In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the U.S. has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary appeared on the Vatican balcony to warm cheers from over 40,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Delivering his first address, he spoke of peace, unity, and bridge-building, praising his predecessor, Pope Francis. He offered greetings in Italian and Spanish, reflecting his missionary years in Peru. Former President Donald Trump congratulated him, calling it a “great honor” for the U.S. The conclave's choice marks a new chapter for the Church. (PC: BBC)

India successfully neutralized a barrage of Pakistani drones and missiles targeting military installations across northern and western India on May 7-8, 2025. In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror sites in Pakistan. India’s defense systems thwarted the attack, while airstrikes eliminated over 100 terrorists. Pakistan’s air defense, including HQ-9 missile launchers in Lahore, suffered significant damage. India maintains a commitment to non-escalation, provided Pakistan respects the ceasefire. Meanwhile, cross-border shelling by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir led to 16 civilian casualties. (PC: AP)

India’s recent missile strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, part of Operation Sindoor, have reignited global concerns over South Asia’s volatile military balance. India claims the strikes hit “terrorist infrastructure” in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Pakistan responded with claims of downing five Indian jets and retaliatory fire into Indian-administered Kashmir. The escalation highlights the vast military disparity—India ranks 4th globally in military strength, while Pakistan stands 12th—yet both possess nuclear capabilities. Their growing arms race, fueled by international suppliers, raises urgent questions about regional stability and global peace. (PC: ORF)

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a deadly IED attack in Balochistan’s Kachhi district, killing 14 Pakistan Army soldiers, including Special Operations Commander Tariq Imran and Subedar Umar Farooq. The army vehicle was completely destroyed. Pakistan's military launched a sanitisation operation to clear remaining militants. This attack occurred just a day after India carried out targeted airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied territory under Operation Sindoor. Although no official link has been established, the back-to-back incidents have intensified regional security concerns. The BLA has conducted similar attacks in the past, citing exploitation of Balochistan’s resources by the federal government.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told an all-party meeting that “Operation Sindoor is on, and India will hit back if Pakistan escalates”, following airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Around 100 terrorists were reportedly killed. Singh emphasized the need for confidentiality due to operational sensitivity. Rahul Gandhi expressed full support, saying, “We understand the situation.” Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge questioned PM Modi’s absence but avoided criticism, stating, “This is a time of crisis.” Leaders across parties praised the armed forces and assured support. The strikes responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. (PC: PTI)

Following India’s missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, Rajasthan and Punjab are on high alert. Borders have been sealed, schools shut, and leaves of police and railway staff cancelled. Shoot-on-sight orders have been issued for suspicious activity along the Rajasthan border. Sukhoi-30 MKI jets are patrolling western airspace, and anti-drone systems have been activated. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has suspended all public events. Blackout orders are in effect in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The Indian government maintains the strikes were measured and targeted only terrorist infrastructure in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. (PC: Live India)

Multiple blasts were reported Thursday morning on Walton Road in Lahore, Pakistan, sparking panic among residents. Visuals showed people fleeing homes as thick smoke filled the sky. Explosions were also reported near Askari 5 and Naval College. The incident follows India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Lahore and Sialkot airports were temporarily shut due to border tensions. Pakistan has since launched a disinformation campaign, while India clarified its strikes were precise and avoided civilian areas. The situation remains tense with the Pakistani military reportedly moving to alert positions.

Air travel was severely impacted across northern and western India following India’s precision missile strikes under Operation Sindoor. Over 300 flights were cancelled and 25 airports, including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, and Jodhpur, were shut until May 10 due to security and airspace restrictions. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offered full refunds or free rescheduling. Delhi Airport alone saw 140 flight cancellations. Several international carriers, including Qatar Airways and KLM, rerouted or suspended operations due to Pakistani airspace closure. Authorities advised passengers to stay updated via airlines amid the dynamic airspace situation caused by heightened military activity. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Following Operation Sindoor’s precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, India has issued a stern warning to Islamabad. Top government sources declared that more terror bases are on India’s radar and any retaliatory action will invite a “befitting reply.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that India exercised its right to respond after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, targeting only those responsible for civilian deaths. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called the strikes “measured and proportionate.” India reiterated that no civilian or military infrastructure was harmed, and the focus remains on dismantling terror networks preemptively and decisively. (News18)

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed envoys from 13 countries on Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that the precision strikes were a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, not an escalation. Misri stated that nine terror camps were hit using air, naval, and ground assets, killing over 80 terrorists linked to JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Responding to concerns from the UK about mosque targeting, Misri clarified only terror-linked complexes were hit. He reiterated that the strikes, lasting just 25 minutes, avoided civilian or military infrastructure. India vowed to respond if Pakistan retaliates, calling the operation a decisive move against terrorism. (PC: India Today)