Tensions flared along the India-Pakistan border after Pakistani drones struck a civilian area in Punjab's Ferozepur, injuring three people. SSP Bhupinder Singh Sandhu confirmed the victims suffered burn injuries and are under medical care. The Indian Army swiftly responded, neutralising most of the drones. Meanwhile, drones were also spotted near Srinagar International Airport, accompanied by loud explosions, prompting a security lockdown. In a related precautionary move, Himachal Pradesh's Solan district declared a blackout amid escalating cross-border threats. These incidents signal rising tensions, prompting heightened security along India's northern frontier. 

On Friday evening, Indian defence forces intercepted several Pakistani drones across six locations in Jammu, Samba, and Punjab's Pathankot, as tensions with Pakistan reached a boiling point. The drones were part of a larger offensive that included cross-border shelling from Pakistan in Uri, Kupwara, and Poonch. The city of Jammu was plunged into darkness following blasts and air raid sirens, prompting mosque announcements urging residents to switch off lights. Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah urged citizens to stay off the streets and remain calm. India responded with precision strikes and deployed advanced anti-drone systems, ensuring no civilian casualties occurred.

Tensions surged in Jammu on Friday night as multiple explosions were heard across the region, triggering air raid sirens just a day after Pakistan's large-scale drone and missile offensive. The blasts followed a retaliatory strike by India on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, responding to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. While India’s air defence successfully neutralized most incoming threats on Thursday, the fresh blasts in Jammu have raised security concerns. Authorities are on high alert, and investigations are underway to determine the origin and impact of the explosions. No casualties have been reported so far.

In a bold provocation, Pakistan launched 500 drones into Indian airspace across 24 cities in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat on May 8. The assault, lasting 210 minutes, was swiftly countered by India’s air defence systems, including the S-400 and Akash, neutralizing nearly all drones. Only one reached Jammu Civil Airport. Most drones were unarmed, equipped with cameras. India retaliated by targeting air defence systems in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot. Defence officials confirmed the destruction of key Pakistani installations. The Indian government stated the response matched Pakistan’s aggression in both scale and intensity. (PC: IAI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met all three service chiefs on Friday amid the sharpest India-Pakistan escalation in nearly three decades. The meeting followed India’s precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor in Pakistan, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Pakistan responded with widespread drone and munitions assaults, repelled by India’s Akash air defence systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a security review, and the Centre granted emergency powers to civil defence heads and authorised the Territorial Army’s mobilisation. The Indian Army affirmed it is fully prepared to defend the nation against any further aggression along the western front. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian government has extended the closure of 24 airports till May 14 due to rising tensions with Pakistan following the foiled drone and missile attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the move, citing heightened security risks. Airports shut include Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaisalmer, Leh, and others in border states. Major airlines have canceled flights and issued advisories. Delhi IGI airport remains operational with tightened protocols. Over 130 flights were canceled on Friday alone. The airspace alert follows Pakistan's use of civilian aircraft during its drone assault, heightening safety concerns for passengers. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following New Delhi's strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, major public sector fuel retailers have assured citizens of ample fuel stocks nationwide. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) stated that their supply lines are operating smoothly, urging the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Similarly, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) confirmed sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG across their network, emphasizing that all fuel stations and LPG distributorships are functioning normally. These advisories come in response to isolated incidents of panic buying triggered by misinformation on social media, which the government has dismissed as fake. (PC: PTI & Just Dial)

In response to rising cross-border threats from Pakistan, including drone and missile incursions, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and Union Territories to activate emergency provisions under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. This directive empowers local administrations to implement strategic measures like blackouts, evacuations, and public safety drills. The move is aimed at enhancing national readiness, securing vital infrastructure, and ensuring rapid response to any hostile actions. It underscores India's firm stance on internal security amid increasing regional tensions. (PC: Republic)

Several major Indian banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, and others, have confirmed that their ATMs and digital banking services are fully functional and well-stocked. These clarifications follow social media rumors suggesting ATM shutdowns due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. SBI, India’s largest lender, reassured customers via X, urging them not to trust unverified reports. Similar confirmations were issued by Bank of Baroda, Punjab and Sindh Bank, Canara Bank, and Bank of India. Punjab National Bank also emphasized seamless digital banking from home. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to review the cybersecurity preparedness of banks and financial institutions later today. (PC: DNS Bank)

India repelled multiple Pakistani drone and missile strikes on Thursday night across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, in one of the most intense military face-offs in decades. The attacks followed India’s Operation Sindoor that targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK. Indian forces intercepted eight missiles in Jammu, and military stations in Pathankot, Udhampur, and Jalandhar were also targeted. India responded with drone and missile strikes on military sites in Sialkot, Lahore, and Islamabad. No casualties were reported. Blackouts were imposed across border cities and schools shut, while diplomatic efforts continued amid heightened tensions.