News Digest for 09 May, 2025
India Thwarts Pakistani Drone & Missile Attacks; PM Modi Reviews "Operation Sindoor"
Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, India successfully thwarted Pakistani attempts to target military installations using Turkish drones and missiles. Indian forces responded proportionately, employing advanced air defence systems like S-400, Barak-8, and Akash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed "Operation Sindoor" with top security officials, including NSA Ajit Doval and service chiefs, to discuss future actions and ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan, following India's earlier strikes on terror infrastructure.
Nationwide Alert: Airports Shut, Blackouts in Border Regions, States Bolster Security
India remains on high alert due to escalating tensions with Pakistan. The government extended the closure of at least 24 airports, primarily in northern and western regions, until May 15. Border areas in states like Punjab, Jammu, and Rajasthan experienced blackouts, sirens, and sounds of explosions. The Home Ministry urged states to strengthen civil defence measures, and many states cancelled leaves for essential government personnel to ensure preparedness and public safety.
IPL 2025 Suspended Indefinitely Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indefinitely suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision followed the mid-way abandonment of a match in Dharamshala due to air raid alerts. A BCCI official stated it "does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war." Franchises have begun ticket refund processes.
US Adopts Neutral Stance on India-Pak Tensions; India to Challenge Pak IMF Loan, World Bank Rebuffs Pakistan on Indus Treaty
The United States has largely distanced itself from the India-Pakistan conflict, with Vice President J.D. Vance stating it's "fundamentally none of our business" while urging de-escalation. Meanwhile, India plans to oppose Pakistan's $1.3 billion IMF loan request, highlighting its terror record. In a further setback for Pakistan, the World Bank clarified it has no role in mediating the Indus Water Treaty dispute following India's actions regarding the treaty.
BSF Kills Seven Terrorists, Foils Major Infiltration Bid in J&K's Samba Sector
The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba sector, killing seven heavily armed terrorists. The incident occurred on the intervening night of May 8-9 when a large group of terrorists, reportedly aided by fire cover from Pakistan Rangers, tried to cross into Indian territory. BSF troops detected the attempt through their surveillance grid and neutralized the threat.