To complete this transaction, Mittal has partnered with private equity firm Warburg Pincus. After this acquisition, Mittal’s will enter into the consumer electronics market.

Haier Plans To Sell Up To 49% Stake

Earlier reports in October revealed Haier’s plan to sell between 25% and 49% of its Indian unit. Other companies like Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, GIC, and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment are also interested in the deal. Haier India makes products like refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and air conditioners, with sales of Rs 8,900 crore in 2024.

The company saw over 30% growth in revenue in South Asia during the first quarter of this year as compared to the previous year. Haier holds a 21% share in India’s refrigerator market which is the third-largest consumer electronics company in the country, after LG and Samsung.

Mukesh Ambani Joins Race

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries has also entered the race to acquire a stake in Haier India. Reliance already deals in the consumer electronics sector through brands like BPL and Kelvinator.

Haier has appointed Citibank to manage this stake sale process. As Ambani and Mittal both are competing for this acquisition, the deal will bring major changes for India’s consumer electronics sector.

If Mittal finalizes this acquisition, it will add another sector in his business portfolio. His current net worth, shared with his family, is around $28 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Indian Army Recruitment 2025 Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science (BVSc or BVSc & AH) from a recognized college or university.

• Indian citizens and Nepalese nationals are eligible to apply.

• Individuals from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam who want to permanently settle in India can also apply, but only if they possess an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of May 26, 2025.

Vacancies Available

A total of 20 positions are open:

For men: 17 posts

For women: 3 posts

Selection Process

The selection process for SSC in the RVC have following steps:

1. Application Screening: Initial evaluation of applications.

2. SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates will appear for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

3. Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based on performance.

4. Medical Examination: Final candidates need to go through a medical test.

Selected candidates will be appointed with the rank of Captain and undergo training at the RVC Center and College in Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh.

Salary And Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Basic salary of Rs 61,300 under Level-10B Pay Matrix.

• Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs 15,500.

• 20% Non-Practice Allowance (NPA) on basic pay.

• Additional allowances, including Kit Maintenance Allowance (KMA) and Dearness Allowance (DA).

Total Salary: Depending on allowances and posting location, the total compensation may range from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,20,000 per month.

How To Apply?

1. Draft your application on plain paper (21×36 cm) in the official format provided.

2. Write on the envelope in red ink: “Application for Short Service Commission in RVC”.

Submit the completed form via ordinary, registered, or speed post to the following address:
Directorate General Remount Veterinary Services (RV-1)

QMG Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army)

West Block 3, Ground Floor, Wing-4

RK Puram, New Delhi – 110066

Applicants are advised to carefully read the official recruitment advertisement available on the Indian Army’s website for complete details.

In a statement, Reliance said it has no intention of “trademarking Operation Sindoor, a phrase which is now a part of the national consciousness as an evocative symbol of Indian bravery”.

“Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation,” it said.

Other Applicants For ‘Operation Sindoor’ Trademark

Apart from Reliance Industries, several individuals sought to register the trademark for “Operation Sindoor,” primarily for entertainment purposes. Here’s a list of applicants:

1. Mukesh Chetram Agrawal: Filed on May 7, Agrawal applied for the wordmark and along with image under Class 41, which is for entertainment, training, and cultural activities.
2. Retired Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh: The retired Air Force officer applied for the trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a whole word. His application is also to use it for entertainment, film production, cultural activities, and web series creation.
3. Alok Kumar Kothari: He is from Delhi, an advocate sought the wordmark for educational purposes and activities like training, entertainment, and cultural events.
4. Prabhleen Sandhu: A producer, Prabhleen Sandhu of Almighty Motion Pictures, applied on May 7 to use the trademark for entertainment purposes.
5. Jayaraj T: On May 8, a day after the operation, Jayaraj T filed an application for the wordmark “Operation Sindoor – Sinddora Yuddham.” He is going to use it for education, training, entertainment, and cultural activities.
6. Uttam Jaju: An ad filmmaker from Surat, Jaju also applied on May 8 under Class 41, to use the trademark for entertainment purposes. His application is to use it for award ceremonies and gala events to charity by major corporations and individuals.

