1. Defence, Space, Technology: Decoding India’s Entry Into Elite Club: PM Modi
2. Don’t fall into trap: Mamata Banerjee’s peace appeal amid violence in Bengal
3. PNB loan fraud: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi’s arrest, extradition request by India
4. India-China direct flight resumption under discussion, no date fixed
5. IAF aircraft flying into earthquake-hit Myanmar faced GPS spoofing. How it is different from jamming

What Else

1. China plays rare earth card as US, India dig deep
2. Telangana becomes first state to implement SC sub-categorisation: ‘Proud to have made history’
3. Pashupati Paras’s RLJP quits NDA
4. Recovery in domestic demand, healthy rabi output & easing inflation to boost consumption further: Crisil
5. Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore near Gujarat coast
6. Bangladesh: “If You Play With Fire…”: Sheikh Hasina’s Warning for Muhammad Yunus
7. Bangladesh, Singapore to finalize FTA by end of next year
8. China’s Xi calls to strengthen ties with Vietnam amid hefty US tariffs
9. Nepal: Birgunj stakeholders reach 5-point deal to restore calm
10.  Pakistan to increase defence budget in FY 2025–26
11. ‘High time’ for refugees to return, Pakistan envoy tells Afghan FM: FO

Defence, Space, Technology: Decoding India’s Entry Into Elite Club: PM Modi

• India has transformed into a global powerhouse, making significant strides in defense, space, and technology.
• The Modi govt’s focus on self-reliance and innovation has propelled the nation into the elite echelons of cutting-edge technology.

Defense Sector:

• India has made notable advancements, including successful trials of a laser-based directed energy weapon system and a long-range hypersonic missile.
• It has also demonstrated Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle technology and naval ballistic missile defense capabilities.

Space Program:

• ISRO has achieved remarkable milestones, including landing on the Moon’s South Pole and demonstrating satellite docking and undocking technology.
• India has also inaugurated its Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility, showcasing its growing capabilities in space exploration.

Emerging Domains:

• India is positioning itself as a competitor in emerging domains, including semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing.
• With initiatives like Semicon India and the National Mission for Quantum Technology and Applications, India is aggressively backing next-gen tech to build future-ready capabilities. (more)

Don’t fall into trap: Mamata Banerjee’s peace appeal amid violence in Bengal

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for calm and peace amid escalating violence over the Anti-Waqf Act protests.
• The violence, which started in Murshidabad, has spread to other areas, including Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, where protesters clashed with police, injuring several people and torching multiple police vehicles. Key Points:
• Banerjee’s Appeal: “One shouldn’t play irreligious games with religion. Dharma means devotion, affection, humanity, peace, amity, culture, harmony, and unity.”
• Right to Protest: Banerjee emphasized the right to peaceful protests with permission but urged people not to take the law into their own hands.
• Situation Update: The West Bengal police report that the situation in Murshidabad is gradually returning to normal, with shops reopening and displaced families returning.
• Govt Stance: Banerjee asserted that the amended Waqf Act won’t be implemented in WB and called for peace, directing agitation towards the central government, which passed the law.
• The violence has resulted in 3 deaths and several injuries in Murshidabad’s Dhulian area. Banerjee’s govt is working to restore peace and harmony in the region. (more)
• On Murshidabad exodus, TMC leader and WB Minister Firhad Hakim says, “They are migrating within Bengal only… Everything is alright… The situation happened, it happened… Though it is condemnable and police will uncover who was behind it…“
• Union Law minister’s jibe at Banerjee over Waqf law refusal: ‘CAA was implemented in Bengal’: Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Mon criticized CM Mamata Banerjee for refusing to implement the Waqf law in her state. (more)

PNB loan fraud: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi’s arrest, extradition request by India

• Mehul Choksi, the fugitive jeweler accused in the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, has been arrested in Antwerp, Belgium. Here’s what’s happening:
• The Arrest: Choksi was detained on Apr 12, 2025, following an extradition request by Indian investigation agencies, specifically the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Extradition Proceedings: The Belgian govt has confirmed the extradition request and a team of CBI officials has been sent to Belgium to complete the necessary procedures.
• Choksi’s lawyer plans to file an appeal, citing his client’s medical condition (cancer treatment) and arguing that he’s not a flight risk.
• The Case: Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, was booked by the CBI and ED in 2018 for allegedly perpetrating loan fraud at PNB’s Brady House branch in Mumbai.
• The ED has filed multiple chargesheets, and he has been declared a fugitive economic offender.
• Previous Attempts: Choksi was previously apprehended in Dominica in 2021 but was sent back to Antigua and Barbuda, where the extradition request was rejected.
• Current Status: Choksi is currently in custody in Belgium, and his legal team will contest the extradition request.
• A hearing is expected to take place after 5 days, where they’ll argue for his bail (more)

India-China direct flight resumption under discussion, no date fixed

• India and China have taken steps towards resuming direct flights, which were halted five years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border clashes. Here’s what’s happening:
• Talks Underway: The civil aviation ministries have had initial discussions, but no specific dates have been set for the restart.
• The Indian Civil Aviation Secretary mentioned that some issues still need to be addressed.
• Previous Agreement: In Jan, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited China, and both countries agreed “in principle” to resume direct air services.
• Before the pandemic, there were 50 flights per week between cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
• Progress: China and India are working on resuming direct flights as soon as possible, according to the Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei.
• The two sides are discussing the modalities, and technical authorities will meet to finalize the framework.
• Border Tensions: The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 strained India-China relations, resulting in 20 Indian soldier deaths and an unspecified number of Chinese casualties.
• While tensions persist, both countries are working to stabilize ties, including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025. (more)

IAF aircraft flying into earthquake-hit Myanmar faced GPS spoofing. How it is different from jamming 

• Multiple Indian Air Force aircraft flying to Myanmar as part of Operation Brahma, a humanitarian effort to provide relief to earthquake-affected areas, encountered GPS spoofing incidents. Here’s what happened:

• GPS Spoofing Incidents: On Mar 29, when India sent its first shipment of aid supplies to Myanmar, multiple IAF aircraft experienced GPS interference and spoofing in Myanmar airspace.
• A majority of the 6 aircraft reportedly faced this issue across four or five different sorties.
• Pilot Response: Pilots switched to backup inertial navigation systems to stay on course and ensure flight safety after detecting the GPS spoofing.
• Suspected Origin: Sources suspect Chinese-enabled systems might be behind the cyberattack, with one source attributing it to “our adversary in the region” without further explanation.
• Security Concerns: This incident highlights the risks of relying heavily on satellite navigation systems in areas prone to electronic warfare.
• Although modern aircraft have backup systems, such events emphasize the need for increased vigilance and robust defense in military and humanitarian operations.
• Investigation Challenges: Investigating these incidents in foreign airspace, particularly in conflict zones like Myanmar, poses significant challenges. (more)

Key Differences: GPS Spoofing vs Jamming

• GPS Spoofing: This involves transmitting false GPS signals to alter a device’s location, posing a greater danger by deceiving pilots about their actual location.
• GPS Jamming: Disrupts navigation by masking genuine satellite signals, making it harder for devices to determine their location. (more)

China plays rare earth card as US, India dig deep

• China’s suspension of Dysprosium and Neodymium exports has sent shockwaves through the American tech industry, particularly affecting the production of advanced technologies like missiles, wind turbines and electric vehicles.
• These rare earth elements are crucial for various applications, including permanent magnets in F-35 jets and missile guidance systems.
• China’s Dominance: China controls approximately 90% of the world’s rare earth refining capacity, giving it significant leverage over the global supply chain.
• US-India Collaboration: The US and India are working together to overcome China’s monopoly through the “Strategic Mineral Recovery” initiative, focusing on research, development and investment in critical mineral recovery and processing.
• Rare Earth Elements Availability: Despite China’s dominance, rare earth elements are not scarce; however, refining capacity is a significant bottleneck.
• India has the 5^th-largest deposits after China, Vietnam, Brazil and Russia.
• Industry Impact: The disruption has prompted the Pentagon to seek alternative sourcing, and industry leaders like Elon Musk have acknowledged the importance of refining capacity in the production of rare earth magnets.
• Global Search: The US is exploring deposits and refining capacity globally, from Greenland to Ukraine, to reduce dependence on China.
• US-India Partnership Highlights: Both countries are members of this partnership, aiming to promote investment and collaboration in critical mineral value chains.
• Research and Development: The partnership will focus on accelerating research and development in critical mineral recovery and processing. (more)

Telangana becomes first state to implement SC sub-categorisation: ‘Proud to have made history’

