QUICKREADS

Area sealed, tests on for presence of chemicals after Ludhiana gas leak: NDRF
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has rescued people trapped by poisonous gas after a gas leak killed 11 people in Punjab, India. Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) sets, the NDRF teams searched houses and shops in Ludhiana?s Giaspura area. The SCBA sets seal the suit to prevent gas from penetrating from outside. Teams also tested the level of radiation and presence of chemicals in the air. The gas was suspected to be hydrogen sulfide, and it was believed to have escaped from multiple manholes of a sewage unit passing through the area.

NOTAMs: 32 airports to remain shut till May 15 across north, west India
32 airports across north and west India will be temporarily closed until May 15, affecting civil flight operations. AAI issued NOTAMs, advising airlines to plan alternate routes. Delhi airport remains operational but warns of potential security-related schedule disruptions.

India steps up maritime security after review
India elevates maritime security to MARSEC-2 level amid rising tensions with Pakistan, reviewing port safety. Minister Sonowal met maritime officials, ordering enhanced protective measures for ports, vessels, and infrastructure to ensure national maritime security.

Several accounts withheld as govt cracks down on online info
The Indian government blocked over 8,000 X accounts, including media outlets and journalists, during military tensions with Pakistan. The crackdown aims to control online information, sparking criticism about censorship and media freedom during the conflict.

Equipped to thwart cyber attacks: Banks, insurance firms to Sitharaman
Finance Minister Sitharaman met bank and insurance executives, ensuring cybersecurity readiness against potential attacks. They confirmed robust systems, conducted mock drills, and committed to uninterrupted services, especially in border areas, while maintaining high alert.

Control room set up for medical emergencies
A 24/7 control room has been established by the health ministry to coordinate medical emergency responses during the India-Pakistan conflict. Officials are preparing hospitals, mobilizing medical staff, and ensuring readiness across states, particularly in border regions.

Rajouri additional deputy commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa, injured in Pakistani shelling, dies; CM Omar Abdullah reacts
Rajouri's additional deputy commissioner Raj Kumar Thappa died after his residence was hit during Pakistani shelling. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mourned the loss, describing Thappa as a dedicated officer who attended an online meeting just hours before the fatal incident.

Delhi HC closes Hamdard’s lawsuit against Ramdev
Delhi High Court closed Hamdard's trademark lawsuit against Ramdev after he removed controversial "sharbat jihad" videos and pledged not to make disparaging remarks about Rooh Afza in future social media posts or advertisements.
32 Indian airports shut for civilian flights amid tensions with Pakistan | Full list
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the closure of 32 airports in northern and western India for civilian flights until May 15 due to heightened tensions with Pakistan. This decision follows recent military operations in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The closures affect airports near the Pakistan border and key defense bases.

India attacks 3 Pakistani airbases after 26 Indian locations targeted: What we know so far
India and Pakistan escalate military tensions with drone and missile attacks, targeting multiple locations across borders. Three civilians were injured in Punjab during strikes, with both nations claiming retaliation and targeting air bases and strategic points.

Not our duty to tell media what to delete, says Supreme Court
Supreme Court rejects Delhi High Court's order to remove Wikipedia page, emphasizing media freedom and open justice. The court stated it's not the judiciary's duty to dictate media content deletion, protecting press freedom and public discourse.

India steps up efforts to include Lashkar-e-Taiba front TRF in UNSC terror list
India is pushing the UN Security Council to list The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba front, as a terrorist organization following the Pahalgam attack. The efforts aim to increase pressure on Pakistan by highlighting the group's terrorist connections.

Closure of 24 airports extended till May 15 amid border conflict
Government extends closure of 24 airports near Pakistan border until May 15 due to heightened tensions. Airlines cancel flights to affected regions, implement stricter security measures, and offer ticket flexibility for passengers during this period.

India opposes IMF $2.3 billion bailout package to Pakistan, abstains from voting
India abstained from IMF's $2.3 billion bailout package to Pakistan, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds for terrorism and questioning the effectiveness of previous IMF programs due to Pakistan's poor implementation record.

Horses with luggage sent to Kedarnath on trial basis, ban continues due to virus outbreak
Two healthy horses were tested on a trial basis for transporting luggage to Kedarnath, despite a ban on horse and mule use due to a recent infection outbreak that killed 14 animals. Officials hope positive results will lift the ban. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of supplies for pilgrims, and traders urge devotees to continue their journey.

‘Crowd mismanagement’: Report on Goa temple stampede that killed 6 submitted
A fact-finding report blamed crowd mismanagement, devotee rush, and a scuffle for the Goa temple stampede that killed six and injured 70. The committee recommended improved crowd monitoring, coordination, and evacuation routes.