What Is Class 41 Trademark?

 All trademark applications, including Reliance Industries’ initial filing, were registered under Class 41. This category gives the holder exclusive rights to use the trademark for entertainment purposes like the production and distribution of audio-visual content, shows, competitions, games, concerts, exhibitions, and related events. It also covers publishing services like electronic publishing and event presentations.

The company further urged customers to remain calm and avoid rushing to fuel stations unnecessarily. It said that such actions could disturb the supply chain and lead to avoidable chaos.

In a social media post, Indian Oil stated, “#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying–fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.”

Indian Oil added, “Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all.”

#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly.

There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.

Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our…

— Indian Oil Corp Ltd (@IndianOilcl) May 9, 2025

India and Pakistan have been actively at loggerheads after terrorist camps were destroyed by India at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the ghastly Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Pakistan too resorted to firing on Thursday night across the Line of Control (LoC) on civilians and Indian Army installations in Uri, Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, violating the ceasefire.

Indian army has successfully neutralised the attacks. Explosions were heard as Indian air defence intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. 

(With Inputs From ANI)

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) suffered major downfall, after the KSE-100 index recorded its worst-ever intraday swing. The index went down over 6,400 points at its lowest with a Rs 820 billion loss in market capitalization within a single session, according to Dawn. 

Over the past three trading days, the PSX’s total market value has eroded by an extraordinary Rs 1.3 trillion due to investor panic over India’s air strikes. Thursday’s trading session was also volatile, with the index fluctuating by more than 10,000 points from an intraday high of 1,872 points to a major low of 8,410 points.

Taking to X on Friday, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) stated that the drone attacks were “effectively neutralised” and the ceasefire violations were appropriately responded to.

The ADG PI also noted that the successful retaliation by the Indian Armed Forces was also under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in the early hours of Wednesday, during which the Armed Forces neutralised nine terror camps in Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignity and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force,” the Army stated.

(With Inputs From ANI)

Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Army had shot down more than 50 Pakistani drones during the large-scale counter-drone operation along the LoC and International Borders (IB).

In view of the current situation, Indian Railways plans to run three special trains from Jammu and Udhampur to Delhi, says Indian Railways.

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025

The release of water follows heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which has also raised concerns about potential flooding in the region. ANI citing officials reported that several vehicles were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to a landslide in Chamba.

Earlier on May 6, all gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam were closed, even as a limited volume of water continues to flow downstream after India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty post Pahalgam terror attack.

This comes days after India announced it would hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, following the terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.

The Baglihar Dam, a key hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River, has been at the centre of past disputes between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty framework.

The move gained strong support from the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. They have condemned Pakistan’s actions, warning that continued provocation could lead to war and reiterating support for India’s recent measures.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Deputy Traffic Inspector (DTI) Udhampur, Javed Kataria, said, “A landslide happened in Chamba due to heavy rainfall in the region. That’s why the roads are completely blocked. The restoration work is going on under the supervision of senior officials…Hopefully, the road will be open again in 3-4 hours.”

(With Inputs From ANI)

Sirens and numerous explosions were reported in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla and Kupwara and several other places as the Indian military carried out a massive night aerial vigil along the border with Pakistan.

Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) released its official statement on X (Formerly known as twitter), it says, ‘Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.’

It added, ‘’The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs. #IndianArmy remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignity and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force.’’

OPERATION SINDOOR

Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/9YcW2hSwi5

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 9, 2025

After the Indian military foiled the Pakistani attempts, the defence ministry said India remains “fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people”.

“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today,” a defence ministry spokesperson said.

“The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.

“No casualties or material losses were reported,” the official added as the second day of the confrontation between the two militaries further escalated the already tense situation.

(With Inputs From PTI)

This announcement was made after Reliance Industries decided to withdraw its trademark application for the term ‘Operation Sindoor’ which was the codename for India’s military strikes in Pakistan. The company clarified that the application had been mistakenly filed by a junior employee without proper authorization.

