Name: India Signs $3.5 Billion Deal To Buy 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones From US
Uploaded: 2024-10-15T16:58:54.000+05:30
Duration: T00M59S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: India has signed a 3.5-billion-dollar deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States.

India launched missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, prompting an emergency declaration in Punjab province with schools shut and hospitals on high alert.

Emergency declared in Pakistan's Punjab province after Indian missile strikes

India launched missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, prompting an emergency declaration in Punjab province with schools shut and hospitals on high alert.

Emergency was declared on Wednesday in Pakistan's Punjab province even as all educational institutions closed in the wake of the Indian missile attack.
The Pakistan army said that at least 26 people were killed and 46 injured in the Indian strikes launched shortly after midnight on cities in the Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
&ldquo;Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a state of emergency across the province,&rdquo; a Punjab government statement said here.
All security agencies, including Punjab police, have been placed on high alert. Leaves of all doctors and medical staff across hospitals in Punjab have been cancelled.
The statement said all staff have been ordered to report for duty immediately and district administrations in all districts of Punjab have also been placed on high alert.
Officers and personnel of all relevant institutions, including Civil Defence, have been summoned, it said.
The educational institutions would remain closed on Wednesday, the statement said.
The Pakistan airspace which was closed for all flight operations following the Indian attack is now partially being opened.
Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people.

The US Embassy in Pakistan warns Americans to avoid conflict areas amid India’s anti-terror operation. Increased military activity and airspace closures prompt caution.

US Embassy Warns Americans in Pakistan

Amid India's military operations in Pakistan, the US Embassy issues a security alert. American citizens are advised to steer clear of conflict zones and adhere to travel advisories.

US Embassy warns Americans in Pakistan amid rising tensions after India's Operation targeting terror sites.

The US Mission in Pakistan on Wednesday issued a security alert advising American citizens to leave areas of active conflict, saying it is "closely monitoring developments" following Operation Sindoor launched by India targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
The security alert, titled &lsquo;Military Activity and Closed Airspace,&rsquo; said, &ldquo;We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.
"US citizens are reminded of the 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State&rsquo;s 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan generally,&rdquo; the alert said.
&ldquo;We are also aware that airspace has been closed, and many flights have been cancelled,&rdquo; it added.
Through the alert, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan advised American citizens to "depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so or to shelter in place.&rdquo; It said that US citizens should exercise caution and &ldquo;leave the area if you find yourself unexpectedly in the vicinity of military activities, shelter in place if they cannot relocate, review personal security plans, keep a low profile and be aware of surroundings, and carry identification and cooperate with authorities." In March, the US State Department issued a travel advisory to reconsider travel to Pakistan "due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict&rdquo;.
"Do not travel to Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, which include the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and to the immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict,&rdquo; the advisory stated.
India launched &lsquo;Operation Sindoor,&rsquo; targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a strong response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. The April 22 attack, carried out by the terrorist organization The Resistance Front, killed 26 civilians.
&ldquo;India has credible leads, technical inputs, testimony of the survivors, and other evidence pointing towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in this attack,&rdquo; the Indian Embassy in Washington had said in a statement.
&ldquo;India&rsquo;s actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible, and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic, or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted," it had said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemns Indian missile strikes on terror targets in PoK and Punjab, calling it an 'act of war.' Pakistan vows strong retaliation, including closing airspace, following the strikes and the Pahalgam terror attack

Pak PM Sharif terms Indian missile strikes on terror targets as 'act of war', vows to respond

