1. PM dials Italian counterpart Meloni, thanks her for invite to G7 Summit Outreach Session
2. MEA responds to pro-Palestine protests at US Universities; ‘We are judged by what we do at home’
3. Election 2024: Bharat Talent Pool, ‘Karmayogi’ course, National Training Week, Civil Service Exams Review – Reforms Planned for Bureaucracy Under Modi 3.0
4. Kashmir: Encounter breaks out between terrorists and security forces in Sopore
5. NIA makes first arrest in Delhi for 2023 attack on high commission in London

What Else

• Tibetan community celebrates Panchen Lama’s birthday in his absence
• US sanctions over dozen firms, including 3 from India, for ties with Iran
• RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing credit cards; Bank’s share price falls more than 11%
• Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif is ‘ashamed’ as Bangladesh edges Pakistan in economic growth
• Pakistan: Ringleaders among 3 terrorists killed in Khyber IBO
• US-China talks start with warnings about misunderstandings and miscalculations
• Republican Demands Investigation Into ‘Dangerous Dollars’ Sent to China
• US Senate passes TikTok divestment-or-ban bill, Biden makes it law
• Chinese military’s work on marine toxins raising new fears of biological warfare weapons

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PM dials Italian counterpart Meloni, thanks her for invite to G7 Summit Outreach Session

• PM Modi on Thu held a tele conversation with his Italian PM Georgia Meloni where both leaders reaffirmed their pledge to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership.
• PM Modi extended greetings to Meloni and the people of Italy on the occasion of the 79^th anniversary of Liberation Day.
• The PM also received an invitation from PM Meloni for the G7 Summit Outreach Session in Italy that is scheduled to take place in June.
• The two discussed taking forward the outcomes from India’s G20 Presidency, “especially that support the Global South, at the G7 Summit under Italy’s Presidency.”
• Both leaders, during the call, also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.   
• The G7, brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US. 
• The EU also takes part in the G7 and at the summits is represented by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
• Italy, for the 7^th time, assumed the Presidency of the G7 in Jan 2024, which will be last on Dec 31^st. (here)

MEA responds to pro-Palestine protests at US Universities; ‘We are judged by what we do at home’

• Ministry of External Affairs on Thu responding to the pro-Palestine protests that erupted at various Universities in the US said that there should be a kind of balance “between freedom of expression, sense of responsibility and public safety and order.”
• “We have seen reports …. In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, a sense of responsibility and public safety and order. Democracies, in particular, should display this understanding regarding other fellow democracies,” said MEA spox.
• On being questioned about Indian students in US, MEA said, “As far as your question regarding Indian students is concerned, we are always in touch with Indian students.”
• Colleges across America have witnessed unrest as pro-Palestinian protesters stage protests on campuses prompting administrators to take measures.
• Netanyahu compares protesters to 1930s Nazis: Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu slammed the “antisemitic surge” in the US calling the unrest on campuses “horrific”.
• “Antisemitic mobs have taken over leading universities. They call for the annihilation of Israel, they attack Jewish students, they attack Jewish faculty,” he said in a video.
• He further compared the protests to 1930s Nazis saying, “This is reminiscent of what happened in German universities in the 1930s. It’s unconscionable. It has to be stopped. It has to be condemned unequivocally.”
• “But that’s not what happened,” he added. “When you listen to them, they say not only ‘Death to Israel’ and ‘Death to the Jews,’ but also ‘Death to America.’” (here)
• MEA also slams the US State Department report on human rights in India.
• Spox calls it “deeply biased” and “reflects a poor understanding of India”.
• MEA Adds, “We attach no value to it”

Election 2024: Bharat Talent Pool, ‘Karmayogi’ course, National Training Week, Civil Service Exams Review – Reforms Planned for Bureaucracy Under Modi 3.0

• (sources) -Reviewing the Civil Services exam, starting a ‘National Training Week’, setting up a ‘Bharat Talent Pool’ for placements, and starting over 7 lakh govt servants on a course like ‘Serving Like a Karmayogi’ – all this will be on top of the agenda in the first 100 days of ‘Modi 3.0’ if the BJP wins Election.
• Bureaucrats are hard at work to prepare for the ‘100 Day’ agenda of Modi 3.0, as per directions of the PM last month to hit the ground running if he wins a third term.
• A big focus of the same will be reforming the bureaucracy and bringing in a system by which posts up to a certain level are filled only through “competency mapping.
• The govt is planning a fully functional ‘Bharat Talent Pool’ of officers for “performance-based placements”, and a review of career progression guidelines to ensure merit and job requirements are the main criteria for crucial positions.
• A prominent introduction could be the ‘National Training Week’ for civil servants where the PM could interact with the trainees across the spectrum.
• The government also plans to start 7 lakh govt servants on a new course, ‘Serving like a Karmayogi’, and conduct citizen-centric training for bureaucrats who need to interact with the general public. (here)
• After decades, Kashmir’s Ghanta Ghar and Lal Chowk are abuzz with election campaigns: Kashmir Valley is witnessing a never-seen-before change in this parliamentary election.
• Hundreds of political workers along with politicians have been campaigning and holding rallies across Srinagar city.
• But what is happening for the first time in decades is that horde of people were gathered at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar area in Lal Chowk.
• Hundreds of PDP workers held a unique election campaign at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar.
• These political workers created an atmosphere of election celebration by sloganeering and dancing at the historic Lal Chowk area. (here)
• ‘India determines its visa policy, we are not going to opine on it’: US State Dept on Avani Dias: The US on Thu rebuked a Pak reporter’s questions on allegations of an Australian journalist’s claims not being allowed to cover Indian elections and said that the country determines which non-citizens it allows to enter.
• Responding to a question US State Dept Deputy Spox said, “The Government of India can speak to its visa policy. That’s not something I’m going to opine on from here.”
• Patel further emphasized the role of the free press in the fabric of democracy. (here)
• We have been clear with countries around the world about the integral role that a free press plays in the fabric of democracy, US State dept spox said.

