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We are living in a time when secrets are just a click away and geopolitical tensions play out not only across borders but also in digital platforms. Spying has found a new sanctuary — the open world of social media and encrypted messaging applications.&nbsp;The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a travel blogger from Hisar, Haryana, for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives has brought this matter into the light again.&nbsp;Jyoti, met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, during a visit in 2023. Danish allegedly acted as her handler and introduced her to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).&nbsp;Ehsan-ur-Rahim, the Pakistan High Commission staffer allegedly central to the case, was declared persona non grata and expelled from India on 13 May 2025.&nbsp; The case remains under investigation but suggests a subtle network where digital avatars, diligently crafted digital identities, and encryption messaging protocols become camouflage and avenue for exchange of information.&nbsp; Historically, spying conjured up looks of trench coats, dead drops, invisible ink, and secret meetings in gloomy cafes. But the contemporary spy works differently — with Instagram DMs rather than morse code, burner phones rather than briefcases, and Slack channels rather than safe houses.&nbsp;Jyoti’s situation is the prime example of such a shift. Police reports say Malhotra travelled to Pakistan twice in 2023. After returning to India, she reportedly continued communicating with the operatives through encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.&nbsp; “The blogger had saved Shakir’s name with ‘Jatt Randhawa’ so that no one could create doubt on her. After returning from Pakistan in 2023, she remained in touch with all the operatives on encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat,” the FIR read.&nbsp; Social media: The spy's paradise&nbsp; &nbsp;Social media applications provide contemporary spies with something priceless: Access. Access to individuals, their habits, where they are, what they believe, what makes them vulnerable, and most importantly — their trust.&nbsp;Over the past few years, identical episodes have seen the day of the light. These included Navy personnel who were honey-trapped on social media sites and persuaded into sharing sensitive naval deployment information with women they perceived to be romantically interested in them. The women, who were subsequently identified as operatives from Pakistani intelligence, employed social engineering tactics perfected on sites such as Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;&nbsp;This interaction was then transferred to WhatsApp and Telegram once initial trust had been established — applications that provide encryption and disappearing messages.&nbsp;The art of digital seduction&nbsp; &nbsp;Digital espionage is not just about hacking networks — it's about hacking people. Emotional manipulation, affection, ideology, flattery — all play a role. Over the years, several Indian defence personnel have been trapped via social media by operatives posing as NRIs or global researchers, then exploited for documents, maps, and military plans.&nbsp;Malhotra reportedly visited Pakistan twice in 2023. Just after her Pak visits, Malhotra visited Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir, as shown on her YouTube channel.&nbsp;Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan said, "Her known income sources do not justify her foreign travel. We suspect external funding. On the surface, she was just a travel blogger.”&nbsp;“She had interacted with several high-profile individuals during her visits to Pakistan. Even though her arrest happened recently, intelligence agencies were already monitoring her activities closely.”&nbsp;"They were developing her (Jyoti Malhotra) as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the PIOs... She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips... She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is on to establish linkages, if there are any. We are also investigating, as we have leads that other people were also involved with her," the SP added.&nbsp;Encryption: Shield and sword&nbsp; &nbsp;Whereas encryption is a fundament of digital freedom and press liberty, it is equally the ideal tool for behind-the-scenes communication. Messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram, Wire, Threema, and even VPN-tunneled chat servers built expressly for a given agency are on the rise in the world of espionage. They offer not only end-to-end secure message transmission but also self-delete messages, screenshot shielding, and anonymous logins.&nbsp;In 2020-2021, the French and Dutch police dismantled into a well-known encrypted messaging service known as EncroChat, exploited by criminal gangs and spies alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;The raid uncovered a secret world of illicit arms trade, narcotics trafficking — and even state-sponsored surveillance operations. Several operatives caught were clean with no past criminal histories and lived double lives — much like the online personas adopted by suspected spies today.&nbsp;The puzzle of attribution&nbsp; &nbsp;One of the main issues with cyber-espionage is attribution. Traditional spying, in which faces, voices, and physical evidence are important, gets done in the mist of metadata, phantom avatars, and encrypted logs these days.&nbsp; Was Jyoti an unwitting pawn or a knowing participant? Was she aware her encrypted communications were with a foreign agent, or was she just chasing a story for content?&nbsp;India is not alone in experiencing this wave of cyber espionage. In America, FBI counterintelligence reports in 2023 indicate an increase in Chinese agents communicating with American academics on Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, and Clubhouse to obtain information about defence technologies and political tactics. &nbsp;&nbsp;MI5 in the UK revealed that a Chinese operative, ‘Christine Lee’, had infiltrated circles of parliament through social networking and donations. She had built connections through online engagement and was identified after various suspicious encrypted messages between her, and foreign diplomats were picked up.&nbsp;The trend is obvious: Online believability is the new disguise, and encryption is the cloak that makes it difficult to detect.&nbsp;The need for digital vigilance&nbsp; &nbsp;As technology advances, so must the counterintelligence infrastructure. Using mere traditional surveillance — CCTV, tapped phones, email intercepts — is no longer sufficient. Agencies now utilise machine learning algorithms to identify anomalous metadata patterns, employ false honeypot accounts to probe for phishing or honey traps, and even track open-source intelligence (OSINT) software for indications of espionage use. The new age &nbsp;&nbsp; Jyoti Malhotra's case is not an accident; it is a reminder of how espionage has changed in the age of digital surveillance. The distinction between influencer and informant, conversation and conspiracy, has blurred. &nbsp;&nbsp; As platforms become brighter and safer, so too do their enemies who leverage them. The age of the cloak-and-dagger has been replaced by selfies and DMs, but the stakes are as high — perhaps higher — as state secrets, defence strategy, and national security march hand-in-hand with hashtags and digital avatars.

How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance

We are living in a time when secrets are just a click away and geopolitical tensions play out not only across borders but also in digital platforms. Spying has found a new sanctuary — the open world of social media and encrypted messaging applications. The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a travel blogger from Hisar, Haryana, for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives has brought this matter into the light again. Jyoti, met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, during a visit in 2023. Danish allegedly acted as her handler and introduced her to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Ehsan-ur-Rahim, the Pakistan High Commission staffer allegedly central to the case, was declared persona non grata and expelled from India on 13 May 2025. The case remains under investigation but suggests a subtle network where digital avatars, diligently crafted digital identities, and encryption messaging protocols become camouflage and avenue for exchange of information. Historically, spying conjured up looks of trench coats, dead drops, invisible ink, and secret meetings in gloomy cafes. But the contemporary spy works differently — with Instagram DMs rather than morse code, burner phones rather than briefcases, and Slack channels rather than safe houses. Jyoti’s situation is the prime example of such a shift. Police reports say Malhotra travelled to Pakistan twice in 2023. After returning to India, she reportedly continued communicating with the operatives through encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. “The blogger had saved Shakir’s name with ‘Jatt Randhawa’ so that no one could create doubt on her. After returning from Pakistan in 2023, she remained in touch with all the operatives on encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat,” the FIR read. Social media: The spy's paradise Social media applications provide contemporary spies with something priceless: Access. Access to individuals, their habits, where they are, what they believe, what makes them vulnerable, and most importantly — their trust. Over the past few years, identical episodes have seen the day of the light. These included Navy personnel who were honey-trapped on social media sites and persuaded into sharing sensitive naval deployment information with women they perceived to be romantically interested in them. The women, who were subsequently identified as operatives from Pakistani intelligence, employed social engineering tactics perfected on sites such as Facebook and Instagram. This interaction was then transferred to WhatsApp and Telegram once initial trust had been established — applications that provide encryption and disappearing messages. The art of digital seduction Digital espionage is not just about hacking networks — it's about hacking people. Emotional manipulation, affection, ideology, flattery — all play a role. Over the years, several Indian defence personnel have been trapped via social media by operatives posing as NRIs or global researchers, then exploited for documents, maps, and military plans. Malhotra reportedly visited Pakistan twice in 2023. Just after her Pak visits, Malhotra visited Jammu and Kashmir, as shown on her YouTube channel. Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan said, "Her known income sources do not justify her foreign travel. We suspect external funding. On the surface, she was just a travel blogger.” “She had interacted with several high-profile individuals during her visits to Pakistan. Even though her arrest happened recently, intelligence agencies were already monitoring her activities closely.” "They were developing her (Jyoti Malhotra) as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the PIOs... She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips... She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is on to establish linkages, if there are any. We are also investigating, as we have leads that other people were also involved with her," the SP added. Encryption: Shield and sword Whereas encryption is a fundament of digital freedom and press liberty, it is equally the ideal tool for behind-the-scenes communication. Messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram, Wire, Threema, and even VPN-tunneled chat servers built expressly for a given agency are on the rise in the world of espionage. They offer not only end-to-end secure message transmission but also self-delete messages, screenshot shielding, and anonymous logins. In 2020-2021, the French and Dutch police dismantled into a well-known encrypted messaging service known as EncroChat, exploited by criminal gangs and spies alike. The raid uncovered a secret world of illicit arms trade, narcotics trafficking — and even state-sponsored surveillance operations. Several operatives caught were clean with no past criminal histories and lived double lives — much like the online personas adopted by suspected spies today. The puzzle of attribution One of the main issues with cyber-espionage is attribution. Traditional spying, in which faces, voices, and physical evidence are important, gets done in the mist of metadata, phantom avatars, and encrypted logs these days. Was Jyoti an unwitting pawn or a knowing participant? Was she aware her encrypted communications were with a foreign agent, or was she just chasing a story for content? India is not alone in experiencing this wave of cyber espionage. In America, FBI counterintelligence reports in 2023 indicate an increase in Chinese agents communicating with American academics on Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, and Clubhouse to obtain information about defence technologies and political tactics. MI5 in the UK revealed that a Chinese operative, ‘Christine Lee’, had infiltrated circles of parliament through social networking and donations. She had built connections through online engagement and was identified after various suspicious encrypted messages between her, and foreign diplomats were picked up. The trend is obvious: Online believability is the new disguise, and encryption is the cloak that makes it difficult to detect. The need for digital vigilance As technology advances, so must the counterintelligence infrastructure. Using mere traditional surveillance — CCTV, tapped phones, email intercepts — is no longer sufficient. Agencies now utilise machine learning algorithms to identify anomalous metadata patterns, employ false honeypot accounts to probe for phishing or honey traps, and even track open-source intelligence (OSINT) software for indications of espionage use. The new age Jyoti Malhotra's case is not an accident; it is a reminder of how espionage has changed in the age of digital surveillance. The distinction between influencer and informant, conversation and conspiracy, has blurred. As platforms become brighter and safer, so too do their enemies who leverage them. The age of the cloak-and-dagger has been replaced by selfies and DMs, but the stakes are as high — perhaps higher — as state secrets, defence strategy, and national security march hand-in-hand with hashtags and digital avatars.

Spying has found a new sanctuary — the open world of social media and encrypted messaging applications

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Tuesday while hearing a bunch of petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act that laws passed by the Parliament are assumed to be constitutional, and courts cannot step in unless a glaring case is made out.The bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih was hearing a group of petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act.&nbsp;The apex court had earlier pinpointed three main issues, including Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, and the identification of government land as Waqf property. The Centre had assured the court that it would not proceed on these issues until the case was settled.During the hearing on Tuesday, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said that the Centre had submitted its response on the three identified issues. “The written submissions of the petitioners now extend to several other issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only,” he said.Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, opposed the S-G’s view. “The then CJI (Sanjiv Khanna) said we will hear the case and see what interim relief has to be granted. Now we cannot say confine to three issues,” Singhvi said.&nbsp;Sibal contended that the Act aims to take control of Waqf lands. “The law is designed in such a way that Waqf property is taken away without following any process,” he said.&nbsp;He also raised the requirement that only a person who has practised Islam for at least five years can create a Waqf.“If I am on my deathbed and I want to make a Waqf, I have to prove that I have been a practising Muslim. This is unconstitutional,” Sibal said.&nbsp;&nbsp;When Sibal repeated that the law aimed to seize Waqf properties, the Chief Justice Gavai responded, “There is a presumption of Constitutionality in legislation passed by Parliament. Courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out, especially in the current scenario, we don’t need to say more.”Sibal also pointed out that under the new law, a village panchayat or private individual can raise a complaint, and the property will stop being considered Waqf.&nbsp;“The government officer will decide it and will be a judge in his own cause. No questions asked,” said Sibal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The apex court had earlier pinpointed three main issues, including Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, and the identification of government land as Waqf property. 

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Tuesday while hearing a bunch of petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act that laws passed by the Parliament are assumed to be constitutional, and courts cannot step in unless a glaring case is made out. The bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih was hearing a group of petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act. The apex court had earlier pinpointed three main issues, including Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, and the identification of government land as Waqf property. The Centre had assured the court that it would not proceed on these issues until the case was settled. During the hearing on Tuesday, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said that the Centre had submitted its response on the three identified issues. “The written submissions of the petitioners now extend to several other issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only,” he said. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, opposed the S-G’s view. “The then CJI (Sanjiv Khanna) said we will hear the case and see what interim relief has to be granted. Now we cannot say confine to three issues,” Singhvi said. Sibal contended that the Act aims to take control of Waqf lands. “The law is designed in such a way that Waqf property is taken away without following any process,” he said. He also raised the requirement that only a person who has practised Islam for at least five years can create a Waqf. “If I am on my deathbed and I want to make a Waqf, I have to prove that I have been a practising Muslim. This is unconstitutional,” Sibal said. When Sibal repeated that the law aimed to seize Waqf properties, the Chief Justice Gavai responded, “There is a presumption of Constitutionality in legislation passed by Parliament. Courts cannot interfere unless a glaring case is made out, especially in the current scenario, we don’t need to say more.” Sibal also pointed out that under the new law, a village panchayat or private individual can raise a complaint, and the property will stop being considered Waqf. “The government officer will decide it and will be a judge in his own cause. No questions asked,” said Sibal.

