6. Coast Guard Seizes Illegal Sea Cucumbers and
Intercepts Massive Drug Shipment The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted an
anti-poaching operation in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, on April 13, 2025,
resulting in the seizure of 145 kilograms of illegal sea cucumbers valued at
₹58 lakh. Harvesting sea cucumbers is prohibited in India under the Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972. In a separate but related operation, the Coast Guard, in
collaboration with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), intercepted 300
kilograms of illegal drugs worth an estimated ₹1,800 crore. Smugglers were
attempting to transport these narcotics across the International Maritime
Boundary Line. The seized contraband has been handed over to the ATS for
further investigation and legal action.
7. India Rejects Pakistan's Criticism of Waqf Amendment
Act as Internal Matter India has dismissed Pakistan's criticism regarding
the Waqf (Amendment) Act, firmly stating that it is an internal affair on which
Pakistan has no right to comment. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed
that Pakistan should instead focus on its own record concerning the protection
of minorities rather than making unsubstantiated claims about India's
legislation. This strong response followed concerns raised by Pakistan's
foreign office, which alleged that the new Indian law would undermine the Muslim
community's control over Islamic charitable endowments. Meanwhile, the Supreme
Court of India is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the constitutionality
of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with a three-judge bench set to review the matter.
8. India and China Near Agreement to Resume Kailash
Mansarovar Yatra India and China are reportedly close to reaching an
agreement to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage that
has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing border
tensions. The resumption of this pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar
Lake in Tibet is viewed as a potential confidence-building measure following a
recent understanding between the two nations regarding the disengagement of
troops from disputed border areas. While this year's Yatra may commence later
than usual, the Chinese side has requested additional time to refurbish
facilities for the pilgrims. The Yatra, which holds religious significance for
Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, is typically organized between June and
September, and discussions are underway between both countries to normalize
relations following past skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
9. India and US to Commence Virtual Talks on
Comprehensive Trade Agreement India and the United States are scheduled to
begin virtual negotiations this week on a comprehensive bilateral trade
agreement (BTA), with plans to transition to in-person talks by mid-May. This
ambitious trade pact aims to more than double the current bilateral trade
volume, targeting $500 billion by the year 2030, a significant increase from
the approximately $191 billion recorded currently. Indian officials are
emphasizing the importance of securing tariff concessions and ensuring
inclusivity across various industrial sectors, while also expressing optimism
regarding the negotiation process. Both countries have already signed the terms
of reference for the agreement, and initial discussions have taken place at the
leadership level.
10. High-Level Security Review Conducted Ahead of
Katra-Srinagar Railway Inauguration In preparation for Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on April 19 to inaugurate the Katra-Srinagar
railway line, Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi,
chaired a high-level joint security review meeting to ensure comprehensive
preparedness for the upcoming events. The meeting saw the participation of top
officials from various security forces, including the Army, intelligence
agencies, and railway police. Key emphasis was placed on the necessity of
intensified patrolling and enhanced coordination among all involved agencies.
IGP Birdi underscored the importance of strict adherence to Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) and called for robust inter-agency cooperation to effectively
address potential threats and bolster overall security measures in the region.
11. NIA Chargesheet Filed Against Three in J&K
Terrorism Conspiracy Case The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed
a charge sheet against three individuals in connection with a terrorism case,
including a handler based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), for their
involvement in a conspiracy aimed at inciting terrorist violence in Jammu and
Kashmir. The accused have been identified as Abdul Aziz, Munawar Hussain, and
Nazir Hussain. The charges against them stem from the seizure of arms and
ammunition in the Poonch district last year. The NIA's case originated from a
police First Information Report (FIR) filed in October 2024, which led to the
apprehension of Abdul Aziz and the subsequent arrest of Munawar Hussain.
Investigations revealed that both suspects were in contact with Nazir Ali,
thereby linking them to a wider conspiracy intended to destabilize the region.
12. China and Philippines Trade Accusations Over South
China Sea Maneuvers China and the Philippines have accused each other of
engaging in dangerous maneuvers in a highly contested shoal within the South
China Sea, marking the latest confrontation in the ongoing dispute over the
strategic waterway. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese Coast
Guard (CCG) vessel accelerated and maneuvered on Monday to obstruct the
navigation route of a Philippine vessel approximately 36 nautical miles off the
Scarborough shoal. Philippine officials stated, "This incident highlights
the CCG's non-compliance with international regulations and reflects a blatant
disregard for safety at sea."
13. China Accuses US "Secret Agents" of
Cyberattacks During Winter Games Chinese security officials announced on
Tuesday that they have implicated three individuals identified as US
"secret agents" in cyberattacks that allegedly occurred during
February's Asian Winter Games in the northeastern city of Harbin. Authorities
in Harbin released a statement on the social media platform Weibo, accusing
three agents from the US National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting attacks
on "key information infrastructure." The statement also indicated
that a reward would be offered for any information related to the alleged
spies.
14. Reportedly, China Instructs Airlines to Halt Boeing
Aircraft Deliveries Amid Trade Tensions According to reports, China has
instructed its airlines to refrain from taking delivery of Boeing aircraft,
signaling a potential reversal of a significant deal amidst escalating trade
tensions. This development follows a reported halt in additional orders, with
major Chinese carriers, including China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and
China Southern Airlines, having previously planned to take delivery of 45, 53,
and 81 Boeing jets, respectively, between 2025 and 2027.
15. Police Bus Explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan Kills
Officers An explosion that targeted a police bus in Pakistan's southwestern
Balochistan province resulted in the deaths of at least three police officers
and injured 16 others on Tuesday, according to authorities. The bus was
transporting approximately 40 police officers when it was struck by the blast
in the Mastung district, located about 40 kilometers south of Quetta, the
provincial capital. Local administration official Raja Muhammad Akram stated,
"It was a roadside IED blast that resulted in the deaths of three
policemen while wounding 16 others."
17. Bangladesh and Pakistan to Hold First Foreign Office
Consultations in 15 Years Bangladesh and Pakistan are scheduled to hold
their first foreign office consultation in 15 years, set to take place on
Thursday in Dhaka. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Anna Baloch will head her
country's delegation, while Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary M Jashim Uddin will
represent Bangladesh. Although a specific agenda has not been disclosed, the
discussions are anticipated to cover a broad spectrum of bilateral issues.
Foreign Secretary Baloch is also expected to make courtesy calls to key
government officials. This meeting reflects Islamabad's interest in
strengthening trade relations with Dhaka, and both nations aim to revitalize
their diplomatic relationship after a significant period of limited engagement.
18. Maldives Imposes Ban on Israeli Passport Holders in
Solidarity with Palestine The Maldives has announced a ban on individuals
holding Israeli passports from visiting the country, reaffirming its
"resolute solidarity" with the Palestinian cause. President Mohamed
Muizzu ratified the Third Amendment to the Maldives Immigration Act on April
15, underscoring the government's firm stance against the ongoing violence
perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians. This decision aligns with earlier
commitments made by the Muizzu administration to restrict entry for Israeli
tourists, joining Bangladesh and Pakistan in implementing similar prohibitions.
The Maldives is not a major destination for Israeli tourists, with its tourism
sector primarily relying on visitors from countries such as China and India.
The entry ban is effective immediately.
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