National

On 30 May 2025, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune conducted the Passing Out Parade of its 148th course at Khetarpal Ground, marking a historic milestone with the commissioning of the first-ever batch of women cadets into the Indian Armed Forces.

The event was graced by General V.K. Singh (Retd.), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff, along with NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar. General Singh described the occasion as a matter of national pride and a step forward in gender inclusion and military modernization.

Honours awarded at the event:

• 🥇 President’s Gold Medal – Cadet Prince Raj
• 🥈 Silver Medal – Cadet Udayveer Singh Negi
• 🥉 Bronze Medal – Cadet Tejas Bhat
• 🏆 Chief of Staff Banner – Golf Squadron

The parade was attended by dignitaries, families, and senior military officials, celebrating both tradition and a new chapter in the NDA’s legacy.

On 29 May 2025, The central government has approved the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to elevate three High Court judges to the Supreme Court of India.
The appointed judges are:

• Justice NV Anjaria, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court
• Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court
• Justice AS Chandurkar, Judge of the Bombay High Court

The announcement was made by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the President of India has signed off on the appointments after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai.

The Collegium had made the recommendation during its meeting on 26 May 2025.

Career Highlights:

• Justice NV Anjaria: Began his practice at Gujarat High Court in 1988; became a permanent judge in 2013; appointed Chief Justice of Karnataka HC in 2024.
• Justice Vijay Bishnoi: Started his legal career in 1989; became permanent judge of Rajasthan HC in 2015; appointed CJ of Gauhati HC in 2024.
• Justice AS Chandurkar: Began practicing in 1988; became Additional Judge of Bombay HC in 2013.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season. The move aims to enhance farmers’ income, encourage crop diversification, and reduce import dependence.

Key MSP Increases (Per Quintal):

• Nigerseed: ₹820 (highest increase)
• Ragi: ₹596
• Cotton: ₹589
• Sesamum: ₹579
• Paddy (staple crop): ₹69
• Tur (Arhar): ₹450
• Urad: ₹400
• Moong: ₹86
• Groundnut: ₹480
• Sunflower seed: ₹441
• Soybean: ₹436

India’s Crop Calendar:

• Kharif: Sown in June-July, harvested in Oct-Nov
• Rabi: Sown in Oct-Nov, harvested Jan onwards
• Summer: Grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons

The MSP hike is part of a broader strategy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals (Shree Anna), supporting both nutritional security and farmer welfare.

On 27 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards to 69 distinguished individuals at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards included:

• Padma Vibhushan – 3 recipients
• Padma Bhushan – 9 recipients
• Padma Shri – 57 recipients

Padma Vibhushan Awardees:

• Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar – Public Affairs
• Kumudini Lakhia – Arts
• Sharda Sinha (posthumously) – Folk Music

Padma Bhushan Awardees:

• Jatin Goswami, Kailash Nath Dixit, Sadhvi Ritambhara – Various fields
• Bibek Debroy (posthumously) – Economics

Padma Shri Awardees:

• Ajay Bhatt – Inventor of USB technology (Science & Engineering)
• Dr. Neerja Bhatla – Research in cervical cancer prevention
• Sant Ram Deswal – Literature & Education
• Manda Krishna Madiga, Syed Ainul Hasan, Prashant Prakash, Nagendra Nath Roy – Various fields
• Hugh Gantzer and Colleen Gantzer (posthumously) – Joint recipients

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honors in India, are conferred across disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science, medicine, education, sports, and civil service. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Ministers also attended the ceremony.

Earlier in April, 71 Padma Awards were conferred at the first investiture ceremony for 2025.

On 26 May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Dahod, Gujarat, marking a major boost to India’s railway infrastructure and freight capacity. He also flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the facility.

Accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, PM Modi emphasized that the Dahod plant, aligned with his vision for world-class travel infrastructure, will manufacture 9,000 HP electric locomotives for both domestic use and export.

These advanced locomotives, equipped with regenerative braking systems, will enhance freight efficiency and promote energy conservation.

On 24 May 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed that a long-pending cadre review be conducted for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)—including the ITBP, BSF, CRPF, CISF, and SSB—within six months. This review was originally due in 2021 but had been delayed.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take appropriate action within three months of receiving the action-taken report from the Ministry of Home Affairs concerning cadre review, service rules, and recruitment rules.

The court issued these directions in response to pleas seeking Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU), cadre restructuring, and the removal of IPS officer deputation in CAPFs.

The Court emphasized the critical role of CAPFs in ensuring border security and handling internal security, and highlighted the challenges involved in coordination with state governments and police forces.

