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What really happened at Kirana Hills? As the US dodges questions about a potential nuclear leak, the quiet evacuation of nearby villages raises alarm in Pakistan

Aditi
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What really happened at Kirana Hills? As the US dodges questions about a potential nuclear leak, the quiet evacuation of nearby villages raises alarm in Pakistan

Social media has recently been abuzz with speculations about a possible nuclear leak in Pakistan’s nuclear facility, said to be located in Kirana Hills in the Sargodha district of Pakistan. Some videos purportedly showing empty houses in the villages around the Kirana Hills are going viral on the internet. People on social media are claiming that the Pakistan Army is evacuating the villages surrounding the Kirana Hills after a nuclear facility in the area was hit during military escalations between India and Pakistan.

In one of the videos, a man is showing missile explosions, claiming that two missiles hit the Kirana Hills amid the India-Pakistan military hostilities.

In another video, a man, without mentioning the name of the village, is showing empty village houses, claiming that all the people living in the houses in the vicinity of Kirana Hills have been driven out by the Pakistan Army.

There were also reports about a US Beechcraft B350 Aerial Measuring System (AMS) aircraft, part of a US Department of Energy fleet designed for detecting radioactive contamination in emergency scenarios, being spotted in Pakistan’s airspace, which further added to the speculations. There has been no word from Pakistan on the presence of these aircraft in its airspace. But, some flight tracking websites like Flightradar24 indicated some activity from an aircraft identified as N111SZ, a B350 AMS variant in Pakistan’s airspace. Some open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts reportedly claimed that the aircraft was handed over to the Pakistan Army Aviation in 2010. Even if that is taken to be true, the aircraft’s original design being nuclear-focused still points to the possibility of a nuclear leak. Some unverified reports also claimed that an Egyptian aircraft carrying Boron, a substance used to suppress radioactive emissions, was seen arriving in and departing from Murree in Pakistan, sparking speculations about a nuclear leak.

Both India and Pakistan have rejected the claims about the latter’s nuclear establishment being hit during India’s missile attacks. India’s Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, said during a press briefing that India did not hit the Kirana Hills. “Thank you for telling us that Pakistan has stored its nuclear weapons at Kirana Hills, whatever is there. We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there,” said Air Marshal Bharti, responding to a question. Pakistan’s DG ISPR, Sharif Ahmed Chaudhary, also dismissed the claims of Pakistan’s nuclear establishment being targeted by India. However, the speculations have raised the alarm about a potential nuclear fallout in the region.

US dodges questions about a nuclear leak in Kirana Hills

The speculations about a possible nuclear leak in the Kirana Hills were reinforced after the US Department of State Principal Deputy spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, evaded a question relating to the nuclear leak during a press briefing. When asked whether a US team was reviewing leaks of nuclear radiation in Pakistan, Pigott replied, “I have nothing to preview on that at this time.”

Operation Sindoor and India’s precision strikes at Pakistan’s airbases

After the ghastly April 22 Pagalgam terror attack in which Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorists brutally gunned down 26 Hindu tourists after verifying their religion, India, in retaliation, conducted precision attacks on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, which was codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’. However, after Pakistan, rattled by India’s military action against terrorists, launched drone attacks on India’s western front, the latter responded by carrying out precision strikes at several locations inside Pakistan, including 11 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases located at Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha, which is perilously close to the Kirana Hills where Pakistan’s nuclear strategic command is suspected to be located. India’s drone and missile attacks inflicted massive damage on Pakistan’s defence infrastructure.

Kirana Hills and Pakistan’s nuclear facility

Kirana Hills or the Black Mountains is an 80 km long hill range located in the Sargodha district of Pakistan. It is about 170 km away from the Indian border. The site has been the centre of several research projects during the British rule. Pakistan’s defence ministry took control of Kirana Hills around 1970. It is now a part of the Mushaf airbase, which houses Pakistan’s aircraft, including F-16 and JF-17. It is suspected that the site houses Pakistan’s nuclear facility. Pakistan is also said to have excavated the Kirana Hills in search of Uranium.

Reports suggest that Pakistan began using Kirana Hills for its nuclear mission around 1978-79. The site was reportedly also used for experiments before carrying out a nuclear explosion. A 2023 report by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists claims that the Kirana Hills is a subcritical nuclear test site used by Pakistan for developing its nuclear programme between 1983 and 1990. The site reportedly houses munitions storage areas, TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) garages, and at least 10 underground storage facilities.

Adani Vidya Mandir Ahmedabad ranked among top schools in the country by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training

ANI
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Adani Vidya Mandir Ahmedabad ranked among top schools in the country by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training

Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad, has been ranked among top schools in the country, according to NABET score 2025 and the feat coincides with 100% pass rate in CBSE Grade XII, with all 95 candidates securing first division.