The apex court had earlier pinpointed three main issues, including Waqf by user, nomination of non-Muslims to the Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, and the identification of government land as Waqf property.&nbsp;

‘Courts cannot interfere unless there is a glaring…’: CJI Gavai on Waqf Act

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions are likely to become favourable for southwest monsoon onset during the next four to five days in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The conditions are also likely to become favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon over some more regions adjoining the South Arabian Sea, parts of the Maldives, areas near the southernmost tip of India, parts of the Lakshadweep archipelago, and Tamil Nadu, among others.&nbsp;Meanwhile, there is a weather system that is likely to brew in the Arabian Sea on 21st May, Wednesday. An upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka Coast around Wednesday. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around Thursday. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwards and intensify further, said the IMD forecast. In meteorology, a low-pressure area is associated with stormy weather, rough seas, and rainfall.&nbsp;In its forecast for Tamil Nadu, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Nilgiris district in the Western Ghats on Tuesday.&nbsp;Chairing a monsoon preparedness review meeting on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin specified the heightened risks of landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters occurring in the Western Ghats region. Further, he said that coastal regions need to be prepared for heavy rains and likely cyclones. Addressing officials, he said that the government machinery needs to be prepared for rescue and relief efforts and ensure adequate stocks of essentials such as food and water.&nbsp;Over the last 48 hours, the pre-monsoon rains have disrupted normalcy in India’s IT hub of Bengaluru, where more than 10 cm of rainfall poured down during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, leading to waterlogging in various residential localities and arterial roads, causing traffic snarls and inconvenience for commuters.In some places, people were seen being evacuated from their homes via tractors and boats. Reports say five people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in and around Bengaluru.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Congress government in Karnataka has been under fire from the BJP-led opposition over its decision to go ahead with celebrations to mark their two years in power. The political controversy has been over the Congress government’s decision to carry on with their political events, while Bengaluru finds itself in a bad situation even after a spell of pre-monsoon rains. There are apprehensions over the city’s preparedness to handle the monsoon rains that are likely to commence in June.

Chairing a monsoon preparedness review meeting on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin specified the heightened risks of landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters occurring in the Western Ghats region.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions are likely to become favourable for southwest monsoon onset during the next four to five days in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The conditions are also likely to become favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon over some more regions adjoining the South Arabian Sea, parts of the Maldives, areas near the southernmost tip of India, parts of the Lakshadweep archipelago, and Tamil Nadu, among others. Meanwhile, there is a weather system that is likely to brew in the Arabian Sea on 21st May, Wednesday. An upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka Coast around Wednesday. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around Thursday. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwards and intensify further, said the IMD forecast. In meteorology, a low-pressure area is associated with stormy weather, rough seas, and rainfall. In its forecast for Tamil Nadu, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Nilgiris district in the Western Ghats on Tuesday. Chairing a monsoon preparedness review meeting on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin specified the heightened risks of landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters occurring in the Western Ghats region. Further, he said that coastal regions need to be prepared for heavy rains and likely cyclones. Addressing officials, he said that the government machinery needs to be prepared for rescue and relief efforts and ensure adequate stocks of essentials such as food and water. Over the last 48 hours, the pre-monsoon rains have disrupted normalcy in India’s IT hub of Bengaluru, where more than 10 cm of rainfall poured down during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, leading to waterlogging in various residential localities and arterial roads, causing traffic snarls and inconvenience for commuters. In some places, people were seen being evacuated from their homes via tractors and boats. Reports say five people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in and around Bengaluru. The Congress government in Karnataka has been under fire from the BJP-led opposition over its decision to go ahead with celebrations to mark their two years in power. The political controversy has been over the Congress government’s decision to carry on with their political events, while Bengaluru finds itself in a bad situation even after a spell of pre-monsoon rains. There are apprehensions over the city’s preparedness to handle the monsoon rains that are likely to commence in June.

Chairing a monsoon preparedness review meeting on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin specified the heightened risks of landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters occurring in the Western Ghats region.

Southwest Monsoon onset likely over Kerala in 5 days; storm brews in Arabian Sea

Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian YouTuber booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan, visited 15 prominent religious sites and temples across India in since 2023, including Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh and Golden Temple in Punjab's Amritsar.&nbsp;According to her YouTube videos, Malhotra visited Maha Kumbh, one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world, in January. The event witnessed millions of people from across the world. Her 42-minute long video showed her bus journey as she travelled from Delhi to Prayagraj. She captured all her journey, from the bus to having dinner on the way and her travelling on the streets of Prayagraj.&nbsp;Not just this, she also travelled to another key religious site, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in May 2023. Malhotra also visited Badrinath in the same month and posted all her videos on YouTube shorts.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyoti-malhotra-s-link-with-the-man-who-took-cake-to-pakistan-embassy-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-surfaces-1747734960908">Also read: Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces</a><h2>List of religious sites Malhotra visited</h2><ul><li>Shree Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha</li><li>Kailash Mansarovar</li><li>Yamunotri, Uttarakhand</li><li>Kedarnath, Uttarakhand</li><li>Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh &nbsp;</li><li>Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh &nbsp;</li><li>Badrinath, Uttarakhand</li><li>Banke Bihari Temple, Uttar Pradesh</li><li>Salasar Mandir, Rajasthan</li><li>Haridwar, Uttarakhand</li><li>Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh</li><li>Chamundeswari Temple, Karnataka</li><li>Devprayag, Uttarakhand &nbsp;</li><li>Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand &nbsp;</li><li>Golden Temple, Punjab</li></ul>&nbsp;As she also travelled to Uttar Pradesh, Malhotra visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi in July 2023. She then also visited Banke Bihari temple in UP, in September 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-would-say-i-m-going-to-delhi-jyoti-malhotra-s-father-on-her-pakistan-visit-1747730490532">Also read: Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit</a>&nbsp;The list doesn't end here, as she also visited Punjab's Golden Temple in 2023 when she shared a short reel of her visit. According to the FIR filed at Hisar's Civil Lines police station, Malhotra met Ehsan-ur-Rahim during a 2023 visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Identified as a staffer there, Rahim, alias Danish, allegedly acted as her handler with Pakistani intelligence.&nbsp;Later on May 13, 2025, the Indian government declared Rahim persona non grata and expelled him.&nbsp;Notably, the Golden Temple has come under a limelight after the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army hit nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-spy-jyoti-malhotra-seen-enjoying-party-with-nawaz-sharif-s-daughter-in-lahore-watch-resurfaced-video-1747730197947">Also read: &nbsp;'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore | Watch resurfaced video</a>&nbsp;However, Pakistan's attack, which included drones and long-range missiles, failed, all thanks to the Indian military's elaborate air defence grid.&nbsp;The Indian Army said that the Golden Temple was one of the primary targets in what officials are calling a "massive air assault" launched by Pakistan in the early hours of May 8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alleged-spy-jyoti-malhotra-blamed-govt-tourists-after-pahalgam-attack-video-surfaces-1747666608205">Also read: Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces</a>&nbsp;

The list doesn't end here, as she also visited Punjab's Golden Temple in 2023 when she shared a short reel of her visit.

Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian YouTuber booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan, visited 15 prominent religious sites and temples across India in since 2023, including Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh and Golden Temple in Punjab's Amritsar. According to her YouTube videos, Malhotra visited Maha Kumbh, one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world, in January. The event witnessed millions of people from across the world. Her 42-minute long video showed her bus journey as she travelled from Delhi to Prayagraj. She captured all her journey, from the bus to having dinner on the way and her travelling on the streets of Prayagraj. Not just this, she also travelled to another key religious site, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in May 2023. Malhotra also visited Badrinath in the same month and posted all her videos on YouTube shorts. Also read: Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces List of religious sites Malhotra visited Shree Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha Kailash Mansarovar Yamunotri, Uttarakhand Kedarnath, Uttarakhand Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh Badrinath, Uttarakhand Banke Bihari Temple, Uttar Pradesh Salasar Mandir, Rajasthan Haridwar, Uttarakhand Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh Chamundeswari Temple, Karnataka Devprayag, Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Golden Temple, Punjab As she also travelled to Uttar Pradesh, Malhotra visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi in July 2023. She then also visited Banke Bihari temple in UP, in September 2023. Also read: Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit The list doesn't end here, as she also visited Punjab's Golden Temple in 2023 when she shared a short reel of her visit. According to the FIR filed at Hisar's Civil Lines police station, Malhotra met Ehsan-ur-Rahim during a 2023 visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Identified as a staffer there, Rahim, alias Danish, allegedly acted as her handler with Pakistani intelligence. Later on May 13, 2025, the Indian government declared Rahim persona non grata and expelled him. Notably, the Golden Temple has come under a limelight after the Pahalgam terror attack. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor. During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army hit nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: 'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore | Watch resurfaced video However, Pakistan's attack, which included drones and long-range missiles, failed, all thanks to the Indian military's elaborate air defence grid. The Indian Army said that the Golden Temple was one of the primary targets in what officials are calling a "massive air assault" launched by Pakistan in the early hours of May 8. Also read: Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces

The list doesn't end here, as she also visited Punjab's Golden Temple in 2023 when she shared a short reel of her visit.

Maha Kumbh to Golden Temple: Jyoti Malhotra visited over 10 key religious sites across India | Was it a recce for Pakistan?

Amid arrest of Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, the Assam government of Himanta Biswa Sarma has apprehended two people on charges of spying. This takes the total number of people arrested for allegedly working as "Pakistani agents" in the state to 73 after the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.&nbsp;Taking to the micro-blogging site X Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (May 20) said, "Like #OperationSindoor, our mission to track and punish Anti-nationals is going on... 73 Pakistani agents are behind bars now."&nbsp;Sarma had warned that his government would arrest anyone found directly or indirectly supporting Pakistan under the National Security Act (NSA).&nbsp;Last month an MLA of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) - an opposition party in Assam was arrested for anti-India statement. The police after his arrest charged him with sedition for his statement that the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack were "conspiracies by the government".&nbsp;“If required, we will impose provisions of the National Security Act on them. We are examining all social media posts, and action will be taken against those who, we feel, are anti-national… There are no similarities between Bharat and Pakistan. The two countries are enemy nations and we must remain that way," CM Sarma had said.&nbsp;Some other arrests made so far in Assam include the names of Md AK Bahauddin and Md Javed Mazumder from Silchar, Md Jabir Hussain from Hailakandi, Md Mahahar Mia from Morigaon and Md Sahil Ali from Sivasagar. Two more arrests, Md Musta Ahmed alias Sahel from Karimganj was made for posting 'Pakistan Zindabad' on social media platform Facebook.&nbsp;Terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam had claimed the lives of 26 people after which the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor. Air raids were carried out on terror camps in Pakistan.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sarma had warned that his government would arrest anyone found directly or indirectly supporting Pakistan under the National Security Act (NSA).

Amid arrest of Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, the Assam government of Himanta Biswa Sarma has apprehended two people on charges of spying. This takes the total number of people arrested for allegedly working as "Pakistani agents" in the state to 73 after the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Taking to the micro-blogging site X Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (May 20) said, "Like #OperationSindoor, our mission to track and punish Anti-nationals is going on... 73 Pakistani agents are behind bars now." Sarma had warned that his government would arrest anyone found directly or indirectly supporting Pakistan under the National Security Act (NSA). Last month an MLA of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) - an opposition party in Assam was arrested for anti-India statement. The police after his arrest charged him with sedition for his statement that the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack were "conspiracies by the government". “If required, we will impose provisions of the National Security Act on them. We are examining all social media posts, and action will be taken against those who, we feel, are anti-national… There are no similarities between Bharat and Pakistan. The two countries are enemy nations and we must remain that way," CM Sarma had said. Some other arrests made so far in Assam include the names of Md AK Bahauddin and Md Javed Mazumder from Silchar, Md Jabir Hussain from Hailakandi, Md Mahahar Mia from Morigaon and Md Sahil Ali from Sivasagar. Two more arrests, Md Musta Ahmed alias Sahel from Karimganj was made for posting 'Pakistan Zindabad' on social media platform Facebook. Terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam had claimed the lives of 26 people after which the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor. Air raids were carried out on terror camps in Pakistan.

Sarma had warned that his government would arrest anyone found directly or indirectly supporting Pakistan under the National Security Act (NSA).

'Mission to track and punish anti-nationals': Assam makes two more arrests of 'Pakistani agents'

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Punjab and Haryana High Court sought for the victims of Pahalgam terror attack to be referred to as 'martyr' and further looked to declare the site as ‘Shaheed Hindu Valley Tourist Place’.&nbsp;The judges, in a clear statement, said these rights vest with the government; the court cannot intervene in these policies.&nbsp;As quoted in Bar and Bench, the court said, "The issue as to whether a particular place is to be declared as a Memorial or be named differently or to declare deceased person(s) as Martyr/Shaheed, lies within the exclusive domain of policy decision of the State."“This Court, thus, refrains from entering into the field of policy making, which is exclusively reserved for the Executive,” it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-an-average-person-takes-to-finish-breakfast-indian-air-force-iaf-destroyed-pakistan-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-9075199">Time an average person takes to finish breakfast, IAF destroyed Pakistan: Rajnath Singh</a>&nbsp;Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir's pristine tourist location claimed 26 innocent lives on April 22. It was while enjoying the breezy weather and exploring the lush green meadows of Baisaran that armed men held tourists at gunpoint and shot at close range.The attack is said to have been orchestrated and planned by The Resistance Front, which is an offshoot of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Later, in a U-turn, the group denied any association with the attack. But India has established Pakistani links to attack.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mp-asks-for-removal-of-terror-bases-in-pok-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-after-operation-sindoor-9071163">UK MP asks for removal of terror bases in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir after Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. During the operation, Pakistan's terror hubs were targeted and destroyed with precision. The terror infrastructure in the country was heavily damaged, and this is new India's resolve Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned in his address. He said, "New India doesn't tolerate terrorism, rather it retaliates."&nbsp;

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Punjab and Haryana High Court sought the victims of Pahalgam terror attack to referred to as 'martyr' and further looked to decalre the site as ‘Shaheed Hindu Valley Tourist Place’.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Punjab and Haryana High Court sought for the victims of Pahalgam terror attack to be referred to as 'martyr' and further looked to declare the site as ‘Shaheed Hindu Valley Tourist Place’. The judges, in a clear statement, said these rights vest with the government; the court cannot intervene in these policies. As quoted in Bar and Bench, the court said, "The issue as to whether a particular place is to be declared as a Memorial or be named differently or to declare deceased person(s) as Martyr/Shaheed, lies within the exclusive domain of policy decision of the State." “This Court, thus, refrains from entering into the field of policy making, which is exclusively reserved for the Executive,” it added. Also read: Time an average person takes to finish breakfast, IAF destroyed Pakistan: Rajnath Singh Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir's pristine tourist location claimed 26 innocent lives on April 22. It was while enjoying the breezy weather and exploring the lush green meadows of Baisaran that armed men held tourists at gunpoint and shot at close range. The attack is said to have been orchestrated and planned by The Resistance Front, which is an offshoot of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Later, in a U-turn, the group denied any association with the attack. But India has established Pakistani links to attack. Also read: UK MP asks for removal of terror bases in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir after Operation Sindoor In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. During the operation, Pakistan's terror hubs were targeted and destroyed with precision. The terror infrastructure in the country was heavily damaged, and this is new India's resolve Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned in his address. He said, "New India doesn't tolerate terrorism, rather it retaliates."

