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NIA Nabs Two ISIS Fugitives at Mumbai Airport

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In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two key ISIS-linked fugitives, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh alias Diaperwala and Talha Khan, at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The duo, evading arrest for over two years, was intercepted by immigration authorities at Terminal 2 upon arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Their arrests are connected to the 2023 ISIS sleeper cell case (RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM) in Pune, where a group of radicalized operatives allegedly conspired to destabilize India through terrorist activities. According to the NIA, Shaikh and Khan, along with eight other accused already in judicial custody, had assembled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and conducted training sessions and controlled blasts in a rented house in Pune’s Kondhwa area during 2022 and 2023.

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The case marks one of the most serious ISIS-related domestic threats uncovered in recent years. Non-bailable warrants had been issued against the fugitives by the NIA Special Court in Mumbai, with a cash reward of ₹3 lakh offered for information leading to their arrest.

Among the others chargesheeted in the case are Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam. The charges include violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the NIA’s expanded mandate under the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, which allows the agency to investigate terror-related offenses committed outside Indian territory, subject to international laws and cooperation.

This latest development underscores the enduring threat posed by ISIS sleeper cells and the need for constant vigilance. The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing India from becoming a target of transnational extremist conspiracies.

Indian Army Chief Honors BSF Jawan Rantana Ram for Bravery in Operation Sindoor

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited forward positions in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, to commend Indian forces for their exemplary courage during Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted terrorist infrastructure across nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly neutralizing over 100 militants.

During his visit, General Dwivedi presented the COAS Commendation Disc to Head Constable (GD) Rantana Ram of the Border Security Force’s 185th Battalion for his gallant contribution in the operation. The coordinated effort between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force focused on eliminating terror hubs associated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Among the major targets were the Markaz Subhan Allah complex in Bahawalpur and the Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad. The strikes were described by defence officials as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” deliberately avoiding Pakistani military assets to prevent broader confrontation.

General Dwivedi praised both Army and BSF personnel for maintaining dominance along the Line of Control (LoC) and urged continued vigilance against cross-border threats. His visit followed a strategic review of Operation Sindoor on May 14, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

The operation was triggered by the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, including Navy officer Vinay Narwal. The swift and precise Indian response has been described as a turning point in the country’s counterterrorism approach. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that India’s armed forces would pursue and punish terrorists wherever they may hide.

Operation Sindoor has intensified regional tensions, with Pakistani shelling in Poonch recently claiming the lives of 12 civilians and one Indian soldier. The Indian government has responded by convening an all-party meeting and ordering a nationwide security drill to prepare for potential retaliatory threats. Meanwhile, a parliamentary panel is examining the role of misinformation and social media activity following the Pahalgam incident.

Baramulla, long a flashpoint in the Kashmir conflict, holds strategic significance dating back to the 1947 tribal invasions. Operation Sindoor reaffirms India’s evolving doctrine on cross-border counterterrorism, reinforcing its commitment to neutralize threats beyond its borders and protect its citizens.

Army Officer Loses Rs 55 Lakh in Telangana IPO Scam

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A technical officer from Khammam, currently posted in the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir, has fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing Rs 55 lakh to scammers posing as stock market investment advisors. The officer lodged a complaint on Thursday, revealing a months-long deception that began with a WhatsApp message in January.

According to police reports, the officer was contacted by unknown individuals who promised high returns on investments in initial public offerings (IPOs). Although he initially ignored the messages, he eventually responded in February seeking more information. He was then added to a WhatsApp group named “BVIP29 BN Rathi Internal Group”.

Searching online, he found a legitimate company, BN Rathi Securities Ltd., listed as being based in Hyderabad. After calling the contact numbers available online and receiving confirmation of the firm’s existence, he was convinced of its authenticity and proceeded to engage with the group.

The group administrator, identified as Hersh Tolani, provided investment advice and asked the officer to download a trading application. The officer began using the app on March 10 and made several investments based on Tolani’s instructions.

On May 5, Tolani requested a final transfer of Rs 3.8 lakh. When the officer suggested debiting it directly from his supposed BN Rathi account and was met with repeated requests for manual transfer, he grew suspicious. Contacting the actual company again, he was informed that BN Rathi Securities had no connection to any WhatsApp investment groups and that scammers were misusing their name.

