Leand Macadaan

India’s robust air defence system — Russian S-400 Triumf, Akash air defence system, Israeli Spyder, and Barak 8 — successfully defended multiple north Indian cities against a rain of Pakistani missiles. And at the same time, India managed to strike deep into Lahore and Karachi

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the BCCI is contemplating halting the IPL. The DC vs PBKS match in Dharamsala was disrupted, prompting evacuation plans for players and staff. Overseas players are anxious, awaiting assurances from the BCCI and the government. The IPL Governing Council is meeting to decide the tournament's future, guided by government directives, while teams adjust travel plans.

Amid escalating tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate immediately, speaking with S Jaishankar and Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized US support for direct dialogue and asked Pakistan to end support for terrorist groups, following retaliatory air strikes and India's Operation Sindoor. Blackouts have been enforced in border regions of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed five Indian fighter jets were shot down. While Pakistan has not produced any evidence, India too has stayed mum except for the Press Information Bureau debunking some random pictures claiming to show debris of “crashed” Indian jets

Elon Musk, SpaceX founder, warns of the sun's eventual destruction of Earth, advocating for Mars colonization as humanity's long-term survival strategy. He emphasizes the urgency of establishing a self-sustaining civilization on Mars, viewing it as "life insurance" for humanity. SpaceX is actively developing plans for Martian habitats and addressing the challenges of establishing a permanent colony.

The Supreme Court declined to halt the deportation of illegal Rohingya Muslim migrants from Delhi, emphasizing that the right to reside in India is exclusive to citizens. The court acknowledged the migrants' right to life but affirmed they would be handled under the Foreigners Act. The Solicitor General assured due process while highlighting national security concerns and India's non-recognition of Rohingya refugees.

Poonch endured intense Pakistani bombardment, unlike anything experienced even during the 1971 war, prompting widespread fear and displacement. Shelling damaged religious sites and homes, resulting in casualties, including a tabla player, a kirtan singer and a maulvi. Residents are now fleeing, seeking safety as they express the urgent need for civilian bunkers amidst escalating tensions.