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Punjab and Haryana High Court sought for the victims of Pahalgam terror attack to be referred to as 'martyr' and further looked to declare the site as ‘Shaheed Hindu Valley Tourist Place’.

Indian court rejects petition to rename Pahalgam terror attack site as ‘Shaheed Hindu Tourist Place'

After around three weeks of India-Pakistan conflict and failed cyberattacks on Indian websites, Pakistan tried to hack Indian news media Zee News. However, the nefarious attempt was foiled by Zee News experts. The attempt was made from Pakistan, on three centres of Zee News in Mumbai, Bhopal and Patna.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-15-mn-cyber-attacks-but-not-even-1-successful-heres-how-india-outsmarted-pakistani-hackers-9065615">Also read: Over 1.5 million cyber attacks, but not even 1% successful | Here's how India outsmarted Pakistani hackers</a> India and Pakistan engaged in a conflict in the first and second week of May after the Pahalgam terror attack, that killed 26 people. Following that, India launched Operation Sindoor, as the army hit nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Notably, during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan banned Zee News in their country. The move was part of the broader crackdown on media outlets that Pakistan accuses of spreading "propaganda".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefs-parliament-on-pakistan-s-connection-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-here-s-what-initial-probe-reveals-1747717130376">Also read: &nbsp;MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals</a> Currently, the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to understand the purpose behind the attack. The attack is being investigated at the national level and cyber experts are probing which group could be behind this attack. As reported last week, Maharashtra Cyber identified seven Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups responsible for launching over 1.5 million cyber attacks targeting Indian websites after the Pahalgam terror attack. However, only 150 attacks were successful, according to officials, Indian news agency PTI reported. It shows that not even one per cent of these 1.5 million attacks were successful. The Indian Armed Forces launched a report "Road of Sindoor", detailing the cyber warfare launched by Pakistan-allied hacking groups. "Road of Sindoor" was built on an earlier report, "Echoes of Pahalgam", which examined cyber activity following the Pahalgam terror strike. Notably, these cyber-attacks were primarily linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Middle East. But, the attacks were thwarted, and the critical infrastructure of India was saved.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-pakistan-confirms-11-military-personnel-killed-during-indian-strikes-1747726410483">WATCH | Operation Sindoor: Pakistan confirms 11 military personnel killed during Indian strikes</a>&nbsp;

The attempt was made from Pakistan, on three centres of Zee News in Mumbai, Bhopal and Patna.

After around three weeks of India-Pakistan conflict and failed cyberattacks on Indian websites, Pakistan tried to hack Indian news media Zee News. However, the nefarious attempt was foiled by Zee News experts. The attempt was made from Pakistan, on three centres of Zee News in Mumbai, Bhopal and Patna. Also read: Over 1.5 million cyber attacks, but not even 1% successful | Here's how India outsmarted Pakistani hackers India and Pakistan engaged in a conflict in the first and second week of May after the Pahalgam terror attack, that killed 26 people. Following that, India launched Operation Sindoor, as the army hit nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Notably, during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan banned Zee News in their country. The move was part of the broader crackdown on media outlets that Pakistan accuses of spreading "propaganda". Also read: MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals Currently, the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to understand the purpose behind the attack. The attack is being investigated at the national level and cyber experts are probing which group could be behind this attack. As reported last week, Maharashtra Cyber identified seven Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups responsible for launching over 1.5 million cyber attacks targeting Indian websites after the Pahalgam terror attack. However, only 150 attacks were successful, according to officials, Indian news agency PTI reported. It shows that not even one per cent of these 1.5 million attacks were successful. The Indian Armed Forces launched a report "Road of Sindoor", detailing the cyber warfare launched by Pakistan-allied hacking groups. "Road of Sindoor" was built on an earlier report, "Echoes of Pahalgam", which examined cyber activity following the Pahalgam terror strike. Notably, these cyber-attacks were primarily linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Middle East. But, the attacks were thwarted, and the critical infrastructure of India was saved. WATCH | Operation Sindoor: Pakistan confirms 11 military personnel killed during Indian strikes

The attempt was made from Pakistan, on three centres of Zee News in Mumbai, Bhopal and Patna.

Cyber attack on Indian media Zee News, experts foil nefarious attempt

Just days after Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, new information has surfaced in the case of espionage against Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, which is now raising further suspicions regarding her connection with Pakistani agents.&nbsp;A picture has surfaced that shows Jyoti alongside a man who was seen delivering a cake to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people.&nbsp;Amid this, a photo has been going viral on social media platforms showing the arrested YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra with the same individual. It is also reported that during her visit to Pakistan, Jyoti recorded a video of the party she attended, where she was seen meeting this man who had brought the cake to the Pakistan High Commission.&nbsp;An X user (Being Political @BeingPolitical1) shared the post showing Malhotra with that man. "Do you remember this video? When an employee of Pakistan High Commission brought a cake the next day of Pahalgam attack. This is the same person who was seen with Pak spy Jyoti Malhotra," the user said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Do you remember this video? When an employee of Pakistan High Commission brought a cake the next day of Pahalgam attack. This is the same person who was seen with Pak spy Jyoti Malhotra.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JyotiMalhotra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JyotiMalhotra</a> <a href="https://t.co/lgnDBRBjGD">pic.twitter.com/lgnDBRBjGD</a>&mdash; Being Political (@BeingPolitical1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeingPolitical1/status/1924356305734521192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jyoti Malhotra was arrested by the Hisar police and charged under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).&nbsp;Jyoti Malhotra runs a YouTube channel "Travel with JO" and has travelled to several countries, including Pakistan. She has 3.77 lakh subscribers on YouTube and 1.33 lakh followers on Instagram.&nbsp;She is also now suspected of being part of a larger network that spread across Haryana and Punjab. Investigators believe she played a role in promoting a favourable image of Pakistan through her online platforms while passing sensitive information related to Indian locations.

Jyoti Malhotra link with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces

Just days after Jyoti Malhotra was arrested for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, new information has surfaced in the case of espionage against Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, which is now raising further suspicions regarding her connection with Pakistani agents. A picture has surfaced that shows Jyoti alongside a man who was seen delivering a cake to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people. Amid this, a photo has been going viral on social media platforms showing the arrested YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra with the same individual. It is also reported that during her visit to Pakistan, Jyoti recorded a video of the party she attended, where she was seen meeting this man who had brought the cake to the Pakistan High Commission. An X user (Being Political @BeingPolitical1) shared the post showing Malhotra with that man. "Do you remember this video? When an employee of Pakistan High Commission brought a cake the next day of Pahalgam attack. This is the same person who was seen with Pak spy Jyoti Malhotra," the user said.

Jyoti Malhotra, was arrested by the Hisar police and charged under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Jyoti Malhotra's 'link' with the man who took cake to Pakistan High Commission after Pahalgam terror attack surfaces

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Uttarakhand Madarsa Board made the crucial decision after meeting the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-after-operation-sindoor-india-needs-a-cost-benefit-analysis-as-trade-terror-and-technology-flip-old-equations-1747718483460">Life after Operation Sindoor: India needs a cost-benefit analysis as trade, terror and technology flip old equations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dehradun | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a> will be taught in all the Madrasas of Uttarakhand. Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, President of Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board, says, &quot;A delegation of the Muslim community met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and we congratulate the defence… <a href="https://t.co/vp1oXItBPM">pic.twitter.com/vp1oXItBPM</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1924748402685833357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, President of Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board told the news agency ANI that a delegation of the Muslim community met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to congratulate on the success of the operation and conveyed their idea.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-would-say-i-m-going-to-delhi-jyoti-malhotra-s-father-on-her-pakistan-visit-1747730490532">Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit</a>&nbsp;"We conveyed our thoughts that we are with PM Modi. Taking inspiration from that, we thought of a new beginning, and we will teach the children studying in Madrasas about Operation Sindoor," Qasmi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-spy-jyoti-malhotra-seen-enjoying-party-with-nawaz-sharif-s-daughter-in-lahore-watch-resurfaced-video-1747730197947">'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore</a>&nbsp;"Pakistan killed our innocent civilians... We are not those who believe in the two-nation theory. We don't differentiate between Hindus and Muslims... We are including it in the syllabus as the country is paramount... We will begin this from 2025..." he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-did-7-of-30-space-launches-planned-for-2024-25-govt-data-1747727569755">India did 7 of 30 space launches planned for 2024-25: Govt data</a>&nbsp;As per the sources cited by News 18, the syllabus will be updated for up to the Alia (Intermediate) level classes. Around 50,000 students will be taught the updated syllabus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-akash-missile-system-to-l-70-air-defence-guns-air-defence-grid-indian-army-used-to-protect-golden-temple-from-pak-s-attack-1747722684740">From AKASH Missile System To L-70 Guns: Air defence grid Indian Army used to protect Golden Temple</a> &nbsp;

Madarsa students in Uttarakhand will now study about Operation Sindoor

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Uttarakhand Madarsa Board made the crucial decision after meeting the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Also read: Life after Operation Sindoor: India needs a cost-benefit analysis as trade, terror and technology flip old equations

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.&nbsp;

'A new beginning': Madarsa students in Uttarakhand will now study about Operation Sindoor

You have to listen carefully when Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, and I am not talking about his much-publicised 8 PM or 9 PM addresses to the nation or to his weekly Mann Ki Baat radio talk in which he speaks in softer tones that smack of classroom lectures. In an atmosphere of geopolitical stress, it is best to have an ear to the ground on what he tells his officials in private meetings.&nbsp;It is clear that behind all the bluster and deserved cheerleading of the Army for Operation Sindoor that bludgeoned Pakistan’s air bases and terror camps, there is a quiet stock-taking that shows that this was not a conventional war victory moment but one that requires a steady cost-benefit analysis, to borrow a memorable phrase from project management. It is becoming increasingly clear that despite the claims of Home Minister Amit Shah that the world is in awe of India and Pakistan is living in fear, there is a case for a reality check on various fronts.&nbsp;Modi himself seems to be well aware of this, though in the typical style of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), bombastic claims of power are projected outwards. Quiet calculations take place behind the scenes, keeping in mind a desire for populist needs at home and a tightrope walking overseas.&nbsp;A day after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, Modi chaired a high-level meeting with secretaries of various government departments while images and news, false and true, of India’s thundering achievements flooded the mainstream and social media alike. The media noise drowned murmurs of the closed-door meeting where the prime minister spoke of civil defence, operational continuity, and institutional resilience. Behind such bureaucratic expressions lie a grim truth that is trickling out slowly: the PM told tense bureaucrats to prepare for a “long haul” . That also explains India’s all-party outreach across the planet to build diplomatic strength. Modi also warned on attempts to sabotage Indian facilities through cyber-attacks on infrastructure and software that have become increasingly critical.&nbsp;There’s more, if we only to care to acknowledge the interconnectedness of various aspects of geopolitical and geoeconomic engagements over the past decades. I would call it the 5T problem in which things seemingly not connected with each other in effect indeed are through a common thing call diplomacy. The five Ts are Terror, Territory, Trade, Technology, and last but not the least, Trump!&nbsp;Morality and international postures linked to terror have been evidently stumped by bilateral interests and perspectives which perhaps explains how all the hard work done by India since the 26/11 attacks of 2008, and possibly earlier, does not wither the false-equivalence tag: one in which state-sponsored or blessed terror networks of Pakistan and the ruthless killing of innocents at Pahalgam in April that provoked Operation Sindoor are obfuscated in the catch-22 trap of India and Pakistan being dubbed as “nuclear armed rivals” at a flashpoint.&nbsp;Events since Operation Sindoor show that things may not necessarily have changed significantly as the government might have wished. US goals to contain China and Trump’s own love for deal-making and self-praise have made him go soft on Pakistan, and the latest in this tale is a twist that suggests that the Trump family itself has business interests linked to World Liberty Financial, a crypto currency firm that is clawing into Pakistan.&nbsp;Trump has also been open about his dislike for Apple manufacturing its famous iPhones in India, where his American populism buttresses his personal interests – and that is a threat for the much-touted “China Plus One” strategy in which India is a supposed investment beneficiary of US companies diversifying away from China. Only the naïve would believe that India’s diplomatic position in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor would not be a factor in forthcoming trade talks with the Trump administration.&nbsp;Is the Modi government in a weaker position to negotiate? Only time will tell.Officially, the territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is the core problem in bilateral relations but things have moved to a point where terror attacks by the same or similar jihadi networks happen anywhere on the planet, including the US, France, the UK and even Pakistan. Where and how does one police Pakistan’s support for terror networks? It is impossible to think of any credible supervision in the absence of some kind of international effort – and that involves diplomatic or trade costs for India, directly or indirectly.&nbsp;Technology presents a new challenge where the digitalisation, miniaturisation and socialisation of technology have made conflict and espionage complicated. While Indian missiles effectively shot down swarms of Turkish-made drones in the visually evocative aftermath of Operation Sindoor, there are reports from Punjab of how Chinese drones are being used to drop narcotics and arms in Indian territory. If you link that to the arrest of Haryana YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage or support for Pakistani spies, what you get is a quick-fix script for a Bollywood thriller that may be chillingly real. There is a new-age conflict in which easy communications and low-cost aerial vehicles can do much harm and keep border guards and domestic law enforcers equally awake. One columnist argues that India is better off investing in low-cost drones that are far more effective than the outrageously priced F35 fighter jets from the United States intended to form part of forthcoming trade talks.&nbsp;Are we looking at a situation where there is an asymmetry between the state-of-the-art and the state of play?Tongues are wagging on how good or not India’s French-made Rafale figher jets have been in Operation Sindoor. While officials, without quantifiying anything, shrug off collateral losses as par for the course in significant military operations, somewhere, someone has to keep scores on what worked – and did not.&nbsp;At the ground level, there is the grim reality of religious tensions and social harmony. The Modi government deftly handled a potential Hindu-Muslim social discord in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor by projecting a Muslim woman, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, as a key army spokesperson. The positive outcome of that symbolic gesture is being undone by religiously coloured statements by the likes of Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah of the BJP, and the arrest by Haryana’s BJP government of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for making a pertinent remark about the government’s sincerity surrounding Col Qureshi’s role.&nbsp;International diplomacy is no longer just between governments but involves the mainstream media, social media and the civil society at large. The all-party outreach by the Modi government is a good beginning, but a lot of plumbing needs to be done at home and abroad to ensure that the 5 Ts – terror, territory, technology, Trump, and trade, are harmonised to reduce the costs of Operation Sindoor and ensure long-term benefits. Taking all the five Ts is a bit like solving simultaneous equations in advanced algebra – and understanding their linkages is the first step.

