08 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Indian Forces Hit Pakistan Terror Bases in ‘Operation Sindoor’

Source: Page 12-14, The Hindu International Edition (May 08, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Internal Security), GS Paper 3 (Defence)

Context

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indians, Indian armed forces launched a precision military operation targeting terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Content:

• Operation Sindoor: A Measured Response

  • 24 precision strikes were carried out in 25 minutes on 9 terror camps across Pakistan and PoK.
    
  • The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure while avoiding civilian and Pakistani military installations.
    
  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the operation as “measured, proportionate and non-escalatory.”
    
    

  Strategic and Diplomatic Impact

  • High-level coordination involving the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the armed forces.
    
  • Air defence systems on alert anticipating any retaliation from Pakistan.
    
  • An all-party meeting convened to maintain domestic political unity.
    
    

  Civil and Regional Implications

  • Security tightened in Punjab and Rajasthan border districts; Kartarpur Corridor closed.
    
  • Mock drills held in Delhi and Rajasthan under ‘Operation Abhyas’ to boost emergency preparedness.
    
    

  Analysis

  • Demonstrates India’s shift toward proactive counter-terror operations.
    
  • Maintains diplomatic restraint while asserting military deterrence.
    
  • Could alter South Asia’s security landscape and international perception of India’s anti-terror doctrine.

Practice Question:

Critically examine India’s evolving counter-terror strategy in the light of Operation Sindoor. How does it reflect a balance between military assertiveness and diplomatic restraint?

2. The Two-Nation Theory: Pakistan, Bangladesh and Identity Questions

Source:  Page 8, The Hindu International Edition (May 08, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Modern Indian History, Post-independence Consolidation)

Context

An editorial marking Victory Day in Europe reflects on the ideological and identity crises within Pakistan and its historical roots tied to the Two-Nation Theory.

Content:

• Understanding the Two-Nation Theory

  • The idea that Hindus and Muslims are separate nations underpinned the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
    
  • Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 challenged the theory, demonstrating that language, culture, and democracy outweighed religion as a unifying force.
    
    

  Contemporary Implications

  • Pakistan continues to struggle with internal ethnic and sectarian divisions.
    
  • Rise in radicalization and state reliance on jihadist groups have backfired.
    
    

  Analysis

  • The Two-Nation Theory has been historically debunked but continues to influence state policies in Pakistan.
    
  • India’s pluralistic model presents a contrasting approach to national identity and secularism.

Practice Question:

The partition of India and creation of Pakistan was based on the Two-Nation Theory. Critically assess its relevance in the subcontinent today, especially in light of the formation of Bangladesh. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Delhi Govt Approves ₹3.21 Crore for Cloud Seeding to Combat Pollution

Source: Page 2, The Hindu, 08 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment, Technology)

Context

The Delhi Cabinet has approved five cloud seeding trials to induce artificial rain and combat severe air pollution and water scarcity.

Content:

• Cloud Seeding as a Pollution Mitigation Tool

  • IIT Kanpur to implement the project using aircraft, chemical dispersal, and modeling.
    
  • First trial to cover 100 sq. km in Delhi’s outskirts in May–June.
    
    

  Scientific & Policy Dimensions

  • Cloud seeding involves injecting chemicals like silver iodide to stimulate rainfall.
    
  • ₹3.21 crore allocated; aims to replicate successful experiments in China and UAE.
    
    

  Challenges

  • Requires moisture-laden clouds to be effective.
    
  • Cost-intensive with limited scientific consensus on large-scale success.

Practice Question:

Discuss the feasibility and environmental implications of using cloud seeding as a tool to tackle air pollution in Indian cities.(150 words / 10 marks)

4. India and UK Finalise Free Trade Agreement

Source:  Page 1, The Indian Express, 07 May 2025

Topic: GS2: International Relations, GS3: Indian Economy – Trade

Context

India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluding years of negotiations aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment.

Content:

• Duty-Free Access for Indian Exports
  The FTA grants zero-duty access for 99% of Indian exports to the UK, including textiles, jewellery, leather, and marine products.

• Social Security Relief
  Indian professionals posted to the UK will now be exempt from paying UK social security for up to three years.

• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Concerns
  India raised concerns about the EU’s proposed carbon taxes and negotiated terms for green product certification.

• Strategic Value
  Marks a major shift post-Brexit and strengthens India’s trade profile in Europe.

Practice Question:

Discuss the significance of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement in the context of India’s trade diversification and foreign policy goals. (250 words / 15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Operation Sindoor: India Conducts 24 Precision Strikes Across Terror Camps

Source: The Hindu, Page 12-14, 08 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Internal Security, Defence)

Context

TIn retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian nationals were killed, the Indian armed forces carried out a swift precision strike on terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Analysis of the news:

• India launched “Operation Sindoor” with 24 precision strikes on 9 terrorist training camps within 25 minutes.
  
• Targets included launchpads, ammunition depots, and communication centres.
  
• According to the Defence Ministry, utmost care was taken to avoid civilian casualties and no Pakistani military assets were targeted.
  
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the action as “measured, non-escalatory, and proportionate”.
  
• The Indian Air Defence System remains on high alert for any retaliatory action.
  
• This move demonstrates India’s shift towards offensive counter-terrorism operations within the boundaries of international law

2. Kartarpur Corridor Closed Amidst Security Alert

Source: The Hindu, Page 1, 08 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Art & Culture), GS Paper 2 (India and its Neighbourhood)

Context

Following the escalation of tensions due to Operation Sindoor, the Indian government closed the Kartarpur Corridor as a security measure to prevent any mishap during the period of alert.

Analysis of the news:

• The Kartarpur Corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal district.
  
• It allows visa-free access to Indian pilgrims to visit the final resting place of Guru Nanak.
  
• The corridor was opened on 9 November 2019 to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
  
• Under the agreement between India and Pakistan, up to 5,000 pilgrims are allowed per day.
  
• Due to heightened tensions post air strikes, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered temporary suspension of services.

3. Delhi Govt Approves Cloud Seeding Project to Reduce Pollution

Source: The Hindu, Page 2, 08 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Environment, Science and Technology)

Context

In a pioneering effort to combat Delhi’s notorious air pollution, the Delhi Cabinet has approved a ₹3.21 crore project to induce artificial rainfall through cloud seeding.

Analysis of the news:

• The project is being undertaken in partnership with IIT Kanpur.
  
• The plan includes 5 experimental trials in May–June 2025 over Delhi’s outskirts.
  
• Each trial will cover approx. 100 sq. km and cost around ₹55 lakh.
  
• Cloud seeding involves dispersing chemicals like silver iodide into clouds to catalyze rainfall.
  
• The aim is to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels during dry months.
  
• Delhi becomes one of the first Indian metros to attempt this climate intervention

4. Civil Defence Mock Drills Conducted in Delhi and Rajasthan

Source: The Hindu, Page 2 & 4, 08 May 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management)

Context

In response to national security concerns, Operation Abhyas was conducted in Delhi and Rajasthan to assess readiness in the event of missile attacks or emergencies.

Analysis of the news:

• Over 55 locations across 11 Delhi districts and 28 cities in Rajasthan were covered under ‘Operation Abhyas’.
  
• Scenarios simulated included missile strikes, fires, chemical leaks, and building collapses.
  
• Participation from police, fire brigades, hospitals, schools, and civil defence volunteers.
  
• Blackout drills were also held in Jaipur for the first time since the 1971 war.
  
• The drills tested coordination, evacuation protocols, public awareness, and rapid medical response.

Check more: 07 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs