MLC Daily Current Affairs – 05 May 2025

Today in History (May 5^th,1818)

Karl Marx was born in Trier, Germany. Karl Marx was a revolutionary, sociologist, historian, and economist who co-authored The Communist Manifesto and wrote Das Kapital. He is considered a foundational figure in Marxism, a theory that analyzes capitalism and advocates for a classless society. Marx’s ideas have had a profound impact on political and economic thought, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

Summary of Today’s News

Amid tension at border, IAF chief meets PM

• IAF Chief Meets PM Modi: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
• Operational Freedom Granted: PM Modi earlier granted full operational freedom to the armed forces to decide the response to the attack.
• High-Level Security Consultations: The meeting came after similar discussions with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and other top officials including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
• India Considers Multiple Responses: India is exploring diplomatic and operational options, including the partial suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by reducing water flow through Baglihar and Kishanganga dams.
• Pakistan Retaliates: In response to India’s port ban on Pakistani vessels and goods, Pakistan banned Indian-flagged ships from its ports citing maritime sovereignty and national security.
• Border Tensions Escalate: Cross-border firing reported in several districts along the Line of Control (LoC), including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and others. The Indian Army responded proportionately.
• Security Tightened in Kashmir: Increased paramilitary presence in Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley after the Pahalgam attack.
• Police Hold Security Review: J&K Police, led by IGP V.K. Birdi, conducted a joint review focusing on intelligence gathering, threat assessment, emergency preparedness, and inter-agency coordination.
• Commitment to Stability: All security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi to Visit Pakistan and India

Araghchi will visit Islamabad on May 5 and Delhi on May 7-8 as part of a previously planned trip, now bearing added significance amid India-Pakistan tensions.

• Mediation Offer: Iran has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, calling both countries “brotherly neighbours”; Araghchi expressed this intent publicly on April 25.
• Avoiding Direct Comparison: To avoid “hyphenating” the visits, Araghchi will return to Tehran between his Islamabad and Delhi trips.
• Meetings in Pakistan: Araghchi will meet Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit.
• India’s Stance on Mediation: India has appreciated expressions of solidarity over the Pahalgam attack but maintains its traditional rejection of third-party mediation on bilateral issues.
• Diplomatic Outreach: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called PM Modi and PM Sharif to express condolences and discuss tensions.
• Focus of India Visit: In Delhi, Araghchi will co-chair the India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with EAM S. Jaishankar, focusing on economic ties.
• Pending Bilateral Issues: Key topics include unresolved trade payment mechanisms due to U.S. sanctions and the progress on the Chabahar port project under a 10-year agreement signed in May 2024.
• Regional and Global Context: Araghchi’s visit coincides with delayed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and heightened tensions in West Asia, including U.S. actions in Yemen and Iran’s alleged links to the Houthi militia.

Israel vows ‘multi-phased’ response after Houthi missile strike on Ben-Gurion airport wounds six

• Houthi Missile Hits Ben-Gurion Airport: A missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Terminal 3 at Israel’s main airport, injuring six and halting all air, road, and rail traffic temporarily.
• Damage and Impact: The missile created a large crater just hundreds of meters from the tarmac; flights, including an Air India plane from New Delhi, were diverted or suspended.
• Israel Vows Multi-Phased Response: PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz pledged severe retaliation, with Netanyahu promising a response involving “many bangs.”
• First Direct Hit on Airport: Though missile fragments have previously landed near the airport, this was the first direct strike since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
• Interception Attempts: The Israeli military confirmed it attempted to intercept the missile but failed; the attack marked a rare breach of Israel’s air defenses.
• Houthi Claims: Houthi spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed they used a hypersonic ballistic missile in the attack.
• Military Escalation Expected: Israel began calling up thousands of military reserves as the Cabinet was set to vote on expanding military operations in Gaza.
• Ongoing Regional Conflict: The Houthis have consistently targeted Israel since October 2023; Israel and the U.S. have both responded with airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.