Op Sindoor Highlights: India abstains from IMF vote on Pak bailout package, cites misuse risks

On Thursday, a blackout was enforced in several districts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Chandigarh. Catch all the latest updates here

10:38 PM

I&B minister meets editors; stresses on factual, responsible reporting

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday underscored the importance of factual and responsible reporting, particularly when India is engaged in a military standoff with Pakistan. Vaishnaw interacted with senior editors from the print media and urged them to refrain from relying on unverified sources for information related to the conflict.

10:32 PM

TTD tightens security amid India-Pakistan military conflict

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has beefed up security given the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, an official said on Friday. TTD in-charge Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) Harshavardhan Raju said that during a recent review meeting with district Superintendents of Police, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called for enhanced security at the Tirupati temple.

10:32 PM

Pak's Awami National Party calls for peace amid rising tensions with India

Pakistan's Awami National Party is against all kinds of war, and expects all parties to adopt the "path of peace, dialogue and tolerance", its Central President Aimal Wali Khan said on Friday. His comments came as tensions between India and Pakistan soared significantly following New Delhi's Operation Sindoor, launched early Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22 that had cross-border linkages. Islamabad subsequently made an unsuccessful attempt to target 15 Indian cities.

10:15 PM

Operation Sindoor: Telangana CM donates one month salary to NDF, asks other to follow suit

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said he would be donating one month's salary to the National Defence Fund and is considering a similar proposal for Congress MLAs and MLCs against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. As an Indian first, I have decided to make a very modest contribution of one month's salary to the #NationalDefenceFund for the efforts of our country's brave Armed Forces to wipe out terrorism, and safeguard our borders and people, Revanth Reddy said in a post on 'X'.

10:04 PM

India-Pak tension: Railway minister reviews special train services from Jammu, Udhampur

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the arrangements of special train services from Jammu and Udhampur to the different parts of the country for passengers stranded due to the closure of airports in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh amid the India-Pakistan military standoff. Four special trains were operated from Jammu and Udhampur on Friday on Vaishnaw's instructions.

9:41 PM

India raises concerns over IMF aid to Pakistan amid terrorism and misuse risks

India raised serious concerns during the IMF's review of lending programmes for Pakistan, questioning the efficacy and potential misuse of funds under the Extended Fund Facility and the proposed Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Citing Pakistan’s poor track record with 28 years of IMF disbursements over 35 years and repeated bailouts, India highlighted failures in programme implementation and monitoring. It warned that fungible IMF funds could be diverted to support state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, risking global credibility. India also criticised the entrenched role of Pakistan’s military in economic affairs and abstained from the vote, urging IMF to prioritise moral considerations in its processes.

9:16 PM

India-Pakistan conflict: Fire brigade on highest level of preparedness in Punjab

The Punjab government on Friday said it took immediate steps to ensure the highest level of preparedness in the fire and emergency services amid India's ongoing military stand-off with Pakistan. Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh has issued strict directives, cancelling all leaves of fire brigade staff and ordering round-the-clock deployment at sensitive locations across the state.

9:06 PM

Indo-Pak conflict: Gujarat govt cancels leaves of all its employees

The Gujarat government on Friday cancelled the leaves of all its employees with immediate effect as a result of the ongoing India-Pakistan military conflict. A notification issued by the General Administration Department said all types of leave, except those required for unavoidable circumstances, taken by the state government employees have been cancelled with immediate effect.

8:59 PM

Himachal governor reviews state's preparedness amid India-Pakistan conflict

Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla on Friday held a comprehensive review of the state's preparedness in the wake of the conflict between India and Pakistan. A meeting was convened at the Raj Bhavan to assess the evolving security scenario and the governor directed all agencies concerned to remain vigilant and fully prepared, a statement issued here said.

8:42 PM

Indo-Pak conflict: Delhi Gurudwara body vows full support to victims of Poonch attack

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has strongly condemned the recent attack by the Pakistani Army targeting a Gurudwara Sahib and Sikh civilians in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Calling the act "cowardly and shameful", DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon expressed solidarity with the victims' families and assured full support to them.

7:58 PM

Nepal assures safety of citizens in Pakistan amid Indo-Pak tensions

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Nepal government on Friday assured the safety of its citizens studying in Pakistan, according to a PTI report.

 

In a press release, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nepalese nationals residing in Pakistan, as well as their families, to reach out to the Nepalese Embassy in Islamabad for any immediate assistance or support.

7:37 PM

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor services suspended indefinitely, says Foreign Secy Vikram Misri

Amid the escalation of tensions with Pakistan and indiscriminate firing from the neighbouring country across the Line of Control (LoC), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday said that the services of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor have been suspended until further notice

 

"In light of the current security situation, the services of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor have been suspended until further directions," Misri said while addressing a joint press briefing in the national capital.

7:20 PM

Indo-Pak conflict: Agri Min asks officials to assist bordering states' farmers with sowing ops

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday directed officials to be prepared to assist farmers in bordering states with sowing operations to ensure that they do not face difficulties due to the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, according to a PTI report.

 

During a review meeting held at Krishi Bhavan here, Chouhan said he would speak with the chief ministers of bordering states like Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab regarding requirements in case villages need evacuation.

7:01 PM

Pak didn't close its civil airspace despite launching failed unprovoked drone, missile attack: Vyomika Singh

During the press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, "Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 08:30 pm. Pakistan is using a civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. This is unsafe for unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights that fly near IB between India and Pakistan. The screenshot we just showed shows the data of the application FlightRadar24 during a high air defence alert situation in the Punjab sector."

