Important News - 2025-04-13
13 April 2025
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World Affairs (1)
U.S. NSA Michael Waltz Postpones India Visit Amid ‘Signalgate’ Controversy
Amidst growing turmoil in Washington over communication security breaches within the National Security Council, U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz has postponed his scheduled visit to India. The visit, originally planned for April 21 to 23, 2024, was intended for official meetings, including discussions on the Transforming Relations Utilising Strategic Technologies (TRUST) mechanism, and participation in the annual U.S.-India Forum. The TRUST mechanism, a successor to the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), was launched in 2023 to strengthen U.S.-India strategic ties. Mr. Waltz was also expected to meet Indian NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The postponement comes in the wake of the "Signalgate" controversy, where Mr. Waltz inadvertently exposed sensitive discussions on the messaging platform Signal, involving senior U.S. officials and foreign policy matters. While the White House has supported Mr. Waltz, the incident has raised questions about his position. Efforts are underway to reschedule the visit, possibly aligning it with the next edition of Indus-X, a U.S.-India defense innovation collaboration. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who is on a private visit to India, may step in to represent the U.S. at the Indo-U.S. Forum.
Miscellaneous (5)
Rising Concerns Over Pickpocketing Incidents in Bengaluru Metro
Recent incidents of pickpocketing in Bengaluru’s Namma Metro have raised concerns among commuters. A resident of Indiranagar, Vinay Kumar, narrowly escaped a suspected pickpocketing attempt at Central College metro station. Kumar and his wife noticed a suspicious man following them on the platform but managed to evade him by moving to a different door. Kumar highlighted the lack of security personnel and deteriorating hygiene at metro stations. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials reported that Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) personnel apprehended two youths with seven stolen mobile phones at Cubbon Park Metro Station, one of whom was a minor. Another attempted theft was thwarted at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda (Majestic) Metro Station by a vigilant woman security guard. BMRCL officials emphasized that pickpocketing incidents remain rare and assured passengers of swift action through CCTV surveillance and immediate complaint lodging.
Bird Strike Grounds Oman Air Aircraft at Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Highlights Waste Disposal Concerns
An Oman Air Boeing 737 Max 8 was grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday due to a bird strike during its final landing approach from Muscat around 7.30 a.m. The incident highlights the persistent threat of bird strikes in the region, exacerbated by the unscientific disposal of slaughter waste from nearby slaughterhouses. Airport authorities have raised concerns, noting that more than one bird strike per ten thousand landings or takeoffs places an airport in the bird strike threat zone. Local activists and civic authorities have been working to mitigate the issue through awareness campaigns and clean-up drives. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently chaired a meeting to address illegal waste dumping near the airport and formed a committee to tackle the problem. A new state-of-the-art abattoir, scheduled to be operational by June, is expected to help reduce the bird strike menace by providing a scientific facility for slaughtering livestock.
Fatal Elevator Mishap Claims Life in Suraram, Medchal
A tragic incident occurred in Suraram, Medchal, where a 39-year-old man, Akbar Patel, lost his life due to an elevator mishap in a residential apartment complex. Patel was attempting to retrieve a cricket ball that had fallen into the lift shaft from the cellar level of the building. While leaning into the shaft to search for the ball, the elevator, which was on an upper floor, was suddenly activated. As it descended, it struck Patel on the head with fatal force, resulting in his immediate death. Local police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this unfortunate accident.
Fatal Traffic Incident in Balanagar as Motorist Attempts to Evade Check
On April 13, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Balanagar, Hyderabad, where a 35-year-old carpenter, Jossbabu, lost his life while attempting to evade a routine traffic check. Jossbabu was riding a motorcycle when he was stopped by traffic constable Gopal from the Jeedimetla traffic police. Initially complying, Jossbabu suddenly swerved to the right, colliding with another two-wheeler, losing balance, and falling onto the road. He was subsequently run over by an approaching RTC bus. Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty confirmed that the constable involved tested negative for alcohol. The Balanagar police have registered a case, and the Special Branch and Traffic Wing have been directed to investigate thoroughly. During the police's attempt to move the body to the hospital, locals at the scene attempted to attack the officers, prompting intervention by the local law and order police.
