters of terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, respectively.

As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces launched joint airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, targeting nine terror camps using Rafale jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions, as per sources.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sindoor-india-strikes-pak-terror-camps-pok-kashmir-first-visuals-2720683-2025-05-07

The Indian government said the ban on Pakistani imports is “imposed in the interest of national security and public policy.” Pakistan meanwhile says it has test fired a ballistic missile.

India on Saturday said it has banned imports of goods originating from or transiting via Pakistan as relations between the two neighboring countries continue to worsen since the recent deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region.

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade said that the ban will take effect immediately.

“Direct or indirect Import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders,” a notification by India’s Commerce Ministry read.

“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” it added.

Pakistan conducts missile test

Pakistan’s military on Saturday meanwhile said it conducted a training launch of a surface-to-surface missile weapons system.

“Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System — a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres,” the military statement read.

The Indian Army posted a video showing arms, ammunition, and tanks minutes before it launched its Operation Sindoor strikes on Pakistan

The Indian Army posted a video showing arms, ammunition, and tanks minutes before it launched its Operation Sindoor strikes on Pakistan, targeting nine terror sites. In the caption of the social media post, the army wrote: “Ready to Strike, Trained to Win.”

Moments after the video was posted, news agency Reuters reported about explosions being heard in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad. The Indian Defense Ministry confirmed that it had struck nine sites in Pakistan.

“A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed,” the statement read.

In the video posted just before the strike, Indian soldiers could be seen loading weapons and firing tanks. “The burder of my brothers and sisters’ pain shall find you,” a voice in the background can be heard.

The video ends with an ‘Always ready, always victorious’ message.

Soon after the video was released, India announced its strikes on Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” Indian authorities said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General said that India’s “temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief”.

“India has struck three places from air. Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad… All planes of Pakistan Air Force are airborne. All strikes were made by India from its own airspace,” ISPR’s statement read.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-army-posted-ready-to-strike-video-minutes-before-operation-sindoor-attack-on-pakistan-101746563680655.html

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian Army’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror camps, Spicejet Airlines on Wednesday issued a flight advisory for airports in the northern parts of the country.

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Indian Army’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror camps, Spicejet Airlines on Wednesday issued a flight advisory for airports in the northern parts of the country.

Taking to social media X, the airlines in a post wrote that airports including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar would be closed until further notice, further stating that departures, arrivals and consequential flights would also be impacted.

The airlines also requested passengers to plan their journey accordingly and check their flight status before flying.

“Due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status,” the post read.

Meanwhile, Indigo Airlines also issued a flight advisory for their commuters flying to and from selected cities in the country.

Taking to social media X, Indigo in a post on X stated that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh and Dharamshala would be impacted.

The airlines requested passengers to check flight status before reaching the airport.”Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from #Srinagar, #Jammu, #Amritsar, #Leh, #Chandigarh and #Dharamshala are impacted. We request you to check your flight status before reaching the airport,” the post read.3

Furthermore, flights to and from Bikaner would also be impacted due to the current airspace restrictions.

“Update: Flights to/from #Bikaner are also impacted by the current airspace restrictions. We request you to check your flight status before reaching the airport,” the post further reads.

Earlier, India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the strikes were part of “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-pakistan-tensions-spicejet-indigo-issue-advisories-as-airports-in-north-india-shut-amid-operation-sindoor-strikes 

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani hackers are targeting Indian defence website, claiming that they have access to sensitive information. However, senior management of one of the websites categorically denied the information.

Pakistan Cyber Force, a handle on X, has claimed that its hackers gained access to sensitive information of the Military Engineer Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis.

The X account has claimed that it has gained access to 10 gb of data of over 1600 users of the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses website.

Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis denies claim

Senior management of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has categorically denieed that its website has been hacked.

Defence data compromised?

According to a report by News18 citing sources, the cyber attack may have compromised sensitive information linked to Indian defence officials, such as their login credentials and personal details.

The news outlet also reported that Pakistani hackers further tried to deface the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking that falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Defence.

An NDTV report also stated quoting sources that the website of the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited was taken down for a thorough audit to assess the extent of any potential damage.

Livemint could not independently verify the reports, but also could not access the website.

India foils Pakistan’s hacking attempts

In a continued wave of cyber offensives, Pakistan-based hacker groups such as “Cyber Group HOAX1337” and “National Cyber Crew” made unsuccessful attempts to breach some websites on May 1.

According to news agency ANI, these hacking efforts were promptly identified and neutralised by cybersecurity agencies.

Among the latest provocations, the websites of Army Public School Nagrota and Sunjuwan were targeted and attempted to be defaced with messages mocking the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. In another incident, a website catering to ex-servicemen’s healthcare services was defaced.

Earlier on April 29, Pakistan redirected its efforts towards publicly accessible welfare and educational websites. Operating under the moniker “IOK Hacker” – Internet of Khilafah, the group sought to deface pages, disrupt online services and harvest personal information. India’s cybersecurity architecture detected the intrusions in real-time and quickly traced their origin to Pakistan.

The websites of Army Public School (APS) Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were both targeted with inflammatory propaganda. APS Srinagar also faced a distributed-denial-of-service assault.

Source : https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-big-move-bans-pakistani-ships-from-ports-to-ensure-safety-of-assets-in-aftermath-of-pahalgam-attack-11746262081234.html

Singer Pawandeep’s car collided with a canter standing on the side of the highway in Gajraula area. Here’s what the doctors said.

Singer Pawandeep Rajan was injured in a road accident late Sunday night in Amroha, UP. Pawandeep’s friend Ajay Mehra and car driver Rahul Singh were also injured in this accident. All three are undergoing treatment in the hospital. Doctors say that Pawandeep has fractures in both legs, and he has also suffered a head injury. Singer Pawandeep’s car collided with a canter standing on the side of the highway in Gajraula area. Recently, a report by Hindustan Times reported that Pawandeep is now stable and conscious.

Pawandeep is a resident of Champawat in Uttarakhand. He became famous as the winner of ‘Indian Idol 12’. He was going from home to Noida with his friend Ajay Mehra. The Police have taken both the damaged vehicles into their custody. Rahul Singh was driving the car. At around 2:30 in the night, while coming down from Chaupala Chauraha Overbridge in Gajraula police station area, his car collided with a canter standing on the side of the highway.

