8 & 9 May 2025 Current Affairs – Important for all competitive exams

This is the current affairs of 8 & 9 May 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.

PDF Download: Click here

1. From which country has S-400, the main weapon of India’s security shield during Operation Sindoor, been purchased?

a. France
b. Russia
c. America
d. Israel

Answer: b. Russia

————–
2. From which country has Harpy drone, the main weapon of Indian attack during Operation Sindoor, been purchased?

a. France
b. Russia
c. America
d. Israel

Answer: d. Israel

————–
3. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned which country’s web series, movies, songs, podcasts and other content in May 2025?

a. Nepal
b. Turkey
c. Pakistan
d. Bangladesh

Answer: c. Pakistan

————–
– Pakistan attempted attacks along the border from Jammu & Kashmir to Gujarat.
– Indian air defense missiles shot down all the drones.
– The border states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan are on high alert.

—–
About the S-400 System
– The most modern defense system in the world
– It is an air defense system, meaning it intercepts attacks coming through the air.
– This system can strike enemy missiles, drones, and aircraft mid-air within a range of 400 kilometers.
– It is effective in countering attacks from enemy missiles, drones, rocket launchers, and fighter jets.
– This system was inducted into the Russian military in 2007.
– It can track 36 targets simultaneously.
– It can fire 72 missiles at once.

Key Features of the S-400
– The entire system is mobile, meaning it can be transported anywhere via road.
– Its radar can detect multiple targets from a distance of up to 600 kilometers.
– A single S-400 unit can track up to 160 objects at once.
– The radar forms a defensive perimeter around its operational area. If a missile or any other weapon enters this zone, the radar detects it and alerts the command vehicle.
– The system can engage 36 targets simultaneously.
– Two missiles can be launched per target.
– It can attack targets at an altitude of up to 30 kilometers.
– The S-400 is a fully mobile system that can be deployed anywhere via truck or trailer.

India’s Deal with Russia
– India signed a contract with Russia in 2018 to purchase five S-400 regiments.
– The deal was worth approximately $5.43 billion USD.
– The first S-400 system was delivered to India in 2021.
– It is considered more effective and cost-efficient compared to the American THAAD and Patriot systems.

Missile Types Used in the S-400
– The system uses four types of missiles with different ranges:
40N6E – 400 km
48N6 – 250 km
9M96E2 – 120 km
9M96E – 40 km

————
About the Harpy Drone
– It is a hybrid of a drone and a missile.
– Length: 2.1 meters
– Flight time: 6 hours
– Range: 500–1000 km
– It is a suicide drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
– It was first tested in 1989.
– Specifically designed to destroy enemy air defense systems.
– Can operate in both autonomous and manual modes.
– If it does not find a target, it does not return—it self-destructs.
– Attacks by detecting radio signals.
– Capable of carrying 15 kg of explosives.
– Does not require an operator after being launched.
– India purchased the Harpy drone in the early 2000s.
– India also acquired its advanced version called Harop.

—————
– On May 7 and 8, the day after Operation Sindoor began, India’s strikes destroyed Pakistan’s HQ-9 air defense systems deployed in three major cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Pakistan had purchased the HQ-9 from China four years ago.
– To destroy Pakistan’s defense systems, India used Israeli-supplied Harpy drones.
– Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, in an all-party meeting, confirmed that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing.

Areas Targeted by Pakistan
– Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sophia Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh addressed the media again.
– They revealed that Pakistan targeted several northern and western Indian cities using drones and missiles.

The attempted attacks included:
– In Jammu & Kashmir: Avantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot
– In Punjab: Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda
– Chandigarh, and in Haryana: Adampur
– In Rajasthan: Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai
– In Gujarat: Bhuj
– All attacks were foiled successfully.

How the Attacks Were Foiled
– The Indian military had already deployed the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems along the borders.
– As soon as Pakistan launched its missiles, the S-400 intercepted and neutralized them.
– The Ministry of Defence reported that in response, Indian armed forces struck multiple sites in Pakistan using Harpy drones, targeting enemy radar and air defense systems.
– India’s response was swift and mirrored Pakistan’s aggression, striking defense assets in Lahore, Sialkot, and Karachi.

