Morning Digest: India won’t bend to Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, says Modi; Drones observed along IB in Jammu’s Samba, Punjab’s Jalandhar, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

India won’t bend to Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail: Modi

Operation Sindoor is still on, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday in his first address to the nation after the operation got under way on May 7. He added that India “will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail” while acting against terror and its sponsor, Pakistan. India has established a “new normal” in dealing with terror incidents — of responding to them in a language that the terrorists understood, he said.

Drones observed along IB in Jammu’s Samba, Punjab’s Jalandhar; officials say situation calm now

Drone activity was observed for a few hours late on Monday (May 13, 2025) along the International Border in Jammu’s Samba district as well as Punjab’s Jalandhar district. Meanwhile, a senior district official in Punjab’s Jalandhar said the armed forces neutralised a suspected “surveillance drone”.

India engaged with China on germanium export restrictions, says embassy

India is engaging with the Chinese government to navigate export restrictions on germanium, a critical mineral that is used in manufacturing of semiconductors, fiber optic cables and solar panels. The export restrictions for the element — over half of its annual output comes from China — may have caused some friction in electronics manufacturing and other industries that require the element.

IPL to resume on May 17, final on June 3

Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals will replay each other on May 24 in Jaipur as the Indian Premier League (IPL) will stage the remaining 17 matches from May 17 to June 3. The IPL was suspended last week due to the mounting tension on the border of India and Pakistan.

India, Pakistan to cut troops on borders

While consenting to continue the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action, India and Pakistan on Monday (May 12, 2025) agreed that both sides “consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction” from the borders and forward areas, the Army said.

Trump claims U.S. averted India-Pakistan ‘nuclear conflict’

“The U.S. didn’t just ‘broker’ the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, it averted a ‘nuclear conflict’,” said U.S. President Donald Trump in his latest claims, adding that he had threatened to stop trade with both countries unless they agreed to end hostilities. The comments, the first statement the U.S. President has made in person at the White House on developments, were rebutted by Government sources.

Delhi HC closes case after Nishikant Dubey says he removed post against Mahua Moitra

The Delhi High Court closed a case after being informed that BJP MP Nishikant Dubey removed his alleged defamatory social media post against Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora disposed of Ms. Moitra’s interim plea after Mr. Dubey’s counsel said the contentious Facebook post was deleted.

Taiwan holds first live-fire of U.S. high-tech rocket systems

Taiwan conducted Monday (May 12, 2025) its first live-firing of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased from the United States, as the self-ruled island upgrades its capabilities to repel a potential Chinese attack. China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.

Hamas says it released Israeli-American hostage in goodwill gesture toward Trump administration

An Israeli-American soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip was released Monday (May 12, 2025), Hamas said, in a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that Edan Alexander had been turned over to the Red Cross and was being brought to Israeli forces. Israeli authorities did not provide details.

Modi’s address silent on Trump’s claim of U.S. averting nuclear conflict by threatening to stop trade: Congress

The Congress on Monday (May 12, 2025) claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “much delayed” address to the nation on Operation Sindoor was silent on U.S. President Donald Trump’s “revelations” that the U.S. averted a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan by threatening to stop trade with the two countries if their hostilities didn’t end soon.

Published - May 13, 2025 06:47 am IST