Realising he had been defrauded, the officer reported the incident. A case has been registered by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS) of Khammam under Sections 61(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any investment offers, especially those received via social media or messaging platforms.

After Series of Denials, Pakistan PM Sharif Admits India’s Missiles Hit Nur Khan Airbase

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In a rare and candid disclosure, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly confirmed that Indian ballistic missiles struck deep into Pakistani territory, including the strategic Nur Khan Airbase, during the early hours of May 10. Addressing a public gathering in Islamabad, Sharif recounted a 2:30 AM secure phone call from the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, alerting him to the Indian strikes.

The Nur Khan Airbase, formerly known as Chaklala and situated between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has long been central to Pakistan’s military aviation. Sharif stated that one missile had hit this key facility, while several others landed at additional military sites.

The strikes were part of Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian civilians and security personnel. Indian government sources claim the operation led to the elimination of around 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Coordinated by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps and strategic installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Key targets reportedly included airbases, radar systems, and communications infrastructure in at least 11 locations. Among the first to be hit were the Pakistani Air Force bases at Chaklala (Nur Khan) and Sargodha, with subsequent impacts confirmed via satellite imagery at Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu.

Also Read: India Becomes The First Country to Strike 11 Air Bases of a Nuclear Powered Country

Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan responded with artillery fire across the Line of Control and launched several drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military assets in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat. This prompted India to launch secondary precision strikes against Pakistani radar and logistics installations.

Indian intelligence reportedly intercepted emergency communications within the Pakistani military shortly after the strikes, suggesting a high-level alert for nuclear command structures. Strategic Plans Division offices in Rawalpindi were believed to have been placed on maximum alert.

Amid mounting international concern, Pakistan sought urgent intervention from the United States. Indian sources indicate that Washington urged Islamabad to activate the military hotline. At 15:35 IST on May 10, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations, Major General Kashif Abdullah, contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai. The call was confirmed later that evening by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

The hotline communication led to a mutual agreement to halt all military operations by land, sea, and air starting the evening of May 10. Despite the ceasefire, Indian systems detected and intercepted multiple Pakistani drones over Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat in the hours that followed.

Foreign Secretary Misri accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire and emphasized that India’s military responses were measured and proportionate. He further stated that India would remain vigilant against any further provocation.

India also reiterated that its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, announced following the April 22 attack, would remain in effect despite the ceasefire.

Lt Col Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90m Barrier But Finishes Second

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Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra etched his name into athletics history on Friday by becoming the 25th man ever to breach the fabled 90-metre mark in men’s javelin. Competing at the Doha Diamond League, the Olympic and World Champion launched a 90.23m throw, a milestone that had long eluded him despite years of near-misses and extraordinary consistency.

The moment, though monumental, was met with quiet relief rather than wild celebration. Chopra, calm and composed, allowed himself a brief smile as the javelin sliced through the night sky and landed in record territory. It was a culmination of years of effort, technical adjustments, and the weight of national expectations.

For Neeraj, this wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a moment of national pride. Ever since his breakout 86.48m throw as a teenager in 2016, India had waited for this day. Despite two Olympic medals and a World Championship title, the 90m question lingered. On Friday, he answered it emphatically.

Ironically, the milestone came at a meet where no one had asked him about the elusive mark in the lead-up. But changes in his form and rhythm—guided by new coach Jan Zelezny—were already visible. With better balance, refined technique, and freedom from past injuries, Chopra looked sharp from the outset, opening with an 88.44m throw.

Then came the third round. With a trademark crowd-rallying gesture, Chopra sprinted in and unleashed the spear to 90.23m. A historic throw. And yet, it wasn’t enough to win.

Germany’s Julian Weber, another long-time 90m aspirant, trumped Neeraj with a final throw of 91.06m. The Doha meet made it clear—this was only the beginning of a fierce new chapter in men’s javelin.

Neeraj, unfazed, acknowledged the challenge. “Now that I’ve seen the path to 90m, I’ll get better. I know I can throw farther—and I will,” he said post-event. His eyes are now set on consistent 90m-plus throws, defending his world title, and ultimately cementing his legacy.

As rivals sharpen their game and the bar rises higher, Neeraj Chopra’s breakthrough signals not an end—but the true beginning of a thrilling race to redefine greatness.