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemns Indian missile strikes on terror targets in PoK and Punjab, calling it an 'act of war.' Pakistan vows strong retaliation, including closing airspace, following the strikes and the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemns Indian missile strikes on terror targets in PoK and Punjab, calling it an 'act of war.' Pakistan vows strong retaliation, including closing airspace, following the strikes and the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif early Wednesday termed the Indian missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province as an "act of war" and said his country has every right to give a "befitting reply."&nbsp;
In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, the Indian Army said.
Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at least eight people were killed and 35 others injured in Indian missile attacks on cities in Punjab and PoK, Geo News reported.
Army spokesman Chaudhry, in an earlier morning press conference statement, said that a total of 24 impacts have been reported by India, with different weapons, in six localities.
&ldquo;In these six localities, eight Pakistanis have been killed, 35 have been injured and two are missing,&rdquo; he said.
He said that in Bahwalpur&rsquo;s area of Ahmedpur East, Subhan mosque was targeted. &ldquo;Here, there were four strikes and five Pakistanis were killed, including a three-year-old girl. Thirty-one civilians have been injured, including 25 men and six women,&rdquo; he said.
He said the mosque was destroyed, while four quarters in which people were living were also destroyed.
He said that in Muzaffarabad, the Bilal mosque was targeted.
&ldquo;There were seven impacts, in which one girl was injured and a mosque was destroyed,&rdquo; he said. While in Kotli, Abbat mosque was targeted.
&ldquo;There were five impacts and two people died, including a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy. A woman and her daughter are both injured,&rdquo; he said.
He also said, "In Muridke, Umalkura mosque was targeted and there were four strikes. One man has been killed, while another is injured. Two people are missing,&rdquo; he said.
The spokesman said a mosque has been destroyed and potters have sustained economic damages.
&ldquo;In Sialkot district, in the village of Kotki Lohara, there were two strikes,&rdquo; he added.
"One missile misfired, while one fell in an open field. There was no damage.&rdquo; &ldquo;Near Shakargarh, there were two strikes with no damage. There was minor damage to a dispensary,&rdquo; he said.
Prime Minister Sharif said that India carried out attacks at five places in Pakistan. "Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,&rdquo; Sharif said in a statement.
Sharif said his armed forces &ldquo;know very well how to deal with the enemy".
"We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives,&rdquo; he added.
The Prime Minister has summoned a meeting of the National Security Council at 10 am.
Pakistan has closed its airspace for all air traffic for 48 hours.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed the Indian strikes as a "flagrant violation" of Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty, the UN Charter &amp; international law.
"It has jeopardised regional peace,&rdquo; he said in a statement on X.
In a statement, the Foreign Office termed the strikes by the "Indian Air Force, while remaining within Indian airspace," as an "unprovoked and blatant act of war".
&ldquo;We will respond with full force. We will pay off this debt in the manner such debt is paid,&rdquo; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News.
He said Pakistan's response would be both kinetic and diplomatic, and it would not take long to retaliate to the Indian attack.
"All places are open for the international media to verify if they targeted terrorists&rsquo; camps or civilians,&rdquo; he said.
Officials said that the Indian strikes targeted five places in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh in PoK and in the Bahawalpur and Muridke areas of Punjab.
India launched air strikes on the Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur's Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air, the army spokesman told ARY News channel.
"All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India's airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered,&rdquo; he added.
This "temporary happiness" that India has achieved with this attack will be replaced with enduring grief, he said.
Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the top defence brass that the armed forces have &ldquo;complete operational freedom&rdquo; to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India&rsquo;s response to the attack.&nbsp;

After India’s strikes on terror camps, US President Donald Trump expressed concern over rising hostilities and urged a swift end to tensions.

I just hope it ends very quickly: Donald Trump on India's military strikes on terror infra in Pakistan

After India&rsquo;s strikes on terror camps, US President Donald Trump expressed concern over rising hostilities and urged a swift end to tensions.

Shortly after India carried out military strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he hopes that the hostilities will end "very quickly".
"It&rsquo;s a shame, he said, adding, "We heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office). I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past." "They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it,&rdquo; Trump said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a> | US President Trump's first comments on Indian strikes inside Pakistan. US President Donald Trump says "It's a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/tOkwAXspcO">pic.twitter.com/tOkwAXspcO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1919871029285204288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Asked if he has any message for the countries, he said, &ldquo;No, I just hope it ends very quickly.&rdquo; In retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including Bhawalpur, a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit.
The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', the defence ministry said.
India's actions came two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack triggered widespread outrage in India and abroad.
"These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered," the Defence Ministry said in the statement.
"We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable," it said.&nbsp;

China enforces anti-dumping duties on Indian cypermethrin imports to protect local industries from unfair market practices, stabilizing the insecticide market.