“The Reliance family is ready to support any measure in protecting our nation’s unity and integrity. We like our fellow Indians believe – India seeks peace, but not at the cost of its pride, security or sovereignty,” Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, said.

India stands united, fierce in resolve and unshakable in purpose, against the scourge of all forms of terrorism, the industrialist said.

Under the bold and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Armed Forces have responded with precision and power to every provocation from across the border, he said.

Ambani said Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has demonstrated that India will never remain silent in the face of terror and that we will not tolerate a single attack on our soil, on our civilians, or on the brave men and women who defend our nation.

“The last few days have shown that every threat to our peace will be met with firm and decisive action,” he said, adding “Together, we will stand. We will fight. And we will prevail”.

Reliance, in a statement earlier in the day, stated that it has no intention of “trademarking Operation Sindoor, a phrase which is now a part of the national consciousness as an evocative symbol of Indian bravery”.

“Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation,” it said.

Earlier, four applications, including one by Reliance, were filed with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks on Wednesday, seeking to use the phrase for entertainment-related services like audio and video content.

All four applicants filed between 10.42 am and 6.27 pm on May 7 for registration under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which includes education and training services, film and media production, live performances and events, digital content delivery and publishing, and cultural and sporting activities.

In a statement, Reliance stated that it has no intention of trademarking ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a phrase which is a powerful symbol of Indian bravery and a part of the national consciousness.

“Jio Studios, a unit of Reliance Industries, has withdrawn its trademark application, which was filed inadvertently by a junior person without authorisation,” it said.

Earlier, four applications, including one by Reliance, were filed with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks on Wednesday, seeking to use the phrase for entertainment-related services like audio and video content.

All four applicants filed between 10.42 am and 6.27 pm on May 7 for registration under Class 41 of the Nice Classification, which includes education and training services, film and media production, live performances and events, digital content delivery and publishing, and cultural and sporting activities.

This category is often used by OTT platforms, production houses, broadcasters, and event companies, suggesting that ‘Operation Sindoor’ could have become a film title, web series or documentary brand.

Reliance filed the application for entertainment, publishing, and language training, according to the scope of application claimed by the applicants shown on the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.

The Mukesh Ambani-run firm was the first to apply for a patent on Wednesday and was followed by three more – a Mumbai resident, a retired Indian Air Force officer and a Delhi-based lawyer.

“Reliance Industries and all its stakeholders are incredibly proud of Operation Sindoor, which came about in response to a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” the statement said.

“Operation Sindoor is the proud achievement of our brave Armed Forces in India’s uncompromising fight against the evil of terrorism.”

Reliance, it said, stands fully in support of the government and Armed Forces in this fight against terrorism. “Our commitment to the motto of ‘India First’ remains unwavering.”

(With Inputs From PTI)

Recently, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made headlines over his open admission about Pakistan’s terrorism. During an interview with international journalist Yalda Hakim, Asif admitted that Pakistan has been sheltering terrorists for the past many years. He even put the blame on western countries and claimed that miscalculations by the U.S., the U.K., and other Western countries were responsible for the fallout. This admission went viral on social media and Pakistan had to face global criticism.

Khawaja Asif’s confession

Khawaja Asif’s interview with Yalda Hakim also exposed Pakistan’s duplicity over terrorism. After India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan, the country’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar gave an interview to Yalda Hakim. Earlier Tarar claimed there were no terrorist camps in Pakistan, however when Yalda countered his statement by referencing Osama Bin Laden and other terrorist linked activities in the country.

Yalda also reminded Tarar of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2018 decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan, citing its double standards in fighting terrorism. She pointed out that such claims directly contradicted not only Pakistan’s Defense Minister but also past statements by leaders like Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto.

Who Is Yalda Hakim?

The video of these interviews has since gone viral on which many netizens have appreciated Yalda Hakim for her journalism. Many are searching about her profile and trying to know who Yalda Hakim is.