India’s thundering achievements flooded the mainstream and social media alike. The media noise drowned murmurs of the closed-door meeting where the prime minister spoke of civil defence, operational continuity, and institutional resilience.

You have to listen carefully when Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks, and I am not talking about his much-publicised 8 PM or 9 PM addresses to the nation or to his weekly Mann Ki Baat radio talk in which he speaks in softer tones that smack of classroom lectures. In an atmosphere of geopolitical stress, it is best to have an ear to the ground on what he tells his officials in private meetings. It is clear that behind all the bluster and deserved cheerleading of the Army for Operation Sindoor that bludgeoned Pakistan’s air bases and terror camps, there is a quiet stock-taking that shows that this was not a conventional war victory moment but one that requires a steady cost-benefit analysis, to borrow a memorable phrase from project management. It is becoming increasingly clear that despite the claims of Home Minister Amit Shah that the world is in awe of India and Pakistan is living in fear, there is a case for a reality check on various fronts. Modi himself seems to be well aware of this, though in the typical style of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), bombastic claims of power are projected outwards. Quiet calculations take place behind the scenes, keeping in mind a desire for populist needs at home and a tightrope walking overseas. A day after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, Modi chaired a high-level meeting with secretaries of various government departments while images and news, false and true, of India’s thundering achievements flooded the mainstream and social media alike. The media noise drowned murmurs of the closed-door meeting where the prime minister spoke of civil defence, operational continuity, and institutional resilience. Behind such bureaucratic expressions lie a grim truth that is trickling out slowly: the PM told tense bureaucrats to prepare for a “long haul” . That also explains India’s all-party outreach across the planet to build diplomatic strength. Modi also warned on attempts to sabotage Indian facilities through cyber-attacks on infrastructure and software that have become increasingly critical. There’s more, if we only to care to acknowledge the interconnectedness of various aspects of geopolitical and geoeconomic engagements over the past decades. I would call it the 5T problem in which things seemingly not connected with each other in effect indeed are through a common thing call diplomacy. The five Ts are Terror, Territory, Trade, Technology, and last but not the least, Trump! Morality and international postures linked to terror have been evidently stumped by bilateral interests and perspectives which perhaps explains how all the hard work done by India since the 26/11 attacks of 2008, and possibly earlier, does not wither the false-equivalence tag: one in which state-sponsored or blessed terror networks of Pakistan and the ruthless killing of innocents at Pahalgam in April that provoked Operation Sindoor are obfuscated in the catch-22 trap of India and Pakistan being dubbed as “nuclear armed rivals” at a flashpoint. Events since Operation Sindoor show that things may not necessarily have changed significantly as the government might have wished. US goals to contain China and Trump’s own love for deal-making and self-praise have made him go soft on Pakistan, and the latest in this tale is a twist that suggests that the Trump family itself has business interests linked to World Liberty Financial, a crypto currency firm that is clawing into Pakistan. Trump has also been open about his dislike for Apple manufacturing its famous iPhones in India, where his American populism buttresses his personal interests – and that is a threat for the much-touted “China Plus One” strategy in which India is a supposed investment beneficiary of US companies diversifying away from China. Only the naïve would believe that India’s diplomatic position in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor would not be a factor in forthcoming trade talks with the Trump administration. Is the Modi government in a weaker position to negotiate? Only time will tell. Officially, the territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is the core problem in bilateral relations but things have moved to a point where terror attacks by the same or similar jihadi networks happen anywhere on the planet, including the US, France, the UK and even Pakistan. Where and how does one police Pakistan’s support for terror networks? It is impossible to think of any credible supervision in the absence of some kind of international effort – and that involves diplomatic or trade costs for India, directly or indirectly. Technology presents a new challenge where the digitalisation, miniaturisation and socialisation of technology have made conflict and espionage complicated. While Indian missiles effectively shot down swarms of Turkish-made drones in the visually evocative aftermath of Operation Sindoor, there are reports from Punjab of how Chinese drones are being used to drop narcotics and arms in Indian territory. If you link that to the arrest of Haryana YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage or support for Pakistani spies, what you get is a quick-fix script for a Bollywood thriller that may be chillingly real. There is a new-age conflict in which easy communications and low-cost aerial vehicles can do much harm and keep border guards and domestic law enforcers equally awake. One columnist argues that India is better off investing in low-cost drones that are far more effective than the outrageously priced F35 fighter jets from the United States intended to form part of forthcoming trade talks. Are we looking at a situation where there is an asymmetry between the state-of-the-art and the state of play? Tongues are wagging on how good or not India’s French-made Rafale figher jets have been in Operation Sindoor. While officials, without quantifiying anything, shrug off collateral losses as par for the course in significant military operations, somewhere, someone has to keep scores on what worked – and did not. At the ground level, there is the grim reality of religious tensions and social harmony. The Modi government deftly handled a potential Hindu-Muslim social discord in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor by projecting a Muslim woman, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, as a key army spokesperson. The positive outcome of that symbolic gesture is being undone by religiously coloured statements by the likes of Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah of the BJP, and the arrest by Haryana’s BJP government of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for making a pertinent remark about the government’s sincerity surrounding Col Qureshi’s role. International diplomacy is no longer just between governments but involves the mainstream media, social media and the civil society at large. The all-party outreach by the Modi government is a good beginning, but a lot of plumbing needs to be done at home and abroad to ensure that the 5 Ts – terror, territory, technology, Trump, and trade, are harmonised to reduce the costs of Operation Sindoor and ensure long-term benefits. Taking all the five Ts is a bit like solving simultaneous equations in advanced algebra – and understanding their linkages is the first step.

India’s thundering achievements flooded the mainstream and social media alike. The media noise drowned murmurs of the closed-door meeting where the prime minister spoke of civil defence, operational continuity, and institutional resilience.

Life after Operation Sindoor: India needs a cost-benefit analysis as trade, terror and technology flip old equations

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is being interrogated for her role in passing on details to Pakistan; with that, her connection with a Pak High Commission employee has come under the scanner.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-priyanka-senapati-youtuber-under-scanner-for-links-with-jyoti-malhotra-arrested-over-spying-for-pakistan-1747634545070">Who is Priyanka Senapati? YouTuber under scanner for links with Jyoti Malhotra arrested over 'spying' for Pakistan</a>&nbsp;She and others are being questioned over charges of espionage. The 33-year-old had visited Pakistan twice, and now, as her father was speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "She would say she is going to Delhi, and I do not know anything beyond that."&nbsp;"None of her friends visited our home. Yesterday, the Police brought her here, she took her clothes and left, she did not say anything to me. I don't know what to say."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-who-is-shehzad-wahab-nabbed-for-spying-for-pakistan-1747654288199">Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan</a>&nbsp;The father only knew about the fact that she would make videos at home. When asked about her visits to Pakistan, he said, "I never said that she visited Pakistan, she used to tell me that she was going to Delhi."&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hisar, Haryana: Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Haryana&#39;s Hisar, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. Her father, Harish Malhotra, says, &quot; I didn&#39;t know, she had told me that she was going… <a href="https://t.co/OHuzg33P1S">pic.twitter.com/OHuzg33P1S</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1924386174669402207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jyoti's travels, her friends, her professional contacts, everything is under the scanner at the moment. The authorities are scrutinising her case and also nabbing others involved in sharing data with neighbouring Pakistan.&nbsp;Her laptop and other devices are being examined to establish the link she had with Pakistan and employees of the High Commission here in India. Her father, now knowing very little about how far the case has reached and what the repercussions of his daughter's activities are, said, "I have no demands, whatever is going to happen, will happen."

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is being interrogated for her role in passing on details to Pakistan; with that, her connection with a Pak High Commission employee has come under the scanner.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is being interrogated for her role in passing on details to Pakistan; with that, her connection with a Pak High Commission employee has come under the scanner. Also read: Who is Priyanka Senapati? YouTuber under scanner for links with Jyoti Malhotra arrested over 'spying' for Pakistan She and others are being questioned over charges of espionage. The 33-year-old had visited Pakistan twice, and now, as her father was speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "She would say she is going to Delhi, and I do not know anything beyond that." "None of her friends visited our home. Yesterday, the Police brought her here, she took her clothes and left, she did not say anything to me. I don't know what to say." Also read: Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan The father only knew about the fact that she would make videos at home. When asked about her visits to Pakistan, he said, "I never said that she visited Pakistan, she used to tell me that she was going to Delhi."

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is being interrogated for her role in passing on details to Pakistan; with that, her connection with a Pak High Commission employee has come under the scanner.

Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit

In a newly surfaced video, Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian YouTuber booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was seen attending a party in Lahore with the former Pak prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz.&nbsp;Malhotra, who claimed to be a traveller vlogger and posted content on her channel under the name 'Travel With JO', is under investigation by the NIA for allegedly spying for the neighbouring nation.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefs-parliament-on-pakistan-s-connection-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-here-s-what-initial-probe-reveals-1747717130376">MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals</a>&nbsp;In the surfaced video, Malhotra was seen entering a party where a group of people from Pakistan were present.&nbsp;The video posted on the social media platform Instagram said "Zayka Of Lahore Pakistan". Malhotra was seen sitting with a group of people and eating various dishes.&nbsp;In a clip of the video, she was allegedly seen standing with Mariyam and talking. &nbsp;Although, it's not confirmed if they knew each other or were acquaintances.&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-cases-updayes-jn-1-variant-news-1747669945856">India says COVID situation 'under control' as global cases rise: Is the new variant more dangerous?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jyoti Malhotra a YouTuber from Haryana who got arrested for spying for Pakistan. 1. In a restaurant in Lahore 2. Jyoti with Mariam Navaz 3. In Pahalgam before the incident 4. Alleged recruiter and Pakistani high commission employee Danish!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JyotiMalhotraArrested?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JyotiMalhotraArrested</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouTuber?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouTuber</a>… <a href="https://t.co/t6oQ4E4JCq">pic.twitter.com/t6oQ4E4JCq</a>&mdash; North East West South (@prawasitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/prawasitv/status/1923815131038773744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Her frequent visits to Pakistan Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hc-respond-over-centres-action-against-turkish-aviation-firm-celebi-post-india-pakistan-tensions-1747670063105">"Better safe than...': Delhi HC over Centre's action against Turkish aviation firm Celebi post India-Pakistan tensions</a>&nbsp;The 33-year-old met an expelled Pakistani official when she was at the he Pakistan High Commission for her visa, as she has claimed. She visited Pakistan at least twice and her YouTube channel has multiple vlogs of her exploring Pakistan, especially Lahore. Police said the Pakistani intelligence operatives were trying to develop her as their asset in India. Father of the arrested YouTuber claimed that &nbsp;she visited Pakistan to shoot videos for her channel. She was arrested on the charges of spying for Pakistan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alleged-spy-jyoti-malhotra-blamed-govt-tourists-after-pahalgam-attack-video-surfaces-1747666608205">Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces</a> Her father said police has taken their bank documents, phone, laptop, and passport. He said his daughter used to visit Delhi and had been in Hisar for the last four-five days.&nbsp;

Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with daughter of Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

In a newly surfaced video, Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian YouTuber booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was seen attending a party in Lahore with the former Pak prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz. Malhotra, who claimed to be a traveller vlogger and posted content on her channel under the name 'Travel With JO', is under investigation by the NIA for allegedly spying for the neighbouring nation. Also read: MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals In the surfaced video, Malhotra was seen entering a party where a group of people from Pakistan were present. The video posted on the social media platform Instagram said "Zayka Of Lahore Pakistan". Malhotra was seen sitting with a group of people and eating various dishes. In a clip of the video, she was allegedly seen standing with Mariyam and talking. Although, it's not confirmed if they knew each other or were acquaintances. Also read: India says COVID situation 'under control' as global cases rise: Is the new variant more dangerous?

In a newly surfaced video, Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian YouTuber booked for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was seen attending a party in Lahore with the former Pak prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz.

'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore | Watch resurfaced video

&nbsp;The Central government on Tuesday (May 20) urged the Supreme Court to limit the hearing on pleas questioning the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act for passing interim orders on three issues.&nbsp;The requests made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih included the power of the boards to denotify properties declared as “waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed”.&nbsp;“The court had earmarked three issues. We had filed our response to these three issues. However, the written submissions of the petitioners now exceed several other issues. I have filed my affidavit in response to these three issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only,” said the law officer.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-would-say-i-m-going-to-delhi-jyoti-malhotra-s-father-on-her-pakistan-visit-1747730490532">Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit</a>&nbsp;Among the three issues, the first is the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed. While the second issue talks about the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, where the petitioners contend only Muslims should operate, except ex-officio members.&nbsp;The third issue is over a provision of the law that says a waqf property will not be treated as a waqf when the collector conducts an inquiry to determine if the property is government land.&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-spy-jyoti-malhotra-seen-enjoying-party-with-nawaz-sharif-s-daughter-in-lahore-watch-resurfaced-video-1747730197947">'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore | Watch resurfaced video</a>&nbsp;Several opposition leaders and Muslim bodies have filed petitions against the amendments passed by the parliament earlier this year.&nbsp;Last month, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it would not denotify waqf properties, including “waqf by user”. It added that it would also not make any appointments to the central waqf council and boards till May 5.&nbsp;The top court proposed to pass an interim order against the denotification of waqf properties, which was opposed by the central government. &nbsp;

The requests made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih included the power of the boards to denotify properties declared as “waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed”.

