1. PM Modi meets Dubai Crown Prince, leaders talk of shared vision of future, stronger collaboration
2. With global uncertainties multiplying, countries choosing bilateral arrangements: Sitharaman
3. President Droupadi Murmu meets Portuguese delegation, signs book of honour
4. Waqf (Amendment) Act comes into force
5. Grenade attack on BJP leader’s house: Punjab Police find Bishnoi link, point finger at ISI

What Else

1. Governors are obliged to accord primacy to the will of people, says SC
2. Govt launches game-changing new Aadhaar app with face ID, QR code features
3. Congress to have massive organisational reshuffle: Venugopal
4. CIA used India as base to spy on China’s nuclear program in 1960s, JFK assassination files show
5. Pakistan: Gold and copper reserves found in Balochistan’s Chagai
6. Pakistan: US sanctions Pakistani firms over national security concerns
7. Taliban denies reports of Bagram Airbase handover to the US
8. Trump Raises Tariffs On China To 104% Amid Full-Blown Trade War
9. US will take back Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’: Trump defense chief
10. Bangladesh: 11 fishermen abducted by ‘Arakan Army’ from Bay
11. Two US officials due in Dhaka to discuss reforms, Myanmar situation

PM Modi meets Dubai Crown Prince, leaders talk of shared vision of future, stronger collaboration

• PM Modi met with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, on Apr 8, 2025, in New Delhi.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders expressing their commitment to deeper collaboration.

Key Discussion Points

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Modi and Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of their countries’ deep-rooted friendship and shared vision for a prosperous future.
• Economic Cooperation: The leaders discussed ways to enhance trade and investment in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, fintech, sustainability, and innovation
• Cultural Exchange: They also highlighted the significance of cultural cooperation, with Sheikh Hamdan acknowledging the large Indian diaspora in the UAE, estimated at 4.3 million, with most residing in Dubai.
• Future Plans: The Crown Prince’s visit included a working lunch with PM Modi and a business roundtable in Mumbai, focusing on expanding commercial collaboration and reinforcing economic ties between India and the UAE.
• The meeting underscores the growing partnership between the two nations, which has been steadily strengthening since PM’s landmark 2015 visit to the Emirates (more)

With global uncertainties multiplying, countries choosing bilateral arrangements: Sitharaman

• Fin Min Nirmala Sitharaman has noted a shift in global politics, with countries increasingly favoring bilateral arrangements over multilateralism due to rising uncertainties.
• This trend is evident in the growing preference for direct agreements between two nations, allowing for more control and flexibility in negotiations.

Key Factors Driving This Shift

• Global Uncertainties: Rising tensions and unpredictability in international relations are making countries more cautious about multilateral commitments.
• National Interests: Nations are prioritizing their interests and seeking more control over agreements through bilateral arrangements.
• Flexibility in Negotiations: Bilateral agreements allow countries to negotiate terms more easily, without needing to consider the interests of multiple parties.

Implications of This Trend

• Changed Global Governance: The shift towards bilateralism may weaken multilateral institutions and agreements, potentially leading to a more split international landscape.
• Global Cooperation: Reduced multilateral cooperation could hinder progress on global challenges, such as climate change, economic inequality, and pandemics. (more)

President Droupadi Murmu meets Portuguese delegation, signs book of honour

• President Droupadi Murmu met with a Portuguese delegation in Lisbon, signing the book of honor at the Portuguese Parliament.
• She also attended a meeting with the cabinet of the President of Assembleia Da Republica, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, discussing bilateral and international issues.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Strengthening Ties: Murmu emphasized the natural synergy and potential for cooperation between India and Portugal, highlighting the 50-year milestone of their bilateral relations.
• Cultural Exchange: She visited notable landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria, laid a wreath at the tomb of Portugal’s national poet Luis Vaz de Camoes, and explored the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos.
• Key of Honor: Murmu received the “Key of Honour” of Lisbon City at the historic Camara Municipal de Lisboa (City Hall) in Portugal.

Significance of the Visit: This state visit, her first to Portugal and Slovakia from Apr 7 to 10, marks a significant step in strengthening India-Portugal relations, with the last state visit occurring 27 years ago in 1998 when President K R Narayanan visited Portugal. (more)

Waqf (Amendment) Act comes into force

• The Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025 has come into force as of April 8, 2025, sparking controversy and opposition from various Muslim groups and opposition parties.
• The Act aims to improve the management of waqf properties, empower stakeholders, and enhance the efficiency of surveys, registrations, and case disposal processes.

