Pakistan has vowed to retaliate following India’s airstrikes on Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad as part of Operation Sindoor. In a statement, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, condemned the strikes, calling them a “cowardly attack” and emphasized that Pakistan would respond at a time and place of its choosing. The Pakistani military did not confirm casualties but warned of a firm response. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have escalated after India’s retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam attack, with both sides on high alert. (PC: India Today, BBC)

In retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes targeted multiple sites, including suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters. The Indian government emphasized that the operation was "measured and non-escalatory," avoiding Pakistani military facilities. The Pakistan Army confirmed the strikes on civilian areas like mosques and warned of a response. The operation follows the massacre of 26 individuals, including 25 Indians and one Nepali, by terrorists, including Pakistani nationals, in Pahalgam. India’s response is a message of justice and resolve.

Several loud explosions were heard in Muzaffarabad and other areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following India's Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. The explosions caused a blackout in the region. Indian missile strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure, responding to the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. Pakistan’s military confirmed the strikes, vowing retaliation. The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the strikes were precise, non-escalatory, and focused solely on terrorist sites, avoiding Pakistani military targets. India’s response, marked by restraint, aims to hold those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable while maintaining security and stability. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a decisive response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. Targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the precision strikes aimed at dismantling infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. The Indian military emphasized that the operation was calibrated to avoid escalation, deliberately steering clear of Pakistani military sites. Officials highlighted India's commitment to defending national security while maintaining strategic restraint. A formal government briefing is expected later today to provide further details. This marks a significant shift in India’s counterterror response. 

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement brings major gains for the Scotch whisky industry. India will cut import taxes on Scotch from 150% to 40% over 10 years, making UK whisky much more affordable in the world’s largest whisky market.   This move is expected to boost exports by £1 billion in five years and create 1,200 jobs across the UK. Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, called it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” for growth. More small and medium UK whisky producers can now access the Indian market, reaching millions of new consumers. (Representative image)

India will conduct extensive civil defence mock drills on May 7, as part of a nationwide exercise to assess preparedness against potential threats amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drills will include air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation rehearsals, and coordination with the Indian Air Force. The drills will be held in 259 districts across the country, involving students, government employees, and military personnel. The exercises aim to strengthen emergency response systems and ensure the protection of critical installations like nuclear plants and military bases. (PC: PTI)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a video of his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating each other on finalizing the historic UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer hailed the deal as “the biggest since Brexit,” emphasizing its potential to raise living standards and strengthen ties between the two nations. Modi acknowledged Starmer’s leadership, calling the deal a “milestone in the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.” The FTA aims to slash tariffs on goods like whisky, cosmetics, and automobiles, boosting trade by £25.5 billion and benefiting both economies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public reaction to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, stated, “India’s water will flow for India, stay in India, and serve India.” Speaking at an ABP News event, Modi emphasized that the move followed the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The Cabinet Committee on Security decided to halt the treaty as a response to cross-border terrorism. Modi criticized previous governments for hesitating to take tough decisions, adding, “The country moves forward when we keep the nation first, not when we fear losing votes.”

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a major win for British producers of food, drink, and medical devices. India will cut tariffs on popular UK exports like chocolate, biscuits, salmon, and soft drinks, making them more affordable in the world’s fastest-growing market. This gives UK brands the chance to reach millions of new Indian consumers, especially as demand for premium imported products rises.   At the same time, the deal reduces tariffs on UK medical devices such as surgical tools and diagnostics equipment. The agreement also supports smooth customs processes and digital trade systems—benefits especially valuable for small and mid-sized exporters.   With India’s healthcare and consumer sectors growing rapidly, the deal is expected to unlock billions in trade, boost UK jobs, and strengthen economic ties. (PC: Representative)

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow just days before its 9 May Victory Day parade. Authorities temporarily shut four major airports, though no casualties were reported. President Putin has called for a three-day ceasefire starting 8 May, but Ukraine has not agreed, seeking a longer truce instead. President Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as "theatrical," warning that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign visitors to Moscow. Kyiv reported downing 54 Russian drones overnight and confirmed several casualties from strikes in Odesa and Sumy. Tensions remain high ahead of the 80th WWII victory anniversary.