QUICKREADS

Cong calls G20 Summit moment for reflection, cites failure in conducting Census
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Indian government's failure to conduct the decadal Census that was due in 2021, calling it an "unprecedented failure." He highlighted that almost every other G20 country, including developing nations, managed to conduct the Census despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Ramesh said this failure has resulted in the exclusion of 140 million Indians from their food entitlements under the National Food Security Act. He also accused the government of suppressing or manipulating data on various issues, including employment, mob lynching, GDP, and migrant worker deaths. Ramesh called for an updated national caste Census and the restoration of faith in India's statistical system.

Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi? Top army officer leading ‘Operation Sindoor’ presser
Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a pioneering Indian Army officer from Corps of Signals, led the 'Operation Sindoor' press briefing following a military strike on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, marking her historic role in military communications.

Are banks open today, May 7, amid mega security mock drill? Details here
India is conducting a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, from 4 PM to 9 PM to test emergency preparedness against potential war or attacks. The drill includes air-raid sirens, evacuation exercises, and bunker inspections, involving over 10,000 volunteers. Despite the drill, banks and public services remain operational, though some minor delays may occur.

‘My son’s sacrifice didn’t go in vain’: What did families of Pahalgam terror attack victims say about Operation Sindoor?
Families of Pahalgam terror attack victims strongly support Operation Sindoor, praising the Indian Army's decisive action against terrorist camps in Pakistan. They believe their loved ones' sacrifices are honored and justice is served through the government's swift response.

Operation Sindoor: 16 airports closed in north, west India; CISF steps up security
India closed 16 airports in northern and western regions after precision strikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoK. CISF heightened security at border installations, sealing airports as a precautionary measure following recent tensions.

Operation Sindoor: China calls India’s military action ‘regrettable’
China criticizes India's military strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and PoK, urging both nations to exercise restraint. Beijing expresses concern over escalating tensions, calling for calm and peaceful resolution while maintaining its close ties with Pakistan.

Security mock drills across India today: What's open and what's closed
Security mock drills across India test civil defence preparedness amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Most services remain operational, with schools and airports partially affected. Operation Sindoor targeted terror sites in Pakistan, prompting heightened security readiness.

Mock drill across India today: What are the timings for blackouts and sirens?
A nationwide mock drill across 244 districts simulates war scenarios, testing air raid, blackout, and evacuation responses. Scheduled for 4 PM on May 7, the exercise aims to enhance civil defence preparedness amid increasing regional tensions.

CJI seeks justice Yashwant Varma’s response as 3-judge panel confirms cash at home
A three-judge panel confirmed cash discovery at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence after a fire. CJI Sanjiv Khanna seeks Varma's response within 48 hours, with potential disciplinary action pending before Khanna's retirement on May 13.

How world leaders reacted to India's Operation Sindoor in Pakistan: ‘…right to self-defence’
India conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. World leaders, including Israel and the US, supported India's right to self-defence while urging restraint and quick resolution.

Markets set to open lower as tensions with Pakistan escalate
India's benchmark indexes are expected to open lower amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following recent strikes by India on Pakistani-controlled areas. The Gift Nifty futures indicated a drop, reflecting concerns over the conflict, which has intensified after a deadly attack on Indian tourists. Both nations have exchanged accusations, with Pakistan condemning India's actions as a "blatant act of war."

J&K schools closed, university exams cancelled after India strikes terror targets in Pakistan, PoK
In response to India's missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, all educational institutions in five border districts of Jammu will remain closed. This follows ongoing cross-border shelling, resulting in civilian casualties. Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, tensions have escalated, marking 13 consecutive nights of unprovoked firing along the Line of Control.

Operation Sindoor: Opposition parties hail armed forces; Cong says ‘time for unity’
Opposition parties unite in praising Indian armed forces' Operation Sindoor, striking terror camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack. Leaders from Congress, SP, RJD, and AIMIM express solidarity, condemning terrorism and supporting decisive action.

US State Secretary Marco Rubio speaks to NSAs of India, Pak; urges both to ‘avoid escalation’
After India's 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both countries' National Security Advisors to maintain communication and avoid escalation. Rubio is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. Pakistan has informed the UNSC about the developments, with concerns also expressed by Turkey regarding regional security.

Previous AIADMK government ‘spoiled’ TN, BJP’s communal politics doing same, says Stalin
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin highlighted his government's achievements, criticizing the previous AIADMK administration and BJP's politics. He claims fulfilling election promises despite challenges, while opposition leader EPS alleges deteriorating law and order during Stalin's tenure.

India’s HDI ranking improves for 2023
India improved its Human Development Index ranking from 133 to 130 in 2023, with progress in life expectancy, education, and income. The country remains in the medium development category, with growing potential in AI and human development metrics.