It’s a double bonanza for Adani Vidya Mandir Ahmedabad (AVMA), which has been transforming lives of academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged students since 2008.

Coinciding with the announcement of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) Grade XII results on May 13, AVMA has scored a commendable 232 out of 250, joining the league of top-tier schools in the country and topping the list among institutions for the underprivileged category, a release said.

This is as per the latest rating by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) under Quality Council of India (QCI).

Earlier in 2020, AVMA became the first cost-free school in the country to get accredited by NABET under QCI.

The latest accomplishment is in line with Adani Foundation’s mission to provide inclusive, high-quality education while fostering holistic development, the release said.

The CBSE Grade XII results are the icing on the NABET cake. AVMA recorded a stellar 100% pass rate, with all 95 candidates securing first division. Alvina Roy and Jay Bavaskar scored 97.6% each in Humanities and Science stream, respectively.

In February, AVMA was adjudged the ‘National Winner’ in the category of ‘School for Underprivileged/Right to Education (RTE) Implementation’ and received the ‘Samagra Shiksha Award’ from Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanata Majumdar.

AVMA integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, into its curriculum, ensuring a global perspective in its pedagogical approach.

The school also collaborates with esteemed organisations such as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Gujarat Science Centre and National Institute of Education (NIE) Singapore, focusing on developing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curricula tailored specifically to the Indian context over the past three years.

Among AVMA’s noteworthy recognitions are the International Green School Award by Green Mentors, presented at Cornell University, New York, USA; and its certification as a ‘Kindness School’ by Random Acts of Kindness. These accolades epitomise the school’s dedication to environmental stewardship and fostering kindness as integral aspects of education.

Adani Vidya Mandir schools serve over 3,000 students through four campuses: Ahmedabad and Bhadreshwar in Gujarat, Surguja in Chhattisgarh and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Chinese official media calls Pakistan’s fake claim of destroying India’s S-400 system in Adampur a ‘tech breakthrough’, day after PM Modi posed with the intact system at the base

OpIndia Staff
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Chinese official media calls Pakistan’s fake claim of destroying India’s S-400 system in Adampur a ‘tech breakthrough’, day after PM Modi posed with the intact system at the base

Even after comprehensive proofs that Pakistan didn’t hit any air defence system in India, Pakistan and its defence supplier China continue to peddle the lie that an S-400 missile defence system was destroyed by Pakistan. On 14th May, Pakistan claimed that they used a Chinese hypersonic missile to destroy an Indian S-400 air defence system last week.

South China Morning Post quoted Chinese official news agency Xinhua saying that Pakistan’s air strike had destroyed India’s Russian-built air defence system in Punjab’s Adampur. Xinhua reportedly called it “the dawn of a new era in warfare”. As per the report, Pakistan executed the strike using hypersonic missiles launched from the Chinese fighter jet JF-17.

“Precision-guided munitions were used to neutralise the advanced air defence asset,” the Chinese state media quoted a Pakistani statement. Pakistan also released videos of two CM-400AKG missiles used for the mission. The missiles are made by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, or CASIC. However, expectedly, there is no mention of any visual evidence of the so-called strike at Adampur air force base.

China Space News, another Chinese state-controlled media house co-sponsored by CASIC and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, boasted about the capabilities of the missile, highlighting its so-called breakthrough in their guidance technology. As per the report, precision guidance was the key to “stand-off strikes” – attacks launched from beyond the reach of enemy defences such as the one that destroyed India’s air defence system.

“This breakthrough in precision guidance technology lays the foundation for beyond-visual-range strikes,” the report by China Space News said. It also highlighted the use of “man-in-the-loop” technology, where operators can adjust targets in real time as the missile nears impact – useful for hitting moving or suddenly detected targets.

Despite the boasting by Pakistan and China, the fact remains that no Chinese missile fired by Pakistan hit Adampur Air Base in Punjab. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the base on Tuesday, and no damage was seen in the visuals from the event.

Most importantly, the S-400 missile defence system was strategically placed to be seen in the background, and clear evidence that it was not hit by any missile. While Indian Air Force has said that there was limited damage to equipment and personnel at Indian Air Force stations at Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj, it has denied the Pakistani claim of hitting the S-400 system.

