May 7th is a critical day for India’s safety and law enforcement. After a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Armed Forces quickly responded with “Operation Sindhoor”, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK. Alongside this, “Operation Abhyaas,” a nationwide mock drill is held to check how prepared people and officials are during emergencies. Other important events include discussions on the “Triple Test” for reservations, the appointment of a new CBI Director, changes to the Forest Rights Act, and updates to the PLI scheme for specialty steel. But the biggest focus remains on India's strong actions to protect the country after the Pahalgam attack.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

Operation Sindoor: India briefs 5 countries after strikes on Pakistan

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Security)

In News:

• The Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindhoor" in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoK). 

• The Ministry of Defence stated that these strikes were a direct response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed.

What Led to This?

The immediate and primary trigger for Operation Sindhoor was the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. India held Pakistan responsible for harboring and supporting the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists believed to be behind the attack. The operation is portrayed as India's commitment to hold those responsible for the attack accountable.

What is This Operation About?

• Targeted Strikes: Indian forces conducted precise missile strikes and used other standoff weapons to hit nine locations identified as key terrorist infrastructure, including training camps and operational headquarters of groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
• No Military Installations Targeted: India emphasized that the operation was focused on terrorist infrastructure and avoided targeting any Pakistani military facilities, indicating a measured and non-escalatory approach.
• Casualties: Sources indicate that a significant number of terrorists (reports suggest around 70 killed) were eliminated, and many more were injured. Pakistan has claimed civilian casualties.
• Method of Execution: The strikes were reportedly swift and coordinated, utilizing precision-guided munitions and loitering munitions (kamikaze drones).
• International Briefing: India reportedly briefed key global allies before the operation.
• Pakistan's Reaction: Pakistan has strongly condemned the strikes, claiming civilian casualties and threatening retaliation. Their air force was reportedly put on high alert.

Centre directs States to hold ‘civil defence’ drills

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Disaster Management)

In News:

• A significant nationwide civil defence mock drill, codenamed "Operation Abhyaas," is being conducted across 244 categorized districts in India on May 7, 2025. 

• This large-scale exercise involves the activation of air-raid sirens, implementation of blackout measures, checking of bunkers, and training of civilians for hostile attacks. 

What Will Happen in This Drill?

The "Operation Abhyaas" mock drill will involve:

• Air-Raid Siren Activation: Testing and operationalizing public alert systems for aerial threats.
• Blackout Measures: Simulating power shutdowns in urban areas to practice stealth procedures during potential attacks.
• Bunker Checks: Ensuring the usability of underground shelters and trenches.
• Evacuation Rehearsals: Practicing the movement of civilians from vulnerable zones to safer locations.
• Communication Drills: Testing hotline and radio links with the Indian Air Force for emergency coordination.
• Civilian Training: Educating volunteers, students, and home guards on first aid, firefighting, and shelter protocols.
• Camouflaging: Simulating the rapid concealment of critical infrastructure.

Shadow Control Rooms: Testing backup command centers.

Triple Test

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity)

In News:

• Jharkhand has completed the data collection phase for determining OBC reservation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

• This exercise is part of the Triple Test mandated by the Supreme Court to constitutionally enable OBC quotas in local body elections.

• The state aims to finalize OBC quotas in its 48 urban local bodies based on empirical data and socio-political analysis.

What is the Issue?

• The implementation of OBC reservations in local bodies has faced legal and constitutional challenges, especially after the Supreme Court emphasized that empirical data must justify such quotas.
• Many states, including Jharkhand, had been unable to implement OBC quotas in ULB elections due to the absence of data complying with the Triple Test criteria.
• Jharkhand's move is part of a broader effort to institutionalize OBC political representation based on constitutionally valid procedures.

Difference between Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer of OBC!

Supreme Court’s Judgement

• Vikas Kishanrao Gawali v. State of Maharashtra (2021):
  • The Court held that OBC reservations in local bodies are not automatic and must follow the triple test.
  • It declared OBC reservations in certain local body elections in Maharashtra unconstitutional due to the absence of empirical data.
  • Emphasized that reservation is an exception, and therefore, requires strict adherence to constitutional procedures.

