In a calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead, including one Nepali national, the Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of Wednesday launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, carrying out missile strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to PTI. The operation, which was greenlit following a high-level security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 29, included strikes on key strongholds of banned terror outfits. As per PTI, these included the Jaish-e-Mohammad’s base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s sprawling markaz in Muridke, located near Lahore. Additional targets in PoK included Kotli and Muzaffarabad, regions known to host camps and training grounds for both LeT and JeM. The Indian Ministry of Defence, in a statement issued at 1:44 am IST, confirmed the launch of Operation Sindoor, stating: “A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.” India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and… — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 6, 2025 The strikes, the ministry noted, were “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature,” and did not target any Pakistani military facilities. “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the official statement said. All nine targets were successfully hit, and the operation was being monitored closely by Prime Minister Modi. The name ‘Sindoor’ symbolically references the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, a poignant tribute given that several women lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack, including an Indian Navy officer. The April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, mainly targeted tourists, drawing widespread national and international condemnation. The government reiterated its resolve: “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.” In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army said, “Justice is Served”, accompanied by the hashtag #PahalgamTerrorAttack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also posted in Hindi, stating: “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Long live Mother India). #PahalgamTerrorAttackJustice is Served.Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/Aruatj6OfA — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025 Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry acknowledged the strikes, stating they occurred at Kotli and Muzaffarabad in PoK and Bahawalpur in Punjab. “This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India's airspace. They were never allowed to intrude into Pakistan’s airspace,” he said, claiming that all Pakistani Air Force jets were airborne in response. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labelled the action “an act of war” and warned of a “befitting reply.” “The Pakistani nation and the Pakistani armed forces know how to deal with the enemy very well,” he declared. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning the “unprovoked and blatant act of war,” claiming Indian standoff weapons targeted civilian populations in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad. The ministry asserted that Pakistan reserves the right to respond “at a time and place of its choosing.” بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِThe treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished.Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack — a… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2025 The Indian military establishment confirmed that all air defence systems along the western frontier have been placed on high alert. The top brass of the Indian Armed Forces continues to monitor the situation closely. Following the strikes, Indian diplomatic channels were activated. Senior Indian officials briefed their counterparts in key global capitals including the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, explaining the rationale behind the military operation and India’s restrained approach. (With inputs from PTI)
07 May,2025 07:28 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday launched 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The Pahalgam terror attack took place in south Kashmir on April 22 in which tourists were mainly targeted. The Defence Ministry in a post on X wrote, "India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, targeting the roots of cross-border terror planning. Importantly, no Pakistani military facilities were hit, reflecting India’s calibrated and non-escalatory approach. This operation underscores India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation. A detailed briefing on the operation will follow later today." India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and… — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 6, 2025 An official statement from the government said, "A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted." "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the statement said. "These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable," it said. Meanwhile, the Indian Army shared a post on X and wrote, "Justice is Served." #PahalgamTerrorAttackJustice is Served.Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/Aruatj6OfA — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025 In an another post the Indian Army said, "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing Artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch- Rajauri area. The Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner."
