MLC Daily Current Affairs – 23 April 2025

Today in History (April 23^rd,1995)

World Book and Copyright Day was first celebrated in 1995. The date, April 23rd, was chosen by UNESCO to honor prominent authors like William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, who both died on that day. This day, observed globally on April 23rd, is a global celebration of books and literacy. It’s important to remember that literacy and knowledge play a vital role in any freedom movement. A well-informed populace is better able to resist oppression and understand their rights.

Summary of Today’s News

Targeted killings of Non-Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir

In a shocking and tragic incident, a major terrorist attack occurred in Jammu and Kashmir’s scenic town of Pahalgam, specifically targeting a group of tourists visiting the Baisaran meadows. This attack, among the deadliest on civilians in the Valley in recent years, has sparked national and international condemnation. Below are the key developments and details surrounding the incident.

Key Details of the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

• Deadly ambush on tourists:
  • At least 26 people were killed, including two foreign nationals, when a group of terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on around 40 tourists visiting Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam.
  • The terrorists reportedly emerged from dense forest areas in the upper reaches, catching the group completely off-guard.
• Injuries and rising toll:
  • Several others sustained injuries, with many in critical condition. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as the situation develops.
  • Victims include an 83-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu and a 65-year-old woman from Odisha.
• Nature and execution of the attack:
  • Attackers used a mix of automatic rifles and small arms, firing at close range after allegedly verifying the identity of victims.
  • Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with gunshots ringing across the meadow and people dropping to the ground in panic.
• Claim of responsibility and motive:
  • The Resistance Front, a known offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault.
  • The group issued a statement alleging that the attack was a response to the issuance of 85,000 domicile certificates to non-locals, which they claim is an effort to change the region’s demographics.
  • They warned of continued violence against what they termed “illegal settlers.”
• Response from Indian leadership:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, vowing that the perpetrators would not be spared and reaffirming the government’s unshakable resolve against terrorism.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah postponed his engagements in Delhi to rush to Srinagar and assess the situation. He promised the harshest consequences for those responsible.
• International reaction:
  • S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who was on an official visit to India, expressed his condolences to the victims, describing the attack as horrific and sharing a message of support via social media.
• Security and rescue operations:
  • The attackers took advantage of Baisaran’s non-motorable terrain, a popular but isolated destination, which delayed immediate security response.
  • Local tourist guides played a vital role in helping the injured, many of whom were seen in videos writhing in pain.
  • Helicopters were deployed to airlift severely injured individuals to an Army hospital in Srinagar.
  • Joint teams from the Indian Army and J&K Police were swiftly mobilized to the site.
• Military and government engagement:
  • Gen. M.V. Suchendra Kumar, GOC-in-C Northern Command, was briefed on the ground realities and security implications of the incident.
  • A high-level meeting was scheduled in Pahalgam to address the attack’s aftermath and future security measures.
• Condemnation from J&K leadership:
  • J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a scathing condemnation, calling the attack on civilians an “abomination” and stating that such acts are the work of “inhuman animals.”
  • He emphasized the unprecedented scale of this attack compared to other recent incidents targeting civilians in the Valley.

J.D. Vance calls for stronger India-US relations: Jaipur, Rajasthan

During his ongoing four-day diplomatic visit to India, U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance emphasized strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and India, with a particular focus on defence, energy, and trade collaboration. Speaking at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Vance outlined a vision for a mutually beneficial relationship in the 21st century, highlighting shared goals, fair trade practices, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights from J.D. Vance’s Address in Jaipur

• Emphasis on Strategic Partnership:
  • Vice-President Vance underlined that the strength of U.S.-India relations would help define the global order in the 21st century, indicating the centrality of this bilateral partnership in shaping future geopolitics.
  • He described the relationship as being grounded in fairness and shared priorities, crucial for long-term stability and prosperity.
• Call for Trade Expansion:
  • Vance noted that the U.S. seeks greater access to Indian markets, which he believes would foster a “win-win partnership” for both economies.
  • He connected these ambitions to former President Donald Trump’s vision of rebalancing global trade for a more equitable future.
• Progress on Trade Negotiations:
  • The Vice-President confirmed that both governments had finalised the terms of reference for a bilateral trade agreement, which would serve as a roadmap for a comprehensive deal.
  • The agreement aims to promote exports, protect worker interests, and ensure that wage levels are not undermined.
• Focus on Job Creation and Supply Chains:
  • Vance highlighted that job creation, durable supply chains, and prosperity for workers are identified as key areas in the trade dialogue.
  • These goals reflect a commitment to economic resilience in both countries.
• Energy and Civil Nuclear Collaboration:
  • He welcomed the Indian government’s move to amend civil nuclear liability laws, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in nuclear energy.
  • Vance stressed the role of American energy resources in supporting India’s nuclear power ambitions, stating that “there is no AI future without energy security and energy dominance.”
• Alignment in the Indo-Pacific:
  • The Vice-President reaffirmed the shared strategic vision of both nations for a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
  • He noted the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit in India as a critical step in enhancing regional security and cooperation.
• Candid Reflections on Trade Relations:
  • Vance openly acknowledged that past American administrations had failed to prioritize their workers, contrasting this with India’s strong advocacy for its industry under Prime Minister Modi.
  • He remarked that earlier U.S. approaches to India were marked by “preachiness” or condescension, and emphasized a shift towards mutual respect and partnership.
• Audience and Reception:
  • The event saw participation from a diverse audience, including trade and industry leaders, politicians, government officials, academicians, and students.
  • Vance’s remarks were seen as a strategic pivot in U.S.-India relations, particularly in light of growing global challenges and the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Home Minister Amit Shah lands in Sri Nagar, meets L-G Manoj Sinha