Read the article on the Sub categorization within OBC!

CBI Director

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

In News:

• CBI Director Praveen Sood is likely to receive a one-year extension, as his two-year term ends on May 25, 2025.

• The high-level committee responsible for appointing a new Director, comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India (CJI), and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), could not arrive at a consensus on a successor.

Appointment of the CBI Director

• Governed by Section 4A of the DSPE Act, amended through the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Appointment Committee:
  • Prime Minister (Chairperson)
  • Chief Justice of India (or nominee)
  • Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha
• Term:
  • The Director is appointed for a fixed term of 2 years..
  • Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act, 2021 allows for extending the Director’s tenure from two years to a maximum of five years. Extensions can only be granted for one year at a time
• Selection Process:
  • Based on a panel of IPS officers recommended by the DoPT.
  • Selected through a consensus-based decision of the committee.

Forest Rights Act, 2006

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Environment)

In News:

• India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, stands in contrast to global exclusionary conservation laws that often displace indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). 

• India’s unique rights-based approach to conservation and forest governance, especially in light of recent global developments like the CBD COP-16 and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Background

• Globally, conservation laws are becoming more exclusionary, often following the fortress model where protected areas are created under centralized control.
• This model has displaced 10–20 million people worldwide, including IPLCs like the Masai (Kenya), Batwa (Uganda), and Adivasis (India).
• Many countries criminalize traditional livelihoods and fail to recognize IPLC rights, thereby undermining conservation efforts.
• Although frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) exist, implementation of IPLC rights has been slow.
• India rejected the exclusionary conservation model by passing the FRA, 2006, which recognizes:
  • Tenure security
  • Traditional rights
  • Democratic forest governance.

India’s Broader Legal Framework supporting FRA

• The Constitution of India:
  • Articles 244 and 244A: Provisions for Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
  • Recognizes Scheduled Tribes and provides them with protective legislation.
• PESA Act, 1996: Strengthens local governance in Scheduled Areas through gram sabhas.
• Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002: Inspired by the CBD, it created a three-tier structure for biodiversity governance (NBA, SBBs, BMCs).

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAPs), 2025:
  • Includes 23 biodiversity goals till 2030.
  • Lacks full synergy with FRA and gram sabha-led systems.

PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

In News:

• The United States has questioned India's Production-linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel at the WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

• The U.S. raised concerns that India's scheme could contribute to global overcapacity in steel.

• India responded that the scheme is aimed at reducing imports, attaining self- sufficiency, and is WTO-compliant.

• Despite being the second-largest steel producer, India continues to be a net importer of specialty steel, including in FY25.

What is the Issue?

• The global steel industry is experiencing overcapacity, especially due to subsidies in countries like China (estimated subsidies ~$50 billion).
• The U.S. argues that incentivizing production through India’s PLI scheme may distort global trade.
• India, however, faces a deficit in high-grade specialty steel production, which is essential for defense, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
• Net import status of India for two consecutive years (including FY25) highlights its dependence on imports for critical steel grades.

What is India’s Response?

• India asserts that the PLI scheme is WTO-compliant:
  • It does not mandate export obligations.
  • It does not link subsidies to exports, which would violate WTO rules.
  • It incentivizes investment and incremental domestic sales only.

What is the Production-linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel?

• A five-year scheme (2023–24 to 2027–28) to incentivize domestic steel producers for manufacturing specialty steel products.
• The scheme will provide financial incentives (4% to 12%) on incremental production and sales of specialty steel.
• Total outlay: ₹6,322 crore
• Objective: Increase specialty steel production to 42 MT by 2026–27.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Coverage:
  • Five categories of specialty steel:
    • Coated/Plated Steel Products
    • High Strength/Wear Resistant Steel
    • Specialty Rails
    • Alloy Steel Products and Steel Wires
    • Electrical Steel (CRGO and CRNO)
• Eligibility:
  • Any Indian-registered company engaged in the manufacturing of approved specialty steel grades.

Know more about the Production Linked Incentives in Key Sectors!

Daily UPSC Current Affairs News Analysis for 07th May- Watch Now!