07 May,2025 03:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSecurity has been heightened in the national capital ahead of mock drills scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday, following a directive of the Union Home Ministry in light of the rising Indo-Pak tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. Police have increased day and night patrolling across different areas in the city with a special focus on tourist and market places. Special patrol units have been mobilised to cover key areas, including Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Palace, Gole Market and other vital installations. On Tuesday morning, a police team monitored the security arrangements at Connaught Place. "With security as a top priority and to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain public security, the east district police have intensified vehicle inspections at key entry and exit points. This proactive measure aims to deter and prevent any potential terror-related threats. We request the cooperation of all residents and commuters during this time," DCP (East) Abhishek Dhania said. In light of recent escalations, including the tragic attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, Indian authorities emphasize the necessity of implementing consistent security measures across all scenarios threatening national security. #India #SecurityDrill #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/MTdcje0KO8 — Mid Day (@mid_day) May 6, 2025 Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said that to enhance visibility and ensure public safety, teams are conducting foot patrolling in different areas. "This initiative aims to strengthen community policing and to keep strict vigil and maintain law and order," he said. Furthermore, senior officials of the Delhi Police have asked all DCPs to prepare detailed plans for the preparations, sources said. They said the deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have started holding meetings with senior police officers to strengthen patrolling in the national capital. "We have already increased day and night patrolling in the city. We have deployed paramilitary forces, along with police personnel, at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Security has already been beefed up in the city. The DCPs are personally monitoring the arrangements in their districts. They are holding meetings with assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs)," a source said. He added that to ensure round-the-clock vigilance, foot patrolling has been enhanced, particularly during the evening and night hours. Enhanced presence of personnel in the form of motorcycle patrols and special pickets in high-density areas ensure constant police presence, the officer said. This has been coupled with interactive policing, wherein beat officers engage with shopkeepers, commuters and residents to address concerns and raise alertness. "During the mock drills, teams will ensure the deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and dog squads, continuously conducting anti-sabotage checks in high-footfall areas, such as Palika Bazaar, Janpath, Khan Market, and near government buildings," the officer said. He further said that rigorous anti-terror measures have been undertaken, vehicle-checking drives are being carried out and multiple pickets and checkposts have been erected at key access-control points. Comprehensive vehicle checking is being carried out to detect suspicious people, the officer said, adding that the staff has been directed to pay special attention to rental and unregistered vehicles. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 May,2025 09:23 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAmid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India will conduct nationwide security drills on May 7, the officials said. On Tuesday the BJP urged people to join the security drills scheduled on 7th may. The exercise comes after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs asked to conduct the security drills in all states and UTs to prepare for any "hostile attack" amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the April 22, 2025 pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir had claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. BJP said that it looks forward to preparing the citizens for any sudden circumstances. Taking to social media, the BJP posted its appeal on X, party sources said its different units across the country have been asked to actively participate in the local administration's drive. The BJP said, "Appeal to all citizens, BJP Karyakartas and leaders, students to come forward and volunteer... Your participation will make all the difference,” according to PTI. According to reports, The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct security drills on May 7 to ensure the preparedness and effectiveness of civil defence mechanisms. The MHA communication stated that the measures that be taken during the security drills shall include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack" and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union Territories (UTs) said. The BJP-led central government has stated that even party MPs and MLAs are expected to be a part of the nationwide exercise. This step from the government aims to ensure its citizens safety in every manners. The security drill is a vital step toward empowering the public with self-defence awareness and civil protection skills. While it signals India’s readiness to face hostile threats, the details regarding the operational security drills, have not yet been disclosed publicly. (With inputs from PTI)
