Chennai Super Kings edged out Kolkata Knight Riders in a thrilling last-over win, effectively ending KKR’s playoff hopes in IPL 2025. Chasing 180, CSK stumbled early at 60/5, but Dewald Brevis turned the game with a blistering 22-ball 50, including 30 runs in one over. Contributions from Shivam Dube, debutant Urvil Patel (31 off 11), and a calm finish by MS Dhoni ensured CSK’s victory. Noor Ahmad’s 4-wicket haul and Andre Russell’s explosive 38 were highlights for KKR. With this defeat, KKR's playoff hopes now hinge on improbable scenarios as CSK climbs the table with momentum.

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)

India carried out nationwide civil defence mock drills on Wednesday to test preparedness against emerging threats, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. Dubbed ‘Operation Abhyaas,’ the drills featured blackout simulations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, and Surat, alongside air raid sirens, evacuation protocols, and emergency response training. The Centre ordered these drills following Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terror camps across Pakistan. Key locations, including Connaught Place and India Gate, temporarily went dark as authorities assessed readiness for potential war-like emergencies. Officials stated the objective is to bolster public safety amid evolving national security challenges. (PC: PTI)

India remains on high alert following 'Operation Sindoor', a targeted military strike that hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre. In response, Pakistan launched heavy shelling, killing 15 civilians and injuring 43 in J&K. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting, directing border states to maintain essential services and evacuate vulnerable populations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that India’s strike avoided civilian casualties. Amid fears of escalation, 25 airports across northern India were shut down. NSA Ajit Doval stated that while India seeks de-escalation, it is prepared for any further provocation. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 38. Sharing the news on Instagram, Rohit expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to represent India in the longest format of the game. He retires with an impressive record of over 4,000 runs from 67 Test matches at an average of 40.57, including multiple centuries at home and abroad. Despite stepping away from red-ball cricket, Rohit confirmed he will continue playing One-Day Internationals, aiming to contribute to India’s ODI pursuits. (PC: AFP)

The Shiromani Akali Dal has strongly condemned the deadly attack allegedly backed by Pakistan on a Gurudwara in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, where three Sikh civilians lost their lives. The incident has sparked political outrage, with Akali Dal accusing Pakistan of deliberately targeting religious minorities. Jammu and Kashmir authorities have launched an investigation and announced compensation for the victims' families. Various political parties, including the National Conference and Apni Party, staged protests in Srinagar, demanding justice and enhanced protection for religious institutions amid rising cross-border hostilities. (PC: ANI)

Following India's pre-dawn 'Operation Sindoor' targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, Pakistani forces retaliated with heavy shelling along the LoC and International Border, killing 15 civilians and injuring 43 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Tangdhar. Among the dead were three Gursikhs after a gurdwara in Poonch was shelled. Indian forces swiftly responded, damaging Pakistani posts. Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered civilian evacuations from border areas. The operation, aimed at terror hubs of JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen, reportedly killed over 80 terrorists and damaged key camps including Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and Markaz Taiba in Muridke. (PC: India Today)

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed “deep concern” over rising tensions between India and Pakistan during separate phone calls with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to official statements, Al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting regional and international efforts aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means. Known for its recent mediation roles in global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and humanitarian negotiations involving Ukraine and Afghanistan, Qatar has positioned itself as a potential diplomatic bridge between the two nuclear-armed neighbors amid escalating conflict.