Addressing a special press briefing on 10th May, Col Sofiya Qureshi had said that Pakistan’s claim of destroying S-400 air defence systems at Adampur, Suratgarh, and Sirsa Air Force Stations are false and baseless. She had added that “India strongly denies these false narratives”

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

After pro-Pakistan ‘Aman ki Asha’, liberals are simping over Turkey since Indians are giving boycott calls against Turkey and Azerbaijan

Shraddha Pandey
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After pro-Pakistan ‘Aman ki Asha’, liberals are simping over Turkey since Indians are giving boycott calls against Turkey and Azerbaijan

The ‘0.5 front’ late General Bipin Rawat talked about once has been working overtime to undermine India’s national interests amidst tensions with Pakistan. Despite the fact that the Indian Armed Forces have confirmed that Pakistan used Turkish drones to attack Indian cities, religious sites and military infrastructure, the Islamo-leftist cabal is supporting Turkey. This newfound love of Indian liberals for Turkey comes after a large number of Indians started giving boycott calls against Turkey and Azerbaijan.

In this vein, Aakar Ahmed Patel, the former head of Amnesty India, took to X to support Turkey and wrote: “think will visit Turkey”.

Patel dropped another post mocking the boycott calls against Turkey and Azerbaijan and wrote, “no turkey azerbaingan in our jaisa cup.”

Meanwhile, Saba Naqvi expressed her anguish over the “Boycott Turkey” by bringing up China, which has been an all-weather ally of Pakistan. “To all those wanting to boycott Turkey, a reminder about China also that has a greater role and influence in Pakistan. Remember to please boycott all the Chinese goods and make sure you check and only buy Not made in China. just saying,” Naqvi posted.

One pro-Congress troll, seemingly triggered with boycott calls against Turkey, asked ‘Bhakts’ if they would “boycott China and those who do business with China?”

Another X user asked why ‘Bhakts’ are not boycotting China even though it has supplied fighter jets, drones, intelligence and satellite data about Indian fighter jets to Pakistan.

‘Boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan’ a ‘Bhakts-led’ campaign or outcome of a raging national sentiment: Breaking the delusion of Indian liberals

The Indian liberals are presenting the entire ‘Boycott Turkey’ and ‘Boycott Azerbaijan’ campaigns as a right-wing/bhakt initiative against the allies of Pakistan and not as what it actually is, a sensible reaction of Indians as a people. This, however, is far from reality as the boycott calls are not confined to right-wing social media outrage; rather, the decision to boycott Turkish goods, tourism, as well as to stop choosing Azerbaijan as a tourist destination, is supported by Indians from all walks of life. From Indians planning to visit Turkey or Azerbaijan, traders selling Turkish goods, to social media calls to boycott Turkish brands, this boycott campaign is a response by Indians who believe Turkey has been acting against India’s interests despite India’s help. Influencers, travel bloggers, politicians, and even former diplomats have urged Indians to cancel travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Beyond tourism, Turkish TV shows, coffee, textiles, and consumer goods are being boycotted. Indian streaming subscribers have begun uninstalling apps that promote Turkish content. Moreover, Turkish Airlines, which capitalised on India’s outbound tourism, is facing social media heat with thousands calling for a mass boycott. Recently, travel accommodation brand Go Homestays ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines in view of Turkey’s support for terror-factory Pakistan.

The traders’ body, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their open support for Pakistan amidst current hostilities.

CAIT has long been running a nationwide campaign to boycott Chinese products, which has had a considerable impact, and it now intends to extend this movement to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Travel agencies report a noticeable spike in cancellations, and platforms like IXIGO and EaseMyTrip have already announced they would not allow their services to be used to book flights and vacations to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Indian influencers who once romanticised Turkish locales are now posting videos urging followers to travel to friendlier nations like Greece instead.

WanderOn, a D2C (direct-to-consumer) travel-technology firm, and Cox & Kings, among others, have also decided to halt travel offerings to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Similarly, traders at Pune’s APMC fruit market have halted purchases of Turkish apples, typically part of a ₹1,000–1,200 crore seasonal trade. Merchants say this is more than economics; it’s a stand with the armed forces. Demand for Turkish apples has dropped nearly 50%, as consumers actively reject products from countries siding against India. Traders are now sourcing apples from Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Iran, reinforcing the movement as both a patriotic and economic stand.

However, the way Indian liberals are labelling everyone boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, basically any country taking an anti-India stand, as ‘Bhakts’, it seems like loving India and prioritising national interests automatically makes one a ‘Bhakt’. Liberals are hiding their dismay over the ‘Boycott Turkey’ campaign by hiding behind the ‘why not China’ argument. Well, Indian ‘right wing’ has long been pushing for boycotting Chinese goods and supporting local manufacturers. It is only when initiatives like Make In India will be successful on a large scale that India will be able to curb dependence on foreign countries like China.

Why do Indians want to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan?

A wave of patriotic fervour is sweeping across Indian social media as citizens unite under the banners of #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan after Turkish-made drones were used by Pakistan in retaliation for Operation Sindoor—India’s precision military operation targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control.