The Central government on Tuesday (May 20) urged the Supreme Court to limit the hearing on pleas questioning the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act for passing interim orders on three issues. The requests made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih included the power of the boards to denotify properties declared as “waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed”. “The court had earmarked three issues. We had filed our response to these three issues. However, the written submissions of the petitioners now exceed several other issues. I have filed my affidavit in response to these three issues. My request is to confine it to the three issues only,” said the law officer. Also read | Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit Among the three issues, the first is the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed. While the second issue talks about the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, where the petitioners contend only Muslims should operate, except ex-officio members. The third issue is over a provision of the law that says a waqf property will not be treated as a waqf when the collector conducts an inquiry to determine if the property is government land. Also read | 'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore | Watch resurfaced video Several opposition leaders and Muslim bodies have filed petitions against the amendments passed by the parliament earlier this year. Last month, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it would not denotify waqf properties, including “waqf by user”. It added that it would also not make any appointments to the central waqf council and boards till May 5. The top court proposed to pass an interim order against the denotification of waqf properties, which was opposed by the central government.

The requests made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih included the power of the boards to denotify properties declared as “waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed”.

Central govt requests Supreme Court to limit Waqf hearings to three issues for passing interim orders

In February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE(established to support Indian sapce startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25". In the document, IN-SPACE mentioned that ISRO(Indian Space agency), ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and startups would perform up to 30 rocket launch missions in the 15-month period between January 2024 and March 2025.&nbsp;However, Government data on space launches shows that India executed only 7 of these 30 rocket launch missions in the said period. This amounts to meeting 23% of the target stated in the Government agency IN-SPACE's launch manifesto. Of the seven launch missions in the 15-month period, ISRO executed five, NSIL executed one mission for a foreign customer, and a private firm carried out a test launch.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4-failures-in-8yrs-isro-s-troubles-with-strategic-space-missions-1747648135145">4 failures in 8yrs- ISRO's troubles with strategic space missions</a>&nbsp;"As is evident there is a notable increase in launches and in private sector involvement in the Indian space sector. This marks a substantial increase in launch activity compared to previous years and is a positive indicator of the expanding space ecosystem in the country," IN-SPACE had said in February 2024, referring to its "30 launches in 15 months manifesto". With barely one-fourth of the target being met, Indian space industry insiders are raising questions about the wide gulf between the manifesto and the reality, and the credibility of such manifestos. They also expressed concerns about how the global space sector would view an emerging space power like India, which has big ambitions but appears to fall severely short on implementation.&nbsp;For example, American private firm SpaceX which does the most number of space launches globally, had targeted 148 launches of their Falcon series of rockets in the year 2024, of which they accomplished 134 launches. SpaceX met 90% of its annual target, and has been drastically increasing its launch targets with every passing year. Every year, SpaceX gets within touching distance of its publicly stated target.Likewise, Rocket Lab, an American private firm that launches small spacefaring rockets had projected 22 launches in 2024, and ended up accomplishing 16 launches. Rocket Lab met 72% of its annual target. Though a small firm when compared to giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year.&nbsp;For the sake of comparison, in the 15-month period between October 2022 and December 2023, all space entities in India had performed a total of 10 rocket launches. Insiders question why the next 15-month period(Jan 2024-March 2025 as stated in the IN-SPACE manifesto) has seen only 7 rocket launches, indicating a 30% fall from the earlier 15-month period.&nbsp;Going by recent trends, the Government-run space agency ISRO and its commercial arm NSIL have been performing a total of six or seven rocket launches in a financial year. Startups that build and launch rockets in India are in their nascent stages and have only done maiden experimental launches. Indian rocket Startups have not started launching to space. It is under such circumstances that the government-run IN-SPACE had announced a four-fold increase in launches in the Jan 2024 to March 2025 period. Experts question the methodology used by IN-SPACE to put out such an ambitious manifesto, when the there seems to a blatant slowdown in India's space launches.&nbsp;This wide gulf between announced launches and actual performance also raises questions about the level of coordination between the Government agency and space sector regulator IN-SPACE (which announced the manifesto for the 30 launches) and the space sector(ISRO, NSIL and private firms) that has to execute these launches, critics say. IN-SPACE, ISRO, and NSIL are all arms of the Indian Government's high-profile Department of Space, which reports to the Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;Industry veterans agree that delays are common in the space sector and launches get postponed by a few weeks or few months. However, they point out that meeting only 23% of the publicly stated launch target affects India's credibility domestically and globally.As per IN-SPACE website, their vision is "To enable private sector participation in space activities, boost space economy within the country and develop space force frontiers, for a resurgent, AatmaNirbhar Bharat(self-reliant India)."&nbsp;The website also mentions that IN-SPACE is responsible to promote, enable authorize and supervise various space activities of the NGEs(private firms) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles &amp; satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities. However, it remains unclear how IN-SPACE, which is primarily responsible for hand-holding startups, publicly announces the launch targets of ISRO and NSIL, both of which are run by their respective leadership and organizational setup.&nbsp;"Action must be matched with action", says an Industry report&nbsp;A recent report by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FICCI), EY, released in the presence of top Indian Government officials and space industry members, had spoken about the immense potential of the Indian Space sector, while also cautioning that "ambition must be matched with action". Referring to the challenges faced by the Indian Space sector, the report had also mentioned Bureaucratic complexity and multi-agency overlaps, listing out IN-SPACE, ISRO, NSIL, Department of Space (DoS), Department of Telecom(DoT), which led to delays in decision-making. It had also expressed the need for a single-window clearance system for the space sector.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In the interest of transparency, here are the major Govt documents/data points used to bring out this report on 🇮🇳 accomplishing only 7 of 30 announced space launches between Jan2024 - March2025 Data as sourced from Govt <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/INSPACeIND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INSPACeIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> <a href="https://t.co/vkRkKMA8Gs">https://t.co/vkRkKMA8Gs</a> <a href="https://t.co/b7qmml0nv0">pic.twitter.com/b7qmml0nv0</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1924834313738322134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE(established to support Indian sapce startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25". 

In February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE(established to support Indian sapce startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25". In the document, IN-SPACE mentioned that ISRO(Indian Space agency), ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and startups would perform up to 30 rocket launch missions in the 15-month period between January 2024 and March 2025. However, Government data on space launches shows that India executed only 7 of these 30 rocket launch missions in the said period. This amounts to meeting 23% of the target stated in the Government agency IN-SPACE's launch manifesto. Of the seven launch missions in the 15-month period, ISRO executed five, NSIL executed one mission for a foreign customer, and a private firm carried out a test launch. Also read: 4 failures in 8yrs- ISRO's troubles with strategic space missions "As is evident there is a notable increase in launches and in private sector involvement in the Indian space sector. This marks a substantial increase in launch activity compared to previous years and is a positive indicator of the expanding space ecosystem in the country," IN-SPACE had said in February 2024, referring to its "30 launches in 15 months manifesto". With barely one-fourth of the target being met, Indian space industry insiders are raising questions about the wide gulf between the manifesto and the reality, and the credibility of such manifestos. They also expressed concerns about how the global space sector would view an emerging space power like India, which has big ambitions but appears to fall severely short on implementation. For example, American private firm SpaceX which does the most number of space launches globally, had targeted 148 launches of their Falcon series of rockets in the year 2024, of which they accomplished 134 launches. SpaceX met 90% of its annual target, and has been drastically increasing its launch targets with every passing year. Every year, SpaceX gets within touching distance of its publicly stated target. Likewise, Rocket Lab, an American private firm that launches small spacefaring rockets had projected 22 launches in 2024, and ended up accomplishing 16 launches. Rocket Lab met 72% of its annual target. Though a small firm when compared to giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. For the sake of comparison, in the 15-month period between October 2022 and December 2023, all space entities in India had performed a total of 10 rocket launches. Insiders question why the next 15-month period(Jan 2024-March 2025 as stated in the IN-SPACE manifesto) has seen only 7 rocket launches, indicating a 30% fall from the earlier 15-month period. Going by recent trends, the Government-run space agency ISRO and its commercial arm NSIL have been performing a total of six or seven rocket launches in a financial year. Startups that build and launch rockets in India are in their nascent stages and have only done maiden experimental launches. Indian rocket Startups have not started launching to space. It is under such circumstances that the government-run IN-SPACE had announced a four-fold increase in launches in the Jan 2024 to March 2025 period. Experts question the methodology used by IN-SPACE to put out such an ambitious manifesto, when the there seems to a blatant slowdown in India's space launches. This wide gulf between announced launches and actual performance also raises questions about the level of coordination between the Government agency and space sector regulator IN-SPACE (which announced the manifesto for the 30 launches) and the space sector(ISRO, NSIL and private firms) that has to execute these launches, critics say. IN-SPACE, ISRO, and NSIL are all arms of the Indian Government's high-profile Department of Space, which reports to the Prime Minister's Office. Industry veterans agree that delays are common in the space sector and launches get postponed by a few weeks or few months. However, they point out that meeting only 23% of the publicly stated launch target affects India's credibility domestically and globally. As per IN-SPACE website, their vision is "To enable private sector participation in space activities, boost space economy within the country and develop space force frontiers, for a resurgent, AatmaNirbhar Bharat(self-reliant India)." The website also mentions that IN-SPACE is responsible to promote, enable authorize and supervise various space activities of the NGEs(private firms) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities. However, it remains unclear how IN-SPACE, which is primarily responsible for hand-holding startups, publicly announces the launch targets of ISRO and NSIL, both of which are run by their respective leadership and organizational setup. "Action must be matched with action", says an Industry report A recent report by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FICCI), EY, released in the presence of top Indian Government officials and space industry members, had spoken about the immense potential of the Indian Space sector, while also cautioning that "ambition must be matched with action". Referring to the challenges faced by the Indian Space sector, the report had also mentioned Bureaucratic complexity and multi-agency overlaps, listing out IN-SPACE, ISRO, NSIL, Department of Space (DoS), Department of Telecom(DoT), which led to delays in decision-making. It had also expressed the need for a single-window clearance system for the space sector.

February 2024, for the first time ever, Indian Government agency IN-SPACE(established to support Indian sapce startups) had publicly released an "Integrated Launch Manifesto 2024-25".&nbsp;

India did 7 of 30 space launches planned for 2024-25: Govt data

The Border Security Force (BSF) said the public retreat ceremony, which is held at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan border, will resume on Wednesday (May 21).&nbsp;While the Jalandhar headquartered Punjab frontier of the force said the ceremony will start today (May 20), it will be exclusive for media persons only. The public can participate in the ceremony tomorrow at 6 pm.&nbsp;The ceremony will begin two weeks after the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, after which it was stopped.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefs-parliament-on-pakistan-s-connection-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-here-s-what-initial-probe-reveals-1747717130376">MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals</a>&nbsp;The event, which is held daily in the evening at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki, will be curtailed as BSF troops will not shake hands with Pakistani Rangers, the officials said. Moreover, the gates will not be opened during the flag-lowering part of the ceremony, as stated earlier.&nbsp;The officials clarified that the flag was being lowered every day by BSF troops despite public entry being stopped at the three locations on May 8 for “public safety” following Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;<h2>Operation Sindoor</h2>&nbsp;On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting terror sites, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-akash-missile-system-to-l-70-air-defence-guns-air-defence-grid-indian-army-used-to-protect-golden-temple-from-pak-s-attack-1747722684740">From AKASH Missile System To L-70 Guns: Air defence grid Indian Army used to protect Golden Temple from Pak's attack</a>&nbsp;The strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba Muridke base. India said over 100 terrorists were killed in the operation, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed.&nbsp;Following this, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on Indian cities, which led to military confrontations between the two nations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to stop all military actions.

The ceremony will begin two weeks after the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, after which it was stopped.

The Border Security Force (BSF) said the public retreat ceremony, which is held at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan border, will resume on Wednesday (May 21). While the Jalandhar headquartered Punjab frontier of the force said the ceremony will start today (May 20), it will be exclusive for media persons only. The public can participate in the ceremony tomorrow at 6 pm. The ceremony will begin two weeks after the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, after which it was stopped. Also read | MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals The event, which is held daily in the evening at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki, will be curtailed as BSF troops will not shake hands with Pakistani Rangers, the officials said. Moreover, the gates will not be opened during the flag-lowering part of the ceremony, as stated earlier. The officials clarified that the flag was being lowered every day by BSF troops despite public entry being stopped at the three locations on May 8 for “public safety” following Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting terror sites, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Also read | From AKASH Missile System To L-70 Guns: Air defence grid Indian Army used to protect Golden Temple from Pak's attack The strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba Muridke base. India said over 100 terrorists were killed in the operation, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed. Following this, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on Indian cities, which led to military confrontations between the two nations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to stop all military actions.

The ceremony will begin two weeks after the Indian Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, after which it was stopped.

Beating Retreat ceremony at India-Pakistan border to resume for public from May 21, two weeks after Operation Sindoor

Pakistan attempted target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Indian Army confirmed about the attempted attack on Monday (May 19). But Pakistan's attack, that included drones and long-range missiles, were failed all thanks to the Indian military's elaborate air defence grid.&nbsp;India's air defence grid explained&nbsp;The Indian Army said that the Golden Temple was one of the primary targets in what officials are calling a "massive air assault" launched by Pakistan in the early hours of May 8.&nbsp;The Army demonstrated how Indian Air Defence systems, including the AKASH missile system, L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Temple.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: When asked how many drones were sent by Pakistan during the recent conflict, DG Army Air Defence Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D’Cunha says, &quot;...I would say anything between maybe 800 to 1000 across the whole western border in four days. A large number of them were destroyed.… <a href="https://t.co/S7YGs1X3ON">pic.twitter.com/S7YGs1X3ON</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1924475813858033892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“In the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with drones and long-range missiles. We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this. Our alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army’s nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple. Thus, not allowing even a scratch to our holy Golden Temple," Major General Kartik C Seshadri told ANI.&nbsp;AKASH Missile System&nbsp;The Akash air defence missile system, as per the &nbsp;Bharat Electronics Ltd, is a &nbsp;medium range, surface-to-air missile system. It provides &nbsp;area air defence against multifarious air threats to mobile, semi-mobile and static vulnerable forces and areas. &nbsp;It even has multiple cutting-edge features with cross-country mobility.&nbsp;L-70 Air Defence Guns&nbsp;L-70 air defence guns were also used by the Army to protect the Golden Temple.&nbsp;'Golden Temple lights were switched off '&nbsp;Indian Army’s incharge of air defence Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha told ANI, "The Golden Temple hierarchy realised there was possibly a threat when it was explained to them. They allowed us to deploy guns to secure and protect the monument of international fame which is visited by hundreds and thousands of people every day. Hence, these guns were deployed, and the Golden Temple lights were switched off so that we could clearly visualise the drones as they were coming in. That gave us a greater clarity in the sky because as and when you saw the light, you knew what to engage."&nbsp;Other weapons&nbsp;The Air Defence of India has the S-400 system, medium-range surface-to-air missile system (Barak 8), the Pechora air defence system, Spyder quick-reaction missiles, and upgraded L-70 and Zu-23-2B guns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan attempted target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. 

