Operation Sindoor marked India’s first major stand-off weapon conflict, with Indian armed forces striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using only long-range missiles and loitering ammunition. According to reports, India used SCALP, BrahMos, Rampage and Crystal Maze missiles to target nine terror facilities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Muridke headquarters and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Bahawalpur base. Indian forces also deployed Harpy and Harop kamikaze drones to destroy Pakistani air defence systems. Officials said the operation highlighted India’s growing focus on high-technology warfare, precision strikes and stand-off combat capabilities without crossing the Line of Control. (PC: HT)

India and the United Arab Emirates are moving towards a stronger strategic defence partnership as tensions rise in West Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently condemned Iran’s missile and drone attack on Fujairah Port and backed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. India and the UAE had signed a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation during UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in January. Both sides are now working on a broader defence agreement covering military cooperation, cyber security and counter-terrorism. PM Modi is also expected to visit Abu Dhabi later this month to strengthen bilateral ties. (PC: HT)

Three people were killed and several injured as post-poll violence continued across West Bengal for a second day after the Assembly election results. Clashes, arson and vandalism were reported from Kolkata, Birbhum, North 24 Parganas, Asansol and other districts, with the BJP and the Trinamool Congress accusing each other of orchestrating attacks.   A BJP worker was allegedly beaten to death in New Town, while a TMC worker was hacked to death in Birbhum’s Nanoor. Violence also erupted in Sandeshkhali, where police personnel and central force jawans were injured in firing during patrols.   The Election Commission directed Bengal Police and central forces to adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach and restore order immediately amid rising political tension across the state.

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India. The new bill will raise the strength from 33 to 37 judges. The Chief Justice is not included in this count. The government said the move will help the court work faster. It aims to reduce pending cases and improve efficiency. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said it will ensure quicker justice. The extra cost will be paid from the Consolidated Fund of India. The number of judges has been increased many times since 1956. (PC: PTI)

An IndiGo flight was evacuated at Chandigarh International Airport on Tuesday after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke. Flight 6E-108 from Hyderabad had already landed when the incident occurred. “Smoke was detected from a passenger’s power bank after an apparent internal explosion,” officials said. Crew members used fire extinguishers and activated emergency protocols, evacuating 198 passengers via slides. One passenger suffered a minor ankle injury. The situation was brought under control quickly, and no major injuries were reported. (PC: India Today)

Hours before vote counting in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged irregularities at some locations. In a post on X, she said, “load-shedding is being done in phases, CCTV is being turned off.” She cited areas such as Serampore, Krishnanagar, Ausgram and parts of Kolkata. Banerjee urged party workers to “stay awake” and guard strong rooms storing EVMs. She asked them to “be vigilant, keep watch, and file complaints.” She also said suspicious movement of vehicles was reported near strong rooms. The Trinamool Congress has earlier raised concerns about EVM tampering. The Election Commission has not responded to the latest claims. (PC: HT)

Votes will be counted from 8 am across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. The results will decide if Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth term. In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay faces his first electoral test. Exit polls suggest an edge for BJP in Assam under Himanta Biswa Sarma, while M. K. Stalin may return in Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan seeks to defend the Left’s last stronghold. In Puducherry, N. Rangasamy is aiming for another term. (PC: India today)

A deadly fire in Vivek Vihar, Delhi killed nine and injured four after structural flaws turned a residential building into a trap. The blaze, likely triggered by an air-conditioner short circuit, spread rapidly through wooden interiors and a single shared staircase. Smart door locks malfunctioned, trapping residents, while iron grills, sealed balconies and nets blocked escape and delayed rescue. A locked terrace further prevented evacuation. With no alternative exits and narrow access for firefighters, smoke and flames overwhelmed occupants. The incident highlights critical failures in building design, fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in densely packed urban housing.

A 34-year-old passenger on a Sharjah-Chennai Air Arabia flight opened an emergency exit and jumped off the aircraft while it was taxiing at Chennai International Airport early Sunday. The plane, carrying 231 passengers, had landed and cleared the runway but was still moving slowly when the incident occurred. Officials said the man appeared unwell and had vomited twice during the flight. The pilot halted the aircraft immediately and alerted authorities. CISF personnel secured the passenger and handed him over to police for questioning. No injuries or damage were reported. The incident caused temporary disruption, with the runway briefly shut and flights diverted as authorities launched an investigation into the safety breach. (PC: X)

A massive fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, early Sunday morning, killing at least nine people, including a toddler. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by an air conditioner explosion or short circuit, though the exact cause is still under investigation. The fire spread rapidly across multiple flats on the second, third, and fourth floors, trapping residents inside grilled and locked apartments. Firefighters deployed multiple tenders and rescued over a dozen people, but several were found dead during search operations. The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety in residential buildings. (PC: PTI)