Yalda Hakim was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and fled with her family to Australia as a refugee during her childhood. Currently, she anchors The World with Yalda Hakim on Sky News and was formerly a lead anchor for BBC World News. She has reported live from various regions in the world, like Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa.

Yalda is also a philanthropist. She founded the Yalda Hakim Foundation, which provides scholarships to Afghan girls and access to education. It works for women’s rights in one of the world’s most challenging regions.

Siva’ was was born into a simple household. In the 1980s, he started his business named Sterling Computers Limited (STC). It became a leading name in India’s IT sector by the 1990s. However, he received recognition in the corporate world after forming Aircel in 1999. It became a big player in the mobile services industry. 

The company grew quickly and gained millions of subscribers. In 2006, Siva sold a 74% stake in Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications. However this move would later engage him in corruption scandals.

2G Spectrum Scandal 

The Maxis-Aircel deal was linked to the infamous 2G spectrum scandal. Siva was also drawn into legal battles. In 2018, Aircel filed for bankruptcy, and Siva claimed personal losses of Rs 7,000 crore.

His $4 billion empire collapsed and also impacted many of his businesses. While talking about his downfall, Siva said, “I had everything – wealth, properties, recognition – and then I watched it all vanish.”

Speaking on The Ranveer Show, he shared how a book by Donald Trump inspired him to face his financial challenges. On the same day he decided to declare bankruptcy.

India on Friday said it will be asking global multilateral agencies, including the IMF, to have a relook at funds and loans provided to Pakistan, as New Delhi seeks to corner the neighbouring state diplomatically following the dastardly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 tourists.

According to media reports, India has raised concerns with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding its loans to Pakistan, stating that these funds helps the country to redirect domestic resources towards its military-intelligence network, including the ISI and terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). 

Why Is IMF Reviewing Pakistan’s Funding?

Amid its ongoing fiscal crisis, Pakistan is reliant on IMF loans under its economic stabilisation programme. The IMF’s upcoming review, scheduled for May 9, will assess whether Pakistan has met the reform benchmarks required to secure the next tranche of funding.

Last year, Pakistan received a $7 billion bailout package from the IMF, then again got an additional $1.3 billion loan in March to address climate resilience challenges. These funds are huge for a country like Pakistan which is very small $350 billion economy

Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

Tensions between India and Pakistan grew after the April 22 Pahalgam Terror Attack, where 26 people lost their lives. After which India took several diplomatic measures against Islamabad.

On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine sites linked to terrorism across the border. This action by India has further strained the relations between the two nations.

The 10.55 crore fully paid-up equity shares have been issued at a price of Rs 33 per share (including a premium of Rs 23 per share) aggregating to Rs 348.15 crore, it said.

The capital infusion will strengthen company’s growth trajectory in the renewable energy sector. The company made a preferential issue of 46.20 crore warrants aggregating Rs 1,525 crore in October 2024.A minimum upfront amount of 25 per cent was paid on the warrants and the balance 75 per cent was payable in 18 months. Fully paid warrants are convertible into equivalent number of equity shares.

Reliance Power said it “maintains a zero-bank debt position, ensuring a strong, unleveraged balance sheet. This enhances financial flexibility and supports sustainable growth, positioning the company to capitalize on future opportunities and drive long-term value creation.”

Part of Reliance Group, Reliance Power is a leading private sector power generation company with an operating portfolio of 5,305 megawatts, which includes 3,960 megawatts Sasan Power. 

It was founded by Dhirubhai H. Ambani. Reliance Power is currently led by Anil Ambani, who is the Chairman and shareholder of the company. Anil Ambani also heads the broader Reliance Group and as a leader handles the company’s operations and strategic direction.

(With Inputs From PTI)

Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ

The G580 EQ is the first electric version of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic G-Wagen SUV. It was launched at the Bharat Mobility Expo earlier this year. The vehicle has G-Wagen’s design with electric mobility. The G580 EQ is similar to the G63 AMG, and a line-up of these SUVs is finished in the same shade of blue. However, the registration numbers show that only one is a G63 AMG, while the others are G580 EQs.