What began as a covert strike to dismantle cross-border terror hubs quickly escalated when Pakistan, reeling from the success of Operation Sindoor, launched a retaliatory drone offensive using Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones. This aggressive response—targeting civil centres as well as key Indian military installations—enraged the Indian public, who now see Turkey and Azerbaijan not just as silent enablers, but as active collaborators in Pakistan’s anti-India machinery.

Erdogan, who fancies himself as the ‘caliph’ of the Muslim Ummah, has previously toed Pakistan’s narrative on the Kashmir issue on global forums like the UN, all while killing Kurds and jailing journalists. While Turkey’s religious-ideological support to Pakistan has widely been known, the ideological hostility has now crossed into the realm of military aggression, with Turkey supplying Pakistan with lethal aerial assets used against Indian targets.

Not just supplying arms, reports have indicated that Turkish advisers were working with Pakistani military to help them use these drones against India. Two Turkish drone operators have died in the retaliatory strikes by India, revealing Turkey’s on ground support to the war against India.

Additionally, a Turkish Ada-class anti-submarine corvette docked at Karachi port on May 2, 2025, and a Turkish C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft landed at Karachi airport on April 27, 2025, possibly carrying arms while the conflict was brewing and Pakistan was anticipating retaliation by India for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. 

How Turkey benefits from Indian tourists

Notably, Turkey received around 62.2 million foreign tourists, with approximately 300,000 tourists arriving from India alone. This marked a 20.7 per cent increase in Indian tourists compared to 2023. Turkey’s total tourism revenue stood at USD 61.1 billion, with each Indian tourist spending an average of USD 972, amounting to a total estimated Indian expenditure of USD 291.6 million. It is estimated that if Indian tourists boycott Turkey, the country could suffer a direct loss of approximately USD 291.6 million.

Moreover, the cancellation of Indian weddings, corporate events, and other cultural programs would cause even further indirect economic losses. As per the data, in 2024, Turkey received about 2.6 million foreign tourists, of whom around 250,000 were Indians. The average spending by an Indian tourist was 2,170 AZN, which is approximately USD 1,276, leading to a total Indian contribution of roughly USD 308.6 million. A boycott by Indian tourists could therefore result in a direct loss of this magnitude, he added.

As Indian travellers mainly visit Azerbaijan for leisure, weddings, entertainment, and adventure activities, a large-scale decline could cause a noticeable economic slowdown in these sectors there. Interestingly, while in 2014, merely 4,853 Indians visited Azerbaijan, in 2024, this number surged to 2,43,589. In 2023, 1.17 lakh Indians visited Azerbaijan. India is said to be the fourth-largest tourist source for Azerbaijan, thus, Indians deciding not to visit the country would inflict significant losses on Pakistan’s ally.

However, it is essential to note that boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan is not an act of revenge nor aimed at any permanent enmity, rather, it is a clear message to these countries that, just as terror and trade, terror and talks cannot happen simultaneously between Pakistan and India, India’s policy against terror enablers is also the same.

Not to forget, last time Indians boycotted a country, its economy was left in shambles. The boycott calls against the Maldives were made after some of its ministers made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian boycott nearly destroyed the Maldivian economy, which largely depends on tourism, forcing its leaders to mend their ways and apologise.

As per the latest reports, Indian travel aggregator MakeMyTrip has stated that they have seen a 60% decrease in new bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan, while cancellations have surged 250%. MakeMyTrip has supported the sentiments and is asking its patrons to refrain from travelling to Turkey and Azerbaijan unless essential.

India helped Turkey with Operation Dost, Turkey returned the favour with Operation ‘Dushman’

Back in 2023, India launched Operation Dost to assist in search-and-rescue operations in Turkey and Syria following deadly earthquakes. Operation Dost was a testament to India’s ethos of global humanitarianism, with the NDRF teams, Indian Army, medical personnel, and critical supplies like tents, medicines and food airlifted to aid Turkey in its time of distress. India extended its humanitarian hand to Turkey despite knowing that the country has continuously been siding with Pakistan in challenging India’s territorial integrity by raking up the Kashmir issue. Yet, Turkey has been consistently acting against Indian interests and promoting Pakistan’s cause. In 2024, Turkey raised the Kashmir issue at the UNHRC.

At a time when India must collectively assert its diplomatic as well as economic leverage, this selective pacifism of these liberals undermines our national interests and efforts meant to confront strategic challenges in a dramatically polarised and divided global order.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited registers ₹3,977 crore profit in January-March 2025 quarter, annual profit goes up by 10% reaching ₹8,364 crore

ANI
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited registers ₹3,977 crore profit in January-March 2025 quarter, annual profit goes up by 10% reaching ₹8,364 crore

State-owned defence manufacturing firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has reported about an 8 per cent drop in consolidated net profits in the January-March 2025 quarter.

