20 news stories from India as of May 08, 2025, crafted to be engaging
1. Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Targets in Pakistan
In a bold move, the Indian armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor, executing 24 precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. The operation targeted bases of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen, including sites in Muridke and Bahawalpur. The strikes were a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “The people of India are united behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our armed forces.” However, tensions have escalated, with Pakistan resorting to cross-border shelling in Jammu & Kashmir’s Karnah area.
2. Pakistan Authorizes Retaliation, Global Concerns Rise
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif authorized “corresponding action” after India’s strikes, which Pakistan claims killed 26 people, including civilians. The strikes hit a mosque in Muzaffarabad and other sites, prompting Pakistan to accuse India of “igniting an inferno.” International leaders, including Russia’s Sergey Lavrov and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, warning that a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors could be catastrophic.
3. Nationwide Security Drills Amid Tensions
India conducted large-scale civil defense mock drills, including a 15-minute blackout in New Delhi and Amritsar on May 7, 2025, as part of Operation Abhyaas. The drills, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, excluded critical sites like the Prime Minister’s residence and metro stations. These measures reflect heightened alertness amid India-Pakistan tensions.
4. Airlines Adapt to Escalating Tensions
Over 300 flights were canceled, and 25 airports shut down due to the India-Pakistan conflict. Air India and Air India Express announced free rescheduling and full refunds for armed forces personnel booked until May 31, 2025, to support their duties. Delhi Airport issued passenger advisories, warning of disruptions due to airspace restrictions.
5. All-Party Meeting Called in Parliament
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced an all-party meeting at 11 AM on May 8, 2025, in New Delhi’s Parliament Complex to discuss the ongoing crisis. The meeting aims to foster unity and strategize India’s response to the escalating situation with Pakistan.
6. US and Israel Back India’s Right to Self-Defense
US President Donald Trump expressed hope that hostilities would end quickly, while Israel affirmed support for India’s right to self-defense following Operation Sindoor. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also conveyed solidarity in talks with India’s Rajnath Singh, highlighting Pakistan’s history of supporting terrorism.
7. Tamil Nadu Board +2 Results Announced
The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations released the TN Board +2 (12th) Results on May 8, 2025. Students can check their scores on tnresults.nic.in. The announcement has sparked excitement and anxiety among students, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
8. Delhi’s Record Rainfall in May
Delhi recorded its second-highest 24-hour rainfall in over a century on May 2, 2025, with 77 mm of rain in just six hours, according to the India Meteorological Department. The heavy downpour disrupted daily life but brought relief from the summer heat.
9. Vizhinjam International Seaport Inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on May 2, 2025. The event, attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, marks a milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure development.
10. SEBI Accuses Adani of Insider Trading
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) alleged that Pranav Adani, nephew of Gautam Adani, shared price-sensitive information, breaching insider trading regulations. The accusations have stirred controversy, with the Adani Group facing scrutiny over corporate governance.
11. Supreme Court Halts Deportation of Pakistani Family
On May 2, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered authorities not to deport six members of a Pakistani family who allegedly overstayed their visas until their identity documents are verified. The decision reflects India’s commitment to fair legal processes amid heightened border tensions.
12. Attari-Wagah Border Remains Closed
The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan has been completely shut since May 1, 2025, following India’s decision to revoke visas after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan allowed its citizens stranded in India to use the Wagah crossing, but movement remains restricted.
13. Mangaluru Imposes Prohibitory Orders
Following a murder incident, Mangaluru City Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, from May 2 to May 6, 2025. The measures aim to maintain public safety and order in the city.
14. US-India Trade Tensions Surface
US Vice-President J.D. Vance called Prime Minister Modi a “tough negotiator,” accusing India of taking advantage of America in trade. Vance predicted India might be among the first to strike a deal to avoid reciprocal tariffs, highlighting ongoing trade negotiations.
15. Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute Intensifies
An all-party meeting in Punjab on May 2, 2025, saw leaders unite against Haryana over water-sharing disputes. The Aam Aadmi Party government emphasized Punjab’s water rights, escalating tensions between the two states.
16. IPL 2025 Orange Cap Race Heats Up
In cricket, the IPL 2025 Orange Cap race is tight, with Suryakumar Yadav leading Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill by just two runs after a thrilling Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans match. The tournament continues to captivate fans nationwide.
17. Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala Look Goes Viral
Shah Rukh Khan’s “dandy stack” at the Met Gala 2025, featuring a 21-crore watch and an 18k gold cane, has taken social media by storm. The Bollywood icon’s style continues to set global fashion trends.
18. UPSC Prelims 2025: Science and Technology Focus
Aspirants preparing for the UPSC Prelims 2025 are focusing on science and technology topics, with experts releasing revision checklists to aid preparation. The exam remains a critical gateway for India’s civil services.
19. Ethnic Violence Displaces Thousands
Amnesty International highlighted the plight of thousands displaced by ethnic violence in India, criticizing authorities for failing to provide humane support. The issue underscores ongoing challenges in addressing internal displacement.
20. Kedarnath Dham’s Panchmukhi Doli Arrives
The Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedar reached Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand, marking a spiritual milestone for devotees. The event draws thousands of pilgrims annually, reinforcing India’s rich cultural heritage.
The news cycle on May 8, 2025, is dominated by Operation Sindoor and its fallout, reflecting India’s firm stance against terrorism and the complex geopolitics of South Asia. The strikes have not only heightened tensions with Pakistan but also drawn global attention, with calls for restraint from nations like Russia and Qatar. The nationwide security drills and flight disruptions underscore the gravity of the situation, affecting daily life and travel.
On the domestic front, the inauguration of the Vizhinjam Seaport signals India’s ambition to bolster its maritime infrastructure, while SEBI’s allegations against the Adani Group highlight ongoing corporate governance challenges. The Supreme Court’s intervention in the deportation case reflects India’s judicial commitment to fairness, even amid border tensions.
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