Indian Army Chief Honors BSF Constable Harvinder Singh for Role in Operation Sindoor

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In a ceremony held on May 15, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, awarded a Commendation Disc to Constable Harvinder Singh of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu for his exemplary performance in preparing for Operation Sindoor. The commendation recognizes Singh’s dedication and operational diligence during one of the most significant recent anti-terrorism campaigns conducted by Indian forces.

The event was attended by personnel from both the Indian Army and BSF, reflecting the close cooperation between the two forces in maintaining security in the volatile Jammu and Kashmir region. General Dwivedi, who assumed the post of Army Chief on June 30, 2024, commended the joint efforts that contributed to the operation’s success and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining high alertness along the Line of Control (LoC).

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists through coordinated strikes. The campaign has drawn national attention for its strategic precision and swift execution.

Air Marshal A K Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, praised the Indian Armed Forces’ technological edge, noting that enemy drones, including Turkish-manufactured models, failed to penetrate India’s robust defense systems.

The broader impact of Operation Sindoor has been felt across the region. On May 13, heightened security led to temporary flight cancellations in cities including Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued a warning to Pakistan, affirming India’s firm resolve to act decisively against cross-border terrorism and hinting at the possibility of further retaliatory measures if provocations persist.

International reactions have been mixed. While the European Union condemned the Pahalgam attack and called for restraint, Singapore advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan amid rising tensions.

Constable Harvinder Singh’s recognition is a reminder of the crucial role played by the BSF in national security. The force has a long history of counter-insurgency operations, having played vital roles in Operations Blue Star and Black Thunder during the Punjab militancy era. In contemporary conflict scenarios like Operation Sindoor, the BSF continues to serve on the frontlines in collaboration with the Indian Army, working to dismantle terror networks and restore peace in one of India’s most sensitive regions.

Andaman & Nicobar Command Conducts Maritime Search and Rescue Workshops to Bolster Safety in the Region

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In a major step toward enhancing maritime safety in one of India’s most strategically vital regions, the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (A&N), conducted comprehensive Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) workshops and mock drills at Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 9 in Diglipur and No. 10 in Campbell Bay earlier today.

The event brought together senior officers and operational teams from various Indian Coast Guard units to strengthen preparedness and inter-agency coordination during maritime emergencies. Uniformed personnel gathered at the coastal facility in Diglipur under the banner of the M-SAR workshop, reaffirming the Indian Coast Guard’s motto, “वयम् रक्षामः” (We Protect), and its commitment to safeguarding the maritime domain.

Mock drills held at sea featured Coast Guard vessels navigating through the turquoise waters of the archipelago, simulating high-stakes rescue operations. A smaller inflatable craft with team members in yellow life jackets maneuvered alongside a larger vessel marked “भारतीय तटरक्षक” (Indian Coast Guard), hull number C-416, practicing swift and coordinated response scenarios.

In another session aboard a Coast Guard ship, trainees were briefed on life-saving techniques and the proper handling of rescue equipment. Officers emphasized the importance of operational readiness in responding to distress calls in the often challenging maritime environment of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands serve as a strategic maritime outpost for India, located near major international sea lanes and increasingly monitored due to growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. Recent initiatives, such as the rebasing of ICG ships Rajtarang and Rajkiran to Diglipur and Campbell Bay in April 2024, have significantly enhanced the Indian Coast Guard’s reach and rapid response capabilities.

These workshops support the broader national effort to transform the island chain into a maritime, startup, and digital connectivity hub. Under the Rs 10,000 crore development plan launched in 2015, initiatives like Digital India are extending critical services to remote regions, with the Island Development Agency continuing to monitor and drive progress.

As India’s only tri-services command, the ANC plays a crucial role in ensuring integrated maritime defence and security. Today’s workshop exemplifies the collaborative resolve of the armed forces to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem, secure its borders, and uphold maritime law, while enhancing the capabilities of personnel tasked with life-saving missions across this strategically critical maritime frontier.

HAL Tejas Mk-1A Set for Imminent Delivery to Indian Air Force

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to deliver the first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming months, marking a major step forward in India’s indigenous defence production capabilities. The upgraded Tejas Mk-1A variant incorporates several state-of-the-art features, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and improved maintainability — key upgrades aimed at addressing earlier performance limitations.