Police say that this accident happened due to driver Rahul Singh falling asleep. After the accident, a crowd of people gathered at the spot. Police took the injured out of the car and took them to the government hospital. From there, the doctors

Source : https://www.india.com/entertainment/singer-pawandeep-rajan-stable-after-serious-crash-doctors-confirm-multiple-fractures-7800933/

In response to the “cash at home” scandal involving Justice Yashwant Varma, 21 of the 33 Supreme Court judges have disclosed their asset details online, with the remaining judges’ information set to follow.

Aimed at boosting transparency and public confidence in the judiciary in the wake of Justice Yashwant Varma’s “cash at home” episode, 21 out of the 33 sitting judges of the Supreme Court have posted their asset details on the court’s website.
An SC statement late last night said that the asset details of the remaining 12 judges will also be uploaded soon, “as and when the current statement of assets is received.”
Until now, the website only stated that judges had declared their assets; details were not available. This has been done following a resolution passed on April 1, 2025.

“The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India has, on 1st April, 2025, decided that the statement of assets of the Judges of this Court shall be placed in the public domain by uploading the same on the website of this Court. Statements of assets of Judges already received are being uploaded. Statements of assets of other Judges will be uploaded as and when the current statement of assets is received,” said the press release.

The publication of assets on the website was not mandatory earlier but was discretionary, depending on whether an individual judge wanted to do so.
It was in 2009 that a full court of the Supreme Court of India first took the significant decision—one which came about after great pressure from the public and from within the judiciary.

The case is linked to Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla, who is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes and terror-related activities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at 10 locations across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi as part of its investigation into the 2024 Neemrana hotel firing incident, the agency said in a statement on Monday. The case is linked to Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla, who is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes and terror-related activities.
Dalla has been declared a proclaimed offender in more than 50 cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, and terror financing. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him in May 2022, and he was officially designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2023.
The attack, in which 35 shots were fired on September 8, last year all around the premises of Hotel Highway King in Neemrana, Rajasthan, was aimed at terrorising and threatening people, it said.

“The two attackers were subsequently identified as members of the Bambiah gang, having connections with Dalla’s terrorist-gangster network.

“They had used prohibited weapons and also threatened the hotel’s owner and manager for extortion money. The manager had also earlier received several threat calls from international numbers,” said the statement issued by the NIA.
The NIA, which had taken over the case in December, seized several electronic devices and other “incriminating” materials during the searches conducted at the premises of accused and suspects engaged in promoting violent criminal activities on Saturday, it said.
These “accused/suspects had been involved in providing financial support and in carrying out acts of violence and terror at the behest of designated individual terrorist Arsh Dalla and his associate Dinesh Gandhi”, according to NIA’s investigations.
Dalla’s associates have been engaged in extortion through such terror and violent acts to raise funds for banned Khalistani terrorist outfits, the agency has alleged.
Businessmen and other targets were identified by these gangsters and their aides who would threaten and coerce the targets into paying off huge sums, the probe agency said.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/neemrana-hotel-firing-nia-raids-10-locations-in-probe-linked-to-khalistani-terrorist-arsh-dalla-article-151567732

Mount Abu in Rajasthan experienced unexpected rain on Sunday night, leading to a pleasant change in weather by Monday morning.

The weather turned pleasant in Rajasthan’s Mount Abu after surprise rain graced the hill station on Sunday night. Cloudy skies were seen in Mount Abu, and the hill station was hazy with mist by Monday morning. Tourists enjoyed the unexpected weather, but the foggy roads also caused traffic inconvenience as people turned vehicle headlights on even during the day.
Mount Abu, renowned as the ‘honeymooners’ paradise’, sits around the Nakki Lake. Seeking a getaway from the heat of April, many tourists visit Mount Abu, where the temperature usually falls between 16 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. In May, it usually soars to 23-37 degrees Celsius, however, it seems that the hill station will be pleasant even in May this year due to the surprise drizzle.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), generally cloudy skies and “with possibility of rainfall and thunderstorm” are predicted for Mount Abu until May 10.

This year’s preparations are particularly challenging due to unusually heavy snowfall, with drifts reaching 10 to 20 feet in certain areas.

The countdown to the Amarnath Yatra has begun, and devotees are eagerly awaiting their sacred journey to witness the legendary ice Shivling. The first-ever live view of the Amarnath Shivling has been revealed, two months before the official start of the Yatra in July.

According to the Amarnath Shrine Board, the 2025 Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and will conclude on August 19, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

As always, devotees from all corners of the country are gearing up for the spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave, where they will seek blessings from Baba Barfani, Lord Shiva.

Some fortunate devotees from Punjab have already visited the holy cave and captured images of the revered Shivling. The early access to the site has only heightened the excitement among the devotees who are anxiously waiting for the Yatra to commence.

Authorities are working around the clock to clear snow-covered paths for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The snow clearance work has been started on both major routes—Baltal and Chandanwari—so that the tracks can be made walkable for the pilgrims well in advance.

This year’s preparations are particularly challenging due to unusually heavy snowfall, with drifts reaching 10 to 20 feet in certain areas. The snow clearance efforts aim to ensure the tracks are safe and walkable for pilgrims before the yatra begins.

J-K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, visited the Amarnath Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar on Monday to review the ongoing preparations for the pilgrimage.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/first-images-of-amarnath-shivling-revealed-yatra-to-begin-on-july-3-ws-l-9324859.html

MIGM is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

In a display of its advanced defense capabilities, India successfully test-fired an indigenously designed and developed underwater naval mine designed to enhance the Navy’s capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines.

The Indian Navy and Defence Research of Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the “combat firing” of Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

The announcement came from the Ministry of Defence on Monday amid the simmering ties between India and Pakistan following the last month’s Pahalgam terror attack.

“The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM),” the defence ministry said on Monday.

Complimenting DRDO, Indian Navy and the Industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy.

The DRDO also shared a video of the test firing in which an underwater explosion took place with reduced explosives.