Anti-Dumping Duties of China on Indian Cypermethrin

In response to unfair market practices, China imposes anti-dumping duties on cypermethrin imports from India, aiming to protect its local insecticide industry and stabilize market dynamics.

China imposes anti-dumping duties on Indian cypermethrin imports, impacting insecticide market. Measures protect local industries from unfair competition and stabilize market dynamics.

China on Tuesday imposed anti-dumping measures on imported cypermethrin from India.
These measures would be effective Wednesday.
Cypermethrin, which is primarily used in the agriculture sector to produce insecticides for pests in crops such as cotton, fruit trees, vegetables.
China&rsquo;s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said effective Wednesday, anti-dumping duties will be imposed on imported cypermethrin from India.
The anti-dumping measure was taken after investigation authorities determined that imports of cypermethrin from India engaged in dumping and caused material damage to the domestic industry, the Ministry said, official media reported.

Ukraine's drone attack led to temporary closures of Moscow airports. 19 drones were intercepted, preventing casualties. An apartment is reported hit, though no Ukrainian comment. Tensions rise as anniversary events near.

Ukraine Drone Attack Shuts Moscow Airports

An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow led to temporary airport closures, with 19 drones intercepted. Despite official denials, reports suggest a drone hit an apartment. Ukraine justifies attacks on Russia's military infrastructure.

Ukraine launched an overnight drone attack on Moscow, briefly closing its airports. 19 drones were intercepted with no casualties. Reports suggest a drone struck an apartment. Kyiv has not commented yet.

In a continuous escalation of hostilities, Ukraine launched a second consecutive overnight drone attack on Moscow, leading to the temporary closure of all airports within Russia's capital, according to local officials. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed as they approached from multiple directions, averting major damage or casualties.
In response to the threat, Russia&rsquo;s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, announced the suspension of flights at all four airports serving Moscow for several hours overnight to maintain air safety. Additional airport closures were reported in various regional cities.
Despite Moscow's official denials of casualties or significant destruction, three prominent Telegram channels linked to Russian security services&mdash;Bazaar, Mash, and Shot&mdash;reported a drone had hit an apartment building in southern Moscow, shattering windows along a major thoroughfare. There have been no verified reports of injuries.
Ukraine has yet to officially comment on these incidents. Meanwhile, a CNN report highlighted ongoing Russian drone strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Kyiv regions, citing the governor of Ukraine's Odesa region, Oleh Kiper, who reported one fatality from such an attack.
These drone offensives on Moscow occur as the city prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously declared a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to honor the event. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the measure, suggesting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, aligning with a U.S.-backed proposal from March.
This marks the second consecutive night Russia has claimed Ukrainian drone attacks. On Monday, Russia&rsquo;s defense ministry reported the destruction of 26 Ukrainian drones. Since the commencement of the conflict over three years ago, Kyiv has mounted several drone offensives on Moscow, the most significant in March resulting in three fatalities.
Meanwhile, in Russia's southwest Voronezh region, bordering Ukraine, the local governor noted the destruction of 18 drones, which led to minor damage to a non-residential building and a children&rsquo;s playground. Over the southern Pena region, Russian air defenses destroyed 10 additional drones, with no reported injuries or damage, according to a regional Telegram update.
The complete impact of the recent wave of drone attacks on Moscow and the wider Russian territory remains uncertain, with no immediate response from Kyiv regarding the latest developments. Ukraine justifies its drone campaigns as targeting infrastructure critical to Russian military operations and countering ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential areas and essential energy facilities.

Zia went to London on January 8 for advanced medical care and was admitted to The London Clinic. After being discharged from the clinic, the BNP chairperson moved to her eldest son Tarique Rahman’s residence, where she has been receiving treatment.

Khaleda Zia Returns to Bangladesh After Treatment

Zia went to London on January 8 for advanced medical care and was admitted to The London Clinic. After being discharged from the clinic, the BNP chairperson moved to her eldest son Tarique Rahman&rsquo;s residence, where she has been receiving treatment.

