News Dabba for 12 May 2025: Five stories for a balanced news diet

Indie Journal brings you the daily updates that the internet is talking about through various news websites. Here's a glance through some of the National and International news updates, from updates on India-Pakistan ceasefire, Taliban banning Chess, to Philippines elections.

Hindustan Times: 32 airports, shut during India-Pak conflict, to open soon

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for the reopening of 32 airports across northern and western India for civil flight operations three days after their temporary closure was extended until Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan conflict involving drones, missiles and long-range weapons that raised fears of a full-blown war. Hindustan Times reports that a separate NOTAM was issued for re-opening the international flight routes. The NOTAM said all 25 routes were now available. Read the full report here.

Indian Express LIVE updates on India-Pakistan ceasefire

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning held a meeting with top ministers and military officials at his residence, likely on the current tension between India and Pakistan, Indian Express reports. This comes ahead of the DGMO talks between India and Pakistan, two days after the ceasefire. Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai, Director General Military Operations (DGMO), will hold a talk with his Pakistani counterpart at 12 noon today. This is the second time that the DGMOs of both countries will hold talks, the report says. After days of heavy artillery fire and shelling, a night of calm was observed in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the international border, the Indian Army said in a statement. Read the full report here.

Texas push to ban non-citizens from buying land prompts racism worries: The Straits Times

The Straits Times reports that a renewed push in Texas to ban Chinese and other non-citizens from purchasing property is almost across the finish line, prompting protests by opponents who claim the measure will stoke discrimination against minorities. The legislation previously failed in 2023, but has gained new steam in the Republican-led state since US President Donald Trump’s return to office on a stark anti-immigration and anti-China agenda. The report says that the Texas Bill, SB 17, bans most non-citizens from countries deemed by the United States to be national security threats from purchasing any property. Read the full report here.

Taliban bans chess in Afghanistan, calls it against Sharia, India Today

India Today reports that the Taliban government has suspended chess in Afghanistan until further notice, citing concerns that the game may be linked to gambling, which is illegal under the country’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. A sports official confirmed the suspension on Sunday. This action was taken by the sports directorate of the Taliban, who regulate all sports events in Afghanistan. Chess, in the view of Atal Mashwani, a government sports department spokesperson, is being treated as gambling according to Sharia law, which is strictly adhered to by the Taliban. Read the full report here.

Millions vote in Philippines midterms as Marcos-Duterte feud heats up, BBC reports

About 68 million eligible voters in the Philippines are heading to the polls in mid-terms that will decide the fate of a long-running power struggle between the country's two biggest political dynasties, BBC reports. The senate races pit candidates backed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr against those supported by Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The report says that if Marcos' senate picks win more seats, it increases his chances of impeaching Sara Duterte for alleged misuse of state funds - this would bar her from seeking the presidency in 2028. Read the full report here.