The MIGM system is equipped with multiple sensors capable of detecting acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signatures produced by marine vessels. It has been designed to operate effectively in complex maritime environments. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system.

Earlier, Indian Navy’s latest destroyer, INS Surat (D69), successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) against a sea-skimming target in the Arabian Sea. The successful firing of the MRSAM underscored the destroyer’s ability to effectively counter modern aerial threats, including those that approach at low altitudes to evade radar detection.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-test-fires-advanced-underwater-naval-mine-amid-rising-tensions-with-pakistan-ws-kl-9324990.html

Kamble, originally a resident of Tadiwala Road area of Pune was arrested from the Khopoli area of Raigad district after an intelligence-based operation. He was widely known as ‘Laptop’ by the Naxalite cadres for his skills to repair computers and laptops.

In a major swoop, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra police has arrested Prashant Jalinder Kamble alias ‘Laptop’, who has been wanted for over 15 years, for alleged links with Naxalites.

Kamble, originally a resident of Tadiwala Road area of Pune was arrested from the Khopoli area of Raigad district after an intelligence-based operation.

Kamble (44) was widely known as ‘Laptop’ by the Naxalite cadres for his skills to repair computers and laptops.

The ATS unit of Thane has registered a case against him in 2011 under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for links with CPI (Maoist) leaders and cadres.

Kamble allegedly came into contact with the Kabir Kala Manch, a Pune-based cultural group and then came close to the Naxalite leaders.

According to investigations, Kamble has worked with Milind Teltumbde, the Central Committee Member (CCM) of CPI (Maoist) and the in-charge of MMC Zone, which covers as vast expanse of Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh in central India, who was shot dead in an encounter in November 2021.

Teltumbde, who was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case, carried a reward of over Rs 50 lakh on his head.

Kamble worked with Teltumbde and his wife Angella Sontakke.

In fact, Kamble had left his Pune home in 2010 and has been absconding since then.

His family had registered an FIR at the Bundgarden police station. However, he could not be traced.

Kamble, along with another Pune resident named Santosh Shelar, who too vanished, joined the CPI (Maoist). However, Shelar was arrested in Pune by the ATS in January 2024 after he returned to his hometown following health issues.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/naxalite-evading-arrest-for-15-years-arrested-by-maharashtra-police-2-3524491

According to the official from the Sonegaon police station, during a routine scan, the airport security staff came across a packet emitting a strong smell late on Saturday night.

Nagpur: A parcel containing over 10 kg of ganja was seized from the cargo section of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, an official said on Sunday.

According to the official from the Sonegaon police station, during a routine scan, the airport security staff came across a packet emitting a strong smell late on Saturday night.

After being alerted, police opened the parcel and recovered 10.28 kg of ganja from it, the official said.

“The contraband was sent from ‘Rahul Fitness Gym’ in Odisha to a fake address in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The parcel arrived by road and was set to fly to Delhi. The gym owner has denied involvement in the matter,” the official said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/mh-ganja-seizure-12-3524407

The airline has suspended all operations to and from Tel Aviv until May 6, 2025, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew. “Our staff on ground is assisting customers and helping them with alternative arrangements,” the spokesperson added.

Air India has diverted its Delhi-Tel Aviv flight AI139 to Abu Dhabi following a missile attack at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning, the airline announced.

“Air India flight AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv of 4 May 2025 was diverted to Abu Dhabi after an incident at Ben Gurion airport this morning. The flight has landed normally in Abu Dhabi and will soon return to Delhi,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement.

The airline has suspended all operations to and from Tel Aviv until May 6, 2025, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew. “Our staff on ground is assisting customers and helping them with alternative arrangements,” the spokesperson added.

Passengers holding valid tickets for flights between May 4 and May 6 will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling or full refunds for cancellation.

The incident at Ben Gurion Airport involved a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which briefly halted all flights and commuter traffic at Israel’s main international gateway. The missile landed in a field near an access road leading to airport parking lots, creating a deep crater and causing panic among passengers.

Israeli authorities temporarily suspended air, road, and rail traffic following the attack, resuming operations after approximately one hour. The Israeli paramedic service reported four people sustained light injuries.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/air-india-flight-from-delhi-to-tel-aviv-diverted-to-abu-dhabi-after-houthis-target-ben-gurion-airport

Top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defence minister himself, have previously vowed to retaliate as Pakistan, who is accused of masterminding the April 22 attack, feels the jitters.

Amid worsening ties between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said it is his responsibility to give a “befitting” reply to those who dare to hurt India.

His statement assumes greater significance as tensions with Pakistan are spiralling by the day. “I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, what you desire will certainly happen,” Singh said at an event in Delhi on Sunday.

“It is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country. You all know Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work ethic and perseverance,” he vowed.

Earlier, top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the defence minister himself, vowed to retaliate over the Pahalgam attack.

Just days after the Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister granted the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to respond to the terror attack, government sources told India Today TV.

Notably, India carried out surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes in response to the 2016 Uri terror attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, respectively, by Pakistan-backed terrorists, both under the Modi government.

Even after the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi vowed that the attackers and their backers would be identified, tracked, and punished beyond imagination.

Meanwhile, amid constant warnings from top government and opposition leaders, Pakistan has put its security forces, security agencies and armed forces on high alert, fearing military retaliation from India in the near future.

A day after the attack in the Baisaran Valley, Rajnath Singh warned that India would identify and bring to justice everyone who conspired against it.

“We will not only reach out to those who have perpetrated this incident. We will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scenes, have conspired to commit such nefarious acts on the soil of India,” Singh said while adding that India stood united against terror and has zero-tolerance policy against it.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-vows-befitting-reply-to-those-who-dare-to-attack-india-2719445-2025-05-04

Mohammad Asif Qamar, a third-year BTech student, was from Seohar district in Bihar and was expected to visit home on Sunday

A third-year BTech student of IIT Kharagpur was found hanging in his hostel room on Sunday, an official said.

The body of Mohammad Asif Qamar was found hanging in his hostel room in Madanmohan Malviya Hall in IIT Kharagpur campus, the official said.