Bangladesh's ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Tuesday returned to the country from London after four months of medical treatment, according to a media report.
Zia went to London on January 8 for advanced medical care and was admitted to The London Clinic. After being discharged from the clinic, the BNP chairperson moved to her eldest son Tarique Rahman&rsquo;s residence, where she has been receiving treatment.
An air ambulance sent by the Qatari emir carrying Khaleda and her two daughters-in-law&mdash;Tarique Rahman&rsquo;s wife, Zubaida Rahman, and the late Arafat Rahman Coco&rsquo;s wife, Syeda Sharmila Rahman&mdash;landed in Dhaka around 10:30 am, bdnews24 reported.
The plane had departed from London&rsquo;s Heathrow Airport at 4:20 pm local time. Tarique had driven his mother to the airport and seen her off, according to Khaleda&rsquo;s private physician, Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain.
The 79-year-old three-time prime minister has long suffered from liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis.

The Imam of Lal Masjid, Abdul Aziz Ghazi, criticizes Pakistan’s stance in a potential conflict with India, urging reflection on internal issues.

Imam Questions Conflict Stance of Pakistan

The Lal Masjid's Imam, Abdul Aziz Ghazi, challenges Pakistan’s stance on a potential India conflict, urging reflection on domestic oppression and internal policies.

Abdul Aziz Ghazi questioned Pakistan's stance on India, urging reflection on internal oppression and comparing it to India&rsquo;s treatment of its Muslims.

Abdul Aziz Ghazi, the Imam of the prominent Lal Masjid in Islamabad, recently made headlines after addressing a gathering in the mosque where he questioned Pakistan's stance in a potential conflict with India. A video of the address has circulated widely on social media platforms, showcasing a surprising reaction from the attendees.
During his speech, Ghazi asked those present to raise their hands if they supported Pakistan in a conflict against India. The response was striking silence. Remarking on the lack of raised hands, the Imam observed, "There are very few, which means many are enlightened now."
Ghazi used the moment to urge Muslims in Pakistan to reconsider their support for the country's actions, asserting that they face greater oppression domestically than elsewhere. "Pakistani forces bomb our own Muslims in Pakistan; India doesn't do that with Indian Muslims,&rdquo; he stated.
He emphasized that the conflict between India and Pakistan is not rooted in religion but more of a community issue, referencing religious teachings that emphasize unity within the community.
Highlighting the internal struggles within Pakistan, Ghazi pointed to the forced disappearances of various groups, including Baloch, Pashtuns, PTI workers, religious clerics, and journalists. He questioned whether such occurrences happen in India, drawing a stark comparison between the two countries.
Reflecting on past events, the Imam discussed the repercussions following the Lal Masjid siege, where Pakistani authorities targeted citizens. "They bombed their people," he remarked, emphasizing the adversity faced by Pakistanis at the hands of their own government.
Ghazi&rsquo;s comments have sparked discussion about the challenges within Pakistan and the complex dynamics of its relationship with neighboring India.

Kishan Kumar Singh, a 21-year-old Indian student, was arrested in Ohio for attempting to scam an elderly woman by impersonating federal agents. Held on a USD 1 million bond, the case highlights rising phone scams.

Indian Student Arrested for Elderly Scam in US

Kishan Kumar Singh, a 21-year-old Indian student in Ohio, faces charges of attempting to defraud an elderly woman in North Carolina by impersonating federal agents. He is currently held with a USD 1 million bond.

Kishan Kumar Singh, a 21-year-old Indian student in Ohio, was arrested for attempting to scam a 78-year-old woman in North Carolina by impersonating federal agents and claiming her bank accounts were compromised.

A 21-year-old Indian student has been arrested in the US after trying to scam a 78-year-old woman from North Carolina by posing as a law enforcement officer.
Kishan Kumar Singh, who has been living in the Cincinnati area in Ohio on a student visa since 2024, was arrested on Thursday on charges of attempting to obtain property by false pretenses and exploitation of a disabled or elderly adult.
Guilford County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office (GCSO) said in a statement that its deputies were contacted by the victim, who reported that she was getting phone calls from people claiming to be deputies with the GCSO as well as federal agents.
The victim from Stokesdale in North Carolina was told by callers that her bank accounts were compromised and was pressured into withdrawing a large amount of money for &ldquo;safekeeping.&rdquo; Deputies arrested Singh when he showed up to collect the package as a "federal agent", the statement said.
The callers told the woman that her name had been linked to criminal activity in another part of the country.
Singh is now in the Guilford County Detention Centre under a USD 1 million bond.

