A tense standoff prevails between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack triggering concerns that it will explode into a full-blown war at any time with implications for the whole world.

Some details are clouded by contradictory statements and disinformation. But a pattern of rapid escalation brought the conflict to the brink of catastrophe.

India said on Monday that it has reopened 32 airports that were shut during clashes with neighbour Pakistan, after a ceasefire over the weekend. The 32 airports are now available for civil aircraft operations with immediate effect,