Gunjan Joshi

India conducted a nationwide civil defence exercise named 'Operation Abhyaas'. The exercise simulated various emergency scenarios across multiple states and union territories. Drills included air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue missions. Delhi experienced sirens, evacuations, and a brief blackout. Other states like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu also conducted similar exercises.

Pakistan may attempt a post Balakot-like response, but Indian air defence systems now are far better

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the GLEX 2025, emphasized India's collaborative approach to space exploration, envisioning a future where its astronauts leave lunar footprints by 2040. He highlighted the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and an Indian astronaut's imminent journey to the International Space Station.

The Axiom-4 mission, with India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, faces a possible delay due to a minor technical issue, though the launch is still targeted for May 29. Isro chairman V Narayanan expressed confidence in the SpaceX launch vehicle and spacecraft for the mission to the ISS. Shukla will conduct seven experiments, fostering microgravity research in India during the 14-day stay.

In a retaliatory move for the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor," executing precision strikes on nine terrorist bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A war would necessitate substantial increase in military spending, diverting resources away from other vital sectors such as healthcare and education. Pakistan’s already high debt burden would likely increase further, making it harder for the country to cope with the economic fallout

European leaders are actively courting American researchers with substantial financial incentives, viewing U.S. cuts to research funding as a critical mistake. France and the European Commission have pledged significant investments, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, to attract talent and bolster their own research programs.

The Supreme Court has enhanced EVM integrity checks by ruling that the symbol loading unit must remain unchanged during candidate-requested mock polls. This order came with the acceptance of the Election Commission's amended technical SOP, which includes self-diagnosis and mutual authentication. Engineers will also certify the software and memory of EVMs to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's PM Sharif asserted in Parliament that its army swiftly retaliated against Indian strikes, claiming to have downed five Indian jets, though without providing evidence. Pakistan reports casualties in PoK and Punjab, alleging attacks on civilian areas, including a mosque. The NSC condemned India's actions as 'acts of war,' vowing a response and reserving the right to self-defense, while briefing China on the situation.