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)

India accused Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by using commercial airliners as shields during a drone and missile attack on Thursday night targeting military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Indian Air Force intercepted the attack, which coincided with ongoing civil air traffic in Pakistani airspace—unlike India, which had cleared its skies. Indian officials cited flight-tracking data as evidence, condemning Pakistan's "reckless disregard" for civilian safety. In retaliation, India targeted four Pakistani air defence sites, destroying one radar, but exercised restraint to avoid civilian casualties. The incident underscores escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The UK has received its first lunar samples in over five decades, marking a major milestone in space exploration. These samples, collected by China’s Chang'e-5 mission in December 2020, were transported to Milton Keynes for analysis. Professor Mahesh Anand from The Open University is leading the study, focusing on the Moon's geological history and the origins of essential elements like hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. This research could offer vital insights into the potential for future lunar habitation and resource utilization. (PC: Sky News)

Amid escalating tensions following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan reportedly kept its airspace open and used civilian flights as cover during retaliatory military actions against India. According to Indian government sources, this move endangered international flights from countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE flying through Pakistani airspace. Pakistan’s military confirmed that 57 international flights were airborne during India's strikes. India condemned the tactic as irresponsible and dangerous, sparking international concerns over the use of civilian aviation to mask military maneuvers in active conflict zones. (PTI)  

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, China has intensified its military support to Pakistan, aiming to bolster its strategic position in the region. This includes the provision of advanced radar systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), encrypted communication infrastructure, and artillery units along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The deployment of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and PL-15E missiles by Pakistan has been pivotal in aerial engagements. China also leverages satellite surveillance and naval deployments to assess and counter India’s growing regional influence.

On May 8, 2025, Pakistan launched a major drone offensive using 300–400 drones across 36 locations in India, from Leh to Sir Creek. Investigations revealed the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, capable of surveillance and strikes. Some drones mimicked civilian aircraft to evade radar detection. The assault, suspected to be a probe of India’s air defences, drew a swift response. India retaliated with drone strikes under “Operation Sindoor,” destroying four Pakistani air defence sites, including a radar. This marks a serious escalation in Indo-Pak tensions, drawing global concern and calls for de-escalation. (PC: Screengrab)

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan, some allegedly supported by the Pakistani establishment. Indian forces also retaliated against Pakistani aggression in areas like Poonch, striking air defense systems and other targets in Lahore. Pakistan's attempted retaliation was reportedly thwarted by India, intercepting drones and missile launchers aimed at Indian military bases and civilian areas. The escalation has left Pakistan in a diplomatically challenging position, with Army Chief General Asim Munir facing criticism. His prior statements, emphasizing the two-nation theory and referring to Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein," are believed to have intensified tensions leading to the current crisis. (PC: StratNews Global)

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 the aftermath of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, triggered by the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, World Bank President Ajay Banga clarified that the World Bank's role is purely facilitative. He stated that the institution would not intervene in the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the treaty's terms. Signed in 1960, the treaty governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system. The suspension has raised concerns in Pakistan, which relies heavily on the river system, and sparked discussions on potential legal challenges to the move. (PC: Reuters)    

In a dramatic escalation of cross-border hostilities, Indian air defence forces intercepted more than 600 drones launched by Pakistan targeting 30 critical military and infrastructure sites across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The attacks occurred overnight on May 8, triggering blackouts, air raid sirens, and high-alert protocols in multiple cities. The drone offensive appeared to be a direct retaliation following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan. The large-scale aerial threat marks a new phase in India-Pakistan tensions, prompting global concern and calls for restraint. (PC: PTI)