 

She added, "As you have seen, the airspace on the Indian side is absolutely devoid of civil air traffic due to our declared closure. However, there are civil airlines flying the air route between Karachi and Lahore. Indian Air Force demonstrated considerable restraint in its response, thus ensuring the safety of international civil carriers. In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One of the drones was able to destroy an AD radar. Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling across the line of control using heavy-calibre artillery guns and armed drones...which resulted in some losses and injuries to Indian army personnel. Pakistan army also suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory fire."

6:39 PM

Two students killed in Poonch by shell fired from Pakistan: MEA

Two students were killed and their parents injured when a shell fired from Pakistan struck their home in Poonch during heavy cross-border shelling, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

 

The shell landed just behind Christ School in Poonch, where the children studied. “Several school staff and local residents took shelter in an underground hall of the school during the shelling. Fortunately, the school was closed at the time — otherwise, the casualties could have been much higher,” the MEA added.

6:07 PM

Bahawalpur strike targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed facility: MEA

Bahawalpur, the headquarters of the UN-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has long been a hub of extremist activity. Its leader, Maulana Masood Azhar, is also listed as a proscribed individual by the United Nations, said Vikram Misri during the press briefing.

 

"The killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl is a grim chapter closely tied to this network. JeM was directly or indirectly responsible for Pearl's murder, primarily through Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh -- a British-Pakistani jihadist who played a central role in the abduction. Sheikh had previously been in Indian custody but was released in 2000. He was the one who lured Pearl, leading to his eventual killing. These individuals, institutions, and events are deeply interconnected. The recent strike on the JeM facility in Bahawalpur is thus a fitting response in the context of this long-standing chain of extremist violence," Misri added.

6:01 PM

Jaishankar, US Secretary of State discuss India’s response to Pahalgam terror attack

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which the two leaders discussed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s response on May 7. Secretary Rubio shared his views on the developments, while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to working with India in the fight against terrorism. Jaishankar expressed his deep appreciation for this support. He also underlined that India remains resolute in countering any attempts at escalation from Pakistan.

5:53 PM

Forensic probe of wreckage of drones underway: Foreign Secy Vikram Misri

Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones, said Misri. On the question of "large-scale aerial intrusion", he said, "The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusion was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence."

5:47 PM

Pakistan attempted to infiltrate 36 locations: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

During the press briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi told reporters, "On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations. The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means."

5:06 PM

LIVE update: MEA to begin media briefing shortly

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will brief the media at 5:30 pm today, after India thwarted drone attacks from Pakistan on Thursday night.

4:48 PM

Centre cracks down on online sale of unauthorised walkie-talkies

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has began action against the listing and sale of walkie-talkie devices on online platforms that fail to meet legal disclosure and licensing requirements.The crackdown focuses on listings lacking proper operating frequency information, licensing details, and Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certification. "The sale of non-compliant wireless devices not only breaches statutory obligations but may also pose significant risks to national security operations," Union Food and Consumer Minister Pralahad Joshi said in a social media post. Read here for a detailed story.

4:38 PM

Gujarat CM meets officials of armed forces, extends full cooperation

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday met officials from the armed forces and assured them that they won't face any difficulty in carrying out their operations in the state. Besides senior employees of various departments, including police and collectors of border districts, officials from the army, navy, air force, Border Security Force and Coast Guard also attended the meeting, he said. 

4:03 PM

IndiGo cancels flights to 10 cities till May 1

IndiGo has issued a travel advisory and announced the cancellation of flight operations to ten cities across northern and western India until May 10. The cancellations, which remain in effect until 11.59 pm on Saturday, affect services to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot. In a statement, IndiGo said, "We are monitoring the situation closely and are in continuous coordination with all relevant authorities." The airline has urged passengers to stay updated through official channels for any further developments or changes in flight status.

3:38 PM

J-K L-G Sinha visits J-K's Uri sector to assess damage caused by Pakistani shelling

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the administration to provide immediate relief to the affected families and ensure their safety.

"Took assessment of the damage to the civilian area and residential houses caused by unprovoked shelling by Pakistan in the border villages of Lagama and Gingal in Uri. I've directed the district admin to provide immediate relief to the affected families and ensure their safety and security," Sinha said in a post on X.

3:34 PM

Chandigarh administration cancels leaves of employees: Report

The Chandigarh administration has cancelled leaves of the its employees in view of escalating tension between India and Pakistan, according to a report in PTI. "The Chandigarh Administration has issued directions that the employees of all the Departments/Boards/Corporations must maintain their respective headquarter or station within Chandigarh and should not leave it, till further orders", the offcial statement said.

3:08 PM

Pakistan's complicity exposed after its officials attended funerals of terrorists: Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said the presence of Pakistani government officials at the funerals of the terrorists killed during Operation Sindoor contradicts the country's denial of involvement in terrorist activities in India. Pawar said that while India is facing a grave crisis, the country is fully capable of responding to it with the strength of its defence forces.

3:01 PM

IPL suspended for one week

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. 

The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans ; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

 

2:43 PM

Centre debunks Pak's claims of striking S-400 system

The central government on Friday debunked false claims that a missile from Pakistan struck India’s S-400 missile air defence system. The government clarified that the image is actually from a 2023 fire at a military site in Moscow.

2:24 PM

No need to publicly discuss where our artillery or aircraft are moving: RJD leader Manoj Jha

"Our army has acted responsibly and the escalation didn’t come from our side. All provocation is coming from the other side (Pakistan). I urge the media to show restraint. There’s no need to publicly discuss where our artillery or aircraft are moving. This only creates panic," RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said today.

1:45 PM

Police, Coast Guard and Navy on alert mode in Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the police, Coast Guard and Navy are on alert mode in the state, and all SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are being followed. “Police, Navy and Coast Guard are on alert mode. Regular exercises are being undertaken, and whatever steps are needed to be taken as per the ‘war book' are being taken care of. A review meeting on internal security will be convened later in the day. We are on alert mode,” he said.