Key Provisions and Implications

• Improved Management: The Act seeks to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance of waqf properties.
• Empowerment: It aims to empower stakeholders, including backward Muslims and women from the community.
• Controversy: Opposition parties and Muslim groups argue that the Act infringes on the rights of Muslims and imposes arbitrary restrictions on waqf properties. (more)

Reactions and Protests

• Supreme Court Petitions: Over 10 petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the constitutional validity of the Act, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi.
• Protests: Muslim communities in various states, including Manipur, have held protests demanding the immediate repeal of the Act. (more)
• Govt Stance: The govt describes the Act as a force for transparency and empowerment of backward Muslims and women from the community.

Next Steps

• Supreme Court Hearing: A hearing on the petitions is likely to take place on Apr 15.
• Ongoing Debate: The controversy surrounding the Act is expected to continue, with ongoing debates and discussions on its implications and validity (more)

Grenade attack on BJP leader’s house: Punjab Police find Bishnoi link, point finger at ISI

• Punjab Police have arrested 2 suspects in connection with a grenade blast at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s house in Jalandhar.
• The blast, which occurred on Tue, damaged vehicles and shattered windows.
• Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Zeeshan Akhtar, and Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti, allegedly working at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Key Developments:

• Arrests and Investigation: Two suspects arrested, with the auto rickshaw used in the blast confiscated.
• Alleged Involvement: ISI, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) suspected.
• Previous Attacks: 15 similar blasts in Punjab over the past 7 months, with BKI claiming responsibility for some incidents.
• Opposition Reaction: BJP and Congress leaders criticize the Punjab govt’s law and order, while AAP chief Aman Arora questions BJP’s alleged links with Lawrence Bishnoi.
• BJP State Head: Sunil Jakhar accuses Punjab govt of failing to maintain law and order.
• Congress State Chief: Amrinder Singh Raja Warring warns of another “dark era” in Punjab.
• Former Shiromani Akali Dal President: Sukhbir Singh Badal demands CM’s resignation, citing lawlessness in Punjab. (more)

Governors are obliged to accord primacy to the will of people, says SC

• The Supreme Court of India has ruled that governors must prioritize the will of the people and act with “due deference” to parliamentary democracy principles.
• This decision emphasizes the importance of respecting the democratic mandate expressed through elected representatives.

Key Points from the Judgment:

• Role of Governors: Governors should act as “friends, philosophers, and guides” rather than political actors, avoiding actions that obstruct or undermine elected state govts.
• Respecting the People’s Will: The court stressed that governors must not create roadblocks or chokehold state legislatures to thwart the people’s will for political ends.
• Constitutional Oath: Governors are expected to uphold their constitutional oath, prioritizing the welfare and will of the people, and working harmoniously with state machinery.
• Judicial Observations: The judgment cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizing that a good constitution requires good implementers to be effective.
• This ruling came after the Tamil Nadu Governor withheld assent on ten bills re-enacted by the State Assembly, prompting the Supreme Court to clarify the governor’s role in supporting democratic governance. (more)

Govt launches game-changing new Aadhaar app with face ID, QR code features

• The new Aadhaar app, launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to make Aadhaar verification more accessible and secure.

Benefits and features of the app:

• Convenience: No need to carry physical Aadhaar cards or photocopies for travel, hotel check-ins, or shopping.
• Enhanced Security: The app uses face ID authentication and artificial intelligence to ensure secure verification.
• QR Code Verification: Instant verification through QR code scanning, making it as simple as UPI payments.
• Data Control: Users can share only necessary data, giving them complete control over their personal information.
• Multilingual Support: The app is available in 12 Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.
• The app is currently in beta testing and will soon be widely implemented nationwide.
• Aadhaar Services: Download Aadhaar, order reprints, update addresses, and access offline eKYC.
• Biometric Locking: Secure biometric authentication by locking biometric data.
• TOTP Generation: Automatically generated temporary passwords for added security. (more)

Congress to have massive organisational reshuffle: Venugopal

• The Congress party is undergoing a significant transformation with a “massive organisational reshuffle” aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence.

Key highlights of this initiative include:

• Empowering District Unit Chiefs: The party plans to enhance the powers and responsibilities of District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents, making them more accountable and politically influential.
• Restructuring Party Organisation: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has dedicated 2025 to a comprehensive restructuring of the party organization, with guidelines for the reshuffle expected soon.
• Nyay Path Resolution: The party’s Extended Working Committee passed a resolution to follow the path of social justice espoused by Sardar Patel, focusing on workers’, farmers’, and fundamental rights.
• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the party’s commitment to Sardar Patel’s legacy, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to usurp it. The party aims to:
• Expand Party Ideology: Strengthen workers and expand party ideology through mass contact programs, padyatras, and door-to-door campaigns.
• Challenge BJP and NDA: Fight upcoming elections with strength, confident that the Congress and its allies will give the BJP and NDA a tough challenge.
• The Session, themed “Nyaypath: Sankalp, Samarpan aur Sangharsh,” will feature over 1,700 AICC members and mark a significant moment in the party’s transformation (more)

CIA used India as base to spy on China’s nuclear program in 1960s, JFK assassination files show

• Declassified documents reveal the CIA used India as a base for reconnaissance missions targeting China’s nuclear test range in Lop Nur, Xinjiang, in 1964.
• This operation was part of a broader effort to gather intelligence on China’s nuclear program.

