Manjunath Radhakrishna

India should prepare for a prolonged period of volatility on its western frontier. Beware old animosities lurking behind any new beginning. Above all, beware the civil-military dysfunction

Following Pakistani drone attacks targeting Indian military and civilian sites, India retaliated by destroying key Pakistani posts and terrorist launch pads near Jammu. Pakistan claims its airbases were targeted, vowing retaliation and temporarily closing its airspace. India remains on high alert, activating missile systems and continuing counter-drone operations along the LoC after the Pahalgam terror attack and 'Operation Sindoor'.

Early Saturday morning, multiple explosions rocked Pakistani military bases, escalating tensions with India following recent strikes. Pakistan claims Indian jets fired missiles at key airbases, though most were reportedly intercepted. Blackouts were enforced in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor and Punjab's Jalandhar amid reported explosions and drone sightings, heightening fears of a wider conflict.

G7 nations have condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint amid rising military tensions. They called for immediate de-escalation and encouraged direct dialogue for a peaceful resolution, expressing deep concern for civilian safety.

Two Israeli analysts say that, standing on the front line of the international war against radical Islamist terrorism, the two countries also now share a strikingly similar strategic outlook

Following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings are taking a stand against Turkey and Azerbaijan due to their pro-Pakistan stance. EaseMyTrip advises caution when visiting these nations, while Cox & Kings has paused new travel offerings, urging Indian travelers to consider the geopolitical environment.

Amidst India-Pakistan tensions, a viral message urged citizens to disable their phone locations, falsely claiming it aided population detection by drones. PIB Fact Check debunked this advisory as fake, clarifying that the government had not issued any such warning. Authorities cautioned against Pakistan-sponsored propaganda and urged citizens to verify information, especially concerning the Indian Armed Forces.

Following security concerns amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League was suspended on Friday by a week. While the BCCI hopes to complete the tournament in India, England has emerged as a potential alternative host. The ECB is open to discussions, with suggestions including finishing the IPL before India's Test series or in September.