The institute in a statement said, “It is with deep sadness that the IIT Kharagpur condoles the untimely demise of Md Asif Qamar a third year under graduate student in the department of civil engineering at around 2:53 am on May 4.” The statement said “A call came at the security emergency number from an external source that Md Asif Qamar has committed self-harm. The security response team rushed immediately to the Pt M M M Hall of Residence (Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Hall) where the student was found dead in his room.” “The team of doctors, administration and police also reached the spot. The family of Qamar has also been contacted about the incident,” it said.

An investigation is currently underway by the police to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. And the institute is fully cooperating with the authorities, the statement added.

Cops from the police outpost on the campus were informed and they broke open the door to find him hanging, an institute official had said earlier. Qamar was from Seohar district in Bihar and was expected to visit home on Sunday.

A senior police officer confirmed the death. He said the police have got some leads and the investigation was proceeding on that.

He said prima facie it was a case of suicide but investigations were on.

He did not elaborate if there was any phone call from outside alerting about the condition of Qamar.

The institute further said, “IIT Kharagpur community stands united in mourning the tragic loss of our student Qamar. We offer our deepest condolence to his family and friends.” “We are committed to providing them with unwavering support and assistance during this challenging time. We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the ‘well being support services’ available at the institute,” an institute spokesperson added.

On April 20 Aniket Walkar, a fourth-year student in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture, was found hanging in his hostel room.

On January 12, the body of a third-year undergraduate student Shaon Malik was found in his hostel room.

In June 2024, Devika Pillai, a fourth-year student of biotechnology and biochemical engineering had died by suicide.

IIT Kharagpur authorities said the institute has counsellors 24×7 hours to help students fight any stress and depression. After April 20, the institute put up barcodes on the door of every boarder which can be scanned by any boarder during moments of acute mental stress for immediate counselling in privacy.

“A committee is being formed to explore the circumstances and reason behind such tragedies and the committee will make its recommendations in three days,” Acting Director Amit Patra had told PTI earlier.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/third-year-btech-student-found-hanging-in-iit-kharagpur-hostel-room-ws-kl-9323469.html

India and the UK are in discussions to improve collaboration regarding historical artefacts, including the Koh-i-Noor (Kohinoor) diamond, according to UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

India and the United Kingdom are engaged in discussions to enhance cooperation in a way that will allow both countries access to historical artefacts like the Koh-i-Noor (Kohinoor) diamond, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said on Sunday. When asked by ANI on any communication between India and UK on Kohinoor, the Indian-orgin British Minister said that talks were ongoing for quite some time between the two nations regarding collaboration on cultural artefacts.
“We’ve been talking between the UK and India for quite some time about the way that we think we can collaborate much more closely together to make sure that people both in the UK and in India can benefit from and have access to many of the cultural artefacts that stem back to the very different era. This is something that I’ve discussed with my counterpart,” Nandy, who is in New Delhi on an official visit, said.

She also mentioned that across the creative industries, the UK and India excel, whether in film, fashion, TV, music, or gaming, and they are looking to enhance cooperation there as well. “We’re really good at these things, and we export many of those products to the world, but we know that through cooperation, we can do more and we can achieve more together,” stated.

Nandy added, “Our Science museums group has been working with the National Museum Science Museums group here to get joint collaborations, joint exhibitions, tour different objects, make sure that people in India and the UK can really benefit from that. We think that’s the model for how we can cooperate much more closely across all the other creative industries as well.”

A symbol of British colonial loot, the Kohinoor diamond is a massive 105.6 carat stone, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. It was held by several rulers in India before landing in the hands of the East India Company from Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s treasury. It was then presented to Queen Victoria following the annexation of Punjab and the infamous diamond was set within the Crown of the mother of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/kohinoor-diamond-to-be-shared-with-india-heres-what-uks-indian-origin-minister-said-article-151560477

The Jaish-e-Mohammed has rebranded itself while establishing a vast network as well as carrying out covert operations

After Lashkar-e-Taiba, it is the Jaish-e-Mohammed – designated as the “deadliest” terror group in Jammu and Kashmir now – operating in the union territory via proxy groups that call themselves the Kashmir Tiger and Kashmir Freedom Army.

CNN-News18 tracked down the new frontal faces of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and how the terror group has rebranded itself while establishing a vast network as well as carrying out covert operations.

An investigation into the workings of the group shows that Jaish has evolved its strategy to evade international sanctions and counterterrorism efforts. After global bans and increased scrutiny, it now operates through proxy groups like the Kashmir Tigers (KT) and Kashmir Freedom Army (KFA).

WHAT DOES THE JeM DO IN KASHMIR?

The CNN-News18 investigation showed that the JeM is trying to get a grip through social fronts and covert infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

It has a history of rebranding under new names like Khuddam ul-Islam, Al-Rehmat Trust to circumvent bans, while its latest avatars – KT and KFA – continue their mission to destabilise Kashmir while masking their affiliations.

Her assertion was most likely based on a 1985 paper, and subsequent glorification of it with little follow-up, published in AI magazine.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday claimed that Sanskrit is a “scientific” language and even NASA has acknowledged it as such – a claim that has often been made with little evidence in support.

Gupta made the remark addressing the closing ceremony of a 10-day Sanskrit learning initiative in the capital.

“Even NASA scientists have written papers on Sanskrit and have confirmed that it is a scientific language. Coding can be done in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the most computer-friendly language,” she said.

Her assertion was most likely based on a 1985 paper, and subsequent glorification of it with little follow-up, published in AI magazine.

The paper, titled Knowledge Representation in Sanskrit and Artificial Intelligence, was authored by Rick Briggs, a researcher associated with NASA Ames Research Centre, who sought to prove that a “natural language can serve as an artificial language also.” Briggs, about whom little else is known, cited in the paper ancient Sanskrit grammarians who “accomplished” a method for “paraphrasing Sanskrit in a manner that is identical not only in essence but in form with current work in Artificial Intelligence.” Meanwhile, Gupta said that it is societal bias that views fluency in foreign languages as a sign of intelligence, while often dismissing Sanskrit.

“If our children speak French, German or English fluently, then we consider that child very bright and take pride in that. But when a child can speak Sanskrit with the same fluency, it is not considered a big deal,” she said.

Gupta argued that Sanskrit is not only foundational to Indian culture but also integral to many Indian languages.

