News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants

Pakistan used 400 drones, possibly from Turkiye: India

On Thursday (May 8, 2025) night, Pakistan attempted drone intrusions from Leh to Sir Creek at 36 locations with approximately 300 to 400 drones, possibly of Turkish origin, likely to test Indian Air Defences (AD) and later also attempted to target the Bhatinda military station with an armed drone, according to Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh. She said that Pakistan was using civil airliners as a “shield”.

Centre issues NOTAM, closes at least 32 airports for civilian flights until May 15

Amid escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and relevant aviation authorities have issued a series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civilian flight operations.

Pakistan claims India targeted three airbases with missiles, closes airspace to all traffic

Early on Saturday (May 10, 2025) Pakistan claimed that its three airbases were targeted by India, according to media reports. The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) issued a notification announcing closure of its airspace for all traffic till 4 p.m., and India extended cancellation of flight operations at 32 airports by 4 more days till May 15.

Pakistan PMO says IMF has approved $1 billion loan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday (May 9, 2025) approved the immediate disbursement of about $1 billion to Pakistan under the ongoing Extended Fund Faci­li­ty. In a statement, the Washington-based global lender said its Executive Board concluded the initial review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.

India’s steadfast unity in itself is a challenge to Pakistan: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan on Friday (May 9, 2025) for waging a disinformation campaign, asserting that India’s “steadfast unity” posed a significant challenge to Pakistan. Mr. Misri also accused Pakistani forces of targeting gurdwaras both in India and within their own territory in a bid to sow communal discord in India. He announced that, due to the current tense situation along the International Border (IB), the Kartarpur Corridor — connecting Indian pilgrims to the second most important Sikh shrine in Pakistan — has been suspended.

Tamil Nadu government opens help desk for the Tamils stranded in J&K

In view of the rising tensions and hostilities in Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor was launched, the Tamil Nadu government has opened a help desk in the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to offer the Tamils information, help, and rescue. This is in line with the instructions of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Railways to operate special trains in view of airport closures

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed train operations on Friday (May 9, 2025) and issued instructions to operate special trains keeping in mind the requirements of the public. Special trains were arranged by Indian Railways for the passengers who were stranded due to the closure of Jammu and Chandigarh airports, said a spokesperson from Ministry of Railways.

India says Pakistan using civil airliners as a shield

During a MEA special briefing on May 9, 2025, Colonel Vyomika Singh said, “Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite launching a failed, unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7, 2025, at 2030 hours. Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift Air Defence response. This is not safe for the unsuspecting civil airliners, including International flights, which were flying near IB between India and Pakistan.”

IPL 2025 suspended for a week

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a statement said the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League has been suspended for a week following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Devajit Saikia, BCCI Honorary Secretary, in a statement, said that “Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviews security situation with CDS, 3 service chiefs

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (May 9, 2025) carried out a comprehensive review of the national security scenario with the top military leadership, a day after Pakistan’s attempts to target Indian military installations were repelled. Every aspect of the evolving security situation was discussed in the meeting, it is learnt.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

War not a solution, countries must resolve matters through dialogue, says AIMPLB

In the wake of the India-Pakistan military conflict, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has asserted that war is not a solution to any issue and that countries should resolve their matters through dialogue and diplomatic means. The board has also said it will continue with its “Save Waqf Campaign” as usual, but in light of the current situation, its public meetings and events are being postponed for the next one week, until May 16.

Seven terrorists shot dead in J&K’s Samba as BSF foils infiltration bid

Late on Thursday (May 8, 2025), the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan border in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), killing at least seven terrorists, according to a BSF official. “At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K,” BSF Jammu posted on X.

Oil companies assure public of ample fuel stocks

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm, on Friday (May 9, 2025) said ample stocks of petrol, diesel and cooking gas LPG are available in the country and there is no need for panic buying of fuel. The statement comes after social media was flooded with posts and videos showing people queuing at petrol pumps to stock fuel as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. “Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly,” IOC said in a post on X.

Congress takes out Tiranga Yatra in support of Indian armed forces

Amidst the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan after the killing of 26 tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the Karnataka Congress on Friday (May 9, 2025) took out a Tiranga Yatra from K.R. Circle to Minsk Square near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium and extended support to the Indian armed forces. A large number of party leaders and workers marched with the national flag, expressing solidarity with the security forces and sending out a message of unity during the ongoing border conflict with Pakistan.

Kerala reports seventh Nipah outbreak since 2018

On May 8, a new case of Nipah virus was confirmed in Kerala in a 42-year-old woman from Valanchery in Malappuram district. On May 6, testing for the Nipah virus was first undertaken at the Calicut Medical College. When the tested samples were positive for Nipah, a sample was sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune on May 7 afternoon for Nipah confirmation. The NIV confirmed Nipah on May 8 afternoon.

North Korea’s Kim makes rare visit to Russian embassy as ties deepen

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang with his daughter on Friday (May 9, 2025) to celebrate Russia’s Victory Day to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, state media said. Mr. Kim said North Korea will “consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation and the invincible alliance”, KCNA reported.

Pope Leo XIV inauguration mass will be on May 18, says Vatican

The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed as Pope at a Mass on May 18 and will preside over his first general audience on May 21, 2025. The Vatican on Friday (May 9, 2025) provided a schedule of Pope Leo’s upcoming agenda. It includes meetings with cardinals, Vatican officials, the media, diplomatic corps and the general public.

Pakistan claims Economic Affairs Division account on X hacked after post requesting foreign aid emerged

Pakistan has claimed that its Economic Affairs Division account on the social media platform X has been hacked and called the post, where it appealed for more loans from the international community as it faced losses following India’s Operation Sindoor, “fake.”