Features Of G580 EQ:

• Dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

• Electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats.

• Multi-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.

• A powerful 116 kWh battery pack delivering 587 PS and 1,164 Nm of peak torque.

• Independent front suspension and a stiff rear axle for superior off-roading capability.

The SUV has a certified range of 473 km and supports fast charging, capable of reaching 80% in just 32 minutes. It can run from 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. Its price is around Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom), Dholakia’s three G580 EQs come at a combined cost of over Rs 10 crore.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II

He also bought Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II with white shade. This is the updated version of the Cullinan SUV with better performance.

It is powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine with an automatic transmission and the Cullinan Series II generates 571 PS and 850 Nm of torque. According to media reports, the ex-showroom price of the Cullinan Series II is Rs 10.50 crore but customisations can raise the cost.

Combined Value Price Of Cars

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and three G580 EQs of Savji Dholakia’s might have crossed over Rs 20 crore. Images and videos of his new fleet have been shared widely on social media by the Supercars Club Surat.

Despite being part of one of India’s famous business families, he is not involved in these corporate affairs. He prefers to stay away from the stress of running businesses. He doesn’t use a mobile phone nor he is on social media, and rarely steps out of his apartment.

Jimmy Tata’s Property

He owns stakes in Tata Sons and several other companies of the Tata Group like Tata Motors, Tata Steel, TCS, Tata Power, Indian Hotels, and Tata Chemicals. He is also a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust since 1989 after the death of their father, Naval Tata.

At 83 years old, Jimmy Tata is very calm. He could have held any big position within the Tata Group. But he chose to be away from the limelight. He likes reading books and newspapers over using mobile phone.

Bond With Ratan Tata

Jimmy Tata shared a close bond with his elder brother, Ratan Tata. Last year, Ratan Tata shared a black-and-white photo with his brother and wrote, “Those were happy days. Nothing came between us.” 

Even RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka had shared one memory on social media which highlighted Jimmy’s lifestyle wherein he also mentioned that Jimmy is an excellent squash player.

Cricket fans can get access of JioHotstar’s content for an extended period. This offer is designed for those who want to watch IPL matches without interruptions or spending extra money. The promotional offer also gives free access to JioHotstar, but users need to recharge an eligible plan to avail the benefits.

This promotional offer is available for both prepaid and postpaid plans. To qualify, users need to recharge with a plan of Rs 299 or higher. These plans include a minimum of 1.5GB of data per day, along with other benefits.

Apart from mobile benefits, the promotional offer is extended to home internet services. New users of JioFiber and Jio AirFiber will receive a complimentary connection for 50 days. Once this free period ends, users will need to switch to a postpaid plan starting at Rs 599 to continue with this plan.

This scheme is not available to all users. Models like JioBharat, JioPhone, and voice-only plans are excluded from this offer. Therefore kindly check eligibility before opting for this scheme.

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) announced that both the primary runway (09/27) and the secondary runway (14/32) will be closed during this time. No take-offs or landings will be permitted. To reduce inconvenience, a mandatory NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued six months ago to alert airlines and other stakeholders so they can plan their journey accordingly.

Airlines Advisories On Mumbai Airport

Several airlines have alerted passengers about potential inconvenience:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has scheduled its annual pre-monsoon runway maintenance on 8 May 2025, between 1100 hrs and 1700 hrs. During this time, both the primary runway 09/27 and secondary runway 14/32 will be temporarily non-operational.

CSMIA… pic.twitter.com/1QXGgTTsr1

— Mumbai Airport (@CSMIA_Official) May 7, 2025

SpiceJet stated, “Important Travel Update: Mumbai Airport runway will be closed on 8th May from 11 AM to 5 PM. This may affect your travel plans. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport,” SpiceJet said in a statement on social media platform X.

