India Pakistan news highlights: Over 50 Pakistani drones shot down by air defence array across LoC

The Civil Aviation Ministry informed that 24 airports are closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which soared further after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. READ MORE

India Pakistan News Live: Operation Sindoor reflects the resolve of a nation which refuses to bend in the face of terror, Mahindra Group said on Thursday.

"We at the Mahindra Group stand in admiration and deep respect for the bravery and precision demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor," the Mumbai-based business group said on X.

India Pakistan News Live: A 20-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for displaying the Pakistan flag as his WhatsApp display picture on Thursday, PTI reported, citing police official.

The arrested accused has been identified as Dilshad, a resident of Ruknpur village under the Bhawanpur police station limits.

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the defence ministry on Thursday said that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people. READ FULL STORY

“In light of enhanced security measures across all airports, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process,” the SpiceJet travel advisory said.

Social media platform X said that it blocked 8,000 accounts in India after the government's executive orders, PTI reported.

X said it received executive orders from the Indian government requiring it to block over 8,000 accounts in India, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company's local employees.

Bathinda district administration has released emergency helplines- 0164-2862100 and 0164-2862101

Social media posts claiming entry across Indian airports has been banned are completely false. The government has taken no such decision

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, several northern Indian states have announced emergency measures, including blackouts, school closures, and the cancellation of official leaves. READ FULL STORY

“Given a potential threat of attack, a complete blackout is being enforced with immediate effect for till further notice,” DM Sangrur said.

“Taking utmost caution, the Barnala district administration has started the blackout process. Please stay at home, do not panic and do not gather outside your houses; keep the outside lights switched off,” DC Barnala said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke with the Director Generals of border guarding forces to take stock of the border situation. He also spoke to the CISF DG regarding airport security, ANI reported.

 “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing upto 7 kgs will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding,” the Akasa Air travel advisory stated.

‘In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure,’ an Air India statement read.

“The Government of Nepal is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, India, on 22 April 2025, in which a Nepali national also lost his precious life. During this tragic period, Nepal and India stood in solidarity, united in shared grief and suffering,” the statement by the Nepal govt read.

Punjab government ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and universities for the next 3 days, said Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

Kishangarh, Bhuntar (Kullu), and Ludhiana have been added to the list of Airports closed by NOTAM.

Explosions were heard as Indian air defence successfully intercepted Pakistani drones in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, ANI reported.

Schools were declared closed in Haryana's Gurugram, with the kin of students receiving a message from the institutes notifying them of the same. All schools, colleges and universities were declared closed in Punjab also for three days.

EAM S Jaishankar on Thursday spoke with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani

“Discussed India’s targeted and measured response to firmly counter terrorism. Any escalation will see a strong response,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.

The Indian defence forces on Thursday neutralised missile and drone attacks on military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur carried out by Pakistan. READ MORE