Top 5 news of the day: 'Ready to retaliate if Pakistan escalates', India tells China; Civil defence drills begin at airports, railway stations across India after Operation Sindoor, and more

Today’s top stories cover major developments in defence, politics and international relations after Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Indian armed forces for carrying out targeted strikes at terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, PTI reported, quoting sources. The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Union Cabinet, hours after 'Operation Sindoor' was launched to destroy terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Soon after defence minister Rajnath Singh informed the Cabinet about Operation Sindoor, the entire Cabinet hailed the action and the prime minister's leadership with thumping of desks.Also, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed full support for the Operation Sidoor carried out by Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday. CWC discussed and full support and best wishes and love to our armed forces, he said.Additionally, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Our armed forces have taken brave and decisive action against Pakistan. We stand by government. We salute their nationalism. Congress had since day one backed the government to take decisive action against Pakistan and terror emanating from Pakistan and POK."Here are the top five stories of the day:'Ready to retaliate if Pakistan escalates', India tells China after Operation Sindoor"NSA briefed his counterparts on actions taken and method of execution, which was measured, non-escalatory and restrained. He emphasised that India had no intent to escalate but was well prepared to retaliate resolutely should Pakistan decide to escalate," an official said. Follow live updateOperation Sindoor: Army releases videos of strikes on Pakistan terror campsIndian Army has released several videos of strikes carried out at nine terrorist spots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir under "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of Wednesday. Read full story'Only those who killed innocent civilians were targeted', says Rajnath Singh on Operation SindoorThe Defence Minister said that the operation was aimed at targeting terrorists and was limited to their camps. "With the aim of breaking the morale of terrorists, this action was limited to their camps and other infrastructure," Rajnath said. "Our action has been taken very thoughtfully and in a measured manner," he added. Follow live updatesCivil defence drills begin at airports, railway stations across India amid rising tensions with PakAs part of a nationwide mock drill, the NDMC area of Delhi will observe a scheduled blackout from 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm on Tuesday. The drill aims to test emergency preparedness and coordination among various agencies in the event of a crisis. Follow live updatesPM Modi hails 'Operation Sindoor' as moment of pride in Cabinet meeting: ReportPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Indian armed forces for carrying out targeted strikes at terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, PTI reported, quoting sources. Read full story