06 May,2025 06:12 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAround 278 villages in Maharashtra's Marathwada region are dependent on tankers for water supply, and more than 400 tankers are catering to them, officials said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The water scarcity is the most acute in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, as per the report issued by the divisional commissioner's office, according to the PTI. Marathwada, a central Maharashtra region, comprises eight districts. The report said 435 tankers are currently supplying water to 278 villages and 99 hamlets. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, 259 tankers are supplying water to 177 villages and 31 hamlets, as per the PTI. District-wise numbers of tankers ferrying water includes the following- - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - 259 - Jalna-120 - Parbhani - 1 - Hingoli -1 - Nanded - 18 - Beed - 26 - Latur - 3 - Dharashiv- 7 No water cuts for Mumbai despite low lake levels: BMC Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said it will not start water cuts for the city even as only 22.66 per cent of the water stock remains in its dams. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting held by Mumbai civic chief Bhushan Gagrani on Monday. Future decisions will be taken based on rainfall forecasts in coordination with the meteorological department, said the BMC. Gagrani, who held a high-level meeting with the civic hydraulic department, reviewed the current water stock. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, hydraulic engineer Purushottam Malvade, and other concerned officials were present during the meeting. Water stock in all seven lakes has decreased amidst heat leading to evaporation. The current water stock is 3.28 lakh million litres (ML) which is 22.66 per cent of the total capacity. The state government has allotted water from the reserved stock, the civic body said. According to the BMC, the state government irrigation department has approved 68,000 million litres from the Upper Vaitarna and 1.13 lakh million liters of the water from Bhatsa Dam reserved stock. (with PTI inputs)
06 May,2025 05:49 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra cabinet has approved a law to set up a Nashik Kumbh Mela Authority for planning the mega congregation to be organised in Nashik in 2027, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The Kumbh Mela Authority (KMA) will be formed on the lines of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Authority, which was given planning powers. "In today's meeting, we approved a law to enable the establishment of the Kumbh Mela Authority for the planning of the Kumbh Mela," Fadnavis said after chairing the state cabinet meeting at Chondi village in Ahilyanagar district, according to the PTI. Earlier, CM Fadnavis had stated that Maharashtra will have special authority to ensure smooth execution of plans for the festival. Elaborating further, the CM had in March stated that state government plans to develop Trimbakeshwar temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Going by the rush of visitors at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj state of Uttar Pradesh, the Maharashtra government is anticipating the crowd turnout to be four times higher compared to the 2015 festival held in Nashik. Kumbh -- the religious festival -- is held once every 12 years. It may be recalled that in 2003, at the Nashik Kumbh, a stampede had claimed 39 lives. CM Fadnavis is personally monitoring the preparations for Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027 for two reasons–one, he has made his intentions clear that he wants to position Nashik as a global spiritual destination and two, the CM does not want any untoward incident or gaps when it comes preparation of the grand festival. CM Fadnavis has in the past held several rounds of meetings to review the preparations for the Nashik event. Last month, the state had approved the construction of two helipads and eight parking areas at Shirdi airport, an official statement had on April 25 said. The decision was made during the 91st board meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) held at the Sahyadri Guest House in south Mumbai. CM Fadnavis had directed officials to present a detailed plan for the runway expansion of Amravati airport, recognising the rapid growth of industries in the region. (with PTI inputs)
06 May,2025 05:15 PM IST | Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to alert security forces despite receiving intelligence warnings ahead of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on Tuesday, Kharge claimed that PM Modi cancelled his scheduled visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence report three days before the attack but did not inform the concerned security agencies or forces to strengthen security in Pahalgam. “I received information that three days before the attack, an intelligence alert was sent to Modi Ji. That’s why he cancelled his visit to Kashmir. If there was a threat to your security, why didn’t you alert the security forces, intelligence agencies, local police, and border forces to protect the public?” Kharge questioned. “You cancelled your visit, but didn’t send additional forces to protect the tourists?” according to the reports from PTI. Highlighting the seriousness of the tragedy, he stated that 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives in the terror attack on April 22. At the ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ rally held in Ranchi, Jharkhand’s capital, Kharge further claimed that during an all-party meeting, Prime Minister Modi admitted there had been an intelligence lapse. “Shouldn’t the Centre be held accountable for the loss of lives when it has accepted a failure in intelligence?” he asked. Kharge emphasized that the Congress supports any strong response or the stand the Centre might take against Pakistan following the attack, stating, “The nation is above party, religion, and caste. We stand united in any action the government takes in response to the Pahalgam attack.” Further speaking to the media Kharge said that, "We have already stated that whatever strong decisions the government takes against Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, we will stand with the government. Because this is a matter of national security. The country comes first; everything else is secondary. We have made sacrifices for this nation," according to ANI. He further demanded that the Centre should be held responsible for not reinforcing security arrangements in Kashmir, despite being alerted by intelligence reports prior to the attack. (With inputs from PTI)
