National Affairs
India-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement
India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire understanding on 10.05.2025, agreeing to stop all firing and military action from 5 PM onwards.
The ceasefire comes after several days of intense cross-border military tensions that began following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that this bilateral agreement would not impact India’s punitive actions taken in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the agreement, though Indian officials maintained it was a bilateral understanding without foreign mediation.
Operation Sindoor: Key Updates
The Indian Armed Forces conducted “Operation Sindoor” targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
In a press briefing on 11.05.2025, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), confirmed that over 100 terrorists were eliminated during the operation.
The Indian Air Force carried out coordinated precision strikes on at least eight Pakistani military bases on 10.05.2025, with satellite imagery confirming significant damage to infrastructure.
Targets included radar installations, command and control centers, and ammunition depots in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot.
Advanced air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), likely BrahMos, were used in the attacks.
Defence Minister Inaugurates BrahMos Facility
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated India’s largest BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow on 11.05.2025.
Singh described the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as not just a weapon but a “message” of India’s military strength and deterrence capability.
The facility was completed in just 40 months and is part of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
The inauguration coincided with National Technology Day, which commemorates India’s nuclear tests conducted on May 11, 1998, under Operation Shakti.
Security Measures Amid Tensions
A precautionary blackout was enforced in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer and Punjab’s Ferozepur district due to the threat of Pakistani aggression.
Delhi Airport issued an advisory stating that operations remain normal but some flights may be impacted due to evolving airspace conditions and enhanced security protocols.
Western border states remain on high alert despite the announced ceasefire.
International Affairs
US-China Trade Negotiations
The United States and China reported “substantial progress” in their trade negotiations according to recent updates.
The high-stakes talks aimed at resolving ongoing trade disputes between the two economic powerhouses.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Developments
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine to be held on May 15 in Istanbul.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his country’s call for a ceasefire starting Monday and confirmed his participation in the proposed talks in Turkey.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Sunday Address
Pope Leo XIV called for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff.
His address featured symbolic gestures suggesting a message of unity in a polarized Catholic Church.
Sri Lanka Bus Accident
A tour bus crash in Sri Lanka resulted in 21 fatalities after the vehicle plunged down a hillside.
This incident represents one of the deadliest transportation accidents in the country this year.
Economic Affairs
Inflation Update
CPI inflation in April 2025 is expected to edge lower to approximately 3.18% from 3.34% in March, on the back of benign food prices and muted core inflation.
This would mark inflation staying below the RBI’s target of 4% for the third consecutive month.
Food and beverage inflation is projected at 2.53% on an annual basis in April 2025, down from 2.88% in March 2025.
The moderation is expected to be led primarily by a correction in vegetable prices.
Banking Sector Developments
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directed banks to conduct regular cybersecurity audits amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
Banks have been instructed to ensure cybersecurity systems are firewalled and monitored 24/7 to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) acquired a 20% stake in YES Bank for ₹13,483 crore in what is being described as the largest-ever cross-border investment in India’s banking sector.
RBI Policy Update
The RBI had reduced the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% in its April policy update.
The central bank has projected a GDP growth of 6.5% for FY 2025-26.
The decision was underpinned by easing inflation, particularly in food prices.
Sports News
IPL 2025 Resumption Plans
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to resume IPL 2025 from May 16 or 17 after its suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions.
The tournament is now expected to extend until May 30 instead of the originally planned May 25.
Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have been shortlisted as venues for the remaining IPL games.
With 12 matches still remaining, the BCCI plans to schedule more double-headers to complete the tournament.
Franchises have been asked to inform their foreign players about travel plans and report to their respective venues by Tuesday.
Cricket Retirement News
Reports indicate that Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI about his intentions to retire from Test cricket.
The board has requested Kohli to reconsider his decision, especially with the crucial England tour approaching.
Previously, Rohit Sharma had reportedly already been informed by the BCCI that his Test career was over.
Rohit had earlier called time on his T20I career in June 2024.
Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana scored her 11th ODI century, guiding India to a dominant victory.
This achievement makes her the third-highest century maker in women’s ODIs, surpassing England’s Tammy Beaumont.
Important Days
National Technology Day
May 11 is observed as National Technology Day in India, commemorating the successful nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998.
The day also marks the maiden flight of the indigenously developed Hansa-3 aircraft.
The observance recognizes the contributions of scientists, engineers, and defense personnel to India’s technological advancement.
Appointments and Resignations
Canada’s Ambassador to Holy See
Joyce Napier has been appointed as Canada’s new ambassador to the Holy See.
In an interview, she discussed hopes for Pope Leo XIV and the significant role of the Vatican as a small yet influential entity with 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