“Every state has a mother tongue, but in reality, Sanskrit is our mother tongue, as every language has descended from Sanskrit. Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Sindhi, Malayalam — these are all branches of Sanskrit,” she said.

The BJP leader added, “If we want to be ‘Vishva Guru’ (world leader), then we have to gain more knowledge by the means of Sanskrit.” She also said that the Delhi government will work to make the language more accessible, especially through government schools.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra also attended the event.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-claims-nasas-scientists-have-confirmed-sanskrit-is-a-scientific-language-ws-kl-9323468.html

A male passenger was detained for allegedly harassing an air hostess on an IndiGo Delhi-Shirdi flight. The inebriated man misbehaved near the lavatory.

A male passenger was taken into custody for allegedly harassing an air hostess during an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Shirdi. The incident took place near the aircraft’s lavatory, where a reportedly inebriated passenger inappropriately touched a crew member. The air hostess promptly alerted the crew manager, who informed security personnel upon landing, according to news agency PTI.
The accused was taken into custody after the flight landed at Shirdi Airport on Friday afternoon and was escorted to the Rahata police station.
A molestation case was registered, and a medical examination confirmed that the passenger was under the influence of alcohol.

Rahata Police have served a notice to the accused, the official told PTI.

“We are aware of an incident on flight 6E 6404 from Delhi to Shirdi on May 2, 2025 where a customer behaved inappropriately towards cabin crew. Our crew followed standard procedures, and the customer was declared unruly. Upon landing, the customer was handed over to security agencies,” IndiGo said in a statement.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/drunk-passenger-held-for-molesting-air-hostess-on-shirdi-bound-indigo-flight-article-151561600

At least $500 million worth of Pakistani items are still being repackaged and relabelled in a third country to access the Indian market.

In the wake of the ban on Pakistani merchandise imports, the customs department is on high alert to thwart Islamabad’s attempts to access the Indian market through a third country, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Indonesia, or Sri Lanka, people in the know said on Sunday.

At least $500 million worth of Pakistani fruits, dry dates, textiles, soda ash, rock salt, and leather items are still being repackaged and relabelled in a third country to access the Indian market, the people said, requesting anonymity because they are not authorised to speak on the matter.

To be sure, Indian imports from Pakistan through the official channel are negligible, but Pakistani items come in via third countries. Hence, the government on May 2 issued an order banning all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.

“The idea is to choke Pakistani exports as Pakistan’s economy is already crippled and vulnerable,” one of the people said.

The first major blow to Pakistan’s economy was dealt when India withdrew its most favoured nation (MFN) status after the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, citing “incontrovertible evidence” showing the neighbouring country’s direct involvement in the act of terrorism that killed CRPF jawans.

Besides withdrawing the MFN status, New Delhi imposed a 200% customs duty on imports from Pakistan, leading to a sharp fall in shipments from across the border. Pakistani imports that were worth $2.39 million in 2020-21, gradually fell to almost negligible ($0.42 million) in the first 10 months of 2024-25, said an official.

“The 200% tariff effectively halted direct imports from Pakistan by making them commercially unviable, and within a year, Pakistan’s exports to India fell by over 90%. Key sectors such as horticulture, cement, salt, and cotton yarn were the most affected,” he said, adding that “terror and trade” can’t happen together.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Friday evening issued a notification prohibiting all Pakistani imports, either directly or through a third country and government agencies have been asked to keep a strict vigil, a second person said. “The order was necessary to arm field formations of customs and other agencies to act on Pakistani products coming through friendlier countries,” he said.

“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,” the order said. DGFT is an arm of the ministry of commerce and industry. The development is part of New Delhi’s ongoing reaction to the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people.

According to government data, Pakistan imported goods worth $448 million from India in April-January of FY25. Its imports included essential medicines, sugar, chemicals, auto components and petroleum products.

In the 2023-24 financial year, India imported some goods, particularly agricultural commodities, worth $3 million only from Pakistan. At the same time, Pakistan imported Indian goods worth $1.2 billion in FY24, according to official data.

Indo-Pak bilateral merchandise trade fell sharply after 2018-19. In FY19, India exported goods worth $2.07 billion to Pakistan and imported Pakistani merchandise worth $495 million. In the following financial year, Indian exports to Pakistan fell by 60.5% to $817 million, and Pakistani exports to India plunged by 97.2% to $14 million.

India used to import mineral oil, copper, edible fruits and nuts, salt, sulphur, plastering materials, cotton, raw hides and skins. It exported cotton, chemicals, prepared animal fodder, vegetables, plastic articles, dairy products, pharmaceuticals and sugar to Pakistan.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-on-high-alert-to-thwart-pakistan-s-bid-to-access-markets-101746384077175.html’

India’s actions came within hours of Pakistan’s testing its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday.

India has cut off water flow to Pakistan from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab river and is also preparing to taper down runoffs from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum, following through on its decisions not to allow a “single drop” from going to the neighbouring country from the Indus rivers.

After a week of discussions and hydrological testing, India began de-silting operations in the Baglihar dam and lowered sluice gates, reducing downstream flow to Pakistan by up to 90%, while similar operations have been planned for the Kishanganga dam, an official from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation said on Sunday.

“We have closed the gates of the Baglihar hydel power project. We had done de-silting of the reservoir and it has to be refilled. The process was started on Saturday,” said a second official, who declined to be named.

India’s actions came within hours of Pakistan’s testing its surface-to-surface ballistic missile on Saturday, including banning of the docking of ships bearing the Pakistani flag in all ports of the country.

The Kishanganga dam, the first mega hydropower plant located in the north western Himalayas in the Gurez valley, will also undergo massive maintenance work “very soon” and all flow from it downstream will be halted. Pakistan has objected to the designs of both these dams.

India paused the six-decade-old Indus water treaty with Pakistan, already strained by long-running disputes, a day after terrorists had killed dozens of tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

The second official said, “since India has kept the IWT in abeyance, we are exploring all possible ways to use our river waters for the benefit of our citizens”.

On Saturday, authorities of the Jal Shakti ministry updated the Union home ministry on a raft of measures being planned to augment water supply to northern states from the Indus system rivers. “We are ready with stringent punitive measures against Pakistan and nearly 50 engineers from the NHPC are already in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir to oversee the operations,” the first official said.

