1. Operation Sindoor India’s policy against terror, the new normal: PM Modi
2. Trump claims his administration stopped ‘nuclear conflict’ between India and Pakistan
3. Operation Sindoor: DGMOs show wreckage of Chinese PL-15 missile, Turkish drones; says layered air defence grid proved impenetrable
4. ‘No Firing Or Aggressive Action’: India, Pak In First Talks After Ceasefire
5. Valley raids for spreading anti-India spin, aiding terrorists

What Else

1. Russian President Putin to visit India following PM Modi’s invitation during bilateral talks
2. US Plane Spotted in Pakistan After India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’
3. BJP Launches 10-Day Tiranga Yatra to Counter Congress’s ‘US Interference’ Narrative
4. India engaged with China on germanium export restrictions, embassy says
5. BJP Faces Internal Divide Over Caste Census Decision
6. India proposes retaliatory duties against US over steel, aluminium tariffs in WTO
7. In maiden speech as Kerala Congress chief, Sunny Joseph addresses party unit factionalism, urges unity
8. India reaches out to US, France for twin-engine naval helicopters
9. Pakistan announces completion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos
10. Pakistan Army announces conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos: ISPR
11. US & China hail ‘constructive’ Geneva trade talks
12. Arakan Army abducts 3 Bangladeshis from Naf River
13. Make decisions with foresight, otherwise there could be dangers, Rizvi warns interim govt
14. Awami League’s registration suspended

Operation Sindoor India’s policy against terror, the new normal: PM Modi

• PM Modi warned Pakistan that “Operation Sindoor” marked a new policy against terrorism, asserting that India would take decisive action against terrorist bases operating under govt sponsorship.
• He emphasized that any future terror attacks would invite firm military retaliation and that India wouldn’t tolerate nuclear blackmail.
• Modi stated that talks with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• The PM highlighted that Pakistan must demolish its terrorist infrastructure to survive as a country, warning that the terrorists it had nurtured would ultimately swallow Pakistan itself.
• He referenced specific locations in Pakistan, such as Bahawalpur and Muridke, as “universities of terror” linked to major global attacks.
• Modi claimed that India’s operation had eliminated over 100 terrorists, including key figures, and shattered their infrastructure and morale.
• He underscored that Operation Sindoor was a doctrinal change and a continuing policy against state-sponsored terror, signaling a new normal in India’s response to terrorism.
• Modi’s speech indicated that India would respond again with force if state-sponsored terrorism harmed any Indian citizen. (more, more)
• “Terror and talks cannot happen together… terror and trade can’t happen together… and terror and water cannot flow together. If we ever talk to Pakistan, it will be on terror and PoK only,” he stressed.
• Jama Masjid Imam’s Grandson Thanks PM Modi for Action Against Terrorism: Seven-year-old Syed Areeb Bukhari, grandson of Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam, thanked PM Modi for taking a strong step against terrorism, calling him a hero.
• Areeb expressed relief after recent tensions between India and Pakistan left him feeling disturbed and scared.
• He praised the govt and Indian Armed Forces, saying he can now focus on his studies again (more)

Trump claims his administration stopped ‘nuclear conflict’ between India and Pakistan

• President Donald Trump claimed that his administration brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, preventing a potential nuclear conflict.
• According to Trump, he offered both countries a trade deal if they stopped the conflict, saying, “Let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’re doing trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade.”
• Trump asserted that trade was a key factor in their decision to cease hostilities.
• However, Indian govt sources contradicted this, stating that the ceasefire was reached between the DGs of Military Operations of India and Pakistan without 3^rd-party involvement.
• Trump expressed pride in preventing what he believed could have been a devastating nuclear war that might have killed millions (more)

Operation Sindoor: DGMOs show wreckage of Chinese PL-15 missile, Turkish drones; says layered air defence grid proved impenetrable

