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Operation Sindoor: India hits terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to Pahalgam massacre

India retaliated to the Pahalgam terror attack with Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror sites across Pakistan and PoK in a tri-service military operation.

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Indian Air Force jets during Operation Sindoor mission

In a decisive and coordinated military operation named Operation Sindoor, India struck nine terror-related sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday morning. The strikes were launched in retaliation to the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians lost their lives. This is the most significant retaliatory action since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly executed the strikes at approximately 1:44 am. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the developments of the mission as it unfolded. The Indian government emphasized that the strikes were focused, measured, and aimed strictly at terror infrastructure, with no Pakistani military facilities being targeted.

Nine locations targeted with precision, including key terror hubs

India targeted nine locations, which included areas across both the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border. As per reports from Pakistani military sources, the strikes hit locations in Kotli, Bhimber, Gulpur, Muzaffarabad (two sites), Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Chak Amru. Muridke is known to house the headquarters of the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Bahawalpur is associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed operations.

Sources familiar with the mission stated that the Indian Air Force used SCALP (Storm Shadow) cruise missiles, carried by Rafale jets, along with Hammer Smart Bombs to carry out the precision strikes.

Pakistan retaliates along LoC, civilian casualties reported

Following the operation, Pakistan initiated cross-border firing and artillery shelling across the Line of Control. In one such incident in the Bhimber Gali sector of the Poonch-Rajauri region, three Indian civilians were reported killed due to shelling. Indian troops responded in a calibrated and appropriate manner, defence sources confirmed.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the strikes as an “act of war” and vowed a strong response. Pakistan’s military also raised concerns about the future of the Simla Agreement and the LoC framework.

Diplomatic fallout precedes military action

Before the military response, India had taken a series of diplomatic steps to signal its displeasure over the Pahalgam killings. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, cancelling visas issued to Pakistani nationals, halting bilateral diplomatic movements, and shutting its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. PM Modi also declared that India would no longer allow its rightful share of water to flow out of the country.

He reiterated this stance during a public address, stating that India’s water resources will now be used solely for domestic progress and interests.

Airspace disruption, military drills intensify preparedness

The strikes have also affected air operations across the northern region. IndiGo and SpiceJet issued advisories, stating that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala may be disrupted due to airspace restrictions.

Air India announced the cancellation of flights operating to and from several cities including Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. Srinagar airport has been completely shut for civilian flights for the day.

Simultaneously, the Indian Air Force began a two-day military drill in Rajasthan near the international border with Pakistan, further signalling preparedness. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued, restricting flight operations over the Thar desert region from 9:30 pm until 3 am on Friday.

Nationwide civil defence drill marks first since 1971 war

Coinciding with the strikes, India began a national-scale civil defence exercise covering 244 districts. This marks the first such mock drill since the 1971 India-Pakistan war and is aimed at enhancing readiness for any hostile eventuality.

Historic parallels with previous Indian responses to terror

India’s move draws comparisons with past retaliatory actions. In 2016, India carried out surgical strikes across the LoC following the Uri attack. In 2019, after the Pulwama suicide bombing, India conducted airstrikes on a terror training camp in Balakot, marking the first time since 1971 that the Indian Air Force crossed the international border for military action.

That response had resulted in an aerial dogfight between Indian and Pakistani jets, with Wing Commander Abhinandan famously shooting down a Pakistani F-16 before being captured and later released by Pakistan.

“Justice is served”: Government and armed forces stand united

Following the successful operation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” on X. The Indian Army echoed the sentiment with a statement reading, “Justice is served. Jai Hind.” The Indian Embassy in the US also confirmed that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed his American counterpart and Secretary of State Marco Rubio after the strikes.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented that the US was aware of an impending response and expressed hope that the situation de-escalates quickly.

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Asish Banerjee found dead in Rampurhat, Mamata Banerjee aide’s death shocks TMC

Former West Bengal deputy speaker and five-time Rampurhat MLA Asish Banerjee was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum.

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Mamata Banerjee

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office next to his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning.

Police said his body was found hanging and was sent for postmortem. A large crowd gathered outside the Trinamool Congress office after news of his death spread.

Who was Asish Banerjee?

Asish Banerjee had served as the deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly when Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was the state’s chief minister. He was also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat.

He had served as Bengal’s education and agriculture minister after Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress first came to power in the state.

Banerjee contested the West Bengal Assembly election earlier this year but lost the Rampurhat seat to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.

Asish Banerjee’s recent party role

Banerjee stepped down as chairman of the Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district core committee in June. At the time, he said he would continue as a general member of the party.

He lived in the Hattalapara neighbourhood of Rampurhat, with the party office where his body was found located next to his house.

BJP gains in Birbhum

The BJP won six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Birbhum in the latest state election. This marked a significant change from 2021, when the Trinamool Congress had won 10 seats in the district while the BJP had secured one.

Police have sent Asish Banerjee’s body for postmortem as the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

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IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

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IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

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Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

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Rahul Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

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