In this context, he said that India has made steady progress on four ongoing hydel power projects over the Chenab river and its tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir and they are likely to be commissioned in 2027-28.

These projects — Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW) — are being implemented through a joint venture between NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stones of Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar hydel power projects on May 19, 2018, February 3, 2019 and April 22, 2022, respectively.

“Pakal Dul project has made 66 per cent progress, Kiru 55 per cent, Kwar 19 per cent and Ratle has made 21 per cent progress,” he said.

On the 930 MW Kirthai project, he said that following a memorandum between JKSPDC and NHPC, pending clearances were under process.

On the Ratle project, he said that a coffer dam, a pre-dam structure, was nearing completion.

“There’s 21 per cent physical progress made so far. We expect to complete it by November 2028,” he added.

The official informed that the work on the Ratle project gained momentum after 2023.

To be sure, Pakistan had protested against the Ratle and Kishenganga projects alleging that their designs violated the Indus waters treaty. In June 2024, a five-member Pakistan delegation and World Bank-appointed neutral expert Michel Lino inspected the Ratle power project at Drabshalla in Kishtwar.

Put together, Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle have a total capacity of 3,014 MW of hydel power. These projects are expected to generate over 10,541 million units (MU) of electricity annually. Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, with 11,283 MW identified in the Chenab basin alone.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-cuts-off-water-flow-to-pakistan-from-dam-on-river-chenab-101746383594636.html

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi noted that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has already passed a resolution affirming this stand.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday said her party would fully support any action the central government takes in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

She noted that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has already passed a resolution affirming this stand.

Speaking during her two-day visit to Wayanad, the AICC general secretary expressed hope that the union government would act swiftly in the wake of the attack “The Congress Party… the CWC met, and we passed a resolution. In the resolution, we have said we stand fully with whatever action the government decides to take. And we hope that they take the action soon,” she told reporters here when her reaction was sought on the matter.

On Friday, the Congress urged the Centre to act with firmness in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack to penalise Pakistan for its continued export of terror, and pressed for time-bound accountability into the “serious lapses” in security and intelligence in one of the most heavily-guarded regions of the country.

The opposition party made the assertions in a resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which was chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and general secretaries Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal and Priyanka, among others.

Earlier, the Congress MP handed over a new ambulance for injured and sick animals to forest officials of the Wayanad Wildlife Division at Sultan Bathery, party sources said.

The ambulance, funded through Rs 15 lakh from the MP’s development fund, was flagged off at a function held at the Forest Division Office in Sultan Bathery.

Following a request from forest officials, Vadra also visited the animal hospice and palliative care unit, where captured aggressive tigers are housed, and reviewed its operations.

Officials informed her that the shelter is currently accommodating more big cats than its intended capacity.

They also highlighted the urgent need for improved facilities and additional funds to manage the growing number of animals.

Meanwhile, the family of former Wayanad DCC treasurer NM Vijayan, who had died by suicide a few months back, alleged that the local party leaders prevented them from meeting Vadra.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/priyanka-gandhi-says-congress-will-back-any-action-by-centre-on-pahalgam-terror-attack-9323693.html

“The Prime Minister has factored in inflation while revising the salaries of legislators and MPs, so why not when supporting farmers? Assistance provided to farmers must also account for inflation,” Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday advocated Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in fertiliser subsidies for farmers based on the US pattern and demanded that inflation be factored in while providing financial assistance to agriculturists, like the salaries of legislators and MPs.

Addressing faculty members and students of the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University in Gwalior, the vice president said, “The Prime Minister has factored in inflation while revising the salaries of legislators and MPs, so why not when supporting farmers? Assistance provided to farmers must also account for inflation”.

Emphasising the need for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in fertiliser subsidies, Dhankhar said, “In the United States, all aid provided to farmers is given directly, not through intermediaries. Just like we have the PM-KISAN scheme in India, the Indian government also spends heavily on fertiliser subsidies.

“It is now a matter for both reflection and research. If the same money is transferred directly to farmers, then each farmer household in India could receive at least Rs 30,000 per year. This amount must be given directly to them,” he added.

He said that, currently, when the government provides fertiliser subsidies, the farmer does not truly feel its impact.

“We must ensure direct transfer of subsidies to farmers,” the VP said, adding that in the US, the family income of a farmer is more than that of a common family.

He also underlined the importance of farmers’ participation in the value-addition chain to improve their income and standard of living.

“A farmer’s life can only change when he becomes prosperous. Children of farming families must enter new fields of work related to agriculture. Today, the largest business in the country is agricultural trade,” the Vice President said.

“Just look at the enormous scale of agricultural marketing. There are mandis and there are middlemen. Financially, it is an astronomical figure. But is the farmer a stakeholder in this? No. The farmer has been reduced to being just a producer. We must change this mindset. Producing and selling immediately is not a prudent decision,” he said.

Stressing that subsidies for farmers must be linked with inflation, he said, “Farmers receive indirect assistance, which we refer to as subsidies. But the first point is that any support given to farmers must be linked to inflation”.

The vice president further said the Rs 6,000 aid given per year to farmers remains the same today.

“Any economist will tell you that the purchasing power of Rs 6,000 when it was introduced is no longer the same,” he said.

The Vice President emphasised the critical role of farmers in making India a developed nation.

“The road to a developed India goes through the agricultural fields of our farmers. India has always been an agriculture-oriented nation, and we now stand on the brink of an agricultural revolution that will shape our future,” he added.

Dhankhar stressed the importance of being sensitive to the plight and pain of farmers.

“We must work towards transforming our farmers from mere producers into ‘agripreneurs’ or agriculture entrepreneurs.

“When the farmer takes part in the trade and sale of their produce, they will receive a fair share of the profits. Another point is that the foundation of the agro-industrial sector is agricultural produce, but the farmer remains far removed from it. Why? Why shouldn’t the farmer add value to their product? This is something we must reflect upon.

“Today, the government has adopted highly positive policies, now the farmer must step forward,” he said.

He recalled former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, which was later expanded by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to include Jai Vigyan’, and now further advanced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan’.

