Month: May 2025

Armed Forces successfully struck nine terror targets, four in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), using special precision munitions in a coordinated operation, sources told ANI.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the mobilisation of assets and troops. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was constantly monitoring Operation Sindoor throughout the night, sources confirmed to ANI.

The strikes on all nine targets were successful, sources further revealed. The Indian forces selected the locations to target top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders involved in sponsoring terrorist activities in India.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the statement added.

According to the Ministry, these strikes were carried out in response to the “barbaric” terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government said it is committed to holding those responsible accountable.

Precision strike weapon systems from all three services, including loitering munitions, were used in the attacks. The coordinates were provided by intelligence agencies, and the strikes were launched entirely from Indian soil.

Despite India’s targeted response, Pakistan violated the Ceasefire Agreement just hours after the strikes by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhimber Gali area. The Indian Army is responding “appropriately in a calibrated manner,” officials confirmed.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) wrote, “Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner.” (ANI)

The Miss World Organisation has announced that celebrated actor and founder of the Sood Charity Foundation, Sonu Sood, will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana for his philanthropic work during COVID-19.

This special honour recognises his exceptional service to humanity and unwavering commitment to social upliftment through his foundation. The award will be conferred on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Arena in Hyderabad as part of the festival’s final celebrations.

In addition to receiving this global honour, Sonu Sood will also serve as one of the official judges for the grand finale, joining a distinguished panel to crown the next Miss World.

Actor Sonu Sood expressed his gratitude for receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation, saying that the award reinforces his purpose in bringing “hope, support, and dignity” to people in need.

“Receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation is deeply humbling. It reinforces the purpose behind our efforts — to bring hope, support, and dignity to those in need. I share this recognition with every volunteer, supporter, and life we’ve touched through the Sood Charity Foundation. I’m also proud to announce that the Miss World Organisation and the Sood Charity Foundation have come together to collaborate on spreading awareness for a Cancer Free World. This shared commitment will help amplify the message and bring hope to millions around the globe,” said Sonu Sood as per the press note shared by Altair Media: The Official PR handle of Miss World.

Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, said they feel honoured to present the Humanitarian Award to actor Sonu Sood for his inspiring work through his Sood Charity Foundation.

“We are honoured to present Sonu Sood with a Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Grand Finale in recognition of his extraordinary service to humanity. His compassion, tireless dedication, and impact through the Sood Charity Foundation perfectly embody the spirit of ‘Beauty With A Purpose.’ Sonu Sood’s work continues to inspire people across the globe, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable contributions on our stage,” said Julia Morley as quoted by the press note shared by Altair Media.

Through the Sood Charity Foundation and its community-led initiative, the Sonu Sood Charity Club (SSCC), has spearheaded impactful efforts in education, skill development, healthcare access, and crisis relief, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From helping stranded migrant workers and students return home to distributing medical aid and promoting free education and employment training, Sonu Sood’s work has touched millions at the grassroots level. (ANI)

A full emergency was declared at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Tuesday after fumes were reported inside the cabin of an Aeroflot flight en route from Bangkok to Moscow, airport sources said.

According to Delhi airport sources, the flight crew reported fumes in the cabin and requested an emergency landing.

The flight crew alerted air traffic control around 3:50 pm, requesting an emergency landing after detecting fumes inside the aircraft.

The plane, carrying 425 passengers, landed safely at the airport without incident.

All protocols related to emergency landing were set in place. A safety inspection of the flight is underway.

Further details on the matter are awaited. (ANI)

At least 25 passengers were injured after a bus lost control and plunged into a drain following a collision with a tractor on the Balasore-Fuladi road near Nuniajodi Bridge in Balasore district on Tuesday, an official said.

According to Balasore Assistant Fire Officer Samir Kumar Bisal, the bus, which was travelling from Jaleswar to Balasore, was speeding when it was hit by a tractor coming from the opposite direction, causing the vehicle to lose balance and overturn into a roadside drain.

Emergency teams from the Fire Department, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and residents rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations.

“When we received information, our team reached here and saw that 5-6 people were trapped inside the bus. Our team brought them out,” Bisal told ANI.

He added that before their arrival, several injured passengers had already been transported to the district headquarters hospital in 4-5 ambulances.

“Nobody had very serious injuries. The bus driver and helper had come out of the vehicle. One or two people sustained slightly serious injuries and are under treatment,” Bisal said.

No casualties have been reported so far, officials confirmed. Rescue efforts continued as teams worked to lift the bus and check for any remaining passengers or belongings inside.

Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the accident, though preliminary accounts suggest speeding and collision impact led to the mishap.

The accident site witnessed large crowds as locals gathered to assist emergency services in the rescue operation. Traffic movement on the Balasore-Fuladi road was temporarily affected. (ANI)

In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) has stepped up its preparedness in Udhampur. The force is now on high alert, ready to tackle any emergency that might come its way.

The JKSDRF has long been the first line of response during crises–be it natural disasters like floods and earthquakes or emergencies caused by human actions. Known for its quick and efficient action, the team is often the first to arrive, helping rescue people, reduce risks, and bring stability to tense situations. With solid training and constant readiness, the JKSDRF plays a critical role in keeping the region safe and supporting communities during their most vulnerable moments.