06 May,2025 04:50 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 26-year-old Pakistani intruder was arrested along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, officials said. The arrest came amid a diplomatic flare-up between India and Pakistan and almost daily ceasefire violations on the borders in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Waqas, a resident of Tarkhal village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was taken into custody by alert army personnel from a forward village in the Chakan-Da-Bagh area shortly after he crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Indian territory, the officials said. Preliminary questioning revealed that Waqas had inadvertently crossed the LoC from his village on the other side, they said. No incriminating material was recovered from the intruder at the time of his arrest, they added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 May,2025 04:36 PM IST | Jammu | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese on Tuesday. The two leaders agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. PM Modi also personally congratulated Albanese on his party's historic victory. "Spoke with my friend @AlboMP to personally congratulate him on his party's historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi said in a post on X. Spoke with my friend @AlboMP to personally congratulate him on his party’s historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2025 On Saturday, PM Modi had congratulated Albanese on his "resounding victory" and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia. PM Modi had said that he looked forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, he had said, "Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Albanese is the first Prime Minister in more than two decades to secure back-to-back election victories, the first since John Howard, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to cheering supporters at the Labor Party's headquarters on Saturday, he said the government will invest in young Australians while looking after the older people, as well. He also spoke about the resilience of the economy and about a unified Australia. "In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination," he told the crowd in Sydney, as cheers erupted, "Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way - looking after each other while building for the future," he added. The Australia-India relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic partnership in June 2020. The relationship is based on mutual understanding, friendship and a shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both nations are committed to collaborating on science and technology, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, defence ties, agriculture, education and tourism. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 May,2025 04:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant move towards transparency in the judiciary, 21 out of 33 serving judges of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, have made their assets public. The assets of the remaining Supreme Court judges will also be placed on the website as soon as the current statement of assets is received. Judges who made their assets public include the three Judges who are next in line to be the CJI in the near future. "The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India has on April 1, 2025, decided that the statement of assets of the Judges of this Court shall be placed in the public domain by uploading the same on the website of this Court. Statements of assets of judges that have already been received are being uploaded. Statement of assets of other Judges will be uploaded as and when the current statement of assets is received," stated a statement issued by the Supreme Court. On April 1, after the Full Court meeting, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, all Judges agreed to make their declarations public. The Full Court of the Supreme Court had resolved that Judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice. Placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be mandatory. The decision came against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the alleged recovery of a stash of cash from the official premises of Justice Yashwant Varma, while he was serving as a Judge of the Delhi High Court. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 May,2025 04:13 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIRoad accident victims all over India will be entitled for cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the first seven days at designated hospitals, said a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued on Tuesday. According to a gazette notification, the (Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025) scheme has come into force with effect from May 5, 2025. The scheme is aimed at reducing the number of deaths arising from road accidents every year due to delay in timely medical intervention. "Any person being a victim of a road accident arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, occurring on any road, shall be entitled to cashless treatment in accordance with the provisions of this scheme," the notification said. The National Health Authority (NHA) shall be the implementing agency for the programme, in coordination with police, hospitals and State Health Agencies etc. "The victim shall be entitled to cashless treatment at any designated hospital for an amount up to one lakh fifty thousand rupees per victim for a maximum period of seven days from the date of such accident," it added. According to the notification, the treatment under this scheme at a hospital, other than a designated hospital, shall be for stabilisation purposes only and shall be as specified by the guidelines. As per the notification, the State Road Safety Council shall be the nodal agency for implementation of the scheme for that state or Union Territory and would be responsible for coordinating with the National Health Authority for adoption and utilisation of the portal for onboarding of designated hospitals, treatment of victims, payment to the designated hospital on treatment and related matters. The government has also set up an 11-member steering committee under the road secretary to monitor the implementation of the scheme. The committee will comprise CEO of National Health Authority, and additional secretary of MoRTH as members. On March 14, 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had launched a pilot programme in Chandigarh which was later expanded to six states to provide cashless treatment to road accident victims. Recently, Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari had said that there were 4.80 lakh road accidents in 2023, resulting in 1.72 lakh deaths. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 May,2025 04:13 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