Kashmir: Encounter breaks out between terrorists and security forces in Sopore

• An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces in N Kashmir’s Sopore district on Thu.
• Police and security forces are on alert at the Check Mohalla Nowpora.
• It was reported that two to three terrorists had been trapped.
• A civilian was injured in the crossfire and is currently being treated at a local hospital. Other civilians are being rescued by the security forces.
• A joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police was launched in the Nowpora area in Baramulla based on specific intel input regarding the presence of terrorists
• The exchange of fire was a result of the area being searched by the forces.
• Earlier this week, a 40-year-old man was killed in a targeted attack in the Rajouri district.
• A Telegram channel that carries propaganda from The Resistance Front— a proxy outfit of the LeT — claimed responsibility for the attack.
• The terror outfit had termed the killing as a “gift for your elections”. (here)

NIA makes first arrest in Delhi for 2023 attack on high commission in London

• The NIA has arrested a key accused in connection with its probe into the back-to-back violent attacks on the Indian HC in London on Mar 19 and 22 last year, the federal agency said in a statement on Thu.
• Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow, UK, has been arrested in Delhi by the NIA for his alleged role, particularly the Mar 22 attack,
• On Mar 22^nd over 2,000 pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the high commission building and threw articles including ink to deface it, NIA said.
• On March 19, a smaller group pulled down the Indian flag in an attack that also led to injuries to some embassy staff.
• The protestors were organized by UK-based Sikh radical KLF leader Avtar Singh Khanda, who later died in a UK hospital in June 2023.
• Khanda was a close associate of Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Tara and allegedly acted in retaliation to the action taken by Punjab police against Amritpal Singh on March 18.
• Singh is currently lodged in a high-security prison in Assam.
• The NIA spox said Gaba was arrested for carrying out unlawful activities during the Mar 22, 2023 protests.
• The agency, however, didn’t reveal if Gaba was arrested at the airport or the purpose of his visit or his exact role in the attack, or his association with pro-Khalistani leaders.
• NIA said the incidents in London were parts of a larger conspiracy to unleash vicious attacks on the Indian missions and its officials. (here)

Tibetan community celebrates Panchen Lama’s birthday in his absence

• The 35^th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama-appointed Panchen Lama, was commemorated with fervor in Dharamshala, where the Tibetan leadership of the Tibetan Govt in exile fervently called for his release from Chinese custody.
• Penpa Tsering, Sikyong or President of the Tibetan GiE, stated, “Chinese govt has not heeded to genuine concerns of the international community and Tibetans in exile. Our most pressing concern is if Panchen Rinpoche is alive or not.”
• Despite his age, the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remain unknown, raising grave concerns about his well-being and safety under Chinese custody.
• The Tibetan diaspora, individuals of all ages, came together to celebrate the occasion, emphasizing their unwavering support for Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.
• Estonian politicians, including Jukku Kalle Raid and Tarmo Tamm, stood in solidarity, attending the festivities despite potential pressure from the Chinese govt. (here)

US sanctions over dozen firms, including 3 from India, for ties with Iran

• The US slapped on Thu sanctions on over a dozen companies, individuals, and vessels, including 3 from India, for facilitating illicit trade and UAV transfers on behalf of the Iranian military.
• The US Dept of Treasury said these companies, individuals, and vessels have played a central role in facilitating and financing the clandestine sale of Iranian UAVs to Russia.
• While Sahara Thunder has been identified as the main front company that oversees Iran’s commercial activities, the 3 India-based companies to have been sanctioned are Zen Shipping, Port India Prvt Ltd, and Sea Art Ship Management Prvt Ltd.
• Iranian military entity Sahara Thunder relies on a vast shipping network involved in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of Iran’s MoD to multiple jurisdictions including the PRC, Russia, and Venezuela, the Treasury said. (here)

RBI bars Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing credit cards; Bank’s share price falls more than 11%