Pakistan attempted target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Indian Army confirmed about the attempted attack on Monday (May 19). But Pakistan's attack, that included drones and long-range missiles, were failed all thanks to the Indian military's elaborate air defence grid. India's air defence grid explained The Indian Army said that the Golden Temple was one of the primary targets in what officials are calling a "massive air assault" launched by Pakistan in the early hours of May 8. The Army demonstrated how Indian Air Defence systems, including the AKASH missile system, L-70 Air Defence Guns, saved the Temple.

Pakistan attempted target the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the nights of May 7-8 when India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.&nbsp;

From AKASH Missile System To L-70 Guns: Air defence grid Indian Army used to protect Golden Temple from Pak's attack

After heavy rains battered the Indian city of Bengaluru and caused flooding in several areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of orange alert ( 8 cm to 10 cm of rain) for Bengaluru and a yellow alert at various places across Karnataka on Tuesday.&nbsp;"The amount of rainfall we are receiving is nothing for rural areas. But because cities like Bengaluru are concretised mostly, and thus blocking the outlets for water drainage, we have issued an orange alert so that authorities can prepare accordingly, said &nbsp;IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu, according to news agency PTI.&nbsp;The areas likely to be affected due to the forecast of rain are Bagalkot, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, Vijayanagara districts, the IMD said in its statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alleged-spy-jyoti-malhotra-blamed-govt-tourists-after-pahalgam-attack-video-surfaces-1747666608205">Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces</a>&nbsp;The weather in the city is expected to remain partly cloudy &nbsp;with high possibility of heavy rain or thunderstorm. The day temperature will hover around 27 degree Celsius, while the minimum will settle close to 20 degrees.&nbsp;Torrential downpour battered Bengaluru&nbsp;On Sunday (May 19) heavy rain of 10.5 cm (105 mm) battered the city, which was the second-highest in 15 years. While on Monday the city again received 37.2 mm of rain. Several areas in the Karnataka capital were flooded causing great inconvenience to people.&nbsp;Manyata Tech Park, BTM Layout, Ejipura Junction, HSR Layout 5th and 6th sectors and Silk Board Junction, were some of the areas the bore the maximum brunt of the weather.&nbsp;Three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were also killed. One of the victims Shashikala, an employee at a company succumbed to her injuries after a wet compound wall collapsed on her in Whitefield. The other two victims lost their lives due to electrocution &nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of orange alert ( 8 cm to 10 cm of rain) for Bengaluru.

After heavy rains battered the Indian city of Bengaluru and caused flooding in several areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of orange alert ( 8 cm to 10 cm of rain) for Bengaluru and a yellow alert at various places across Karnataka on Tuesday. "The amount of rainfall we are receiving is nothing for rural areas. But because cities like Bengaluru are concretised mostly, and thus blocking the outlets for water drainage, we have issued an orange alert so that authorities can prepare accordingly, said IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu, according to news agency PTI. The areas likely to be affected due to the forecast of rain are Bagalkot, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, Vijayanagara districts, the IMD said in its statement. Also Read: Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces The weather in the city is expected to remain partly cloudy with high possibility of heavy rain or thunderstorm. The day temperature will hover around 27 degree Celsius, while the minimum will settle close to 20 degrees. Torrential downpour battered Bengaluru On Sunday (May 19) heavy rain of 10.5 cm (105 mm) battered the city, which was the second-highest in 15 years. While on Monday the city again received 37.2 mm of rain. Several areas in the Karnataka capital were flooded causing great inconvenience to people. Manyata Tech Park, BTM Layout, Ejipura Junction, HSR Layout 5th and 6th sectors and Silk Board Junction, were some of the areas the bore the maximum brunt of the weather. Three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were also killed. One of the victims Shashikala, an employee at a company succumbed to her injuries after a wet compound wall collapsed on her in Whitefield. The other two victims lost their lives due to electrocution

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warning of orange alert ( 8 cm to 10 cm of rain) for Bengaluru.

Bengaluru records second highest rainfall in 15 years, IMD issues orange alert for city

Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday highlighted the country's military capabilities and stated that India possesses the arsenal capability of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. In an interview with ANI, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "The whole of Pakistan is within range." He stated that even if they relocate the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to "find a deep hole." India's offensive strikes during Operation Sindoor targeted key Pakistani airbases with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy high-value targets.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-army-pakistan-s-plan-to-hit-golden-temple-1747657402805">'Massive air assault with drones, long-range missiles': How Indian Army thwarted Pakistan’s plan to hit Golden Temple after Operation Sindoor</a> Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole." Modern indigenous technology, including long-range drones and guided munitions, played a crucial role in the operation's success. Lt Gen D'Cunha further underscored that the armed forces' primary duty is protecting the nation's sovereignty and its people. "Our job is to protect our sovereignty, our people... So, I think that the very fact that we have been able to protect our motherland from this onslaught, which was aimed at causing a lot of problems in population centers and in our cantonments, the very fact that we have given this reassurance to our people, not only to our civil population... a lot of our own jawans, officers, wives were staying in cantonments. And they were also equally concerned about these drone attacks. And the very fact that we ensured that this did not manifest in any casualties, I am sure it not only made the soldier feel proud, it made the families feel proud. And finally, the population of India feel proud. I think that's the takeaway." India's Operation Sindoor showcased its preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies. The operation highlighted India's integrated command structures, enabling seamless coordination between different military branches. Operation Sindoor reflected India's 'Shishupala Doctrine', which involves exercising patience until a predefined threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. The operation shifted from reactive defence to proactive security doctrine, showcasing India's willingness to take bold action against terrorism.&nbsp;

Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday, highlighted the country's military capabilities and stated that India possesses the arsenal capability of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.

Lt Gen Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday highlighted the country's military capabilities and stated that India possesses the arsenal capability of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. In an interview with ANI, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "The whole of Pakistan is within range." He stated that even if they relocate the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), they will have to "find a deep hole." India's offensive strikes during Operation Sindoor targeted key Pakistani airbases with precision, utilising loitering munitions to destroy high-value targets. Also read: 'Massive air assault with drones, long-range missiles': How Indian Army thwarted Pakistan’s plan to hit Golden Temple after Operation Sindoor Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "I just like to say that India has an adequate arsenal of weapons to take on Pakistan right across its depth. So, from its broadest to its narrowest, wherever it is, the whole of Pakistan is within range. We are absolutely capable, from our borders or even in depth, where we can take on the entire Pakistan. And the GHQ can move from Rawalpindi to KPK or wherever they want to move, but they are all within range, so they will have to really find a deep hole." Modern indigenous technology, including long-range drones and guided munitions, played a crucial role in the operation's success. Lt Gen D'Cunha further underscored that the armed forces' primary duty is protecting the nation's sovereignty and its people. "Our job is to protect our sovereignty, our people... So, I think that the very fact that we have been able to protect our motherland from this onslaught, which was aimed at causing a lot of problems in population centers and in our cantonments, the very fact that we have given this reassurance to our people, not only to our civil population... a lot of our own jawans, officers, wives were staying in cantonments. And they were also equally concerned about these drone attacks. And the very fact that we ensured that this did not manifest in any casualties, I am sure it not only made the soldier feel proud, it made the families feel proud. And finally, the population of India feel proud. I think that's the takeaway." India's Operation Sindoor showcased its preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies. The operation highlighted India's integrated command structures, enabling seamless coordination between different military branches. Operation Sindoor reflected India's 'Shishupala Doctrine', which involves exercising patience until a predefined threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. The operation shifted from reactive defence to proactive security doctrine, showcasing India's willingness to take bold action against terrorism.

Director General of Army Air Defence, on Monday, highlighted the country's military capabilities and stated that India possesses the arsenal capability of striking targets across the full depth of Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor | Relocating headquarters won't help, 'find a deep hole': DG Army Air Defence warns Pakistan

The initial investigation into the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people revealed that the terrorists had communication nodes with their handlers in Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told a parliamentary committee on Monday (May 19).&nbsp;The MEA told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, how Pakistan-based “masterminds” coordinated the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.&nbsp;The attackers carried “distinct footprints” similar to previous attacks claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a group which the MEA described as another name for the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-relocating-won-t-help-find-a-deep-hole-dg-army-air-defence-warns-pakistan-1747716870674">Operation Sindoor | Relocating headquarters won't help, 'find a deep hole': DG Army Air Defence warns Pakistan</a>&nbsp;The officials also discussed the use of sophisticated cross-border communication nodes between terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan. &nbsp;The ministry asserted that Pakistan plays a “well-established” role as a sanctuary for terror groups, which is backed by credible evidence.&nbsp;The MEA also dismissed Pakistan’s attempt to “draw a false equivalence” for alleging Indian involvement in extra-judicial killings on Pakistani soil as baseless and lacking any factual support. It further flagged Pakistan’s continued denial of terror links.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alleged-spy-jyoti-malhotra-blamed-govt-tourists-after-pahalgam-attack-video-surfaces-1747666608205">Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces</a>&nbsp;“Pakistan blames India for the killings of some individuals, labelled as extra-judicial and extra-territorial by the neighbouring country, on its soil, even though its allegations are devoid of any facts or evidence,” the MEA said.&nbsp;“It is meant to draw a false equivalence between the two countries to suggest that both neighbours are victims of cross-border terrorism, which is not the case, it said in the presentation,” it added.&nbsp;The ministry also highlighted that UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi continue to roam freely in Pakistan while inciting violence against India.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ic-814-staff-recalls-8-day-nightmare-says-karma-caught-up-with-them-after-planners-killed-in-operation-sindoor-1747658158655">WION Exclusive | Operation Sindoor: As India avenge Kandahar, IC-814 staff recounts harrowing hijack story</a>&nbsp;<h2>Operation Sindoor</h2>&nbsp;On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting terror sites, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26.&nbsp;The strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba Muridke base. India said over 100 terrorists were killed in the operation, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed.&nbsp;Following this, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on Indian cities, which led to military confrontations between the two nations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to stop all military actions. &nbsp;

The MEA told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, how Pakistan-based “masterminds” coordinated the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.


The initial investigation into the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people revealed that the terrorists had communication nodes with their handlers in Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told a parliamentary committee on Monday (May 19). The MEA told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, how Pakistan-based “masterminds” coordinated the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The attackers carried “distinct footprints” similar to previous attacks claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a group which the MEA described as another name for the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Also read | Operation Sindoor | Relocating headquarters won't help, 'find a deep hole': DG Army Air Defence warns Pakistan The officials also discussed the use of sophisticated cross-border communication nodes between terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan. The ministry asserted that Pakistan plays a “well-established” role as a sanctuary for terror groups, which is backed by credible evidence. The MEA also dismissed Pakistan’s attempt to “draw a false equivalence” for alleging Indian involvement in extra-judicial killings on Pakistani soil as baseless and lacking any factual support. It further flagged Pakistan’s continued denial of terror links. Also read | Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces “Pakistan blames India for the killings of some individuals, labelled as extra-judicial and extra-territorial by the neighbouring country, on its soil, even though its allegations are devoid of any facts or evidence,” the MEA said. “It is meant to draw a false equivalence between the two countries to suggest that both neighbours are victims of cross-border terrorism, which is not the case, it said in the presentation,” it added. The ministry also highlighted that UN-designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi continue to roam freely in Pakistan while inciting violence against India. Also read | WION Exclusive | Operation Sindoor: As India avenge Kandahar, IC-814 staff recounts harrowing hijack story Operation Sindoor On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting terror sites, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. The strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba Muridke base. India said over 100 terrorists were killed in the operation, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed. Following this, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on Indian cities, which led to military confrontations between the two nations. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to stop all military actions.

The MEA told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, how Pakistan-based “masterminds” coordinated the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

MEA briefs parliament on Pakistan's connection in Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s what initial probe reveals

India has recorded a small increase in COVID-19 cases, with the Union Health Ministry updating its official data as of 12 May. The country now has 257 active cases, mostly reported from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.Health officials have urged the public to remain calm, stressing that the COVID-19 situation is “under control” at present. However, the uptick comes at a time when several Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a fresh surge in infections.<h2>New JN.1 variant linked to Southeast Asia wave</h2>The current spike in cases appears to be connected to variants emerging from Southeast Asia. The JN.1 strain, first detected in August 2023, is a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. In December 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified it as a ‘variant of interest’.According to WHO, the JN.1 variant carries about 30 mutations. Among its descendants, LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been the most commonly identified in recent weeks.<h2>Southeast Asia sees sharp rise in cases</h2>Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand are reporting a new COVID-19 wave, largely driven by the JN.1 variant and its sub-lineages. In early May, Singapore recorded over 14,000 infections in a single week. Similar increases have been observed across the region.Medical experts have pointed out that declining antibody levels may be contributing to the renewed spread, a concern that could also apply to India. While India’s current numbers are relatively low, the same trend may develop if preventive steps are not taken.<h2>Is the new variant more dangerous?</h2>At the moment, there is no indication that the JN.1 variant or its descendants are more severe or deadly than previous strains. Still, health experts continue to recommend precautions to avoid a repeat of the widespread impact seen during the major outbreaks in 2020 and 2021.

The JN.1 strain, first detected in August 2023, is a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. In December 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified it as a ‘variant of interest’.

