Indian government extends closure of 28 Airports until May 15 amid tensions
New Delhi: After Pakistan attempted to attack multiple cities in Northern India using drones, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday extended the closure of 28 airports across the country until 15 May morning from 10 May.
A senior government official confirmed that after a meeting with other stakeholders, the decision has been taken and airlines and airport authorities have been informed about it.
In their statement, Indigo Airlines mentioned that in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from the following destinations will remain cancelled until 5.29 am on May 15 due to temporary airport closures.
Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh airports will be closed until May 15.
These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority. We remain fully committed to providing unwavering support while navigating this situation together, reads the statement.
Air India also issued a travel advisory for the passengers.
In a social media post on X, they wrote, "Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations - Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot - are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, pending further updates. Customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations."
https://x.com/airindia/status/1920837933793169497
Meanwhile, in a major escalation along India's western front, the Pakistani army carried out multiple airspace violations and drone intrusions on the night of May 7 and 8, targeting Indian military infrastructure.
Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods. Initial investigations suggest the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said during the press briefing, "On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border to target military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations."
She added, "The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones..."
Escalating its tensions with India, Pakistan targeted Jammu using Hamas-style missiles to target multiple areas on Thursday, defence sources had told ANI.
The sources said the attack resembled a Hamas-style operation in Israel, where multiple cheap rockets were used to target cities.
Pakistan's attempted retaliation came in the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, where the Indian armed forces targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday.
The operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Army had shot down more than 50 Pakistani drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation along the LoC and International Borders (IB), sources told ANI.
The Indian Armed Forces also successfully neutralised Pakistan military's attempts at a large-scale drone and missile attack on multiple Indian military installations across Northern and Western India during the night of May 7-8, and an Air Defence system at Lahore was neutralised.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Long-awaited Chenab rail bridge connects Kashmir with rest of Bharat
New Delhi: Kashmir valley got connected with the rest of India with the inauguration of the much-awaited and world's highest railway arch bridge over the river Chenab by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours. During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, which will serve the nation in challenging terrain. This was Prime Minister's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat trains--Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back--and laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore to the nation from Katra. The Prime Minister also dedicated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km-long USBRL project, which includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, was constructed with an estimated Rs 43,780 crore. PM Modi said today that railway connectivity has become a reality, underlining that generations in Jammu and Kashmir had long dreamt of it. Referring to a recent statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Prime Minister noted that Abdullah had been anticipating the completion of this project even as a student in seventh or eighth grade. PM Modi emphasised that the fulfilment of this long-awaited aspiration marks a historic moment for millions of people in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and progress. PM Modi emphasised the challenges encountered, like the difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions, and falling rocks in the mountains, making the project immensely tough and demanding. However, he remarked that their government has consistently chosen to face challenges head-on and overcome them with determination. The Prime Minister noted that numerous all-weather infrastructure projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir exemplify this commitment. He cited the recently opened Sonmarg Tunnel and his experience travelling over the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge as remarkable milestones. PM Modi lauded the engineering brilliance and unwavering dedication of India's engineers and workers, stating that the Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, stands as a testament to India's ambition. He observed that while people travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Chenab Bridge surpasses it in height, making it not only a crucial infrastructure achievement but also an emerging tourist attraction. He asserted that these structures are not just steel and concrete, but living symbols of India's strength, standing tall in the rugged Pir Panjal mountains. Emphasising that both Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge will serve as catalysts for prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, "These landmark projects will not only boost tourism but also benefit various sectors of the economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries." He highlighted that enhanced rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir will open new doors for local entrepreneurs, driving economic growth. PM Modi noted that Kashmir's apples will now reach major markets across India at lower costs, making trade more efficient. Furthermore, dry fruits and Kashmir's renowned Pashmina shawls, along with other traditional handicrafts, will now be easily transported to every corner of the country, strengthening the region's artisanal industry. The Prime Minister stated that this improved connectivity will also make travel more convenient for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing smoother movement across different parts of India. During his speech, PM Modi shared a touching comment from a student in Sangaldan. The student stated that until now, only those who had travelled outside their village had seen a train in real life. Most villagers had only watched trains in videos, unable to believe that soon, a real train would pass right before their eyes. The Prime Minister also mentioned that many residents are already memorising train schedules, excited about the new connectivity. He highlighted a thoughtful remark from a young girl who stated, now, the weather will no longer decide whether the roads remain open or closed. "Jammu and Kashmir has long been a pillar of India's education and cultural heritage", affirmed the Prime Minister. He added that as India establishes itself as a global knowledge hub, the growing participation of Jammu and Kashmir in this transformation. PM Modi pointed out the presence of premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and NIT, alongside Central Universities in Jammu and Srinagar, strengthening academic excellence in the region. He also noted the expansion of the research ecosystem, further enhancing innovation and learning opportunities.