• The Reserve Bank of India ordered KMB to stop onboarding new customers through its online and mobile banking channels and from issuing fresh credit cards as well.
• The bank can, however, provide services to its existing customers, including its credit card customers.
• As a result, the Bank’s share price decreased by 10.85% and closed at ₹1,643 on the BSE on Thu.
• RBI- serious deficiencies and noncompliances were found in the bank’s IT inventory, patch and change, user access, vendor risk, data security, leak prevention strategy, business continuity, and disaster recovery rigor and drill.
• The RBI stated that KMB’s Core Banking System, as well as its online and digital banking channels, have experienced several outages in the last two years. (here)

 [Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif is ‘ashamed’ as Bangladesh edges Pakistan in economic growth

• While lamenting its economy which is in shambles, PM Sharif said that ‘East Pakistan’, present-day B’desh, was perceived as a ‘burden’ on the nation’s shoulders, however, it is no more a case as the country has now achieved strides in economic growth.
• He also expressed a sense of shame as Bangladesh within nearly 50 years of its independence in 1971 got ahead of Pakistan in terms of its GDP per capita.
• In 2016, Bangladesh passed Pakistan for the 1^st time with $1,659 GDP/capita compared to Pakistan’s $1,468, to so far, which is 2023, was $2,528, against Pakistan’s $1,471
• Business leaders urge trade talks with India: In addition to this, they suggested initiating trade talks with India to benefit Pakistan’s economy.
• However, New Delhi has time and again made it clear that there is no possibility of trade with Pakistan as long as the country continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism.
• Chief of AH Group Arif Habib reportedly said, “I suggest you do a few more handshakes. One of them is regarding trade with India, which would greatly benefit our economy.” (here)

Pakistan: Ringleaders among 3 terrorists killed in Khyber IBO

• Security forces killed 3 terrorists including 2 ringleaders in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber district, the military’s media wing (ISPR) said on Thu.
• The operation was conducted by the security forces on Apr 24-25 on the reported presence of terrorists in the tribal district, the ISPR said in a statement.
• Security forces eliminated three terrorists after an intense exchange of fire, as well as busted their hideout during the operation, it added.
• The ISPR further said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. (here)

US-China talks start with warnings about misunderstandings and miscalculations

• The US and China butted heads over several contentious bilateral, regional, and global issues as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Fri with Chinese FM Wang Yi and both men warned of the dangers of misunderstandings and miscalculations.
• The meeting, on the final day of Blinken’s 2^nd visit to China in the past year, came as talks between the countries have expanded in recent months even as differences have grown and become more serious, raising concerns about the potential for conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
• Both each underscored the importance of keeping lines of communication open but they also lamented persistent and deepening divisions that threaten global security.
• Those divisions were highlighted earlier this week when President Biden signed a massive foreign aid bill that contains several elements that the Chinese see as problematic.
• “Overall, the China-U.S. relationship is beginning to stabilize,” Wang told Blinken.
• “But at the same time, the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” (here)

Republican Demands Investigation Into ‘Dangerous Dollars’ Sent to China

• Republican Senator Joni Ernst has called for the expansion of an audit of the Department of Defense into the extent of funding sent to Chinese research laboratories, including into work on advanced AI.
• The audit by the Office of the Inspector General was spurred by a Jan 25 letter written by the Iowa lawmaker and former Wisconsin Representative Mike Gallagher.
• They requested information from the DoD on any funding provided to the PRC or its affiliates for research activities relevant to the reporting requirement of the NDA Act.
• That included funding for COVID-19 research.
• In Jan, lawmakers also called for answers from the DoD after an investigation showed that a top Chinese AI scientist had received more than $30 mn in U.S. grants, including from the Pentagon. (here)

US Senate passes TikTok divestment-or-ban bill, Biden makes it law

• The U.S. Senate voted by a wide margin late Tue in favor of legislation that would ban TikTok in the US if its owner, the Chinese tech firm ByteDance, fails to divest the popular short video app over the next 9 months to a year.
• Driven by widespread worries among U.S. lawmakers that China could access Americans’ data or surveil them with the app, the bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday and U.S. President has said he will sign it into law on Wed.
• “For years we’ve allowed the Chinese Communist party to control one of the most popular apps in America that was dangerously shortsighted,” said Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee.
• “A new law is going to require its Chinese owner to sell the app. This is a good move for America.”
• Asked about the Senate’s vote, the Chinese FM referred on Wed to comments the ministry made in March when the House of Representatives passed a similar bill. (here)

Chinese military’s work on marine toxins raising new fears of biological warfare weapons

• The US State Department has raised alarms in its latest arms control compliance report about China’s military researching marine toxins, suggesting potential violations of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
• The convention, which China ratified in 1984, aims to eliminate bio-weapons, yet ongoing activities suggest a secretive growth that could be geared toward military use.
• The State Department report explicitly mentions that China’s research involves “biological activities with potential biological weapons applications,” specifically pointing to the development of toxins for military purposes.
• This research is linked to sea-based neurotoxins, some of the most potent poisons, which target the central nervous system and can be lethal in minimal quantities.
• This concern is heightened by China’s past biological weapons programs which included agents like ricin and anthrax. (here)