National News

Special Chief Secretary of the State Agriculture and Cooperation Department also emphasises importance of natural farming and awareness of proper farming methods to get higher yields

The planet is warming because of human activities, and it is warming much faster than our models have anticipated, says expert at The Hindu Huddle.

The desk operates in the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi. As many as 52 Tamil Nadu students, studying in the border State, and four others on a trip to the region have requested the government for help in returning home

Amidst rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 has been suspended for a week. A video surfaced showing Delhi Capitals players, including KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, relaxing in Uttarakhand. The BCCI cited national security concerns and stakeholder interests as reasons for the suspension following recent events.

Jordon Hudson, Bill Belichick’s girlfriend, has been banned from the University of North Carolina's football facility amid growing controversy following a CBS interview. Reports suggest Belichick’s family is concerned about the impact on his legacy. The situation is poised to either fade or escalate, with potential lasting consequences for both Belichick’s career and UNC’s football program.

India responded firmly to Pakistan's drone and artillery attacks on May 7 and 8, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Pakistan initiated large-scale airspace violations, deploying hundreds of drones across the LoC and International Border. Indian forces retaliated with targeted drone strikes, destroying a Pakistani AD radar.

India has accused Pakistan of escalating tensions by launching hundreds of Turkish-made drones into Indian airspace, targeting military infrastructure and using civilian airliners as shields. Indian forces intercepted many drones, while Pakistan kept its airspace open, endangering commercial flights. India retaliated with strikes on air defense sites and terror launchpads, citing a prior terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 has been suspended, prompting Michael Vaughan to suggest completing the tournament in the UK. With India's Test series against England looming, Vaughan's proposal offers a logistical solution, though the BCCI prioritizes national interest and solidarity with the government during the crisis. The remaining matches' fate remains uncertain.

India has accused Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by using passenger planes as shields during a failed drone and missile attack on May 7. Indian officials stated that Pakistan kept its airspace open, using civilian airliners as cover, despite knowing India would retaliate.

Ministry of external affairs has strongly refuted Pakistan's accusations of Indian forces attacking its own cities, dismissing them as a "deranged fantasy" and disinformation. This denial follows Pakistan's retaliatory actions, including drone and missile attacks on Indian cities, which India claims were a response to Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist sites.

In a recent press conference, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that Pakistan launched a massive drone intrusion, sending 300-400 drones across 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek, targeting Indian military installations. Indian armed forces successfully intercepted many drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan's targeting of religious sites and schools, calling it a new low. Pakistan's actions, including airspace violations and drone incursions, escalated tensions following India's Operation Sindoor. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi reported numerous airspace violations and drone attacks, with investigations underway to determine the drones' purpose and origin, further straining the already tense relationship.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma countered Rahul Gandhi's GST criticism, linking it to national security. Sarma defended GST, calling it a 'God-Sent Tax' that funds vital defense acquisitions like Rafale jets and S-400 systems. He emphasized that taxpayer money, collected through GST, strengthens India's security and growth.

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy, is now in judicial custody until June 6, 2025, following his extradition from the US. The NIA alleges Rana, a close associate of David Headley, was privy to the terror operation plans. Rana has sought permission to communicate with his family.

Donald Trump suggested potentially reducing tariffs on China to 80% before a weekend meeting, signaling a possible easing of trade war tensions. This proposal comes ahead of discussions in Switzerland focused on de-escalation, not a comprehensive agreement. Trump also highlighted a new trade deal with Britain and urged China to open its markets to the USA.

Bill Gates will donate his wealth through the Gates Foundation. This will happen over the next 20 years. The Gates Foundation will close in 2045. Gates aims to reduce his net worth by 99%. The foundation will focus on global health and poverty. Gates wants to address urgent problems. He hopes to save millions of lives with this accelerated plan.

Following security concerns and the suspension of the 2025 Indian Premier League for a week, franchises are arranging for players to return home. Overseas players, particularly anxious after an incident in Dharamsala, will be assisted by the BCCI in their departure. The BCCI has also released a statement expressing solidarity with the nation amidst recent events.

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the home ministry has directed states and Union territories to implement civil defence measures under the 1968 Act. This directive follows Pakistani drone and missile strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, retaliating against India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist sites after the Pahalgama attack. Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted most threats.

Amidst escalating India-Pakistan tensions, BSE and NSE have restricted international access to their websites as a cyber security precaution. This action follows a cybersecurity alert from CERT-In, warning of potential cyber threats targeting India's BFSI sector. BSE has also advised market participants to strengthen their defenses against cyber-attacks.