A vehicle carrying Pakistani nationals passes through a check-post at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar district, Punjab, on May 7, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
At least 10 killed along LoC, say officials
At least 10 civilians were killed and several others were injured on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) as Pakistan resorted to firing and shelling along the Line of Control in J&K after the Operation Sindoor. The intense shelling from across the border started shortly after Indian armed forces carried out missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to avenge the April 22 terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam that had left 26 civilians dead.
Air raid sirens, evacuations and fire drills being carried out in several major cities
Mock drills, as directed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, are being conducted across the country today (May 7, 2025). The drill have been planned to test the efficacy of the operationalisation of air-raid warning signs, crash blackout measures, camouflaging vital installations, evacuation plans, establishing hotline with the Indian Air Force, activating control rooms, firefighting and warden services and undertake cleaning of bunkers and trenches among others. The drill comes in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack where 26 people were killed.
Cardinals to begin solemn, secret voting ritual for pope election
With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 Cardinals on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) begin the secretive, centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francisopening the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,000-year history. The Cardinals, from 70 countries, will be sequestered from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed to prevent them from all communications until they find a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member church.
PM Modi’s three-nation visit to Europe called off
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation tour to Europe has been called off in view of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, official sources said on Wednesday (May 7, 2025). Mr. Modi was scheduled to travel to Croatia, Norway and The Netherlands from May 13 to 17. The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit Norway to attend the Nordic Summit.
U.K. says it stands ready to support India and Pakistan to move towards dialogue and de-escalation
The UK on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) said that it stands ready to support both India and Pakistan to move towards dialogue and de-escalation, after Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror targets in the neighbouring country under Operation Sindoor. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as “hugely worrying” and told the BBC that his Cabinet colleague, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, had “reached out” to both countries.
India reserves right to retaliate if U.K.’s proposed carbon tax hits exports: Official
The India-U.K. free trade agreement has no provision to counter Britain’s proposed carbon taxbut amid uncertainty and absence of U.K. legislation, New Delhi has preserved its right to retaliate or rebalance concessions if future measures impact domestic exports, an official said. The U.K. Government in December 2023 decided to implement its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) starting 2027.
India briefs 5 countries after strikes on Pakistan; says no civilian, economic or military targets chosen
India has briefed the U.S., the U.K., Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia after striking targets in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday (May 7, 2025) morning, government sources said. The Ministry of External Affairs said that India had “credible leads” and eyewitness accounts that identified the terrorists and evidence towards the involvement of Pakistan-based terror groups, and that those were the targets.
Russia to host leaders of China, Brazil for 80th anniversary of its World War II victory
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is set to host the leaders of China, Brazil and other heads of states for festivities on Friday (May 9, 2025) marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9, has become the country’s most important secular holiday.
Sotheby’s postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from Union Government
India has successfully secured the postponement of the auction of the sacred ‘Piprahwa’ Buddhist Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong scheduled for May 7, the Union Culture Ministry said. The Piprahwa Relics, comprising bone fragments believed to be those of the Buddha, along with soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé.
Fifteen Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, says Police
At least 15 Maoists were killed by the security forces on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) in an anti-Maoists operation being conducted along the Karegutta hills in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, said police sources. The said operation, Operation Sankalp, has been continuing since April 21 and till Tuesday, four alleged Maoists had been gunned down.
Published – May 07, 2025 08:19 PM is