MLC Daily Current Affairs – 25 April 2025

Today in History (April 25^th,1925)

J.L. Baird, the pioneer of television technology, showcased the first recorded mechanical television to the public on April 25, 1925, in a London department store.

Summary of Today’s News

Pak. shuts airspace, snaps trade relations with India

Introduction:

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the killing of 26 individuals, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply. In response to India’s retaliatory measures, Pakistan has taken a series of significant diplomatic and military steps, further straining bilateral relations.

• Airspace Closed:
  Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners as a direct response to India’s actions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Trade Relations Suspended:
  All trade with India was suspended, signaling a complete breakdown in economic ties.
• Wagah Border Closure:
  The Wagah border crossing was closed, halting one of the key points of land connectivity.
• Warning Against ‘Misadventure’:
  Islamabad warned India against any military response, referring to it as a potential “misadventure.”
• Indus Waters Treaty Warning:
  Pakistan stated that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus water flow would be considered an “act of war.”
• Diplomatic Downgrade:
  Pakistan expelled Indian defense, naval, and air advisors and downsized the Indian High Commission staff from 55 to 30.
• SAARC Visa Cancellation:
  Pakistan cancelled SAARC visas held by Indians, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims; Kartarpur corridor to remain open for now.
• War Accusations by Pakistani Minister:
  Pakistan’s Defence Minister accused India of planning an “all-out war” and issued direct threats in retaliation.
• National Security Council Meeting:
  These measures followed a meeting of Pakistan’s NSC, chaired by PM Shahbaz Sharif, condemning India’s responses as unjust and politically motivated.
• Condemnation of Terrorism:
  While condemning the loss of lives and terrorism in general, Pakistan still criticized India’s unilateral measures.
• Threat to Cancel Other Agreements:
  Pakistan threatened to revoke other bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Accord of 1972.

PM Warns Attackers of Harsh Punishment

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to those killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
• Speaking at an event in Jhanjharpur, Madhubani district, Bihar, he made a strong statement against terrorism on National Panchayati Raj Day.

Key Statements by PM Modi:

• • “Those responsible for the terrorist attack and their conspirators will be punished beyond their imagination.”
  • “The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about.”
• Initially spoke in Hindi, but switched to English — seemingly to address an international audience.
  • “From the soil of Bihar, I want to say to the whole world that India will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist, supporter, and conspirator.”
  • “We’ll pursue them to the end of the earth.”
  • “The perpetrators will face the full might of India’s response.”
• Urged the audience to observe a minute’s silence for the victims.

After Terror Attack: India and Pakistan Militaries on High Alert

• High Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack:
  • Sharp escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam.
  • Diplomatic and military measures taken by both sides.
  • Widespread expectations of possible punitive Indian strikes.
• Indian Navy Actions:
  • INS Surat, India’s latest indigenous guided missile destroyer:
    • Fired a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM).
    • Targeted a “sea skimming” threat in the western Indian Ocean.
    • Demonstrated precision cooperative engagement, involving real-time coordination between platforms.
• Pakistan’s Naval Response:
  • Issued a “Nav area” warning for live firing in the Arabian Sea.
  • The area spans a large region parallel to its coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Indian Strategic Posturing:
  • Speculation about potential Indian strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).
  • Reinforced by PM Narendra Modi’s statement:
    “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers.”
  • Historical context includes:
    • Uri Surgical Strikes (2016)
    • Balakot Air Strike (2019)
• Naval Deployment and Preparedness:
  • INS Vikrant (indigenous aircraft carrier):
    • Currently deployed in the Arabian Sea.
    • Based at Karwar port on the western seaboard.
    • Deployment confirmed through satellite imagery.
• Indian Air Force Movements:
  • Akraman Exercise underway in the central sector.
  • Described as a routine training exercise by defence sources.
• Military Strategy Considerations:
  • Officials stress that any Indian military response must:
    • Consider the escalation matrix.
    • Carefully select target and method to manage potential Pakistani retaliation.