Mon May 12 12:54:57 UTC 2025: ## India Reports Full Military Readiness After Standoff with Pakistan; US and China Agree on Tariff Reduction
**New Delhi, May 12, 2025** – India declared its military bases fully operational and prepared for any mission following a recent military standoff with Pakistan. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, stated that India’s air defense system successfully repelled Pakistani attacks. Civilian flight operations have resumed at 32 airports temporarily closed last week due to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women condemned the online harassment of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family, particularly his daughter, following a de-escalation agreement between India and Pakistan. The commission called the sharing of her personal information a serious breach of privacy.
On a separate note, cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both announced their retirements from Test cricket.
In other international news, the United States and China announced a deal to significantly reduce reciprocal tariffs, aiming to de-escalate their trade war. The agreement includes a 90-day pause on further measures and a substantial reduction in tariff rates.
A sense of normalcy returned to border areas in Punjab, although some schools remained closed as a precaution. The wife of a detained BSF constable reported that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pledged support for his release.
Finally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that while Israel has not agreed to a wider ceasefire or prisoner release with Hamas, it has secured the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander through a safe corridor. The release followed negotiations involving Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
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