Indian Army's Humanitarian Mission in Myanmar
Under 'Operation Brahma', the Indian Army’s 50th Parachute Brigade deployed a field hospital in Myanmar to assist victims of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Comprising around 123 members, the brigade provided continuous medical aid and rescue services for several days. The team returned to India on Tuesday night and was welcomed at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed ongoing support for Myanmar, stating that all three armed forces are prepared for further deployment if necessary. Established in 1941 during World War II, the 50th Parachute Brigade has a distinguished legacy, including operations in Kashmir (1947-48) and the 1971 Indo-Pak war, as well as various international missions. Brigadier Naveen Kumar highlighted the brigade’s rapid deployment and the establishment of a fully equipped hospital that treated over 1,000 people and performed life-saving surgeries.
DUSTLIK-VI: India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise
The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise, DUSTLIK-VI, commenced on April 16 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, and will continue until April 28. The Indian contingent consists of 60 personnel from a Jat Regiment battalion and the Indian Air Force, collaborating with members of the Uzbekistan Army. This annual exercise focuses on joint multi-domain operations in semi-urban scenarios, aimed at counterterrorism efforts, including population control, raids, and neutralizing threats. Training activities will involve establishing a Joint Operations Centre, deploying drones and helicopters for reconnaissance, and securing a helipad for operational use. The last edition was held in Uzbekistan in April of the previous year.
Supreme Court's Ruling on Ex-Servicemen Rehabilitation
The Supreme Court of India stated on Wednesday that effective rehabilitation of ex-servicemen is not merely a gesture of honor but also crucial for maintaining the morale of serving personnel. The court warned that neglecting ex-servicemen could deter youth from joining the armed forces. This observation arose during a hearing of a plea filed by a retired female officer from the Indian Military Nursing Service (IMNS), who was denied classification as an ‘ex-serviceman’ post-retirement. Upholding the High Court's verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that retired MNS personnel should be granted ex-serviceman status.
Farooq Abdullah Responds to Controversial Claims
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah reacted angrily to claims by former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat that he had “privately backed” the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah accused Dulat of engaging in “cheap stunts” to boost sales for his forthcoming book. Dismissing Dulat’s assertion that the National Conference (NC) would have “helped” pass the proposal to abrogate the special status of the erstwhile state if consulted, Abdullah called this a “figment of imagination” on the author’s part. Dulat’s book, “The Chief Minister and the Spy,” is set to be released on April 18.
Terrorist Infiltration Route Discovered in Jammu and Kashmir
Recent encounters in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, have revealed a terrorist infiltration route from across the International Border, according to police officials. Senior Superintendent of Police Shobhith Saxena reported that four encounters in the past month led to significant recoveries of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, thwarting terror plans in the region. In one incident, four armed militants were killed after security forces intercepted them in Saniyal forest. Saxena emphasized the vital role of local cooperation in these operations, which helped gather intelligence about the infiltrators. The police continue to monitor the situation closely and plan to prevent further use of the exposed infiltration route.
West Bengal Chief Minister's Accusations of Communal Violence
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labeled the recent communal violence in Murshidabad as “pre-planned,” accusing a section of the BSF, central agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the BJP of orchestrating tension by allegedly facilitating outsiders and enabling cross-border influx from Bangladesh. Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to implement the “atrocious” Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Security Operations in Manipur
The Manipur Police have apprehended 14 militants from various groups, recovering arms, ammunition, and cash totaling ₹21.50 lakh linked to a UNLF militant. The arrests occurred across six districts, including Thoubal, Imphal East, and Bishnupur, targeting members of the Kangleipak Communist Party, United National Liberation Front, PREPAK, and others. Subsequent joint operations by the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and Manipur Police also resulted in the recovery of 77 illegal arms, explosives, and war-like stores. Additionally, shelters used for village volunteer training were dismantled in Gelmol, Churachandpur district, as part of ongoing security measures in the region.
India's Growing Trade Deficit with China
India's trade deficit with China is nearing $100 billion, with the gap reaching $99.2 billion in FY25, according to official data. Despite efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese goods, India's imports surged by 16.6% year-on-year, largely driven by demand for electronics, EV batteries, and solar cells. Imports of machinery and chemicals accounted for a significant portion of trade, totaling approximately $53.2 billion in the April-January period of 2024-25. Meanwhile, India's exports to China have declined by 14.5%, standing at $14.2 billion. As a result, there are growing concerns about India's heavy dependence on Chinese products, including critical industrial inputs, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
India and China are working to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2019 due to the pandemic and border tensions. Officials have expedited talks, aiming for an agreement to select pilgrims soon while overcoming logistical issues to ensure a smooth travel process. The Yatra is expected to resume between June and September 2024, with a computerized lottery system in place for participant selection. The costs for the pilgrimage will increase compared to previous years due to revised accommodation and transportation rates. Discussions about the Yatra's resumption took place between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their meeting ahead of the G-20 summit in Brazil
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