US VP JD Vance calls for restraint and urges India-Pakistan cooperation after the Pahalgam attack to prevent regional conflict.

US VP Calls for Restraint Post Pahalgam Attack

Vice President JD Vance urges India to show restraint following the Pahalgam attack, highlighting the importance of India-Pakistan cooperation.

VP JD Vance stresses restraint after the Pahalgam attack, urging India-Pakistan cooperation to prevent escalation amid nuclear tensions.

Vice President JD Vance has said that the US hopes that India will respond to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in a way that does not lead to a "broader regional conflict" and expects Pakistan to "cooperate" with New Delhi to "hunt down" militants sometimes operating from their soil.
Vance made these remarks on Thursday in an interview with Fox News. Vance and his family were in India on a four-day visit when the attack - the worst since the Pulwama strike in 2019 - took place.
"Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict," Vance said on Fox News's 'Special Report.'
After being asked, "Are you worried about India and Pakistan?" "Well, sure, I'm worried about any time you see a hot spot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers," Vance said.
"We've obviously been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan. Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that does not lead to a broader regional conflict," the vice president said.
"And we hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they're responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with. That's how we hope this unfolds; we're obviously in close contact. We'll see what happens," Vance said.
Remarks by Vance assume significance amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed.
Vance, who was in India last month, had then condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families in a post on X.
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.
Following the Pahalgam attack, the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.

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India has signed a 3.5-billion-dollar deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States.

India Signs $3.5 Billion Deal To Buy 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones From US

India has signed a 3.5-billion-dollar deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States.

India has signed a 3.5-billion-dollar deal to purchase 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States.
The Indian Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian variant drones, while the Army and the Air Force will get eight drones each of the Sky Guardian variety.
The MQ-9B Predator drones manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is categorised as a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle.
The drone is capable of automatic take-offs and landings, and can fly for 40 hours at a time at altitudes over 40,000 feet.

US-mediated talks lead to India and Pakistan agreeing on a full ceasefire, with both nations praising de-escalation efforts amid ongoing tensions.

India and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire, Trump announces

US-mediated talks lead to India and Pakistan agreeing on a full ceasefire, with both nations praising de-escalation efforts amid ongoing tensions.

As tensions between India and Pakistan reached a critical point, US President Donald Trump announced that both nations had agreed to a &ldquo;full and immediate ceasefire.&rdquo;
Taking to Truth Social, Trump claimed that US-led diplomatic efforts helped bring both countries to the table and praised their leadership for choosing a path of de-escalation.
<iframe class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114483405683675564/embed" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;
&ldquo;After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!&rdquo; Trump posted.
Supporting this statement, Pakistan&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that both sides had agreed to halt hostilities. &ldquo;Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity,&rdquo; Dar said.
Just a day earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed US involvement in the crisis during a briefing. She reiterated Washington&rsquo;s focus on defusing the situation, noting that both the Secretary of State and National Security Adviser had been actively engaged with leaders in New Delhi and Islamabad.
&ldquo;This is something that the secretary of state, and now, our national security adviser as well, Marco Rubio, has been very much involved in. The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible,&rdquo; Leavitt said.
She further emphasized the historic context of the conflict and noted ongoing US communication with both countries to avoid further conflict. &ldquo;He understands these are two countries that have been at odds with one another for decades, long before President Trump was here in the Oval Office. However, he has good relationships with the leaders of both countries and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I spoke to him just yesterday. He has been in constant communication with the leaders of both countries, trying to bring this conflict to an end,&rdquo; she added.
When asked about a possible direct conversation between President Trump and the heads of state from India and Pakistan, Leavitt said, &ldquo;If and when that happens, we will certainly let you know.&rdquo;
Earlier in the day, India&rsquo;s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the situation in a press briefing. He underlined that Pakistan&rsquo;s actions were being treated as aggressive and unwarranted. &ldquo;The actions being undertaken by Pakistan against India are being seen as &lsquo;escalatory&rsquo; and &lsquo;provocative&rsquo; in nature,&rdquo; Misri said, while also presenting evidence to counter false claims coming from Islamabad.