India has recorded a small increase in COVID-19 cases, with the Union Health Ministry updating its official data as of 12 May. The country now has 257 active cases, mostly reported from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Health officials have urged the public to remain calm, stressing that the COVID-19 situation is “under control” at present. However, the uptick comes at a time when several Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a fresh surge in infections. New JN.1 variant linked to Southeast Asia wave The current spike in cases appears to be connected to variants emerging from Southeast Asia. The JN.1 strain, first detected in August 2023, is a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. In December 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified it as a ‘variant of interest’. According to WHO, the JN.1 variant carries about 30 mutations. Among its descendants, LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been the most commonly identified in recent weeks. Southeast Asia sees sharp rise in cases Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand are reporting a new COVID-19 wave, largely driven by the JN.1 variant and its sub-lineages. In early May, Singapore recorded over 14,000 infections in a single week. Similar increases have been observed across the region. Medical experts have pointed out that declining antibody levels may be contributing to the renewed spread, a concern that could also apply to India. While India’s current numbers are relatively low, the same trend may develop if preventive steps are not taken. Is the new variant more dangerous? At the moment, there is no indication that the JN.1 variant or its descendants are more severe or deadly than previous strains. Still, health experts continue to recommend precautions to avoid a repeat of the widespread impact seen during the major outbreaks in 2020 and 2021.

The JN.1 strain, first detected in August 2023, is a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. In December 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified it as a ‘variant of interest’.

India says COVID situation 'under control' as global cases rise: Is the new variant more dangerous?

Hearing the petition of Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services over the Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance in the wake of Turkey's support to Pakistan, the Delhi High Court said that "it is better to be safe than sorry." The High Court adjourned the matter till May 21. It also asked the Centre under which provisions did it revoke the security clearance to Celebi.&nbsp;On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi's security clearance, citing "national security."&nbsp;Hearing the petition &nbsp;over Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance,&nbsp;Celebi Aviation moved to court against the Centre. In its petition to the court, it said, “Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law.” Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the aviation firm.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkish-aviation-firm-celebi-goes-to-court-against-indian-govts-decision-of-revoking-clearance-calls-it-vague-9077612">Turkish aviation firm Celebi goes to court against Indian govt's decision of revoking clearance, calls it ‘vague’</a> Rohtagi said public perception cannot be used to take away employment. "We are not a rogue company," he said. "No reason mentioned, no opportunity of hearing given. It appears that it is because of public perception because the shareholding of this company is of Turkish nationals," he added. "My lords, there is a procedure that must be followed. One cannot trample my business with a two-line letter without notice," he said.&nbsp;"The rule is better safe than sorry," a single bench of justice Sachin Datta told Rohtagi.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boycottturkey-in-india-over-pakistan-support-how-will-it-affect-turkeys-tourism-what-numbers-say-jnu-jamia-9072497">#BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions</a><h2>Centre's argument</h2>&nbsp;Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the petitioner deals with operations at airports. "Every such person knows the nook and cranny of aircraft and airports. Passenger's luggage is not cargo. All flights are passenger-cum-cargo," he said. "We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and national security and sovereignty of the nation," he added.<h2>#BoycottTurkey</h2>&nbsp;After India’s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians”. It said Operation Sindoor raised the “risk of an all-out war.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-ergodan-continues-to-support-pakistan-as-indian-tourists-reject-travel-call-for-boycott-9069496">brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”</a>. The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India’s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones. Joining the bandwagon of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-travel-companies-suspend-bookings-to-turkey-and-azerbaijan-9068194">boycotting Turkey</a> over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Delhi HC said that "it is better to be safe than sorry", while hearing Turkey-based company's plea over cancellation of its security clearance 

Hearing the petition of Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services over the Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance in the wake of Turkey's support to Pakistan, the Delhi High Court said that "it is better to be safe than sorry." The High Court adjourned the matter till May 21. It also asked the Centre under which provisions did it revoke the security clearance to Celebi. On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi's security clearance, citing "national security." Hearing the petition over Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance, Celebi Aviation moved to court against the Centre. In its petition to the court, it said, “Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law.” Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the aviation firm. Read More | Turkish aviation firm Celebi goes to court against Indian govt's decision of revoking clearance, calls it ‘vague’ Rohtagi said public perception cannot be used to take away employment. "We are not a rogue company," he said. "No reason mentioned, no opportunity of hearing given. It appears that it is because of public perception because the shareholding of this company is of Turkish nationals," he added. "My lords, there is a procedure that must be followed. One cannot trample my business with a two-line letter without notice," he said. "The rule is better safe than sorry," a single bench of justice Sachin Datta told Rohtagi. Read More | #BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions Centre's argument Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the petitioner deals with operations at airports. "Every such person knows the nook and cranny of aircraft and airports. Passenger's luggage is not cargo. All flights are passenger-cum-cargo," he said. "We are dealing with the most delicate subject of civil aviation and national security and sovereignty of the nation," he added. #BoycottTurkey After India’s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians”. It said Operation Sindoor raised the “risk of an all-out war.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the “brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”. The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India’s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones. Joining the bandwagon of boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey.

Hearing the petition of Turkey-based company Celebi Airport Services over the Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance, the Delhi High Court said that "it is better to be safe than sorry."

"Better safe than...': Delhi HC over Centre's action against Turkish aviation firm Celebi post India-Pakistan tensions

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence, had blamed the government and tourists after the dastardly Pahalgam attack in a video she is said to have posted on Instagram.&nbsp;The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.&nbsp;She had uploaded the video on her Instagram handle, which has since been suspended, but several users have shared it on X.&nbsp;“Not just the government, this (attack) is the responsibility of every individual who visits these places … and should be watchful. I know J&amp;K has high security; there are Army and police personnel in every corner. If something like this has happened despite that then we are also at fault in some way. Perhaps we weren’t watchful (enough) … which is why this happened. We should be watchful and responsible,” she said.&nbsp;She also expressed shock that some individuals may have supported or assisted the terrorists involved in the attack.“If anyone is supporting these terrorists, then we are not Indian. If we are corrupt or wrong, it is shocking. It’s wrong if anyone supported those terrorists. And we are responsible for that. Our government is also responsible because there was a security lapse,” she said.Malhotra was arrested after a crackdown was launched during which 11 individuals have been taken into custody so far for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Moreover, she was allegedly also in touch with Pakistani handlers during the blackouts when Operation Sindoor was at its peak. &nbsp;She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jyoti Malhotra on Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan ko chhod kar sabki hi galati hai, including the victims. <a href="https://t.co/3y93mfdzyZ">pic.twitter.com/3y93mfdzyZ</a>&mdash; Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsYouNotWish/status/1924043528222761173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence, had blamed the government and tourists after the dastardly Pahalgam attack in a video she is said to have posted on Instagram. The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert. She had uploaded the video on her Instagram handle, which has since been suspended, but several users have shared it on X. “Not just the government, this (attack) is the responsibility of every individual who visits these places … and should be watchful. I know J&K has high security; there are Army and police personnel in every corner. If something like this has happened despite that then we are also at fault in some way. Perhaps we weren’t watchful (enough) … which is why this happened. We should be watchful and responsible,” she said. She also expressed shock that some individuals may have supported or assisted the terrorists involved in the attack. “If anyone is supporting these terrorists, then we are not Indian. If we are corrupt or wrong, it is shocking. It’s wrong if anyone supported those terrorists. And we are responsible for that. Our government is also responsible because there was a security lapse,” she said. Malhotra was arrested after a crackdown was launched during which 11 individuals have been taken into custody so far for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Moreover, she was allegedly also in touch with Pakistani handlers during the blackouts when Operation Sindoor was at its peak. She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.

Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces

In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, where they carried out a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;On hearing the news, Anil Sharma, cabin-in-charge of the hijacked IC-814 flight felt something he hadn’t in decades: relief. "Karma had caught up. These people lived by the gun, and they died by it. It doesn’t bring back Rupin Katyal or erase the horror, but it brings justice."&nbsp;The news of the operation did more than just offer symbolic closure—it validated the resilience of survivors and the resolve of a nation that had vowed never to forget Kandahar. "When I heard about Operation Sindoor, I felt that finally, the country had stood up and said: Enough."&nbsp;Anil Sharma spoke exclusively to WION and shared his memories about the traumatic incident.&nbsp;On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among them was Anil Sharma, the senior cabin crew member and in-charge of the flight. For Sharma and everyone else on that ill-fated flight, the routine journey turned into an eight-day nightmare, remembered in history as one of India’s most traumatic hostage crises.&nbsp;Forty minutes into the flight, Sharma walked into the cockpit to check on the pilots and ask if they needed some refreshments. The cabin service had been carried out, and everything seemed normal until he stepped out and was confronted by a man wearing a monkey cap, holding a pistol. In terse Urdu, the man said, "We are taking over the aircraft."&nbsp;What followed was violence and chaos. Passengers were asked to shift from business class to economy, and the hijackers—five of them, later given codenames like Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—took control of the aircraft. The plane was diverted first to Amritsar, then Lahore, then Dubai, and finally to Kandahar in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.&nbsp;For Anil Sharma, the trauma didn’t begin with the threat of death—it began with the responsibility of keeping terrified passengers calm, comforting the wounded, and maintaining some semblance of order inside an aircraft surrounded by terrorists carrying rocket launchers.&nbsp;"The fear was all-pervasive," Sharma recalls. "It lasted all those seven nights and eight days. But it became even more horrifying when I and my colleague, Satish, had to lift the dead body of Rupin Katyal to be offloaded in Dubai. That moment—placing his lifeless form on the step ladder—remains seared in my memory."&nbsp;The hijackers were strategic and brutal. They kept the passengers under psychological pressure. Heads had to be kept down. Men were slapped and kicked. The women in the cabin crew were told to cover their heads whenever Taliban fighters approached the plane. Sharma and his team had to manage food and water, not just for the passengers, but for the terrorists as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;"They made us prepare tea for them, clean up after them. We were like their servants, but all the while, we were calculating how to survive."&nbsp;Hope and despair danced together through the ordeal. On December 27, when a high-level Indian delegation, including current NSA Ajit Doval, landed in Kandahar to negotiate, spirits lifted. "I saw smiles on the hijackers’ faces. I thought things were moving forward," Sharma said. But it was a false dawn. By December 30, the hijackers had moved women and children to business class and announced, "If we can kill one, we can will kill all."&nbsp;Sharma and others braced themselves for the worst. "At that moment, I was benumbed. I wasn’t registering emotion anymore. I had resigned to either going back alive or returning in a coffin."&nbsp;The hijackers weren’t ordinary criminals. They were trained terrorists, fighting a proxy war on behalf of Pakistan's ISI and Army, using organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their demand was the release of Maulana Masood Azhar, a terrorist who was then in Indian custody.&nbsp;When India finally agreed to release Azhar and two others, the hostages were let go. But for Sharma, it wasn’t the end. "You don’t walk out of something like that and return to normal. But I always believed in resuming the ‘silly things’ of life—watching movies, enjoying tea with friends—because trauma shouldn’t define you."&nbsp;Yet, the shadow never truly lifted. Sharma wrote a book about his experience, but closure remained elusive. Until recently.&nbsp;Sharma is deeply patriotic. His voice carries more pain when talking about divisions within India than when he discusses his own trauma. "We have too many enemies outside India. But it’s the enemies inside—those who hate for the sake of hating, who find fault in everything just because of political bias—that worry me more."&nbsp;In his reflections, Sharma doesn’t seek sympathy. Instead, he offers perspective. "Yes, it affected me. But I chose not to be bitter. I chose to return to life. I still remember Burger, one of the hijackers, telling me once: 'Sharma saab, main aapke saath khaana khaaunga, don't worry.' (Sir, don’t you worry, I will sit with you and have dinner with you). Even in terror, there were shades of humanity, but that doesn’t absolve them."&nbsp;He ends his recollection with a prayer: "I hope and believe that justice will find every last one of them. The fight against terrorism is long, but I’m optimistic. If we can survive Kandahar, we can survive anything."&nbsp;

IC 814 staff recalls 8-day nightmare, says karma caught up with them after planners killed in Operation Sindoor

In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, where they carried out a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack. On hearing the news, Anil Sharma, cabin-in-charge of the hijacked IC-814 flight felt something he hadn’t in decades: relief. "Karma had caught up. These people lived by the gun, and they died by it. It doesn’t bring back Rupin Katyal or erase the horror, but it brings justice." The news of the operation did more than just offer symbolic closure—it validated the resilience of survivors and the resolve of a nation that had vowed never to forget Kandahar. "When I heard about Operation Sindoor, I felt that finally, the country had stood up and said: Enough." Anil Sharma spoke exclusively to WION and shared his memories about the traumatic incident. On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones. Among them was Anil Sharma, the senior cabin crew member and in-charge of the flight. For Sharma and everyone else on that ill-fated flight, the routine journey turned into an eight-day nightmare, remembered in history as one of India’s most traumatic hostage crises. Forty minutes into the flight, Sharma walked into the cockpit to check on the pilots and ask if they needed some refreshments. The cabin service had been carried out, and everything seemed normal until he stepped out and was confronted by a man wearing a monkey cap, holding a pistol. In terse Urdu, the man said, "We are taking over the aircraft." What followed was violence and chaos. Passengers were asked to shift from business class to economy, and the hijackers—five of them, later given codenames like Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—took control of the aircraft. The plane was diverted first to Amritsar, then Lahore, then Dubai, and finally to Kandahar in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. For Anil Sharma, the trauma didn’t begin with the threat of death—it began with the responsibility of keeping terrified passengers calm, comforting the wounded, and maintaining some semblance of order inside an aircraft surrounded by terrorists carrying rocket launchers. "The fear was all-pervasive," Sharma recalls. "It lasted all those seven nights and eight days. But it became even more horrifying when I and my colleague, Satish, had to lift the dead body of Rupin Katyal to be offloaded in Dubai. That moment—placing his lifeless form on the step ladder—remains seared in my memory." The hijackers were strategic and brutal. They kept the passengers under psychological pressure. Heads had to be kept down. Men were slapped and kicked. The women in the cabin crew were told to cover their heads whenever Taliban fighters approached the plane. Sharma and his team had to manage food and water, not just for the passengers, but for the terrorists as well. "They made us prepare tea for them, clean up after them. We were like their servants, but all the while, we were calculating how to survive." Hope and despair danced together through the ordeal. On December 27, when a high-level Indian delegation, including current NSA Ajit Doval, landed in Kandahar to negotiate, spirits lifted. "I saw smiles on the hijackers’ faces. I thought things were moving forward," Sharma said. But it was a false dawn. By December 30, the hijackers had moved women and children to business class and announced, "If we can kill one, we can will kill all." Sharma and others braced themselves for the worst. "At that moment, I was benumbed. I wasn’t registering emotion anymore. I had resigned to either going back alive or returning in a coffin." The hijackers weren’t ordinary criminals. They were trained terrorists, fighting a proxy war on behalf of Pakistan's ISI and Army, using organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their demand was the release of Maulana Masood Azhar, a terrorist who was then in Indian custody. When India finally agreed to release Azhar and two others, the hostages were let go. But for Sharma, it wasn’t the end. "You don’t walk out of something like that and return to normal. But I always believed in resuming the ‘silly things’ of life—watching movies, enjoying tea with friends—because trauma shouldn’t define you." Yet, the shadow never truly lifted. Sharma wrote a book about his experience, but closure remained elusive. Until recently. Sharma is deeply patriotic. His voice carries more pain when talking about divisions within India than when he discusses his own trauma. "We have too many enemies outside India. But it’s the enemies inside—those who hate for the sake of hating, who find fault in everything just because of political bias—that worry me more." In his reflections, Sharma doesn’t seek sympathy. Instead, he offers perspective. "Yes, it affected me. But I chose not to be bitter. I chose to return to life. I still remember Burger, one of the hijackers, telling me once: 'Sharma saab, main aapke saath khaana khaaunga, don't worry.' (Sir, don’t you worry, I will sit with you and have dinner with you). Even in terror, there were shades of humanity, but that doesn’t absolve them." He ends his recollection with a prayer: "I hope and believe that justice will find every last one of them. The fight against terrorism is long, but I’m optimistic. If we can survive Kandahar, we can survive anything."