In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, the Udhampur unit of the JKSDRF has heightened its operational readiness. The staff has intensified their drills, focusing on improving their fighting, rescue, and disaster response capabilities. This additional focus is aimed at ensuring the team is prepared to face any situation, be it a natural disaster or a security threat.

Speaking to ANI, Inspector Ankeshwar Nath of JKSDRF Udhampur stated, “Our personnel are trained to respond in high-pressure situations. Ever since the Pahalgam incident, we have tightened our procedures so there are no delays in response time.” He further emphasized that the force is now equipped with better gear and is conducting round-the-clock exercises to maintain peak readiness.

With its personnel on high alert, the JKSDRF remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring stability in Jammu and Kashmir, no matter the nature of the crisis.

As part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ initiative for nationwide civil defence preparedness, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a mock drill at Dal Lake, Srinagar, focusing on a boat capsize scenario on Tuesday.

Earlier today, several high-ranking officials, including DG Civil Defence and DG NDRF, arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs for the meeting called by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan regarding the conduct of mock drills for effective Civil Defence across the nation on May 7. (ANI)

Central banks world over are increasingly accumulating safe-haven gold in their foreign exchange reserves kitty, and India is no exception.

The share of gold maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its foreign exchange reserves has almost doubled since 2021.

According to a report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves by the Indian central bank, the gold share in forex kitty, in dollar terms, rose from 5.87 per cent in March 2021 to 11.70 per cent in March 2025. In September 2024, the gold’s share was at 9.32 per cent.

At the end of March 2025, the RBI held gold worth USD 77.793 billion in its forex kitty.

As of March 2025, the RBI held 879.59 metric tonnes of gold as against 695.31 metric tonnes in March 2021, the RBI data showed.

“As at end-March 2025, the Reserve Bank held 879.59 metric tonnes of gold, of which 511.99 metric tonnes were held domestically. While 348.62 metric tonnes of gold were kept in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 18.98 metric tonnes were held in the form of gold deposits,” the RBI’s Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves published on May 5 read.

Sachin Jain, Regional, CEO, India, World Gold Council, said that factors such as de-dollarisation, trade sanctions, and inflation concerns, and most importantly the volatile geopolitical situation across the world prompted central banks to go for safe haven gold.

“There are many factors that has influenced gold buying, including that by central banks across the world. These include de-dollarisation, trade sanctions, and inflation concerns, but most importantly the volatile geopolitical situation across the world.” Jain told ANI in a note.

Central banks have been net buyers of gold for the past fifteen years, but purchases have surged in the past three years, Jain added.

“…with over 1,000 tons bought each year since 2022 and 1,045 tons in 2024. Across the world, central banks are continuing to add to their gold reserves despite record-high gold prices, with 17 tonnes of net buying reported in March 2025,” said Jain of WGC.

As global fragmentation continues, central bank buying, according to Jain, will remain a strong pillar of demand and shape the market’s long-term dynamics.

The total gold holdings in its total foreign exchange reserves are highest — both in quantum and share, Jain added.

“Over the past year, gold’s share in the RBI’s forex reserves has risen nearly 4 per cent, reflecting a net addition of 57.5t to its holdings. Yet recent trends suggest a moderation in the central bank’s gold buying. After consistently purchasing an average of 6.6t per month from January to November 2024, the RBI took a breather in December and February. And in January and March its purchases were notably below the previous monthly average. This recent pattern in gold purchases may suggest a more measured approach from the RBI, although it underscores gold’s rising strategic importance in India’s reserves management,” Jain of WGC added.

Historically, gold, as an asset, is considered to be a haven as it typically manages to retain or appreciate its underlying value in times of turbulence. (ANI)

Fashion met nostalgia, romance, and haute couture as global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas graced the Met Gala 2025 carpet alongside husband and singer Nick Jonas, hand in hand, embodying glamour with a twist of dandy flair.

This marks the actress’s fifth appearance at the fashion industry’s biggest event, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Chopra turned heads in a tailored polka dot suit dress, a bespoke creation by Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, perfectly in sync with the gala’s theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

The look brought back echoes of classic Hollywood, channelling sharp silhouettes and structured elegance, elevated by a contemporary interpretation of gender-fluid tailoring.

The outfit was a stylish nod to the evening’s theme centered around Black sartorial identity and the historical exploration of the Black dandy.

Her stunning ensemble was perfectly accented with dazzling high jewellery from Bvlgari, the luxury Italian house for which Chopra serves as a global ambassador, joining the ranks of stars like Zendaya and Anne Hathaway.

Accompanying her was Nick Jonas, himself no stranger to the Met Gala carpet, walking side by side with his wife.

Nick Jonas stunned in a tailored suit, complementing that of Priyanka Chopra’s. In a heartfelt moment, Jonas was also captured helping his wife carry the gown’s long trail.

The couple first attended the Met Gala together in 2017.

The 2025 Met Gala holds a special place for Indian fashion and cinema enthusiasts, as several Indian stars made their debut appearances.