CIA-India Collaboration

• The CIA and India’s Intelligence Bureau had established a relationship, leading to joint operations, including:

• Spy Plane Flights: From Charbatia in Odisha to gather data on Lop Nur.
• Tibetan Resistance Support: Supplying weapons and materiel to Tibetan Khampa rebels fighting the People’s Liberation Army.

Historical Context

• The CIA’s operations in India were part of the Cold War dynamics, with both the US and the Soviet Union vying for influence in the region.
• The CIA’s relationship with India was significant, given India’s strategic location and potential impact on the global balance of power.

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Gold and copper reserves found in Balochistan’s Chagai

• The discovery of gold and copper deposits in Balochistan’s Chagai district by National Resources Limited (NRL) has sparked interest in Pakistan’s mineral sector.
• This development coincides with discussions between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• Mineral Deposits: NRL found gold and copper deposits in the Chagai district, with initial samples revealing copper content between 0.23% and 0.48%, gold ranging from 0.09 to 0.14 g/tonne, and silver between 1.3 and 6.21 g/tonne.
• Exploration Plans: The company plans to begin advanced drilling in Tang Kore in May 2025, followed by an NI 43-101 technical report by year-end and 3-4 years of further exploration and feasibility studies.
• Investment and Partnerships: NRL is working with the Balochistan govt and the Special Investment Facilitation Council to secure 2 additional exploration licenses, backed by a $100 million fund, and has signed an MoU with OGDC for work on newly leased areas.

The connection between NRL’s Discovery and US-Pakistan Cooperation:

• The discovery of gold and copper deposits in Balochistan could be a significant factor in the US-Pakistan cooperation discussions.
• The US interest in critical minerals, including rare earth metals, might be linked to the recent discovery in Balochistan.
• This cooperation could potentially lead to increased investment and partnerships in Pakistan’s mineral sector. (more)
• Speaking at the 2-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 in Islamabad on Tue, the PM expressed optimism that utilizing these resources would enable Pakistan to reduce its dependency on global financial institutions like the IMF. (more)
• COAS to ensure robust security for investors in the mineral sector:  Chief of Army Staff, Gen Asim Munir, assured investors at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 that the military will provide a secure environment to boost confidence in the country’s mineral sector.
• The forum aims to attract international investment, showcasing Pakistan’s vast mineral resources, with significant reserves and a transparent mineral policy in place. (more)

Pakistan: US sanctions Pakistani firms over national security concerns

• The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has added over a dozen Pakistani firms to its Entity List for alleged involvement in “unsafeguarded” nuclear activities and ballistic missile programs.
• This move restricts their access to US technology and poses a risk to US national security or foreign policy interests.

Key Details

• Affected Companies: Britlite Engineering, Indentech International, IntraLink Incorporated, Proc-Master, Rehman Engineering and Services, and others for nuclear-related activities; Allied Business Concerns, Global Traders, Linkers Automation, and four other firms for ballistic missile programs.
• Restrictions: Limited access to US technology, requiring additional licenses for exports, re-exports, and in-country transfers.
• Pakistan’s Response: Criticized the move as “unfair” and politically motivated, obstructing access to technology needed for socio-economic development.
• US-Pakistan Relations: Tensions remain high following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in Aug 2021, with the US imposing a 29% reciprocal tariff on imports from Pakistan, potentially impacting Pakistan’s $17 billion textiles industry.
• Future Discussions: Pakistan plans to send a high-level delegation to Washington to discuss the tariffs and potentially leverage them into a mutually beneficial opportunity. (more)

Taliban denies reports of Bagram Airbase handover to the US

• Bagram Airbase, a strategic location in Afghanistan, has been at the center of US military operations and foreign policy discussions.
• The base was the primary logistics and operations hub for US and NATO forces during the two-decade-long conflict.

