Rajya Sabha debates Waqf Amendment Bill—key statements and reactions

During PM Narendra Modi's visit to Colombo on April 5, an umbrella agreement known as The India-Sri Lanka MoU will be signed to consolidate all bilateral defence cooperation. This pact aims to streamline the partnership and address security concerns, with a focus on preventing anti-India activities from Sri Lankan territory. The agreement will encompass various aspects of defence collaboration, including joint exercises, training, high-level visits, and equipment supply, enhancing the existing strong defence relationship between...

The 75th anniversary of Sino-Indian ties was celebrated with a telephone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian President Droupadi Murmu, followed by an Indian food festival organized by Indian Consul General Pratik Mathur in Shanghai. The event showcased the diversity of Indian cuisine and attracted a wide range of participants, including diplomats, academics, businessmen, and the Chinese public. Both south and north Indian food, influenced by Buddhist traditions and cultural links, were popular...

In West Bengal's Nadia district, a BSF jawan was seriously injured while stopping Bangladeshi intruders from crossing the border. The infiltration attempt was thwarted by BSF personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh International Border under the South Bengal Frontier. Despite being attacked by armed infiltrators, the jawans successfully defended the border, with the injured jawan receiving medical treatment and being in stable condition. Full Article

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for "dynamic perspective planning" for the armed forces to address long-term and short-term challenges amidst current geostrategic changes and global security scenarios. During the Army Commanders' Conference, he stressed the importance of doctrinal changes to ensure the armed forces are future-ready and capable of unconventional and asymmetric warfare. Singh also highlighted the interconnected nature of the present world, underscoring the significance of being prepared for complex global situations...

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills on Thursday evening - the 'Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects' and 'Coastal Shipping' - by a voice vote. The Aircraft Objects Bill aims to protect international lessors and financiers, potentially boosting the civil aviation industry and reducing air fares. The Coastal Shipping Bill seeks to regulate vessels in Indian coastal waters to increase freight movement efficiency and environmental benefits. Full Article

During a Senate hearing, the top US officer in Europe revealed that Russia has lost over 4,000 tanks in its ongoing war against Ukraine since February 2022. General Christopher Cavoli emphasized the significant scale of the conflict, noting that Russia's losses are equivalent to the entire inventory of US tank corps. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a protracted and devastating war, with Moscow facing unexpected challenges and substantial casualties. Full Article