Kerala Start-up Gaude Chosen as Smart AI Assistant Partner for GITEX Asia 2024
Gaude Business and Infrastructure Solutions, a Kerala-based start-up accredited by the Kerala State Startup Mission, has been selected as the official Smart AI Assistant Partner for GITEX Asia, one of Asia’s largest international tech events. The event will take place in Singapore from April 23 to 25, 2024. The company’s intelligent AI assistant, Sarah, powered by its Helpybo AI engine, will provide seamless event information to attendees, enhancing their overall experience. On the back-end, the Helpybo AI will coordinate with a network of sophisticated AI agents through the AIccel Pathway framework, ensuring complete end-to-end automation for exhibitors, visitors, and delegates. Previously, the company collaborated on the development of ‘Vasu’, a Malayalam-speaking chatbot designed to provide information about government schemes under the Department for Development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Census (1)
Karnataka Government Faces Disputes Over Lingayat Population in Census Report
Disagreements have emerged within the Karnataka government regarding the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, ahead of the Cabinet meeting on April 17. Senior Lingayat leader and Heavy Industries Minister M.B. Patil claimed that the Lingayat population in the state exceeds one crore, contrary to the survey’s estimate of 66.35 lakh (11% of the enumerated population). He attributed the discrepancy to communities like Banajiga, Ganiga, and Kumbara registering under the ‘Hindu’ prefix instead of ‘Lingayat,’ which could add over 25 lakh to the Lingayat population. Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas have contested the survey’s findings, calling it unscientific. While Home Minister G. Parameshwara hinted that the Cabinet might accept the survey, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized leaders’ rights to protect their communities. Veerashaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities are expected to meet to formulate their response before the Cabinet discusses the report.
Economy (2)
Hyderabad Emerges as a Global Leader in Rapid Urban Growth: Uttam Reddy
Hyderabad is poised to become one of the fastest-growing cities globally, according to Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies in Telangana. Speaking at the annual celebrations of the Cyberabad Builders Association on Sunday, Reddy emphasized the city’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and the state government’s commitment to sustainable growth in the construction sector. He highlighted Hyderabad’s emergence as a global city, supported by world-class infrastructure, and assured continued government support through progressive policies aimed at empowering the real estate sector. Industry leaders at the event acknowledged the city’s real estate momentum, with a notable increase in property registrations in 2024 compared to the previous year.
U.S. Tariff Exemption Boosts India's Smartphone Exports with 20% Advantage Over China
The U.S. government, led by the Trump administration, has exempted smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices from new tariffs, providing a 20% cost advantage for Indian exports over those from China. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) highlighted that India and Vietnam now enjoy zero tariffs on these products exported to the U.S., while China still faces a 20% tariff. This move is expected to boost India's electronics exports, particularly iPhones, which have already crossed ₹1.5 lakh crore in exports in 2024-25. The exemption is seen as a significant relief for global technology manufacturers and could position India as a preferred alternative in the global electronics supply chain. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the growth in mobile phone exports, which reached an all-time high of ₹2 lakh crore in 2024-25, marking a 55% increase from the previous year.
Heritage (2)
Government to Commemorate Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s 135th Birth Anniversary at Parliament House Lawns
The Government of India will commemorate the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a prominent social reformer, on April 14, 2025. The event will take place at the Prerna Sthal, located on the Parliament House Lawns in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries will pay floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar during a morning ceremony. The venue will remain open to the public until noon. The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation will facilitate visitors and provide special bus services to Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial at 26, Alipur Road, also known as Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi.
