1. Ayodhya on High Alert: Suspect Arrested in Faridabad Over Ram Mandir Grenade Threat
2. With Hamas in PoK, Israel reaches out to India for group’s terror listing
3. Belgium is India’s gateway to Europe says Princess Astrid;  Singh, Jaishankar meets Princess
4. ‘Long and Hard Look in Mirror’: India rips apart UNHRC Chief Over Kashmir-Manipur Remark
5. Jaishankar to visit UK, Ireland from March 4-9 to strengthen diplomatic ties

What Else

1. GSI finds natural hydrogen reserves in Andamans
2. PDP’s Waheed Para submits ‘anti-bulldozer’ land bill in J&K Assembly
3. Sajad Lone Criticizes NC-Led Government for Ideological Overlap with BJP
4. FIR against Congress MP based on poem a serious action by Gujarat Police: Supreme Court
5. Taliban-Pakistan border clashes escalate again, leaving several dead and injured
6. Taliban refuses Trump call to return $7bn US arms, calls them ‘spoils’
7. Pakistan: 120-year-old Ahmadi place of worship demolished in Pakistan’s Punjab: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya
8. Pakistan: Police arrest 32 in Quetta Press Club raid
9. Bangladesh: $29m USAID funding: Foreign ministry refutes Trump’s claim
10. EU assures of imposing political, economic pressure on Myanmar to resolve Rohingya crisis

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Ayodhya on High Alert: Suspect Arrested in Faridabad Over Ram Mandir Grenade Threat

• A suspect, Abdul Rehman, has been arrested in Faridabad for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
• The arrest was made possible through a joint operation by the Gujarat ATS, local STF, and IB, who had received inputs about a suspicious individual.
• According to investigations, Abdul Rehman had conducted reconnaissance of the Ram Mandir and planned to carry out an attack using hand grenades.
• He was found to have two hand grenades and some suspicious videos.
• Rehman, a 19-year-old resident of Ayodhya’s Milkipur area, is alleged to have connections with Pakistan’s ISI and was part of the ISKP module.
• The arrest has led to increased security measures at the Ram Mandir and other sensitive locations across the country
• The police are investigating Rehman’s contacts and network to prevent further attacks. (more)

With Hamas in PoK, Israel reaches out to India for group’s terror listing

• Israel has expressed concerns to India about Hamas’ presence at a rally in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, highlighting the group’s ties with Pakistan-based terror groups.
• Israel hopes India will list Hamas as a terrorist organization, a move that could strengthen India-Israel counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Hamas leader Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi attended the “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation ‘Al Aqsa Flood’ Conference” in Rawalakot, PoK, alongside leaders from UN-listed terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• This event marked the first known public instance of Hamas participating in an event in PoK, raising concerns about expanding ties between Hamas and Pakistan-based terrorist organizations.
• Currently, Hamas is not listed as a terrorist organization by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967, although 44 other organizations, including ISIS, are banned.
• Globally, Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the EU, and the UK. (more)

Belgium is India’s gateway to Europe says Princess Astrid;  Singh, Jaishankar meets Princess

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Princess Astratr of Belgium and her counterpart Theo Francken on Mon, Mar 3, 2025.
• They discussed regional security, defense engagements in the Indo-Pacific, and ways to enhance defense cooperation.
• Princess Astrid is on a week-long visit to India (Mar 2-8) to strengthen economic ties between India and Belgium.
• She is leading a Belgian economic mission with a delegation of 335 members and 180 companies.
• During her visit, Princess Astrid will meet PM Modi and visit various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
• At least 14 seminars and conferences will focus on sectors like renewable energy, defense, and life sciences. (more)
• Institutionalized Defence Cooperation: Both countries agreed to explore an institutionalized defense cooperation mechanism.
• Defence Industrial Cooperation: They discussed ways to enhance defense industrial cooperation, including potential investments and collaborations.
• Indo-Pacific Defence Engagements: The possibility of defense engagements in the Indo-Pacific was explored, particularly in the maritime domain.
• Trade and Investment: The visit aims to boost bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on key industries. (more)

‘Long and Hard Look in Mirror’: India rips apart UNHRC Chief Over Kashmir-Manipur Remark

