1. Import Ban on Pakistan
On May 3, New Delhi imposed its toughest economic sanction ever on Islamabad halting all imports from Pakistan and barring Pakistan‑flagged ships from Indian ports. The move followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists; ministers said choking trade routes would disrupt militant supply lines and send a clear security message to Pakistan’s leadership.
2. Deadly Temple Stampede in Uttar Pradesh
A surge of worshippers at a crowded festival in a UP temple on May 1 triggered a stampede that left six dead and dozens injured. Eyewitnesses described panic on narrow stairways. The state government has launched a judicial inquiry, ordered upgraded crowd‑management systems at all major pilgrimage sites, and promised real‑time monitoring during future events.
3. Rupee Volatility & Renewed Trade Talks
Buoyed by hopes for a U.S.–India free‑trade agreement, the rupee surged to a six‑month high against the dollar before the RBI intervened to temper speculation. Simultaneously, negotiators reconvened in London to finalize an India–UK FTA by mid‑2025, focusing on agricultural market access, digital‑services rules, and investment protections to underpin growth.
4. Record Wheat Procurement to Stabilize Prices
Ahead of the summer harvest, the Food Corporation of India purchased 25.6 million tonnes of wheatup from 20.5 Mt a year earlier to bolster buffer stocks and cap inflation. Officials said higher procurement would ensure steady supplies for the public distribution system and cushion farmers against price swings in a volatile global grain market.
5. Energy Security & Defence Outreach
To safeguard power supplies during erratic pre‑monsoon storms, India extended full‑capacity operation mandates for imported coal‑fired plants through June 30. At the same time, the defence ministry announced it will post 20 new military attachés across key capitals by March 2026 aimed at boosting arms exports, strategic partnerships, and intelligence cooperation.
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