Pilicode Rayaramangalam Temple Opens Sanctum Sanctorum to All Communities
In a historic decision, the centuries-old Pilicode Rayaramangalam temple in Kasaragod district, Kerala, opened its sanctum sanctorum to devotees from all communities for the first time on April 13, 2025. This marked the end of decades-long restrictions based on caste. Previously, only members of specific communities like Brahmin, Marar, and Variyar were allowed entry into the inner sanctum, while others like Maniyani, Nair, and Vaniya were permitted only during festivals. The reform was initiated by the Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham and supported by the Janakiya Samithi, a coalition of socio-cultural and political organizations. The Janakiya Samithi petitioned the Thantri, State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, and the temple administrative committee for universal entry rights. The event, which took place a day before the Malayalam New Year festival of Vishu, is seen as a significant step towards equality and inclusion in temple practices. The Janakiya Samithi confirmed that the change is permanent and not merely symbolic.
Politics (9)
CAPF Deployed in Murshidabad Amid Violence Over Waqf (Amendment) Act
On April 13, 2025, 17 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, following violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which resulted in three fatalities on April 12. Over 150 individuals were arrested, and one person with a bullet injury was admitted to a state-run hospital. West Bengal’s Director-General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, confirmed that the situation was under control. Additionally, 23 high-ranking officers, including Karni Singh Shekhawat, Inspector-General of the Border Security Force (BSF), were deployed to the district, with nine BSF companies stationed in violence-affected areas. Congress MP Isha Khan Chowdhury called for an all-party meeting to address the unrest. Meanwhile, the BJP accused radical outfits like the PFI and SIMI of orchestrating the violence, while the Trinamool Congress alleged that BJP leaders were spreading misinformation using unrelated photos from other protests. The Trinamool leadership emphasized that violence would be met with strict punishment, regardless of the perpetrators' community or religious identity.
Shivakumar Highlights Seva Dal as Congress's Backbone, Promises Empowerment
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, D K Shivakumar, emphasized the importance of the Bharatiya Seva Dal within the Congress party during a State-level conference. He stated that the Seva Dal is the backbone of the Congress and assured that the organization would be empowered at the taluk and district levels. Shivakumar highlighted the historical significance of the Seva Dal, which was established during Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure and continues to function under Mallikarjun Kharge's leadership. He urged Seva Dal members to take pride in their contributions, comparing their role to that of Lord Hanuman in serving Lord Ram. Shivakumar also dismissed any notion that the Seva Dal is a marginal entity within the party, reaffirming its integral role in the Congress's organizational structure.
TDP Warns YSRCP Leader Against Exploiting Religious Sentiments for Political Gains
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a warning to YSRCP leader and former Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, cautioning him against exploiting religious sentiments for political gain. This comes after Reddy alleged negligence in the death of cows at the TTD’s goshala. TDP polit bureau member and Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy emphasized that such actions could hurt the sentiments of devout Hindus, particularly those associated with Tirumala. He referenced a previous incident where the YSRCP falsely claimed a pink diamond had gone missing from Tirumala, which was later proven to be untrue. Similarly, Kovur MLA and TTD trust board member Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy accused Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of exaggerating the issue and using morphed photographs to mislead the public. She clarified that some cows had died naturally due to old age and warned that those spreading malicious allegations against TTD would face serious consequences.
BJP Defends Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Stresses Central Law Supremacy
BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi defended the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that no State can refuse to implement a Central law under India's constitutional framework. Speaking at an event organized by the BJP Bengaluru South district, Trivedi emphasized that the Bill was enacted following constitutional procedures and aims to empower poor Muslims while addressing decades of appeasement politics. He criticized the Opposition, stating that the Indian Constitution would prevail over any religious decrees. The Bill introduces significant amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, focusing on enhancing the management and regulation of waqf properties to ensure accountability and inclusivity. Trivedi also questioned the existence of waqf in India, noting that countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Iraq, and Syria do not have such systems. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok also spoke at the event.