Important Travel Update: Mumbai Airport runway will be closed on 8th May from 11 AM to 5 PM. This may affect your travel plans. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport.#flyspicejet #spicejet #TravelAdvisory pic.twitter.com/daeZ9tmi69

— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 6, 2025

Akasa Air posted, “Due to pre-monsoon preventive maintenance resulting in the closure of both runways at Mumbai Airport, on 8th May 2025, some of our flights to and from Mumbai have been affected.”

CSMIA is among the busiest single-runway airports globally as it manages around 900 daily flight movements. It is spread across 1,033 acres and includes infrastructure like runways, taxiways.

Airport authorities conduct this preventive work to maintain the safety, efficiency of the runway surfaces during Monsoon season. Maintenance activities include inspections of micro and macro structures on the runway before the monsoon.

Travelers are advised to confirm their flight schedules before leaving for the airport to avoid inconvenience.

The Sensex hit the day’s high of 80,844.63 and an intra-day low of 79,937.48. The NSE Nifty hit a high of 24,449.60 and a low of 24,220.

Both the benchmark indices depicted range-bound trading during the morning trade. The BSE benchmark gauge traded 87.81 points lower at 80,553.26, and the Nifty quoted 16.55 points down at 24,365.05.

Retaliating for the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces on early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke.

The military strikes were conducted under ‘Operation Sindoor’ two weeks after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. From the Sensex firms, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank, Sun Pharma, Nestle, Tata Consultancy Services, and ITC were among the laggards.

Tata Motors, Power Grid, Titan, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and State Bank of India were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 3,794.52 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

In the Asian market, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were quoting in the positive territory.

India and the UK on Tuesday sealed a landmark free trade agreement that will lower tariffs on 99 per cent Indian exports and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars, and other products to India besides boosting the overall trade basket.

In the sectoral indices on the NSE, Nifty FMCG, IT, Media and Pharma all declined more than at the time of filing this report while the Nifty Auto gained 0.47 per cent Nifty PSU Bank also up by 0.81 per cent.

On the global front, cues are positive as experts say there are reports of a US-China summit on trade negotiations in Switzerland. India announced the signing of a trade agreement with the UK. US futures are up on the US-China talks news. China has announced further policy easing; it will cut key rates by 10 points and bank reserve requirements by 50 points in a bid to boost the economy.

The reaction in other Asian markets was mixed. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong gained 0.33 per cent, while Taiwan’s weighted index was flat but in red. South Korea’s KOSPI index rose by 0.25 per cent. However, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was slightly down by 0.09 per cent at the time of filing this report.

 (With Input From Agencies)

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri along with Col Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on Wednesday briefed the media about the Operation Sindoor.

The Foreign Secretary said that the attack on Pahalgam was driven by an objective of undermining the return of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The attack in Pahalgam was marked with extreme barbarity, with the victims mostly killed with head shots at close range and in front of their family…the family members were deliberately traumatised through the manner of killing, accompanied by the exhortation that they should take back the message. The attack was clearly driven by the objective of undermining normalcy returning to Kashmir,” he said.

Who Is Vikram Misri?

Vikram Misri became Foreign Secretary of the country on July 15,2024. Vikram Misri is 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. He was born on April 7, 1964, in Jammu and Kashmir. He completed his early education at Scindia School and graduated from Hindu College, Delhi University. 

He did an MBA and then shifted to civil services. After clearing the competitive exams, he joined the IFS and has since then held various roles in the Ministry of External Affairs, ranging from Under Secretary to Director.

Serving Three Prime Ministers

Misri was Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers. From 1997 to March 1998, he worked with Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. Later, he served under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from October 2012 to May 2014, and briefly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi from May 2014 to July 2014.

Expertise In China Affairs

He is known for his expertise on China. Vikram Misri was appointed as India’s Ambassador to China in 2018. He played an important role particularly during the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh. Misri was also part of several rounds of diplomatic talks after tensions.

Misri has represented India in various missions like Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. He has handled global diplomatic challenges for India. As Ambassador to China, Misri contributed to different missions for the nation.