As India continues Operation Sindoor with targeted strikes, Pakistan faces economic turmoil. A now-deleted X post pleading for loans sparked backlash before officials claimed the account was hacked.

Pakistan’s viral loan plea post deleted after hacking claim amid border tensions

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As India continues Operation Sindoor with targeted strikes, Pakistan faces economic turmoil. A now-deleted X post pleading for loans sparked backlash before officials claimed the account was hacked.
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As India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor continues to strike and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad is facing mounting economic pressure and a collapsing stock market.
In response, the Pakistan government had issued a plea to international partners for financial support and assistance in de-escalating tensions.
The request was initially posted through a verified account on social media platform X, attributed to the Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/681dae7178745_1746775665.png" width="465" height="163">
The post read: "Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflicted by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast."
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/681dae841b4dd_1746775684.png" width="466" height="274">
However, the account that posted the plea has since been deleted, and it was later claimed that the account had been hacked.
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;🚨🚨FAKE TWEET ALERT:&lt;br&gt;The account was hacked ‼️ &lt;a href="https://t.co/NLj9ijM04x"&gt;pic.twitter.com/NLj9ijM04x&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/FactCheckerMoIB/status/1920698282772201710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 9, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
Despite this, Pakistan&rsquo;s dire economic situation remains unchanged, with the country owing approximately USD 8.8 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), making it the fourth-largest debtor to the institution. Stock market indicators have reflected the instability, with the KSE-100 index plummeting over 7,500 points (a 6% drop) since April 23.
Adding to the concerns, global ratings agency Moody's warned that continued escalation of hostilities with India could adversely affect Pakistan&rsquo;s economic growth, fiscal consolidation efforts, and overall macroeconomic stability.
On the military front, tensions escalated further after the Indian Armed Forces successfully repelled a major drone and missile attack on Indian military installations during the night of May 7&ndash;8. The Indian response included targeted strikes on Pakistan's air defence systems.
Speaking at a Ministry of External Affairs briefing on Thursday, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi provided key details of the Indian response: "This morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised," she said.
"On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks."
On the night of May 8&ndash;9, further attempts by Pakistan to launch drone attacks and breach the Line of Control were met with a strong and immediate Indian military response. In an official statement, the Indian Army confirmed the incidents and their actions.
"Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed, and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force."
Earlier on Thursday, sources confirmed that the Indian Army had intercepted and neutralised over 50 Pakistani drones as part of a large-scale counter-drone operation conducted along the Line of Control and International Borders.

Seeking Imran Khan's release, a petition cites drone attack fears amid escalating Indo-Pak tensions post-Pahalgam attack, urging parole to ensure national security.

Release of Imran Khan Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

A petition demands Imran Khan's release from jail due to drone attack concerns amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack, urging potential parole.

A petition seeks Imran Khan's release from jail amid drone attack fears, citing rising tensions with India and the Pahalgam attack aftermath, to enhance national security.

A petition was filed in a Pakistani court on Friday for the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan due to the fear of a drone attack on the prison where he is kept, amidst tensions with India.
Khan&rsquo;s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in a WhatsApp message said that the party's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur approached the Islamabad High Court for the release of the party founder. Khan, 72, has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, the garrison city.
&ldquo;The Islamabad High Court has been approached for the release of Imran Khan. An application has been filed by Chief Minister KP Ali Amin,&rdquo; it stated.
&ldquo;It has been requested that in view of the current war situation with India, for national harmony and solidarity, and due to the fear of a drone attack in Adiala Jail, he be immediately released on parole/probation.&rdquo; The court has not set any date for the hearing of the plea.
Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under &lsquo;Operation Sindoor&rsquo; in a strong response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.&nbsp;

Amid rising tensions after India's Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s failed retaliation, the US calls for de-escalation and emphasizes diplomacy over war, stating it will not intervene militarily.