• The DGMOs of India and Pakistan concluded their talks on Monday, discussing key elements of the agreement to halt military operations and cross-border firing.
• The talks were rescheduled from noon to around 5 pm.
• Operation Sindoor: The Indian Armed Forces held a comprehensive press briefing on Operation Sindoor, which countered recent Pakistani military action.
• Key highlights:
• Advanced Weaponry: Pakistan used advanced Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles, which failed to hit their targets.
• Neutralized Threats: Indian air defence systems brought down long-range rockets, loiter munitions, and unmanned aerial systems, including Turkish-origin drones.
• Indigenous Capabilities: The briefing showcased India’s indigenous Akash air defence system and effective counter-UAS technologies.
• Warning to Pakistan: Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai warned against targeting Indian infrastructure, emphasizing its robust defence systems.
• Confidence: The briefing conveyed confidence in India’s military preparedness.
• Military Action: India destroyed 11 air bases inside Pakistan and inflicted significant damage on their military capabilities.
• Around 35 to 40 Pakistani Army personnel were killed in artillery and small arms fire exchanges along the LoC between May 7 and 10.
• Ceasefire Violations: Pakistan carried out multiple ceasefire violations after India and Pakistan agreed to cease hostilities.
• Drones were sighted in several areas of J&K, followed by the sound of explosions.
• Diplomatic Response: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri asked Pakistan to deal with the situation with “seriousness” and “responsibility”.
• India released the names of Pakistani officials present at the funeral of LeT terrorist Abdul Rauf, who was killed in Operation Sindoor. (more)

Updates:

• Ceasefire Prevails: The ceasefire situation prevails in Jammu, Samba, Akhnoor, and Kathua, with no drone sightings reported after initial sightings last night.
• DGMO Talks: India and Pakistan’s DGMOs held talks, agreeing to maintain the ceasefire commitment and reduce troop presence along borders and forward areas.
• Drone Sightings: Multiple drone sightings were reported in Jammu, Punjab, and Kashmir, with the Indian Army engaging and neutralizing them.
• Flight Cancellations: IndiGo cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot airports for May 13.
• Government Responses: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised PM Modi’s address, showcasing India’s military, diplomatic, and moral strength.
• Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC expressed faith in PM Modi’s leadership.
• Border Situation: The situation is calm and under control, with some areas under blackout as a precautionary measure. (more)
• An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Amritsar was diverted back to Delhi due to a precautionary blackout in Amritsar amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
• The flight, 6E2045, took off at 8:26 pm but returned midway, as confirmed by Flightradar24.
• This incident occurred on the same day India reopened 32 airports in northern and western India for civil aircraft operations, following a temporary shutdown due to heightened tensions with Pakistan. (more)

‘No Firing Or Aggressive Action’: India, Pak In First Talks After Ceasefire

• India and Pakistan’s Directors General of Military Operations held crucial talks on a hotline, agreeing to maintain a ceasefire and refrain from aggressive actions.
• The discussion focused on upholding the commitment to cease hostilities and exploring measures to reduce troop presence along the borders and forward areas. Key Points:
• Ceasefire Agreement: The ceasefire was announced by US President Trump after four days of intense hostilities that resulted in dozens of civilian casualties.
• Troop Reduction: Both sides agreed to consider immediate measures to reduce troop presence along the borders and forward areas to ease tensions.
• No Aggressive Action: The DGMOs discussed maintaining the commitment to not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive action against each other.
• Peaceful Night: The night following the agreement remained largely peaceful across Jammu & Kashmir and other areas along the international border.
• Next Round of Talks: The next round of talks is expected to take place within 48 hours, with both countries having accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement (more, more)

Valley raids for spreading anti-India spin, aiding terrorists

• The J&K police’s State Investigation Agency conducted searches and detained several suspects across 20 locations in south Kashmir for allegedly propagating “anti-India narratives” and engaging in “terrorist conspiracy”.
• The SIA claimed to have busted a sleeper cell with direct links to handlers in Pakistan, who were conveying sensitive information about security forces and vital installations.
• The agency seized incriminating materials and carried out raids under the UAPA Act.
• The crackdown comes amid heightened surveillance on terror associates and over-ground workers in Kashmir, with the SIA vowing to take firm action against secessionist and terrorist activities (more)