Among them were superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, and Diljit Dosanjh, while returning regulars like Isha Ambani and Natasha Poonawala joined Priyanka in representing India on fashion’s most iconic staircase.

The event, a fundraiser for the Costume Institute, also launches the museum’s spring 2025 exhibit titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” curated by Andrew Bolton and guest curator Monica L. Miller, whose book Slaves to Fashion inspired the theme.

The exhibition examines how Black identity has been expressed and shaped through fashion from the 18th century to the present day.

This year’s gala was co-chaired by Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton. (ANI)

American media personality Kim Kardashian rarely fails to wow fans with her Met Gala looks. This year, too, she made heads turn with her presence at the iconic fashion event.

On Monday (early Tuesday), she walked the blue carpet wearing a head-to-toe custom leather look by Chrome Hearts, which featured a backless crocodile-print corset top and low-dipping skirt.

Several clips and pictures from her Met Gala appearance went viral. However, one clip went viral for the wrong reasons.

In a video shared on TikTok by a bystander waiting outside of The Mark Hotel, the reality television star, 44, could be seen having an awkward moment with a security guard who accidentally tripped over the train of her dress. The clip shows the SKIMS founder looking back at the guard while holding out her hand to support him as he took a slight tumble, as per People.

Although Kardashian’s wide-brim hat covered a portion of her face, she seemed to keep a stoic expression as she brushed off the blip with a flip of her hair.

Later in the night, Kardashian walked the carpet seemingly without a hitch, putting all of her focus into flaunting her Chrome Hearts leather two-piece, which featured a backless crocodile-print corset top and low-dipping skirt (and yes, she got an assist with the train inside)

This year’s Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with the dress code being “Tailored for You.” Kardashian’s sisters, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, attended too, dressed in Ferragamo and Givenchy, respectively. (ANI)

The Indian rupee is expected to remain stable in the range of Rs 85-87 against the US dollar through 2025, according to a recent report released by the State Bank of India (SBI).

The report highlighted several global and domestic factors that are likely to support the rupee and maintain stability in the USD/INR currency pair over the coming months.

“We expect the USD/INR pair to stabilize in the range Rs 85-87 for 2025, The domestic impact of tariffs on dollar will be visible in 2025 which will support rupee” the report noted.

SBI further pointed out that the DXY index, which tracks the strength of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies, is expected to decline as the US domestic economy adjusts to the impact of tariffs. A softer dollar would support emerging market currencies like the Indian rupee.

The report also referred to the Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) market for USD/INR. The May 2026 USD/INR NDF is currently factoring in a rate of around Rs 85.87 to Rs 86 per dollar over a 12-month horizon, reflecting expectations of limited volatility in the currency pair going forward.

On the macroeconomic front, the report highlighted recent data from the United States. Annual inflation in the US eased to 2.4 per cent in March 2025. At the same time, the nonfarm payroll employment rose by 177,000 in April, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent.

However, the report cautioned that the full impact of tariffs on US inflation is yet to be reflected in the data. Successive inflation readings could come in higher, especially if short-term inflation expectations rise sharply.

Given the dual mandate of the US Federal Reserve — focusing on inflation and employment — the report suggests that the Fed may choose to hold interest rates steady in its next two policy cycles.

“A pause signal is unequivocal based on recent statements,” SBI added.

The interplay of these factors — a steady Fed, easing US inflation, and tariff effects — is likely to create a supportive environment for the Indian rupee in 2025, SBI concluded. (ANI)

The Civil Defence in Lucknow on Tuesday rehearsed mock drill exercises in the police lines area amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured many.

The police and local administration were also part of the rehearsal mock drills, which are scheduled to be carried out tomorrow as per the instructions of the Union Home Ministry.

A police officer said, “Nationwide mock drills will be held tomorrow. Civil Defence, Police and local administration are preparing for it today.”

Moreover, the administration also conducted an air raid siren test as a part of a rehearsal for a nationwide mock drill exercise.

“We are a disciplined team. We know what to do and what not to do. We will clearly show what is to be done when there is a bomb threat. We are making the public aware – how can one take shelter in the open, and if you are in the house, what corner should you choose to take shelter? We will also raise sirens in case of a blackout announcement. We should keep torches at our house for some ease,” Amarnath Mishra, Chief Warden of Civil Defence, told ANI.

Earlier in the day, the civil defence held a meeting with all its employees on the ways to protect citizens in case of an air attack in the city. Along with this, everyone was also given guidelines on protecting the public.

The civil defence individuals were also made aware of activities to be undertaken by citizens during a sudden attack – what precautions they should take to ensure minimum damage.

Information on how to manage the crowd during a disaster was also provided.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has instructed the districts in the state to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. The district officials have also been instructed to make adequate security arrangements.

“Instructions were received from the Government of India regarding the mock drill of civil defence. From there, 19 districts have been identified: one is in the A category, two are in the C category, and all the rest are in the B category. However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the place, instructions have been given by the government that this mock drill should be conducted in all the districts in collaboration with all our verticals – be it police, fire, civil administration or disaster department, so that we can deal with any emergency situation,” DGP Kumar told reporters.

The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. (ANI)