May 2025

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.