Tensions in South Asia are escalating as India's air defenses successfully thwart Pakistani strikes, showcasing military readiness amid heightened operations. In a surprising farewell, cricket legend Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of an era and a shift in India's cricket leadership. The discussion is livened up with insights on easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, hinting at potential positive shifts for global markets. This compelling mix of sports, military news, and international relations keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
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India's Air Defence Excellence
Indian air defence successfully intercepted complex threats including Chinese-origin missiles and loitering munitions.
This reflects high professionalism and preparedness after precision strikes in Operation Sindoor.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Virat Kohli's Test Retirement
Virat Kohli announced immediate retirement from Test cricket before the England tour.
Kohli scored 9,230 runs and is the fourth-highest Indian Test run scorer, marking a generational shift.
insights INSIGHT
Flight Ban Lifted Post-Ceasefire
India lifted the temporary ban on civil flights at 32 airports after the ceasefire with Pakistan.
This signals reduced tensions and readiness to resume civilian air traffic near conflict zones.
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain. Today is the 12th of May and here are the headlines.
India's Air Defence Foils Pakistani Strikes Amid Operation Sindoor India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, but the Pakistani military intervened, said Air Marshal A.K. Bharti. Speaking after a high-level security meet with PM Modi, he confirmed all Indian air bases and defence systems are fully operational. Indian air defences successfully intercepted enemy threats, including Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, long-range rockets, and loitering munitions. He highlighted the professionalism of India’s air defence crews in neutralising incoming threats. The briefing underscored India's preparedness for any escalation following its precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket Ahead of England Tour Virat Kohli announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket via Instagram on Monday, just before India’s five-match England tour. His decision follows Rohit Sharma’s recent Test exit. Kohli, widely considered one of India's greatest batters, scored 9,230 runs in 210 Test innings at an average of 46.85. He now ranks fourth among Indian Test run-scorers, behind Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar. Kohli’s retirement marks the end of a golden era in Indian Test cricket and signals a generational shift in the team’s leadership and batting core.
India Reopens Airports After Ceasefire With Pakistan India has lifted the temporary ban on civil flight operations at 32 airports in northern and western regions following a ceasefire understanding with Pakistan. The restrictions, imposed amid rising cross-border tensions and air strikes, were initially to last until May 15. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued Friday were cancelled on Monday, and flight operations are expected to resume soon. The airports, many located near military bases or conflict zones, were closed to protect civilian traffic from potential threats as hostilities peaked last week.
First Quiet Night in J&K Since Start of India-Pakistan Standoff The Indian Army confirmed a peaceful night across Jammu and Kashmir and along the international border on Sunday, marking the first calm since the May 7 launch of Operation Sindoor. This pause in hostilities comes after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday. Although explosions were reported in Srinagar and Punjab-Rajasthan border areas shortly after the announcement, no further firing occurred overnight. The lull offers a temporary reprieve after days of artillery fire and cross-border shelling that intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack.
US-China Strike Deal to Slash Tariffs and Pause Trade War The US and China have agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs and pause their trade war for 90 days, according to Reuters. After Geneva talks, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said both countries aim to de-escalate tensions. China will fix tariffs on US goods at 10%, suspend 24% additional tariffs, and scrap 91% of other duties. Bessent noted the US wants greater Chinese market access. The move could ease pressure on global markets, which have been rattled by months of retaliatory measures between the world’s two largest economies.
That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.
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