HAL’s earnings results released on Wednesday showed that the company’s net profits fell from Rs 4,309 crore to Rs 3,977 crore from the year-ago quarter. According to a report by Reuters, the net profit drop was weighed down by a delay in the supply of its Tejas light combat aircraft.

However, HAL’s shares were 4 per cent higher at the time of filing this report. HAL shares have risen by over 1,700 per cent over the past five years, reflecting investors’ interest in this critical sector.

On the contrary, net profits rose from Rs 7,620 crore to Rs 8,364 crore in the entire financial year 2024-25, registering a jump of about 10 per cent.

Coming to the defence maker’s revenue from operations, it mopped up revenue worth Rs 13,700 crore in the January-March 2025 quarter, against Rs 14,768 crore in the same quarter of last fiscal, registering a 7 per cent decline.

Revenue from operations was Rs 30,980 crore in the entire fiscal 2024-25, as against Rs 30,381 crore in 2023-24, a marginal increase of 2 per cent.

Indian defence sector stocks, which had recently corrected from their highs, have again been soaring over the past weeks, much of it due to the recent tensions with Pakistan and Indian Defence Force’s response to aggression.

Last week’s successful performance of India’s indigenously developed systems against the adversary also lent support to the defence stocks basket. The response to Pakistan’s aggression also alluded to the fact that it is critical to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Nifty India Defence index has climbed over 30 per cent over the past three months, reflecting investor confidence in the strategic sector and commercial growth of India’s domestic defence sector.

With the government’s thrust on the Make in India initiative, defence production has surged to historic highs. This rise in defence manufacturing has also led to substantial returns for investors in major defence manufacturing PSUs over the past years.

The government is also investing heavily in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with several defence hubs being set up. Notably, many global companies have either shared or shown intent to share critical defence and aerospace knowledge with India.

Defence exports from India are at all-time highs, having seen a 34-fold over the past decade. India exported defence goods worth Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25 as against just Rs 686 crore in 2013-14. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

All zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh temporarily closed after tigress Shakti dies from Avian influenza in Gorakhpur zoo

ANI
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All zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh temporarily closed after tigress Shakti dies from Avian influenza in Gorakhpur zoo

All zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure following the death of a tigress, Shakti, from Avian influenza at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park

On Wednesday, Etawah Lion Safari Park Director Anil Kumar Patel informed ANI, stating, “After a tigress at Gorakhpur zoo died of Avian influenza, all zoos and safaris in the state have been temporarily closed for a week till 20th May.”

Patel added that the park has taken necessary precautions and is conducting health checks on staff members. “Health monitoring of zookeepers is being done. We are taking all precautions. There are no symptoms of bird flu in any animal in our park,” Patel said.

While speaking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Saxena said, “The moment the Bird Flu case was confirmed, zoos in the state were closed for a week as a measure of precaution. Sanitation work is being done in all zoos to prevent the spread of the virus. After a week, checks will be conducted again, and further decisions will be taken.”

Earlier in the day, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a week-long shutdown of the Etawah Lion Safari and zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review the state’s preparedness and response plan following alerts over the H5 Avian Influenza virus.

H5 Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

It is caused by influenza A viruses, and the “H5” refers to one of the subtypes of these viruses, specifically, H5N1, which is among the most well-known and dangerous forms.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Yasin Malik’s wife wanted his release in exchange of BSF jawan Pakistan was forced to free: Semi-nude artist Mushaal Mullick’s rant goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Yasin Malik’s wife wanted his release in exchange of BSF jawan Pakistan was forced to free: Semi-nude artist Mushaal Mullick’s rant goes viral

Following India’s daring Operation Sindoor, which sent shockwaves through Pakistan, Mushaal Mullick, the Pakistani wife of jailed terrorist Yasin Malik, appears visibly shaken. In a recent interview, she pleaded with the Pakistani government to negotiate a prisoner swap — demanding her husband be released in exchange for a BSF soldier briefly detained by Pakistan Rangers.

However, that plan has already fallen apart. Fearing further escalation after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan swiftly returned the captured BSF jawan to India on May 14, 2025 — rendering any “deal” pointless.

But that hasn’t stopped Mushaal Mullick’s video from going viral.

Mushaal Mullick wanted to exchange terrorist Yasin Malik for BSF jawan

Speaking to Pakistan’s DAWN News, Mushaal claimed she hasn’t spoken to Yasin Malik in six years due to all communication lines being cut off. She expressed fears that her husband, currently serving a life sentence in India, could face execution. She even went as far as claiming that there’s “no real evidence” against him — despite his direct involvement in the killing of four IAF personnel and numerous Kashmiri Pandit murders.