Land Dispute in Chamarajanagar as Pramoda Devi Wadiyar Claims 4,500 Acres
A delegation of residents from Siddayyanapura village in Chamarajanagar district met Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag to express concerns over Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore staking claim to over 4,500 acres of land in the district. Ms. Wadiyar, in a letter dated March 20, 2025, referenced a 1951 agreement between the Mysore Maharaja and the Indian government to assert ownership of the land, urging authorities to issue a khata (land record) in her name. She also requested the district administration to halt all transactions related to the properties, citing reports of their conversion into revenue villages. Deputy Commissioner Nag confirmed receipt of the letter but noted that Ms. Wadiyar had not provided supporting documents. Meanwhile, villagers claimed that the land was donated to them by the late Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar and later regularized by the government. The district administration is currently verifying the claims before making a decision.
Amit Shah Highlights Modi Government’s Role in Reviving Cooperative Movement in Madhya Pradesh
On April 13, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a state-level cooperative conference in Bhopal, criticized the previous Congress-led Governments for their inaction in strengthening the cooperative movement, which he described as being in shambles and almost dead before the Modi Government took decisive steps. Shah highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Cooperatives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a turning point in reviving the sector. He emphasized the importance of cooperative laws being updated over time, which had not been done in the past, leading to uneven growth across states. During the event, an agreement was signed between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Madhya Pradesh State Co-operative Dairy Federation to enhance milk production in the state. Shah also praised the Madhya Pradesh Government for being the first in India to computerize Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS). He stressed the need to connect farmers with cooperative dairies to ensure fair prices for their produce and outlined plans to establish primary milk production committees in 50% of Madhya Pradesh’s villages over the next five years. Shah concluded by stating that the Modi Government is firmly supporting the cooperative sector’s expansion through initiatives like seed, organic, and export cooperatives, which provide farmers with access to global markets and fair prices.
Bandi Sanjay Criticizes Congress Over Ambedkar’s Treatment, Highlights Modi Govt’s Initiatives
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticized the Congress party for its alleged history of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and reformer who dedicated his life to uplifting marginalized communities. Speaking to the media in Karimnagar on Sunday, Mr. Kumar participated in a bike rally organized by BJP cadres to mark the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti. During the rally, he rode a bike from Ambedkar Stadium to the Court crossroads, traversing the city’s main streets. He also performed a purification ritual by cleansing Dr. Ambedkar’s statue with water. Mr. Kumar highlighted the efforts of the Narendra Modi-led government in honoring Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, including the establishment of Panch Teerth (five holy sites associated with Dr. Ambedkar) and the inclusion of 12 Dalits, 27 OBCs, and eight women in the Union Cabinet. He also mentioned that Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna and that commemorative stamps and coins featuring him were released.
Kerala to Approach Supreme Court for Relief Similar to Tamil Nadu in Governor’s Assent Case
Following the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Tamil Nadu case, where it ruled that the prolonged refusal of Governor R.N. Ravi to assent to Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly was “illegal” and “erroneous in law,” Kerala is set to approach the Supreme Court next month seeking similar relief. Kerala has been facing a similar issue with its former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who withheld assent to several Bills and referred them to President Droupadi Murmu. The state will argue that the principles established in the Tamil Nadu case should apply to its situation, and all pending Bills should be deemed as passed. Among the Bills in question are the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021; University Laws (Amendment no. 2) Bill, 2021; Kerala Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022; and the University Laws (Amendment no. 3) Bill, 2022. Kerala will also highlight that the President did not provide reasons for withholding assent, which contradicts the Supreme Court’s requirement for detailed explanations in such cases. The state’s legal officers believe that applying the Supreme Court’s guidelines from the Tamil Nadu case will reveal that Governor Khan’s actions were also unlawful and should be quashed. Additionally, Kerala will point out that Mr. Khan had initially promulgated three Bills as ordinances before referring them to the President.