He said the Union government is keen to ensure the welfare of farmers and is making concerted efforts to ensure agriculturists don’t face any difficulties.

“You must also work on some of the challenges being faced by farmers,” he told students.

Dhankhar acknowledged perishable agricultural produce as a major challenge and cited an example of tomatoes.

“When there’s over-production, it becomes a challenge. We must work in that direction.

“I believe that if post-harvest management is handled properly, it requires participation at the village level,’ Dhankhar said.

He underlined the need to set up warehouses and cold storage chains which should be managed through cooperatives.

“Because in any situation, improving the farmer’s life is essential as it strengthens nationalism, boosts the economy, and removes any obstacle on the path to a developed India. But all of this must happen in a seamless and coordinated manner,” he said, adding that the objective should be optimisation of gain to the farmer.

On the occasion, Dhankhar appealed to students to keep the nation above all interests and said Bhartiyata is our identity and there is no dharma above Rashtra Dharma.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/factor-in-inflation-in-farmers-aid-like-in-salaries-for-mlas-and-mps-says-vice-president-jagdeep-dhankhar-8330061

The X accounts of both Pakistani politicians read that their handles had been withheld in India “in response to a legal demand”.

The X accounts of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-minister Bilawal Bhutto have been blocked in India. The move came amid tension between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

The X accounts of both Pakistani politicians have been withheld in India “in response to a legal demand”.

Earlier this week, in the wake of the terror attack, the central government blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani actors in India, including Hania Amir, Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar.

Their accounts displayed the automated message that they were not available in India because “we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

Earlier this week, India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and misinformation against India, including several Pakistani media houses.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s YouTube channel was also blocked in India on Friday.

Twenty-six people died in the terror attack that targeted tourists at a meadow near Pahalgam. India has taken several punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, barring Pakistani ships from Indian ports and downgrading diplomatic ties.

India has vowed to hunt down the executioners and perpetrators of the attack.

Pakistan has claimed that a strike from India is imminent. The country has called for an “independent” probe into the attack.

What Bhutto, Imran Khan said on Pahalgam attack

Bhutto, the son of the slain former PM Benazir Bhutto, had said that blood would flow in the Indus River if India blocked the waters.

According to Zardari, as per the Indus Waters Treaty, “India has acknowledged that the Indus belongs to Pakistan”.

“I would like to stand here in Sukkur by the Indus and tell India that the Indus is ours and the Indus will remain ours, whether water flows in this Indus or their blood,” Zardari had stated.

Imran Khan had described the Pahalgam terror attack as “deeply disturbing and tragic”, but also warned India to act responsibly.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/imran-khan-bilawal-bhuttos-x-accounts-blocked-in-india-amid-pahalgam-tension-101746337979267.html

A Pakistani Ranger was detained by the BSF along the Rajasthan border amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, days after a BSF jawan was held by Pakistani forces following a cross-border incident.

A Pakistani Ranger, a member of the country’s paramilitary force, has been detained by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, sources said on Saturday.

The development comes days after a BSF jawan was detained by Pakistani Rangers after he accidentally crossed the border, as tensions between the two countries run high following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The Pakistani Ranger has been taken into custody by the Rajasthan Frontier of the BSF, sources said. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the detained Ranger or the specific circumstances leading to his capture.

On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attacks, a BSF jawan, Purnam Kumar Shaw, was detained by the Pakistani forces along the international border in Punjab. Despite strong protests from the Indian side, Pakistan has refused to release him, even though such incidents, from either side, are typically resolved in a single flag meeting.

The BSF has launched an enquiry into the detention of Shaw and a formal protest note has been sent to the Pakistan Rangers. However, they have remained “non-committal” regarding the constable’s whereabouts or the timeline for his return.

Despite multiple flag meetings held between the two sides, there has been no definitive assurance from Pakistan.

Efforts are on to secure his release. Possibly the Pakistani establishment is weighing its options given the current state of situation between the two countries in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Earlier such inadvertent crossings on either side were resolved quickly,” a senior officer had told news agency PTI.

Pak social media accounts have shared photos of Shaw, showing him blindfolded while seated in a vehicle, and later standing under a tree with his rifle, loaded magazine, belt, and other belongings laid out on the ground, according to officials.

Following the incident, the BSF has issued a strict advisory to its personnel, urging heightened vigilance while on duty, particularly in light of the increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Jawans have been asked to be extra cautious and avoid inadvertently crossing the border during patrol duty. Even the farmers working on farms at the borders have been asked to be vigilant, according to officials.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistani-ranger-detailed-bsf-border-forces-in-rajasthan-india-pak-tensions-pahalgam-attack-2719180-2025-05-03

A SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai underwent a comprehensive security search at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport after a claim of the presence of five suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists on board, officials said.

Security measures were initiated after Chennai Airport authorities received a threat email claiming that five Lashkar operatives were on board a SriLankan Airlines flight, amid heightened vigilance in the country following the April 22 Pahalgam attacks.

The threat mail, classified as ‘non-specific’, was received by the Chief Security Officer at 11.05 am, which mentioned, “Five South Indian males on UL 122 (9.55am) are Lashkar operatives. Clean profile, well-trained, no suspicion”.

By the time the email was received, the flight had already departed, and the information was passed to Colombo Airport, where a thorough security screening was conducted, deboarding the passengers. However, no suspicious individuals or activities were found, as the message later turned out to be a hoax, officials added.

A statement from SriLankan Airlines said that its flight was thoroughly inspected and subsequently cleared for further operations.

“The search was carried out in coordination with local authorities following an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre regarding a suspect wanted in India who was believed to be on board”, the statement said.

On April 22, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in the Barisan Valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. A massive search and manhunt is underway for the attackers, who remain untraceable.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chennai-colombo-flight-searched-sri-lanka-intel-5-lashkar-terrorists-2719092-2025-05-03

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three individuals linked to the banned terrorist group ISIS/ISJK for their roles in a grenade attack in Srinagar that resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted three accused, linked with the banned “Islamic State Of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)/Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK)” terrorist group, for their involvement in the 2024 Srinagar market grenade attack which killed one woman and left several other civilians injured, an official statement said on Saturday.
In its chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, the anti-terror agency has named Sheikh Usama Yaseen, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Naik under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Explosive Substances Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), it said.
All three are currently lodged in judicial custody, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in the statement.