On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones.&nbsp;

WION Exclusive | Operation Sindoor: As India avenge Kandahar, IC-814 staff recounts harrowing hijack story

The BJP targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, accusing her of forcing Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan to opt out from the diplomatic delegation aimed at ‘exposing Pakistan’ in India’s global outreach. The remarks come hours after Pathan pulled out of the team that will deliver India’s message against terrorism.The cricketer-turned-politician was included in the delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha that is set to go to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to convey India’s message on Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;Trinamool Congress announced that none of its MPs would be a part of the initiative, as the BJP-led Union government did not consult the party before finalising names. The party, however, insisted that it is not boycotting the diplomatic effort. &nbsp;Reacting sharply, BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate.”“This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics,” Malviya said, maintaining that Members of Parliament (MPs) are representatives of the people as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Mamata and her party unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism’&nbsp;“It sends a subliminal message that Mamata Banerjee and her party are unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he charged.Malviya slammed Banerjee, accusing her of representing the “worst kind of politics”.“Unfortunately, West Bengal is bearing the brunt of it,” he said, adding, “Let us not forget that a hostile demographic shift is staring the state in the face.”&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport on Monday, Mamata said, “They (Centre) cannot decide the name (of the AITC representative) on their own. If they request the mother party, the party will decide the name. This is customary, and is the system. We are totally with the Centre regarding the foreign policy,” adding that “If they request me to send someone’s name, we will decide it and tell them.”Mamata said, “Nowadays, they (Centre) don’t inform the mother party, but only the parliamentary party. However, the parliamentary party only works for the Parliament session, it cannot take policy decisions. No requests came to us. If the request comes to us, of course, we can consider it. We are totally in favour of the country’s best interests.”&nbsp;Earlier in the day, TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is Mamata’s nephew, said, “How can the Union government decide on the representative of Trinamool? They should have held discussions to decide which representative a party will send.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> once again clarified that on matters of external affairs, we have always extended our support to the Centre. However, they cannot unilaterally decide on the name of the representative by consulting only the Parliamentary Party, and not the parent party. <a href="https://t.co/Kv8acfnr7z">pic.twitter.com/Kv8acfnr7z</a>&mdash; All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AITCofficial/status/1924380010518859792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate. This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics.”

The BJP targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, accusing her of forcing Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan to opt out from the diplomatic delegation aimed at ‘exposing Pakistan’ in India’s global outreach. The remarks come hours after Pathan pulled out of the team that will deliver India’s message against terrorism. The cricketer-turned-politician was included in the delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha that is set to go to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to convey India’s message on Operation Sindoor. Trinamool Congress announced that none of its MPs would be a part of the initiative, as the BJP-led Union government did not consult the party before finalising names. The party, however, insisted that it is not boycotting the diplomatic effort. Reacting sharply, BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate.” “This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics,” Malviya said, maintaining that Members of Parliament (MPs) are representatives of the people as well. ‘Mamata and her party unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism’ “It sends a subliminal message that Mamata Banerjee and her party are unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he charged. Malviya slammed Banerjee, accusing her of representing the “worst kind of politics”. “Unfortunately, West Bengal is bearing the brunt of it,” he said, adding, “Let us not forget that a hostile demographic shift is staring the state in the face.” Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport on Monday, Mamata said, “They (Centre) cannot decide the name (of the AITC representative) on their own. If they request the mother party, the party will decide the name. This is customary, and is the system. We are totally with the Centre regarding the foreign policy,” adding that “If they request me to send someone’s name, we will decide it and tell them.” Mamata said, “Nowadays, they (Centre) don’t inform the mother party, but only the parliamentary party. However, the parliamentary party only works for the Parliament session, it cannot take policy decisions. No requests came to us. If the request comes to us, of course, we can consider it. We are totally in favour of the country’s best interests.” Earlier in the day, TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is Mamata’s nephew, said, “How can the Union government decide on the representative of Trinamool? They should have held discussions to decide which representative a party will send.”

BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate. This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics.”

BJP targets Mamata after Yusuf Pathan drops out of India’s anti-terror outreach

India has stressed that its military operation against terrorism is “paused, not over” and demanded that Pakistan hand over prominent terrorists, like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir, accused of fomenting terror and mindless violence on Indian soil. Speaking to Israel’s i24NEWS, Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh categorically said that New Delhi’s new normal would be an offensive counter-terrorism strategy.&nbsp;“The ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused. It’s not yet over,” Singh said, adding that the fight against terrorism will continue.&nbsp;The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.” &nbsp;Reacting to the Indus Waters Treaty being put in abeyance, Singh said the agreement was based on two principles: goodwill and friendship. “Over the past so many years, what we have seen — we were allowing water to flow, and what was Pakistan doing? They were allowing terror.”Singh said the move to suspend the treaty came after growing frustration with Pakistan’s continued backing to cross-border terrorism. “There was a lot of frustration among the people that this cannot go on like this. After this attack, our prime minister said that the blood and water cannot flow together.”&nbsp;India conveyed to Pakistan that it must stop cross-border terrorism for the treaty to become operational again. ‘Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free’&nbsp;When asked about Pakistan’s assertion that this move is equivalent to an act of war, Singh responded by citing a long list of terror attacks. He recalled the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Uri base camp attack in 2016, Pulwama, and the recent Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;“Believe me, the root cause is these two groups—Jaish-e-Mohammad, the leader of Jaish Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, leader Hafiz Saeed,” he said.Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh said, was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free. “They need to do a very simple thing - when the preamble includes goodwill and friendship, they just need to hand over these terrorists to us.” He pointed out that the United States had recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was involved in the Mumbai attacks. “When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan hand over?” Singh asked. “They have to simply hand over Hafeez Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, and things will be over.”&nbsp;‘We gave them dossiers after dossiers, what have they done?’ Referring to Pakistan’s offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, he said India shared detailed evidence many times. “We have given them dossiers after dossiers — we have given them technical inputs. America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there, but what have they done?”“Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who was the main planner of Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attacks, roaming freely. So we can’t believe them.” Singh also urged for greater global cooperation to fight terrorism. “On terrorism, not only India and Israel, but all those countries that are facing the brunt of terrorism should join together.”“Our prime minister has made it very clear—very clear—that we have zero tolerance for terrorism. We are not going to accept this cross-border terrorism.”India will continue to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and their proxies, he said, and urged countries like Israel to form a global coalition.&nbsp;“We need to cooperate. We need to form a coalition against this terrorism. And most importantly, against the supporters of these terrorist groups.”

The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.”

India has stressed that its military operation against terrorism is “paused, not over” and demanded that Pakistan hand over prominent terrorists, like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir, accused of fomenting terror and mindless violence on Indian soil. Speaking to Israel’s i24NEWS, Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh categorically said that New Delhi’s new normal would be an offensive counter-terrorism strategy. “The ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused. It’s not yet over,” Singh said, adding that the fight against terrorism will continue. The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.” Reacting to the Indus Waters Treaty being put in abeyance, Singh said the agreement was based on two principles: goodwill and friendship. “Over the past so many years, what we have seen — we were allowing water to flow, and what was Pakistan doing? They were allowing terror.” Singh said the move to suspend the treaty came after growing frustration with Pakistan’s continued backing to cross-border terrorism. “There was a lot of frustration among the people that this cannot go on like this. After this attack, our prime minister said that the blood and water cannot flow together.” India conveyed to Pakistan that it must stop cross-border terrorism for the treaty to become operational again. ‘Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free’ When asked about Pakistan’s assertion that this move is equivalent to an act of war, Singh responded by citing a long list of terror attacks. He recalled the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Uri base camp attack in 2016, Pulwama, and the recent Pahalgam attack. “Believe me, the root cause is these two groups—Jaish-e-Mohammad, the leader of Jaish Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, leader Hafiz Saeed,” he said. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh said, was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free. “They need to do a very simple thing - when the preamble includes goodwill and friendship, they just need to hand over these terrorists to us.” He pointed out that the United States had recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was involved in the Mumbai attacks. “When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan hand over?” Singh asked. “They have to simply hand over Hafeez Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, and things will be over.” ‘We gave them dossiers after dossiers, what have they done?’ Referring to Pakistan’s offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, he said India shared detailed evidence many times. “We have given them dossiers after dossiers — we have given them technical inputs. America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there, but what have they done?” “Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who was the main planner of Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attacks, roaming freely. So we can’t believe them.” Singh also urged for greater global cooperation to fight terrorism. “On terrorism, not only India and Israel, but all those countries that are facing the brunt of terrorism should join together.” “Our prime minister has made it very clear—very clear—that we have zero tolerance for terrorism. We are not going to accept this cross-border terrorism.” India will continue to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and their proxies, he said, and urged countries like Israel to form a global coalition. “We need to cooperate. We need to form a coalition against this terrorism. And most importantly, against the supporters of these terrorist groups.”

The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.”

‘US extradited Tahawwur Rana, Pak should hand over Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi’: Indian envoy

Senior Indian Army officer Major General Kartik C Seshadri revealed on Monday that Pakistan attempted to strike the Golden Temple in Amritsar with drones and long-range missiles on the night of 7–8 May.The attack was described as retaliation to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces hit nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-who-is-shehzad-wahab-nabbed-for-spying-for-pakistan-1747654288199">Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan</a>The Army said Pakistan had no military targets and was likely to go after civilian and religious sites instead."Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets including religious places," said Major General Seshadri. "Of these, Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent,” he added.<h2>Indian Army was prepared in advance</h2>According to the Army, they had already anticipated such a move and deployed additional air defence systems to protect the Golden Temple."We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple," the officer said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-rahul-gandhi-s-jaishankar-pakistan-bjp-1747654088904">‘A crime, not a lapse’: Rahul Gandhi accuses S Jaishankar of tipping off Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, again - Here's what BJP said</a>The assault began in the early hours of 8 May, when Pakistan launched a major air offensive using drones and missiles under the cover of darkness."On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles," Major General Seshadri said.<h2>Army intercepts and destroys all incoming threats</h2>Thanks to the Army’s preparation, no damage was caused to the Golden Temple or surrounding areas. All incoming drones and missiles were successfully neutralised by India’s air defence systems."We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army's nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple," the officer said. "Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple.”The Indian Army later demonstrated how its air defence units, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, effectively intercepted the airborne threats.<h2>Multiple Indian cities were also targeted</h2>The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Loud explosions were reported across Kashmir during the assault."These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems," said the Defence Ministry in a statement.<h2>Context: What triggered Operation Sindoor?</h2>India’s air strikes under Operation Sindoor came in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In a coordinated operation, Indian forces hit nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, triggering the retaliatory drone and missile strikes.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.

Senior Indian Army officer Major General Kartik C Seshadri revealed on Monday that Pakistan attempted to strike the Golden Temple in Amritsar with drones and long-range missiles on the night of 7–8 May. The attack was described as retaliation to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces hit nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan The Army said Pakistan had no military targets and was likely to go after civilian and religious sites instead. "Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets including religious places," said Major General Seshadri. "Of these, Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent,” he added. Indian Army was prepared in advance According to the Army, they had already anticipated such a move and deployed additional air defence systems to protect the Golden Temple. "We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple," the officer said. Also read: ‘A crime, not a lapse’: Rahul Gandhi accuses S Jaishankar of tipping off Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, again - Here's what BJP said The assault began in the early hours of 8 May, when Pakistan launched a major air offensive using drones and missiles under the cover of darkness. "On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles," Major General Seshadri said. Army intercepts and destroys all incoming threats Thanks to the Army’s preparation, no damage was caused to the Golden Temple or surrounding areas. All incoming drones and missiles were successfully neutralised by India’s air defence systems. "We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army's nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple," the officer said. "Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple.” The Indian Army later demonstrated how its air defence units, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, effectively intercepted the airborne threats. Multiple Indian cities were also targeted The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Loud explosions were reported across Kashmir during the assault. "These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems," said the Defence Ministry in a statement. Context: What triggered Operation Sindoor? India’s air strikes under Operation Sindoor came in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In a coordinated operation, Indian forces hit nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, triggering the retaliatory drone and missile strikes.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.

'Massive air assault with drones, long-range missiles': How Indian Army thwarted Pakistan’s plan to hit Golden Temple after Operation Sindoor

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'Massive air assault with drones, long-range missiles': How Indian Army thwarted Pakistan’s plan to hit Golden Temple after Operation Sindoor