Morning news wrap: India on high alert day after Op Sindoor in Pakistan, Golden Temple goes dark for mock drill & more

NEW DELHI: India has shored up its defences across the land, air and sea domains, as it is being considered likely that Pakistan would retaliate following Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.The Golden Temple went dark as a blackout was held in Amritsar as part of nationwide mock drills ordered by the Centre to check emergency preparedness in case of future threats amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan.US President Donald Trump will hold a press conference to announce a major trade deal involving representatives of a “big, and highly respected, country,” and called it “the first of many.”Here are the top five stories of the morning:India on high alert as Pakistan retaliation likely after Operation SindoorThe multi-layered air defence network is fully activated, several frontline warships are deployed in the Arabian Sea, and infantry units along the frontier are fully stocked and prepared to deal with any contingency.Amid combat air patrols being flown by IAF fighter jets, even the tri-Service Strategic Forces Command, which handles the country's nuclear arsenal, has been put on a high alert as a measure of abundant precaution. Read full storyBlackout at Amritsar's Golden Temple as lights switched off for mock drillAs part of a nationwide civil defence drill, the Amritsar district administration held blackout measures in the city to ensure public safety and preparedness, according to the District Public Relations Officer. Visuals showed lights being switched off at the iconic Golden Temple as well. The lights were later turned back on. The blackout in Amritsar was part of a nationwide civil defence mock drill ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to check emergency preparedness in case of future threats. Read full storySatellite images reveal damage to terror camps in Pakistan after Operation SindoorFresh satellite images released on Thursday revealed the scale of destruction caused after Indian Army carried out precision strikes at 9 terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, under 'Operation Sindoor'. The comparative satellite images, released by Maxar Technologies, showed substantial structural damage across critical locations, specifically targeting the Jamia Mosque in Bahawalpur and within Muridke city in Pakistan. Read full storyDonald Trump to announce 'major trade deal' with a ‘big and respected nation'President Donald Trump has said that he will reveal details of a major new trade deal at a press conference scheduled for 10.00am tomorrow (local time) in the Oval Office. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the agreement as involving representatives of a “big, and highly respected, country,” and called it “the first of many.” The timing of the announcement also coincides with the start of US-China talks in Switzerland, the first formal dialogue since the trade war escalated. Read full storyIPL playoffs scenarios: With 13 matches to go, odds for each team explainedWith 13 games remaining in the league stage, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are already out of contention for the playoffs. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are almost sure to make the knock-out stage, but Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals still have an even chance while Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders have slim chances. Read full story