Usama and Umer were arrested on November 7, just four days after the November 3, 2024, attack at the busy Sunday Market near Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar, it said.

Afnan Mansoor Naik was arrested on November 8 for his active involvement in a criminal conspiracy aimed at waging war against India through targeted terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The NIA, which has also uncovered possible involvement of other terror groups in the conspiracy behind the attack, found during investigations that the trio had planned, conspired and executed the grenade attack with the intent to create panic and terror in the region.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/srinagar-grenade-attack-nia-files-chargesheet-against-three-alleged-isis-isjk-operatives-article-151557470

Legal aid counsel Piyush Sachdev, who represented Rana, said that he “fully complied with a recent court order directing him to submit samples of his voice and handwriting”.

Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind behind the Mumbai terror attack, was produced before a Delhi court on Saturday for the collection of his voice and handwriting samples. 64-year-old Rana was brought under tight security before Judicial Magistrate First Class Vaibhav Kumar, before whom the by the National Investigation Agency recorded his handwriting specimens in an in-chamber proceeding.
The NIA has been granted Rana’s custody till May 9.
Rana wrote various alphabets and numerical characters, according to news agency PTI.

Legal aid counsel Piyush Sachdev, who represented Rana, said that he “fully complied with a recent court order directing him to submit samples of his voice and handwriting”.

The court recently allowed the NIA to collect the voice and handwriting samples of Rana.

Special NIA judge Chander Jit Singh passed the order on April 30 on an application moved by the NIA.
A close associate of 26/11 attack main conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen, Rana was brought to India after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against his extradition to India.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/26/11-terror-attack-nia-collects-tahawwur-ranas-voice-handwriting-samples-what-he-wrote-article-151556647

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan over cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, that left 26 civilians dead, India is reportedly planning a twin financial strike on Pakistan to throttle support for its cross-border terrorism and undercut Islamabad on the world stage. India is likely to pursue getting Pakistan into the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. Secondly, India is also expected to push the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to review and reassess their financial aid to Pakistan.

Ahmed, a resident of Gharota area of Jammu who had joined CRPF in April 2017, said he will challenge his dismissal in the court of law. ‘I am sure of getting justice’.

Hours after being dismissed from service for “concealing” his marriage with a Pakistani woman, CRPF trooper Munir Ahmed on Saturday said he solemnized his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force’s headquarters last year.

Ahmed, a resident of Gharota area of Jammu who had joined CRPF in April 2017, said he will challenge his dismissal in the court of law. “I am sure of getting justice”.

The Central Reserve Police Force has dismissed Ahmed for “concealing” his marriage with Pakistani woman Minal Khan and knowingly harbouring her beyond the validity of her visa, saying his actions were detrimental to national security.

“I initially came to know about my dismissal through media reports. I shortly received a letter from the CRPF informing me about the dismissal which came as a shock to me and my family as I have sought and received permission for my marriage to a Pakistani woman from the headquarters,” Ahmad told PTI over phone from his house.

Ahmed’s marriage with Khan came to light after India asked Pakistani nationals to leave the country as part of diplomatic measures taken in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed.

Khan entered India through the Wagah-Attari border on February 28 and her short-term visa ended on March 22. However, her deportation was stayed by the high court and she is presently staying in Ahmed’s Jammu residence.

“I made the first correspondence on December 31, 2022 informing my wish to marry the Pakistani national and I was asked to complete formalities like enclosing copies of passport, marriage card and affidavits.

“I submitted my affidavit and also the affidavits of my parents, sarpanch, and district development council member through proper channels and finally got a go ahead from the headquarters on April 30, 2024,” he said.

The CRPF trooper said he applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) but he was told that such a provision is not available and he has already completed the formalities by informing the government about his marriage to a foreign national in accordance with the rules.

“We got married online on May 24 last year through a video call. Subsequently, I submitted marriage pictures, ‘Nikkah’ papers and marriage certificate to my 72 Battalion where I was posted.

“When she came for the first time on February 28 on a 15-day visa, we applied for Long Term Visa in March itself and completed the necessary formalities including interview,” he said, highlighting that this paved the way for the High Court of J&K and Ladakh to provide relief to them by staying his wife’s deportation at the last moment on Wednesday.

Ahmed said he returned to his duties at the end of his leave period and was asked to report to the battalion headquarters at Sunderbani on March 25 but on March 27, “I was handed over a transfer order and posted with 41st Battalion at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) without providing 15 days mandatory joining period.

“I was given the order copy and relieved immediately, leaving me with no option but to join my duties at Bhopal where I joined on March 29. I faced the interview of the commanding officer and his deputy on reaching there and also completed the documentation process, clearly mentioning my marriage to a Pakistani woman,” he said, adding he has even made the entry in his battalion data record book.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/have-married-pak-woman-only-after-getting-nod-from-crpf-headquarters-dismissed-trooper-3523674

Police identified the accused as Tejas, a resident of Surender Nagar in Gujarat.

Police have arrested a man for allegedly breaking into Seema Haider’s house here on Saturday, officials said. He claimed that she had done “black magic” on him.

Police identified the accused as Tejas, a resident of Surender Nagar in Gujarat.

They said that Tejas seemed “mentally disturbed” and tried to enter Seema’s residence around 7 pm.

“He hails from Gujarat and took a general coach ticket of a train from Gujarat to New Delhi. From New Delhi Railway station he reached the village by bus. He has screenshots of Seema on his mobile phone,” Sujeet Updhyay, Incharge at Rabupura Kotwali told PTI.

Tejas was arrested, he said.

“During integration, he told police that Seema has done black magic on him,” Upadhyay said.

Further investigation is underway, he added.

Haider, 32, who hails from Jacobabad in Pakistan’s Sindh province, took her children and left home in Karachi in May 2023 to travel to India via Nepal. She captured headlines that July when Indian authorities found her living with Sachin Meena, 27, whom she now claims to have married, in the Greater Noida area.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/man-breaks-into-seema-haiders-house-in-noida-claims-she-did-black-magic-on-him-police-3523736