The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, held in New Delhi on May 23-24, aims to attract global and domestic investments into India’s North Eastern Region (NER). Organized by MDoNER, NEC, and FICCI, the event provides a platform for investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore opportunities in sectors like tourism, agro-processing, IT, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

With ministerial sessions, B2B & B2G meetings, and startup showcases, the summit fosters collaboration and positions Northeast India as a hub for sustainable development and strategic investments. The event is expected to drive economic growth, strengthen alliances, and unlock the region’s vast potential.

On May 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva via videoconferencing. Emphasizing the theme “One World for Health”, he reiterated India’s commitment to an inclusive and collaborative global health model, aligning it with India’s own vision of “One Earth, One Health.”

Key highlights of his address include:

• Inclusive Health Model: PM Modi highlighted Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, now covering 580 million+ people, including those above 70 years.
• Digital Healthcare: He showcased India’s digital initiatives like Health IDs, telemedicine (340 million+ consultations), and vaccine tracking systems.
• Affordable Medicines: Mentioned Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering quality, low-cost medicines.
• Support to Global South: PM reaffirmed India’s solidarity with developing nations, offering its health models as replicable and scalable solutions.
• Promotion of Yoga: Invited nations to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
• Pandemic Preparedness: Applauded the WHO Pandemic Treaty (INB Treaty) as a milestone for future health security.

PM Modi concluded by emphasizing global cooperation, inclusivity, and resilience as the pillars of a healthier world.

As part of Operation Sindoor, India is sending seven All-Party parliamentary delegations to 32 countries, showcasing a united political front against terrorism. A total of 59 Members of Parliament, along with retired diplomats, will participate in this diplomatic outreach.

Delegation 1 (led by Baijayant Panda, BJP):
Visiting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Algeria
Includes Ghulam Nabi Azad, Nishikant Dubey, Asaduddin Owaisi

Delegation 2 (led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP):
Visiting UK, France, Germany, EU, Italy, Denmark
Includes Amar Singh, Priyanka Chaturvedi, M J Akbar

Delegation 3 (led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, JDU):
Visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore
Includes Yusuf Pathan, John Brittas, Salman Khurshid

Delegation 4 (led by Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena):
Visiting UAE, Liberia, Congo, Sierra Leone
Includes Bansuri Swaraj, Sasmit Patra, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, S.S. Ahluwalia

Delegation 5 (led by Shashi Tharoor, Congress):
Visiting US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia
Includes Sarfaraz Ahmad, Shambhavi, GM Harish Balayogi, Murli Deora

Delegation 6 (led by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK):
Visiting Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Russia
Includes Mian Altaf Ahmed, Rajeev Rai, Prem Chand Gupta

Delegation 7 (led by Supriya Sule, NCP-SCP):
Visiting Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, South Africa
Includes Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Singh Thakur, V Muraleedharan, Manish Tewari

This major diplomatic outreach reflects India’s bipartisan commitment to counter global terrorism and enhance international cooperation.

On May 15, 2025, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish ground handling firm, with immediate effect, citing national security concerns. Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India’s strikes on terror camps.

• The clearance had been granted by the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in November 2022.
• Celebi Aviation was operating in nine Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur, providing passenger handling, cargo services, aerobridge management, and other airport-related services.

Following the directive:

• Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has terminated its association with Celebi entities at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
• Alternative ground handling services are being coordinated with AISATS and Bird Group.
• For cargo operations, DIAL is onboarding a pre-approved cargo handler to avoid disruption.
• All Celebi employees at IGIA will be retained by the new employer under existing terms and conditions to ensure smooth transition and operational continuity.

BSF Jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who was detained by Pakistan Rangers on April 23, 2025, after accidentally crossing the international border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector, has been safely returned to India on May 14, 2025.

According to BSF sources, the handover took place peacefully at the Attari Joint Check Post in Amritsar, following established protocols. Shaw had been guarding farmers near the border fence when the incident occurred.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Class 10 and Class 12 board exam results on 13 May 2025.

In Class 12, the pass percentage is 88.39%, an increase of 0.41 percentage points from last year.

• Girls outperformed boys by 5.94 percentage points, with over 91% passing.
• Transgender students achieved a 100% pass rate.
• Total students appeared: 16,92,794

In Class 10, the pass percentage is 93.66%, up by 0.06 percentage points compared to last year.

• Girls again performed better, with 95% passing, 2.37 percentage points higher than boys.
• Total students appeared: 23,71,939

The results are accessible via the official CBSE website and other digital platforms.

On 12 May 2025, Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks were held between India and Pakistan. According to a statement from the Indian Army, both sides discussed maintaining the commitment to avoid any firing or aggressive actions against each other.

It was also agreed to consider immediate steps for troop reduction along the borders and forward areas, aiming to de-escalate tensions and promote peace.

