New Criminal Laws to Take Effect from July 1

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are meeting to discuss the truce with Hamas, potential Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization, and concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Netanyahu is under pressure from his coalition to resume fighting in Gaza but must navigate domestic and international expectations amid his corruption trial. The leaders aim to address complex geopolitical challenges while balancing political and legal considerations. Full Article

The Haryana government has assured the Indian Medical Association that all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana will be paid by March 31, 2025, with applications received till March 10 to be settled by that date. A budget of Rs 2,500 crore has been allocated for timely settlement of claims next year, with a special team of doctors to process medicine and pediatrics claims. Strict instructions have been given to ensure prompt payment of...

President Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has pledged to review the Biden administration's restrictions on firearms exports introduced in April 2024. These restrictions are designed to prevent U.S. guns from falling into the hands of foreign criminal organizations, potentially leading to a 7% annual decrease in U.S. firearms exports. Lutnick's commitment signals a potential shift in policy towards the regulation of firearm exports under the new administration. Full Article

Pakistan has threatened to deport around 20,000 Afghan refugees awaiting relocation unless their cases are processed swiftly by host governments, following a pause in U.S. refugee programs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set a deadline of March 31 for their expulsion from Islamabad and Rawalpindi if not relocated. Concerns have been raised about the fate of Afghan refugees, with reports of arbitrary detention and harassment in Islamabad. Full Article

Unidentified gunmen killed former territorial armyman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and injured his wife and niece near a masjid in Kulgam, southern Kashmir. Wagay was pronounced dead upon arrival at a medical facility, while his wife and niece are in stable condition. Police and Army are investigating the motive behind the targeted attack. Full Article

Fencing work near the Bangladesh border in Malda has been suspended due to disputes between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). Efforts to resolve the issue are expected to be discussed in upcoming DG-level talks, as construction has been stalled since November 2024 following objections from Bangladesh, despite previous mutual consent for the project. Full Article