Hyderabad Protests Erupt Against New Waqf Legislation
On Sunday afternoon, Hyderabad witnessed a massive protest against the newly introduced Waqf legislation. Thousands of demonstrators marched from Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Basheerbagh to the Ambedkar Statue on Tank Bund, expressing strong opposition to the law. Protesters argued that the legislation threatens Muslim endowments and the autonomy of Waqf boards, which govern religious properties. Placards carried by the crowd read messages like 'Tampering with Waqf is equal to tampering with the Constitution' and 'We reject Waqf Act, it is a Muslim voice.' The protest also saw participants waving the Indian national flag, emphasizing their constitutional concerns. Demonstrators criticized political leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for supporting the law. The protest caused significant traffic congestion in key areas between Basheerbagh and Tank Bund, particularly around the Basheerbagh flyover and the Ambedkar Statue.
Defence (2)
VIT-AP University Wins Top Honors at National Cybersecurity Hackathon X
VIT-AP University emerged victorious at the semi-finals of Hackathon X, a national-level cybersecurity competition held on April 10. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Research Council (NCSRC), saw 150 participants from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana competing in two technical segments: ‘Bug Bounty Round’ and ‘Capture the Flag’ (CTF). Teams from VIT-AP University secured the first and second positions, while the third prize was won by students from R. M. K. College of Engineering and Technology. The competition aimed to test participants' skills in cryptography, reverse engineering, networking, and ethical hacking. Tadikonda MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar praised the students' efforts and emphasized the importance of cybersecurity as a national priority. NCSRC Director E. Khalieraaj Naidu highlighted the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, while VIT-AP University Vice-Chancellor S.V. Kota Reddy reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering technical excellence.
Inaugural Africa-India Maritime Exercise AIKEYME Begins in Tanzania
The inaugural Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise commenced on April 13, 2025, in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. This large-scale multilateral exercise, hosted by India and Tanzania, aims to develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges and enhance interoperability among participating nations. The exercise includes nine friendly nations, with the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arriving with 44 naval personnel. The six-day event, running until April 18, involves Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The exercise aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR). The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted onboard INS Chennai and INS Kesari, with a ceremonial guard and national anthems performed by the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF) and the Indian Navy. The harbour phase includes table-top exercises, anti-piracy operations, joint training, sports fixtures, and yoga sessions. The sea phase, from April 16-18, focuses on strengthening maritime security cooperation. INS Sukanya will depart for Nacala, Mozambique, on April 15 to continue the IOS SAGAR mission.
Festivals (2)
Palm Sunday Celebrated with Processions in Central Districts
Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of the Holy Week, was observed with special prayers and processions in churches across central districts, including Tiruchi, on Sunday. The festival commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed with palm branches. Devotees participated in processions, weaving palm leaves into holy crosses. Significant processions were held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Melapudur, Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thanjavur led by Most Rev. Dr. T. Sagayaraj, Bishop of Thanjavur Diocese, and at Velankanni and Poondi. The Holy Week concludes on Easter Sunday, April 20.
KPCC to Celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti with Floral Tribute
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) will observe the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti, on Monday. The event will include a floral tribute at the KPCC office in Kerala. Prominent attendees include Kodikunnil Suresh, a member of the Congress Working Committee, M.M. Hassan, the convener of the United Democratic Front (UDF), and K. Muraleedharan, former KPCC president. Other office-bearers from the KPCC, Dalit Congress, and the District Congress Committee will also participate in the event, as confirmed by a press release.
Schemes (1)
Andhra Pradesh Government to Introduce New Film Policy for Industry Growth
Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, announced on Sunday that the government is actively developing a new film policy aimed at boosting the film industry in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at the event for the film Western Love, produced by Varahi Arts and Shakti Creations at Sesha Sai Kalyana Vedika in Vijayawada, Durgesh emphasized the commitment of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan to support the industry's growth. The Minister highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, such as studios, recording theatres, and re-recording facilities, to match the standards of Hyderabad. He also noted that the film industry's development would create employment opportunities for local youth. Durgesh praised the Western Love team for hiring local technicians and staff, and expressed optimism about the film's success, commending its storyline and the performances of lead actors Ravi Ram Charan and Mahil.
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