• Telangana has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Caste sub-categorization, with the Congress government issuing a gazette notification to divide SCs into three categories: Group I, II, and III. Here’s how the 15% quota for SCs will be distributed:
• Group I: 1% reservation for 15 socio-economically backward castes
• Group II: 9% reservation for 18 castes
• Group III: 5% reservation for 26 castes
• This move aims to ensure more backward castes within the SCs receive quota benefits.
• The Telangana govt will adjust reservation percentages based on SC population changes in future censuses.
• Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy stated that this decision is a tribute to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, marking a significant step towards social justice.
• The sub-categorization process faced opposition from some SC sub-castes like Malas but was demanded by others like Madigas for 30 years.
• The Supreme Court’s recent judgment allowed for further sub-classification of SCs and STs, paving the way for Telangana’s move. (more)

Pashupati Paras’s RLJP quits NDA

• Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras has announced his party’s exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) due to alleged injustice and disrespect.
• Paras, who has been a loyal NDA ally since 2014, expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s poor seat allocation in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
• The RLJP plans to contest all 243 Assembly seats in Bihar and is considering an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Opposition.
• Paras has a close relationship with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and has been in talks with him.
• The party will finalize its strategy after completing a tour of all districts in Bihar.
• Paras is also dealing with a family dispute with his estranged nephew, Union Minister Chirag Paswan. (more)

Recovery in domestic demand, healthy rabi output & easing inflation to boost consumption further: Crisil

• India’s domestic demand is showing signs of recovery, driven by several positive developments. According to a recent report by Crisil, the key factors contributing to this recovery include.

• Healthy Rabi Output: A strong rabi crop output is expected to boost consumption demand.
• Easing Inflation: Decreasing inflation in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 will likely support consumer spending.
• Improved Industrial Production: The Index of Industrial Production for manufacturing showed stronger growth in the second half of the fiscal year, lifting production in sectors like: Petroleum Products, Machinery, and Textiles
• Increased Construction Activities: Output of capital goods, infrastructure goods, and construction goods increased in the second half, indicating a gradual pick-up in construction activities and capital expenditure by businesses.
• Positive High-Frequency Indicators: Indicators suggest the economy is gaining momentum, with improving growth prospects in the fourth quarter.
• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) surveys also support this trend:

• Quarterly Industrial Outlook Survey: Shows a sequential strengthening of demand in the fourth quarter.
• Consumer Confidence Survey: Suggests improvement in sentiment among consumers in both rural and urban areas.
• However, the report highlights external risks to India’s growth outlook, including ¹:

• Increase in Tariffs by the United States: Potential impact on exports due to slower global growth and possible reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods.
• Uncertainty Around Tariffs: Frequent changes in tariffs could discourage investments.
• Overall, while domestic demand is recovering, external risks remain a challenge. (more)

Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore near Gujarat coast

• The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS jointly seized 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore near the Gujarat coast.
• The operation was conducted on April 12-13, and the smugglers attempted to flee and dump the contraband after spotting the Coast Guard. (more)
• 2 Kg Cocaine Worth Rs 6 Crore Seized In Chennai, 8 Arrested
• 2 kg of cocaine worth Rs 6 crore were seized in Chennai, leading to the arrest of eight individuals linked to a drug trafficking network. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: “If You Play With Fire…”: Sheikh Hasina’s Warning for Muhammad Yunus

• Sheikh Hasina, the ousted PM of Bangladesh, has launched a scathing attack on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt.
• She called Yunus a “self-centered loan shark” and accused him of plotting the country’s downfall with foreign players to satisfy his thirst for power.
• Hasina also questioned the circumstances surrounding the death of Abu Sayeed, a student protester who became a symbol of the resistance against her govt.

Key Points of Contention:

• Erasure of Bangladesh’s History: Hasina accused Yunus of erasing Bangladesh’s history, particularly the contributions of the Awami League to the country’s freedom struggle.
• She claimed that signs of the freedom movement are being removed and Mukti Joddha Complexes are being burnt down.
• Abu Sayeed’s Death: Hasina disputed the UN’s fact-finding report that Sayeed was a victim of a “deliberate extrajudicial killing” by the police.
• She maintained that the police used rubber bullets, not metal bullets and that Sayeed’s death was a result of a rock smashing his head during a clash.
• Foreign Conspiracy: Hasina reiterated her claim of a foreign conspiracy to destroy Bangladesh, alleging that Yunus was part of this plot.
• Industrial Shock: Hasina stated that the end of her regime has led to an industrial shock in Bangladesh, with thousands of factories shutting down and industries being destroyed.