Earlier, Mushaal tried to push another wild theory — alleging that Indian Air Force pilot Shivangi Singh was in Pakistani custody and should be traded for Yasin Malik. But when that claim fell flat, she switched tactics and pushed for an exchange involving the BSF jawan.

Her approach mirrors the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, when India had to release terrorist Masood Azhar to save civilian hostages. But this time, Pakistan caved under pressure and released the BSF soldier unconditionally, leaving Mushaal’s demands in the dust.

Mullick’s longstanding anti-India hatred

This isn’t the first time Mushaal Mullick has ranted against India. Living in Pakistan with her daughter, she is frequently used by the Pakistani establishment as a propaganda tool against India.

In 2023, she was even appointed as an advisor on human rights by caretaker PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar — a reward for her consistent anti-India rhetoric. Aside from her political posturing, Mushaal is also known for her provocative semi-nude artwork, often drawing attention in Pakistan’s art circles.

The Yasin-Mushaal Story

Mushaal met Yasin Malik in 2005 and married him in 2009, in a ceremony that was televised live across Pakistan. At the time, she was 23 and he was 42. An artist since the age of six, Mushaal specializes in semi-nude female portraits, often painted in pastel, charcoal, and glass.

Who is Yasin Malik?

Yasin Malik is a convicted terrorist and former leader of the Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). He played a direct role in the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus, the murder of Indian Air Force officers, and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, the daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Although he tried to rebrand himself as a “Gandhian” during the UPA era — even receiving a handshake from PM Manmohan Singh — Malik’s true colors were exposed under the Modi government, which brought him to justice.

Now, with Mushaal Mullick scrambling to trade terrorists for soldiers, India has made it clear: no more deals with terrorists.

No, Mr Trump, India won’t have dinner with Pakistan just because you want it to, global powers no longer take orders from Washington DC

Sanghamitra
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No, Mr Trump, India won’t have dinner with Pakistan just because you want it to, global powers no longer take orders from Washington DC

US President Donald Trump has been claiming credit for ‘brokering a ceasefire’ between India and Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor in a non-factual, boastful manner that reeks of megalomania and delusion. Though calls were made between USA and India and USA and Pakistan, and the MEA did talk with the Trump administration, the Indian government has made it very clear through multiple statements that it was neither a US-brokered ceasefire, nor a ceasefire per se.

First of all, India has emphasised that Pausing Operation Sindoor was only an understanding, one that can be called off at any moment, if Pakistan decides to violate it or attack India in any manner, not an official ‘ceasefire’. Second, India has also made it clear that DGMO-level talks were already underway to pause hostilities, and India agreed to pause Operation Sindoor on its own terms. The US President is way off the facts when he goes on claiming he made India and Pakistan stop firing at each other.

Trump falsely boasts that he prevented a potential nuclear war: India rejects claims

Trump has been repeatedly boasting that he is the one who ‘prevented a potential nuclear conflict’ by somehow making India and Pakistan stop hostilities against each other and thus, he is the one angel of peace that showed the right way to the warmongering Asian nations with his calm knowledge and saved the world.

Donald Trump repeated that in front of the world again in an event hosted by Mohammad Bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, amid grandiose pauses and encouraging nods and indulgent smiles from his staff at the front rows, going a step further and even repeating how he used trade to leverage an agreement on his terms.

He even proclaimed that India and Pakistan are now getting along so well that they should be having a nice dinner soon.

To puncture Trump’s balloon, the Indian MEA had fact-checked him on 13 May. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had categorically stated that it was the force of Indian weapons that made Pakistan pause hostilities and seek a talk, not any foreign mediation.

India has also rejected Trump’s claims that ‘trade’ was used as a leverage to make India and Pakistan agree to talk.

“The issue of trade never came up during the conversations between Indian and US leaders during any of the discussions from the time when Operation Sindoor commenced till the understanding with Pakistan was reached”, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal stated specifically.

India has also rejected Trump’s claims of preventing a nuclear war. Jaiswal said in the same presser, “See, the military action from our side was entirely within the conventional domain. This was also clearly stated in the defence briefing yesterday, where related questions were addressed. However, there were reports that Pakistan’s National Command Authority would meet on 10th May, reports which we saw. But this was later denied by them. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister himself has publicly denied any nuclear angle.”

So, what is it? Is Donald Trump playing to please his MAGA fanbase by making wild claims of being a saviour, or is he being fed misinformation by his colleagues who want to keep him pleased with himself, imagining a crown on his head and daydreaming about controlling the whole world? His statements are not only misleading but also too curiously oversimplified to fit the complex dynamics of one of the oldest conflicts in South Asia.

