Morning news wrap: India used satellite intel during Operation Sindoor; Kohli denies farewell match request

India employed satellite intelligence from Isro and Maxar for precision planning during Operation Sindoor , showcasing its advanced military capabilities. After Pakistan breached a ceasefire with drone incursions, the Army was given full authority for kinetic counteraction , with officials vowing a fierce response. Over three days of hostilities, India’s multi-layered air defence system successfully repelled threats from Turkish drones, Chinese missiles, and possibly Pakistani aircraft. In a related precaution, Air India suspended flights to and from eight cities on May 13 citing safety concerns. Separately, Virat Kohli ended his illustrious 14-year Test career, having scored 9,230 runs and 30 centuries, while choosing to forgo a farewell match.
Operation Sindoor: Armed forces used Isro, Maxar imagery for precision planning

Multiple sources have confirmed to TOI that the Indian armed forces utilized a wide range of space-based assets, including both domestic and international commercial sources, for Operation Sindoor. In addition to the 9–11 military satellites directly accessible to the armed forces, Isro facilitated access to "repeatable" data from a global commercial provider. A senior official said that while imagery from Indian satellites such as those in the Cartosat series was used for planning, satellite images were also procured from Maxar. Read full story

India authorizes kinetic counteraction after Pakistan violates truce hours later

The Indian defence establishment was incensed after Pakistan breached the agreement to halt all cross-border military activity from 5pm on Saturday by launching another wave of drones across the western front later that night. On Sunday, Lt general Ghai declared that India would deliver a "fierce and punitive response" to any such violations, with Army chief general Upendra Dwivedi granting commanders "full authority" to carry out kinetic counteraction against further provocations. Read full story

Virat Kohli calls time on stellar 14-year test career, rejects farewell series

Throughout a tumultuous 14-year Test career, marked by numerous highs and lows, Virat Kohli remained steadfast in his approach. This resilience extended to his decision to retire, as he resisted calls to play one final series in England, choosing to forgo the temptation of a farewell Test. Two weeks after first sharing his intention to retire with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Kohli officially ended his remarkable career, having played 123 Tests, scored 9,230 runs and 30 tons. Read full story

Air India cancels May 13 flights at 8 locations over safety concerns

Air India on Tuesday announced the suspension of round-trip flight operations to and from eight cities, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, for the day. "In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May," the airline said in a statement posted on X. Read full story

'The sky remains ours': Air defence thwarts multi-national threats

During three days of intense conflict, India's integrated multi-layered air defence network successfully thwarted a range of threats, including Turkish drones, Chinese missiles, and potentially even Pakistani aircraft, according to top military officials on Monday. "The sky remains ours," was the key message conveyed during the briefing, which was addressed by Lt general Rajiv Ghai and vice admiral A N Pramod, alongside their Army and Navy counterparts. Read full story