Times of Oman
13 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Trade war with the US starts taking its toll on China
New Delhi: The trade war with the U.S. has started taking its toll on China. Exports to the lucrative American market have shrunk. At Chinese export hubs in south-eastern China, factories are lying closed and workers have been laid off. Stocks of finished products are accumulating in warehouses. China signed an agreement with the U.S. on May 12 for a temporary reduction in tariff but this did not have the desired effect. Factory activities in China continued to contract in May, with the Purchasing Managers Index at the end of May being 49.5. A PMI value less than 50 indicates contraction in business activities compared to the previous month. Because of a contraction in export, business houses in major export hubs in places like Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangsu are announcing factory holidays; suspending production and reducing work hours and wages of employees. To clear the stockpile of goods at a discount, they are trying the social commerce platforms. Products ranging from yoga pants and footwear to home appliances and blankets which used to sell in the U.S. at fancy prices are now being sold online by Chinese exporting houses at bargain prices. A survey carried out by Radio Free Asia last April at a warehouse at Jiaxing in the Zhejiang province, where export items constitute the main business activity, has revealed heaps of merchandise originally meant to be exported now lying abandoned. Products selling at $100 in the U.S. do not sell in China even at a deeply discounted price of only a few dollars. Rubber clogs of U.S. footwear brand Crocs manufactured in China can sell in the American market for as high as $70 a pair but in the Chinese markets it is difficult to sell them even for a few pennies. The comparative advantage of China lies in its large manufacturing base and thoroughly integrated supply chains; particularly in hi-tech and green industries such as electrical vehicles and their batteries and solar energy. These sectors are heavily dependent on open markets and steady demands. Now the prohibitive tariff imposed by the Donald Trump government in the U.S. coming in the wake of earlier tariff restrictions imposed by the U.S., Europe and Canada on the import of Chinese electrical vehicles has caused demand to drop significantly for Chinese goods. Experts argue that China remains highly reliant on the U.S. as its top export market, to which it had exported goods worth nearly $450 billion in 2024. The crisis in the export market has hit even items that are produced only for the domestic market in China because of the overall economic downswing. The crippling tariff rate imposed by the U.S. has stood in the way of the recovery of the already sagging consumer sentiments in China since the pandemic. Like, the Chinese knife brand Zhang Xiaoquan is sold mostly in the domestic market; with exports accounting for less than one percent of the annual sales. But even that knife is selling at a few cents per knife. One factory is pushing its employees to sell overstocked blankets online. A factory manager had lately managed to sell 60 blankets to his own relatives and friends. Workers in the factory at Suzhou city in Jiangsu were told that their working hours would be reduced and they would be paid only their basic wages. An angry Beijing has threatened countermeasures against countries which are signing trade deals with the U.S. at the expense of China to get tariff exemptions from Washington. This threat has followed recent reports that President Donald Trump is seeking to use the tariff talks to push partners of the U.S. in trade to curb imports from China. In return, these countries could secure reductions in additional tariffs imposed by the U.S. The Trump administration has said it is in negotiations with more than 50 countries; among them Israel, Japan, the U.K., Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, India, Australia, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Malaysia, Indonesia and the European Union countries. Beijing has threatened to target all these countries in turn. Following the May 12 agreement with China, Washington had lowered its 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods to 30 percent for 90 days to allow for more negotiations. Donald Trump had all along been accusing China of exploiting the U.S. in external trade, and arguing that his tariffs were necessary to revive domestic manufacturing in the U.S. and return jobs to American workers. China, too, had reduced its taxes on imports from the U.S. to 10 percent from the earlier 125 percent. But this agreement is now in the process of coming unstuck. On May 30, the U.S. President accused China of violating a bilateral deal to roll back tariffs and announced a general increase in the tariff on the import of steel and aluminium to 50 percent. Although China does not export much steel to the United States since the imposition of a 25 percent tariff in 2018 to shut out Chinese steel, it ranks third among aluminium suppliers to the U.S. Washington has indicated that Beijing has been slow on its promise to issue export licences for rare earth minerals. Last December, China announced a ban on exports to the U.S. of critical minerals, including gallium, germanium and antimony. Beijing announced more export controls on rare earth minerals last April after Donald Trump had announced the U.S. tariffs. The May 12 agreement in Geneva called for China to lift measures to restrict its export of critical metals needed for U.S. semiconductor, electronics and defence production. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said in a recent interview that talks with China had stalled. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said China has not removed non-tariff barriers as agreed. 'We haven't seen the flow of some of those critical minerals as they were supposed to be doing.' The trade war with the U.S. has thus started taking its toll on China and there is little possibility that pressure on the Chinese economy will end soon.