What’s happening now:

• Current Situation: The Taliban seized control of Bagram Airbase after the US withdrawal in August and has denied reports of handing it back to the US.
• Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson, called these reports “propaganda” aimed at misleading the public.
• Implications: The reported handover of Bagram to the US could have significant geopolitical implications for regional powers like Iran, China, Russia, and Pakistan.
• The presence of CIA officials at Bagram suggests a rebuilding of US intelligence networks, potentially indicating a new chapter in US-Taliban relations.
• Military Equipment Left Behind: The US left behind significant quantities of military hardware, including aircraft, vehicles, and weapons, when it withdrew from Bagram.
• The Taliban quickly seized this equipment, which raises concerns about its potential use in future conflicts and the stability of the region. (more)

Trump Raises Tariffs On China To 104% Amid Full-Blown Trade War

• The US-China trade war has escalated with the White House imposing a 104% tariff on electric vehicles imported from China, effective Apr 9.
• This move comes after China retaliated against earlier US tariffs with its own set of tariffs, sparking fears of a full-blown trade war.

Key Developments:

• US Tariffs on China: The 104% tariff encompasses both existing tariffs and new duties imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
• China’s Retaliation: China imposed an additional 15% tariffs on American goods and initiated legal action against Washington in the WTO.
• Trade Deficit: The US goods trade deficit with China was $295.4 billion in 2024, with total goods trade valued at $582.4 billion.

Potential Consequences:

• Increased Costs: Higher tariffs could lead to increased costs for American consumers, potentially fueling inflation.
• Global Trade Impact: The trade war may disrupt supply chains and affect economies worldwide.
• India’s Opportunities: The trade tensions could benefit India, with the country emerging as a potential alternative for trade and investment.

Current Status:

• Ongoing Tensions: The US and China are engaged in a heated exchange, with both sides refusing to back down.
• Future Uncertain: The outcome of the trade war remains uncertain, with potential implications for global trade and economic stability.

US will take back Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’: Trump defense chief

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the US will “take back” the Panama Canal from Chinese influence, sparking controversy.
• During a visit to Panama, Hegseth met with President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing the need to prevent China from “weaponizing” the canal for espionage.
• Background: The Panama Canal, built by the US in the early 1900s, was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.
• Concerns have risen over China’s influence in the canal area due to a Hong Kong consortium’s 25-year lease on ports at either end of the canal.
• Current Developments: The Panamanian govt has audited the lease, citing irregularities.
• The Hong Kong consortium is selling its controlling stake to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control.
• President Trump has expressed concerns about China’s presence in the canal area, suggesting it may violate the treaty that transferred ownership to Panama.
• Reactions: Panama’s President Mulino has denied Chinese influence in the canal’s operations.
• Hegseth emphasized that China did not build or operate the canal and assured that the US and Panama would keep it secure (more)

Bangladesh: 11 fishermen abducted by ‘Arakan Army’ from Bay

• Eleven Bangladeshi fishermen and two fishing boats were abducted by Myanmar’s Arakan Army from the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf and Saint Martin’s Island on Tue.
• The incident occurred around 11:30 am when the Arakan Army, armed and in speedboats, intercepted the fishing trawlers in Bangladesh’s territorial waters.

Key Details:

• Abducted Fishermen: 11 fishermen were taken from 2 trawlers, with reports suggesting more may have been abducted.
• Arakan Army’s Involvement: Local residents and the Boat Owners’ Association confirmed the group’s involvement.
• Rescue Efforts: Authorities, including the BGB and law enforcement agencies, are working to gather information and secure the fishermen’s release.

Local Reactions: Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Teknaf Kayukhali Boat Owners’ Association, expressed concern, stating that the Arakan Army’s actions are causing panic among fishermen and traders.

• Abdul Mannan, a Union Parishad member, reported that several boats from his area were chased by the Arakan Army.
• Background: In a similar incident earlier this year, the BGB rescued 29 fishermen abducted by the Arakan Army from the Naf River in Teknaf. (more)

Two US officials due in Dhaka to discuss reforms, Myanmar situation

• Two senior US Department of State officials are visiting Bangladesh in mid-April to discuss key issues, including democratic transition, the Rohingya crisis, and developments in Myanmar.

Key Delegates and Their Focus Areas

• Nicole Chulick, Dy Asstt Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs: Arriving on April 15 for a four-day visit, Chulick will focus on Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives and democratic transition.
• She’ll meet with top officials of the interim govt, leaders of political parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, and civil society representatives to explore ways the US can support Bangladesh’s transition process.
• Andrew R Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs: Joining on April 16, Herrup will prioritize issues related to Rohingya and Myanmar, accompanied by Susan Stevenson, the US chargé d’affaires to Myanmar.
• The discussions will cover the Rohingya crisis, Myanmar’s instability, and its impact on the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, including concerns over drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

Significance of the Visit:

• This visit marks the first high-level US delegation to Bangladesh since President Trump took office.
• The talks aim to strengthen US-Bangladesh relations, focusing on economic growth, financial stability, and development needs.

The US officials will discuss ways to support Bangladesh’s economic growth and development, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations. (more)