Pakistan’s Shelling Along the LoC
– Meanwhile, Pakistan began firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu & Kashmir using mortars and gunfire.

Rawalpindi Stadium Damaged by Drone Attack, PSL Match Cancelled
– A drone attack by India damaged the cricket stadium in Rawalpindi.
– As a result, the PSL match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi scheduled for Thursday was canceled.
– News agency IANS, quoting a former cricketer, reported that foreign players were deeply shocked, and many are now trying to leave Pakistan urgently.
– The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) will consult the government before taking further decisions. PCB officials have suggested shifting the remaining PSL matches to Karachi, Doha, or Dubai.

Foreign Secretary Exposes Pakistan Army–Terrorist Nexus
– Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented a photograph of U.S.-sanctioned terrorist Hafiz Abdul Rauf, who presided over the funeral of an individual killed in Operation Sindoor—exposing the direct link between the Pakistani military and terrorists.

——–
Ban on Pakistani Films and Music
– The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and online platforms to immediately cease the streaming of Pakistani web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other content.
– This directive applies to both subscription-based and free content.

U.S. Advises Consulate Staff in Lahore to Relocate
– The United States has instructed staff at its consulate in Lahore to move immediately to safer locations.
– In a directive, the U.S. State Department advised personnel to take shelter due to drone explosions and potential air strike threats being reported in the area.

————
India and Pakistan’s Military Arsenal
– According to the Global Firepower Index, India possesses nearly three times more weapons compared to Pakistan.
– India holds a larger and more advanced arsenal for missile strikes, drone attacks, and sea or ground combat, along with a wide range of warships.

India Has Advanced Fighter Jets Like Rafale and Sukhoi
– Compared to Pakistan, the Indian Air Force is significantly stronger.
– Indian fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhoi outmatch Pakistan’s F-16s.
– India owns Israeli drones such as Heron, Harop, and Hermes, capable of striking targets from 450 km to 1000 km away.
– India also has American MQ-9B Reaper drones, among the most powerful, which can launch from the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and strike maritime targets.

India Has Two Aircraft Carriers and a Strong Naval Fleet
– India possesses two major aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
– In contrast, Pakistan does not own any aircraft carriers.
– Given the long coastal borders between the two countries, these carriers give India a major advantage by launching fighter jets from the sea.
– India also has nuclear-powered submarines, which Pakistan currently lacks.
– However, Pakistan is developing submarine-based missile capabilities, such as launching Babur-class missiles from underwater platforms.

————–
4. When is World Donkey Day celebrated?

a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May

Answer: b. 8 May

– May 8 is observed as World Donkey Day across the globe. While it may seem humorous to some, donkeys have proven to be vital companions to humans.
– World Donkey Day was first celebrated in 2018.
– The aim is to raise awareness about the relationship between donkeys and humans.
– In both rural and urban areas, donkeys assist in agriculture, transportation, and construction, and they also play a key role in boosting local economies.

————–
5. When is World Asthma Day observed?

a. First Monday of May
b. First Tuesday of May
c. First Wednesday of May
d. First Thursday of May

Answer: b. First Tuesday of May (6th May in the year 2025)

Theme 2025
– Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible For All

– Asthma Day began in 1993 when the Global Initiative for Asthma celebrated the day in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
– Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

—————
6. When is World Portuguese Language Day celebrated?

a. 4 May
b. 5 May
c. 2 May
d. 1 May

Answer: b. 5 May

– In the year 2019, the 40th session of the General Conference of UNESCO decided to declare 5 May of each year as “World Portuguese Language Day”.

————-
7. When is World Athletics Day celebrated?

a. 7 May
b. 8 May
c. 9 May
d. 10 May

Answer: a. 7 May

– World Athletics Day started in the year 1996.
– This day is celebrated to encourage various activities and promote the importance of fitness and health.
– Athletics includes various sports events like running, jumping, throwing and walking.

World Athletics
– Headquarters: Monaco
– Founded: July 17, 1912


PDF Download: Click here

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *