India has launched retaliatory strikes on four Pakistani airbases—Noor Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot)—following Pakistan's missile and drone attacks on 26 Indian locations from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. India's Ministry of Defence reported successfully neutralizing these threats, including attempts to target airports and airbases. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace until 12 noon today. The last airborne Pakistan International Airlines flight, PIA218, was forced to hover over Quetta. Intense engagements continue over Srinagar, with India activating surface-to-air missile systems to counter potential aerial threats. The situation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $1 billion tranche for Pakistan under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a $1.3 billion tranche under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). India abstained from voting, expressing "strong dissent" due to Pakistan's "poor track record" and concerns over potential misuse of funds for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. India's Ministry of Finance highlighted that fungible inflows from international financial institutions could be diverted for military purposes, a concern echoed by several IMF member countries. Opposition parties in India criticized the abstention, suggesting a direct "no" vote would have sent a stronger message. However, IMF decisions are typically made by consensus, and formal "no" votes are not customary. (PC: PTI, India Today)

On May 10, 2025, amid escalating tensions with India, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the National Command Authority, the body overseeing the nation's nuclear arsenal. This move follows Pakistan's military operation targeting multiple Indian bases, as both countries accuse each other of airspace violations involving drones and munitions. The conflict has resulted in at least 48 fatalities, marking a significant escalation. The meeting underscores the gravity of the situation and Pakistan's consideration of high-level strategic responses. The National Command Authority, chaired by the Prime Minister, is responsible for safeguarding national security through command and control decisions regarding Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. (PC: Hisdustan Times & Epthinktank)

A senior official in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district was killed when a Pakistani shell struck his residence amid escalating cross-border tensions. The incident occurred during intensified shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control, leading to civilian casualties and widespread panic. Local authorities have condemned the attack, labeling it a blatant violation of ceasefire agreements. The Indian Army has responded with targeted strikes on Pakistani positions, aiming to neutralize threats and prevent further civilian harm. This tragic event underscores the fragile nature of peace in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to de-escalate hostilities and protect innocent lives on both sides of the border. (PC: Business Today & NDTV)

China has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise caution while traveling to India or Pakistan, following rising tensions between the two countries. The advisory, shared by Chinese Embassies on WeChat, advises heightened vigilance and safety for citizens in both nations. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Singapore have also released warnings, especially against travel to Jammu and Kashmir. The advisories follow a Pakistani missile strike on India in response to the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. India intercepted missiles, drones, and fighter jets in retaliation.

Under Operation Sindoor, India destroyed a critical Pakistani military post in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a major escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian military also intercepted Pakistani drones in Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab, including near Srinagar Airport and Pathankot. Three civilians were injured in Ferozepur from falling drone debris. India responded to Pakistan's artillery, drone, and missile strikes with precision drone strikes targeting Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and downed a Pakistani F-16 jet in Rajasthan. Prime Minister Modi reviewed the situation with top military commanders and veterans as regional tensions rise. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump has urged India and Pakistan to “de-escalate as quickly as possible” amid rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump is closely monitoring the situation, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in constant communication with both sides. In an interview with Fox News, US Vice President JD Vance ruled out military intervention, saying, “This conflict is none of America's business.” He added, “We’re going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels,” stressing the importance of preventing a broader regional or nuclear conflict. (PC: AFP)

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the suspension of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on May 9 due to growing security concerns. The decision follows repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control and heightened military activity after Pakistan's recent drone attack. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the suspension during a press briefing, stating it will remain in effect until further notice. The corridor, which allows Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, was renewed in October 2024 for another five years before this temporary halt. (PC: Wikipedia)

India suspects Pakistan’s recent drone and missile barrage may have been a probing action to test air defences, rather than a full-scale assault. On May 8, hundreds of drones targeted 36 Indian locations but were largely repelled. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed the attacks likely aimed to gather intelligence on detection zones and response capabilities. Preliminary forensic analysis suggests the use of Turkish-origin Songar drones with weak payloads. Defence sources said Pakistan’s tactics appeared designed to map vulnerabilities ahead of possible future escalations. The move follows India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack. (PC: PTI)

The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has entered a new phase with the world’s first drone war between nuclear-armed rivals. After India accused Pakistan of launching drone and missile strikes on military bases, Pakistan claimed to have shot down 25 Indian drones. India responded with precision drone strikes, escalating tensions further. Experts say this technological shift, involving loitering munitions, surveillance drones, and stand-off attacks, reduces human risk but increases the chances of miscalculation. With both sides integrating unmanned systems into military doctrine, global observers warn the conflict is at a critical tipping point with unpredictable consequences. (PC: Getty Images)