India knows its enemy, knows how and what to target and knows when to stop

Trump’s statements are problematic for multiple reasons. First, he is trying desperately hard to portray India and Pakistan as stupid warring nations who are fighting without a proper reason. If it is any nation that has been in conflict without a proper reason to be in a conflict, it would be Mr Trump’s own nation. All over the world, US foreign policy has been to bomb, threaten, sanction and bully nations and trigger conflicts, and conducting regime change operations when things do not go their way. Trump may have taken a detour with his trade emphasis and proclamations of peace, but that does not give him the right to dictate India’s military strategy.

India has been dealing with Pakistan for over 75 years. India has fought, negotiated, talked and traded with Pakistan for decades and has managed to emerge as a military superpower despite of, not because of USA. We do not need a Trump or Rubio to lecture us on how to deal with Pakistan, we have been dealing with them for nearly 8 decades now. Nobody knows and understands Pakistan better than India.

Operation Sindoor was all about India hitting targets and achieving its goals. The Modi government has already declared that any act of terror will now be considered an act of war, and the old Pakistani tactics of nuclear blackmail has been successfully busted. India has also made it clear that Pakistan can no longer wriggle away from accountability by claiming they have no control over terrorists and asserted that for every act of terrorism by Pakistan-based terrorists, the State and government of Pakistan will be held accountable.

If Trump has been really reading the room, he should realise that India can have dinners and hit targets inside Pakistan at will, at the situation and time of its own choosing. India does not need Washington DC to decide either of the scenarios.

The sheer superciliousness of pretending to know India-Pakistan conflict dynamics enough to make them dance to one’s tune, that too with the stupid claim of using ‘trade’ as a carrot, shows only the shallow conceit that is so typical of Western powers.

Trade is a bilateral exercise. India is an economic superpower with a 1.4 billion population. Trade with India is not a benevolence that USA shows to India; USA trades with India because it brings benefits. For Trump to pretend he used ‘trade’ as leverage to make India agree to compromise on its national security and stop its military operation against Pakistan is profoundly stupid. India’s Operation Sindoor was a thumping success and it was India which agreed to DGMO level talks with Pakistan after Pakistan’s request. India has demonstrated without any shred of doubt that India retaliated, escalated and scaled down to a temporary understanding completely on its own terms, not due to some ‘external pressure’, as claimed by Trump, and certainly not for the sake of ‘trade’.

The grandiose delusion of controlling the world, from one hollow boasting to another

It is the same Donald who had claimed, multiple times, that he would stop the Russia-Ukraine war in a single day. Well, nearly five months have passed since he assumed office, the war is still raging.

It is the same Trump who boasted he would make Hamas surrender all Israeli hostages at once and tremble with fear at his eminence. Well, despite the relentless pounding of Gaza by Israel and every sort of pressure tactics applied on a devastated, broken Hamas, the hostages are still there in Hamas custody.

It is the same Trump who claimed he would release the Epstein files, bring the US economy to a super accelerated growth instantly and wave a magic wand to stop illegal immigration and stop violent crimes in the USA. The reality is, issues are usually complex, and complicated problems do not solve themselves to satisfy the whims of a boastful politician.

As for the Russia-Ukraine war, the respective leaders of those countries will decide how to go about it, and when and how to talk and how the scale down and stop. The US can offer to talk and help with negotiations, but Vladimir Putin is under no obligation to take orders from him.

India’s policy or military strategy is not subject to approval or permission from Washington DC

The USA, and for that matter the entire Western world, has a habit of relentless preaching, a strange colonial hangover that makes them believe the whole world should obey their command, and the Global South, especially, should follow their orders, just like the good old 1800s. India has been navigating complex geopolitical and military challenges since its independence. Under PM Modi, India has emerged more assertive, and assured of its strategic strengths. Indian Navy dominates the Indian Ocean, from off the coasts of Somalia to waters of Bangladesh.

While maintaining its strategic neutrality, India has also been welcoming and positive about the growing friendship with the USA, indicating wholeheartedly that it welcomes development, people-to-people connections and bilateral trade. Western nations in general need to realise that relations are based on mutual respect, not unilateral, fake proclamations of superiority over the other.

India has imported arms and oil from Russia despite threats of sanctions and successfully maintained relationships with Western Asian oil kingdoms to South East Asian nations, from African economies to South American emerging voices. It has long been a multipolar world and India does not need orders, or approval from Washington DC to deal with its enemies, or have dinner with its friends.

Trump brazens out $400 million Boeing 747-8 ‘gift’ from the Qatar royal family to be used as Air Force One, brushes off criticism and questions citing it is ‘free’

OpIndia Staff
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Trump brazens out $400 million Boeing 747-8 ‘gift’ from the Qatar royal family to be used as Air Force One, brushes off criticism and questions citing it is ‘free’

US President Donald Trump is set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft, known as the ‘flying palace’, from the Qatar royal family as a ‘gift’. Trump, facing the flak for accepting a luxurious gift from a foreign government, brazenly defended the decision by saying that only a fool would not accept it. Pointing out that the US defended Qatar for many years, Trump said that this is a gift to the United States Air Force/Department of Defence and not to him.