In a brutal escalation of violence in Kashmir, a terrorist attack in the lush, tourist-favored meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam has left at least 26 people dead, including an Intelligence Bureau official and foreign nationals. The horrifying incident shattered the peaceful afternoon of unsuspecting tourists, most of whom had traveled from across India. The tragedy has triggered a swift response from national security leadership, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who flew to Srinagar and is expected to visit the attack site.

Key highlights of the incident

• Swift High-Level Response:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar following the attack and held a high-level security meeting with J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha.
  • He is expected to visit Pahalgam personally to assess the ground situation and meet officials and victims’ families.
• Fatalities and Victim Profiles:
  • A total of 26 people were confirmed dead, including tourists from several Indian states and foreign nationals.
  • Among the deceased was Manish Ranjan, an Intelligence Bureau official posted in Hyderabad, who was reportedly shot in front of his family while on vacation.
• Victims from all over India:
  • Victims hailed from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Injured individuals included tourists from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, as per initial reports.
• Terrifying Eyewitness Accounts:
  • Survivors described a sudden burst of gunfire that disrupted a peaceful Tuesday outing, leaving tourists in a desperate scramble for safety.
  • With the meadows being an open, exposed area, there was nowhere to hide, amplifying the chaos and helplessness.
• Targeted Nature of the Attack:
  • According to eyewitnesses, terrorists asked victims for their names/religion, confirmed if they were Muslims or not before opening fire
  • Asavari Jagdale, daughter of Pune-based businessman Santosh Jagdale, recounted how her father was pulled from a tent and asked to recite an Islamic verse. When he couldn’t, he was shot three times.
• Brutality and Absence of Immediate Help:
  • Asavari also recalled how her uncle was shot multiple times while lying next to her, and others were targeted in close proximity.
  • She described the agonizing delay in response, saying police and Army personnel arrived nearly 20 minutes after the shooting.
  • Local civilians attempted to protect themselves by reciting Islamic verses, highlighting the fear and confusion among all present.
• Ongoing Security Operations:
  • The Army launched joint search operations in and around Baisaran, the site of the ambush.
  • This comes in the wake of a recent review of J&K security by Amit Shah earlier in April, which followed another deadly incident in Kathua on March 27, where four policemen were killed by infiltrating terrorists.

Parliament is supreme, Constitution does not visualise any authority above it: Dhankhar

In a strong reiteration of his stance amid an ongoing debate on the separation of powers, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday emphasized the supremacy of Parliament under the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an event organized by Delhi University, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha responded to criticism over his comments on a recent Supreme Court judgment involving the role of the Governor and the President in legislative matters.

Key Highlights of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Remarks

• Parliament as the Highest Constitutional Authority:
  • Dhankhar firmly asserted that the Constitution does not visualise any authority above Parliament.
  • He described Parliament as “supreme”, placing it at the core of democratic functioning in India.
• Response to Supreme Court Judgment:
  • His comments were a direct response to the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment, which:
    • Directed the President to act within three months on Bills passed by State Assemblies and forwarded by Governors.
    • Declared that a Governor cannot indefinitely withhold assent to State legislation.
  • Dhankhar criticized the ruling, stating that India cannot be in a position where the Judiciary gives directions to the President, suggesting it undermines constitutional balance.
• Criticism of Judicial Overreach:
  • He accused the judiciary of acting like a “super Parliament,” a claim he has made previously to underline concerns about judicial activism infringing on the domain of the Executive and Legislature.
• Defense of Constitutional Roles:
  • Addressing critiques that see certain constitutional roles as merely ceremonial or symbolic, Dhankhar pushed back strongly, asserting that:
    • Every constitutional office carries real and substantive authority.
    • The idea that such roles are “ornamental” is deeply flawed and misleading.
• Democratic Power of the People:
  • He metaphorically described each citizen as an “atom in democracy” with “atomic power”, symbolizing the collective democratic strength that manifests through elections.
  • Reinforced the idea that democracy is people-powered, and that institutions derive legitimacy through the people’s mandate.
• National Interest as Guiding Principle:
  • Dhankhar stated that every statement made by a constitutional authority like himself is guided by “supreme national interest”, aiming to dispel suggestions that his remarks were politically motivated or inappropriate.