MEA As It Highlights India’s First Responder Policy

The lone Congress MP from Gujarat, Geniben Thakor, has requested permission from the Lok Sabha Speaker to address the blast at a firecracker factory in Banaskantha’s Deesa that claimed the lives of 21 individuals. Thakor criticized the BJP-led government in Gujarat for previous tragedies, urging the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the incident and take strict actions against those accountable. The blast resulted in the death of 21 workers, including children, and injuries...

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza, with plans to seize large areas of the enclave to enhance Israel's security zones. Katz emphasized the need for a large-scale evacuation of population from conflict zones and called on Gazans to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages to end the war. The extent of the land Israel intends to seize was not specified, but previous actions include setting up...

The Pakistan Army breached the ceasefire agreement by firing on Indian positions across the Line of Control in the KG Sector, Poonch. In response, the Nangi Tekri Battalion troops of the Indian Army retaliated strongly, with further details pending. Prior to this incident, security forces had conducted search and cordon operations following an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua. Full Article

Analysts expect continued market volatility as global trade policies remain a focus, with Indian equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and Nifty50 opening higher on Wednesday. Sensex rose over 200 points to 76,199.97, while Nifty50 surpassed 23,300 at 23,201.30. Concerns over President Trump's tariff proposals led to significant losses on Monday, with FIIs selling Rs 10,255 crore in two days, causing market uncertainty and a sharp Nifty drop. Full Article

China's military conducted drills around Taiwan, code-named Strait Thunder-2025A, focusing on blockading the island and precision strikes. The exercises follow increased rhetoric against Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and criticisms from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his Asia visit. China views Taiwan as its territory and denounces Lai as a separatist, while Lai asserts Taiwan's sovereignty and the people's right to determine their future. Full Article

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board urged secular political parties and MPs to oppose the Waqf bill, citing discrimination and violation of fundamental rights. The Board president warned that the bill could lead to seizure of Waqf properties by the government and called for strong opposition in Parliament to prevent the BJP's agenda. He emphasized the need for protection of Waqf properties and urged lawmakers to stand against the proposed amendments to safeguard the...