Russian President Putin to visit India following PM Modi’s invitation during bilateral talks

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Modi held a phone call to discuss strengthening Russia-India relations, emphasizing counter-terrorism cooperation after the Pahalgam attack.
• Key points include:
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both leaders stressed the urgent need for continued cooperation in combating terrorism, with President Putin reiterating condolences over the Pahalgam attack.
• Upcoming Summit: PM Modi invited President Putin to India for the annual bilateral summit, which Putin accepted.
• Modi also congratulated Putin on the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
• Defense Cooperation: India’s Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, participated in Victory Day celebrations in Moscow and discussed multifaceted military cooperation with Russian Dy Defence Minister Col General Alexander Fomin.
• Strategic Partnership: The phone call highlights the strong strategic partnership between the two, with both nations committed to deepening ties in defense and counter-terrorism. (more)

US Plane Spotted in Pakistan After India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

• India’s “Operation Sindoor” targeted terrorist bases and Pakistani military installations, sparking a retaliation from Pakistan with drone and missile attacks that were thwarted by India.
• The US called for a ceasefire, raising questions about its involvement.
• A US aircraft, specifically a nuclear emergency support plane, was spotted in Pakistan, fueling speculation about potential damage to Pakistan’s nuclear facilities.
• Reports suggest India may have launched precision strikes on Kirana Hills and Nur Khan Airbase, housing Pakistan’s nuclear storage and command facilities.
• However, India denies targeting these areas, emphasizing precision strikes on terror-linked facilities. (more)

BJP Launches 10-Day Tiranga Yatra to Counter Congress’s ‘US Interference’ Narrative

• The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a 10-day nationwide Tiranga Yatra to highlight the achievements of the armed forces and the Modi govt, amid growing criticism from the Congress over the recent ceasefire with Pakistan.
•  The yatra aims to counter the Opposition’s narrative that the US interfered in the conflict, compromising India’s position on Kashmir.
• Tiranga Yatra: BJP’s nationwide yatra to showcase armed forces’ valour and Modi govt’s achievements
• Countering Opposition: BJP aims to blunt Congress’s narrative on US interference in the conflict
• Celebrating Military Action: Party leaders hail PM Modi’s leadership and armed forces’ precision strikes on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure
• Congress’s Criticism: Opposition questions conditions leading to ceasefire, alleges “internationalisation” of Kashmir dispute
• The BJP’s Tiranga Yatra will feature senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde and Tarun Chugh, who will reach out to citizens and amplify the party’s message.
• The yatra comes ahead of crucial state elections in Bihar, where the BJP is keen to capitalize on nationalistic sentiment (more, more)
• [“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried,” as Winston Churchill]

India engaged with China on germanium export restrictions, embassy says

• India is engaging with China to address export restrictions on germanium, a critical mineral used in semiconductors, fiber optic cables, and solar panels.
• China dominates global germanium production, and India is completely reliant on imports.
• The restrictions have caused friction in electronics manufacturing and industries requiring the element.
• India currently imports germanium through suppliers in the UAE, inflating costs.
• The Indian embassy in Beijing has taken up the matter with Chinese officials through formal communications and meetings.
• Germanium is crucial for India’s industries, particularly in fiber optic cables, where germanium oxide is used in the core of preforms.
• India’s dependence on China for critical minerals like germanium raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. (more)

BJP Faces Internal Divide Over Caste Census Decision

• The Modi government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census has sparked a divide within the BJP.
• OBC leaders are applauding the move, while upper-caste leaders express discomfort.
• The party faces a challenge in balancing sentiments between the two groups. Key Points:
• OBC Leaders’ Support: OBC leaders demand removal of the 50% cap on reservations, advocating for quota based on population share, with some citing the principle “jiski jitni abadi, utni uski bhagidari“.
• Upper-Caste Concerns: Upper-caste leaders believe the caste census decision is unnecessary and may fragment Hindutva consolidation, opening up a new front of caste politics.
• Redistribution of Reservation: Bihar and other states may see redistribution of reservations based on caste census data, with potential demands for more equitable representation.
• Party’s Dilemma: The BJP is aware of upper-caste sensibilities and the risk of Hindutva fragmentation but is confident in managing contradictions within the party (more)

India proposes retaliatory duties against US over steel, aluminium tariffs in WTO

• India has proposed imposing retaliatory duties under WTO norms against the US for American tariffs on steel and aluminium.
• The US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminium, affecting $7.6 billion in Indian imports. India seeks to collect $1.91 billion in equivalent duties from US products. Key Points:
• WTO Notification: India notified the WTO of its proposed suspension of concessions, citing the US measures as inconsistent with GATT 1994 and AoS.
• Tariff Increase: India plans to increase tariffs on selected US products, reserving the right to adjust products and tariff rates.
• Bilateral Talks: India and the US are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, with the Indian team visiting the US for trade talks.
• Previous Retaliation: India previously slapped customs duties on 28 US products, including almonds and walnuts, and filed a complaint in the WTO. (more)

In maiden speech as Kerala Congress chief, Sunny Joseph addresses party unit factionalism, urges unity

• Sunny Joseph, the new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, has called for party unity to defeat the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
• Joseph, a three-time MLA from Peravoor in Kannur district, aims to mobilize party workers to highlight the government’s “criminal and corrupt practices”.
• The Congress party in Kerala has been plagued by infighting, with leaders divided into factions. Despite this, Joseph has vowed to work together with party leaders and cadres.
• New Leadership: Sunny Joseph takes charge as KPCC Chief, with Attingal MP Adoor Prakash as convenor and four working presidents.
• Party Unity: Joseph and former KPCC chief K. Sudhakaran emphasize unity, with Sudhakaran appointed as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
• Election Goals: The party aims to win local body elections and the assembly elections next year by highlighting the Pinarayi Vijayan govt’s failures.
• Challenges: The party faces challenges from internal conflicts and the growing influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party among Kerala’s Christian community. (more)

India reaches out to US, France for twin-engine naval helicopters

• India is seeking to acquire twin-engine naval helicopters from the US and France to boost its maritime capabilities.
• The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for 26 helicopters, which will be used for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and other missions. Key Requirements:
• Twin-Engine Helicopters: The Navy is looking for helicopters with advanced capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare and surveillance.
• Operational Flexibility: The helicopters will need to operate from warships and shore bases, with features like folding blades for efficient storage.
• Indigenous Content: The Navy has stipulated that the helicopters should have a minimum of 40% indigenous content.
• Potential Deal: 111 Light Naval Utility Helicopters: India is also in discussions with the US and France for 111 light naval utility helicopters, prioritizing those with folding blades for seamless warship operations.
• 123 Naval Multi-Role Helicopters: Additionally, the Indian Navy intends to procure 123 naval multi-role helicopters with anti-submarine warfare capabilities. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan announces completion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos

• Pakistan and India have reached a ceasefire agreement after intense fighting, with both countries’ military operations chiefs holding talks over the phone.
• Pakistan announced the completion of its counter-offensive operation, Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, which targeted Indian military installations.
• The recent clashes were termed the “Battle of Truth” by the Pakistani military.
• The international community has welcomed the ceasefire, with Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong appreciating Pakistan’s restraint and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy praising Pakistan’s efforts towards maintaining regional peace.
• Aptma has also welcomed the US gesture towards peace.
• The ceasefire has boosted investor confidence, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange surging over 10,000 points.
• Domestic cricket events in Pakistan have resumed after a brief postponement due to the prevailing situation.
• Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are set to reopen after a six-day closure due to the Indian aggression.
• The Pakistani govt has also taken steps to support the family of a martyr who was killed in an Indian drone attack. (more)

Pakistan Army announces conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos: ISPR

