Top 5 news of the day: MHA asks states to 'invoke emergency powers'; Trump hints at lowering China tariffs to 80%; IPL 2025 suspended for a week due to security concerns; and more

Today’s top stories cover major developments in politics, defence, sports, and international relations.India-Pakistan tensions have escalated, prompting the ministry of home affairs to instruct all states to invoke emergency powers under the Civil Defence Act. Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah led a meeting with top security officials to review safety measures along the Pakistan border and airports, following Pakistan’s missile and drone strikes on Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, which were largely intercepted by India’s air defence systems.In a separate development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the suspension of IPL 2025 for a week due to national security concerns.Amid rising tensions, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistan refrained from intercepting Indian drones to avoid revealing military locations. US President Donald Trump hinted at reducing tariffs on China to 80%, a move that would significantly impact ongoing trade negotiations.MHA asks all states to 'invoke emergency powers under civil defence rules' amid rising India-Pakistan tensionsUnion home minister Amit Shah also chaired a meeting with the director generals of BSF, CISF, BCAS, home secretary and director of IB to review security along Pakistan border and airports, PTI reported citing sources. Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Thursday, targeting Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, but most were intercepted by India’s air defence systems. Read full story Pakistan didn’t intercept Indian drones to avoid leaking locations, claims Khawaja AsifPakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif faced criticism after he failed to give any real proof for his claim that Pakistan shot down five Indian jets during Operation Sindoor. When asked for details in an interview, Asif said his source was “social media,” prompting a CNN anchor to remind him that the discussion wasn’t about what’s seen online. Read full storyDonald Trump hints at lowering China tariffs to 80% before Switzerland meetThe proposed cut, announced by the US President on the social media platform Truth Social, is a big drop from the current 145% tariff on many Chinese goods. However, it is still much higher than the 10% tariff set in the new US-UK trade deal announced on Thursday. China remains one of the United States' biggest trading partners. Read full storyIndian retaliation inflicts significant damage on Pakistan army under Operation SindoorWing Commander Vyomika Singh said, "In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One of the drones was able to destroy an AD radar. Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling across the line of control using heavy-calibre artillery guns and armed drones... which resulted in some losses and injuries to Indian army personnel. Pakistan army also suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory fire." Follow live updatesIPL 2025 suspended for a week amid escalating tensions with PakistanIn a statement, BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia said, "At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces." Read full story