“The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday (11th May). “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done. This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

Notably, Trump will reportedly be using Boeing 747-8 till he remains in the office, and after that, it will be transferred to Trump’s presidential library, which means that he might be able to use it even after vacating the office of the US President. However, after the aircraft is transferred to the US, it will need to undergo extensive modifications to make it an Air Force One, as the US president’s plane is fitted with state-of-the-art communications and defence systems.

Air Force One is much less impressive, says Trump

Trump defended his decision by saying that the US should have the most impressive plane compared to the planes used by the leaders of other countries. Calling the Air Force One currently being used by him as “much smaller” and “much less impressive”, the US President told Fox News, “When you land and you see Saudi Arabia and you see UAE and you can see Qatar and you see all these — they have these brand-new Boeing 747s, mostly. And you see ours next to it; this is like a totally different plane. It’s much smaller, it’s much less impressive – as impressive as it is.” Responding to the critics, Trump said, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’ My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept a gift?” We’re giving to everybody else, why wouldn’t I accept a gift? It’s going to be a couple of years, I think, before the Boeings are finished.”

The so-called government-to-government transaction has led to many ethical and moral questions being raised. Critics are raising concerns regarding the security and technical safety of the aircraft, considering that it is being gifted by a foreign government, while also accusing the Trump administration of corruption. It is being reported that the aircraft would be examined in detail by the US authorities to make sure that there are no hidden devices that would compromise the security of the president. Interestingly, the Western media, which would have roasted any other nation for accepting a similar ‘gift’, is silent on the entire transaction.

The luxurious Boeing 747-8 with interiors designed by a French firm

The Boeing 747-8, which is worth $400 million, has all the luxuries that could be fitted in an aircraft. The aircraft has a master bedroom, guest suites, bathrooms, multiple lounges, a private office and kitchens designed by the French firm Alberto Printo Cabinet.

Image via AeroTime

The VVIP interior in the aircraft, said to be the world’s longest passenger aircraft, has gold-plated fittings, private suites, meeting rooms and luxury bedrooms which took around 4 years to get done.

Image via AeroTime

The aircraft features a luxurious master suite bedroom for President Trump, reportedly located in the nose of the aircraft, right under the cockpit. It is the most private area on the entire aircraft. The bedroom has a large bed, a two-seat sofa, storage and counters on the sidewalls and an attached bathroom.

Image via AeroTime

Democrats call the gift illegal, Republicans fear scrutiny

Trump is facing backlash from the Democrats, some of whom are calling the gift illegal and blatant corruption. Citing the US Constitution, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff said that no elected official could accept any present from the leader of a foreign state without the approval of Congress.

Launching a scathing attack on Trump in the Senate on Tuesday (13th May), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he would put on hold all the Justice Department nominees who are waiting for their confirmation by the Senate, until the White House provides the full details of the aircraft deal. Schumer demanded testimony from Attorney General Pam Bondi before Congress regarding the deal. Putting a list of questions before the Trump administration, Schumer asked, “President Trump has told the American people this is ‘a free jet.’ Does that mean the Qataris are delivering a ready-on-day-one plane with all the security measures already built in? If so, who installed those security measures, and how do we know they were properly installed?”

Expressing concern regarding the Qatari gift, the Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota reportedly said, “There will be plenty of scrutiny. There are lots and lots of issues around that, that I think will attract very serious questions.” Republican Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz of Texas said, “The plane poses significant espionage and surveillance problems, so we’ll see how this issue plays out.”

Exsting Air Force One and delays in replacement by Boeing

Two Boeing 747-200B planes are currently being used as Air Force One aircraft, designated VC-25A. Actually, only when the president flies one of the two planes, that plane is given the call sign Air Force One. Known as “flying Oval Office”, Air Force One Boeing 747 aircraft have These two aircraft have been in use since 1990 and 1991, and are nearing the end of their lives. A contract was signed with Boeing for two new 747- 8s during the first term of Trump. The delivery, expected to take place in 2024, got delayed. As Boeing is struggling with its commercial planes, its Air Force One project has also suffered. The aircraft is now expected to be delivered before 2027.

The current aircraft used as Air Force One has a Conference/dining room, Quarters for the president and the first lady, and an office area for senior staff members. It also has another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary, work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews. Moreover, the aircraft has two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting. The planes have Multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications.

The main differences between Air Force One and the standard Boeing 747 aircraft include state-of-the-art navigation, electronic and communications equipment, its interior configuration and furnishings, a self-contained baggage loader, and front and aft air-stairs.

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