Recent flight tests and technical demonstrations have underlined the jet’s improved combat readiness, agility, and situational awareness through advanced avionics. The Mk-1A version is designed to meet the evolving operational demands of the IAF while reducing reliance on imported platforms, in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

The development follows initial concerns about production and delivery schedules. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh had previously flagged delays as a matter of concern, but HAL’s current pace suggests significant progress in closing the delivery gap. Once inducted, the Tejas Mk-1A is expected to not only fill critical fleet gaps but also serve as a foundation for further indigenous fighter development, including the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA projects.

The delivery will also support India’s broader strategic goal of strengthening its aerospace sector and enhancing self-reliance in high-end defence technologies amid growing regional security challenges.

BLA Claims Responsibility for Killing 10 Pakistani Soldiers in IED Attack

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A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in the restive Kolwah region of Balochistan on Thursday, killing 10 soldiers and destroying a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist organization, has claimed responsibility for the deadly strike.

The attack took place in a remote stretch near Kolwah, a district long troubled by ethnic insurgency and military crackdowns. Images from the scene reveal the MRAP vehicle engulfed in flames, reduced to twisted metal and smoldering wreckage. The BLA issued a statement claiming the operation as retaliation against what it called Pakistan’s exploitation of Balochistan’s resources and continued political repression of the Baloch people.

This marks one of the deadliest attacks in recent months and adds to a surge in BLA-led violence in 2025. The group has carried out a string of operations this year, including a roadside bombing in Mastung on April 15 that killed three security personnel and injured 18, and another IED blast in Kech District on April 17 targeting a bomb disposal unit, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

The BLA and other separatist outfits have increasingly focused on disrupting infrastructure and military logistics, particularly projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar port, a flagship component of CPEC, has become a recurring target amid growing local resentment. Residents claim that the economic benefits of the port have bypassed indigenous communities, with limited employment opportunities and increased militarization fueling further alienation.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most underdeveloped province, has long been a center of separatist discontent. Armed movements demanding autonomy or independence date back to 1948. The region is rich in natural gas, coal, and minerals, but local leaders argue that these resources are controlled and profited from by federal authorities and external actors.

A 2021 report by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) recorded 136 fatalities in 81 terrorist incidents in Balochistan that year, underscoring the protracted nature of the conflict. The violence has been exacerbated by sectarian tensions and the presence of other militant groups, complicating counterinsurgency efforts.

As of Friday evening, the Pakistani military had not issued an official response to the Kolwah bombing. However, security operations in the area are expected to intensify. Past responses to major attacks have involved increased troop deployments, air surveillance, and cordon-and-search operations, often drawing criticism from rights groups for alleged abuses.

The Kolwah attack not only signals a tactical escalation by the BLA but also reflects the enduring fault lines in Balochistan’s political landscape. With no political reconciliation in sight, the conflict remains a simmering crisis, threatening both regional stability and the success of major geopolitical investments like CPEC.

Dassault Aviation Stock Nears Record High Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

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Dassault Aviation shares continued their rally on Friday, rising nearly 2.4 per cent during intraday trading to touch €309.40 on the Paris Stock Exchange, just 10 per cent short of the company’s all-time high of €332.20. The surge comes in the wake of renewed geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan and heightened interest in Dassault’s Rafale fighter jets.

This marks the third consecutive day of gains for the French aerospace giant. After a sharp 7 per cent drop on Monday, the stock rebounded more than 3 per cent on Tuesday and has maintained an upward trajectory since. Technical analysts noted the formation of a bullish hammer candlestick on the monthly chart, suggesting further upside potential in the short term.

Investor sentiment has strengthened significantly following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, where Indian Air Force jets, reportedly Rafales, carried out precision strikes deep inside Pakistani territory. The use of SCALP and HAMMER missiles in the operation has drawn global attention to Dassault Aviation’s advanced combat capabilities, prompting a surge in demand speculation.

The stock’s rally also coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adampur Air Base, where he addressed national security matters in front of an S-400 missile defence battery, reinforcing the government’s defence posture amid rising tensions with Pakistan.

Strong financial performance has further bolstered investor confidence. Dassault Aviation recently reported annual revenues of €6.24 billion and a net profit of €924 million. The broader French aerospace and defence sector has also performed robustly, growing by 17.7 per cent over the past year.

Despite the positive momentum, the stock has shown volatility. Monday’s intraday swing saw prices fluctuate between €291 and €295, reflecting investor uncertainty before the rebound. With ongoing military and diplomatic developments in South Asia, market observers expect Dassault’s performance to remain closely tied to geopolitical headlines in the weeks ahead.