Times of Oman
16 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India, Denmark join hands to set up Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping
Copenhagen: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met Denmark's Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov in a bilateral meeting here on Friday. The meeting resulted in the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping, to be established in India. Both leaders reaffirmed the Green Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on bilateral maritime collaboration. An MoU was signed between the two countries. It is intended to improve the quality and efficiency of maritime activities while promoting the green transition of the maritime sector in India. The ministers underscored this as a new milestone in India-Denmark maritime collaboration with the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping, as outlined in the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime affairs signed in 2024. Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is now the 4th largest economy and undertaking several transformative initiatives under our Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These include efforts in port infrastructure, green shipping, shipbuilding, and digitalisation." "We seek Denmark's participation and investments in these transformative initiatives, where your expertise and leadership in sustainable maritime practices can make a significant impact. We are keen to develop both domestic and international green shipping corridors with Denmark. Identifying suitable routes, developing supportive policy, and building infrastructure will be key," Sonowal added. The two ministers reaffirmed the Green Strategic Partnership, as mutually agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Denmark counterpart, Mette Frederiksen. The Ministers highlighted the importance of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on maritime affairs signed in 2024, which encompasses establishing the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Green Shipping. The ministers highlighted alignment with targets set out in the Government of India's Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, including India's ambitions to become a green shipping hub for the international maritime sector. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, and the Maritime Museum of Denmark, Elsinore, to increase collaboration in the preservation and valorisation of cultural heritage related to maritime heritage. The LOI established a framework for cooperation to study, exchange, or showcase common maritime heritage, share technical know-how, and conduct joint research on common maritime heritage. Adding further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "We appreciate Denmark's engagement through the Joint Working Group on Shipping and the India-Nordic Summit. The Joint Action Plan on Green Strategic Partnership provides a strong framework to drive all this forward. Our maritime cooperation is built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for a sustainable and future-ready maritime sector. Our joint efforts will also contribute meaningfully to global maritime sustainability and innovation." Both sides discussed possible ways and means to deepen bilateral maritime relations spanning green shipping, decarbonisation, maritime training and education, green fuel and technology collaboration, and ship recycling. India has proposed that the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) and the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) begin joint work on certifications and launch collaborative research focused on energy efficiency technologies. It also proposed that the Indian Ports Association (IPA) coordinate with the Port of Aarhus to develop smart port solutions. These innovative models can later be adapted and scaled across ports in India to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. "Digital transformation is a shared goal between us. Denmark's use of technologies like blockchain for ship registries and automation in port operations is closely aligned with our Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047," added Sarbananda Sonowal during the meeting. The CoE is intended to improve the quality and efficiency of maritime activities while promoting the green transition of the maritime sector in India. Both parties identified the Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) and the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) as key institutions to formulate a specific project plan for the development of a Green Corridor. Indo-Danish CoE will contribute to the development of green corridors through a pre-feasibility study. The study will serve as a preliminary assessment of the main components of possible green corridors in India and outline the most promising ones.
