National News

Vigil on ‘Chicken Neck’

• After Operation Sindoor, India has increased vigilance on the ‘Chicken Neck’ (Siliguri Corridor) — the only and extremely narrow (about 22 km wide) land link that connects mainland India to the seven northeastern states.
• Its geographical location lies in close proximity to the borders of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China, making it extremely sensitive from a strategic and security perspective.

"Chicken Neck" :

High Alert in States Bordering Pakistan

• Following Operation Sindoor, a high alert has been declared in the border districts of Punjab and Rajasthan adjoining Pakistan.

Pakistan :

Environment News

Draft of ‘Climate Classification’ Document Released

• The Ministry of Finance has released a draft of the ‘Climate Classification’ document to support investment in clean energy.
• The primary objective of the draft is to mobilize capital to combat climate change.

Related Facts:

Economy and Banking

$1 Billion Assistance Package

• The World Bank has decided to provide a $1 billion assistance package to Sri Lanka over the next three years, aimed at supporting economic reforms and employment generation for youth.

World Bank:

Special Concession by Air India for Armed Forces

• Air India and Air India Express have announced full refund on cancellations for tickets booked by Indian Armed Forces personnel till 31 May 2025, and rescheduling without any extra charges till 30 June 2025.
• This move has been taken in support of the dedication and duty commitments of soldiers following Operation Sindoor.

Air India :

MoU Signed Between C-DOT and CSIR-NPL

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework for joint research and innovation.

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) :

Manuscripts 'Dravyaratnakara Nighantuḥ' and 'Dravyanāmākara Nighantuḥ'

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has revived and published two rare and significant Ayurvedic manuscripts — 'Dravyaratnakara Nighantuḥ' and 'Dravyanāmākara Nighantuḥ'.
• These manuscripts hold great importance in the field of Ayurvedic medical science.

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International News

Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Arrives in India

• A few hours after Operation Sindoor, Adil Al-Jubeir, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, arrived in Delhi and met with S. Jaishankar.

Saudi Arabia:

Defense News

MRSAM India Eco-System Summit 2.0

• The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) in collaboration with Aerospace Services India (ASI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully organised the MRSAM India Eco-System Summit 2.0 on 7 May 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• The conference was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, DRDO, BEL, BDL and leading Indian defence companies.

Main objectives of the conference:

IMDEX Asia 2025

• The Indian Navy ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Related Facts:

Important Days

World Athletics Day

• World Athletics Day is celebrated annually on 7th May with the aim of increasing interest in athletics among the youth and promoting a health-conscious lifestyle.
• It was first introduced in 1996 by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), now known as World Athletics.
• The 29th edition of World Athletics Day was celebrated in 2025

World Red Cross Day

• World Red Cross Day is celebrated annually on 8th May in honor of the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant.
• Henry Dunant was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

World Red Cross Day:

World Thalassemia Day

• World Thalassemia Day is observed annually on 8th May with the aim of raising awareness about thalassemia—a genetic blood disorder, promoting its prevention, and advocating for patient-centered care.