Reactions and Aftermath:

• Extradition Efforts: The Bangladeshi govt has been trying to extradite Hasina from India, where she is currently in exile.
• Yunus has raised this issue with PM Modi, accusing Hasina of trying to destabilize the situation in Bangladesh. (more)

Bangladesh, Singapore to finalise FTA by end of next year

• Bangladesh and Singapore have agreed to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of next year.
• This development came out of the fourth Bangladesh-Singapore Foreign Office Consultations held in Singapore, where both countries discussed various agreements, including:
• Key Agreements: Agreement on Customs Cooperation; Revised Protocol for the Avoidance of Double Taxation; Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism
• Trade and Investment Discussions: Bangladesh highlighted its emergence as a reliable source of high-quality and competitively priced products: Ready-made garments, Pharmaceuticals, Leather goods, Ceramics, Jute products, and Footwear
• Singapore was urged to encourage its business community to invest more in these sectors for a balanced trade relationship.
• Bangladesh recognized Singapore as one of its top investors and invited increased investment, particularly in: Energy sector; Economic Zones;
• Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support in its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and reiterated its interest in joining the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) (more)

China’s Xi calls to strengthen ties with Vietnam amid hefty US tariffs

• Chinese President Xi Jinping is strengthening ties with neighboring countries amid rising trade tensions with the US. During his visit to Vietnam on Apr 14-15, Xi called for:

• Stronger Industrial Cooperation: Enhancing industrial and supply chain collaboration between China and Vietnam.
• Emerging Fields: Expanding cooperation in areas like 5G, AI, and green development.
• Regional Initiatives: Strengthening coordination through initiatives like East Asia Cooperation and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.
• Xi emphasized the importance of safeguarding the multilateral trading system and opposing protectionism, stating “there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars”.
• This comes as China faces hefty US tariffs, prompting China to hike its levies on US goods to 125%.
• Vietnam, meanwhile, is preparing to crack down on Chinese goods being shipped to the US via its territory to avoid punishing tariffs. (more)

Nepal: Birgunj stakeholders reach five-point deal to restore calm

• The District Administration Office in Parsa has decided to lift the curfew in the Birgunj metropolitan area starting Sun.
• This decision follows a meeting between representatives of political parties, govt officials, and stakeholders aimed at restoring peace and harmony.

What led to the curfew:

• Violent clashes broke out during a Hanuman Jayanti procession on Sat in the Chhapkaiya area after unidentified individuals hurled stones, injuring 41 people.
• Property damage included one shop destroyed, another partially damaged, four motorcycles set on fire and several CCTV cameras vandalized.
• Key decisions from the meeting: Uphold inter-faith harmony and tolerance
• Thorough investigation and legal action against those involved
• Free medical treatment, Compensation for damage and No displaying of weapons during religious or cultural events
• Close monitoring of religious institutions and affiliated schools
• The situation seems to be under control now, with all injured individuals discharged from the hospital (more).

 Pakistan to increase defence budget in FY 2025–26

• Pakistan’s defense budget is expected to increase by Rs 159 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, reaching a total of Rs 2,281 billion.
• This proposed budget represents a 7.49% increase from the current fiscal year’s allocation of Rs 2,122 billion.
• To put this into perspective, the defense budget has seen significant increases in recent years:
• 2023-24: Rs 1,858.8 billion
• 2024-25: Rs 2,122 billion, a 14.16% increase from the previous year
• 2025-26 (proposed): Rs 2,281 billion, a 7.49% increase from the current year
• This upward trend reflects the govt’s prioritization of military and national security expenditures.
• Further details on sectoral allocations and new spending areas are expected in the formal budget announcement later this year. (more)

‘High time’ for refugees to return, Pakistan envoy tells Afghan FM: FO

• Pakistan’s Diplomat to Afghanistan, Ubaidur Nizamani, has told Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi that it’s “high time” for Afghan refugees to return to their country, given the current security dynamics in Afghanistan.
• This statement was made during a meeting where both sides discussed key political and economic issues.
• However, Afghan FM Muttaqi expressed concern and disappointment over the forced deportation of Afghan refugees and mistreatment by certain Pakistani authorities.
• He urged Pakistan to change its approach to the situation, calling such behavior “provocative and harmful to bilateral relations”.
• Refugee Repatriation: Over 860,000 Afghans have left Pakistan since Sept 2023, with more than half a million entering Afghanistan through border crossings.
• Pakistan’s Repatriation Phases: Pakistan has carried out phase-wise repatriation of Afghans, with the first phase targeting illegal residents and the second phase targeting registered refugees with Afghan Citizen Cards.
• Afghanistan’s Stance: The Afghan interim govt has called upon the UN and international organizations to ensure the dignified return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.
• Bilateral Relations: Both sides emphasized the importance of taking mutually constructive steps and encouraged high-level visits and dialogue to strengthen bilateral ties (more)