In a dramatic and reportedly unprecedented move, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has reportedly been arrested by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Munir has allegedly been shifted to an undisclosed location, with Mirza reportedly assuming control of the armed forces. This internal shake-up comes amid escalating tensions with India, which reportedly shot down three Pakistani jets and captured two pilots—one in Jaisalmer and another in Akhnoor. An explosion was also reported near Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s residence, further fueling instability both at the border and within Pakistan’s military leadership. (PC: India Today)

In a swift and strategic counterstrike, the Indian Air Force targeted Pakistan’s crippled Lahore base hours after neutralizing its air defence systems. This retaliation follows Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on Indian military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Jaisalmer. Earlier, India’s S-400 air defence system successfully intercepted numerous projectiles, including kamikaze drones. Israeli-made HARPY drones had already taken out Pakistan’s Chinese-made HQ-9 systems. Indian forces also downed a Pakistani AWACS, one F-16, and two JF-17 jets. Despite heavy losses, Pakistan launched fresh attacks, prompting India’s powerful response, signaling escalated tensions along the border. (PC: India Today)

In response to escalating India-Pakistan tensions, India has temporarily closed 24 airports across northern and western regions. Affected airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, Shimla, and others. The closures follow Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian cities, including Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Indian air defense systems intercepted these attacks, leading to blackouts and air raid sirens in several cities. The Civil Aviation Ministry announced the closures, and airlines have advised passengers to expect delays and enhanced security checks. The situation remains fluid as both nations continue to bolster security measures.

India launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, along with Lahore and Sialkot, late Thursday, after successfully thwarting multiple Pakistani missile and drone attacks targeting Indian cities such as Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot. Blackouts were imposed in key border areas, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar. The attacks were in response to Pakistan’s military attempts to target 15 Indian cities, which were neutralized using advanced defense systems. The strikes come after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ongoing tension follows the Pahalgam terror attack and rising hostilities between the two nations. (PC: News18)

India’s armed forces intercepted eight Pakistani missiles targeting military stations in Jammu, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia on Thursday night, just a day after Indian strikes under “Operation Sindoor” hit terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Loud explosions and red projectiles created panic in Jammu, followed by blackouts and air raid sirens. The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed no casualties, crediting swift kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. The attack is being likened to Hamas-style tactics, reportedly linked to an ISI-Hamas meeting. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti urged restraint, while citizens fled indoors fearing further strikes. Tensions remain high across the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off in Dharamsala on May 8 following escalating cross-border attacks from Pakistan. The match was halted at 10.1 overs with PBKS at 122/1 after floodlights failed. Initially believed to be a technical issue, the blackout led to mass evacuation of players, officials, and spectators as a security precaution. The BCCI confirmed the match’s abandonment and arranged a special train from Una to Delhi for safe transport. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that player and public safety is paramount, and further IPL decisions will be based on evolving threats. (PC: AP)

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 thwarted a major Pakistani air offensive targeting Jammu and Kashmir, intercepting all incoming missiles and drones with its S-400 defence system. Pakistani strikes hit areas including Samba, RS Pura, and Jammu airport, prompting immediate retaliation by Indian forces. Two drones were downed near Jammu University and several locations faced blackouts amid sirens and power cuts. India also shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 jet near Sargodha. Defence sources likened the attack to a "Hamas-style" barrage. The aggression follows India’s Operation Sindoor against terror camps in PoK, and has triggered high alert across border states.

India shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet near Sargodha air base amid rising cross-border hostilities. The F-16, launched from Pakistan's frontline base, was intercepted by India's surface-to-air missile system following Pakistan’s drone and missile assault on Indian border cities. Heavy shelling was reported in Jammu, Punjab, and Himachal, triggering blackouts and emergency sirens. India retaliated by neutralising multiple threats and destroying a Pakistani air defence site in Lahore using S-400 systems and HARPY drones. The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed no Indian losses and labelled the attacks a “provocative escalation,” drawing sharp global attention. (PC: NDTV)

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged immediate de-escalation in separate calls with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. The US emphasized support for direct dialogue following Pakistan’s missile and drone strikes targeting Indian border states, which India successfully intercepted. India retaliated by downing Pakistani jets and targeting key sites. The conflict follows India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Heavy shelling, blackouts, and military alerts continue across affected regions, raising global concerns over further escalation. (PC: India Today)