On 12 May 2025, the Centre issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to reopen 32 airports that had been shut since 9 May due to cross-border drone and missile attacks following the Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 tourists were killed by terrorists.

The airports to gradually reopen include: Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj.

Though a ceasefire was announced at the request of the Pakistan DGMO, the Indian government is proceeding cautiously.

According to the Indian Army, the night remained largely peaceful, with no incidents reported—a first in recent days.

The reopening signals a de-escalation in hostilities, especially after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to avenge the massacre.

The move is expected to restore normalcy in flight operations, which had been widely disrupted.

The Indian Army destroyed Pakistani posts and a terrorist launch pad near Jammu, from where tube-launched drones were being deployed. In addition, Indian Defence Forces successfully thwarted drone attacks at 26 locations from Baramulla to Bhuj, targeting areas along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC).

The attacks involved suspected armed drones, posing threats to both civilian and military targets. Key locations targeted included Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Jammu, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, and others. In Ferozepur, one drone caused damage to a house and injured three civilians, who are now stable.

The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert, using counter-drone systems to neutralize threats and urging citizens in border areas to stay indoors and follow safety advisories.

The Central Government has empowered the Chief of the Army Staff to call out officers and personnel of the Territorial Army for essential guard duties or to support the regular army. This authority is granted under the Territorial Army Rule 1948.

According to a gazette notification by the Ministry of Defence, 14 out of 32 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army have been embodied in commands including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

This order is valid for a period of three years, until February 9, 2028.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India for all civil flight operations until May 15.

Key affected airports include Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot. Additionally, 25 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route segments in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions will be closed.

Airlines have been advised to use alternate routes to minimize disruptions. The closure is for operational reasons and is being coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure safety.

On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill, codenamed Operation Abhyas, across 244 districts. This large-scale exercise was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance emergency preparedness amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Purpose and Execution

The drills aimed to test and improve civil defence mechanisms, including:

• Air raid warning sirens and blackout protocols.
• Evacuation drills for civilians.
• Training sessions for students and volunteers.
• Coordination exercises involving police, fire services, and disaster response teams.

Historical Significance

This was the largest civil defence drill since 1971, when India conducted similar exercises during the Indo-Pakistani war. The recent drills were prompted by security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.

Public Participation and Impact

Thousands of civil defence volunteers, NCC cadets, NSS members, and Home Guards took part in the drills. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad implemented blackout simulations and evacuation rehearsals to assess readiness.

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, triggering public outrage and calls for action.

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation aimed to neutralize camps involved in plotting attacks against India. Officials stated that the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory, carefully avoiding Pakistani military installations.

A government spokesperson asserted, “India stands by its commitment that those responsible for this heinous act will be held accountable.”

Further details about Operation Sindoor will be revealed in a briefing later on.

On May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will conduct Civil Defence mock drills across 244 categorised districts in India, in response to rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

The Union Home Minister’s directive, issued on May 5, aims to evaluate and improve preparedness for hostile attacks, covering:

• Activation of air raid warning sirens
• Blackout measures and camouflage for critical infrastructure
• Evacuation drills and public training
• Communication links with the Indian Air Force
• Testing the response of Civil Defence Services, including rescue and firefighting

The decision follows high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh briefing him on India’s preparedness post the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley.

The drills reflect India’s focus on enhancing civil defence readiness amid a volatile geopolitical climate.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Aadhaar-based face authentication during NEET (UG) 2025 in New Delhi on May 5, 2025. The initiative aimed to test the feasibility, security, and effectiveness of face authentication for verifying candidate identities at examination centers.

This biometric technology was integrated into select NEET centres and demonstrated the potential to enhance exam security, curb impersonation, and offer a student-friendly verification method for large-scale national tests.

On May 3, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted maiden flight-trials of a Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship carried an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, highlighting the system’s potential to enhance India’s earth observation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. He noted that this innovation places India among the few countries with such indigenous high-altitude airship technology.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat praised the team and called the trial a milestone in developing lighter-than-air platforms capable of long-endurance operations at stratospheric heights.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated its operational readiness on May 2, 2025, with a major flypast and landing drill on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Conducted on a 3.5-kilometre-long airstrip, the exercise featured Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage jets, testing the expressway’s capability as a wartime or emergency runway.

The Shahjahanpur airstrip is India’s first to support both day and night fighter aircraft landings, making it a strategic asset for defence. The event is being held in two phases—day and night, with low fly-pasts, take-offs, and landings, including drills from 7 PM to 10 PM.

Security was strengthened with the installation of 250 CCTV cameras, and the IAF assumed full control of the site in coordination with UPEIDA. This marks the first time any Indian expressway has been equipped for night landings, significantly boosting the IAF’s round-the-clock operational capability.