The Prime Minister emphasized his government’s approach to reforms, contrasting it with previous administrations. He stated that while past governments enacted reforms out of necessity, his government pursues them with conviction, transforming every perceived risk into an opportunity for growth and resilience. This proactive strategy, he explained, has fostered a culture where resilience leads to revolution. Addressing global economic uncertainties, Modi noted that India has defied expectations, continuing its trajectory as the fastest-growing economy even as other nations faced headwinds.

Looking ahead, Modi asserted that India is on an unstoppable path, propelled by the collective momentum of its 1.4 billion citizens. He envisions an India that neither pauses nor slows down, confidently moving forward in every sphere, from advanced technology (‘chips’) to maritime capabilities (‘ships’). He also touched upon the legacy of past policies, contrasting them with his government’s focus on democratizing financial and other institutions, which he believes is crucial for sustained progress. Modi concluded by highlighting the power of the Indian people as the nation’s greatest strength, thriving when free from government intervention, and positioning India as a trusted global partner and a land of immense opportunities.

Serhiy Koretskyi, the chief executive of Naftogaz, stated in a declaration that the attacks constituted deliberate acts of terrorism against civilian infrastructure. These facilities provide essential gas extraction and processing services crucial for the normal functioning of citizens’ lives.

Thousands of homes across several Ukrainian cities have experienced disruptions in their power and gas supplies due to the attacks. Ukraine has made the decision to import substantial volumes of gas in an effort to manage the situation.

According to Koretskyi, Russia launched 35 missiles (many of which were ballistic) and deployed 60 drones to strike Naftogaz’s gas extraction and processing facilities in the Kharkiv region in the northeast and the Poltava region in the center. He indicated that some facilities suffered severe damage during the attacks. In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces had conducted extensive attacks on the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and its supporting gas and energy infrastructure using drones and guided weapons.

According to Ukrainian officials, a child aged eight and two women were injured in the Russian air strikes in Poltava. They reported that over half of the windows of the historical St. Nicholas Church in the city were shattered in one of the attacks.

Meanwhile, Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation in Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, reported on Friday that Ukraine had launched retaliatory strikes against Russia using domestically produced long-range drones, targeting the Orsk oil refinery, located approximately 1,400 kilometers (900 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Authorities revealed that the Ukrainian drone strikes caused a temporary disruption in operations at the Azot chemical plant, one of Russia’s largest chemical plants, located in Berezniki, 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the country’s air defense systems shot down at least 20 Ukrainian drone aircraft on Thursday night. The ministry indicated that most of these aircraft were targeted while flying over the Black Sea.

Missiles rain from the sky, demolishing multi-story buildings. Tanks and artillery unleash barrages. Shops and homes are reduced to rubble, and schools and hospitals are destroyed, transforming Gaza’s landscape. The aftermath is characterized by debris, destroyed structures, and widespread devastation.

Israel is preparing to introduce new weaponry into the conflict, including the Iron Beam air defense system. This laser-based system is designed to intercept drones, rockets, and missiles. Following final tests, the Iron Beam is slated for deployment on the battlefield.

Israeli forces are launching all-out assaults to eliminate Hamas and seize control of Gaza. Buildings housing Hamas strongholds are being targeted and destroyed. Israeli fighter jets are conducting missile strikes from the air, while ground forces, including tanks and artillery, are advancing.

In Gaza City, Israel targeted the foundations of a multi-story building with three missiles, causing its collapse. A residential building in the Tel al-Hawa area was also destroyed. Furthermore, Israeli forces bombarded a refugee camp in Gaza City, resulting in two fatalities. The morning’s attacks resulted in 29 Palestinian civilian deaths.

As Israeli air forces drop leaflets in Gaza City, instructing residents to evacuate multi-story buildings, these structures are then subjected to heavy bombing. Hamas has responded by deploying its fighters, leading to direct confrontations between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The ongoing conflict has sparked widespread criticism of Israel’s actions.

The European Union has decided to impose new sanctions on Israel, while Britain, France, and Canada have condemned the attacks. Reports suggest that the Israeli military aims to gain control over all of Gaza in the coming days through destructive strikes. Sources indicate that Israel may later annex Gaza to create a Greater Israel.

At a media conference, Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari, the Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force, stated that fewer than 50 aerial weapons were used to compel Pakistan to seek peace and a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized the lesson learned: that the conflict could be ended with the use of under 50 weapons. He shared videos and satellite images to demonstrate the damage to terrorist and military infrastructure within Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighter jets to conduct precision strikes with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, as well as Crystal Maze-2, Rampage, and SCALP missiles. These attacks targeted Pakistan’s airfields and radar sites, some near nuclear installations and command and control structures.

Both officials emphasized that the political directive was clear: to conduct punitive strikes with minimal collateral damage, considering the potential for escalation, and to create a deterrent message within the Pakistani army. Armed forces were given full operational freedom for this.

Lieutenant-General Sharma added that the Pahalgam massacre occurred shortly after Munir’s provocative April 16 speech, where he described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein, citing the two-nation theory. He stated that this was a direct provocation not only to terrorists but also to the Pakistani army.

The attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April resulted in the deaths of 26 people. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to retaliate, targeting nine terrorist locations within Pakistan. A ceasefire between the two countries was established on May 10.

“From the list of options presented, we had a large number of target sets. And finally, we boiled down to nine,” Air Marshal Tiwari stated. “Key takeaway for us, that in less than 50 weapons, we were able to achieve conflict elimination. So this is the essential part which I want you to take away.”

He further added, “It is very easy to start a war, but not easy enough to end it. And that was an important consideration to keep in mind so that our forces were activated, they were deployed, and they were ready for any eventuality that would have come about.”