• Pakistan’s military has announced the successful completion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a retaliatory strike against Indian military installations. Here are the key points:
• Operation Details: The operation targeted 26 Indian military targets, including:
• Air Force and Aviation Bases: Suratgarh, Sirsa, Bhuj, Naliya, Adampur, Bhatinda, Barnala, Halwara, Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Mamun, Ambala, and Pathankot
• BrahMos Storage Facilities: Beas and Nagrota, which had fired missiles at Pakistan, killing civilians
• S-400 Battery Systems: Adampur and Bhuj, neutralized by Pakistan Air Force
• Military Logistics and Support Sites: Field Supply Depot at Uri and Radar Station at Poonch
• Military Capabilities: Pakistan demonstrated its military capabilities, including:
• Precision-Guided Missiles: Fatah series missiles F1 and F2
• Long-Range Loitering Killer Munitions: Used to target Indian military installations
• Cyber Operations: Temporarily crippled Indian Armed Forces’ critical infrastructure and services
• Drone Capabilities: Pakistani armed drones hovered over Indian major cities, showcasing lethal long-range unmanned capability
• Restraint and Precision: Pakistan’s military response was precise, proportionate, and restrained, aiming to avoid civilian casualties
• Aftermath and Implications:
• Terrorism Concerns: Pakistan expressed concern over growing Indian involvement in terrorism activities, citing an abnormal spike in Indian-sponsored terrorism across KP and Balochistan
• Unified Response: The operation showcased synergy between Pakistan’s military, nation, and govt, demonstrating a unified response to threats against national sovereignty and territorial integrity (more)

US & China hail ‘constructive’ Geneva trade talks

• The US and China concluded high-stakes trade talks in Switzerland with a positive note, touting a potential “deal” to reduce the US trade deficit.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer described “substantial progress,” while Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng mentioned an “important consensus” and a new economic dialogue forum.
• Details of the agreement will be released in a joint statement.
• Trade Deficit: The US aims to reduce its $295 billion goods trade deficit with China.
• Tariffs: No agreement was mentioned on cutting US tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China’s 125% tariffs on US goods.
• New Consultation Platform: The US and China agreed to establish a new consultation mechanism for trade and economic issues.
• Future Talks: Another round of talks is expected, with potential for more foreign trade deals with other countries.
• Despite the optimism, China’s Foreign Ministry recently denied ongoing trade negotiations with the US, contradicting Trump’s claims.
• The WTO has ruled against Trump’s past tariffs on Chinese goods, but cases are stalled due to the US blocking judge appointments. (more)

Arakan Army abducts 3 Bangladeshis from Naf River

• The Arakan Army (AA), a Myanmar-based armed group, has abducted three Bangladeshi nationals – Siddiq Hossain, 27, Rabiul Alam, 27, and Mahmud Hossain, 30 – from the Naf River in Teknaf’s Hnila union.
• The abductees, residents of East Leda Lamarpara village, were taken at gunpoint after the AA opened fire on their boat.
• Authorities are investigating the incident, with the BGB looking into whether the victims were involved in drug trafficking.
• Since Dec, the AA has abducted 204 Bangladeshi fishermen, rescuing 189 so far.
• The incident is part of increased AA activity along the Naf River. (more)

Make decisions with foresight, otherwise there could be dangers, Rizvi warns interim govt

• BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi urged the interim government to make decisions with foresight, prioritizing education, health, and welfare sectors.
• He emphasized that the country’s development wouldn’t progress if people don’t see growth in their personal lives, questioning the value of mega projects like flyovers.
• Rizvi highlighted the need for increased spending in the health sector, citing the potential benefits of utilizing funds looted and laundered abroad.
• He also advocated for better treatment and logistical support for nurses, who often face humiliation and lack housing facilities, and urged the govt to prioritize the health sector in the upcoming budget. (more)

Awami League’s registration suspended

• The Bangladesh Election Commission has suspended the registration of the Awami League, a major political party in Bangladesh, following a directive from the home ministry.
• The EC’s decision comes after the interim government imposed a ban on the party’s activities, citing the Anti-Terrorism Act.
• The ban restricts all party activities, including online presence, until the completion of trials of party leaders and activists at the International Crimes Tribunal on allegations of crimes against humanity.

The Awami League has vowed to defy the ban, criticizing the decision as “illegal and unconstitutional” (more)