US to stay out of war that's none of our business: Vance on India-Pak tensions

Amid rising tensions after India's Operation Sindoor and Pakistan&rsquo;s failed retaliation, the US calls for de-escalation and emphasizes diplomacy over war, stating it will not intervene militarily.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it is not going to get involved in a war that's "fundamentally none of our business".
While the US cannot control India and Pakistan, it can encourage the two nuclear-armed neighbours to de-escalate, Vice President J D Vance said in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: US Vice President JD Vance says India-Pakistan conflict is 'fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America&rsquo;s ability to control it' <a href="https://t.co/DafYgn2UNe">pic.twitter.com/DafYgn2UNe</a>
&mdash; Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1920589721710780686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Look, we're concerned about any time nuclear powers collide and have a major conflict," Vance said when asked how concerned the Trump administration is about a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan.
Vance quoted US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio who have said that Washington wants the tensions to "de-escalate" as quickly as possible.
"We can't control these countries though. Fundamentally, India has its gripes with Pakistan. Pakistan has responded to India. What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit. But we're not going to get involved in the middle of war that's fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it," the vice president said.
"America can't tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can't tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so we're going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels. Our hope and our expectation is that this is not going to spiral into a broader regional war or, God forbid, a nuclear conflict, but sure, we're worried about these things.
"But I think the job of diplomacy, but also the job of cooler heads in India and Pakistan is to make sure this doesn't become a nuclear war. If it happened of course it would be disastrous. Right now we don't think that's going to happen," he said.
Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children were on their first official visit to India when terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
Two weeks after the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
On Thursday night, India neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider military conflict.
After the Indian military foiled the Pakistani attempts, the defence ministry said India remains "fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people".
Earlier on Thursday, Secretary of State Rubio spoke separately with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation.
In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.
He reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the US' commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.
In his conversation with Sharif, Rubio reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.
In a press briefing on Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio underlined the need for de-escalation in his conversations with Jaishankar and Sharif.
"...at this moment in time, there is like one thing that has to stop, which is a back-and-forth and a continuation of this, and that is what we're focused on right now," she said.
The message from the Secretary of State and from the United States "is that the violence should stop, that military action, war, as we've seen in that region, certainly in the Middle East, has clearly for generations proven that it is not a solution because it never ends.
"There has to be a change in that regard. So obviously, when it comes to solving a problem, this administration has made itself clear, that war, the military, more violence is not a solution. Diplomacy is a solution, new ideas to stop generational violence and problems." Asked if Rubio offered to mediate between the two countries, Bruce said, "We are not going to be speaking about the details. That is certainly our policy." The US continues to urge India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible solution. Washington remains engaged with both governments at multiple levels, she said.
The US wants the perpetrators to be held accountable and are supportive of any efforts to that end, she added.
Bruce told reporters that Rubio underlined that the conflict should not escalate.
"Clearly this has been an issue for decades and... with what we saw over the last few weeks after the terrorist attack, it was not surprising but very, very disappointing. But... it should not escalate.
"And communication was fundamentally key, that there should be talks, that there should not be silence and that America obviously was in the centre of this in speaking with a variety of leaders of both countries over the last two days," Bruce said.&nbsp;

White smoke is billowing from the top of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday indicating the cardinals have selected the next Pope, local media reported

 White Smoke on the Vatican Chimney, a new Pope is elected

White smoke is billowing from the top of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday indicating the cardinals have selected the next Pope, local media reported

White smoke is billowing from the top of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday indicating the cardinals have selected the next Pope, local media reported. The voice of the six bells of St Peter's Basilca announced thatt the Church has its new Pope. "It's a moment of joy,the wait is over," the Vatican News said in a message. Crowds erupted in cheers at the St. Peter's Square as cardinals announced through a billow of white smoke that a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away a day after Easter Sunday this year had been named. The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican News reported.
The previous two popes were both announced on the second day of the conclave. In a short while the new Vicar of Christ will be announced.
The Catholic Church began the highly secretive process known as the "conclave" on Wednesday to elect the next pontiff following the death of Pope Francis last month.
There are 133 voting cardinals, and any one of them needs to receive more than two-thirds of the vote to become the new pope.
At the end of each voting session, the cardinals burn the ballots.
Black smoke means the cardinals haven't reached a consensus, and white smoke means there's a new Pope.The conclave process is highly secretive, which allows the church and cardinals "freedom" to choose a pope without outside influence

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