India-Sri Lanka defence pact on the cards as PM Modi visits

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament, leading to a heated debate between the government and the Opposition. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Bill with amendments, which had been referred to a joint parliamentary committee after its initial introduction last year. The Opposition parties united to challenge the legislation with a debate ongoing in the House. Full Article

The United States is increasing its aircraft carrier presence in the Middle East to two, with one already deployed and another being sent from the Indo-Pacific, according to the Pentagon. This move is aimed at promoting regional stability, deterring aggression, and protecting the free flow of commerce in the region amidst ongoing air strikes targeting Yemen's Huthi rebels. Additionally, the deployment includes additional squadrons and air assets to enhance defensive air-support capabilities in the CENTCOM...

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