Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Kashmiri towns like Poonch and Uri endure the brunt of cross-border violence. Following India's missile strikes on Pakistan, retaliation for an April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan's intense shelling in Indian-administered Kashmir has resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths, including children and shopkeepers. Residents describe unprecedented bombardments, with homes destroyed and communities traumatized. Villages such as Shahpur, Mankote, and Krishna Ghati are among the worst affected. As both nuclear-armed nations exchange fire, Kashmiris, caught in the middle, plead for peace, expressing despair over being collateral damage in a conflict they did not choose. The situation marks the most severe hostilities in the region in over four decades. (PC: Radio city & Al Jazeera)

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the conflict is "fundamentally none of our business," emphasizing America's limited control over the situation. While expressing concern over potential nuclear escalation, Vance highlighted the U.S.'s role in encouraging de-escalation through diplomatic channels. He noted that the U.S. cannot compel either nation to cease hostilities but hopes for restraint to prevent broader conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this stance by engaging in separate discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both to de-escalate. The U.S. maintains a position of non-intervention, focusing on diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis. (PC: News18 & Hindustan Times)

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 27 civilians. India attributes the attack to Pakistan-based militants and launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan reports 31 civilian deaths and vows retaliation. Subsequent exchanges include drone and missile strikes, with both nations reporting civilian and military casualties. India claims to have intercepted Pakistani attacks using its S-400 missile system. Pakistan warns of a "clear and present" nuclear threat. International leaders, including the U.S., urge de-escalation. The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging artillery fire and engaging in air skirmishes. (PC: PTI)

Following Pakistan's attempted drone and missile strikes on Jammu and other regions, which were successfully intercepted by Indian forces, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah promptly traveled to Jammu on Friday morning to assess the situation. Air raid sirens and explosions were reported across multiple cities, including Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara. In response to the heightened tensions, schools in several areas have been closed until Monday. Abdullah announced that the decision regarding the extension of school closures will be reviewed on Monday afternoon, contingent upon the prevailing circumstances. The Indian Defence Ministry affirmed its readiness to defend the nation's sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens. (PC: PTI)

In response to heightened security concerns under “Operation Sindoor,” sirens were sounded in Chandigarh after the Indian Air Force issued an air warning of a possible attack. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors and avoid balconies as a precautionary measure. The situation follows rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with security forces on high alert. The warning and sirens are part of ongoing defensive measures to protect key areas from potential aerial threats. The situation remains under close monitoring, with residents urged to remain cautious and follow official directives for their safety. (PC: The New York Times)  

The continuation of IPL 2025 hangs in the balance as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan. The BCCI held an emergency meeting following the abandonment of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala due to security concerns. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the board is closely monitoring the situation and is awaiting guidance from the central government before taking any further decision. With the safety of players, officials, and fans as the top priority, the BCCI is prepared to suspend or relocate matches depending on official directives. (PC: AFP)

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has stated that the United States will not intervene in the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, calling it “none of our business.” In a Fox News interview, Vance emphasized that while the U.S. hopes for peace, direct involvement is off the table. This aligns with the administration’s “America First” approach, prioritizing domestic issues over foreign entanglements. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaging diplomatically, urging both countries to de-escalate. The U.S. stance has sparked global debate as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors continue to rise. (PC: AP)

In a sharp escalation of tensions, the Indian Navy has initiated strategic operations in the Arabian Sea under "Operation Sindoor" following Pakistan's attempted missile strikes on Jammu and Kashmir and drone attacks on Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. These preemptive naval actions aim to neutralize any potential maritime threats and signal a strong response to cross-border aggression. Meanwhile, Indian air defence successfully intercepted several incoming threats, preventing major damage. The coordinated military posture follows days of hostilities, including artillery exchanges and aerial engagements. The situation remains volatile, with global powers urging both sides to exercise restraint. (PC: Business Standard)  

India successfully intercepted multiple Pakistani missile and drone attacks targeting northern military installations, including Jammu and Amritsar, utilizing the S-400 air defense system. In retaliation, India executed counter operations, neutralizing Pakistan's air defense system in Lahore. This marks the first combat deployment of India's S-400 system, dubbed 'Sudarshan Chakra'. The escalation follows India's 'Operation Sindoor', launched after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 Indian tourists. Pakistan denies initiating the drone and missile strikes, claiming to have downed 25 Indian drones over cities like Karachi and Lahore. Both nations report civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, raising international concerns over potential further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: The Daily Star & The Tribune)

In a major escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), Indian air defence forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a Pakistani aerial strike formation. The operation led to the downing of one F-16 fighter jet, two JF-17 aircraft, and a high-value AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) platform. This action followed India’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched in retaliation to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Pakistan denied initiating the aggression but claimed to have shot down five Indian jets and 25 drones. Tensions remain high, with ongoing artillery exchanges reported. (PC: Time Now)