• India has slammed UN Human Rights Commission Chief Volker Türk for his biased remarks on the country.
• India’s permanent representative to the UNHR, called out Türk for his “unfounded and baseless comments” and asked him to take a “long and hard look in the mirror”.
• Bagchi emphasized that India remains a “healthy, vibrant, and pluralistic society” and that the allegations made by Türk are “contrary to ground realities.”
• He also criticized Türk for cherry-picking situations across the globe and for his biased remark on Kashmir, which he erroneously referred to as “Kashmir” instead of “Jammu and Kashmir”.
• Türk’s global update expressed concern over violence and displacement in Manipur and the use of restrictive laws against human rights defenders and journalists in Kashmir.
• However, India has termed these allegations as baseless and contradictory to the actual situation on the ground. (more)

Jaishankar to visit UK, Ireland from March 4-9 to strengthen diplomatic ties

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is embarking on an official visit to the UK and Ireland from March 4 to 9 to strengthen diplomatic ties.
• In the UK, he’ll meet with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other high-ranking officials, as well as interact with the Indian diaspora.
• India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering areas like defense, security, trade, health, and education.
• This visit aims to reinforce these collaborations and advance shared priorities.
• Jaishankar will also visit Ireland, meeting with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris and other dignitaries.
• India and Ireland enjoy friendly bilateral relations, based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagement. (more)
• Jaishankar’s visit to the UK comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Ukraine, following a recent European leaders summit in London and a public spat at the White House.

GSI finds natural hydrogen reserves in Andamans

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has made a groundbreaking discovery of natural hydrogen reserves in the rocks of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• This find can significantly contribute to India’s renewable energy landscape and help achieve net-zero climate targets.
• GSI Director General Asit Saha announced that the discovery was made in the South Andaman district, and further research is underway to collect and utilize it.
• The GSI signed an MoU with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad last month for the exploration of natural hydrogen in the islands.
• This discovery is expected to strengthen India’s path towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy and aid in the clean energy transition in industries.
• The GSI is also focusing on recycling critical minerals and rare earth elements to reduce dependence on imports. (more)

PDP’s Waheed Para submits ‘anti-bulldozer’ land bill in J&K Assembly

• People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Para has introduced a private member’s bill seeking property rights for individuals living on state land in J&K for decades.
• The proposed legislation, titled “The Jammu and Kashmir (Regularisation and Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Public Lands) Bill, 2025,” aims to provide relief to those facing eviction threats.
• Eligibility: Residents with valid permanent resident certificates and continuous physical possession of property for over 20 years are eligible.
• Exclusions: Tenants, licensees, and permissive users are not included.
• Objective: To secure people’s shelters, reduce fear of eviction, and promote public welfare.
• Para has termed this bill an “anti-bulldozer” legislation, emphasizing its potential to save homes and shelters from forced evictions.
• The bill will be presented during the J&K assembly session, and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has sought support from other parties. (more)

Sajad Lone Criticizes NC-Led Government for Ideological Overlap with BJP

• Sajad Lone, president of the J&K Peoples Conference accused the NC of having an “ideological overlap” with the BJP, citing their alleged similarities in narrative
• Lone also slammed the NC for its U-turn on participating in the Delimitation Commission, saying it legitimized the commission’s proposal.
• Lone has also accused the NC of opportunism, pointing out their alliances with parties like the BJP and Congress, which he believes have further exacerbated the suffering of Kashmiris.
• Furthermore, he criticized the NC’s stance on Article 370, saying they had abandoned even symbolic references to their past stance.
• In addition, Lone has positioned himself as an alternative to the NC and other traditional parties in Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a new political approach
• He has also highlighted the issue of corruption in Kashmir, saying it has gained social acceptance and needs to be addressed. (more)

FIR against Congress MP based on poem a serious action by Gujarat Police: Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi’s plea to quash an FIR filed against him for sharing a poem on social media.
• The court emphasized the need for police to understand the concept of free speech, particularly in cases involving artistic expression.
• Justice Abhay S. Oka questioned the Gujarat Police’s decision to register an FIR, stating that they should have shown sensitivity and understood the poem’s meaning. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Taliban-Pakistan border clashes escalate again, leaving several dead and injured

• Clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have resulted in at least three Pakistani soldiers injured and three Taliban members killed.
• The conflict began on Sunday night, with both sides accusing each other of initiating violence.
• The Torkham border crossing, a crucial trade route, remains closed for over 10 days due to a dispute over a border post construction.
• The closure has stranded thousands of trucks carrying essential goods, causing significant economic losses, estimated at $15 million.
• Afghanistan’s fragile economy, already struggling with reduced international aid and sanctions, is particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions.
• Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have escalated in recent months, with repeated clashes and accusations of violence.
• The Taliban claims Pakistani border guards initiated the gunfire, while Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the incident. (more)

Taliban refuses Trump call to return $7bn US arms, calls them ‘spoils’

• Donald Trump is calling for the return of $7 billion worth of military equipment left in Afghanistan, slamming the Biden administration’s withdrawal as “the greatest embarrassment in American history.”
• The equipment, including firearms, vehicles, drones, and communication systems, was abandoned during the US exit in 2021 and is now controlled by the Taliban.
• The Taliban has dismissed Trump’s demand, saying the equipment belongs to Afghanistan and will be used for defense purposes.
• Experts warn that the abandoned equipment has strengthened the Taliban’s military capabilities, posing a potential threat to global security and regional stability.
• Critics argue that the US withdrawal strategy was flawed, leaving advanced military assets vulnerable to seizure by extremist groups.
• However, retrieving the equipment is considered nearly impossible, given the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan and the absence of US military presence (more)

Pakistan: 120-year-old Ahmadi place of worship demolished in Pakistan’s Punjab: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya

• A 120-year-old Ahmadi place of worship in Punjab, Pakistan, was recently demolished by police under pressure from a radical Islamist party.
• This incident has sparked widespread outcry and highlighted the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadi community in Pakistan.
• The demolished worship site, located in the Chatha area of Gujranwala, was over a century old and held significant cultural and historical value.
• Despite laws protecting pre-1984 buildings, the police dismantled the structure, alleging it resembled a Muslim mosque.
• Following the demolition, five Ahmadis who protested the destruction were detained by police.
• The Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Pakistan (JAP) has condemned the act, calling it part of an ongoing hate campaign against Ahmadis.
• This incident is the latest example of rising religious intolerance in Pakistan, which has damaged the country’s global image and violated fundamental human rights.
• The Ahmadi community continues to face persecution, including grave desecrations and threats at workplaces. (more)

Pakistan: Police arrest 32 in Quetta Press Club raid

• Police arrested 32 candidates at the QuOetta Press Club on Saturday for protesting the delay in receiving their appointment letters for government school positions.
• The candidates, who were shortlisted by the SBO Testing Service, had been protesting for two days.
• Authorities claimed they violated Section 144 and disrupted public order.
• The arrests sparked outrage among journalists and civil society, with the Balochistan Union of Journalists and Quetta Press Club condemning the police action as an attack on press freedom. (more)

Bangladesh: $29m USAID funding: Foreign ministry refutes Trump’s claim

• US President Donald Trump’s claim that USAID provided $29 million to a small, 2-person organization in Bangladesh has been debunked by the Foreign Ministry
• The project in question, Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL), was implemented by Democracy International (DI), a US-registered organization, with a budget of $29 mn.
• The project aimed to “reduce political violence, foster peaceful coexistence, and promote representative leadership in Bangladesh”.
• USAID selected DI through a competitive bidding process, and the contract was signed in Mar 2017.
• The project was managed by USAID and co-funded by the UK’s development agency DFID (now FCDO).
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that USAID projects are subject to strict financial management policies, including rigorous auditing and record-keeping.
• The investigation confirms that the claim about the project being awarded to a privately owned Bangladeshi organization is false. (more)
• [Mr. Touhid was a close associate of Peter Haas and often attended USAID-funded seminars at the U.S. Embassy, particularly those focused on journalist training.]

EU assures of imposing political, economic pressure on Myanmar to resolve Rohingya crisis

• EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has assured Bangladesh of imposing political and economic pressure on Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
• The EU will also provide 68 million Euros this year for the Rohingyas and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
• Lahbib made these pledges during her meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, where she appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and its initiative to organize a high-level conference on the issue.
• The Commissioner also expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s interim government and its reform initiatives, calling it a “pivotal moment” in the country’s history. (more)
• [However, it’s worth noting that the EU’s ability to effectively influence global conflicts is limited, and some argue that it should prioritize strengthening its internal unity, economy, and defense capabilities before intervening in external affairs.]